Reunited & It Feels So Good

WE’RE BACKKKKK. Can you believe it?! Three years, people. That’s longer than most of our clothes lives in our closets. But we’re here and we’re ready to crunch out some new content for our tried and true Lyric followers out there.

But this year, we want to shift the focus on to our readers. What struggles do you have when staring down the barrel of your wardrobe? What frustrates you when getting ready? Do you dress for yourself or others? Do you need help organizing your closet and why? Do retailers provide enough variety for you? Do you suffer from body image issues? If so, how do you deal with them while searching for new pieces? Are you ever overwhelmed by trends or social media fashion suggestions?

All of these topics and more are the life blood of Lyric and our message, but we want to hear directly from readers as to why they seek out resources such as ours. So go ahead babe, let it ALL out in our comment portion, because we’re ready to get 2019 going and get back to BIZNASSSSS.

 

Sweater Together

Believe it or not, Fall is here. Californian’s be like “suuuuuuure it is…” But in all seriousness, it’s going to get really cold here shortly & one of my favorite but most difficult Fall styles is circling back around. && I want to make sure you babes are wearing this one to it’s full potential.

[The pullover sweater.]

That super cute, but super impossible wardrobe item you have a thousand of but are never quite sure how to style…that’s when I enter. The pullover sweater can be epically bad if not executed properly, so I’ve come up with the Five Sweater Commandments to alleviate any stress related to this item moving forward.

Let’s get to it.

sweater slip    trench

Commandment #1: mix fabrics. With heavy knits & big blocked stitching, sweaters can quickly become terribly masculine, so adding a smidge of lace is the perfect feminine touch. Take your outfit to the next level with some of my favorite lace pieces here.

sweater trench black trench

Commandment #2: add a layer. Some of my favorite wardrobe additions this Fall are all these beautiful trenches & coats showing up everywhere. [It’s like designers finally figured it out.] They add dimension to any outfit & kick up the class & sophistication. Pair a neutral-toned sweater, a statement coat & a great necklace…you’ve got Fall nailed. Next level: try a cape.

cowl neck and skirt
    cowl neck skirt

Commandment #3: never fear the cowl neck. The key to a great pullover look is fit & function. A cowl neckline flows effortlessly & adds a stylized element to a look that takes you from bargain shopper to runway walker in seconds. Pair it with a great pencil skirt or pair of denim & heels, && you’re set.

leather leather and sweater

Commandment #4: leather always. The best partner to a big bulky pullover is a sexy, skin tight pair of cropped [faux] leather pants. They make your stems look thin & sleek, & add an edgy element to an otherwise conservative look. Some of my favorite pairs here & here. Key: wear this outfit on chilly days//nights #sweatingisntcute

layered      statement

Commandment #5: know when less is more. Sometimes a pullover calls for a big statement necklace & other times it needs nothing at all. To know the difference: identify how loud your sweater is [color, fit, neckline, knit, stitching, etc.] & work from small drop necklaces to heavier layered pieces & determine what look you like best. Tip: the thicker the knit, the less likely it needs a necklace.

These commandments are meant to guide not dictate. You & only you know what works best for your body & style, but tips & tricks are always helpful, especially when dealing with a tricky wardrobe item like sweaters. Start trying new sizes & fits, & work your outfits to a place where you feel confident & sexy…because that’s the entire reason we invest in these fabrics in the first place, right?

Happy styling, babes.

Xx.

Surrender To The Season

Pairing a cute top with a cute bottom clearly isn’t rocket science. With all the help of social media & the [sometimes ridiculously dressed] mannequins at your favorite retailer, you can certainly find your way. But finding your way vs creating it–not one in the same.  I’ve always explained to my clients that my brand doesn’t exist to simply throw clothes over your body & let you on your way. Lyric exists to create a space for elevated, inspiring outfits that help emphasize the user. & with the changing of the seasons, it’s the perfect time to update your look & get inspired by pieces that speak to you.

The time is now.

Today I’m taking on Fall 2015 fashion. We’re going to let go of those old ratty items that you swear you’ll wear again but never will & replace them with current, modern pieces that speak to you now, not you in college when you had a strict budget & a hangover before class. Yes, I still have my Santa Barbara Halloween 2007 costume, too, but it’s not taking up real estate in my closet anymore. You get the gist…let’s get to it.

Do: these boots.loose ankle bootie

Don’t: those boots. knee high boot

Finding the right boot for your body type, leg shape, age, etc., can be difficult. But the one tip I will give you this Fall is don’t over do it. Knee high boots can be tricky & nine times out of ten only add weight to your legs, versus give them shape & definition. Instead, opt for a loose fitted ankle boot [heeled or flat, entirely up to you]. They give that sexy outdoorsy feel, without the restriction of all that leather. & frankly, they’re just cuter.

Do: this denim.

chambray

Don’t: that denim.  jean jacket

You probably don’t need to be told that Fall is all about layering, however, layering properly is key. Heavy weighted items like denim can limit mobility & possibly your mood, so ditch that old millennial jean jacket you’ve been carrying around & invest in a light, soft chambray button-up instead. It’s versatile, pairs well with nearly anything & is the perfect layering piece for your Fall wardrobe.

Do: this vest.

cape vest

Don’t: that vest.

fur best

This one was hard for me, seeing as I went through a full fledged fur phase, but trust me when I say that I too purged my closet of my tacky fur, so it can be done. Try something more mature this season, like a wool cape or vest [my favorites here]. It elevates your look, your maturity level & makes you feel less Abercrombie, more Bloomingdales.

Do: this handbag.

fall handbag

Don’t: that handbag.

studded handbag

Handbags are one of the most personal pieces in a woman’s closet. We all have our own style & eye for what makes up the perfect bag, but if you make only one adjustment this Fall make it this. Invest in one great, versatile, subtle bag that suits your lifestyle, but doesn’t scream I just left Vegas [on a Tuesday]. Aka, all those bedazzled, leopard print, studded ones you’ve been hoarding…they’re never come back around so let them go.

Do: these pants.

cropped pant

Don’t: those pants. 

gauchos

I’m not sure who decided that gauchos were ever a thing, but they should be shot. Too aggressive? #notsorry. Adding extra weight to a woman’s ankles, calves…legs in general, is not cute on anyone [even you, 6’3, 115lb model living in New York]. Now, give me a fitted, cropped pant–happy place. Clothes are worn to define, not to hide. As women, we tend to buy up a size or layer so much that we lose our shape & curves. Instead, we need to find the right pieces, that emphasize the right places & make us feel sexier & more feminine. Thus, this season, find yourself a great pair of black cropped pants & rock the shit out of them.

Do: this scarf.

loose scard

Don’t: that scarf.

tight scarf

My last & final adjustment this Fall is to one of my favorite accessories–the scarf. The past few years, we’ve all drowned ourselves in heavy knit pieces, that although kept us quite warm, also suffocated our necks [& likely our outfit]. So this season try a new approach; opt for a silk, printed, light weight piece instead. Live in too cold a climate? Fear not. You can still pull out those great knit numbers, but leave them untied & flowing. It’s a simple styling trick that will take you from The Gap to The Runway in 5…4…3…2…1.

Personal style doesn’t have to be an overwhelming transformative experience. The smallest adjustments from season to season can help your look feel fresh & current without all the exhausting effort. This Fall, try one minor adaptation & see how different you feel. I promise it will be worth it.

Happy Fall, babe friends.

Xx.

September Issues

Dutifully titled, September can bring about some serious issues in the wardrobe department. While the models are getting ready to kill it at NYFW this weekend & help point us in the right direction, we’re left to figure this shit out for now. The weirdness with weather, the confusion over which styles need to be ditched & which are still hanging around, the inability to choose between pastels or greys for an outfit…it can all be a bit frustrating.

But fear not, for today I’ve compiled a few of my favorite [& most convenient] ways to update your wardrobe & style those weird in-between-season outfits, to get you out of the house faster & sexier than ever — Fashion Week or not.

Let’s go.

Tip #1: learn to fully embrace layers. You don’t have to put those beloved shorts & skirts away just yet, just be sure to keep it Fall-appropriate. Add a pair of ankle booties, throw on a scarf, add fall focused colors to the mix…it doesn’t have to be blunt & in your face for it to be a transitional look. The key: bulk up your top layers & keep the bottom half simple. A few of my favorites…

leather shorts

fall coat

Screen Shot 2015-09-08 at 10.58.35 AM

Tip #2: color is ok. With Fall comes this weird misconception that all prints & colors must go, but I assure you this is the farthest from the truth. Instead, shift your focus toward the right colors & patterns; mix in a few Summer shades with neutrals & keep the tones in sync with one another. Hint: think fall tones — yellows, blues, reds, soft pinks, greens…

fall colors

fall

fall colors

Tip #3: switch up your footwear. If you make but one change between seasons, let it be your footwear selections. It’s game changing & doesn’t have to be painfully difficult. Decipher which shoes you wore most often during the Summer & then find their Fall-focused counterpart. For example, my favorite pair of black & gold Summer sandals were recently swapped out for a delicious pair of black & gold Sam Edelman booties. This way my wardrobe isn’t completely compromised, but my shoes are appropriate for the shift in weather. Not a fan of boots? Opt for a pointed-toe flat instead. The broader your horizons, the less mess when finding a fit.

Fall Boot Favorites:

grey suede jc

tan caged sandals

oriley cutout

Fall Flat Favorites:

m gemi stellato

jc cutout flat

dorsay

 

Tip #4: change your color scheme. Whether you’re prone to vibrant makeup or not, Fall is a fun time to play around with different hues & step out of your comfort zone. From your nails to your hair to your makeup-this is the season to play. My go to switch-ups are oxblood & nude//blush lips, black, blue & taupe nails, gold & plum lids, & I usually ditch my bronzer for a soft blush. These quick changes are cheap & efficient ways of changing your look from Summer to Fall without much fuss. The trick: try, try, try again. You won’t find the perfect colors right off the bat, but once you do it’ll be show stopping. A little extra: if you choose a bold lips, go light on the rest of your face.fall makeup vamp lip

blue eyes vamp

fall red makeu

Your personal style doesn’t have to be completely revamped with every changing season [& frankly it shouldn’t be], but tweaking small things here & there can make all the difference in the world. With Fall & Winter comes dark colors, warm sweaters, oh & my personal favorite: pumpkin everything. #imfemaleafterall. So soak it in & get prepared, because it’s here & your wardrobe so wants to be ready…

Happy Shifting, babes.

Xx.