Casual, Cold Weather, Color, Real Talk, Recap, Shopping Guide

What Am I Even Wearing – Part 2

A few weeks ago, I started a blind trek into my fall and winter wardrobe, feeling a little under-prepared and undereducated on what’s hot and trendy for Autumn 2016. In need of a little fashion inspo-I turned to the street style stars of fashion week to figure out just want to put in my cart during my late night shopping sessions. I’m thrilled to announce that the 90s are alive this fall, but so are some new looks. I’ve rounded up my top picks to make your weekend trips to the mall a little more streamlined.

TREND 4 – WEIRDLY-SHAPED SWEATERS

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Photo Cred: Vogue.com

Thank goodness for the asymmetrical sweater, because its sister-knit, the regular sweater, really needed an upgrade. Be on the lookout for splits, cutouts, and dangling hems on brightly hued, deeply saturated knits. Last winter, I finally ponied up the cash for an Equipment sweater and it quickly became my go-to (as evidenced here and here), so I recommend shelling out a little more for a squishy-soft designer piece. But if that’s not your jam, try out a steal option.

 
TREND 5 – SAY IT WITH SLEEVE

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Photo Cred: Vogue.com

If summer was about the shoulder, fall is all about the sleeve. The statement sleeve is here and taking every mass retailer by storm. Some tops are tied up, laced up, or cinched, while others bell out or puff in the middle. For the first time in a long time, we have the opportunity to express ourselves with the bottom portion of our arms (FINALLY, amiright?) and I find that novel and exciting. If you’re gonna say something, say it with a sleeve that screams, “NOTICE MEEEEEEE.” Choose wisely how much you spend, or just be careful when eating large bowls or soup or reaching by open flames.

Quick shop = Tibi or F21

TREND 6 – PANTS YOU CAN REALLY LIVE IN

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Billowing bottoms are totally what’s up for fall, as as a women with hips and a booty, I’m thrilled. Skinny jeans aren’t going anywhere, but I’m so aware of my lack of stick-skinniness when I wear them. Say it with me: Wide leg pants that float away from your widest part are your friend. I live in a black trouser from Zara and can’t wait to take their cold-weather counterpart for a spin. A light-colored hue will keep chunky sweaters feeling too heavy. Pro-tip: A heel is best with these pants so your ankles still look lean and pretty. If you’re a flat devotee and you pick up some full-length wide trousers, have your tailor hem your pants so there is no break; this will keep your legs from looking stumpy or frumpy.

 

TREND 7 – BLOCK PARTY

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Photo Credit: Vogue.com

This season’s boots go in two extremes: high or low. You can either opt for the sexy over the knee boot—highly recommend this – it really will boost your morale!—or the street smart block heel bootie that literally goes all day and doesn’t bat an eye (if booties had eyes that is..). Having nearly walked holes into my Stuart Weitzmans, I’m seeking out a relief hitter from Rag and Bone, but these nearly identical ones really gave my designer dreams a run for their money. I love the block heeled boot because you get the lift of a pump, but the mobility of a flat. #cantstopwontstop

TREND 8 – SLIDE TO THE LEFT

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The uber trendy slides are the perfect way to show everyone that the world is your bedroom. These super-chic, difficult to walk in slides a la Gucci’s Alessandro Michele are popping up everywhere. They certainly have curb appeal don’t they? Shop at Saks for a pair, or head to Zara, to join the club of ladies slip, slidin’ around.

Happy shopping! I can’t wait to see the fabulous outfits my friends start putting together; and with the temperature dropping every day, I’m pretty sure I won’t have to seek inspiration from social media much longer. We’re taking it to the streets! Be sure to follow my  N E W Pinterest board for more fall-fashion picks.

Stay cozy, lovelies.

xx – Haley

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Cold Weather, Color, Daytime Look, Fall/Winter, haley hoover, Real Talk

What Am I Even Wearing?

WELCOME FALL. You are here now. You have officially taking up the roost and shooed my darling summertime away. It’s fine, I’m just a little stressed is all.

With cooler temps upon us, the next wave of trends is rolling in, too. I’ve been in a conundrum for the past two weeks as I feel a nip in the air when I walk to the train. One question pounds around in my cranium all morning as the J train inches towards Manhattan: “What am I wearing this season?” I’ve been pestering my friend Kate for months about what the new, hot boot will be, but she always shot me down saying it was too early and too hot to talk about fall. She was right.  But fall always got me buggin! I’ve never felt adequately wardrobed for autumn, it’s my worst season. I’ve never loved jeans and growing up, my corduroys always “swished, swished, swished” in such a way that I grew to hate most pants in general.

Determined to get it right, I start my research early. This year was tricky because things in the trend cycle are starting fresh—only the most daring and fabulous are in the know. We all knew to buy off the shoulder tops for summer this year, because only the coolest of the cool were wearing them last year.  At this point, I’m keeping my eyes on the stars. Thankfully, all of those glittering fashion plates are gathered at fashion weeks across the globe, so I found it fitting to report on what to wear through the eyes of the most talented street stylists—and photographers—out there. Here’s what to shop to nail Fall 2016 and spoiler alert(!)—if you’re a 90s baby, you’re in for a treat.

TREND 1 – EAT SPAGHETTI 

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Photo Cred: VogueRunway.com / Phil Oh

I wasn’t kidding about 90s swag; it is back and it is alive. I vividly remember having a purple tee and lime green tank combo that I rocked in the 4th grade (circa 1994?) and envisioning a grown-up version of that ensemble on my now is still a little hard to swallow. I’ll dip my toe via the most 90s establishment out there: The Gap.

Quick take = Zara Tank + Gap Tee

 

TREND 2 – BLACK AND WHITE AND PRINTED ALL OVER

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Photo Cred: VogueRunway.com / Phil Oh

Praise The Lord for a great printed blouse, a statement piece all on its own. Tuck it into jeans on your way to Sunday brunch or trousers when you’re running late for work on Wednesdays. Pick up stress-free wearable ones from Zara or JCrew Factory or find treasured, glossy (read: high maintenance) ones at Equipment and ALC.

 

TREND 3 – COLD CLAVICLES 

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Photo Cred: VogueRunway.com / Phil Oh

Get ready to keep freezing those shoulders off, babies, because the off the shoulder blouses and sweaters ain’t going anywhere! Trust, your arms will be warmed because crazy sleeves are all the rage too (see below). I’m looking at knits to stay cozy, but would be swayed for bright or ruffling versions when Saturday nights come a calling.

 

I’ll just leave these here for everyone to digest. Ready your wallets, ladies! It’s time to shop; I’ll be back later this week with a little more food fashion for thought.

Happy Monday, y’all.

xx – Haley

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Color, Daytime Look, haley hoover, Real Talk, Shopping Guide, Spring/Summer

Bare Boned

I’d like to start out by giving a nod to The Bachelor for keeping me in the know of what cool girls are wearing in fashion.  Ever since our move to New York, I’ve been pursuing an NYC look; streamlined, darker, cool shoes. But every now and then, I find it wise to look west to our rivals friends in LA and see what they’re wearing, especially in summertime. In this case, I found my LA-inspo via Bachelor Ben’s gaggle of lovely, *mostly* mild-mannered honies (ps, there’s some debate on how to spell the plural form of Honey, but per urban dictionary this is right). Sure Lauren B and Amanda had some incredibly Cali Style, but I loved Jojo (of course)—she’s from Texas so we are kindof southern sisters and she continually rocked amazing off the shoulder tops. I’d seen shoulder baring tops here and there at the tail end of last summer, but once the girls on America’s Reality Show starting wearing them, I knew we’d be inundated with options this summer, because nothing says, “It’s summer. Let’s date.” like a pair of suntanned shoulders and collar bone.

Wanna climb aboard the trendy train? It’s so easy this summer! I love the off the shoulder top vs. the crop tops and deep v’s of days past because a) everyone has shoulders and b) almost always they are worth showing off  and c) you can show them off in a decent, classy way. You can pop this little top on over cutoffs or distressed jeans or dress it way up with a fitted skirt and heels. I posted a picture of me in this outfit a few weeks back and someone commented that this is the “ultimate flirty outfit.” To that I say thank you, first off, and also I don’t disagree.

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A little shoulder goes a long way.

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I love how this top floats; it’s so easy to pair with whatever!

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This is me thinking about how many times I’m wearing this top all summer.

I think this style has longevity. Get ready—I predict designers taking the off the shoulder look far into cooler months because it’s just so dang fun to wear. Plus these tops are flying off the shelves; retailers everywhere are thanking their lucky stars for The Bachelor, probably. It’s like they always say: Shoulder Sells.

Wanna get in on the action, but not sure where to start? I’ve pinned TONS of tops, outfit ideas, and dresses right here on my new Pinterest board to get ya going. Like seriously, there is so much to see.  Click over and get to shopping. Don’t forget to email me if you have questions!

 

xx – Haley

Key Pieces: Top – Zara // Earrings – J Crew // Shoes – Sam Edelman // Nails – Be There in a Prosecco, OPI

 

 

 

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Color, Fall/Winter

Revamp 2015: Back to Black and Blues

Resolved – to step up my game.

Resolved – to be more adventurous.

Resolved – to try new things.

Sound familiar? There’s something about January 1 that elicits motivation. And then there’s something about January 13th that conjures fatigue. Most resolutions are well intended, but the clutter of life and disappearance of the holidays makes our resoluteness much less profound than intended.

So let’s talk fashion resolutions.

Want to be polished and put together, but not bland? If you want to be A-game chic with adventurous style, go back to black… with just a little bit of blue. Many women are scared to pair navy with black (almost akin to the fear of wearing two different shades of black). I tell my clients to take baby steps, add grey to your dark-neutral potpourri. Soon enough you’ll be captain of the navy and black team and without the end of January burnout.

 The below pictures were taken by my dear, talented friend, Ashley Revell. If you live in NYC and need a smart photog, look this girl up!

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A tiny, baby heel ramps up a look from cool and casual to cool and polished.

All photos by Ashley Revell Photography

This month, look for pieces in deep shades of navy to wear with your favorite black jeans or work trousers. Top this with a grey boyfriend cardi and pointy heel. See? Baby steps never looked so resolute!

Back to Black and Blues

With determination,

Haley, SMP Stylist

Wearing: Blouse – JCrew (Sold Out, Similar), Blazer – H&M (Old, Similar), Pants – Nordstrom (Sold Out, Similar), Vest – Intermix (Sold Out, Similar), Shoes – Kohls

Want some help looking for fashionably adventurous pieces to add to your closet? That’s where our team of talented stylists come in! Head to our home page now to learn more about what Style Me Perfect can do to make 2015 your most chic year yet!

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Color

Pantone Color of the Year: Orchid

Sometimes we take on trends full throttle: see the previous posts by the lovely Carrie-duo. Other times, we ease into them, like taking tiny sips of a hot latte to adjust. I’m dipping into this orchid trend. I love the jewel hue, it’s sure to be flattering and girly on anyone! However, the twenty-something set often has to allocate wardrobe assets carefully. Currently, all my monies are headed for black pants, black tees, black tees, and maybe some fabulous ankle booties, so jumping back on the color train comes with hesitation.

But where does even the most adamant of neutral-wearers wear color? On her nails of course! So, the Pantone Color of the Year is heading straight to my fingertips for the time being. Right now, I’m playing will the chill+glam look. You know the one; the ladies of J.Crew do it on the daily. Sweats and sweaters and flannels all decked-out with statement earrings, and a gaggle of arm candy.

You’ll find the color on my wrists, in my dreams, and on my mani.

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Of the moment color: YSL lipslicks and Essie: The Girls Are Out

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nov13_0157Wearing:

Flannel Shirt (husband’s): J.Crew (similar). Sweatpants: J.Crew. Earrings: Nordstrom (similar). Bracelets: J.Crew (old), House of Harlow 1960Lily+Laura, Nordstrom (similar), Rolex (gift!).

No matter what you do, find a way to be colorful!

– H

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