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

Versatile Chic, 1 Shirt Dress 5 Ways: A Dress

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 Supply Co. -Single Perforated Belt in Teal
3.  Zara -Large Braided Shopper 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 first look, I decided to style it the way it was originally intended, as I dress.  Paired with a teal belt (2) to play off  of the teal subtleties in the delicate floral pattern of the piece, I rounded out the ensemble with an over-sized leather shopper (3) to balance out the femininity of the look.
 

Shoes: Kors by Michael Kors -Newton in Black

How I Styled It?

This beautiful dress has so much going on with it, that to add more, would be a distraction from the statement piece that it is.  From the delicate floral print and mandarin collar, to the flounce skirted hem, the cut and style truly is a work of art.  I added a slim belt to create a 'waist' for my otherwise straight frame.

Style Tip:
Using open-toe wedges such as these is a great way to 'lengthen' your legs. Visually, the eye is drawn from the hem of the skirt, all the way down to the toes, creating the illusion that your gorgeous gams go on forever!

Earlier this year, I wrote about the versatility of a sweatshirt and how, with the right pieces and accessories, one could wear a Grey Sweatshirt 5 Ways, achieving several chic looks: Bohemian (Boho), Conservative, Diva, Preppy and Rocker.

SN

Versatile Chic: Convertible Skirt/Dress

A great way to stretch your clothing budget is buy items with multiple uses; versatile clothing can give you a variety of styling options with the addition of co-ordinating clothing or jewelry you may already have in your wardrobe.

1,  Convertible Maxi Skirt/Strapless Dress (similar 4-in-1 dress)
2.  O-ring Halter Top
3.  Shell Stretch Bracelet

With a piece that is dominating one's look, like a printed maxi skirt (1), co-ordinating pieces such as the top (2) and the shell bracelet (3), should be minimal to create a visually appealing style palette.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

How I Styled It?



For today's 1, 2, 3 Styling, I followed the mantra Less is More. The first time actually wearing this versatile piece as a skirt, I really wanted it (and the billowy nature of it's fabric, considering where I was planning to wear it) to stand out, so that meant no completing items.  The choice of top was an equally fluid, O-ring halter in a solid teal color -a tertiary color in the skirt behind the prevalent black and white, while the bracelet I matched in texture to the material of the O-ring in the blouse.  SN







Conservative Chic: Grey Sweatshirt 5 Ways

An absolute must for a dress down Friday is this Conservative look from Jill Martin's Today Show segment, 5 Ways to Make a Sweatshirt Look Sexy.  Casually sharp, the sweatshirt relaxes the look of business attire, bringing in a playful feel and a chic way to kick off the weekend!

1. Old Navy Tab-Sleeve Crew-Neck Sweater in Pale Grey
2.  Quizz Stretch hidden placket shirt with buckle
3a. Kmart -Attention Denim Suit Jacket
3b.  Kmart -Attention Denim Suit Pant

A denim suit (3a & b) is a comfortable, yet professional twist for a dress down day at work.  A crisp white shirt (2), elevates the casualness of denim, while the sweatshirt (1) keeps the ensemble form looking too stuffy, giving one a Conservative Chic look.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

Timeless is the the style I wanted to achieve with today's look; I have always loved to see a man in a three piece suit, and with the opportunity to borrow from the men this morning (using the sweater as a vest), I used this satin scarf a a necktie.  Infusing some femininity into the look, I fastened the scarf with a scarf clip.

A little fashion history lesson here; along with vests with suits, men once wore fedoras to complete their ensemble, and as one half of fashion's premiere couples, President JFK bought a top hat for his inauguration, and unaccustomed to wearing such a hat, forgot to put it on for the ceremony, and American men followed suit...so to speak.  I love hats, and this herring bone fedora is the perfect to the pale grey sweater. 



How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is easy when you have a look in mind; this outfit, which my photographer described to me as Gangster, Circa 1920, needed all these elements: The dark suit, the oversized white collar shirt, the short necktie, and of course the hat.  Not owning any brogues, my next shoe style to complete this look would have been my wing-tipped loafers or oxfords, both of which boast a 4-inch heel. Not wanting to distract from my outfit with pants that looked short because I wore too high a heel, I opted for these 3-inch, square-toed slingbacks that have a faux, lace-up detail, blancing out the masculine look with another feminine elelemt! SN

Bohemian Chic: Grey Sweatshirt 5 Ways

Earthy, folksy and simplistic -three ways to define the Bohemian style, yet they do not fully encompass the look which has been around for centuries, and the style which periodically makes a resurgence into the word of fashion.  With her 5 Ways to Make a Sweatshirt Look Sexy, Today Show contributor, Jill Martin, blends laid back back Bohemian style with the casualness of a sweatshirt to create a look which is Boho chic!



1. Old Navy Tab-Sleeve Crew-Neck Sweater in Pale Grey
2.  Calliope Italia -jersey column skirt in chocolate
3.  Rebels -Tango in Wine
 

 A unique spin on this ultra casual element (1) is to dress it up with a maxi skirt (2).  The  sweatshirt, when paired with a feminine item like a skirt, instantly elevates it from relaxed to dressy-casual.  And when paisley-decorated sandals in a rich velour upper (3) are added to the mix, your Boho style is transformed  to chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

 

I am always looking for ways to infuse Pantone's Color of the year, Emerald Green, into my looks, and this Village Zip satchel bag from Cole Hann is one of my favorite ways to do so.   Described as lively, radiant and lush, Emerald green is   both elegant and beautiful,  "...enhanc[ing] our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

 

Keeping with the Boho theme of my look, I opted for these wooden accessories.  The amber stones in the necklace blend well with the be-jeweled ornamentation on the vamp of the shoes, while the brown beads play well with the brown skirt and brown bangle.  The green bangle I used to tie in the likewise elements of the same hue throughout the outfit.

 

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Boho styling is so easy because it is so simple; think of things that tie into Mother-Earth and you are half way there: the brown skirt and sandals, the wooden bangles and faux-jeweled baubles.  I added the tank in emerald to break up the two neutrals (grey and brown) juxtapose to one another, add a waistline (thus no need for a belt...simple, remember?).  In the segment 5 Ways to Make a Sweatshirt Look Sexy, the Bohemian outfit is a dressy look, which is contradictory to the whole Boho style, so the color-blocked center keeps the look relaxed while the green adds a bit of fun!  SN

Rocker Chic: Grey Sweatshirt 5 Ways

An eclectic mix of hard and soft, this Rocker Chic look (from 5 Ways to Make a Sweatshirt Look Sexy) reinvents the sweatshirt, giving  an edgy vibe to an ordinarily casual look which is pure chic!

1.  Old Navy Tab-Sleeve Crew-Neck Sweater in Pale Grey
2. Scully Cropped leather Moto Jacket in Black
3.  Issac Mizrahi for Target Pencil Skirt in Black
 

To master this look, one needs to think in opposites: girl meets boy or femininity meets 'the boys in the band'.  The soft fabric of the sweater (1) and the feminine silhouette of the pencil skirt (3) get a edgy upgrade when paired with a cropped leather motorcycle jacket (2) and a mix of accessories.



1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

A studded leather clutch is the perfect accent to this Rocker Chic look!  The leather in the purse pairs well with the jacket, while the studs play up the 'harder' elements in the ensemble.  An over-sized clutch with a wristlet is perfect for daytime wear.

Can you think of anything more feminine than a statement necklace?  A 'Wow' piece of eye candy tucked below the leather jacket, yet atop the soft sweater, blends the competing looks in this outfit beautifully.  This silver metal plays up the accents in the jacket while the bold turquoise adds some color.

Another feminine element of this ensemble is this collection of wrist-wear; from the floral filigree pattern of the bangle and the smooth jade stones of the bracelet to the charm bracelet/watch with ultra feminine charms (high heel and purse), stacking wrist-wear all in a unifying metal is trend chic.

Tights get a upgrade in this bold geometric print in black and grey; form fitting and defining a feminine shape below the knees, the pattern down play the softer elements of the outfit with the structured lines...even if they only are an illusion.

Anchoring the outfit are these rocker chic booties with all the bells and whistles!  Buckles, zippers, ruching and cuff flap perched all above a platform and stiletto heel, these Naughty Monkey ankle boots are the ideal blend of boy meets girl.

 

Not one for wearing much make-up, I did have to put a note in here on the nail polish.  If you are looking for a high quality, longer lasting polish in an array of fabulous color, Nicole by Opi is the way to go!  This Show You Care color is a softer take on the black nail polish worn my 80's Rocker groups with a infusion of a deep, rich purple.

 

 How I Styled It?

The 1, 2. 3 Styling for this ensemble was relatively easy because I already had all of these pieces.  I have paired a cropped leather moto in order to winterize a dress, but never imagined how chic it would be with such a feminine cut as a pencil skirt.  Out of the three ways I've styled this sweatshirt (Preppy Chic, Diva Chic and Rocker Chic), this is my favorite.  I'm thinking of how I re-style this look for a warmer day: floral, patterned, pencil skirt and single-soled pumps in red!  SN

Diva Chic: Grey Sweatshirt 5 Ways

Two words which don't come to mind when thinking of a gray sweatshirt are sexy or diva, but with this second look from her segment  5 Ways to Make a Sweatshirt Look Sexy which aired last December on the Today Show, style contributor Jill Martin, shows us how to make a gray sweatshirt both sexy and diva chic with the addition of a faux fur vest and sleek pants.

1. Old Navy, Tab-Sleeve Crew-Neck Sweater in Pale Grey
2.  Dollhouse Zip Front Bomber Faux Fur Vest in Medium Brown Combo
3.  Old Navy Cropped Skinny Jeans (similar)

Casually dressy, this ensemble of clothing is the perfect outfit to take you from a chilly morning out at the farmer's market to a warming afternoon lunch at a roadside cafe.  The sweatshirt (1) paired with cropped skinnies (3) give the outfit a relaxed feel; an unexpected element such as a faux fur vest (2) adds instant glam to the look.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!
 

, Can you think of a better way to start off a day of shopping (even if it is at the farmer's market) than with a structured, oversized tote?  Carrying everything from fresh vegetables to freshly baked bread, this braided shopper from Zara, transitions beautifully from the market stalls to lunch al fresco without compromising my style plastic bags or gimmicky canvas totes! 

Single-soled shoes are one of the biggest trends to make a resurgence this spring, and they pair exceptionally well with cropped pants; kitten heels and metallics are also big trends for 2013.  If you can find a pair of shoes which incorporate all three trends, consider yourself triply-chic!








How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is easy when you have a go-by like this segment on 5 Ways to Make a Sweatshirt Look Sexy; but sometimes, even with a how-to, I like to make a look my own.  Not owning any leather pants, I chose these sleeker cropped skinnies for the spring (in a winter or colder month version of this outfit, I would pair it with dark boot-cut jeans).  I like the functionality of the tote, and the rich cognac color pairs well with the brown in the faux fur vest.  The gold tone of the bag's hardware is in sync with the zipper of the vest and echoed again in my ring and two-tone watch.  The cowrie necklace has an earthy feel and provided a subtle accent when flush with the gray sweatshirt.  SN  

Preppy Chic: Grey Sweatshirt 5 Ways

While it might be tempting to bundle up in your sweats when waiting for warmer weather to return, these ubiquitous articles of clothing don't necessarily equate to chic fashion statements...or do they? Today Show and Us Weekly style contributor, Jill Martin, came up with 5 Ways to Make a Sweatshirt Look Sexy. Loving versatility in clothing, but not actually owning any sweatshirts, I found a lightweight sweater that masquerades a sweatshirt, and thought I'd give these fabulous alternatives to sporty sweatpants a try.

1. Old Navy, Tab-Sleeve Crew-Neck Sweater in Pale Grey
2.  Riders by Lee, short sleeve hidden placket in black gingham
3.  The Limited, Exact Stretch Ede Waist Ankle Pant in Persimmon

Trendy, casual and fun are the elements of this preppy chic look.  The persimmon colored cropped- ankle-length pant (3) are on trend this season in both color and cut, while the gingham print shirt (2) when mixed with brights, brings a dynamic contrast to the ensemble is exudes fun; when paired with a grey sweatshirt (1), the entire look has a casual vibe!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

Preppy can often have the connotation of being juvenile, so one way to make the look more adult-like is with a statement pair of footwear.  These suede open-toe booties with the metal grommet details add a bit of edge to your ensemble and are perfect when transitioning between cold and warm seasons. 

Keeping with the 'Preppy' look, what screams collegiate more so than a cross-body bag?  Instead of canvas, try one in a luxe suede fabric with leather trim to give your look a 'chic-er' vibe.

Bangles are a fun addition to any outfit; lucite, is trending big for the spring and summer, why not try a bangle in this nouveau-chic plastic?  Go big or go home, go for a big size, a bright color or a bold design!  I mixed my bangles, choosing two in the same design but different metallic hues because the accents on my bag were silver while the grommets on the boot were gold.

 

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is easy when you know what look you are trying to achieve; preppy chic is achievable, but look too youthful if you try to embrace it fully.  Keep your accessories sexy and sophisticated (two words which do not come to mind when you think of preppy) to convey a mature look.  You want to look like a college student, not be mistaken for one!  SN