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Originally made of a durable, leather fabric, designed with a wraparound collar, snug waist and wrists yet sporting a zipper closure, the Bomber Jacket (also known as flight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.

Winter Chic: Cable Knit Sweater Dress in Cream

When the weather is cold and Mother Nature is uncooperative, it is easy to bury one's self in layers of clothing to fight the elements, but instead of bulky sweater, reach for a sweater dress; paired with the right accessories a sweater dress can prove to be just as warm as your winter-time go-to's, but in a chic and stylish way!

1.  Cable Knit Sweater Dress, Auchan Italia
2.  Cable Knit Sweater Coat -Old Navy
3.  Franco Sarto -Whitney, Wedge Boots in Taupe

A sweater dress in a neutral color (1) is a blank canvas for dressing.  Add another layer of sweater, like with a sweater coat (2) or cable-knit tights, to add continuity to your ensemble.  When paired with an earthy tone, like taupe boots, you ground your outfit and avoid a washed-out look.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

A fun way to accessorize a winter dress or skirt is with a fun pair of tights; from lace to fishnets, polka dots to stripes, tights can add color or flair to any ensemble.  Stick within color families for a pulled-together look, match tights to your shoe color for a more professional look, use pop-color tights to brighten a neutral ensemble, and for a 'wow' look, try a lace pair of tights over a pop-color pair!

Big bags bring a lot to an outfit, but one in a luxe fabric like this suede one from Carpisa, is a personal favorite.  Thinking of it as an investment piece, a big bag in a neutral color will pair with everything; with these studs and chain strap, edginess is added to even the simplest of ensembles.

 

How I Styled It?

1, 2 3 Styling is easy when you are going for a monochromatic look, and in a neutral, like this cream, winter can be just as fun as spring.  The dress was a tunic which I had the sides sewn to turn it into a dress.  The striped tights I love because the color variation and hence the versatility in what I can pair them with: cream for the dress and grey and brown for the boots.  For the bag, I went with suede for it's warmth on this cool afternoon, but also for how the neutral color pairs well with the taupe boots.  The sweater coat paired with the sweater dress gave me a warm bundled up feeling I could have gotten from sweats, but just in a chic-er way!  SN

Style Chic: Flat Over-the-Knee Boots in Gray

Leg-lengthening and oozing with sex appeal, Over-the-Knee (OTK) boots add instant glam; worn with maxi or mini skirts, jeggings or jeans, they play up your lower half, adding inches of style and miles of chic!

1.  MIA LaCrosse Riding Boot in Grey
2.  Old Navy Cable-Knit Tunic Sweater in Grey
3.  Old Navy Sweetheart Skinny Jeans in Hudson

OTK boots in a flat, are a subdued version of their heeled counterpart, but with the lace up detail (1), don't skimp on the 'wow' factor of this silhouette.  The warm textured leather (with a suede feel) is extended throughout the ensemble with a wool cowl neck sweater (2), and remains the focus of the outfit with these skinny jeans (3).

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is very easy with OTK boots, when you keep one word in mind: Sleek.  The tall, lean, silhouette is the appeal of these boots, and you want to enhance these characteristics when styling OTK boots, not detract from them.  Skinny jeans fit easily into these OTK beauties, adding to their leg-lengthening look.  The cowl neck sweater plays double duty as both a blouse and a scarf, when styled under this rich corduroy trench coat.  SN

Pattern/Winter Chic: Plaid Cropped Wool Coat in Brown

A versatile piece for any winter wardrobe, a plaid patterned jacket adds a layer of depth to a cold weather ensemble and is a chic substitute to a solid neutral color or subdued alternative to a coat in a bold color.

1.  Mossimo Plaid Cropped Wool Coat in Brown Plaid from Target
2.  Attention suit slacks in Brown
3.  Mojo Moxy -Celebrity in Fuchsia

A fun pattern like plaid in a chic silhouette like this cropped wool coat (1) is a fabulous layering piece to cut the winter's chill.  Housing 3 neutrals color: brown, taupe and cream, brown bottoms (2) anchor the pattern in the coat while the pink shoes (3) keep the outfit from looking matchy-matchy.

1, 2 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

I love shoes, I love clothes, and I love bags!  One of my favorite type of bag is one that is convertible; depending on how I'm feeling, how I'm dressing or where I'm going, a convertible bag can play to one of my many moods and is a lot of fun, like this cross-body bag which I can attach to the upper loops for a longer purse, or the side loops (as shown left) for a fold-over cross-body bag.  Truth be known, I rarely wear a cross-body bag, and instead prefer a daytime clutch.  So instead of wearing this convertible purse as the cross-body as it was originally designed, I kept it folded and carried it as a clutch.  I could have removed the long strap (as I usually do when carrying a bag which is convertible like this), but decided to keep it with the bag should my morning walk through the park turn into a quick spot of shopping!



 How I Styled It?
1, 2, 3 Styling with a patterned coat is so easy when you use the colors that are already present in the plaid, such as the brown, taupe and off-white that are in this coat.  The brown pant and taupe jacket blend well because the color taupe is a mixture of brown and grey.  I love how the jacket serves as the 'blouse' when the jacket is zipped and tied, 'peeking' out from under the cropped sleeves of the jacket.  I went with the fuchsia shoes to brighten up this otherwise neutral ensemble.  SN

Color/Winter Chic: Fuchsia Bouclé Coat

A color hybrid, pink is infused with the dynamic energy of red yet is tempered with the delicacy of white, creating a hue which exudes passion and femininity.  Use a bright fuchsia colored coat to brighten up a dreary winter's day or liven up an evening ensemble.

1. Old Navy Bouclé Coat in Fuchsia
2.  The Limited Black and White Bouclé Skirt
3.  BCBGeneration Wedges

Pairing a textured, fuchsia coat (1) with a dark color such as black is an easy way to add sophistication to any ensemble.  The bouclé skirt (2) blends well with the fabric of the coat while the simple design of the shoes (3) keeps the focus on this stand out color.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

Statement necklaces are all about attitude, but you must give such a piece room to speak!  This onyx stone pendant set in silver, stands out when placed against a backdrop like this turtleneck sweater.  I purposely shortened the length of the necklace because I wanted the bold design to be seen when my fuchsia coat was opened and closed (see below).

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is easy with a coat like this as long as the focus remains on the coat; with this in mind, I kept everything simple (that is kept everything neutral using only black for my accessories.  Styling Tip:  Black and White are a hot trend for 2013, and this bouclé skirt fits the bill.  Think of black and white as you would a neutral color (like black), and a great way to make a neutral stand out is to pair it with a 'pop of color' like a fuchsia coat!  SN

Winter/Trend Chic: Buckled Boots

One of the hottest trends with boots this 2013 Winter season is buckles; functional or just for embellishment, buckles (and the more of them) give boots an edginess turning ordinary footwear into an eye-catching, jaw-dropping statement making piece.

1.  Pleaser -Milan (2015) Buckled Boot
2.  Ruffled Collar Wool Coat
3.  Old Navy -Sweetheart Skinny Jeans in Black

With a pair of statement boots like these Milan Boots from Pleaser in a high gloss finish and 5 stacked straps and silver buckles, it is important to let them have center stage; competing statement pieces will have a tendency to drown each other out, as opposed to letting them speak for themselves, so I created a monochromatic-flat finish canvas with the black skinnies (3) and wool coat (2) against which the high gloss boots and buckles could shine...and say, "Look at me!"

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2 3 Chic!

Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle...sometimes the smallest things speak volumes, and this bracelet, I quite literally bought on the beach in Sicily (vendors, and sometimes lots of them, walk the beach selling everything from jewelry to massages), is my wow piece in a little way: black and shiny like the boots, with an abundance of silver like the buckles, it adds wow to my upper half and ties together the look of the ensemble.

 

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is easy when you stay with a monochromatic theme, and although black is very basic, it is classic and very chic.  Today, I wanted to look slim (black is universally flattering) and stay warm, yet stand out on this cold winter's day.  Black boots are everywhere, and had I chosen a suede or a leather pair, not only would I have blended in, I would practically disappear; these high shine-buckled boots allowed me to wow and do so both inside and outside.  The buckles, without a doubt, are attention grabbers (even under the fluorescent lights in the office), but under the bright sun, the glossy upper had several onlookers (from across the parking lot) approach me and ask where they too, could find these beautiful boots.  The fuchsia turtleneck and the emerald green bag, I used to break up the black -I wanted a monochromatic look, but not monotonous.  Styling Tip: To keep your black jeans black, dry clean them!  Black jeans are chic, faded black jeans (that is when you wash them), are not-so-chic!  SN

Winter Chic: Tall Dress Boot

Undoubtedly a must have for the winter season, a tall boot provides protection and warmth against the snow and cold; fashion is often sacrificed for function, and durability for luxury, when braving the elements, but an ultra-feminine way to stay chic when the temperature drops is with a tall dress boot.

1..Enzo Angiolini -Zeller in Black Suede
2. Jeanology by Newport News Denim Cape
3.  Jeanology by Newport News Mixed Media Skirt

Today's 1, 2, 3 Chic elements are a tall suede boot with ruching and bow detail, a denim cape and mixed media skirt with denim, lace and chiffon. This tall dress boot is pairs well with this trumpet style skirt; the 'flirty-ness' of the chiffon fabric glides and provides a playful peek of these suede beauties with every step.  The denim cape is the perfect topper to the ensemble, tying in with the denim of the skirt.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!
 

With such a dark grey-to-black neutral outfit, a pop of color is the perfect addition to this ensemble to really make it shine.  And if one pop of color (the gloves) can make an outfit shine, then two can really make it brilliant, and this I did with the belt, to break up the monochromatic grey while I wore the cape open.  A word of caution, when adding your color pop, limit your additions to two, and if you can, try a unique pairing: instead of a belt and boots, try a belt and gloves!

It takes a lot of Attitude to not just wear, but to be able to pull off bold earrings; if you go too big, they lose their appeal and overwhelm, if you don't go big enough, they lose their charm and get lost.  My advice is to find out what works best with you.  These filigree, teardrop-shaped pair of earrings, I use to create the illusion of a longer neck, which is attitude enough for me!

How I Styled It? 

1, 2, 3 Styling is easy when you buy items that have already been styled together; case in point, this denim cape and mixed media skirt.  I purchased the cape because I loved it, then had no idea with what I would wear with it, so I went back for the skirt.  The long silhouette of the skirt, I continued up top with the turtleneck, and below with the heeled boots.  The almond-toe of the boot, elongates my legs, where as a rounded-toe boot, would have truncated the look!  SN

Winter Chic: Floral Print Coat

A statement coat is piece of outerwear which can make a statement without saying a word; three ways this is typically achieved is by cut (the style of the coat), the color (a particular hue or pattern) or the embellishments (ruffles, tails, etc...).  The statement piece, moves beyond typical functionality, becoming a part or a topper to the ensemble.

1.  Merona from Target Floral Print Faux Fur Collar Coat
2.  Old Navy Utility Jacket
3.  NY&C Paisley Print Skinny Jeans

Today's 1, 2, 3 Chic is a floral print coat, a solid color utility jacket and printed skinny jeans.  Incorporating your outerwear into your ensemble is a clever way to unify your entire look while expanding the coat's styling possibilities; it's easy to do provided you think of outerwear more as a part of your outfit, instead of just something to put on over it.  Look for similar colors and/or fabrics, utilizing solids as unifying pieces to your look.  In today's ensemble, the jacket (2) is the unifying piece between the printed skinnies (with navy blue, light blue and green paisleys) and the coat (with the navy background, light blue and green flowers).

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

 

My Bravado today comes from pairing these two printed pieces in the same outfit.  It's a bold statement wearing two items which seemingly do not match, but they marry up well because of the colors in both: navy, light blue and green.  It's easy to get carried away with the patterns and prints (I found a pair of navy socks with green paisleys), but decided to reign in the look, and limit the contrasting prints to only two!

 



Funky and chunky, these Aroundtown by Nine West, turn the demure maryjane silhouette into a sexy profile with platform, stabilizing heel and rich suede upper.

 I am a huge fan of the matcy-matchy look, and it's taking me a little time to step out of my comfort zone and not to follow my instincts; but sometimes I can't help myself, and when I see similar colors in items, I go for it!  So while the matchy-matchy thing may be dated, it takes a little courage to pull it off!

 

Styling this outfit was really as easy as 1, 2, 3!  I had bought the jacket some time ago, and bought the jeans on clearance.  I had planned to wear them together, along with the clutch and the shoes.  I came across this coat, and loved the floral color-blocking set against the navy background.  My first thought was to pair it with a solid olive bottom, but instead decided to pair it with the other pieces I had already matched and delved into mixed two printed items, and it worked!  SN

Trend Chic: Faux Fur Vest

One of the hottest trends for winter 2013 is faux fur.  Showing up on everything from boots to bags and cuffs to collars, the most widely visualized piece of this trend has got to be the faux fur vest.  A versatile piece, the faux fur vest pairs easily with silk or wool for an elegant winter look, and effortlessly adds glam to leather or denim.

1.  Dollhouse Zip Front Bomber Faux Fur Vest in Medium Brown Combo
2.  Alegria Cropped Leather Motocycle Jacket
3..Old Navy Deconstructed Mini Skirt

 

The 1, 2, 3 Style for today is a faux fur vest, a cropped moto jacket and a deconstructed mini skirt.  A chic alternative to styling a faux fur vest is to pair it with a piece of outerwear instead of a sweater.  Utilizing a cropped, slim fitting moto jacket in a rich cognac as my 'blouse', the brown fur adds a layer of luxe to the leather, while the tears on the deconstructed mini keep the ensemble from looking too polished.

 

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!



Bravado, bravado, bravado...these  Fur Sure boots from Two Lips speak volumes without saying a single word!  A unique was to embrace the faux fur trend, the leather buckled straps give them sleek appearance and keeps the overall look of the ensemble from looking too 'outdoorsy'. 

 

 

 

A wristlet is such a chic way to express a little attitude!  It's streamlined design means you can only carry the 'essentials' with you, but it conveys a fun, sexy yet sophisticated impression of the beholder! This wristlet is Alviero Martini in classic Geo Print. 

 

 

 

One needs to gather up their moxie to wear thigh high socks; they cut a such daring silhouette, that they are not meant for the faint of heart!  Like their boot counterparts, thigh high socks are instant attention grabbers; functionally, they are a fun substitute for tights and a warm substitute for hosiery! 

 

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling this outfit was easier than it looks because I strove to stay within the tan/cognac color family.  The boots could have paired with the vest or the jacket separately, but when the fur and the leather are worn together, they tie in with the fur and leather on the boots.  The denim in the mini breaks up the monochromatic theme.  The neutral colored socks and bag allow the fur to take center stage.  SN