Wardrobe Essentials (Part 1)

I’ve done a lot of posts about my favorite designers and trends but trends come and go…it’s important for us to keep those classic pieces that will be good all year-round, no matter what the occasion. I chose pieces for a variety of budgets and styles so I hope you enjoy part one of the many more to come wardrobe essentials posts.

Black Skirt:

1: Dual Layered Knit Skirt, $7, 2: Diane von Furstenberg Skirt, $240, 3: Buttoned Front Satin Skirt, $16, 4: Wolford Taisha Seamless Jersey Skirt, $185, 5: Black Satin Lantern Skirt, $48

To ensure the timelessness of your black skirt, you need to be sure there isn’t too much going on. I’ve chosen some skirts that are very simple and ones with a little more going on to satisfy all tastes and styles. These skirts can be worn anytime of year. Wear with tights when it’s cold, maybe some printed tights for a night out. These skirts can be worn to work or out with friends and that all depends on the shirt and accessories you chose to wear it with. A simple top and a blazer for work and a sparkly tank and fun shoes for girls night out….the possibilities are endless. This simple piece of clothing can take you a long way and because it’s a separate, you can wear it many times and no one will notice your repeats!

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Blazers:

1: Short Jersey Shoulder Blazer, $135, 2: Boundless Blazer, $120, 3: Tennis Ball Shoulder Jacket, $110, 4: Ruched Sleeve Blazer, $125, 5: Metallic Fleck Military Blazer, $35, 6: Chancellor Career Jacket, $28

I used to refuse to wear blazers, but with the different colors, fabrics, prints and styles that have come out more recently, they’ve become a staple in my wardrobe. A more simple, probably black or another neutral color, blazer is perfect for the work place but pair with a fun top or even a metallic dress for a night out….you got yourself a whole new outfit. They can even be more casual with skinny jeans and a tank paired with flat boots or flats for a day look. There is so much you can do with a blazer…it’s all up to you.

**Note: #5 is similar to the Balmain military jacket seen for their Fall 2009 collection and also seen on Beyonce

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Skinny Jeans:

 

1: J Brand Pebble-Wash Skinny Jeans, $190, 2: Notify Waxed Skinny Jeans, $275, 3: Rich & Skinny Sleek Skinny Jeans, $190, 4: J Brand Jeans, $260, 5: Citizens of Humanity Avedon Waxed Skinny Jeans, $170, 6: Indigo Spray On Jamie Jeans, $80, 7: Anlo Ava HighWaist Skinny Jeans, $185

I love skinny jeans because I think they look best with flats, ankle booties and boots (which is what I wear most often) and they can be worn anytime of year and will never go out of style. They come in a variety of colors, washes and styles. For me, an average size woman, I need my skinny jeans that to be a little stretchy. James Jeans are my absolute favorite. It’s very hard for me to find skinny jeans that actually fit and look good on me and James Jeans are my[current] favorite. You can wear skinny jeans with just about anything but make sure that the top isn’t too short or too tight because I think it’s important to balance proportions when putting together an outfit. If I’m going tight on the bottom, I will do a loose top..and vice versa…loose bottoms with a tighter top.

**Note: If you want to “hold it all in” #7 are the jeans for you…high waisted skinny jeans are hard to find and these are great!

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So what do you think? What are your wardrobe essentials? Do you have any other suggestions for my future wardrobe essentials posts? Do you like my picks? Any other suggestions for blazers, skinny jeans or black skirts? I want to hear from you!

Best Dressed: 2010 SAG Awards

The Golden Globes were just last week and if you haven’t seen my best dressed list, you should definitely still check it out but now we have moved on to bigger and better things…Introducing my best dressed picks for the 2010 SAG Awards. Anyone make my list twice? We shall see…

Christina Applegate in Roberto Cavalli:

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I love this icy blue/grey color on her and the amazing detailing on the back makes up for the simple front of the dress. I thought she accessorized very well. I love the earrings. Overall, I just love Christina. I saw her over the summer at Ken Paves in LA and it was super exciting. Her hair stylist did my hair right after her…woo hoo! Starstruck. Okay moving on…

Lea Michele in Malandrino:

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Lea made my best dressed list for the Golden Globes for wearing a fabulous Oscar de la Renta gown. It wasn’t everyone’s favorite but she took a risk by wearing a Cinderella-like gown. She was the only one who wore a dress like that and I give her snaps for wearing it because she totally rocked it. She changed it up for the SAGs by going with a gorgeous emerald Malandrino dress. I am in love with the color, the dress fits her perfectly and it makes her waist look tiny (always a plus!). Her hair and makeup looked flawless and completed her overall look.

Marion Cotillard in Elie Saab:

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This dress may be controversial (people might love it or hate it) but I absolutely love it. I love the beaded top and the feathered bottom. The shoes are fabulous, her hair looks great and that emerald ring is amazing. I think her hair and makeup looks very old Hollywood yet her dress is modern enough where they both complement each other and overall she looks sabsolutely stunning.

Kate Hudson in Pucci:

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Although Kate Hudson rocked a white gown last week at the Globes (see my best dressed Golden Globes post), I might have thought “maybe you should change it up Kate…” but then I saw the back of this dress and I understood why she chose this it…it’s absolutely stunning. I love low back dresses but you have to do it right…and she definitely did. The back necklace was gorgeous and I loved her hair. She rocked the entire ensemble and again…a big shout out to Rachel Zoe for putting her outfit together.

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A few other stars that deserve some love…Tina Fey, Anna Paquin and Penelope Cruz. Tina definitely redeemed herself after wearing that hideous Little Bo Peep dress at the Globes. She looked amazing in a gorgeous purple Ferragamo dress for the SAGs. Anna Paquin wore an Alexander McQueen printed mini dress which I thought was fabulous. I love prints and I love Mcqueen. Penelope Cruz sported black again, but this time in a beaded L’Wren Scott dress. Obviously it fit her curves perfectly and she looked beautiful.

So, what do you think? Who was on your best dressed list? Worst dressed? I want to know! Leave me some comments and give me your opinions on the best and worst dressed at the 2010 SAG Awards.

Matthew Williamson

Oh Matthew. What can I say? You’re a genius and I’m obsessed with your clothes. That pretty much sums it up. Matthew Williamson’s most recent collection for Spring 2010 is made up of colors, metallics and amazing prints. There is so much detail in his designs, you can’t help but love them.

Here are some of my favorites from the runway:

Want some Matthew in your life? Here are my favorite pieces:

Top Row (left to right): Silk Printed Maxi Dress ($1,695 at net-a-porter.com), Corseted Metallic Weave Dress ($2,095 at net-a-porter.com), Printed Chiffon Long Kaftan ($1,050 at net-a-porter.com), Evening Dress ($2,740 at matthewwilliamson.com), Mini Dress ($2,595 at matthewwilliamson.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Scarf ($285 at net-a-porter.com), Bikini ($310 at net-a-porter.com), Necklace ($385 at matthewwilliamson.com), Sunglasses ($255 at farfetch.com)

So, what do you think about Matthew Williamson’s most recent collection? What are your favorites? Are there any designers you would like me to feature? Let me know…I want to hear from you!

Trend Alert: Tribal Prints

Of the many trends shown for Spring 2010 on the runways, one of my favorites is tribal prints. I love the colors in any type of print but tribal prints are more toned down in color and I think they look great on any skintone. Browns, yellows, greens and any earth-tones are what makes up a fabulous tribal print piece.

What’s great about tribal prints is that they can be worn anytime of year. The earth tones aren’t too vibrant for fall or winter (although I never think anything is too vibrant because I love colors) and it’s great to pair a great tribal-inspired scarf of necklace with a plain outfit.

Here are some tribal-inspired looks on the runway for Spring 2010:

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Left to Right: Gucci, Givenchy, Balenciaga

Some tribal-inspired looks for any budget:

Top Row (left to right): Halter Top ($12 at wetseal.com), LaROK dress ($298 at shopbop.com), Maxi Dress ($60 at topshop.com), Bailey 44 Dress ($181 at shopthetrendboutique.com), Smocked Dress ($10 at forever21.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Christian Louboutin Platform Sandals ($1,716 at brownsfashion.com), L.A.M.B Handbag ($299 at zappos.com), Scarf ($84 at bluefly.com), Skirt ($22 at wetseal.com)

So, what do you think? What are you favorite trends from the runways for Spring? Would you wear tribal prints? I want to hear from you!

This Week on Rue La La: The Make Better Boutique

So this is the first guest post I have on my blog. This one is by David James (my friend from twitter, @jamesda1). I’m an avid Rue La La shopper so I’m all over this one…Enjoy!

Make Better? You Bet.

For 2010, Fashion is supposed to be fun, not daunting. Well, get ready for a style lesson from one of our favorite tastemakers!  ELLE’s internationally renowned Creative Director, Joe Zee has curated a special Boutique for Rue La La  featuring key investment pieces that will update your wardrobe and amplify your personal style. Joe Zee for ELLE: The Make Better Boutique, is all about smart basics, playful touches, and bursts of color that will elevate your look and make your closet better!

A few of Joe Zee’s faves:

·  “A little does a lot.”  Trends aren’t just for twenty-somethings. The trends we see on the runway do have their place in your closet when subtly incorporated, like ruffles at the hem of a dress or studs on a handbag. 
·  “Un-basic basics.” These neutrals and classic pieces (think, white button down and perfect jeans) are an essential fashion canvas. Updated designs and cuts take it up a notch.  
·  “Get out the paintbrush.”  If you’re not ready for a big burst of color, tip-toe in with a bold accessory, like a bright, oversized clutch. Braver souls may try the universally flattering jewel tone dress.   
·  “Details, details.” Fun, statement necklaces.  Big, woven satchels. Those pieces that make you say “Wow. Wow. Wow.”  

Time to go shopping!  The Boutique includes Joe Zee’s 14 must-have pieces from designers including Nanette Lepore, Robert Rodriguez and CC Skye.  Joe Zee for ELLE: The Make Better Boutique opens on January 20th at 11am – for only 48 hours!

Don’t let your readers miss out on Rue La La’s Boutique!  Share your invite link with readers, so they may access the sale (for your invite link, simply follow http://www.ruelala.com/invitation).  If you don’t have a membership yet, you may sign onto Rue La La immediately using my invite link (http://www.ruelala.com/invite/lsiegel14).   

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Joe Zee is the Creative Director of ELLE Magazine, and is known for his impeccable eye and effervescent approachability. His previous work includes many celebrated years in both the magazine world as a fashion stylist, and as the talent behind some of the most high-profile TV and print advertising campaigns. In his role at ELLE, he plays an integral role in the MTV series The City.

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Having a major ooh la la moment! Rue La La has partnered with Bravo’s new fashion competition series, Launch My Line. Immediately following the season finale, you’ll be able to purchase the winning collection exclusively on RueLaLa.com. Tune in this Wednesday at 10pm EST to capture the good, the bad, the ugly – and the fabulous! And sit front row with Style Editor Rachel as she dishes on every can’t-miss moment LIVE via Twitter! Join the conversation this Wednesday at 10PM ET at http://twitter.com/rue_La_La

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Not yet a Rue La La member? Join now! And don’t forget to invite your friends to experience Rue La La — you’ll receive a $10 credit when they place their first order!

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