Style Chic: Quilted Bomber Jacket

Originally made of a durable, leather fabric, designed with a wraparound collar, snug waist and wrists yet sporting a zipper closure, the Bomber Jacket (also known as flight jacket or bombardier jacket) was originally created for pilots during War War I, to keep them warm in the open bay cockpit.  Since its inception, the jacket has evolved into a chic statement piece and has become a staple in mainstream fashion.

1.  GAP -Chambray Quilted Bomber Jacket
2.  Attention -Woven Striped Shirt
3.  Old Navy -Pixie Velvet-Print Ankle Pant (Tall) in Navy Blue
 

A fun take on the bomber, this quilted, chambray piece (1) is the perfect staple in cool weather when paired with a crisp, striped button down shirt (2) and velvet-applique jeans (3) in a tonal hue.

1, 2, 3 Chic!
Shoes -Worthington -Dixie in Black

 

How I Styled It

I accidentally fell into today's 1, 2, 3 styling.  While out shopping, I happened along this chic bomber and tried it on while dressed in my blackwatch plaid suit.  I loved the overall look, but while I used the chambray shirt and loosened necktie to relax the blackwatch suit, that was not the way I wanted to go with such a relaxed piece as the bomber jacket. 

To sharpen the overall ensemble, I chose a striped buttoned-down shirt and used a bow-tie instead of a necktie.  These velvet-print pants with their luxe look and feel, instantly increase the chic factor in any outfit.  I used black accessories (hat, belt and shoes) to both unify and anchor the look

Style Tip: Remember, when dressing monochromatically, vary your fabrics and textures to add interest and depth to your ensemble!

SN

Layering Chic: Tweed Puffer Vest

A chic twist on a cold weather staple, a tweed puffer vest is the perfect topper to a layered ensemble; lined in fleece, it adds an extra layer of warmth, and finished in a wool-bleed tweed, this puffer gives one a polished look.


1.  Walmart -George Oxford Shirt in Blackberry Stain Stripe
2.  Black Cashmere-Blend Cardigan (Italian Market)
3.  Old Navy -Tweed Pleated Mini Skirt
4.  Old Navy -Tweed Puffer Vest in Grey Tall

For a contrast in color, I started with this light purple oxford (1) which I buttoned all the way to the top and left untucked.  A neutral, black cardigan (2), adds both warmth and depth .  A tweed skirt (3), in the same color as the puffer (4), unifies the look.

Belt: Old Navy (similar)
Bag: Carpisa (Italia)
Hat: Auchan (Italia)

How I Styled It

 

Monochromatic dressing is a favorite of mine especially in the winter months.  Giving me the opportunity to do my "matchy-matchy thing", I relish the opportunity and take full advantage!

 

One key to dressing monochromatically is to mix textures or shades.  In this case, I chose a tweed puffer vest, a smooth tweed skirt, and a tweed newsboy cap, with black piping.  The puffy, smooth and piping collectively add a diversity in fabric although they are all the same color tweed.  The patchwork bag has a combination of fabrics in tweed, wool and corduroy in varying shades of grey and black.

 

The oxford shirt in a purple stripe, infuses color in this otherwise grey and black ensemble; buttoned all the way to the top, with an untucked hem and cuffs exposed, it gives visual appeal with the subtle splash of purple around the vest.

 

A cashmere cardigan is worth the investment because it adds a layer of warmth without adding bulk, which is key with a focal piece like a puffer vest.

 

The vest, I purchased in a tall to streamline the look; falling below my hips, there are no added inches to my waist or my hips.  I belted the vest because although very stylish, puffer vests are not particularly figure flattering.  The belt creates a slimming waist and visually breaks up the grey.  The black tights I used between the skirt and boots, echo the effect of the cardigan, and the OTK (Over-the-Knee) leather boots are a sleek winter essential.

-SN



Pattern Chic: Black Watch Plaid Blazer

Although the origin of the name has been disputed, the black, blue and green colors of Black Watch plaid (or often called tartan) are world renown.  Transcending the highlands of Scotland, this beautiful combination of colors lend their distinctive woven design to the world of fashion for the winter season of 2013-14.

1. 424 Fifth Lord & Taylor -Black Watch Plaid Blazer
2.  Old Navy -Popover Chambray Blouse
3. 424 Fifth Lord & Taylor -Black Watch Plaid Cropped Pant

A wool-blend blazer (1) in this bold pattern is a great way to embrace the plaid trend.  Paired with similarly patterned pant (3) in a cropped feminine silhouette, the look is completed with a chambray popover blouse (2).

Tie: IZOD, in Mini Royal Stewart
Shoe: DV by Dolce Vita, Bunny in Teal Suede

How I Styled It

A feminine take on a traditionally masculine look is a unique and stylish way to take on a trend. 

To avoid looking 'matchy-matchy', this 'borrowed from the boys' Black Watch plaid blazer is paired with a cropped, slim fit pant in a similar (and smaller) pattern.

Style Tip: When dressing in monochrome, utilize different types of fabric (in this case, wool blazer and poly-cotton blend pant) to add visual depth.

The two Black Watch plaids next to one another, create a unified look.  Adding a bold plaid tie in a co-ordinating color (remember, red and blue are both primary colors and choosing two out of the three primary colors pair well; while red and green are opposite one another on the color wheel and similarly pair well with each other), pumps up ones style factor.

Perhaps my favorite 'neutral' is a chambray shirt.  In this ensemble, the blouse doesn't button all the way up, which gives the look a relaxed feel (like at the end of the work day).

To complete the look, I added these ultra-feminine platform pumps in in a bright teal suede with a bow detail to balance out the look.

Versatile Chic: 1 Shirt Dress 5 Ways -A Skirt

When the 3.1 Phillip Lim and Target collaboration debuted, I wanted to purchase several pieces of the collection, but with a growing wardrobe and ever shirking closet space (and funds), it just wasn't feasible, but I wondered if I could find a single piece and re-invent it (like the grey sweatshirt I wore 5 ways earlier this year), so I could truly maximize the mileage out of this designer piece, and the Floral Print Shirt Dress is what I chose.

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target -Shirt dress, Floral Print
2.  Old Navy -Bell-Sleeve Swing Jacket in Black
3.  Cole Haan -Village Zip Satchel in Emerald

Inspired after reading the description of the dress online,

(1) "Chic, sophisticated and fabulously feminine: the shirt dress, reimagined. The shirt dress in paper floral print from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection embodies the best of this classic silhouette through a thoroughly modern lens. Off with the traditional oxford collar, away with the ho-hum hemline. This lovely dress features a full-length hidden zipper, traditional men's-tailored front and inset flounce in back."

I began to think of ways in which I too, could 'reimagine' this shirt dress, and for my fifth look, I decided I would wear the dress as a skirt! The ingenious two-way zipper lends itself to a myriad of styling options.

Shoes: Michael Antonio -Luelle in Black (similar)

How I Style It

With such a flirty hemline of this 'skirt', I wanted to continue the visual appeal of the look by adding a barely-there shoe.  The delicate ankle strap in combination with the stiletto heel, add length to the legs, yet do not distract from the skirt. 

The color of the orange v-neck sweater I pulled from the blossom print on the dress.  It adds both warm and visual depth to the look when it 'peeks out' from below the jacket. The bell-sleeve twill topper, is a favorite of mine with its 3/4-sleeves and masculine, double-breasted design; juxtapose with the feminine, flounce hemline, it balances out the look.

The emerald green in the satchel is a minor color in the dress fabric; it provides color depth to the ensemble while playing up the delicate print.

SN

Versatile Chic: 1 Shirt Dress 5 Ways -A Jacket

When the 3.1 Phillip Lim and Target collaboration debuted, I wanted to purchase several pieces of the collection, but with a growing wardrobe and ever shirking closet space (and funds), it just wasn't feasible, but I wondered if I could find a single piece and re-invent it (like the grey sweatshirt I wore 5 ways earlier this year), so I could truly maximize the mileage out of this designer piece, and the Floral Print Shirt Dress is what I chose.

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target -Shirt dress, Floral Print
2. Mossimo for Target -Split Neck Cap Sleeve Sheath Dress
3. Suede Hobo Bag in Orange

Inspired after reading the description of the dress online,

(1) "Chic, sophisticated and fabulously feminine: the shirt dress, reimagined. The shirt dress in paper floral print from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection embodies the best of this classic silhouette through a thoroughly modern lens. Off with the traditional oxford collar, away with the ho-hum hemline. This lovely dress features a full-length hidden zipper, traditional men's-tailored front and inset flounce in back."

I began to think of ways in which I too, could 'reimagine' this shirt dress, and for my fourth look, I decided I would wear the dress as a Jacket! The ingenious two-way zipper lends itself to a myriad of styling options.

Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita -Bunny Platform Pump
Necklace: Carina, Italia

How I Styled It

For the 'Go-Withs' when styling this shirt dress, I stuck with neutrals and solids.  A statement piece  should always have the most to 'say' in any given ensemble, so the neutrals and solids serve to enhance it, rather than detract or compete with it.

The sheath dress with capped sleeves is ideal piece to layer under this 'jacket'.  The black is a neutral canvas, highlighting the print in the 'jacket', while providing a backdrop for the necklace, shoes and bag.

The shoes draw on another neutral color in the 'jacket', yet give a beautiful contrast to the black sheath dress.

The turquoise stone necklace adds another dimension of color while it emphasizes the subtle teals in the 'jacket', and the hobo bag keeps the look from being to formal, bringing out the autumnal flavor of this standout piece.

SN

Versatile Chic: 1 Shirt Dress 5 Ways -A Blouse

When the 3.1 Phillip Lim and Target collaboration debuted, I wanted to purchase several pieces of the collection, but with a growing wardrobe and ever shirking closet space (and funds), it just wasn't feasible, but I wondered if I could find a single piece and re-invent it (like the grey sweatshirt I wore 5 ways earlier this year), so I could truly maximize the mileage out of this designer piece, and the Floral Print Shirt Dress is what I chose.

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target -Shirt dress, Floral Print
2. Attention by Kmart -Madarin Collar Blazer in Black
3. Isaac Mizrahi for Target -Pencil Skirt in Black

Inspired after reading the description of the dress online,

(1) "Chic, sophisticated and fabulously feminine: the shirt dress, reimagined. The shirt dress in paper floral print from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection embodies the best of this classic silhouette through a thoroughly modern lens. Off with the traditional oxford collar, away with the ho-hum hemline. This lovely dress features a full-length hidden zipper, traditional men's-tailored front and inset flounce in back."

I began to think of ways in which I too, could 'reimagine' this shirt dress, and for my third look, I decided I would wear the dress as a blouse! The ingenious two-way zipper lends itself to a myriad of styling options.

Shoes: Report -Julian in Black Suede
Belt: Mossimo Supply Co. for Target -Perforated Belt in Coral

How I Styled It

I never imagined I would ever style a skirt over a dress, but to achieve this look that is exactly what I did, and the result?  One chic ensemble!

There were two tricks to pulling off this pencil skirt over the dress style.  The first was to size up!  Had the pencil skirt been the actual size that I wore, there would have been too much bulk created because the skirt of the dress (it is cut with a "traditional men's-tailored front and inset flounce in the back).

The second trick to pulling off this look is the material of the skirt.  The skirt is a cotton-spandex mix with a sateen finish.  The weight of the fabric is thicker than that of the dress, thereby creating a structured silhouette, helping to conceal the skirt of the dress beneath it.

I added the orange belt because it echoed the color of the flowers in the 'blouse' and to give me some definition at the waist.  I chose these sandals with hardware to give the look a little edge.

SN

Versatile Chic: 1 Shirt Dress 5 Ways -A Shirt

When the 3.1 Phillip Lim and Target collaboration debuted, I wanted to purchase several pieces of the collection, but with a growing wardrobe and ever shirking closet space (and funds), it just wasn't feasible, but I wondered if I could find a single piece and re-invent it (like the grey sweatshirt I wore 5 ways earlier this year), so I could truly maximize the mileage out of this designer piece, and the Floral Print Shirt Dress is what I chose.

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target -Shirt dress, Floral Print
2.  Elastic Buckle Belt
3.  JCP -Worthington Stretch Cropped Pant in Black

 Inspired after reading the description of the dress online,

(1) "Chic, sophisticated and fabulously feminine: the shirt dress, reimagined. The shirt dress in paper floral print from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection embodies the best of this classic silhouette through a thoroughly modern lens. Off with the traditional oxford collar, away with the ho-hum hemline. This lovely dress features a full-length hidden zipper, traditional men's-tailored front and inset flounce in back."

 

I began to think of ways in which I too, could 'reimagine' this shirt dress, and for my second look, I decided I would wear the dress as a shirt!  The ingenious two-way zipper lends itself to a myriad of styling options

Shoes are Steve Madden -P-Suzii in black

How I Styled It?

With this dress, one can't go wrong!  The pattern, the cut and the style make it one indispensable piece.

The key to pulling off this look was the two-way zipper and the belt.  Inspired by a waistcoat I had seen Rosalind Russell (as Mame Dennis) wear in the Warner Bros. film Auntie Mame, I set out to recreate the look (only on a smaller scale), and it worked.  The two-way zipper allowed me to fix the 'shirt' placket so that it closed at my waist and the belt was used to insure it wouldn't open.

Styling Tip:
Belting a garment at the natural waist creates the illusion of a smaller mid-section .  Using the black as a a base color, when combined with the cinched waist, creates a look of longer legs!

SN