style & beauty tip of the day: balance with exaggerated garments

A major tip to looking stylish, fashionably knowledgeable, and simply fantastic is balance. 

Today's focus being, how to wear over-sized or exaggerated garments.

The key is simple...

When wearing an over-sized top or exaggerated/full bottoms, pair them with simple, fitted partners. Exaggerated paired with exaggerated calls to mind childhood memories of playing dress-up with Mom's clothing. Cute when you're four-years-old. Not so cute as an adult.

So remember...balance is key in fashion.

One of my absolute favorite style inspirations, Rumi Neely, in her classic, no fuss fashion.

The over-sized sweater is balanced by the fitted, simple jeans.

(Photo from Rumi's facebook page)

This gorgeous, exaggerated, full skirt works because it is balanced by the fitted, classic cut of the blouse.

Kim's exaggerated, full tops look chic and stylish because they are paired with simple, skinnies.

"Almost every wise saying has an opposite one, no less wise, to balance it."

Quote by George Santayana

the thin line: leggings

Most women, and many men, want to portray a high fashion style, but there is a very thin line between high fashion and, well, not high fashion.
So what is it that distinguishes celebrity actresses and super models from the rest of the world? Many would say it's because they are so much prettier than the rest of us so they make anything look good, but that couldn't be further from the truth-- as many non-models are just as gorgeous or even more gorgeous than those models we all admire. 

Then how do they stand out from the crowd? What makes them look so much greater than the majority of the world?
The details. It's all in the little details.

Are you now ready to leave the wannabees and cross over into that mysterious secret world of high fashion?

Here's your first stop on the treasure map to becoming a head turning, off-the-runway super model.

High fashion legging style vs wannabee high fashion leggings

In fashion, we are constantly trying to elongate and thin the look of the woman's body. Leggings have been huge the last few years, and if worn right, they accomplish the elongating and thinning quite nicely.

What makes this first look so much more high fashion than the second photo?
It's the legging length. High fashion legging looks have hems that extend all the way down to at least the ankles and has continuous flow into the style and color of the shoe. For a high fashion legging look, have the hems actually touch the shoe tops or continue into the shoe and wear leggings and shoes that are the same color. This elongates the legs, and allows for fewer horizontal divides across the body. A well known secret in the styling world is the fewer horizontal divides you have, the longer and then you look. Horizontal divides tend to break up the flow of the body giving it a shorter, more squaty look. So leave the capri leggings for your trips to the gym.

Picture one: The leggings extend to the ankles, and the strappy look of the shoes reflects the gathered texture of her leggings, allowing for seamless flow from thigh to toe. Whoa Mama, High fashion!

Picture two: Capri leggings? Is she wearing heels with these because she forget her flip flops after yoga class or something? 

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Now here are some legging YES'S!

In this one, the leggings extend all the way past the ankles touching the tops of the shoes. YES!

Here the hems of her leggings go entirely into her boots, allowing for a seamless transition through the legs and feet. And its always a bonus when the color of you leggings matches your shoe color. 

Doesn't she look cute?

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Now for some legging NO-NO's!

Capri leggings with a dress? I may have to slap someone! :-D
Not to mention, the lace arm warmer's adding even more horizontal cuts to the body. This outfit is a definite NO, and oh heck, NO!

The capri leggings, the low fitting belt...makes her legs look about 2/3's of their actual length, giving a dwarfed look to her body .

Never ever wear ankle reveling leggings with dresses that are longer than mid-thigh. When wearing a dress it is always a safer bet to wear actual pantyhose or footed tights. 

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Now for the proper way to wear capri length leggings.

For yoga on the beach... Yes!

For lounging around the house? YES!

For jogging in the park? Absolutely!

Now, go get your high fashion on!!

"Make-up can only make you look pretty on the outside but it doesn't help if your ugly on the inside. Unless you eat the make-up."

Quote by Audrey Hepburn

Trend Alert: The Hip Ruffle?

Though I loved the look on Emma Watson back in June, I don't know, maybe it was just done right with the waist cinching then, I still can't get behind this 80's throwback that's been popping up everywhere. Some how placing a ruffle to accent the hips, just doesn't seem very flattering. 

What, do we need to fly with our hips or something?

Let me know what you think.

Emma Stone 18 July 2011

Nicole Kidman 13 July 2011

A different take on the hip ruffle, hmm... Nope, still not loving it.

Zoe Saldana 16 May 2011

Diana Agron 1 August 2011

Reese Witherspoon 6 May 2011

Liv Tyler 4 May 2011

"Poo-tee-weet?"

Quote from Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five

Trend Alert: The Skinny Belt

This is a trend that I think is quite adorable...the high waist, skinny belt.

Wear it with your cutest summer dress.

Nicole Richie & Charlotte Ronson, 21 June 2011

Jennifer Lopez, 14 June 2011

Paris Hilton sporting the trend.

Paris and Nicky Hilton, 21 June 2011

"Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling."

Quote by Margaret Runbeck

Trend Alert: Jumpsuit Much?

Not a trend for me, but a current fashion trend nonetheless. So if you can rock it, high-five to you!

Jennifer Lopez 29 April 2011

Jennifer rockin' the trend again here.

Jennifer Lopez 25 May 2011

Gwen Stefani 16 May 2011

Jenna Elfman 16 June 2011

Marcia Cross 6 June 2011

"You cannot be mad at somebody who makes you laugh - it's as simple as that."

Quote by Jay Leno

Trend Alert: Futuristic

Think the futuristic style of Tron is affecting current fashion trends?

Look below, and let me know what you think.

Hmm, I wonder if Tron fashion will have as huge an impact as Pirates of the Caribbean and its skulls?

The subtle detailing of this dress gives it a futuristic look.
Keri Hilson 7 June 2011

The stitching and metallic fabric scream space princess!
Camila Alves 9 June 2011

Miranda's dress has more of a Firefly fashion feel, which I super love, while Ashley's is a bit more Jetsons.
Miranda Kerr & Ashley Greene 6 June 2011

The odd seam placement and cutouts make this dress futuristically chic.
Jennifer Lopez 3 May 2011

Paris Hilton 4 May 2011

Paris's dress and Jane Fonda's (below) both have a reptilian, Alien-esque feel that inspires thoughts of spaceships and Star Wars.

Jane Fonda 19 May 2011

"When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude."
Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Trend Alert: Overly Embellished...

Who knew that the more embellishments the better?

Heidi Klum 25 January 2011

Claire Danes 22 February 2011

Diane Kruger 25 February 2011

Kim Kardashian February 2011

Nicole Kidman 13 February 2011

Teresa Palmer 9 February 2011

"Loyalty is something you give regardless of what you get back, and in giving loyalty, you're getting more loyalty; and out of loyalty flow other great qualities."
Charles ''Tremendous'' Jones

Trend Alert: The Side Cut-out

The now body part to show off...your sides!!!

No love handles allowed here! :-P

Emma Watson 14 February 2011

Gwynrth Paltrow December 2010

Kate Hudson 13 February 2011

Katie Cassidy December 2010

"Don't compromise yourself. You're all you've got."
Quote by Janis Joplin