Runway to Real Life: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Runway to Real Life: 3.1 Phillip Lim by hbiggs [click through for outfit details]

Whatever the weather (umm hello, 90 degrees), my mind is on Fall fashion! Runway looks usually feel so unattainable to me, like works of art that I love looking at but could never recreate. So I wanted to try a new series where I take inspiration from the runway and make it accessible for real life (because lets face it, we aren’t all models or street-style stars)… This 3.1 Phillip Lim look from Fall 2013 isn’t too over the top so it’s a great place to start. For the work look, I balanced the bold pant with a classic white blouse and a dark knit. On the weekend, I swapped the blouse for a chambray and added ankle booties to keep it effortlessly chic. What do you think? Can you see yourself rocking a bold pant and layers for work or weekend?

Wear Now, Wear Later: white trousers

Wear Now Wear Later: white trousers by hbiggs, via Polyvore

You know those easy, breezy trousers you reach for during the hot Summer months? Well you can take them from Summer to Fall with the right styling. For Summer, keep them light with a silky blouse and simple accessories. As Fall approaches, ditch the blouse in favor of a lightweight knit and a statement necklace. Add a red lip and rich cognac sandals to warm it up for the changing season.

Wear Now: Joseph pants, Balmain tank, Prada sandals, Kate Spade bangles, Topshop belt, Essie nail polish

Wear Later: Joseph pants, Helmut Lang sweater, Michael Kors sandals, Lulu Frost necklace, Saint Laurent clutch, Giorgio Armani lipstick

1 Piece, 3 Ways: Denim Cutoffs

via Polyvore (click through for product info)

Denim cutoffs are a Summer staple… that is well documented. However, I find myself wearing them the same way over and over again (something akin to outfit #2), so for your sake as much as my own I styled a few options to inspire your denim-wearing, dog days of Summer using these Rag & Bone shorts. Which look is your favorite? Have a great weekend!

What to Wear: July 4th

via Poyvore

Night Out: A twist on the classic black/white combination, this mixed-pattern dress is fresh and flattering. Leopard wedges hint at sexiness, while remaining practical for bar-hopping, and a punchy clutch adds the perfect pop of color.

Thakoon Dress, J. Crew sandals, Jessica Simpson bangles, Target studs, Givenchy clutch

Barbecue: Mix a casual Tee with a feminine midi-skirt for an unexpected and cool BBQ look. Summer sandals (that you can easily slip off to play games) and a little bling pull it all together.

J. Crew tee, Tucker skirt, Christian Louboutin sandals, BaubleBar necklace

Fireworks: Silk shorts and a cozy sweater make for an easy and chic outfit, perfect for taking in the awe of a Fireworks show! On-trend wedges and a few statement accessories give the look even more style.

DVF shorts, Topshop sweater, Hermes sandals, Sergio Rossi clutch, C. Wonder ring, Helene Zubeldia earrings

Style Inspiration: Laid-Back Summer

via Polyvore 

How effortlessly chic is this!?! Roomy shorts, a semi-sheer oversized knit, and flat sandals come together perfectly for an easy, breezy Summertime look. Plus, I love the neutral color palette and simple jewelry – it can be really refreshing to go simple sometimes, don’t you think?

 

Get the look: Gorjana and Madewell necklaces, Topshop bralette, Rag & Bone and Madewell sweater, Karen Walker sunglasses, Antik Batik and Vince Camuto sandals, Theory and Alice + Olivia shorts

Splurge v. Steal: Army-Inspired Jacket

 via Polyvore

I purchased an army-inspired parka several years ago, and it is still a go-to piece in my wardrobe for every season. It is the perfect topper for everything from feminine dresses to cut-off shorts… Whether you want to spend a lot or a little, here are two great versions that are sure to be a closet favorite. Take your pick!

Splurge: Rag & Bone for $550

Steal: Free People for $98

Summertime Wish List

via Polyvore

1. Summer Scarf (Theodora & Callum) 2. Quirky Clutch (Kate Spade) 3. Fun Sneakers (Keds) 4. Hot pink lips 5. Effortlessly Chic Jumper (Ted Baker) 6. Retro-Inspired Bikini (Topshop, bottom/top) 7. White Wide-Leg Trousers (Gucci) 8. Shorts Suit (**any suggestions??**)

>> What pieces and beauty updates are you craving for Summer? Share with me in the comments!

Splurge vs. Steal: Tweed Jacket

via Polyvore – Splurge vs. Steal: Tweed Jacket by hbiggs

Why spend upwards of $600 on the perfect Spring topper when you can get a similar style for just $188? It’s a no brainer – Get a tweedy knit in your favorite hue at NIC+ZOE to pair with white jeans, denim cutoffs, a classic shift, a flirty skirt… the options are endless for this Spring wardrobe must-have. Take your pick…

Splurge: Oscar de la Renta for the Outnet, Alice + Olivia, or Lanvin

Steal: NIC+ZOE at nicandzoe.com

1 Piece, 3 Ways: Floral Pencil Skirt

1 Piece, 3 Ways: Floral Pencil Skirt via Polyvore

I love the unexpected mix of a bright floral print with a classic pencil skirt. This piece makes a statement, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear it all the time. Here are three unique ways to style such a bright skirt for weekend, work, and evening.

Look 1: Dress the skirt down with an easy striped T-shirt and sneakers. A denim jacket balances out the mix of patterns, and simple accessories won’t compete.

Graham & Spencer top, Madewell jacket, Keds sneakers, Forever 21 bracelets, Karen Walker sunnies

Look 2: A feminine peplum top adds sophistication, creating an office-appropriate look. Add chic pumps and a bold necklace in complementary hues for an extra touch of personality. A classic leather bag and trench in neutral colors keep the look polished.

DKNY top, Martin Grant trench coat, Charlotte Olympia pumps, Armani Exchange watch, Michael Kors bag, similar necklace

Look 3: This skirt packs a punch, so for evening accent it with black. A crop top (or full tank if you aren’t comfortable with putting your abs on display), sexy heels, and an accent bag are the perfect pieces to accompany such a playful skirt.

Nomia crop top (similar), Jimmy Choo sandals, Kelly Wearstler clutch, Bottega Veneta ring 

Splurge vs. Steal: Ankle-Strap Sandals

 

I love sandals that can be easily dressed up or down for Spring and Summer… Look for details like a luxe snake skin, gold hardware, an ankle strap or cool embellishment. You can get this look at almost any price range, but here are two options I love: The splurge is a beautiful Rachel Zoe pair for $235, and the steal version are by Michael Antonio, ringing in at just $45!