So, I was perusing on LookBook.nu, when I was struck by 24 year old Fashion Designer/Blogger from Manila wearing these fierce green pants that were etched with gold lining, creating a look of fabric scales on her legs. She appopiately titled her look "Reptile."
For those of you who are not familar with LookBook, it is basically a forum for fashionistas to post pictures of themselves, in their own looks, to be shared and hyped by equally enthusaistic fashionistas.  Camille C. was on the "Hot" page, meaning she is one of the top hyped looks on the site.  
The great thing about LookBook is you have the option to list the source of your clothes. In Camille C.'s case, her stem stunners came from VirgosLounge.com.
Now it's time to talk about what I came here to talk about!
VirgosLounge has some beautiful, distinct peices that look expensive, but really aren't! I had to share my new found fashion sweet spot! Check out some of my fav finds:

Camille C. in her Virgos Lounge pants on LookBook.nu

Ziggy Green $45, but sorry, these pants are sold out! Camille C. should probably be the one saying sorry for that. But they do offer it in a deep wine red color! 

Daffy Jacket $78. Would you have thought to pair this top with light aqua? Honestly, idk if I would, but it works! Love the beaded work. This could really spruce up a pair of denim too.

Blake Green-$25, only $25!

Nila Skirt, $49. It looks like flower petals.

I almost do not want to share the last one, because I'm scared other girls will get it and wear it before I do! I think it's stunning!



Poppy, $85


Virgos Lounge
LookBook

Without a Clue for Color

Dear Dress Up. Write Down,

I need more color in my work wardrobe! I feel like I'm always in black/ grey/ navy or red because I want to be professional.  My ultra conservative bosses loves it, but the hot boys in the hall? Probably not.

Dear Colorless Chicka,

It is certainly possible to be conservative AND attractive, in fact, that combination may be the very definition of classy or elegant. Color is the key element that will allow you to heat up your conservative looks, while still remaining appropriate. Here’s how:

Wear a suit in a statement color: Red, by the way, is actually a great choice. It makes you instantly sexy in a tasteful way, and it looks stellar with black and white add ons (think tweed pumps). It sounds like you need life back in your closet, so try on a bright suit for size. Do consider your wardrobe though. What are the existing, reoccurring colors of your tops? Ideally, you want your suit to be easily incorporated with what you already own. I’m a big fan of thrift stores or consignment shops for interesting, colorful suits, not only because I’ve scored great finds in the past, but also because suits can get pretty pricey. Check out this patterned cobalt suit I snatched at Salvation Army for $15. Pattern is completely appropriate by the way, and with a price like that, you can afford to experiment.  But remember, when it comes to suits, fit always trumps any color or print, and also, if you do wear a colored suit, go neutral with other elements of your outfit.

Vintage Suit, Salvation Army $15

Get colorful with undershirts: Of course, you may be wondering, ‘But, how do I add color to my existing black and blue suits?’ At the risk of sounding obvious, opt for colorful patterned undershirts. This comes down to preference, so the options are endless. You can decide whether it be a button up (option for collar out or in), or a V-neck, but whatever you do, do not show any cleavage. That will turn off your conservative boss more than a neon orange body suit. And keep those silk and lace camisoles under your clothes!  They look like lingerie! Pussy bow blouses are a stellar option for enjoying silk, while adding color, interest and style. I say, go for a colorful print that you think could be framed on the wall if not worn on your back.

Rafaella Print Boxy Blouse, ShopStyle.com $42.99

3.1 Phillip Lim, Shopstyle.com $414

Tribal Print Tank Top, BluePlateFashion.com $49.99

Tie in a colorful scarf: A neck scarf will add a pop of hue and make you feel Parisian all at the same time.  I like to focus on the square scarf that ties at the neck, because except for on flight attendants, I don’t see this look enough! Try it and stand out in a chic way! Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, Marni, and Versace are just some of the designers that offer beautiful silk square scarf as an investment piece, but American Apparel has a new line of square scarves in their Vintage collection that range from $5-35, and Mango offers some for less than $50. Have fun with color and print with these, they are very sophisticated, and therefore can handle wilder aesthetics. This is also a great item to go vintage, so ask to see your Grandmother or Aunt’s collection; they might let you borrow one.  

Vintage Bright Floral Bouquet Scarf, American Apparel $5

Step into a vibrant pump: We know your boss is conservative, so anything resembling stripper heels or fashionista footwear will not work. That being said, avoid 6 inchers, mega bling, or anything you have worn out clubbing. Stick to a conservative pump (a kitten heel is both very appropriate, on trend runway wise, AND comfortable) but add zing with a stand out color. The good news is, with all this restraint, it’s safe to go bold with hue!  I promise! Another bonus is, with all your black, gray and blue suits, virtually any color that your foot fancies is a ‘do.’

Collection Valentina snakeskin pumps, JCrew $425

Slip a statement necklace around your neck: A colorful, statement necklace takes your blah attire to a whole new, refreshing level. It’s a good time to go big here, whether it is a longer, chunky necklace or bib piece. Austere work attire in BLACK is always a smart choice when throwing on colorful add ons, such as jade green or turquoise. Pick the statement necklace that speaks to YOU. Your statement should be “wow” when you see it. Kate Spade offers a great selection of colorful necklaces that do not error on the side of rainbow cheesy. They are made perfect for a professional setting while still achieving ultra-cuteness. Check them out at KateSpade.com.

Bottom line: If you are wise with conservative cuts, and smart with balancing color with nuetrals, you can then let yourself have fun with color, whether it be on a sharp suit, around your neck, or on your feet. You work hard, and you deserve the enjoyment! As a bonus, “the hot boys in the hall” will certainly love it.

You Want Me to Wear What?  

I remember at the age of 9, my inner fashionista paired plaid shorts with a floral-printed shirt. I felt great in the combo, just fabulous, but then my grandmother patiently informed me that printed tops belong with solid, same-color bottoms.  This norm was further forged growing up in “Middle America,” with the only revision to the rule being jeans counted as the infallible "solid color" pant-wear to dress in daily. But now as I type, 15 years later, wearing a bright, neon yellow pencil skirt with a floral top in sky blue, I know the matching-solid-with-a-print rule IS NOT enforced on the runway, nor should it be in my wardrobe. I’ve noticed three striking, common, designer combinations you may want to consider:

The Mix-Match

 Mono-color Separates

The Off -color Match-up

All of which, sadly,don't step off the runway into my world hardly enough.

The Look:

The Mix-Match: 

I noticed a TJ Maxx add yesterday where the model wore navy tribal printed pants and a turquoise and crème striped shirt. It seems as if mixing prints is hitting mainstream America. Although it is the modern style, something that will probably separate this decade from the last, mixing prints is definitely not new to the runways. In fall 2000, Prada, Dolce & Gabanna, and Fendi all sported clothing mish mashes, just to name a few.

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Fendi fall 2000

I will say though, fashion has become a lot edgier in recent years, particularly in mixing prints. Just look at Marc Jacob’s fall 2000 show, compared to his fall 2012. It’s a great example of fashion becoming funkier with coordination as of late.

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Mar Jacobs fall 2000

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Marc Jacobs fall 2012

Tip: Start by mixing prints in the same color family, and sizing scheme. So, for example, if you have a skirt with small polka dots in red and white, opt for a top with small floral print, as opposed to larger, in a red and white. Think Stella McCartney for spring 2012.
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Stella McCartney spring 2012

The Look:

Mono-color separates:

This look simply consists of a top and bottom in the same color. The first thing that comes to mind is Blumarine Fall 2011, when Anna Molinari sent out a pair of sexy purple trousers topped with a purple turtleneck. By the time the yellow and orange renditions strutted out, this color on color pairing seemed so right, but still, so wrong? It’s just that I never see anyone wear this! When I speak for myself, my instincts say, ‘All the same color? Boring!  Where is the fun?’  And of course, that grandmother figure is still in my head, shaking her own disapproving head. But the result is bold, not boring, and oh so chic! Sometimes minimal creates the most appeal.  (Don’t believe me; check out Calvin Klein, the epitome of minimal cool, any season! But for spring ’12, Calvin Klein's Francisco Costa sent out a slew of one-tone match ups for your fancy).

Tip: Try contrasting fabrics when you're not contrasting with color.


Calvin Klein spring 2012

Tip: Stick to long, slimming cuts because they, along with the mono-tone, elongate your body.

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Blumarine fall 2011

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Bluamrine fall 2011

The Look:

The Off-Color Match Up

 Sometimes, however, a solid color with a print is effective, but perhaps , the combo packs the most heat when the solid color doesn’t match the color of the print exactly. Furthermore, two completely different colors can create a very pleasing aesthetic. My personal fav is blue and yellow, indicated by what I’m wearing and mentioned earlier. A favorite of the fall ’12 runway was pink and red, seen at Dior, and Dries von Furstenberg.
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Dior fall 2012

Tip: Take a color from a print and then pair it with a solid tone in the same color family, seen here with the darker and lighter shades of pink by Balenciaga Fall 2012.  It’s more chic than a dead on match.

Balenciaga fall 2012

And sometimes, the traditional pairing of a print with a matching color just works. I absolutely adore Chanel's matching line-up for fall 2012. I guess rules are meant to be broken, but not all the time.




Chanel fall 2012

Chanel fall 2012



The Invisible Shirt You Must See

Almost all of us have at least one of these- a top that intentionally does not completely cover, whether it be a lace throw over, an embroider patchwork cardigan, or a sheer blouse.  They all can inevitably lead you to ask, “What do I wear underneath?” This can complicate the dressing process so much that you avoid wearing your pretty little see-through shirt all together. There is a solution, a very easy, simple one, almost as clear as your skin in your peek-boo- top, and that is a nude colored body tank. 

A nude colored tank does not distract from the true sight to behold, and that is your main cover up.  A common inclination is to wear a white shirt underneath, but this can be the worst possible choice. Check out the differences a nude tank makes as opposed to a white one in these looks:

Although a nude tank is an easy solution to dressing, believe it or not, it is not an easy find! Online, the affordable stores that come to mind, such as Hanes, Target, and Kmart, do not offer any nude camis! I even came up empty handed at Victoria Secret, Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe online. Gap.com is your best, and seemingly only, bet for a quality nude cami. Try their Body Support Cami in Light Nude for $22.50. If you like everything on your bod to be luxurious, then check out HerRoom.com, where you will find pricey nude tanks, such as one by Donna Karen for $52.

I guess the easiest solution is sometimes the hardest to get your hands on. But if you pass by a nude tank ( I have the hunch they are easier, and cheaper, to find away from the computer), snag it! It's one of the most affordable, greatested investments for your wardrobe, even though no one will see it.  

Everyday this week I Dressed Up and Wrote Down. Here are my seven looks for you to Try, all with true and tested Tips.

Day 1: 

I’m a Princess 

Try: ...A pink and purple pairing. 

Tip: Keep the two tones both ultra soft for a feminine touch. Seek luxurious materials such as satin and cashmere, as well as sparkly details that make you feel like a girl playing dress up. Check out Valentino’s F/W 2012 runway looks for lovely spins on rouges, as well as Alberta Ferretti’s play with pink and purple in here Philosophy line for F/W 2012.

Day 2:

Casual Prim 

Try: ...A graphic tee with a feminine, printed skirt.  

Tip: Balance and add edge to a a high waisted, short, preferably aline skirt with a printed tee. It creates that cool contrast between girly/tomboy, dressy/casual, plus a smart graphic can be a visual treat when complimented with a print, such as the floral one seen here. Check out Dior Fall/Winter 2012 for some great skirt inspiration, as well as Dolce & Gabbana, and Mochino Cheap and Chic F/W 2012 for some  cutely paired examples. Be sure to tuck your tee in, with option to tie in with a simple belt. This look is especially right for those who want to show off their trim waist. 

Day 3: 

A Play on Hems

Try: ...A shorter-hemline skirt under a long tunic. 

...A chain belt, such as this gold one, to enliven and sexify simple looks and color schemes,  such as this one. 

...Brightly colored boots, especially if you wear a lot of black, gray, or beiges. They will complete your wardrobe with an ease and pop. 

Tip: Don’t match the peek out skirt the exact same shade or even color as seen on tunic.  For example, say you have a dark green and white printed tunic, then opt for a lime green, or even purple short skirt to peek out for optimal visual effect. Check out Isabel Marant’s F/W 2012 collection for this look. 

Dries Van Noten introduced fire engine red booties and  Diane Von Furstenberg inspired with shiny gold belts, both on black and white ensembles. 

Day 4:

Winter’s Sun 

Try: ...Yellow in winter paired with heavy cover ups and add ons in black. 

...Black/gray leopard print with yellow. 

Tip: Bring on brightness in the gray of winter with yellow. Combine a black and white texture or print with a black leopard print. As long as you keep your leopard print in the same color family, you can almost always add it to the mix for heightened style. 

Wear your classic  pearl necklace over a top, especially a turtle neck, for a girly, classy touch. Check out Donna Karan’s F/W 2012 collection for this accessorized look.

Day 5: 

Spring in Winter 

Try: ...A turtle neck under a Summer/Spring dress. Think Celine, F/W 2011. 

Tip: Tie in a turtle neck with a matching belt, it will balance the airy, light quality of your favorite warm weather frock,  and anchor, as well as add weight to the look, thus creating a more heavy, winterized appeal. For a further glimpse, check out Léonard F/W 2011 take of a cream dress lightly printed with flowers, and fully winterized with a black turtle neck and fasten at waist. 

Day 6:  

The Black Canvas 

Try: ...Bold add ons for your favorite plain, black dress. Three winning choices? A bright, bold colored boot or heel, a statement belt, and colorful, chic neck scarf. 

Tip: Seek complimenting colors for your accesories without being too matchy matchy, such as this boot’s bright red with the scarfs vibrant, yellow and cobalt. Check out Ralph Lauren’s F/W 2011 collection, where black ensembles are spiked with emerald green and bright red tassel necklaces and earrings, as well as silver buckle belts. 



Your Wardrobe Weapon: The Track Attack

Do you ever stare at your closet in a confused daze when trying to decide what to wear? Do you know there have been times where you liked what you wore, but more often, you end up feeling less than enthused with what you put haphazardly together? 

Simply put, a wardrobe tracking system keeps record of what you wear on a daily basis, but can be utilized for complex solutions to optimizing your wardrobe. It’s so easy to forget looks that work, ones that definitely do not, or target the right pieces for a given occasion, but with a simple tracking system, you can record looks that make you look and feel good, and ones that don’t, and therefore create go-to outfits that make dressing easy. Imagine, packing for a trip by simply scanning a simple list, a list that is so easy to formulate. Or even referring to a list for those days you are staring clueless in front of your closet. 

The following are easy steps to get you started in wardrobe tracking. But first, here are a few things to set straight: 

It’s ok to wear the same thing twice. It’s far better to have a designated, classy outfit, for a given occasion (like a “Camping Look”) than to wear something not as stylish, just because it is different than last time. 

The only exception where it is ok to wear outfits you don’t love are days when you are experimenting with your clothes. Try new looks out, like for example, when you purchase a new piece you still need to incorporate with your wardrobe. Don’t worry, the following tracking system will prevent an experiment from turning into a repeat fashion offense. You wont discover looks you love without daring to wear new ones.  

Now for the tracking system: 

-Buy a notebook, I like a pad, more of than a spiral, because it is easy to flip through the pages. Keep it in a convenient spot. For me, it is in a larger bowl slid under my dresser, with a pencil saving my spot. 

-Write down what you wear everyday. If you change within a day, write that down too. Even record exercise clothes- why not love what you wear to the gym too? Include accessories, which means jewelry, belts, shoes and bags. Me personally, sometimes I leave accessories out, so when I wear an outfit again, I get some fun in re-picking them out. 

-Develop a short hand. 

           Just add color or descriptive word....

BW: black and white (like striped bw) 

Pencil: pencil skirt (like green pencil)

Skinnies: skinny pants (like black skinnies)

Skinny: skinny belt  (like brown skinny) 

Peep-toe: peep-toe (like leopard peep-toe) 

Multi: multi-colored (like multi-colored sweater)

-Every week, look over list of daily records, and star the ones that you enjoyed wearing.

-Make a list of all starred outfits. An easy way to categorize it is by season. For example, make a list for “Spring”, and add your favorite outfits to that list as the season goes on. The great thing about Spring is, when Fall comes around, you can practically use the same list. 

-Use your season lists as a go-to resource for what your best outfits are for the following scenarios:  

Packing for a trip

Special Occasions

Dates 

but most importantly, ANY AND EVERY DAY! Everyday, you are out in the world, and deserve to put your best outfit forward. 

-Go more in depth, if you wish, by creating more categories for your starred items. Try some of the following: 

Casual Day/Night 

Dressy Day/Night 

Work Clothes 

Please Wear Again

-You can also list specific looks: 

Meet the Parents 

Move Day 

Job Interview 

Other things you can do with your wardrobe tracking: 

When you are trying on outfits, you might like something you put together, but don’t what to wear it right then. So write down this outfits under “Please Wear.” When you want to wear something fresh, this is a good go-to list. It’s so easy to forget your ideas, so put em down on paper! 

When you are putting looks together, sometimes you find yourself saying, “If I only had a red skirt, this outfit would be great!” Well, write red skirt down under “Please Buy.” Refer to this list for your next shopping trip, that way you buys items that will enhance your wardrobe.  

Psychologists all agree, tracking down any behavior causes improvement in that area. By simply writing what you wear everyday, who knows, on a rainy day you might find yourself looking over your note pad and coming to some great, personal fashion realizations. You’re guaranteed at least some solid fashion reminders. Imagine waking up, knowing exactly what you will be wearing And it’s fabulous. No more staring at your closet. 

Hints from the Runway

Try some of these easy pairings to add a little designer to your look (No budget needed!)

Black Shirt:White Collar 

Seen at Calvin Klein, DKNY and Louis Vuitton, this classic combo creates simple, instant polish. Try a rounded collar for a more modern take.

DKNY

Turtle Neck:Sweater

Seen at Celine, with slick trousers. Also pair your fall turtleneck with a collarless coat, a classic trench, or a fur vest.

Celine

Bright Tights

Seen at Fendi. Pair with a neutral knee length skirt, and a patterned top that picks up the color of the tights. Plaid is a smart fall option, as are ankle strap pumps.

Fendi

White Button Up:Black Skirt 

Seen at Ralph Lauren. Every woman should own a classic white button up and black skirt. Ralph Lauren makes the two staples fresh again. Simply add accessories with hints of color. Lauren went with green add-ons and red lips. A belt with a center buckle is the perfect way to complete the look.

Ralph Lauren

Socks:Booties 

Seen at Dries Van Noten, Dior and Marc by Marc Jacobs. If you will be sporting black booties next season, take a hint from Dior and opt for over-the-rim black socks or bunched leg warmers (not too thick). Or, just as well, bring in color. Try a deep fall tone, like rich burgundy. Also, bringing a pattern to the leg, perhaps peeped out of a snakeskin boot, as seen below, adds ultra cool interest.

Dries Van Noten