The Daily Stylist

Always on the move..

2009-08-13T00:16:00.002-04:00

I got my own domain name... so this should be the last time I move.

To keep the style coming just visit http://thedailystylistblog.com

Thanks for the support!

xX <3 J

Thursday, August 6th

2009-08-06T22:18:00.004-04:00

Red Belt

Dress: To The Max

Belt: Form Beacon's Closet

Shoes: Kathryn Amberleigh

I think we can now all say with confidence, that I am obsessed with belts. Not that I have an outrageous number of them, but I apparently wear one with most outfits. This is a fact I was unaware of before I began this blog. The dress in the picture came with a self-fabric belt. Although this can be a good option for some dresses/occasions, I prefer to add something a little less expected. Today I chose a red belt to compliment this otherwise neutral outfit. A colored belt is a great way to give character to an ensemble leaning towards blah. Try it out! It is a simple style trick, but first a few tips!

1. Try to compliment the outfit by adding an element of contrast. The color of the belt doesn't necessarily have to be represented anywhere else in the outfit.
2. Let the belt be the center of attention. Don't challenge the belt with statement shoes.
3. Go with what you love! You can always learn from your mistakes... even a fashion faux pas ;)

xX

What color of belt do you think would be the wisest investment?

Wednesday, August 5th

2009-08-05T21:30:00.009-04:00

Pleated Shorts

Top: Yumi Kim

Shorts: Old Navy

Bag: Gryson for Target

Sandals: Old Navy

"Jorts" (jeans + shorts = jorts) are everywhere! I remember a few years back when "jorts" were subjected to much scrutiny, and even the inspiration for a few theme parties in college. Now denim shorts have segued into mainstream fashion. What began as the unofficial uniform of the LES and hipsters everywhere, is now just as, if not more, fashionably acceptable as a denim skirt. I love my cutoffs just as much as the next urbanite, but these dark denim pleated shorts are a great alternative if you do not praise holey denim. I also like these because the pleating causes them to flare away from the leg. A friendlier option for the less than modelesque.

Today I added a flowy silk top to even out the proportions and flat leather sandals.

xX

Share your opinion on jorts...

Tuesday, August 4th

2009-08-04T22:27:00.017-04:00

Magical Maxi

Dress: Yumi Kim

Shoes: Converse

Hippie Floral Print

Ahhh... I love these shoes, but they are on their last leg :(

I truly love maxi dresses. Sure they are pretty, sure they make you feel ethereal, and okay they are really trendy right now. Although I agree with the aforementioned traits, none are the reason for my obsession. Bottom line, I love maxi dresses because when you have one on it feels like you are wearing a luxurious nightgown (especially if it is silk like the one pictured). Maxi dresses are the epitome of comfortable chic. Mondays and Tuesdays are my favorite days to thrown on a maxi for work, because let's be honest my bed is where I really want to be. Wake up a little late, let your hair air dry (it is part of the look), throw on a maxi and go! For shoe options go with a flat sandal for day, or mix it up with simple sneakers like I did today. Also try this option for day-to-play by adding wedges and some bangles for an evening worthy look.

xX

How do you rock your favorite maxi?

Monday, August 3rd

2009-08-04T00:34:00.007-04:00

Colored Denim

Shirt: Saint Grace

Belt: Target... CENTURIES ago

Skirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Nine West

I realize that this is not the most creative of outfits. However... I am wearing red denim. Colored denim fades in and out of fashion frequently, fade being the key work here. Denim in any other color than shades of blue and black can be difficult to carry off, which explains why it never quite takes over the trend forecast.

Colored Denim 101:

1. A skirt can be easier to pull off than full length pants
2. Fit is essential. You are already drawing enough attention as it is.
3. Keep it simple. Pair with a solid neutral while you are still warming up to this blue jean alternative.

xX

Color woes? Feel free to ask questions! I'm happy to help make this statement work for your style.

Saturday, August 1st

2009-08-02T19:52:00.007-04:00

Pounding the Pavement

Tee: American Apparel

Belt: Too old to remember

Shorts: Citizens of Humanity

Sandals: Target

Now that I have lived in NYC for a year, I have also been in my apartment for a year... which means the dreaded task of apartment searching in New York City. When I got dressed this morning I had to factor in heat and comfort, while still trying to look put together enough for someone to rent an apartment to me. I went for one of my favorite American Apparel t-shirts and jean shorts. I opted for tucking the front of my tee in and added a belt to avoid coming off sloppy. The gladiators are just as comfortable as foam flip flops, but look so much better. I was comfortable through all seven apartment viewings, and think I found the perfect little charmer!!

xX

Now I just have to figure out what to wear to sign the lease ;)

Friday, July 31st

2009-07-31T23:14:00.005-04:00

Simple Scarf

Top: Velvet

Shorts: Sunshine & Shadow

Scarf: Vintage (Susan's grandmother's)

Shoes: Kathryn Amberleigh

This outfit is really all about the scarf. This scarf was my roommate Susan's grandmother's. It has such a fun vintage feel, and is really great colors. A scarf can be the only difference between looking like you walked out of American Eagle and looking like you walked out of Banana Republic. Which is a great testament to the fact that one accessory can make or break an outfit. Try challenging yourself to take time to add at least one accessory to every outfit. You will be amazed how much more ready for the day you will feel!

What accessory do you think has the most influence on an outfit?

Side note: Yes. I know I look like one of those models with no eyebrows (minus the model part). A trend I do not fully support! Looks like I learned this lesson the hard way, and will not be leaving the house without filling in my brows EVER again. "E.T. phone home."

Thursday, July 30th

2009-07-31T18:05:00.014-04:00

My First Annual
New Yorkiversary

Top: Yumi Kim

Shorts: DeHoghton

Sandals: Charlotte Russe
Gladiators: Sam Edleman

It is official! I gave into my torrid love affair with NYC and moved here exactly one year ago... translation: celebration called for! Conveniently enough Kim had a party to go to with a Grey Goose open bar. I wanted to find something that could take me from day-to-play, so I wouldn't have to come up with two outfits before 9 a.m. I went for this Yumi Kim Marissa top in my favorite spring print, and black cut-offs. I love these shorts! I actually made them out of a pair of men's jeans that I borrowed from a friend after a long night. Now I call them my ex-gay-boyfriend jorts (a play on Joe's Jeans 'Ex-boyfriend' jeans that my roommate owns). For work I paired the outfit with neon pink sandals for a casual summery vibe. For night these Sam Edelman platform gladiators take the shorts from casual to edgy.

I cut my head off of this pic because I was too busy celebrating and forgot to take a full body. I had to recreate this outfit the following day. Oops!

More pictures from my New Yorkiversary

Cheers to me and my love!

At The Dream concert.

Look who stopped by our table at Buddahkan.

Wednesday, July 29th

2009-07-29T20:25:00.008-04:00

Fade to the Front

Dress: Old Navy

Vest: Urban Outfitters

Flats: Nine West

MASH-UP:

Black bangle: Forever 21
Silver charm bracelet: Satya
Colorful bracelet: too old to know

Went for one of my standbys today: this safari inspired dress from Old Navy (last summer). I threw this worn in black twill vest on over it, so it didn't feel so boring. I have had this vest for awhile now, so it has been through the wash its fair share of times. As a consequence it is rather faded. I used to hate it when black fades. Interestingly enough, when I pulled it out of my closet this morning for the first time in a long time, I looked at it in a new light. The faded color has really grown on me. I may even take the distressing a step further with a sharp object! More to come on that. As finishing touches on this outfit I brought out the color with bright red flats and used a mash-up of bracelets.

What is your take on faded black... embrace or erase?

Tuesday, July 28th

2009-07-29T00:03:00.005-04:00

Accessory-Set-GO!

Dress: Yumi Kim

Belt: Beacon's Closet

Sandals: Target

Last night my friends and I gathered to watch The Bachelorette finale, but this wasn't your average watch party. We decided to mix Monday night up by bringing it back to our sleepover days. So, my 20-something gals and I packed our overnight bags. Although this reminded me of my childhood, my fears were not of being homesick. What concerned me was having to decide on Monday, what to wear to work on Tuesday. I like to live in the present... not to mention I was running late for work. I decided to stick to the model I had assembled for Monday. I achieved this by keeping the same accessory set (jewelry, shoes, and belt) and just swapped out the dress. It is great to have a few go to accessory sets. This allows you to throw something simple on, but still look like thought went into it. This belt, for example, has a discreet gold buckle, so it works well with the gold gladiators.

I must admit getting ready for work with friends made Tuesday much more bearable!

What is your go to accessory set?

P.S. As you can tell I was my own photographer this morning. I almost missed the timer, and my camera battery only had one snap left in it... hence the questionable picture. Oops! :)

Monday, July 27th

2009-07-27T20:58:00.007-04:00

Boy's Club

Dress: Yumi Kim

Belt: Beacon's Closet

Sandals: Target

I bought this previously worn belt from Beacon's Closet a little over a year ago. It has quickly made its way to a place in my heart that I call: my absolute favorite accessory!! It was recently brought to my attention that this was probably not originally a high waist belt, but rather a belt to keep some 8 year old boy's navy chinos in place. So I thought, this isn't a bad idea. I love the way this belts compliments my more girly outfits by giving them a preppy boyish twist. Paired with solids it looks pulled together. So off to Gap Kids you go...

Speaking of shopping in the boys section, I wonder if these Old Navy slip-ons would fit me??

FYI... Re: Sundays

2009-07-27T00:23:00.003-04:00

FYI... Sunday is often my day of nothingness, therefore it can be rare that I actually get dressed. So this means you won't see outfits a lot of Sundays. If by the graces of God I am creepily productive I will post what I perform this random act of 'joining the rest of Sunday society' in. xX J

Out-and-About 7.25

2009-07-26T22:04:00.009-04:00

LBD

Dress: Old Navy

Necklace: Target (Designer Collaboration)

Clutch: Guess by Maricano

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Ahh... The LBD. This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but everyone should own a simple little black dress. The LBD is perfect for two situations:
1. When all else fails.
2. When nothing else will do.

Funny how often one of the above dilemmas occur. For this reason I definitely recommend taking the time to find the perfect one for you. Decide what style will best fit your body type and personal style. This piece should be something you always feel good in, and one that works well with many different purse-shoe-jewelry combos. I found this little cotton twill shift on sale at Old Navy for literally $10 or $15 and can't get enough of it. For dinner at Blue Water Grill and drinks to celebrate Ashley's birthday, I went for sky-high gladiators, a chunky necklace, and a great grey Guess by Marciano clutch.

What is your favorite way to accessorize your LBD?

Out-and-About 7.24

2009-07-25T13:28:00.003-04:00

Navy at Niagara

Top: Yumi Kim

Belt: Got it from Beacon's Closet

Skirt: American Apparel

Shoes: Steve Madden

This is what I sported out last night to celebrate a friends b-day at Niagara. I have been wanting a navy skirt for quite sometime. But, as I am sure many others have encountered, as soon as you know exactly what you want it is nowhere to be found. I have a bad habit of getting a detailed image of an article of clothing I want to purchase without ever knowing if it actually exists. This skirt does not match the exact description I had in my mind, but it serves the same purpose. It is more versatile than the style I wanted and it was at the right price at American Apparel. American Apparel is a great stop for more than just v-necks and leggings. In fact I can't get a pair of suspenders out of my mind I saw there when I got this skirt... stay tuned!

What article of clothing are you having a hard time tracking down? I'd be happy to help!

Friday, July 24th

2009-07-24T15:57:00.003-04:00

PCD Dressing

Vintage inspired tee: Chip & Pepper (acquired from TJ Maxx)

Jeans: Hudson

Wedges: Kathryn Amberleigh

As a sufferer of chronic PCD (post-college depression) I have to represent my Alma mater, The University of Kansas, in the NYC from time to time. I love this vintage inspired tee by Chip and Pepper. To make the look less 'college campus' and more 'caj chic' (can I say that?... it is a soft 'j'). In order to achieve this so called 'caj chic' I tucked the tee into dark denim and polished it off with my fav belt and cognac colored wedges.

What is your favorite way to wear a t-shirt and jeans?

Out-and-about 7.23

2009-07-24T01:05:00.006-04:00

Margs in Murray Hill

Cardigan: Liz Claiborn (aquired from TJ Maxx)

Scarf: My roommate Susan's grandmother's

Jeans: Degaine (Men's Jeans)

Handbag: Chanel

Shoes: Kathryn Amberleigh

My friend Lauren is working in the Bahamas for the next month in preparation for the Miss Universe Pageant. Naturally we wanted to see her off properly. Proper to us means... margaritas of course! I ran home after work and the only useful thing I could think of to do with my extra 20 minutes was change clothes! I was going for: "You don't look like you live in Murray Hill," with extra room to move after a few margaritas. I opted for a loose top tucked into boyfriend jeans, which are set off with super high wedges. Cheers!

Thursday, July 23rd

2009-07-24T00:39:00.019-04:00

Black and (un)buttoned up

Button up: Old Navy

T-Shirt: American Apparel (Summer Tee)

Jeans: Forever 21

Sneaks: Converse

This is a very simple outfit at heart. First of all, I would like to state for the record: I work in a CASUAL office. Just in case you all were wondering A. "Does this girl work? (this option makes me laugh), or B. What is she on? (actually... come to think of it this option also makes me laugh). It is actually option C: I am just really lucky and can wear literally whatever I want. So moving on... I was a little at a loss this morning so I went for all black. I love all black looks, but I wanted to lighten it up a little for what is called summer and feels like spring. I added this blue and white striped button-up sort of as a fill-in cardigan. Sometimes cardigans get old, and sometimes we just don't have the right one for the outfit. Next time this happens try throwing an oxford or some other open front shirt over your otherwise plain outfit. My turquoise Converse were the finishing touch for pulled together comfort!

What would you throw over your black tee and jeans?

Wednesday, July 22nd

2009-07-23T00:13:00.010-04:00

Vampire Weekday

Top: American Apparel

Vest: Forever 21

Jeans: Old Navy

Sandals: Target

Multi-strand stretchy pearl bracelet w/ gold necklace wrapped around and intertwined.

I got invited to go see Vampire Weekend tape MTV's Unplugged!! So, needless to say I had a slight wardrobe freak out. This is what I came up with. It is simple enough to wear to work but has a tiny bit of an edge, also it isn't too fussy for a concert. I didn't want to throw it back to the TRL days and turn up like a groupie. These heels (got them at Old Navy on sale!) were under my desk. They were able to take the whole ensemble up just a notch. It still amazes me sometimes how much influence a pair of shoes has on an outfit. My only reservation was that the shoes and jeans are almost the exact same color... luckily I love grey.

How do you feel about the grey-on-grey?

Tuesday, July 21st

2009-07-21T20:54:00.005-04:00

High-WATERs

Shirt: Gap

Jeans: Paige Denim

Sandals: Mossimo - Target

Dressing for the rain can be tricky especially in July. I woke up to rain this morning. Ugh! After finally pulling myself out of bed and staring at my closet for a while I decided high-waters seemed quite appropriate. Rewind 15 years... pretty sure I would have been eaten alive for wearing jeans that are too short. I like these cropped jeans a little longer so I unfold the cuff to bring them to ankle length. These won't drag on the ground... wet jeans are the worst! Sandals are best for summer rain because they dry fast, the gladiator style stops my feet from slipping around. Don't forget your umbrella!

Monday, July 20th

2009-07-20T21:31:00.011-04:00

Black and Khaki

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters men's dept.

Tank top: Target

Shorts: Old Navy

Bracelet: Bandanna from the Gap w/ gold forever 21 necklace wrapped around it

Shoes: Target

Get creative with accessories. I wanted to incorporate this nautical bandanna, but using it as a headband seemed a little predictable. On a whim I wrapped it around my wrist and added a gold necklace that I have been using as a bracelet ever since the pendant fell off.

And... bonus! I was so happy I was wearing shorts today: http://whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/how-they-wear-chic-shorts/

Friday, July 14th

2009-07-20T20:47:00.007-04:00

Jet Setting to KC

Sunnies: H&M

Top: Yumi Kim

Leggings: American Apparel

Sandals: Mossimo-Target

For airport travel try maintaining comfort by shooting for casual on the go style. Leggings and a blousy top are the perfect flight to fun combo. Be ready for anything... in my case stepping off of the plane and going straight to margs with friends.

2009-07-02T11:08:00.001-04:00

Coming soon...