January 25, 2019January 25, 2019 styledbylyric4 Comments

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.

October 19, 2015October 21, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Step Into Fall

Sooooo, if I haven’t made my love for fall fashion clear enough yet, today is the day. I’m taking on fall footwear–which is where love turns to pure obsession. You see, there’s this small corner of the fashion world where all magical things come true; where leather meets gold meets sequins meets basically anything you could possibly imagine if you look hard enough. Some call it a shoe department. I call it my happy place.

I know what you’re thinking–how original, a woman that loves shoes. But truth be told, I find nothing more crucial in an outfit than the shoe selection. You can have on a $25,000 outfit, but if you put on the wrong footwear I want nothing to do with ~~you~~ it. Footwear is the binding element in a person’s wardrobe, so stop scrimping on the good stuff & start making better decisions. The time is now.

Thus, today I’ve compiled a quick list [with prices & click-through links] of my top ten favorite fall footwear fashions. These are the perfect pieces to add to your closet this season to help finish off those nearly perfect fits with ease.

Lace Up Ballet Flats: the perfect day-to-night addition. These flats are chic yet practical for a busy day at the office to a night out with friends. Team them with dresses, denim, pants…they’re limitless. Tip: rock a light mist of bronzer on your feet to make them really pop.

My favorites: here, here & here.

Loafers: legitimately my biggest weakness this Fall; loafers are the perfect shoe. Truly. They’re feminine & sexy, but structured enough that you can take your Monday meetings by storm, but also have a hot makeout session with your Match.com date later. Tip: always go pointed toe.

My favorites: here & here.

Oxfords: this season the oxford is on fire. This is the one & only shoe I will allow a client to choose in a metallic hue. Why? Because they’re amazing & your wardrobe will reach new heights with such an interesting choice. Tip: still stay minimal; silver, rose gold, gold & white only.

My favorites: here & here.

D’Orsay Flats: the perfect outfit companion, d’Orsay flats go with literally everything; denim, pants, skirts, shorts…you name it. & the cut will make you feel sexier than ever. But selecting the right fit & color is the key to nailing this footwear find. For Fall, stick to cranberry, candy apple red, black, grey, taupe, nude, & blush hues. Tip: work them in before wearing them out–nobody likes bloody heels.

My favorites: here & here.

Cut-Out Booties: take your ankle boot addiction to the next level [what, you don’t have one?] with this season’s style shift. These geometric statements are the best way to draw attention to your stems & feet, without compromising comfort. Tip: watch your leg-to-ankle-ratio; ankle booties can cut you off, so make sure they’re highlighting your thinnest part & not taking away from it.

My favorites: here, here & here.

Platform Sneakers: I know, you can’t even believe I’m going here right now, but I am. There are some serious competitors out there this season that are subtle, but loud enough to add some pizzaz to your wardrobe. & if executed properly, I say GO FOR IT. Plus, who doesn’t love a middle school throwback? Tip: this look is strictly daytime//casual//fun. Don’t try to turn it into evening wear.

My favorites: here & here.

The Pump: even with wild fall weather, a sturdy, simple pair of leather pumps is all the doctor ordered. They’re timeless, practical & always make sense on an otherwise busy day//week//life. I usually opt for the most extended pointed toe I can find to elongate my legs. Life tip: have at least one pair of nude & one pair of black pumps on hand, at all times.

My favorites: here & here.

The Ankle Bootie: ~~not to be confused with booty~~, the ankle bootie is a fall wardrobe staple & has been around since what seems like the dawn of time. However, it’s time to switch it up a bit & not duplicate those black or tan Sam Edelman Petty Boots that we’ve all been sporting for like five years now [no offense Sam, I have like 35 pairs of them, xx]. This fall, throw a leopard print or fringe pair on or purchase the blush pink pair; spice it up somehow to differentiate you from the pack. It’s one thing to love a cut & style of shoe && want to wear the shit out of it for years to come [that’s also a great investment decision], however, keep it fresh & current when given the chance.

My favorites: here & here.

Heeled Sandals: seems counterintuitive right? But the right strappy sandal [preferable with a block heel] can be the perfect staple to defy the elements of fall. With enough support & leather, just a pop of skin can handle the cooler temperatures without hypothermia or discomfort. But be selective, because rocking a sandal in October means you’ve officially committed to being a fashionista. Now own it.

My favorites: here, here & here.

The Rain Boot: although I’m truly not the biggest advocate of this trend, I know it exists & it’s important to touch on. The Hunter Rain Boot syndrome–we all have it ladies, so let’s just own it now. But that doesn’t mean we have to have 400 pairs of them. The rain boot is the perfect little cut of PVC piping that allows us to frolic in rainy puddles whenever we please, but it deserves to be styled properly, as well. Team yours with a great pair of denim or even some cute leggings & throw some jewelry in the mix. Just promise me you won’t go to dinner in this fit unless you live in Oregon or somewhere equally as wet. Rain boots are for rain, babes. Not sprinkles. Rain.

My favorites: here & here.

Fall weather doesn’t mean you have to compromise your cute outfit selections, it just means you have to get a little more creative & think outside of the box. The most essential part of styling an outfit is comfort–if you aren’t feeling your best, you probably aren’t looking your best. Always opt for choices that you believe in & feel great in.

It’s time to start digging your heels into the fall season, ladies. Ah! See what I did there?

Happy Shopping.

Xx.

October 12, 2015October 13, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

September 9, 2015September 9, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

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…

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…

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:

Fall Flat Favorites:

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

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.

July 22, 2015July 22, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Maximum

As the Summer heat continues to assault my sweat glands, I find myself wishing I was naked pretty much everywhere I go. I mean really. The thought of a layer of clothing even touching my skin makes me cringe. Thus, I opt for maxi dresses as perma-summer-wear. They’re simple, comfortable, lightweight & make me feel naked enough to stay sane. However, I have a weird love//hate relationship with them. The length has to be just right, the print can’t be too OC Housewife, but above all is my footwear-if the shoes ain’t right, it ain’t going down. & more frustrating than my own obsessive commitment to maxi-perfection is other babe’s struggle with it.

So, today I’ve created The 5 Commandments of Maxi’s. How to wear them, what footwear to rock & why prints matter, so we can all look polished & Summer-ready, no matter the occasion.

Let’s go.

Commandment #1: No flip flops allowed. Ever. Throwing on a pair of cheap flip flops only perpetuates the laziness factor. Unless you’re backpacking in Europe or your name is Kate Moss, just don’t do it. Instead, spruce up your look with a cute sandal or heel [if you dare] & complete the entire look.

Do’s & Don’ts:
vanessa hudgens maxi KK flipflops Commandment #2: Length matters. Looking comfy is great, looking frumpy is just sad. The length of your maxi dress can entirely change its intention. Too long says “I just bought this cuz I was in a rush & the mannequin looked cute in it.” Before you take that maxi home, see where it hits on your leg. Ideally the perfect fit should hit right at or just below your ankle, to accent your shoes & show just a little skin.

Do’s & Don’ts:
Commandment #3: Print is everything. Even perfectly-fitted, beautiful-shoe-wearing maxi outfits can be hindered; without the right print & color the dress is rendered useless. Although the actual style of a maxi rarely changes, the prints are constantly being updated. Stay current & age appropriate & you’ll nail this look.

Do’s & Don’ts:

Commandment #4: Leather is the perfect addition. Almost always. Eventually the Summer sunshine will let up & you’ll likely be left shivering in the cold of the night. Thus, I team my maxi dresses with a leather jacket or blazer, but be wary, as fit & style are key to nailing this outfit addition. Tip: less is more.

Do’s & Don’ts:
Commandment #5: To shoe or not to shoe? I haven’t quite decided my thoughts on wearing full blown sneaker with a maxi dress. I see it happening everywhere & I don’t know if I love the casual-factor or absolutely hate it. However, I think it’s important that we at least attempt to style this look, so here goes: when wearing a shoe with a maxi, be sure you focus entirely on casual pieces. Don’t team lacy//chiffon//floral-print dresses with Chucks. Go all cotton, all solids or just don’t even. Tip: if you do take on this look, clean your sneaks first.

Do’s & Don’ts:

Summer has some of the trickiest, but most rewarding styling options, you just have to take a few extra minutes to find what pieces work best for you. The ultimate goal to styling a wardrobe is to make the user feel like their best self.

If you feel as comfortable & free as you do dancing around your apartment//condo//house completely naked to MJ’s Greatest Hits, yet you’re really just rocking a full blown killer maxi outfit…then you’re doing it right.

Go be your maximum self, babes.

Xx.

May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 styledbylyric2 Comments

Co-Ordinate

Hey Mamas [enter Mother’s Day pun here], I hope you all had a beautiful weekend! I have had a wild past few weeks, but I’m back & more focused than ever to get some serious fashion deets your way to help prep you for the fast approaching Summer months.

So there’s a new trend making some serious headway & I want to talk it through. They’re called Co-Ord [coordinate] Sets. Familiar?

I’m referring to those freaking adorable two piece, matching outfits that basically make all fashion headaches go away [if executed properly]. & I’m obsessed with them. Plus, everyone loves an easy outfit trick that actually works. Think your moms favorite 90s skirt & pantsuit, but completely flipped on it’s ass. That’s basically the birthplace of a co-ord. & my absolute favorite part about this look is it’s versatility; every single one of my clients [regardless of age, body type, lifestyle, etc.] has been able to make these pieces work for them because there are hundreds of co-ord styles & sets. Not to mention, you simply throw them on & you’re set for the day. [Um, calling all people with busy lives, this outfit is your lifesaver].

But which one should you choose? What body type works best with which style? & how will you know you’re doing it right?

Hello! Enter: Lyric.

Picking The Right Co-Ord For You: with two piece outfits comes the subconscious fear of bathing suits & the painful reminder that your body just isn’t in the shape you want it to be. But the beauty of these two piece outfits [unlike bikini’s] is that you don’t have to show skin if you don’t want to. You can choose from long sleeve, short sleeve, halter, crop, pantsuit, sweater, floral, monochromatic, cotton, satin, & even chiffon co-ords. The limits are endless, allowing almost all women to adopt this style for their Summer wardrobe. Take note:

A long sleeved co-ord allows for more coverage & less fuss

A cropped tank & mini skirt co-ord says, I’ve got it & I wanna flaunt it

A cropped tank & knee length skirt co-ord works beautifully on any plus sized babe

[& my personal favorite] The pantsuit co-ord, appropriate for work & play

What Body Type Works Best With Which Style: with all things should come truth; knowing & being honest with yourself about your body type is the first step toward finding confidence in what you wear. It took me a long time to accept my body type, but now I work [patiently] with select pieces until I find what works best for me. It’s all a process, but beginning is the first step. That being said, co-ord outfits are amazing for the hyper-body-conscious woman, because they allow for so much versatility:

For my babes with tummy troubles; ample coverage, loose-fitted top, a beautiful floral print & a little highlight for the legs, this co-ord takes all the attention off of the mid-section.

For my sporty, athletic babes; a body-con, striped number draws major attention to those six pack abs, highlights thin stems, but still gives appropriate coverage to the shoulders & neckline.

For my curvier babes; knee length, bright print, subtle hued co-ord’s are ideal. You can choose a cropped top dependent upon your comfort level, or go for a blousier look to add comfort & confidence.

For my petite babes; a tee & shorts co-ord is perfect. Balancing out the shoulders with a squared-off top, making the legs appear longer with hot pants, & highlighting the mid-section as your smallest point, this look will make you feel like a 6’5″ model in Paris.

For my thin babes; dare to bare. An ultra-cropped tank, racerback or tee can be the perfect addition to this look. Pair it with a fun, matching pant [for some added subtlety] & you’ll be honing your inner Twiggy in 0 seconds flat.

For my mommy’s-to-be; with bright neon hues, a loose-fitting top & bottom, & ample chest & tummy coverage, this has to be the most adorable way to wear this look. Team with your favorite accessories & you’ll be the hottest MILF in the room.

Am I Doing It Right?: the best way to know you’re following the co-ord fashion philosophies of the world is to be certain that you feel beautiful. If you are immediately trying to cut the tags off in the fitting room & find something fun to do so you can showcase this new fit…then you’re doing it right. If you stand in front of the mirror wearing your co-ord, doing pirouette after pirouette, then you’re doing it right. If you are meticulously scrutinizing all of the things you don’t like about your body & how ugly you feel in the outfit…you absolutely are not doing it right.

These pieces of fabric that we lay across our bodies day in & day out are not there to simply cover our nakedness, but rather to be representations of who we are & what we exude. Take the time. Be patient. & find what speaks to you. Confidence is 90% of the gig, & the clothes tell the other 10% of your story.

Happy Coordinating, babes.

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.

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.

Bejewel My Heart

May 9, 2014 styledbylyric1 Comment

Bejewel My Heart

Do you ever shop for jewelry & find that products are just plain cheap nowadays? Costume jewelry is wall to wall at department stores, which is great for one-time wears, but I’m curious where all the good jewelry is? The pieces that will last more than one season without turning brassy…well, here’s one amazing source: Jewelry by Leandra.

This San Diego surfer//mega beach babe [who I know personally] has been making jewelry by hand for over four years now & is unbelievably committed to her craft & it’s quality. Her stackable pieces are fun, creative & so unique & make the perfect addition to any gift for a girlfriend [or mommy on Mother’s Day, hello].

Check out her pieces & what inspires her here or purchase directly through her site here. She won’t disappoint, I promise.

Happy Friday! Xx.