August 9, 2016August 9, 2016 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Autumn Is Calling

I know I know, with the Summer heat still blasting your skin, it’s hard to imagine that shortly the temperatures will drop with the leaves & boom! Fall will be here. But it’s true & I can’t freaking WAIT. I’m already drooling over 2016 Fall items & color palettes & need to share them with you all…like NOW.

Thus, here are my favorite looks, items & colors from the coming season’s portfolio. Brace yourselves, it’s gonna get good.

Don’t Choke: one of the best, & slightly nostalgic pieces I’m loving this Fall is the ever-familiar choker. No, not the weird, wannabe barbed-wire ones [although I see those everywhere & basically hate them], but rather the metal, chic pieces that actually exist & are actually really cute. Take your usual layered necklace situation & majorly upgrade it with one simple addition. Or, for a bolder look, wear just the one, but make it chunky & loud. Not too sure you’re ready to go back to the early 90s on this one? Try a simple leather piece & tie it up. The best part about this accessory is there are tons of options & tons of price points, so the possibilities are pretty endless.

Velvety Goodness: I know it seems like we’re basically just throwing back to your middle school days this Fall, but in all honesty, it’s like all the weird items we hated then, came back & said, “We want vengeance.” & I mean…they kinda got it. Velvet is back & PISSED; ready to show the world she can & she will. My favorite pieces are light pastels, light weight, & neutral. The louder hues remind me of a weird scene in Eye Wide Shut or something [not cute]. The trick: fit is everything; drowning yourself in a velvet ensemble is not the goal & is not a good look on anyone. Ever.

Hood Rat: one of the best pieces this Fall is the hoodie–yes, I said it. The freaking hoodie is here. Hi comfort, nice to see you again. Styling this look is key; it takes layers & accessory additions to assure that you don’t just look lazy & hungover. Note: regardless of what you add, this look is still relatively casual. I don’t recommend hitting your next interview or business dinner in this fit, but for a quick bite or drink with girlfriends…#perfection. A few of my favorite styling tricks with this look [to up the ante]: a front tuck, layered, with heels, or under a blazer.

Moto Psycho: the moto look is here to stay, no matter how hard you try to remove it from the fashion repertoire. This season, however, it’s coming out everywhere; jackets, denim, handbags…everywhere you look, you will see slight nods to moto style & I can pretty much guarantee you’re gonna like it. My favorite pieces usually pertain to the lower half of the body, as well as layering pieces, but there are seriously cool looks I’ve found that will undoubtedly inspire my edgier babes.

Pierced Purses: this Fall is bound to produce some of the best handbags I’ve seen in probably the last decade. No joke. The absolute love of my life being the Septum bag [as I’ve grown to call it]. Pierced purses are basically any handbag that looks like it spent a few minutes at a piercing parlor. There are so many different styles, colors, metals, materials…but one thing is universal among them–they’re cute as eff.

Fall Flavors [no pics just a breakdown]: aside from amazing Fall items, comes amazing Fall colors, & this year finally has a few new hues in the mix. Pink meets yellow meets “pumpkin spice” and even makes friends with nudes & florals. Yes, florals, in Fall…WHAT. Just be sure to keep them mild & breezy, kinda like the weather, ya dig?

So whether these styles suite your fancy or you choose to pick your own favorites this Fall, make them yours. As I always preach, customization & fit are everything to identifying your own personal style. My blog is simply here to inspire, not to force. Pick pieces you love physically & visually, because everything else would just be a waste of your time & money.

& remember, Happy Hunting.

xx.

March 21, 2016March 21, 2016 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Spring Fling.

Every year, Easter Sunday sneaks up on me & I’m left to pull out that over-worn, very tired floral number that makes me look weirdly large in areas that I’d rather not mention. I refuse pictures the entire day & usually go home feeling completely frumpy & annoyed. Thus, this year I’m prepared & hoping to prepare all of you babes to #ditchthefrump & pull together an unforgettable look that will leave you feeling confident, beautiful & focused on the true meaning of this special day & the people you’re sharing it with.

Whether you observe the holiday or not, this Sunday marks the true beginning of Spring. We’re talking cute sandals, fun dresses & all the pretty pastels. Not ready to make the switch from Winter layers, just yet? Start small. Ditch your heavy coat & opt for a denim jacket instead. Replace your all-weather boots with an ankle boot or sneaker. Add transitional colors [such as soft blues, blush pinks & nudes] to your cold-weather looks. These simple switches will ease you into the new season without stress or confusion.

So grab yourself a handful of Cadbury Mini Eggs & get ready for this week’s Master Class: Spring.

Forever Floral: Spring & florals go together like sunshine & tanning oil–there’s simply no denying it or making it go away. However, this Easter, switch it up with a bolder statement. With a larger print you eliminate the predictability of a Spring outfit, while helping hide any Winter imperfections you have yet to work off. The key to owning a floral look this Spring is finding the unusual & unexpected. Here are some of my favorites:

floral romper

Just a Touch: can’t imagine decking your entire body out in pastels & florals? No problem here. Adding just a slight nod to the changing season is really all it takes to perfect a transitional Spring look. Throw suede into the mix. Swap out heavy knits for light ones. Try a silk scarf on for size. These simple, painless changes will help keep you sane in warmer weather months. Here are a few of my favorites that give just enough credit to the times, without overdoing it.

Denim Daze: one of the absolute best parts of Spring is all the denim options that open up–white, black, green, blue, skinny, wide-leg, flared, overalls, distressed…the list goes on & on. Get creative & play up your bottom half this Easter with fun options that you regularly wouldn’t rock. Whether you’re hosting, drinking, running the Easter Egg Hunt or simply chasing after your little ones all day, denim is the perfect candidate for this specific day. Here are my absolute favorite looks for ~~Easter~~ Spring 2016 & beyond:

Fem Footwear: one of the easiest ways to get your mind right about Spring is footwear. Take a favorite pair of denim, a white tee & add a delicious shoe…you’ve got yourself a fashionista dream. It doesn’t have to be complicated; even a sneaker can be feminine if executed properly. The key to owning footwear is confidence & size. More often than not my clients come to me & don’t know their true shoe size. Ladies, you can’t rock great shoes if you’re hobbling around in them. Take a peek at some of my favorite Spring footwear finds. Wild or not, these looks are show-stoppers:

Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply need styling direction for the coming warmer months, my hope is that today’s master class taught you that taking risks is crucial in helping identify exactly what it is you like about fashion & don’t. A single outfit can be transformative; put you in an entirely different place & time. It’s storytelling. It’s powerful. & it’s a skill that I hope to continue to instill in my clients word by word, post by post, consultation after consultation.

Keep working at it, keep taking risks & have a beautiful Sunday with family, friends & a fierce outfit.

Happy Easter, all.

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.

April 13, 2015April 13, 2015 styledbylyric3 Comments

Bach[elorette] Please

If you know anything about my personal life, you know that this year I will be attending [& participating in] 12 weddings. Yes. I just said that. TWELVE. It was one of those things where I was casually going through my 26 years of life thinking, “Hm, why doesn’t anyone invite me to their wedding…” & then. Thanks manifestation.

However, here I am, & bring on the love.

That all being said, with all this love comes engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners & obviously, the big day. But what the hell do you wear & how do you select pieces in a productive & efficient way without turning into bridesmaidzilla?

Here I am darling, to help save the day.

Seeing as I now consider myself a wedding spectator expert, I’ve consolidated my top wedding tips on what to wear without losing your mind.

ENGAGEMENT PARTY: your bff, sister, friend, cousin…whomever, has just said “Yes” & you’re invited to the engagement party…

What To Wear: engagement parties are just the beginning of the process, so going overboard is not for this affair. Opt for feminine details [dresses being easiest], solid basics, soft prints, & minimal accessories [things that prevent from taking away from the bride]. Think cottons & polys. Top it off with a fun shoe & call it good. Here’s a few examples:

BRIDAL SHOWER: it’s time to show the bride your love; likely with mimosa’s flying & afternoon sunshine beaming, today is about being your classiest self. Think tea time with a little edge.

What To Wear: I say go all floral, sequins, chiffon, & lace on the brides shower day. Make it as whimsical & beautiful as possible. & if you can’t rock a cute heel, then at least play it up with a stylized flat or sandal. Like so:

two piece

BACHELORETTE PARTY/WEEKEND: it’s bound to get wild, so put on your best Vegas & go all in.

What To Wear: chances are high that you will be at a club/bar/restaurant at some point during this time together, thus having your best hairspray & sexist LBD is vital. However, don’t forget your most comfortable sweatpants & tee shirt for the morning after. Like this:

REHEARSAL DINNER: chances are if you’re a bridesmaid, you’ll be at this event; a crucial & probably most serious part of the wedding process.

What To Wear: the rehearsal dinner is the time to put on your best professional attire & not get sideways. Grab your favorite pair of grandma-approved heels, a cute top, or maybe even a reasonably long skirt & prepare to memorize your role.

As for what to wear to their Big Day, well you’ll just have to wait & see what I conjure up in coming blog posts ;]

Regardless of when the wedding festivities begin or how badly you ~~even~~ want to go, finding great pieces that represent who you are, while remaining comfortable & theme-appropriate is not an easy task. But it also shouldn’t cost you your sanity [or your life savings]. If you like any of the pieces shown above or have questions on finding the right outfit for your specific event, feel free to reach out in the contact section.

Fashion should be fun & approachable. & so should wedding season.

Happy Bridesmaiding, babes. Xx.

March 30, 2015March 30, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Basic Bunnies

Whether you’re meeting your significant other’s family for the first time, or simply spending time with your ~~least~~ favorite relatives, Easter outfits can be a tricky thing. Department store racks are currently spilling over with floral ensembles, so I’ve decided to not let you go the easy route; just say no to floral this holiday #dontbebasic. Instead, I’ve put together my six favorite Easter 2015 looks, so you too can get inspired & find your inner creative pastel bunny, in hopes to make this Sunday’s outfit one you’ll actually want to look back on.

Let’s go.

Ditch the typical floral maxi, find yourself a beautiful lavender, soft pink, even powder blue one instead. Keeping with the pastel theme, this dress will make you feel like a princess in a room full of frogs [don’t worry, they all have the potential to be princes].

Keep it fresh with an unexpected print like this oversized polka dot tunic; it adds texture & dimension to a once simple design. Find one in a gorgeous pastel? Well, you’ve won the freaking lottery.

The one cliché fabric that I’ll always let slide is lace. This always beautiful, always chic, effortless garment stands alone without fuss. Julia Engel rocked this one above with her amazing [$1,000] Valentino pointed-toe slingbacks, but a playful gladiator sandal or wedge would team just as well.

Not feeling a dress this Easter Sunday? Try a monochromatic look instead. Julie Sarinana [my favorite style blogger on the planet] is the white on white queen. Pair neutral colors together [white, tan, grey, charcoal, black, taupe] & don’t look back. Just be sure you’re ultra stain-conscious throughout the day.

As much as I love a stand-alone maxi, I’m more interested in unique pieces like this tie-dyed beauty. A stylish way to ring in the Spring season without looking like you just stepped out of High Times Magazine. Top it off with a sexy heel & you’ll feel like JLo on the red carpet circa 2000.

& finally, one of my favorites; shorts. This look is perfect for a chilly morning brunch turned afternoon hellish sun. Team a waffle knit sweater with a soft pair of shorts & you’ll be the most prepared fashionista in the room.

Lastly, make me one single promise this Easter Sunday & say it out loud to yourself: “I will not ruin my adorable Easter outfit that Lyric helped me style with an awful pair of old flip flops. I will take the time to pair the appropriate footwear to finalize my outfit & not break Lyric’s heart.”

Nothing makes me more devastated in my clients than when I catch them being lazy with their footwear decisions. Always take the time to top off your entire fit.

& with that, I wish you well in all of your outfit decisions. & remember, regardless of anything, this is a day to spend time together, to love on one another & to feel good about yourself.

Happy Styling.

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…

June 23, 2014June 23, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Suit Up

So it’s officially been Summer for two days & I’m already seeing teeny bikini’s flooding my news feeds, thus it’s time to take on the ever-terriying subject of: Bathing Suits.

Now, there are some seriously amazing styles leading the pack this Summer in the suit department & designers are getting more & more innovative every day, but some styles simply aren’t meant for certain bodies. Fear not ladies, for I refuse to let you find yourself in a dark corner of a fitting room, drowning your sorrows over a candy bar because you “hate the way you look”. I’m here to free you from any guilt you may have from Winter & be real about your body & what suit is right for you this season. So let’s just do this thing…

We’re going to break down this years best selling suit styles & explain who should be wearing them & why.

Style #1: Classic String Bikini

This style of suit has been popular since the 60s & is going nowhere fast. However, it is not for the faint of heart. The best candidates for these minimalist, triangular pieces are athletes, small-busted women, & long & lean figures. The best part of styling a string bikini is it’s versatility; pair nearly any top with any bottom & you’ve got a show stopper.

Style #2: One Shoulder Suits

Believe it or not this style of bathing suit is perfect for my ladies with short torsos, wide bottom halves & long & lean figures. The solid mid-section elongates the torso [particularly in monochromatic tones], the high cut bottom shows more thigh making the legs appear longer & any added ruffles or embellishments add curves to the places that you want & need. This suit shows added effort without added energy.

Styled #3: The Sport Suit

This style is huge this Summer, particularly with the flux of yoga & athletic wear. Clearly the market for this suit is athletes, but the freedom it allows for activities makes it a perfect candidate for any woman willing to rock a two piece. Other babes that should be snatching this suit up in 2014 are large busted women, as this style gives great coverage & support to the bust without compromising sexiness. & did I mention these suits have some of the BEST color combos.

Style #4: The Cutout

This suit is for women who prefer a one piece, but don’t mind showing a little extra skin. A cutout suit is perfect for large busted, small busted, small torso, wide bottom & long & lean babes. Given it’s vamped but understated nature, the wearer is provided coverage & support, but still able to feel sexy without giving too much away. Think poolside in Vegas with a slushy drink in hand…yeah, it’s that good. Note: the amount of detailing & cutouts should vary depending on the size of your hips, waist & butt.

Style #5: The High Waister

This style is great if you are small busted, large busted, wide hipped, large torsoed, a post-preggo mama, or even athletic, as it sucks you in in all the right places. This is one of the most versatile, comfortable, & flattering styles for the widest range of body types that I have found this season. But being picky & finding the right color & print for your body is everything behind perfecting this look. The height of the waistline should depend directly upon your confidence level & the size of your torso. Thinner torso: lower waistline. Wider torso: higher waistline.

Style #6: The Strapless

This style has been big for about four Summers now, but I think critics are finally finding it’s flaws. The strapless design is great for sunbathing with minimal tan lines, but should you need to participate in any activities, you may find yourself experiencing a wardrobe malfunction [let alone if you are well-endowed]. The strapless concept is much like that of a strapless bra: small busted & long & lean babes should be the only ones sporting this style any longer.

Style #7: The V-Neck

The extended neckline of this bathing suit is great for my pear shaped, large torsos, apple shaped, mommy-to-be, & large busted babes, as this helps highlight one of the most feminine & sleek parts of the female body. Pair this top with the appropriate bottoms or even opt for a one piece & you’ll be beach-ready & more confident than every this Summer.

Style #7: The Bustier

The bustier is exactly as it sounds: for those who need a bit of a boost. All of the small busted, thin torso, athletic & long & lean ladies should be rocking this look all Summer long. It comes in one piece suits or bikinis & will provide amazing support, major sex-appear & allow you to be active the entire time. Note: as mentioned earlier, the completion of this look will be dependent upon finding the right bottoms & cut.

Swimsuit designers will no doubt continue their studies of the female body & what they believe works best, but it’s truly up to you & your own personal style to decide what makes you feel beautiful & confident. There is nothing worse than planning a great vacation or pool party only to find yourself hiding under a towel or beach dress for fear of being seen. Trust your body, trust your instincts & use the tools listed above & your swimsuit fears will subside in no time. But hurry, because Summer’s only here a few more months babes…

Xx.