Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Style Stalker / January






Getting dressed in these mid-season months can pose a challenge: technically, spring is still far in the future, but you're probably already sick to death of your winter wardrobe (and all-encompassing basic black). It is most certainly the time when everyone could use a hit of inspiration—and new ways to style our winter-wear! Luckily, this month brings us six new stalkees in eye-catching ensembles that are filled with all sorts of personal pizzazz. You can take their sensational seasonal tips and learn to breathe new life into your faux-fur coat with colorful leggings or a delightful cap. Or you can anticipate spring by opting for an eye-catching print or expose a little skin with an open-sleeved blouse. However you decide to beat the mid-winter blues, don't feel stifled—these lovely ladies can offer you saucy styling alternatives to overcome any sartorial slump!


Burgundy leggings and a leopard coat make a fresh combo.
Leopard-print outerwear has been a hot ticket item on our list since fall, and we love how Charlotte, 23, from Copenhagen, gives it renewed vigor. Her secret? Mix said glam item with velour burgundy leggings: the legwear offers a welcome alternative to basic black and adds textural interest to the outfit. Snag some of Charlotte's spotted style by picking up a posh, printed coat like Aqua's Leopard-Print Faux Fur Jacket ($188) or Pencey's High Collar Jacket ($380) with its winter-appropriate white-streak—we kind of love how it looks festively snow-dusted! While Charlotte's leggings look swell on her silhouette, we know that colored crushed velvet can be difficult to pull off, so we'd opt for Fold Waist Velvet Leggings ($48) from Members Only. Despite their noir hue, they will still add texture and depth to your Charlotte-inspired ensemble!

A floral belt and light jeans update a classic blazer.
Oftentimes winter layers leave us feeling like the Michelin Man, so we were thrilled when we came across Zanah, 21, from San Francisco, and her cinched waist! We love how she didn't let the bulk get her down and instead brightened up her black blazer with a perky figure-enhancing belt and nearly-white jeans. To steal a page from Susanna's style file, start with a strong base like Free People's Super Skinny Acid Bleach Jeans ($98) or See by Chloe's Classic Skinny Jean ($325) in Light Wash. Next get an equally working-girl worthy hip-skimming blazer. We like J.Crew's Wool Schoolboy Blazer ($178). Finally, add the finishing festive touch with an eye-catching belt! Though the options are endless, we like B-Low The Belt's Lindsay Stackable Belt ($110) in Red/Gold for a edgy, studded version, or Elegantly Waisted's Sabrina Belt ($86) with its cool toggle closure. Two other great picks are Topshop's Metal Bow Detail Skinny Belt ($30) with its cute bow detailing, and finally, ASOS's Suede Look Chain Insert Skinny Belt ($14) for a pop of pink. Now you have one for nearly every day of the week!

Cold-weather pieces add intrigue to a summery white dress.
Since most of the country is currently experiencing the coldest temperatures on record, we were totally stoked when we came across Chantal, 31, from London, and her cozy-cute look. Her adorable hat and must-have faux-fur coat offer a delightful contrast to her summery dress, transforming it into a winter white must-try! Take a cue from Chantal and start with a warm-weather inspired dress like Lucca Couture's Crepe Chiffon Dress ($68). Next snuggle up to an oversized faux fur coat like Diesel's Wrett Jacket ($235) or Where the Wild Things Are X Opening Ceremony's Bull Shaw Jacket ($635) which has its own banded black belt. Top the look off with all your winter-worthy accessories. We like the chic ASOS Leather Bow Detail Gloves ($26) to keep your mitts nice and toasty! Choose a charming chapeau that is almost identical to Chanel's by opting for Helene Berman's Contrast Bow Hat ($75), or just protect your ears from the cold in style with ASOS's Flower Detail Knitted Headband ($20) and you're ready for a snow day!

Peep-toe booties glam up lady-like, tweed shorts.
Olivia, 17, from Orange County offers us a smashing ensemble that is sexy, yet still demure. We love how she added some edge to her chic shorts by donning a cut-away blouse and peep-toe shoes. Start with an equally posh city-short base like Forever 21's Mini Houndstooth Extended Shorts ($20), which boasts its own waist-cinching belt. Next, contrast your boyish bottoms by sneaking in a sexy shoe like Forever 21's Combat Cutout Heels ($28). Finally, mimic Olivia's celebrity-worthy style by opting for a pair of oversized sunnies. We recommend Kensie's Zeta Oversized Round Sunglasses ($50) or 80s Purple Chrissy Oversized ($10) version for a very wallet-friendly price!

A pleated skirt looks chic with sheer tights and a cuffed cardi.
A pleated skirt can bring us back to our school-girl days, but we have a total style crush on the way Annabel, 21, from Berkeley made it timely with sheer tights. Her cuffed cardigan also lends polish to her ensemble, making it markedly post-collegiate, indeed. Make yourself an Annabel-worthy cheat sheet by snagging up Topshop's Heart Pocket Skirt ($70) with its bold button detailing and cheeky pocket print. Opt for a classic cardigan, like J. Crew's Jackie Cardigan ($62) version in navy, and Urban Outfitters' Sheer Tights ($12) and you're guaranteed to get an "A" in wardrobe!

A printed blazer is a fashion-forward choice for spring.
Amanda, 21, from Australia, is definitely whetting our appetite for warmer weather with her fabulously patterned top. We love the rich colors and print of this directional blazer, and admire how she further upped the style stakes with her black sequin pants. To get Amanda's trendsetting outfit for yourself, start with an equally eye-catching pair of party pants. We recommend Alloy's Sequin Leggings ($32) version —quite a steal! Finally add your hero piece—your vibrant outerwear, of course—to ring in spring. We like Free People's Floral ($128) version for its rich, blue hue, or ASOS's Floral Print Blazer ($94) when you're feeling like everything's coming up roses!—Liza Kaplan

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