January 19, 2015January 20, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

Alexis Russell

As you’ve probably caught on by now, I’m basically a slut for jewelry…in the nicest way possible. The more dainty & delicate the piece, the heavier I’m drooling//panting//doing whatever it takes to make it mine. [& yes, I react the same way over statement jewelry, but we’ve already done a few blog posts on that. Duh.] Thus, Alexis Russell has become my new love affair [sorry babe, I’m leaving you for fine, gold & diamond gems]. I legitimately find myself spending countless hours on her website, Instagram & Twitter, imagining all the ways I could style her pieces with my current wardrobe & for my clients. She mixes classic metals with edgy angles & shapes, & tops it all off with a perfect little diamond or stone. Who needs more than that? Oh & Brides-To-Be, she’s got a bridal collection, too. Oof.

Enough talk…just scope her stuff out for yourself. But grab a napkin, you’ll need it.

[Images Courtesy of AlexisRussell.com 2015]

January 13, 2015January 19, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

New Do. New You.

Fresh year. Fresh resolutions [do we still do this to ourselves?] Fresh locks. Wait, what? Yes. It’s time. A new hairstyle is a resolution you can actually conquer. So let’s talk on it for a second.

As a woman who has serious anxiety about chopping her locks, I am more than empathetic towards this topic. However, it’s a new year & it’s time to continue that whole becoming a bigger, better, more well-rounded human thing that we’re placed on this earth to do. [Did I just compare a haircut to evolution? Yes. Yes, I did.] So, in hopes to get you warmed up to the entire concept, I’ve broken down my favorite styles making headway [ha]. Let’s decipher how you can change your look this 2015.

Here goes.

1. Parted: don’t want to chop your hair off just yet? Fine. Then keep it fresh by switching up the direction, style, or shape of your part. A simple trick that adds major change with little effort.

Center Part

Soft Side Part

Diagonal Part

Deep Side Part

Zig Zag Part

2. The New Pixie: a pixie cut has always seemed heart-stopping to me, but this new, modern take on a classic [& once terrifying] cut could be just what the doctor ordered. Think Sienna Miller circa 2006, but with a little more styling ability. This cut is undoubtedly ballsy, but so chic & will be everywhere this 2015. The key to owning it: a good texture spray//gel//cream.

3. The Pony: no not the one you used to throw into place before gym class, but the new, intentional pony. Olivia Palermo is the queen of this look [see below]. It can be worn to events, coffee//lunch dates, running errands, picking up the kids…& is so easy to style. It likely won’t change your entire world this 2015, but it will make you feel like the chicest chick in the room. The key: finding minimalist hair ties to keep the look in place without taking away from it’s clean approach [Scrunchies anyone].

Loose Pony

Messy Pony

Curled Pony

Tight Pony

4. The Soft Ombré: a softer version of the ever-overstated ombré look that’s been holding on for about four years now [it was time to finally change this up], this look takes a more delicate approach to a once severe do. Switching up the color of your hair can change everything, given you have an amazing hairstylist that you know & trust. I recommend this look for nearly any hair type, & I promise, it will make you feel like an entirely new person, without all the effort. #whycantistoptouchingmyhair

5. Shoulder Length Everything: 2015 is going to be all about shoulder-length hair. Period. It just is. & to you babes who feel the need for mega change, this is the time to take the plunge & chop it off. Truth be told, this is probably my favorite style of the year & if I had the huevos to do it, I so would. This look screams I’m a mom, but I’m sexy as fuck, so deal with it [no, you don’t have to actually have children…it’s just at thing]. & did I mention it sheds serious minutes off your morning routine.

So when should you make all these changes you ask? Don’t worry, there’s an app for that, too. Oh wait, more like an entire study & article: Lunar Hair Chart. Seriously.

As a woman who is ridiculously attached to her hair, I vow to switch it up this year, so long as you’ll do it with me. Deal?

See you babes on the other side…ya know, the new you, new do, 2015 side.

Xx.

January 12, 2015January 19, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

StyledbyLyric has been up & running for just under a year now & I wanted to get on here & say a quick [but major] thank you. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your feedback. Thank you for your judgements. Thank you for reading all the verbiage I spew at you regularly. Thank you for letting me curse when I just can’t explain things any other way. Thank you for telling your friends, family, loved ones, co-workers, etc., about me & what I’m doing in this little blogosphere of the social media world. Thank you for believing in the positivity behind this brand. Thank you for being on the forefront of this vision I have for the fashion industry. Thank you.

As a fresh business owner, I find the future daunting, exhilarating, immeasurable, but mostly, ours for the taking. I hope you’ll continue to ride on throughout this journey with StyledbyLyric & get out of it exactly what I envision for all my clients: your own personal experience & style.

Peace&love.

Xx.

January 5, 2015January 19, 2015 styledbylyric4 Comments

Similarly Opposite

As I scoured department stores the past few weeks [not forgetting to add congratulations to us all for surviving yet another holiday shopping season without a warrant for our arrest] for that “perfect gift” [whatever that even means] for my loved ones, I naturally found myself doing what I do best: fashion stalking. No, I don’t get weird or harm anyone. I just look. A lot. I silently survey fellow shoppers, I view mannequins, I look at wall decor, & colors & patterns & sidewalks, & I touch everything; clothes, hardware, curtains, blankets, jewelry…I’m basically a freak for texture. I watch for patterns, trends, habits, pretty much anything that tends to lead the pack in one general direction or another. & then…I break it. Mentally, of course. I imagine a world turned upside-down, where these trends no longer drive a major group & I conjure up ways in which I can educate my clients on how to do it differently & for their own self.

After slamming two [possibly three] Cinnamon Hazelnut Latte’s from Peets & heading home, I reviewed my findings. & I recognized a major common thread among many of the men & women I’d seen during my research: over-planning. Outfits that reeked of over-intention & matchy-ness. & I started to wonder, what is it that makes for a successful outfit?

My answer: the sweet spot. The similarly opposite place in your world that holds all things in balance.

The sweet spot is the tiny nook in your fashionista[o] world where color, individuality, comfort, pattern, intention, practicality, & flair all come together to make a beautiful outfit baby. & it exists. Without much energy exerted on your behalf. Yes, really. [That’s why I’m here].

Where do we start? The color wheel.

To understand fashion [or basically life itself] one must first know & understand the color wheel & what it all really means. Most importantly: color harmony [the theory of which colors are analogous with others]. Layman’s terms: find the color you’re feeling that day on the wheel above & match it with the three colors next to it. Literally. That’s color harmony. The second most important concept of the color wheel: complementary colors. Take the color you want to focus on//rock the hell out of that day & pair it with the three to four colors across from it on the color wheel. This ain’t rocket science people.

& now you’re a color expert.

But visuals make everything better…

[Pink meets Mint meets Yellow meets Blue meets Leopard]

[Chartreuse meets Blue meets Leopard]

[Purple meets Green meets Brown meets Stripes meets Coral]

[Navy meets Orange meets Chevron]

[Gold meets Grey meets Coral meets Black]

Need I say more?

Sometimes those two pieces you never imagined working side by side are dying for you to finally bring them together. & you should. For fashion’s sake & for your own creative identity.

& the next time you find yourself reaching for that black on black ensemble that you’ve been working all Winter long, try some color on for size. After all, creativity drives greatness.

Happy 2015 babes. Xx.

November 17, 2014October 21, 2021 styledbylyric2 Comments

Be Jeweled.

Having had about a hundred people compliment//question//touch my stackable, hammered, gold band rings throughout the past few weeks, I’ve decided it’s time to do a post on one of my absolute favorite jewelry staples in my wardrobe; delicate jewels.

Although I can’t share with you the woman who makes mine, because she’s an amazing gypsy-goddess that travels all over the world selling her pieces & only comes to Berkeley a few times a year with her 30 inches of stick straight, amazing, grey locks…I can share with you some seriously swoon-worthy jewelry brands that I’ve been pining over lately.

Deal? Deal.

Chisel & Chain: Angela Herrera’s designs are absolute insanity; they’re so beyond their years, so unique & seriously sexy. She mixes gold with gemstones & textures that you couldn’t even imagine. Not to mention she’s from one of my most favorite cities in the world [Encinitas, Ca]. Check her pieces & try not to go totally broke. I dare you.

Torch Light Jewelry: A Santa Barbara based brand, these babes do it all; leather goods, silver, gold, & accessories. Founder, Louisa Kimble is inspired by mystic, vagabond style & seems limitless with her designs. Their Sundown collection is my absolute favorite [I think I’ll take it all, please], but their Lyra collection takes a strong second place. Their entire website is a designers dream; it’s clean, organized & showcases each & every one of their amazing pieces. Just go. Now. Seriously, go.

Hunter Gatherer Jewelry: Australia is hitting the jewelry game hard lately & this amazing brand is no different. Renée creates amazing jewels for gypsy souls. Her pieces hold authenticity like nothing I have ever seen before & her pricing is incredibly reasonable. I challenge you to not get completely lost in her site…because you will. I promise.

Amarilo Jewelry: Ali Heiss’ LA based designs are probably my favorite of them all. Her concepts are delicate but strong, tough but sweet & simple but incredibly unique. She works with 14kt gold, Argentium sterling silver, & high quality gemstones. My absolute favorite piece in her current collection is the Amelia Wrap Ring. It is so chic & goes with literally everything. Not to mention, her Stackbook on the website will have you drooling. Go get yourself a few pieces of this goddesses work before it’s all gone. I mean hello, Christmas is coming soon.

With the holiday’s fast approaching, you deserve a new piece [or twelve] for all the parties you’ll be attending. Not to mention, each of these beautiful designs would make perfect Christmas presents for your girlfriends or loved ones. Not sayin…just sayin.

Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays, babefriends. Thanks for being wonderful.

Xx.

October 13, 2014October 14, 2014 styledbylyric7 Comments

Bootie-licious

Although it honestly feels like Summer will never surrender here in California, Fall is among us & thus comes my favorite time of year for footwear. The possibilities are endless & designers can get crazy with their creations, but I’m a purist. Give me an amazing pair of booties & a warm latte & I’m set for the entire season. Serious. However, this year’s search wasn’t as peaceful as other seasons & I’m finding that some of you babes are needing some direction in this department, as well. & I’m here to help.

I recently found myself navigating many a department store for the perfect pair[s] & found my options a bit overwhelming in that “I hate this & I’m getting over needing new shoes altogether” kind of way. There were about 45 different styles, colors & shapes of booties, half of which made me look like my legs were cut off at the ankles & I magically became a witch. Hi Halloween, I’m just not that into you. Therefore, I’m here to share my story & my findings in hopes that you won’t have to encounter the same exhausting shopping experience as myself.

Let’s break down my favorite Fall 2014 ankle boots based on shape, color & fit. Here goes…

The Flat Bootie: Sam Edelman is a footwear genius; his designs are versatile & almost always a hit from Spring through Winter. He’s basically the king of the flat bootie design. The perfect example is his ever-famous “Petty-Boot” [my favorite ones yet, in cream], which seriously makes any woman’s legs look phenom in a pair of fitted denim. These babies are comfortable beyond belief, versatile from day to night & are best worn with skirts, skater dresses, & denim [both boyfriend fit & slim//skinny]. Crown Vintage came out with their own take on this same design at an unreal price point & are just as high quality as the Sams. [Take it from someone who owns three pairs of these exact shoes; they’re the best boots I’ve ever purchased.]

The Peep-Toe Bootie: a relatively controversial design, the peep-toe bootie is one of my Fall favorites. Adding an element of sexiness to an otherwise closed-off shape by opening the toe of the shoe is in my opinion, genius. It may seem counterintuitive during cold weather months to expose the foot to open air, but should you live in an element-friendly area I say take this look on full throttle. Best worn with dresses, denim & slacks, this design elongates the legs & puts the entire focus on the foot. Note: be sure to have a good mani; Winter months can be brutal on our toes & no one wants to see that peaking out the front of a cute ass shoe.

*Two of my favorite examples are these DV’s on sale at Bloomies, as well as Kristin Cavallari’s “Layla“.

The Stacked Bootie: I fell in love with this style last Fall & have never looked back. The stacked bootie is great for women on the go, as well as those who have major hips [like myself]. This shape, with it’s wider shaped heel & added stability, makes a busy-work-day-gone-night-out-with-the-girls effortlessly easy. Go for a rounded, extended toe for slendering of the legs. I prefer to keep the colors neutral with this look; greys, taupes, blushes, even blacks & creams work well, but bright vibrant colors can actually add weight to your feet & make you appear large in the ankles. Ew.

*A few of my Fall favorites: The “Conary Bootie” by DV for Dolce Vita [I have last year’s replica of this design in black & taupe & wear them for hours with no issues or pain. SUCH. A. GREAT. INVESTMENT.] That blush color…I mean c’mon. & for my budget babes, the “Flynn Bootie” by Crown Vintage [just purchased these in black 2 days ago] are amazing. The pictures do them no justice at all; they’re chic, comfortable & look amazing with dark & black denim. I plan to live in these this season.

The Moto Bootie: although not quite as popular as they were last Fall, the moto boot is here to stay. Adding a punky element to any outfit, these shoes scream “I’m sexier & more high-fashion than you can even handle.” There are many different elements & takes on this look; studded, strappy, leather, suede, chains, flat, heeled…but the moral is hardware. I do warn my clients//followers that this shoe is relatively masculine, thus it’s best worn with an ultra-feminine dress or fitted pair of denim to offset the gender neutrality. Try an all black ensemble for a hot night out. Best body type for this look: thin legs, small calves.

*My favorite take on this look are these Jeffrey Campbell “Motorama” stacked booties at Nords. I mean does it get any cooler than that?

The Oxford Bootie: so 2014 is the year I finally fell in love with the Oxford. It took me 26 years, but I made it. I never understood this look until Rachel Zoe nailed it with her “Raven Oxfords” & now I’m done for. I find that a dramatically pointed-toe style is the only I will go for, as the other’s feel too masculine & limited. This shoe is best worn with cuffed slacks, boyfriend denim, & loose-fitted dresses. Layer it with a cool leather jacket, a great handbag, & tons of feminine jewelry & your outfit will pummel everyone’s around you that day//night.

*Favorite Fall 2014 examples [besides Rachel Zoe’s] are: DV’s “Verily Oxford” & Shellys Of London “Vossi Vamp Oxford“.

Whether you’re seriously investigating the right bootie for you this Fall or just window shopping, I only ask that you TRY THEM ON. Walk around the store in them, look at all angles & viewpoints of your body in the mirror, & as always, find an outfit that enhances the shoe when test driving them. You wouldn’t actually wear boots with your new lululemons, so why would you try boots on in them? To get the full effect of a new purchase you have to be promoting it realistically.

& lastly, if you don’t feel downright beautiful then don’t even waste your time. Shopping is an investment, not a nonchalant purchase made on a whim. Make your money count & always have fun.

Happy Fall, babes. We finally made it.

Xx.

PS: Here are a few of my absolute favorite shoe shops this season:

September 30, 2014 styledbylyric1 Comment

PROTECTOR. LOVER. MOTHER.

Ok chic mamas, it’s your time to shine. Like bright as hell. Like seriously, the sun. Yeah. The LB Brand [stands for Little Boogaweezin…oof] is unstoppable. Their designs are so universal, so cute, && sooooooo comfy. Not to mention, their products are incredibly versatile, you can basically live an entire LB lifestyle; prints, stickers, accessories, clothes.

Founder, Jen Roberts, is a goddess [seriously, she’s too beautiful] & wants mommy’s around the globe to own their true stylish, freethinking selves. In her own words:

Who can’t get with that?? Love them, their designs & their message. So what are you waiting for? CHECK EM OUTTTTT.

Xx.

September 22, 2014September 22, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Runway to Realway

It’s easy to find yourself “oohing” & “ahhing” over New York Fashion Week; all the Instagram posts, fan pages & [my personal favorite] the fashion blogger/vlogger outfits flooding the streets of NY…it’s intoxicating. NYFW is a global event that seemingly stops time; for those eight magical days people of all ages & backgrounds are allowed [& enticed] to fall madly into the entire experience & give their full attention.

But the real question is: what the hell does it all mean?

I watched the unbelievable Ralph Lauren show in Central Park this year. I drooled over Whitney Pozgay’s joyful collection & fabrics. & I nearly passed out over Oscar De La Renta’s pastel//floral//heaven of a show. But even I felt overwhelmed & lost about some of the designers direction & focus. So I’ve decided it’s time to break it down; make sense of these fabrics & textures & sometimes downright weird fashion trends, so you can feel confident & realway-ready for the Fall shopping scene.

I will be breaking down NYFW’s Spring 2015 collections into the four major compartments I saw most prevalent. Here goes…

1. Progressive Pastels: shocking, I know. Spring pastels. BUT, this year’s runway shows provided a few fresh takes on what we deem “pastel” & not. For example, we saw plenty of ashy grays, granites, blacks mixed with bright colors & metallics, leaving room for interpretation & creativity within your Spring wardrobe. Designers also added some wild pops on color: tangerine & vibrant yellows to offset the standard Spring color wheel. My personal favorite however: dusty lilac. Be still my heart. The reality is pastels aren’t going anywhere, so get those steamers ready in 2015, because you may find that your closet is already full of amazing “re-do’s” for the Spring season.

[Here are a few of my favorite looks c/o the Oscar De La Renta SS15 Show]

2. A Nod to Nature: a fresh take on a classic concept; designers coerced the old standby “floral” concept to become a simple statement. Designers allowed these once busy floral patterns to stand alone with graceful & simple prints, mixed with delicate fabrics & styles. Both dark & light backdrops with beautiful foliage on jackets, skirts, tops…it was truly artwork. I remember feeling as if last year’s Spring concepts were too neon & hectic, so this elegant change makes me more than excited. Although designers definitely gave a major nod towards femininity at this year’s NYFW, they also played into androgyny with a sexy edge. Never have I seen more darks mixed with lights & bright patterns mixed with ominous backgrounds. So perhaps I am saying once Spring 2015 rolls around think botanical garden with a lot of thorny rose bushes. Ya dig?

[Some of my favorite floral concepts c/o the DVF SS15 Show]

3. Whimsically White: Labor Day is no longer a determinant of fashion & who can wear what, when, how, & why. White is ready all year round & this year’s NYFW proved that it takes no prisoners. It’s counterpart? You guessed it: black. The two seem to be nearly fighting each other throughout some of the prints from this years’ shows. With lush, creamy whites & beiges come dark edgier, leathered black fabrics & pieces…it was pretty damn sexy if I do say so myself. Not to mention designers definitely played up the Winter to Spring transition throughout many of the their looks, making our lives that much easier when the time comes. Don’t get me wrong, black & white weren’t the only color pairings making major headway, they threw in some military greens, peach, reds, flannel prints & some really beautifully vibrant blues to mix up the matchy-ness. So when Spring 2015 rolls around think “What Not To Wear” except, break all the rules.

[Here are some of my favorite examples c/o the Rodarte SS15 show]

4. B is For Boyfriend: much like the past two seasons, the boyfriend look is here to stay. With blousy button-ups, oversized denim [both pants, jackets & dresses] & plenty of flannel print, this year’s NYFW proved that comfortable can still be sexy. Designers selected gender-neutral prints & shapes, toning down the ever-expected Spring femme styles & creating versatile over-sized pieces. Not to mention the lack of sharp heels on the runway; it seemed as if designers wanted to give their models a break this year [ha, lets be real]. More shows debuted sandals & sneakers than they do in their Summer months, or so it seemed. So my take on the coming Spring season is “less is more”. Sometimes simplicity & comfort can be the sexiest of things; throw on some sneakers, pop on some lipgloss & be ready for your day.

[Here are a few examples c/o the Jason Wu & Rag & Bone SS15 shows]

Although we’re slowwwwwwly moving into the Fall season, Spring will be rearing it’s shiny little head shortly there after & I want my babes prepared & [more so] excited to find new pieces that fit your wardrobe & style. The above are just tools to help navigate the endlessly interesting, but complicated world of fashion & runway. I hope they helped! Now get busy window shopping…there’s so much more to see.

Xx.

September 3, 2014 styledbylyric2 Comments

Clever Cardigan

I’ve had quite a few women approach me &/or message me to do a post about the appropriate styling of cardigans for the coming Fall season. With layering at the top of it’s game during this chilly season, teaming the right sweater/cardi with the right top can be tricky. Here are my fool proof rules & stylings to perfecting the best cardigan looks for your lifestyle & body…

Layering: one of my favorite ways to pair a few contrasting items together for warmth, comfort & an effortlessly chic outcome. Pair your cardi with a leather moto jacket & a great pair of denim & you’re ready for a breezy night out in the city.

Belted: sometimes cardigans can be woven with intensely heavy knits & add unwanted bulk. Choosing light to medium knits for this style is ideal; belt high on the ribcage [with a decorative belt knot] for a beautiful hourglass shape.

Overstated: as mentioned above, cardigans are often made with heavy knits & fabrics, which make for a wonderful weather deterrent, however, I advise only my petite babes to rock this style, as adding unnecessary bulk to any body type is difficult to manipulate in a positive way. Team with a white tee & a sexy pair of jeans & you’ve got yourself an effortless night in with your loved one.

Swept: one of my absolute Fall favorites this year; the floor length cardigan is so elegant & adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. I’m loving this wardrobe staple paired with distressed shorts, an awesome top & casual booties or even a super sexy stiletto.

Buttoned Up: for my preppier babes, this look is amazing with a collared shirt layered underneath. Higher, round necklines work best, but even buttoning a cardigan & wearing it without a top underneath can be sexy & edgy.

Tucked: sometimes cardigans can feel overly lengthy & can often give you grief throughout the day. One of the best cures is the cardigan tuck; simply tuck the ends of your favorite cardigan into a pencil skirt, denim, or high-waisted slacks. This gives the body & hips a nice silhouette, but be mindful of your sweaters fit- slimmer is better.

Draped: best worn with straight-legged denim or pants & a tank or styled cami, the draped cardigan is one of the most on-trend looks for Fall. This piece is perfect for layering necklaces & a great big boyfriend watch. Note: less is more with such a stylized item.

Fall is almost upon us [thank God], so start getting creative & make it a point to perfect your own layering styles this season. Your body [& stylist] will thank you.

Xx.

August 19, 2014August 19, 2014 styledbylyric1 Comment

Make A Serious Statement

I’m not entirely certain that my lower back pain [currently keeping me bed-ridden] isn’t from sheer excitement over this brand & a possible screaming//jumping//dance party I threw once I found their unbelievable pieces. Okay…overstatement? Yes. But that’s the point isn’t it; making a statement.

Dylanlex has hands down the most detail-oriented, loudest, most beautiful statement necklaces I have ever laid my eyes on. Every single inch of these works of art are meant to turn heads & scream “Hell yes, my necklace does rule.” I don’t even rock silver, but I’m considering trading in my entire jewelry collection to rock the crap out of these babies.

Their price points may stop your heart, but if you take nothing else from this amazing brand, let them inspire you to go out & seek your very own mega necklace [at whatever price point is reasonable for your wallet] in the coming Fall season. You, too, can make the exact statement you wish to make & represent your personal style while doing so. After all, fashion is about creativity & helping you identify that much more clearly who you are & what you love.

Now go scream & shout…or just buy a great new piece that will do it for you & your wardrobe. Xx.

August 13, 2014August 13, 2014 styledbylyric2 Comments

Treasure Trove

While most of my posts pay tribute to womenswear, I wanted to take this gorgeous Wednesday afternoon to pay my dudes a little fashion respect. I’m ever-searching the virtual corners of the internet for new & exciting brands to share & today I’m soooooo stoked to share these two gems.

The first being Yellow108; a headwear & accessories goldmine. Holy. Their designs are so classic, they’ll make any guy feel like a he just walked out of a 50s ad. They’re rugged, meets runway, meets just let me pack a bag & go on a freaking journey. & yes, ladies, they have amazing pieces for you, as well, but this is for the guys remember? ;] Oh, & did I mention they’re an entirely sustainable company? Meaning, recycled & salvaged materials go into all of their designs & they donate 2% of all sales to local LA nonprofits. What? Rad fashion for a good cause? These dudes have it all figured out & I’m honored to share their site & brand with you.

The second is just pure genius. Olde Soul Merchantile is for any guy’s guy; one of a kind, hand crafted, amazing pottery to get you through the frigid Fall days. A little coffee with your whiskey? I think so. I personally think every dude should have one of these babies on their desk or in their cupboard this coming season. #stockingstuffer

Regardless of your gender, there are unbelievably talented designers & artists out there in the smaller fashion sphere & I’m determined to keep finding them & bringing them your way. As much as I love me a great big designer name, I respect the little guys that much more. There’s something still pure & honest about their work. Just me? Meh…

Happy Hunting, megadudes.

Xx.

August 11, 2014August 11, 2014 styledbylyric2 Comments

Falling

Phew! What a wild July I had. Yikes. However, I’m back & beyond ready to break down one of my FAVORITE seasons for my dazed & confused fashionistas. As much as I love me a great bikini & some major vitamin D, I’m longing for knit sweaters, leather boots & pumpkin spice lattes. Like now.

To prepare for the upcoming season I’ve picked my favorite Fall 2014 pieces that you’ll want to have in full rotation once the Summer temperatures give. Some of these looks are F/W 2015 runway inspired, but most are from my vault of Fall classics because let’s be real, Autumn is at the very least always all about layers, boots & a great jacket.

Let’s go.

Bah Bah Black Sheep: this Fall we’re going to see some of the heaviest wool knits to ever grace the industry. From a thick waffle stitch, to wool socks & [my personal favorite] pullovers, this season is all about comfort. Some people do however find wool too itchy on the skin, with which I’d suggest layering it over a soft lace or nylon fabric or opting out entirely for a heavy cotton or poly-blend. You may find a lack in quality, but your skin will definitely thank you.

Flashbacks: another fun additive to the coming season are the 70s inspired jackets hitting runways & stores. Big, double breasted, flat collared, & multi-fabric designs are just a few of the styles I’ve been seeing & loving. Lest we not forget the ever-famous moto jacket [such as Free People’s amazing selections: here]. These lighter-weight jackets are perfect for this transitional season into Winter & add a sexy//rocker//chic feel to any outfit.

Psychedelic: the one curious & really interesting trend I’ve seen are the new competitor to floral prints titled “trippy prints”. These bright, geometric, multicolored fabrics are packing serious punch this Fall, but are not for the faint of heart. The major styling secret behind nailing this trend is “less is more”; pair a wildly printed top with a muted bottom & vice versa. Runway to real way can be tricky, so be selective with this one.

Invested: one of my absolute favorite styles making headway this Fall are long vests & layering pieces. They are perfect in place of an old blazer & add a great tailored detail to any outfit. I recommend teaming them with a great trouser, over a printed dress or even used as a bulking layer under a winter jacket. This small touch adds sophistication & class to any look.

Wider the Better: all trends seem to circulate, often taking only a few seasons to make their way back to you. & this Fall is no different, as wide legged pants & denim are back in full force. My favorite colors being blush, taupe, true blue & black, these effortless pants will have you seriously shaming the skinny jean crowd this season.

Get an A: my last [but absolutely not least] favorite style taking names in the coming season are A-line dresses. These seemingly mod, but multi-bodytype-friendly shapes are absolutely perfect for anyone [what?!]. Truth. The shape is flattering on nearly any body or size & can be paired with tights, boots, or even a sexy heel. My only recommendation: watch your prints. Choosing the right color & pattern is everything to perfecting this wardrobe staple.

As promised in Lyric’s mission statement, I will never lead my [blog] followers &/or clients astray. Fashion is meant for everyone, but style is very much personal. This Fall seems incredibly promising as far as styles & versatility are concerned, but should you have any questions about your own personal style feel free to drop me a line & let’s chat! I’m always willing to write a post on a topic that you’re interested in or answer any fashion questions you may have! You can email me at: Dena@styledbylyric.com or use the comment option below.

Happy Layering, megababes. Xx.

July 29, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Summer Sun is Setting

Still have a few key Summer items that you have yet to purchase, but can’t convince yourself to spend hundreds on pieces that will only live to see a few more weeks? September 23rd will be here before you know it & your good money should go towards some amazing Autumn layering selections [blog post to come], instead of tank tops that will be shoved in the deep, dark depths of your closet in 9 weeks. However, with 100 degree heat still lingering among us a few wardrobe edits couldn’t hurt, so long as the price is right. Thus, I have decided to share with you one of my favorite budget-shopping secrets: ChicNova. The online site that doesn’t force you to hide your receipt from your husband/boyfriend/mom/etc. & their selections are vibrant, fun & so reasonably priced that you’re guaranteed to find those last minute Summer scores.

So go on. Shop. & don’t feel sorry about it for one single second, because you’re doing it right with this site. && you deserve it.

Xx.

PS. Here’s a few of my favorite pieces…

July 21, 2014July 21, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Give Me Wings

Everywhere I look I see wings…no, I’m not delusional, I’m talking about the design that is CRUSHING the scene now more than ever; ‘winged’ handbags. They’re on every street corner from New York, to Paris, to San Francisco, but were truly made famous by Phoebe Philo, the creative director behind Céline, when she took the helm in 2008.

In a perfect world, my closet would house about 300 of her handbags, each color of course, to match my every outfit. I’d throw them over my shoulder like they cost me nothing & would even consider using them as I transitioned into mommy-hood. BUT this is the real world & dropping $2,500 on a bag to carry your crap around just isn’t everyone’s reality. Thus, I’ve found some major resources in hopes that you, too, can hone in on your inner designer-handbag-love through mediums that actually fit your budget parameters.

Below are my six favorite Céline-inspired bags that I think you’ll LOVE [& did I mention that they’re all under $100…yeah.] Let’s go!

Click-through to shop:

Forever 21, $27.80

Forever 21, $32.80

Charming Charlie, $35.00
Target, $39.99

Target, $49.99

Francesca’s, $58.00

The goal behind Lyric is to make fashion relatable & attainable for every single person. I hope this post inspires you to go out & seek your own individual pieces for your wardrobe, regardless of your financial status. Personal style can be so fun & really AFFORDABLE, it’s just a matter of opening your eyes & seeing the possibilities.

Happy Styling, babes.

Xx.

July 7, 2014July 7, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Sexy Sleep

If you’re anything like me, your sleep patterns can change pretty dramatically during the Summer months; with endless heat waves & constant sweating…sleep can seem like more a chore than a place of relaxation. But fear not, for I’ve found one of the sexiest & most unique intimates shops this season, to give you a break from the endless heat [not to mention, your special someone will have to seriously fight to keep their hands off of you].

Muy Bella Intimates is your one stop shop for some of the most detail-oriented intimates, crafted by some of the most creative Italian, Balinese & American designers on the planet. It’s a place for fearless babes with a fearless fashion sense to find pieces that break the mold & help better define their style from the inside out.

I could sit here & talk your ear off about all the reasons why I love this little slice of shopping heaven, but you should just go see for yourself…Happy Shopping, mega babes. Xx.