The Closet by Christie goes to Luckyfabb!

The Closet by Christie goes to Luckyfabb! by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone! I have huge news today... I'll be attending Luckyfabb, the Fashion & Beauty Blog Conference hosted by Lucky Magazine in October! To say the least, I am completely thrilled and honored to have been accepted to this exclusive, invite-only event. 

I'll be in NYC meeting the best, most influential fashion and beauty bloggers in the world! I'll be participating in revolutionary, thought-provoking panel discussions! I'll be taking extensive notes during workshops hosted by the best in the industry!

Follow The Closet by Christie and all of our social networking pages for behind the scenes footage of my experiences as I prepare for the conference, during the event, and all of the wonderful knowledge I have acquired following the event.

Are you a blogger interested in attending? Learn more here: About Luckyfabb

Pantone Fall 2013: Mykonos Blue & Emerald

Pantone Fall 2013: Mykonos Blue & Emerald by theclosetbychristie featuring a green pendant necklace

Some of the most beautiful colors jewel-tones. These colors are both rich and deep- perfect for the Fall season! The fifth and sixth of the ten colors in Pantone's Fall 2013 Color Report are jewel-tones... emerald and mykonos blue!

In the above set, I featured a look which incorporates emerald and mykonos blue. These colors work perfectly together because they are both jewel-tones. Also, blue and green are beside each other on the color wheel! For the look, I featured a mykonos blue Dorothy Perkins skater dress paired with an emerald River Island jacquard cropped blazer. I really love this because the blazer has a unique style and has a satin, shiny look- similar to a gem! I accessorized with a nude Mango quilted chain-strap bag and emerald Modcloth suede sandals. For jewelry, I chose an emerald Liz Palacios pear-crystal necklace and emerald Tarantino jewel stud earrings.

Do you love emerald and mykonos blue? How would you style them?

Pantone Fall 2013: Carafe & Turbulence

Pantone Fall 2013: Carafe & Turbulence by theclosetbychristie featuring a calfskin bag

Color is everywhere you look, especially in nature! It's the bright green of a tree-frog, or the light blue of a clear sky, and even the neon yellow of a lightning bolt! Seeing these colors on your favorite fashions can bring you back to lounging in a field of dandelions or that adventurous trip to the Grand Canyon. The third and fourth colors featured on Pantone's Fall 2013 Color Report are inspired by nature... carafe and turbulence!

In the above set, I featured a look which incorporates both carafe and turbulence. Both of these colors can be found in nature, inspired by coffee beans and boulders. For the look, I featured a turbulence check peplum top paired with a light grey textured pencil skirt and a carafe Ralph Lauren wool blazer. I love this look because although it's an all neutral color palette, it's still exciting and appealing. I accessorized with carafe peep-toe ankle booties and a turbulence Valentino bow satchel. The ankle booties are really cool because they're inspired by riding boots, which ties in with our nature color inspiration. For jewelry, I chose crystal lace collar statement necklace and diamond drop earrings from Barney's.

Do you love carafe and turbulence? How would you style them?

Pantone Fall 2013: Koi

Pantone Fall 2013: Koi by theclosetbychristie featuring sleeve less shirts

One of the many functions of color in fashion (and life!) is communication. Color is a huge contributor in communicating who you are to the world. You may wear black if you're closed off or grieving, or you may wear a bright neon to attract attention. You may choose an all neutral color palette if you're a little timid, or you may choose a bright, bold color palette if you're feeling fierce. Color is so important in every day life, especially fashion. This is one of the many reasons why the fashion industry revolves around color and Pantone provides us with color insight. The second of the ten colors on Pantone's Fall 2013 Color Report is... koi!

In the above set, I featured a look which incorporates the color koi. This color is so deep and rich. It's the perfect color to welcome the Autumn season! It reminds me of the color of new fall leaves. For the look, I chose a koi leather A-line midi skirt paired with a taupe sleeveless blouse and brown-toned Prada tweed blazer. I really love this outfit because every aspect of it is perfect for Fall! Leather and tweed are known as textiles for the cool weather and the color palette is a true look at the Fall leaves beginning to bloom on the trees. I accessorized with nude suede platform ankle booties and a raspberry Valentino bow clutch, which adds a little color pop! For jewelry, I chose Kate Spade sparkle chandelier earrings and a koi Kate Spade idiom bangle. 

Do you love the color koi? How would you style it?

Pantone Fall 2013: Acai

Pantone Fall 2013: Acai by theclosetbychristie featuring a zipper skirt

One of my absolute favorite things about fashion is color! Believe it or not, a little detail like color can make a huge difference with regards to sales, emotions, aesthetics, etc. We use fashion as a way to communicate ourselves to the world and color plays a huge role in that. If you choose the right color, it can help you land that dream job or make you feel great inside and out. The world of fashion revolves around color! Prior to the design and production phase for the next season, Pantone releases their color report. This is a forecast, or rather an announcement, of the "in" colors for the next season. Designers everywhere use these colors for their new lines. The first of the ten colors on Pantone's Fall 2013 Color Report is... acai!

In the above set, I featured a look which incorporates the color acai. This color is so beautiful and versatile. The deepness of the purple makes it even work as a neutral! The inspiration behind this unique color is the dark side of nature; ancient lava and oil on water. For the look, I chose a black and white Forever New printed skirt paired with an acai H&M satin bow top and an acai velvet blazer. I love this look because of the color. The purple is so rich and beautiful. It looks great with the black and white! I accessorized with black Christian Louboutin bow flats and an acai Givenchy handbag. For jewelry, I chose white and gold Kate Spade flower stud earrings and a black and gold-tone Kate Spade idiom bangle.

Do you love the color acai? How would you style it?

Trends For Less: Kate Middleton Style

Trends For Less: Kate Middleton Style by theclosetbychristie featuring dorothy perkins

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is looked to by many for her fashion sense. She's beautiful and stylish, yet her look seems attainable to the everyday woman. And with the recent arrival of the royal baby, she's loved by the world more than ever before. Luckily for us, a portion of her wardrobe consists of trends for less! 

In the above set, I featured a look styled after the outfit Kate wore at an event that lead up to the London Olympic Games last year. The actual dress she wore is pictured above; a silver and white Hobbs checked dress. I paired it with a white Big Buddha belt, similar to Kate's, to emphasize the waist and create an even more flattering look. I accessorized with metallic linen Ralph Lauren espadrille wedges and a cream leather J by Jasper Conran handbag. For jewelry, I chose peach Dorothy Perkins flower drop earrings.

Do you love Kate Middleton's style? What's your favorite look of hers?

Trend Watch: Insect Jewelry

Insect Jewelry by theclosetbychristie featuring colorblock purses

A new trend to watch is insect jewelry. You may be thinking, insects- really? I have to admit, it is a little unexpected. Jewelry is supposed to be beautiful and in our American culture, we just don't view bugs as beautiful or even anything close to it. Bugs are gross! That's exactly it- the contradiction of it is what makes it unique and interesting. Fashion is inspired by our surroundings and nature consistently inspires fashion and art. So that being said, why not insects?

In the above set, I featured a beautiful Lanvin insect necklace. I really love this because it's such a statement. Not only is it an insect, but it's a large insect. It holds the contradiction of beautiful jewelry versus ugly bug, yet it's still glammed up and beautified as jewelry should be. For the outfit, I chose a cream and black SUNO horizontal striped tank paired with grey French Connection tweed tailored shorts and a cream AX Paris blazer. I love this look because of the neutral color palette and details. I accessorized with a cream and black colorblock handbag and black Banana Republic pointed-toe flat. For jewelry, I chose crystal bronze BaubleBar bracelet.

Do you like the insect jewelry trend? How would you style it?

How-To Style Guide: Flower Crowns

Flower Crowns by theclosetbychristie featuring pointed toe flats

The latest trend to watch are flower crowns. Whether it's small rose buds, large statement flowers, or a bohemian headwrap- there's a style for you! It's known as a bohemian accessory, but like I always say, it's all in the way you style it. You can embrace this style in any way you want! 

In the above set, I featured a light grey Rock N Roses flower crown. I absolutely love this accessory because it's so feminine and romantic. By choosing a neutral color, it tones down the style a bit. If you're unsure if you can pull off the look, or are styling work-wear, a neutral color palette is key. For the look, I paired a Victoria Beckham sleeveless chambray top with a linen Comptoir Des Cotonniers tweed skirt and a black Stella McCartney blazer. I love this look because I maintained the neutral color palette, while working with contrast, fabrics, and texture. I accessorized with a silver Gap leather envelope clutch and black patent leather Mulberry pointed-toe bow flats. For jewelry, I chose black ASOS tear drop earrings.

Will you embrace the flower crown trend? How would you style it?

An Everlasting Summer: Plaited Rope Necklace

Plaited Rope Necklace by theclosetbychristie featuring a pencil skirt

As we prepare to kiss the summer goodbye, more and more summer-like trends are continuing to emerge. This gives me the idea of an everlasting summer! The truth is- you can make any style work for any season, especially for an accessory. Plaited jewelry is my favorite summer-like trend to watch! So, what is plaited jewelry exactly? A plait is three or more strands of any material interlaced. It's basically a braid! It's most often made of rope or hemp, but any material can really be used.

In the above set, I featured a neon coral plaited rope necklace. I love this necklace because the color and large size definitely make a statement, but it's also intricate and unique. I paired the necklace with a black and white J.Crew horizontal striped peplum top, a grey J.Crew pencil skirt, and a bright coral Wallis blazer. This look is both bold and bright to match our statement necklace. I accessorized with neon coral J.Crew loafers and a taupe J.Crew satchel. I tied it all together with a nature-colored Amrita Singh bangle.

Do you like plaited jewelry? How would you style it for the summer and fall?

Trends For Less: Photorealism

Trends For Less: Photorealism by theclosetbychristie featuring amrita singh jewellery

Photorealism is one of my absolute favorite trends of the season. It brings the worlds of photography, fashion, and art together and gives us a really amazing look. With this style, the options are endless! I've seen everything from a secret garden to animal faces to rain forests. (For more information, see previous posts Fashion Meets Art: Photorealism and What is Photorealism?)

In the above set, I featured a deep maroon Forever 21 tiger graphic skater dress. This dress is fabulous because the animal is so exotic and beautiful. I also love the contrasting colors of the maroon dress, the white graphic, and the turquoise eyes of the tiger. I paired the dress with a mocha waterfall blazer. This looks nice because it adds a new color to our palette and it happens to be a color in nature. I accessorized with bone Nasty Gal pointed-toe studded heels and a tribal straw Charlotte Russe envelope clutch. For jewelry,  I chose bright red Amrita Singh flower stud earrings and a bright red Sole Society stone bracelet set. 

Do you like the photorealism trend? How would you style it?

How-To Style Guide: From Gingham to Sophisticate

J.Crew Gingham Top by theclosetbychristie featuring j crew jewelry

The gingham pattern reminds me of a shabby chic style. It seems like the type of pattern you may choose for a couch in a tiny cottage home or for a top you wear on a big camping trip. Well, what is gingham exactly? Gingham is known to be a checked pattern, always designed with white and one other color. The classic picnic blanket is a white and red gingham print. The truth is, anything is what you make it. It's all in the way you style it! Here's how to style gingham as a sophisticated work-wear piece.

In the above set, I featured a black and white J.Crew silk gingham sleeveless top. A special thanks to J.Crew because they made this task easy on me; this top is already beautiful! This top has a few characteristics that despite the gingham, make it a sophisticated top; silk and color. The silk fabric gives the top a richer appeal and makes it seem less camp-worthy. The colors, black and white, are classic. It tones the pattern down a bit. I paired this top with a bright cobalt J.Crew pencil skirt and a light grey blazer. I love this color palette because white, black, and grey are gorgeous classic neutrals that will give any look an ounce of elegance. The blue gives the palette a little color pop and looks so regal. I accessorized with a light and dark grey ASOS quilted bag and black crystal embellished Dolce and Gabbana peep-toe heels. For jewelry, I chose bright blue J.Crew flower drop earrings and a black Nordstrom bow bracelet.

Do you like the gingham print? How would you style it for the workplace?

Trend Watch: Comic Book

Comic Book by theclosetbychristie featuring a lined jacket

A very unusual trend that I've been seeing popping up all over Polyvore is a comic book inspired trend. I've seen everything from bags to tops to jewelry- all inspired by comic book characters and images. These images include superheroes, primary colors, and onomatopoeia. For those of you who skipped forth grade writing class, onomatopoeia is a word that's actually a sound. In this case, examples include boom, pop, and kaboom. This is a trend that I wouldn't have necessarily predicted to be a big trend. But in fashion you just never know, so we're watching this one!

In the above set, I featured a look with a comic book inspired piece. I paired a TOPSHOP 'kaboom' crop top from Nordstrom with a pale yellow Rag & Bone blazer and a beige Elizabeth and James silk puff skirt. I love this look because although the crop top is a little alternative in style, the rest of the look is so ultra feminine. The contrast is stunning! I accessorized with black Christian Louboutin pointed-toe heels and a pale yellow and ivory TOPSHOP color blocked crossbody. For jewelry, I decided to go bold to meet the style of the top. I chose a Dorothy Perkins big bangle set and MARNI geometric earrings. 

Do you like the comic book trend? How would you style it?

J.Crew: Pineapple Summer

J.Crew: Pineapple Summer by theclosetbychristie featuring j crew jewelry

There's nothing like a fabulous, unique print! I get tired of the same old florals and plaids, so it's refreshing to discover something different. Pineapples are a symbol of summertime. Who doesn't love sipping a pina colada at the pool side? Well, now we love pineapples on our summer clothes! Tropical print is a huge trend for this summer and that includes pineapples. I've seen pineapple print on anything from t-shirts to skirts to purses. I've seen the print designed by most brands, but J.Crew seems to be the leader on this one.

In the above set, I featured a navy J.Crew pineapple print skirt. I love this skirt because the print is so unique and it just looks like summer! So, how do you style such a different print? It can be a little tricky to pull this look off, especially for the workplace. Well, I kept the rest of my look pretty basic and used the pineapple for my color palette inspiration. I paired the skirt with a navy J.Crew peplum top and a tan J.Crew blazer. The tan color matches that of the pineapple. Most people associate yellow with pineapples, but the outside skin is actually a golden tan. I accessorized with a tan J.Crew envelope clutch and navy J.Crew espadrille wedges. For jewelry, I chose a J.Crew honeybee necklace and J.Crew jewel clustered drop earrings.

Would you wear pineapple print? How would you style it?

Trends For Less: Accessorize with Nectarine

Trends For Less: Accessorize with Nectarine by theclosetbychristie featuring platform pumps

Accessories are an essential part of the outfit. It can take a plain, basic look and turn it into a gorgeous one. It can take an already fabulous look and make it even more fabulous! But when it comes to the cost of an accessory, I recommend keeping it reasonable. I'm constantly buying new accessories to keep up with trends; there's no need to break the bank on it! 

In the above set, I featured a look with color-pop accessories. The accessories, particularly in this case, really enhance the look because it adds nectarine to a neutral color palette. Nectarine was named one of the top ten colors of the season by Pantone on their Spring 2013 Color Report. For the look, I started with a mocha-hued Phase Eight layered dress paired with a mocha blazer. This dress is so gorgeous! I love it because the layers give it a textured look and the colors appear ombre inspired. I accessorized with a nectarine envelope clutch from Sheinside and linen Dorothy Perkins bow peep-toe heel. For jewelry, I chose a nectarine Forever 21 beaded bib necklace and gold ASOS bow stud earrings.

What's your favorite color to accessorize with? How do you style it?

Designer Spotlight: Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham by theclosetbychristie featuring a leather tote

Posh is defined as "elegant or stylishly luxurious" (Source: dictionary.com). Back in the 90's, the lovely Victoria Beckham (formerly Victoria Adams) was known as Posh Spice in the popular girl group the Spice Girls (love!). Now a marriage and four children later, Mrs. Beckham is living up to her name by being a true fashionista in her personal life and career. She styles herself, and her beautiful family, flawlessly and is viewed as a trendsetter. The designs of her self-named clothing line can be described as just that- posh.

In the above set, I featured an entire look in which most pieces are Victoria Beckham. I paired a sleeveless Victoria Beckham collared dress with black lace Victoria Beckham buttoned jacket. I absolutely love this dress because of the details! The rose coloring contrasts with the black. It has a pleated front and collar outlined with black for emphasis on the top. I accessorized with a salmon Victoria Beckham handbag and black Christian Louboutin pointed-toe heels. For jewelry, I chose black rhinestone-lined square stud earrings and a J.Crew crystal bracelet.

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

Fashion Meets Art: Collage Print

Collage Print Skirt by theclosetbychristie featuring mini cross body handbags

Collage print is exactly how it sounds; a collage of different photos and prints pieced together on a single item. In art, you can use any item to make a collage; magazine clippings, ribbon, beads, fabrics, etc. Collage is considered a type of modern art, however, it can also be designed in a way to be considered pop art. Pop art is any kind of art that includes popular aspects of mass media, such as newspaper, advertising, logos, etc. Collaging is a common technique used in pop art. So, how does this relate to fashion? Well, fashion and art are interchangeable. We often use art techniques to inspire fashion trends and vice-versa.

In the above set, I featured a Carven collage print A-line skirt. This is a fun piece to style because it's abstract and has many different colors on it. That leaves my color palette options endless! I paired the skirt with an orchid ruffle blouse and a black Balmain structured blazer. I love the purple hue, orchid; it's so rich and bright. I also really like this blazer because the architecture inspiration adds another aspect of art to this look. I accessorized with a black Henri Bendel mini crossbody and orchid Kate Spade jeweled suede heels. For jewelry, I chose a gold BaubleBar multi-strand bracelet and multi-colored stone drop earrings.

Do you like collage print? How would you style it?

Scallop-Hem Shorts

Scallop-Hem Shorts by theclosetbychristie featuring gold rings

A scallop-hem is made up of half-circles along the hem of a piece. I have most commonly been seeing it on shorts, however, it can also be seen on dresses, tops, and even shoes. It's inspired by the shape of scallop shells. This type of hem will give any basic piece a unique and spectacular look! 

In the above set, I featured powder blue TOPSHOP scalloped shorts. I love these because they look just like any other pair of shorts, but the hem really makes them special. I paired the shorts with a black Victoria Beckham satin bow top and a Vince Camuto tropical print blazer. The satin bow top gives it a really feminine look, while the blazer adds more color to our palette; it ties in the powder blue of the shorts, while adding an emerald hue. I accessorized with a black Victoria Beckham handbag and emerald Zara pointed-toe heels. For jewelry, I chose an emerald-jeweled bangle and emerald drop earrings. 

Do you like the scallop-hem trend? How would you style it?

Trends For Less: African Safari

Trends For Less: African Safari by theclosetbychristie featuring cotton skirts

Happy Friday! So here we are- another Friday, another edition of Trends for Less. This week I'm featuring African safari inspired fashion. This spring/summer season has brought us giraffe print, tribal jewelry and prints, snakeskin, and now... elephant print! This is a wonderful trend to have some fun with! If you want to get your feet wet and try it out, check out the cost-efficient retailers such as TOPSHOP, H&M, and Forever 21. 

In the above set, I featured a TOPSHOP elephant print skater skirt. This is such a cute and unique skirt. I haven't seen any others like it! I kept it simple by pairing the skirt with a white Jack Wills oxford top and a powder blue Zara blazer. Since the skirt is so unique, I decided to use these typical business pieces to keep it as a work-wear look. I accessorized with a light grey Ann Taylor tribal print clutch and white Accessorize bow flats. For jewelry, I stuck with our theme by choosing a turquoise and gold Piperlime tribal necklace and light blue Banana Republic flower stud earrings. 

What is your favorite African safari inspired fashion? How would you style it?