Sunday Brunch | Mint Culottes

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Culottes were a fun spring trend that I didn’t immediately jump on board with.  I dig the style, but I am only five feet tall, and they tend to be most flattering on women of an average height – not too short and not too tall either.  However, as a bite-sized fashionista, I like to defy stereotypes, rocking midi-skirts and maxi dresses with ease.  So when I spotted these adorable mint-colored culottes on clearance at T.J. Maxx (for $7!!), I knew I had to try them on.  Turns out the length was fine (not to mention heels can work wonders for a short gal)!  And although I realize it’s October, we’re experiencing record-breaking 90 degree heat right now in So Cal, so my bright spring culottes made an appearance for Sunday brunch. I tried to incorporate a hint of fall with the rest of this color palette, because although it’s hot, I’d like to think summer is nearing an end.  Apologies for the extra-long hiatus btw!!!  I’ll get around to blogging about my crazy intense remodel experience sometime soon…maybe once the house is done.  In the meantime, I hope to bring you some proper fall looks sometime very soon.  Xxo Luisa

SHOP THE LOOK

Printed Blouse: River Island (similar here & here) / Mint Culottes: Spacegirlz (similar here & here) / Black Pumps: Boutique 9 (similar here & here) / Sunglasses: Crap Eyewear (here) / Statement Earrings: Jewelmint (similar here & here) / Cuff Bracelet: BaubleBar (similar here & here) / Striped Bag: Henri Bendel (similar here & here)

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Trend To Try: High Waisted Jeans

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I know a lot of people are intimidated by high waisted jeans, or assume that they’re essentially mom jeans.  But right now, high waisted styles are trending, and they’re definitely not reminiscent of mom jeans, if you know which brands to shop.  I spotted this pair at Guess (whose jeans I’ve always been a fan of).  The distressed detailing caught my eye, and it gives the jeans an edgier feel.  I’m more likely to style them for casual wear, and paired them with this super soft tie front tee from LNA.  Because I’m only five feet tall, I prefer to wear jeans with heels to enhance the leg lengthening effect.  FYI high waisted jeans definitely work to lengthen your legs, and look good whether you’re taller or shorter!  However, make sure they fall at the right length and don’t bunch up at the bottom.  I had to have mine hemmed a few inches for the desired effect.  Sooooo what do you think?  Do you dig this look?  Would you try it for yourself?  Comment and let me know!

Get The Look        

Tee Shirt: LNA / Jeans: Guess / Shoes: Steve Madden (old, similar here) / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Sunglasses: Crap Eyewear / Necklace: BaubleBar (old, similar here) / Bracelets: BCBGeneration

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Trend To Try: Sporty Chic

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Working as a professional stylist, I live eat breath fashion, so of course I keep on top of trends.  I do not believe style should be defined by trends, but I do think it’s important to know what’s “in”, whether you’re going to try it or not.  I think the best way to embrace a trend is to make it your own, rather than wearing it the way you see everyone else wearing it.  Athletic inspired style is one of those looks that’s been trending for a while, and it’s especially popular now in the spring season.  I like the cute but relaxed feel of a sporty ensemble, and think it’s a down-to-earth, relatable look.  Here I styled a slouchy athletic tee with a leather trim skater skirt.  For many people, this outfit might have been great with “fashion sneakers”, but that’s one component of the look you would NOT see me wearing.  As previously mentioned, I’m super short, and sneakers do nothing for me…I will literally only wear them if I’m running or hiking and have no choice.  So instead, I went for some fun wedge sandals that have a bit of a sporty vibe.  That’s what I mean about making an outfit your own – do what works for you and your body!

Get The Look 

Top & Skirt: Banana Republic /  Shoes: GX by Gwen Stefani / Bag: Kate Spade / Necklaces: BaubleBar & JewelMint

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Ladylike With An Edge

I’m a big fan of feminine, ladylike style.  I think there’s something very sexy about  embracing womanhood and dressing to show it off.  That being said, I’m not personally super girly.  I love a curve hugging peplum or a big full princess skirt, but I can’t go all out fem because it doesn’t suit me.  I’m a little bit more rock and roll, so there has to be some edgy element to my look for it to feel right.  If I had styled this outfit with single-sole pumps and a delicate necklace, it would look more traditional, and possibly more “on trend”.  But if there’s one thing I really don’t believe in, it’s dressing to look like everyone else.  I’d much rather go off trend and wear something that complements my unique personality.

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I absolutely adore these mega platforms with the black flame detail.  First of all, I’m super short, and shortie looooves her platforms.  Plus these are just bad ass aren’t they?!  They’re Scene by ShoeDazzle so I got them for a phenomenal price.  My tote on the other hand, by Ted Baker, is the epitome of ladylike.  I like the way the two pieces complement and contrast at the same time.  The slim fit black pants are by Ann Taylor.  Ann Taylor makes good quality, great fitting pants and I swear by them because almost every style comes in petite, so I don’t even need a tailor!  (They also come in long lengths for taller gals.)  The hot pink peplum was an H&M sale score.  I’m obsessed with the color and generally like peplums for the curve accentuating effect.  The amazing Swarovski crystal necklace was my very first BaubleBar purchase (years ago) but it remains one of my favorite necklaces to this day and people often comment on it.  The one point I’d like to make about this look, is that the easiest way to wear a voluminous peplum top is to balance out the proportions with something slim down below, like skinny jeans or a pencil skirt.  Don’t go for full and full, because it’s a lot harder to pull off (unless you have the proportions just right).  So there you have it, some outfit inspiration for the day.  Happy Saturday everyone!!  Xo

 

How To Do Body Con Modestly

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I’m not a huge fan of body con dresses for everyday wear.  There’s something about skintight spandex that simply screams club wear to me.  Of course this is just a personal preference, so I’m not judging or hating if body con is your thing!  However, for those of us that might not feel 100% comfortable donning body con in the broad light of day, I’ve thrown together some tips for how to pull it off.

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I fell in love with this particular Topshop number because of the print, not the silhouette.  The first plus is that it has sleeves, so it doesn’t feel quite so revealing.  That alone makes a difference, but I also opted to add some tights, which work with the current weather here.  Because I’m short my instinct is to wear sky high heels, especially with a dress, but platforms with a skin tight dress ventures back into the realm of club wear.  Choose subtle heels, if at all.  I’m wearing low-heeled metallic booties by Jeffrey Campbell.  Finally, I topped off the look with a faux-fur vest, which adds a little more coverage, though it also works without.  A vest or jacket is a great option if the weather is cool.  Obviously this look works because it’s still winter-ish here, and these tips are definitely best for transitional seasons, like fall time or even spring…just not summer when the weather is hot!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on body con!  Do you fully embrace the style?  And if not, did you find these tips helpful?  Let me know in the comments 🙂