Trend To Try: Sporty Chic

Posted in Outfit Inspiration by Luisa Lucia

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

22Apr2015

I Love Polyvore x 3

Posted in Fashion & Style by Luisa Lucia

Okay sooooo…I’ve been a Polyvore member for years now (since 2010) and when I first discovered the site I was OBSESSED. The problem is that it can become consuming, so my usage goes in waves…sometimes I’m just too busy to go there. Honestly though, it’s a really great tool for creating fashion collages for your blog, or (as a stylist) style inspiration for a client! And sometimes I just feel the need to get creative and make a set. That’s where Polyvore contests can serve as a fun incentive. When I do have some spare time, and feel like getting artsy, I’ll check and see what contests Polyvore is running. Last week I felt like unwinding a bit, so I entered three contests in one night. The contests are hard to win because there are usually thousands of entrants, but I just do it for the experience of designing to a theme and seeing how it goes! I wanted to share my recent work, and spread the word about Polyvore, if you aren’t already a user…

First Set: How Will You Style Your Favorite Spring Trend? (in partnership with LuckyShops) I’m all about shades of blue this spring, and I continue to love the midi skirt with a crop top look – it’s kind of sporty, kind of fem, or at least that’s the direction I took it in. This contest is still running, so you can enter too, and possibly win a $500 gift card from LuckyShops!

Second Set: TV Style Icon (Who is your ultimate TV style icon? Pick an actress who always looks great on the small screen and borrow her style!) Okay, so seriously, sometimes I think I watch Pretty Little Liars just to see what the girls are wearing. I love how each liar has her own unique style, but Hanna’s in particular speaks to me because she’s not afraid to be sexy and play with color. Here I created a look that I felt like her character would be happy wearing.

Third Set: Ahoy, There! Nautical Style (Grab your fave striped piece and let it guide you toward a cute nautical look. Are you on board for this trend?) There’s nothing better than a striped tee IMO. Here I styled it with a casual chic denim skirt and some super cute red sandals. The overall effect is nautical inspired but not over the top!

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you use Polyvore? If not, do you plan to check it out after reading this post? Trust me, it’s fun.

17Apr2015

April Shopping Haul: Spring Style With Kohl’s

Posted in Outfit Inspiration by Luisa Lucia

I’m NOT typically one to shop at Kohl’s for clothing. However, I popped in there last week on a mission to find semi-affordable bedding, when I was derailed by an eye-catching floral kimono. Kimonos are trending right now and I happened not to own one, so I decided to try it out, and of course found a few other things in the process. Without further ado, I give you my (accidental but worthwhile) Kohl’s shopping haul… p.s. Please forgive the crazy wind that was blowing when we snapped these pics!

Items 1 & 2: Mudd “Chiffon Kimono” & “Core Cami” (I paid $24.99 & $14.99 )
I knew I needed the kimono because I seriously fell in love with this print, and I’m into lightweight, flowy pieces right now. I happened to spot a matching tank, and liked the idea of wearing them both with some summery black pants. Styled here with a JewelMint beaded necklace and lace flares from Nightcap.

Item 3: My Michelle “Geometric High-Low Tank” (I paid $25.99 )
Again, I was drawn to the colors/print, and even though this isn’t a to-die-for piece, it’s very nice quality for the price. I like the fishtail back, and would most likely wear this with a structured blazer for a fun business casual ensemble. Styled here with a Forever 21 choker, JewelMint pendant necklace, and BaubleBar cuff.

Item 4: Joe B “Border Print Wide Leg Pants” (I paid $24.99 )
I’m obsessed with these lightweight, high-waisted palazzo pants!! The rayon fabric is airy and breathable, perfect when the weather heats up. The high waist creates the illusion of a long and lean silhouette, ideal to pair with a trendy crop top. And of course I looooove the colorful border print. Note that the stock photo does not do these justice, and my snaps are more true to color. Styled here with a JewelMint necklace, vintage crop top, and BCBgeneration wedges.

Items 5 & 6: So Rad “Ponte Crop Tank” & “Crepe Printed Midi Skirt” (I paid $11.99 & 16.99 )
Tbh, I’ve had my eyes peeled for a matching top/skirt set for a while now. Most of the ones I’ve liked were a bit outside my budget, and a lot of the cheaper styles weren’t doing it for me. This set turned out to be an ultra cheap, but still relatively chic option. I adore the pale minty green with black and white palm print! Styled here with CRAP Eyewear sunnies, a vintage necklace, and Jessica Simpson wedge sandals.

Sooooo seriously, the crazy part is that I paid less than $120 for ALL of these items. That’s nearly a whole new spring wardrobe for the price of like one item! And even though most of these pieces are on the trendier side, I don’t mind because I love the colors/prints regardless, and I know they’ll see wear throughout this spring and summer.

Annnnnnnd btw, did you know Michelle Smith of Milly is doing a collab with Kohl’s?! Can you even believe it? The collection is in stores April 23rd, but you can preview it here!

14Apr2015

Tuesday Shoeday: Festival Style With Vince Camuto

Posted in Fashion & Style by Luisa Lucia

As if you haven’t already heard enough about it, right now is “Festival Season”. For anyone who doesn’t know, festival season refers to the spring/summer barrage of (outdoor) music festivals running wild across the country. The most popular of these is Coachella, which takes place out in the California desert. The ideal So Cal location makes it a haven for celebrities and fashion bloggers, not to mention fashion brands. Festival style is a huge part of festival season. Some people go JUST for the fashion. And as you might guess, festival style is all about mastering the art of laid-back boho. For this edition of Tuesday Shoeday, I decided to style some festival inspired looks paired with Vince Camuto sandals.
I absolutely adore the Vince Camuto “Evel” sandal, especially in midnight blue. I think it’s a great casual chic daytime option. I love the idea of wearing this shoe with denim cut-offs and a midi-length printed kimono. A fringe crossbody bag would be the perfect handbag to complete this look. Don’t forget sunscreen and a straw hat to protect your skin for long days in the sun!! You can easily fake a tan with some golden bronzer if desired.
Dress it up at night with the Vince Camuto “Troy” sandal. This high-heeled gladiator is equal parts sexy and boho. Pair with a floral print flowing mini dress and feathery statement earrings for a boho glam party look. Don’t forget to top it off with some vampy red lipstick!

7Apr2015

Tuesday Shoeday: Rachel Zoe

Posted in Fashion & Style by Luisa Lucia

I’ve kind of loved Rachel Zoe’s line ever since it launched back in 2011. The clothes are fab, and the shoes are even better. They’re kind of pricey but not crazy high-end designer pricey…as in I could definitely afford a pair if I bought them on sale. Since I’ve been MIA for a while, I thought it would be nice to offer a more in-depth Tuesday Shoeday today, and pair some of my current fave Rachel Zoe styles with on-trend spring outfits. Without further ado….

My hands-down favorite style is the Seneca mule. I’m a huge fan of heels, and this chunky style is more walkable than a traditional stiletto. I love the sculptural feel and the metallic finish. Wear with a trendy gingham print top (or dress) like this adorable peplum blouse from Zara. This look could fly for day or night.

If you’re not into heels, or you’re just looking for a more casual outfit, check out the Burke slip-on. Equal parts chic and sporty, I love the woven leather texture. This shoe would look great with a simple chambray shirtdress, like the one pictured (from Madewell). Accessorize with a colorful tote and some trendy round frame sunnies and you’re good to go!

For a definite night-out ensemble, look to the sleek and sexy Skyla mule (also available in nude). This shoe is the perfect combo of retro and modern, and would look smashing paired with an on-trend suede crop top. The top pictured is super affordable via Oasis. Wear with a flouncy skater skirt and a few key accessories for a hot night on the town.

The best part is, all of these styles are available via Piperlime, and right now they’re running a major sale with the discount code “chicsale”, so check it out and take advantage!! Also, let me know if you like this more comprehensive format for Tuesday Shoeday, and I’ll be sure to do more in the future.

9Mar2015

Monday With Urban Darling: Spring Trend Alert

Posted in Urban Darling by Luisa Lucia

Check my breakdown of this lovely spring color trend today on the Urban Darling blog!

27Feb2015

A Little Bit Boho

Posted in Outfit Inspiration by Luisa Lucia

My style isn’t super boho, but I do love flare and wide leg jeans, so I’m pretty thrilled they’re back in style this spring. Truthfully, I wear them regardless, and as previously mentioned, I wayyyyy prefer flares over skinny jeans. People tend to think that short girls shouldn’t wear wide leg jeans, but that’s totally bogus. Yes, I usually have to have them hemmed to the right length, then I throw them on with wedges, and I actually look taller. Here I styled a pair of high-waisted, wide leg 7 Jeans that I’ve owned for years. I paired my jeans with a cropped fringe tank, a printed scarf, a floppy hat, a bucket bag, and of course wedge sandals. Obviously I live in So Cal to be wearing this outfit right now! All the elements come together in a way that’s fresh and modern, but of course with a nod to 70’s style.