Mint

THE PLAINS TRUTH

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:30:06 +0000

Somewhere between exotic and familiar, the allure of the West is inescapable. Style wise, it’s a magnificent melting pot of pioneers, Native Americans, fur trappers, vaqueros and cowboys with a dash of gold miners thrown in at the end. Dreamy and practical it’s an essential element for any wardrobe.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Always chic and infinitely versatile, shirt dresses are one of those things you can never have too many of. An Annie Oakley-esque gun patch tweaks an everyday staple.

Annie O Horn Cuffs

We’re all looking for something dramatic, wearable and affordable to add to our wardrobes. Horn cuffs fit the bill perfectly. They’re breathtakingly stunning with their natural variegations and an eco friendly material to boot! Try them over long black sleeves for maximum impact.

Colorado Creek Concho Belt

Concho belts make me really happy. “Concho” is Spanish for conch or shell and refers to the metal bits on the belt. Originally, conchos were hammered out of heavy gauge silver, usually American or Mexican silver dollars. Concho belts are awesome with jeans or feathered headdresses, but truly sensational over sweater dresses.

CALL OF THE WILDFLOWER

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:28:56 +0000

Punchy, bold and bright there are no shrinking violets among this year’s crop of floral prints. Striking and dramatic these prints flaunt the wild side of gardening. Plant some in your wardrobe and bloom all season in them.

Forever 21

A little jet set, a little Marrakech and a whole lotta style, a floral print caftan styled top with slim pants is the perfect hostess outfit for summer time fêtes.

Kay Unger

Looking for a little more bang for your bouquet? Seek out a print with deep, saturated colors to keep it wearable all year.

Milly

Everything will come up roses when you tuck a bundle of flowers under your arm everyday.

EMBELLISHED

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:26:17 +0000

Summertime living might be easy, but summertime dressing? That can be a bit more challenging. Heat and humidity can laze you into a style stupor. The chic trick is to pick up a couple pieces with a bit of embellishment that are as easy to wear as napping in a hammock.

Reiss

We all have jeans-and-t-shirt days, but that doesn’t have to mean boring basics. Something with a little shoulder bling is just as easy to pull on, but ratchets up the style quotient. Wear it with broken in jeans and Jack Rogers for a “rock star off duty” coolness.

Hale Bob

An embellished tunic is a warm weather traveler’s best find. Wear it as a swim suit cover up, over leggings and sandals for casual site seeing and with slim pants and heels for dinner.

Asos

Floaty, filmy, retro and easy a chiffon jacket with embroidered shoulders adds a shot of color and sophistication to your tank top and shorts routine. Throw it on over a simple dress and metallic heels for evening.

SUMMER WEDDINGS

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:23:20 +0000

Everyone thinks that finding the perfect wedding dress is the hardest thing, but really, finding the perfect wedding guest dress is just as difficult. You don’t want to be over dressed or under dressed. Or hot. Or cold. And since you’ll most likely be seated during the ceremony and part of the reception, you want something that won’t wrinkle. And you need to be able to dance, should the song/moment/urge strike you. Here are three options that will let you eat, drink and be merry all while looking chic.

ModCloth

A linen blend will have all the summery-ness of linen, but fewer wrinkles. It’s the perfect fabric for morning and early afternoon weddings in warm climates.

Girls from Savoy

Late afternoon and early evening weddings are my favorite, fashion-wise. Flirty silk dresses are stylish at the wedding and can be worn with a blazer for work events.

Pissaro Nights

Sometimes we don’t feel like baring our arms. Which is why sleeves were invented. For an evening summer wedding look for something with sheer sleeves to keep the overall feeling light and airy.

KNIT PICKS

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:20:49 +0000

Memorial Weekend is the kick off of summer. And summer is the season of casual get-togethers, warm nights and easy dressing. Knit dresses are a great way to stylishly keep your cool when the temperatures keep rising.

Down East

Knee length fluttering knits are amazingly versatile. Try it with a delicate strappy heel for summer and grey tights and blazers for fall.

Rei

Quick drying, wicking knits are a godsend for muggy weather or long travel itineraries. Look for a color with enough oomph to wear it past Labor Day.

Splendid

Longer and lanky, a lean t shirt dress is begging for a light weight scarf. Keep the look sharp with a funky sandal.

EXPECTING STYLE

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:34:20 +0000

When it rains it pours and all of that. It seems everyone I know is suddenly pregnant and struggling with their wardrobe. No one expects you to be a fashion plate while you’re pregnant, but with all of the changes to your body, morning sickness and so on, it would be nice to at least feel pulled together.

Gap

It’s tempting to play it safe with super simple tops, but keep your style quotient high and pick up some blouses and sweaters with edgy details.

Maternal America

For dresses, you want something simple and comfortable with ample bust coverage. Look for something that you can dress up with jewelry for evening and wear with a blazer for work.

Mountain Mama

Oodles of studies have shown that being active during pregnancy is good for both mother and baby. Pick your sports and then seek out the appropriate attire.

JUST ADD WATER

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:17:56 +0000

Swimsuits are usually the most dreaded shopping experience. It’s no wonder, since every article out there assumes you have a host of figure flaws to camouflage and conceal. How not fun is that? Instead let’s focus on what’s fabulous about you and play that up! Start seeing yourself as a bronzed goddess by applying a little sunless tanner a couple days before you try on suits. Then all you have to do is pick your best asset, follow the tips below and swimsuit shopping will be a virtual day at the beach.

Newport News

The secret to showcasing a beautiful bustline is a swimsuit is hidden support. Look for something with an invisible underwire, light padding and a sculpted neckline to emphasize your upper half.

Shape FX

Highlighting a whittled waistline is a cinch when you play with diagonal lines. A v neck suit, wide set shoulders and strategic waist details showcase your tiny waist.

Gottex

Have lovely legs? A high neck with high cut legs draws the eye upwards, lengthening and accentuating your great gams along the way.

PRETTY PLEATS

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:14:45 +0000

From Grecian to glamorous and every option in between, there are pleats aplenty for spring and summer. If you tend to shy away from prints, pleats are the perfect way to spice up a way your wardrobe of solids. Whether you opt for sharp and pressed or soft and languid, there’s a pleat to please you.

Asos

The simplicity of Doric columns and the femininity of the 1950s adds up to a universally flattering swishy dress that’s perfect for all of your summer events.

White House, Black Market

Crisp and refined, a pleated collar adds interest to basic suit jacket. The soft neutral color makes it perfect for now and later for hot fall days.

Ann Taylor

Interesting details at the neckline focuses attention on your face. The Deco-esque chevron effect of these pleats visually elongates your neck

GET YOUR KICKS

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:10:49 +0000

The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up and it’s impossible not feel like stepping out a bit more. Having a comfortable, stylish pair of shoes makes it even more fun to see things you might never see again.

Privo

A little bit urban, a little bit refined and little bit Euro. A mix of materials and finishes enhance a classic sneaker. The no tie closure makes them airport friendly and offers a near custom fit.

Puma

Don’t be fooled by the mesh and patent leather. This ballet flat inspired slip on is pure athleticism underneath. It’s the perfect marriage of German engineering and feminine design.

Converse

Some times you can’t beat a classic sneaker. And the beauty of canvas sneakers is that more beaten up and broken in they are, the more stylish they get.

CUT SOME SLACK

Kathryn Lovell — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:05:54 +0000

Pants are making a come back! I know you’ve all been living in skirts, patiently waiting for the fashion oracle to intone “Thou shalt wear pants.” Hallelujah! That moment has arrived and to avoid being stylistically smited, I suggest you put some pants on.

BCBG

The key to having wide legged pants look infinitely chic, making you look unbelievable leggy, is to make sure they aren’t skin tight through the bottom. They skim your hips and then fluidly drape from tush to hem.

Theory

A little bit of 70s style worked its way into spring. Think of a fit-and-flare silhouette as a refined twist on bell bottoms. All the glamour of Bianca Jagger, minus the drama.

Express

Slim pants are maintaining the Mad Men influence. I prefer the look of ankle cigarette pants to full length because the bunching up at my shoes drives me crazy. I think the slight cropped pant looks more modern and showcases a spectacular pair of shoes better than other pants.