Trends For Less: Chambray Blazer

Trends For Less: Chambray Blazer by theclosetbychristie featuring ballet shoes

Congratulations on making it through another work week! We're back with another edition of "Trends For Less!" This week I'm featuring a chambray blazer from Target. What is chambray exactly? Chambray is a lightweight cotton fabric that often comes in a light blue. It can easily be mistaken for denim, however, it is actually quite different.

In the above set, I featured a Merona chambray blazer from Target. I really love this blazer because it has a contrasting look. The blazer silhouette is so sophisticated, yet the chambray fabric comes across as casual. I paired the blazer with a teal H&M oxford blouse and a teal Bonne Chance polka dot skirt. This is a fun pairing because the polka dots and style of the skirt give it a slight retro look. I accessorized with a brown Forever 21 envelope crossbody bag and beige Zara ballet flats. For jewelry I chose BaubleBar chandelier drop earrings and a mint BaubleBar bangle.

Do you like the chambray fabric? How would you style it?

Trend Watch: Printed Maxi Skirt

Printed Maxi Skirt by theclosetbychristie featuring banana republic

Maxi skirts are the latest addition to my list of wardrobe essentials, also known as the must-have-in-your-closet items. It took me a while to warm up to the maxi skirt trend, however, the minute I tried one on I was hooked. It's long, flowy, and made with a light material so it's not too hot to wear on a summer day. I'm petite, so if I were to get a maxi dress I would need to get it altered. The maxi skirt is perfect because I can wear it as a high-waisted skirt with a baggy tank tucked in. This way it fits me in length without having to alter it.

In the above set, I featured a printed Emilio Pucci silk maxi skirt. I really love this maxi skirt because of the beautiful pattern and colors. It's an intricate pattern, but the regal color palette makes it chic instead of too loud. I paired the maxi skirt with a navy lace trimmed top and powder blue NIC+ZOE jeweled blazer. These pieces are key in making this a professional look versus a summer daytime look. I accessorized with a blush Valentino bow clutch and navy Ralph Lauren pointed-toe heels. For jewelry, I chose a Banana Republic Moroccan-inspired necklace, a mint and gold-tone Banana Republic stretch bracelet, and turquoise earrings.

Do you have a maxi skirt in your closet? How do you style it?

High-Low Skirts

Coral High-Low Skirt by theclosetbychristie featuring h&m

A high-low silhouette is a top spring & summer trend! This may sound contradicting; how can a skirt have both a high and low hemline? This contrast is exactly what makes the high-low style unique and beautiful. It is characterized by a shorter length in the front and a longer length in the back. It's primarily seen on skirts and dresses, however, I've seen it on tops and blouses too. The long, cascading hemline gives this trend a bohemian vibe, making it the perfect spring & summer look.

In the above set, I featured a coral H&M high-low skirt paired with a zebra-print sleeveless blouse from Lord & Taylor and gold sequin blazer. I really love this look because I embraced the contrast of the high-low hemline by adding contrasting styles, too. The flowy skirt adds a bohemian flair to the look, while the sequined blazer brings glamour. I accessorized with brown ankle-strap sandals from DSW and a tan crossbody bag from Barney's. For jewelry, I chose multi-colored assorted bangles and Lucky Brand stone drop earrings.

Do you like the high-low trend? How would you style it?

The Art of Flattery: Dressing for your Body Type

The Art of Flattery: Dressing for your Body Type by theclosetbychristie featuring kate spade

We live in a culture where the pressures of being super skinny are almost everywhere. Women and young girls are trying to meet these expectations by going on crazy diets and taking extreme measures to lose weight and fit a certain mold. For me, reading "The Science of Sexy" by top designer Bradley Bayou was a life changer. Bayou's book is a comprehensive guide to dressing for your unique body type instead of losing weight. It doesn't encourage unhealthy habits; it's about embracing your body for how it truly looks and choosing clothing that flatters it so you can put your best self forward.

In the above set, I styled a look with various styles and silhouettes that are known to flatter most body types.

V-Neck & Wrap Top: Above I featured an orange Safiyaa blouse. This top serves several purposes when it comes to flattering your body; it has a 'v' neckline and it has a 'wrap' characteristic. The v-neck helps to elongate your upper body and draw attention to your face. Unless you have a particularly long neck, this neckline will flatter anyone. The 'wrap' style helps to make you appear thinner. It accentuates the waist-line in a positive way, creating balance. It will show-off what you do have or create what you don't have.

Cinched Waist: I also featured a buff Marc by Marc Jacobs blazer and a Stella Jean printed waist-tie skirt. Both of these items have a tie at the waist, which creates that cinched waist look. This also emphasizes the waist to create balance and the appearance of a slimmer body. 

Pointed-Toe Heel: I accessorized with a tan Lauren Ralph Lauren pointed toe heel. This is the perfect shoe for petite women, like myself, or women with short legs. The pointed toe elongates the leg, making you appear taller than you actually are. In addition, the heel is a good height. Your common sense may tell you that if you want to look taller, then you should wear the highest heel; this is just not true. If you truly want the best, most flattering look, go with a small or average heel. A shockingly tall heel will make your leg look stumpy in comparison.

What's your favorite style to flatter your unique body type?

Trends For Less: Accessorize with BaubleBar

Trends For Less: Accessorize with BaubleBar by theclosetbychristie featuring topshop

BaubleBar is more than just a jewelry retailer, it's a complete shopping experience. Created by real shoppers, Amy Jain and Daniella Yacobovsky, who know from personal experience what real women are seeking. Weekly new arrivals, free shipping, style consultations, themed collections of trends for style inspiration, and the best prices; these ladies have gotten it right! Now, all of those concessions are fabulous, however, the real prize here is the jewelry- and it is truly beautiful. Their eye-catching designs incorporate all of the trends, while still remaining unique and dazzling.

In the above set, I featured a Trends For Less look accessorized with BaubleBar jewelry. I chose a mint and white chunky ombre statement necklace, a mint and gold colorblock cuff, and mint gem stud earrings. This bold jewelry definitely makes this outfit spectacular! To compliment the gorgeous BaubleBar jewelry, I paired a blood orange TOPSHOP sleeveless collared blouse with black and white TOPSHOP flower print shorts. I accessorized with a black Michael Kors shoulder bag and mint cut-out ankle strap sandals.

What's your favorite BaubleBar piece? How would you style it?

Back to the Basics: Oxford Tops

Back to the Basics: Oxford Tops by theclosetbychristie featuring kate spade

Every now and then it's important to put those trends aside and go back to the basics. To be a true fashionista at work, it doesn't mean that you have to be wearing trends from head to toe. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's all about balance when it comes to true style. It's fun to incorporate trends into your everyday look, but we don't want to get too carried away. That's why it's so important to learn about these classic, work-wear pieces.

In the above set, I featured a buff Ralph Lauren oxford top. Wait, what is an oxford top? Characteristics of an oxford top, also known as a button-down or button-up (depending on whether the glass is half empty or half full!), are a collar, long-sleeves, and buttons down the front. This is a timeless work-wear piece. You can modernize it by getting it in a loud pattern or a bold color, or you can keep it simple by getting a neutral color. For my look, I went with a neutral color and chose to go bold elsewhere. This is the perfect item to wear if you aren't sure of the dress code yet or if you're running late- an oxford top is instant professional!

I paired the oxford top with a mustard belted pencil skirt and a bronze RED Valentino ruffle-sleeve jacket. I love this pairing because the metallic-tone modernizes my look and gives the outfit a little sparkle. I accessorized with a cream Yves Saint Laurent clutch and bronze Kate Spade pointed-toe heels. For jewelry, I chose a J.Crew tortoise shell statement necklace and matching bracelet with yellow floral stud earrings from Etsy.

How many oxford tops do you have in your closet? How do you style it?

It's All in the Detail

It's All in the Detail by theclosetbychristie featuring stella mccartney

Textures, fabrics, embellishments; these are the things that will bring you from style wannabe to fashion royalty. What are these? you might ask. Details! Yes, it's all about detail when you want to turn an everyday look into a 'wow!' Fashion wouldn't be where it is today if there wasn't a true artistry to it. It takes a really special eye to create something that didn't already exist or present a perspective that hasn't yet been expressed. It's these details, such as using angles or a new print, that will make an old style new again or a completely new trend fabulous.

In the above set, I featured a look that's unique because of its detail. One of my favorite styling techniques is playing with texture. A few examples include pebbled leather, snakeskin, and fur. In this case, I chose a pale yellow lace pencil skirt. I paired the pencil skirt with a satin grey Chloe bow peplum top and peach accented Stella McCartney floral blazer. I am in love with this top because the large bow detail is so feminine and it accentuates the waist. I also really like the satin and lace combination of the top and skirt. Like I said before, I love playing with these details. I accessorized with white Coast heels and a light beige Saint Laurent handbag. The asymmetric strap on the heels makes for a chic, yet simple touch. For jewelry, I chose a white Stella and Dot floral statement necklace and J.Crew stone bracelet. 

What's your favorite detail to style? 

LC Lauren Conrad Style

LC Lauren Conrad Style by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

A designer that contributes greatly to my everyday style is Lauren Conrad. From her days on Laguna Beach and The Hills to her recent endeavors with style books and clothing lines, Lauren Conrad has always been a fashionista-to-watch and my personal inspiration. I watched as she went from small town girl to a successful style icon. Her journey gave me the confidence to pursue a career in the fashion industry. Back in 2009, Lauren launched her affordable- and chic!- clothing line LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's. As a regular Kohl's shopper, I couldn't have been happier with this collaboration and have since been styling my everyday and business looks primarily with her line.

In the above set, I featured a LC Lauren Conrad look styled and worn by yours truly! My favorite piece in the look is the black and grey chevron maxi skirt. I always say if you love it, get it in every color. I did just that! I also got the coral and grey one. Ever since the maxi dress came on the scene, I admired it from afar. I could never find one that fit me right since I'm petite. The beauty of this skirt is that I could wear it as a high-waisted skirt so the length fit me without having to get it altered. Genius! I paired the maxi skirt with a turquoise lace chiffon tank and white denim vest; both LC Lauren Conrad products, too.

Do you love the LC Lauren Conrad line for Kohl's? Show me how you style it!

How-To Style Guide: Tiered Dresses

Cheer Me Up, Buttercup? by theclosetbychristie featuring chandelier earrings

A tiered dress can have a feminine, romantic style or a chic, bohemian vibe. Similar to ruffles, tiers create volume which can help flatter certain body types when styled well. The perfect candidates for a tiered dress are women with a slender body that want to create faux curves or women with broad shoulders that want to balance their shape. I wouldn't recommend this style for a pear-shape because the tiers emphasize your bottom half. One may think that the volume in the skirt would hide curves, but it actually does the opposite; it would embellish the curves. Dress smart, ladies! It's all a balancing act!

In the above set, I featured a buttercup Alexander McQueen tiered dress paired with a black fitted blazer. I love this dress because it's the epitome of cute! The tiers fall like ruffles, giving the dress such a feminine look. I accessorized with sunshine handbag and black Miu Miu jeweled ballet flats. I'm completely in love with these flats! They have all of my favorite styles- pointed toe, jewels, bows- all tied into one shoe. For jewelry, I chose a black Forever 21 statement bib necklace, gold chandelier earrings, and a black Kate Spade hinge bracelet.

So, what do you think of the tiered dress trend? How would you style it?

Trends For Less: H&M Style

Trends For Less: H&M Style by theclosetbychristie featuring h&m

Welcome to the weekend, my friends! That means it's time for yet another edition of Trends for Less. One of my favorite affordable stores is H&M! I'm not typically into these trend-fest stores, like Charlotte Russe and Forever 21, because the quality just isn't there. However, H&M has really cute, trendy clothes and they don't seem to skimp out on quality. This is the perfect place to get your trends for less! 

In the above set, I featured a look from H&M. I chose a red floral dress paired with a black embellished short-sleeve blazer. I absolutely love this blazer! It's so cute for the warm-weather months so you can keep your professionalism and style without overheating. I love anything with a little extra sparkle and glitz! I accessorized with a cream suede chain-strap bag and cream and black bow flats. These flats have my name written all over them; did I mention I love bows? For jewelry, I chose a coral Banana Republic ombre bracelet and Sole Society stone drop earrings.

What's your favorite store to get your trends for less? 

Back to the Basics: Pencil Skirts

Back to the Basics: Pencil Skirts by theclosetbychristie featuring balenciaga

Sometimes it's not all about the trends! When building your wardrobe, it's always important to incorporate some basics, or staples, in your closet. These are items that are never out of style; products that will always have a place in your ever-changing closet. A pencil skirt is the perfect example of a business wear staple. This is an item that I highly encourage you to invest in! It's important that it's comfortable, fits well, and is of a higher quality because you'll be wearing this for years and years to come. Get one in every color! It's a classic business wear silhouette and you'll look like a million bucks wearing it.

In the above set, I featured a grey Stella McCartney tweed pencil skirt. This is a great skirt because it's in a neutral color and will match almost anything. That being said, it's a product you'll get a lot of use out of and is worth the splurge! I paired the pencil skirt with a lilac Balenciaga satin wrap top and a honey McQ Alexander McQueen blazer. The wrap top is a great pick because that silhouette is known for being flattering on any body type. The blazer adds a nice, feminine touch because of the coloring and ruffle trim on the back. I accessorized with an embellished Maliparmi shoulder bag and nude Barneys New York leather ankle strap sandals. For jewelry, I chose a J.Crew tortoise and crystal pendant necklace and a gold Charlotte Russe bow ring. 

How many pencil skirts do you have in your closet? What's your favorite way to style it?

Ankle Booties For Summer

Ankle Booties For Summer by theclosetbychristie featuring a tuxedo jacket

It seems like anything goes for this summer season! Old fashion faux pas are now nonexistent and designers are thinking outside of the box now more than ever before. In the past, boots were a sign of the fall season emerging (at least here in New Jersey). Before packing away your fall and winter boots this year, take another look... because ankle booties are here to stay for the summer! But how do you decipher the difference between a cold-weather boot and a warm-weather boot? Most cold-weather boots are knee or shin-high and come in a heavier material, like leather or suede. For the warm-weather months, you can still get away with a leather or suede boot, but it should be an ankle bootie paired with shorts. The perfect summer boot is a peep-toe cut-out ankle bootie in a light color, like grey or white.

In the above set, I featured a light grey suede cut-out ankle bootie. I paired the ankle bootie with an Oscar de la Renta floral print blouse, a lilac Nicole Farhi drape skirt, and a grey tuxedo blazer. The flowing, cascading skirt and floral blouse are very feminine, so I love the androgynous touch the blazer adds to the look. It's unexpected! I accessorized with a lilac Givenchy envelope clutch. For jewelry, I chose Mawi glass and rhinestone earrings, a lilac Coach stone cocktail ring, and a lilac Alexis Bittar tapestry bracelet. 

Will you embrace ankle booties for summer? How will you style it?