Style Lush

Real Style Inspiration

by Christina

Something happened to me today that doesn't often. I saw a woman, minding her own business (as was I, shopping for sports bras) that was so put together from head to toe I stopped to tell her so. Does this happen to you? You see something out in the wild that moves you? Her look was just so complete, from her long tousled pixie to her boots. All of it just worked. This is what she was wearing.

 

A great, simple frame.
A coat similar to this (which is painfully small, I'm sorry)

These tops, layered.

Fox sweater - Old Navy, not available online.

A perfect pair of skinnies in a dark wash

and a gorgeous brown boot

The check button up and the coat are a risk, but she took it and it worked! I know it's said in fashion to only wear one trend at a time so you don't look like you're trying too hard. Every bit of this is in right now, and she cares how she looks, definitely, but she didn't look like she was over working it. She was significantly older than I am as well, which is why I was so compelled to tell her she was rocking it.

I'll be honest, I wouldnt wear the sweater, but that didn't stop me from loving it. So, tell me, is this too much of a good thing or do you agree that you can work many trends if you do it carefully?

(Photos from: Warby Parker- Lord and Taylor - Gap - Old Navy (via tumbler) - Gap and Piperlime)

What Goes Around Comes Around: Leather Jackets Are Back

By Rebecca

I used to have a leather jacket that I wore everywhere. It was made of intentionally wrinkly brown leather, it was cropped and it had large shoulder pads. It was also double-breasted. The year was 1988. 

(Seriously, if we can't make fun of our sartorial choices from 1988, what CAN we make fun of? But if you are reading this and you were not yet BORN in 1988, I don't want to hear about it. Well, actually I do, because your mom probably has some pretty awesome pictures to show you.)

Anyway, let's fast-forward to the present day, shall we? And shake our heads about how silly our fashion choices once were?

BUT WAIT. what's that, you say? A similar jacket exists today? A similar jacket that despite my words two paragraphs ago, that I think is actually REALLY cute? 

 

It's true. I'm a hypocrite. Well, I guess this jacket isn't really cropped, and I can't tell if it has shoulder pads, and it's technically not double-breasted but rather a moto-zip style, so you've got to give me a pass here. This is the quilted leather moto jacket from Gap and I shamelessly* love it. 

*Almost shamelessly. Because the 80s left their mark.

(Photo credit: gap.com)

 

Welcome Back Peplum

By Janet

Peplum, at least according to the Fashion Week runways, is back.

I've always associated peplum with bad floral prom dresses and those bridesmaid dresses you'll never wear again, but if Kate Middleton is wearing peplum, perhaps I ought reconsider. I've done some research and found some peplum options that are less shiny and, um, less architectural than those on the runway models.

Sonia Peplum Blouse, Anthropologie

Gathered Mesh Peplum Tee, Anthropologie

Vince Camuto Printed Sleeveless Peplum Dress

ALICE + OLIVIA Stephanie Ruffle Peplum Cocktail Dress

Will you embrace peplum this fall?

Are these cute? Target Curtains

By Elisabeth

It seems every time my husband goes out of town I get a wild hair and want to do something to the house. In this current case, I wanted to take down the old blinds, plus all the hardware that goes with them, and hang up a new curtain rod, plus curtains all within a matter of one hour right before bedtime for my kids.

Sounds simple yes? Add in a toddler trying to climb your two-step ladder while throwing a fit because you DON'T want the entire blinds unit falling down on his head and you've got yourself an opportunity for success.

(Please excuse my horrible ability to hang a curtain rod. It will have to be taken down and extend and lowered since my curtains look like they are waiting for a flood.)

Anyway, I came across a set of curtains at Target along with a curtain rod and thought, what the hell.

I think it goes well with the rest of my bedding/color scheme with the room, but I really have no basis for my taste. It's just that. My taste.

So, lovely readers. Do you think my new curtains fit within my scheme or should I keep looking before my husband adds his opinion to the mix? And if not, what type of curtain would work here?

 

(photo credit: me)

Do or Don't: Rompers

By Janet

It appears that everything I wore as a kid has recently become fashionable for adults. I'm talking brightly colored jeans, neon everything, and, now, rompers. A year ago, I wouldn't have considered buying a romper, but now I'm thinking that they are pretty cute.

I probably wouldn't pair a romper with heels for a night out (although, apparently, you can totally do that), but I think I could pull off the look for breakfast at the beach.

Would you wear a romper?

(Photos from: Victoria's Secret, Gap)

Do or Don't: Pink Jeans

By Janet

I've owned pink pants in the past and have never worn them. I've even told all my friends to stop me from buying yet another pair of pink pants that will surely go unworn. But, suddenly, I'm obsessed with finding a perfect pair of pink jeans. Something about a pair of skinny pink pants seems so summery and fun.

American Eagle, $44.50

Gap, $59.95

Old Navy, $34.50

J. Crew, $89.99

What do y'all think? Should I embark on a search for a pair of pink jeans? And, if so, should I go blush or bright?

Nylons with Open-toe Shoes?

By Jessica

Recently, I was watching the Today Show and one of the items that Bobbie Thomas covered in her segment has me really intriqued. It's a pair of almost invisibly sheer nylons that are designed to be worn with open-toe shoes.

 

Essentially the toe bed area of the nylons look like a flip flop design with a small strip of fabric the goes between your big and second toe and allows for your toes to remain uncovered while your legs reap the smoothing, vein-disquising benefits of ultra sheer nylons. They are also part of this brand's naturals line which means that they are treated with a special finish that provides a "cooling sensation" interesting, no?

{Photo from: Pretty Polly UK}

The Peter Pan Collar

By Janet

I can't decide. Is the Peter Pan collar too reminiscent of school uniforms? Or, paired with jeans, say, is the Peter Pan collar just the right amount of girly?

Trouvé Peter Pan Collar Blouse

Mimi Chica Satin Tank

Cropped Lace Blouse

Peter Pan Collar Puff Sleeve Top

If you, like me, are not 100 percent sure about this trend, there are lots of tutorials for making your own Peter Pan Collar accessories.

What do you think?

(Photos from: Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Go Jane)

Is This Cute?: Spool No. 72 Dress

By Jennie

I've bragged about the awesome jewelry offerings at Spool No. 72, before, but they have cute (and unique!) clothes, too. I love their one-of-a-kind vintage cowboy boots (even though they sell out LIKE THAT) and their dresses have always caught my eye, too.

One dress in particular caught my eye just this week:

It's pretty bold and different, yes, but is it adorable, too?

I am headed to Puerto Rico in April, for a week away with my husband. I am envisioning a lot of fruity drinks and sunshine, and I thought this dress might be cute for a night out while there. (I even have these shoes, which could work.) 

I'm not shopping in February, so it's possible this is a dead-end question as it could be unavailable in March anyway, but in case not, what are your opinions on it?

Help Me Spend My Anthropologie Gift Card

By Rebecca

I got a gift card from Anthropologie for Christmas, and I need some help deciding what to buy. My usual modus operandi at Anthro is to look for cute tops that have some special detail. That's because I wear jeans all the time, but like I told you last week, I'm trying to wear jeans less, so maybe I should branch out a bit? I found a few things that appeal to me, and now I need your help!

Option 1 is the Breezed Crochet Pullover. I would probably buy this in black. I like the pretty neckline and would (obviously) wear this over a cami, either black or some color that would show through. I think this would be versatile because it would look great styled casually (JEANS ALERT!) or with a pair of slim cropped pants or even a maxi skirt. (Which I don't own, so this gift card might end up costing me money after all, OH WELL.)

Option 2 - the Strung Symmetry Pullover. I really like this top, but would it be weird/awkward with a bra strap showing?

Option 3 is the Vermillion Reflections Dress.This one would be kind of an investment in that my gift card covers, uh, a fraction of the cost, but how gorgeous is this dress? I could see myself keeping it forever. Hmm. Perhaps I should just wait for it to go on sale?

 

What do you think?

{All photos courtesy of anthropologie.com}