This isn’t exactly a resolution list per se — more like a list of fresh styling ideas I’m looking forward to trying in 2011.
1. I will step away from the enorma-stud and try some new ear candy options.
We all know I have an obsession with oversized stud earrings — you should see my collection: a treasure trove of glimmery, be-jeweled, be-sparkled, and otherwise flashy enormastuds, generally in the 1″-in-diameter-and-up category.
{1. $154, Ben Amun; 2. $125, Charm and Chain; 3. $350, Bounkit; 4. $700, Aloha Rag; 5. $160, Ylang23}
This year, I will venture out of my comfort zone and try some alternative styles. Funny how I instantly gravitate to the polar opposite — shoulder-grazing, 70s-esque evening earrings — finding “in-between” styles slightly…boring. I like to go for drama with jewelry, so I suppose it’s no surprise. These shining stand-outs caught my eye ($140, JennyBird):
They’ll stun when sported with an asymmetrical, short-and-chic structured mini dress (Paul and Joe, on sale for $287, Net-A-Porter), a festive clutch ($30, Fashion-Conscience), and some glittery slingbacks (Kate Spade, on sale for $162, FootCandyShoes):
Other top-picks for the style? Kendra Scott’s “filigree” danglers ($65, Kendra Scott) and Paige Novick’s chain tassels (on sale for $198, Intermix — hurry! They’re running an extra 40% off all sale items, so this would be closer to $140!):
While I like the idea of playing with proportions by pairing these stunners with mini dresses, I’d also play around Rachel Zoe’s aesthetics here: she often pairs hers with floor-grazing maxis, like this Issa (the label that designed Kate Middleton’s now infamous engagement dress — $953, Matches):
Finish with (as always with Ms. Zoe), uber-high, stacked heels (Rupert Sanderson, $860, Shop Savannah’s) and a statement clutch (Derek Lam, $890, Barney’s):
Quite the aesthetic adventure for this little Magpie…
2) I will leave my Jackie O. oversized sunnies at home in favor of some of-the-moment cat-eyes.
Inspired by the Louis Vuitton Resort 2011 collection (which was heavy on the cat-eye style) and this uh.may.zing pictorial (my favorite shot is the one below), I need a pair of sleek cat-eyes for this upcoming spring/summer season.
{image from The Electric}
A pair of inexpensive Urban Outfitters’ might be the perfect quick fix for this trend ($14, UrbanOutfitters), although…let’s be real: I’d much rather own and flaunt a pair of the uber-luxe Linda Farrows (like these python-accented centerpieces — a cool $757 (!!!!), Linda Farrow):
For something mid-priced, check out these discounted Chloe shades (love! — $100, TheOutnet):
And for something truly over the top (and tres of the moment), invest in the iconic Louis Vuitton Penelope shades, complete with librarian-gone-chic glasses chain ($800 — call Louis Vuitton to order at 1.866.VUITTON):
(Get the upscale acetate cat eye look above for far.less with these $18 ASOS shades.) Now all you need is a fit-and-flare housewife dress in pitch-perfect coral-red ($100, ModCloth) and my favorite “Lady Bow” Louboutins ($735, Barney’s):
Um, yes. Now.
3. I will continue my quest to branch out and away from skinny-leg/cigarette styles.
I have a…thing for skinny jeans. I pretty much live in my black J. Brands and my Paige dark washes, and they are super-flattering and versatile, whether paired with uber-high heels and a frilly little “going out” top or a pair of Loeffler Randall boots and a slouchy sweater. This silhouette is lean and mean. Lately, however I’ve been contemplating a mega step in the opposite direction: what are our thoughts on denim of the wider-leg variety? Since I’m petite, I worry that the extra fabric will overwhelm me — but then again, I think that the wide leg can be flattering on a trim build. So. Let’s test it out with a chic plaid top (I like the collarless style — Steven Alan, $110, La Garconne) tucked into (the tucking-in is crucial to preventing a frumpy look) some higher-waisted, wider-legged Sevens ($155, Buckle):
I’d finish with a statement necklace (loooove this wood bead style — $58, PiperLime), some serious suede platform pumps (YSL, $720, MyTheresa — or get the look for a bit less with these $222 Pour La Victoires in a similar style) and a statement bag (I’ve long lusted after this Marcie tote by Chloe — Bilson owns it, so you know I’m a fan! — $1,790, Net-A-Porter):
For work, I’m thinking of branching out and away from my J. Crew slim-cut cropped pixie pants and subbing in some wide-leg trousers (Etro, on sale for $217, Farfetch), which I’d pair with this darling DVF find (ugh — a.dore the color profile here! — $198, Diane Von Furstenberg — be sure to tuck it in!):
Tie it all together with a mega-tote (I just love the gargantuan proportions of this tote — $375, J. Crew) and some black-and-white patent pumps (Miu Miu, $416, Net-A-Porter):
As for jewelry? Opt for these delicate wire flower earrings ($60, ByBoe), a long statement necklace ($28, TopShop), and the Freelook watch I’ve been loving on for the past season ($199, Endless):
4. I will experiment with fabrics other than denim, full stop.
So the last “look” in resolution #3, which featured wide-leg black work pants, speaks to this resolution to a certain extent, but I’m serious about wearing non-denim bottoms on the weekends as well. I recently snapped up a pair of “boyfriend fit” olive chinos (as mentioned in my Olivette post) that I roll up at the ankle, but I’ve worn them about…twice. So here’s to experimenting with other looks that center upon them, like pairing a boxy white blouse (Viktor and Rolf, $440, La Garconne) with Current Elliott “army” pants ($200, MyTheresa), a statement necklace (Lizzie Fortunato, $160, Kirna Zabete), and eye-catching flats (for some reason, I’m obsessed with pairing fuschia-purple with olive — the colors just sing! — $128, French Sole):
I’d finish with a wallet-turned-clutch ($490, YSL) and these un.be.lievable enorma-studs ($310, Bounkit):
Alternately, maybe I’ll pull my old nantucket red pants out of retirement and update the look entirely. I used to sport them with a Lacoste polo, enorma-pearls, and Jack Rogers in college, but now I’d update the look by pairing them with a navy blazer (Rebecca Taylor, $395, Net-A-Porter), a statement necklace (Suzanna Dai — my favorite — $200, Charm and Chain), and some cork flats (a.dore — around $200, Pretty Ballerinas):
Finish with a slouchy, oversized tote in a gold hue (ugh, Givenchy — $1,600, Farfetch):
5) I will take minimalism seriously and will channel Kate Bosworth in coming months.
I’ve been talking a big game about the chic-ness of the minimalista look, but when it comes down to it, I’m always piling on “just one more thing.” I love the drama of statement jewelry, the appeal of a graphic print, the contrast of a layered look. But there’s a lovely, of-the-moment panache to sartorial restraint, and I want to make.it.work. I’ll have to devote a full post to her one day soon, but Kate Bosworth can pretty much show us how it’s done better than anyone else out there:
{in Calvin Klein}
{in Calvin Klein again}
I have mixed feelings about her recent appearance in a mint-green-and-white Jil Sander gown — it was generally well-received, and I “get” the look, but I can’t help but think it looks a bit…over-done?
(The pink lip is, however, brilliant.) What are your New Year Fashion Resolutions? Any in common with mine? Share them on Facebook, leave a comment below, or email them to me! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
The countdown is ON!
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