December 29, 2015December 29, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Frump-Free Winter

So in case you haven’t stepped outside in a few days, ~~it’s effing freezing~~ Winter is upon us. And I’ve had about 100 women contact me regarding Winter-wear & how to do it right; sans all the bulk & masculinity. Having just taken a trip to Tahoe & survived 9 degree temperatures in ~~relatively~~ cute outfits, I feel as though I’m qualified to fully take this discussion on head first. Not to mention my obsession with being warm & hating a funky outfit…but who needs particulars ;]

Below are my top Winter looks that remain feminine, sexy, & warm without all the fuss. I’ll be breaking down my favorite layering tips & tricks, fabric preferences to keep it cute, & best ways to put it all together. All in hopes to help you make the perfect cold-weather fit for your body type & lifestyle. Let’s get straight to it…

Few things are more annoying than a bulky, heavy knit sweater, even when the weather permits. Opt for a lighter weight one this season & layer it with a soft, high-low piece underneath [complimenting colors, please]. This fit allows mobility all while keeping you plenty warm. Key to this look: size up on the layering pieces. Top it off with a great pair of leather leggings & you’re rocker-chic heaven.

Love the look of boyfriend denim, but don’t know how to incorporate it into your Winter wardrobe? No prob Bob. To add femininity, throw on a great heel [can be a bootie or sandal] & roll the cuffs to give dimension & shape. One of my favorite Winter pieces this year is a side-slit sweater; it gives a little peak of your torso, while still keeping your warm. Add that under a fitted leather jacket & you’ve got the best city-chic fit this side of the Bronx.

Tired of the over-worn beanie look? Us too. Switch out that knit top & pop on a hat instead. It keeps you equally as warm, without the “I just got off the slopes, bro” look. The perfect boho fit: a gorgeous, asymmetrical knit sweater [the brighter the better] & a complimentary pair of fitted denim. Remember, oversized sweater=tighter denim, oversized denim=tighter top. You always want to make sure you’re still giving your body shape, especially when layering. Finish the look with a comfy pair of heeled booties [again, think soft, feminine pieces] & you’ll be the cutest snow bunny that ever was.

Want to remain chic, business-ready, but warm? Totally do-able. Invest in a great camel//soft pink coat this season [preferably wool]. This will be your go-to piece for years. The neutrality of the color will allow for major versatility; denim, white, black, grey…the colors are nearly endless. As for a complete look: pop on a favorite heel, work some casual, comfy denim or pants in, & finish it off with a fine-knit turtleneck or funnel collar. This fit will see you through an entire work day & into a great cocktail night with comfort & ease.

Cute layering seems impossible, no? Wrong. It’s possible; it exists. The key: finding light-weight pieces that compliment one another without adding too much bulk. The best purchase a woman can make for Winter weather is a chambray button-up, as it’s soft, warm, & works effortlessly with nearly any fabric. Top it with a soft, waffle knit sweater [preferably turtleneck or crewneck] & an awesome pair of fitted leather leggings, & you’ve got a classic, comfortable look that keeps the heat in while bar-hopping in the cold Winter air all night.

Afraid to throw some color in during Winter? Don’t be. My favorite way to break up those sad winter neutrals is to hit em with the unexpected. Find a hot pink, mustard yellow, or cobalt blue fold-over turtleneck sweater this season, team it with a great pair of fitted denim [dare I recommend skinnies?!] & top it all off with a super tall pair of pumps. This look is casual but fierce bottled up in one & it will not go unnoticed.

What’s more Wintery than white? Break all the rules this season & pair the best neutral ever created with every sweater you own. Seriously. White denim works with basically everything, particularly if they’re fitted//skinny. White with white, white with tan, white with black, white with blue, white with yellow…am I making myself clear here? However, be sure to add a point of interest; be it a loud shoe, handbag, etc., to add a little madness to the perfection. Your look will be unexpected & so ahead of the game. #takeawalkonthewildside

Whether you’re simply dressing for a day of shopping or heading to a major event, try something new this Winter season. Push the boundaries, make yourself a little uncomfortable in a new style or piece & growwwwww. Your wardrobe needs you, ya know. And so does your creative side.

Happy Styling, mega babes.

Xx.

November 2, 2015November 3, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Party Problems

Well babes, November is here, which means it’s officially all-things-holiday. This is the one season of the year where sequins, patent leather pumps, opaque tights & champagne make the best of friends & you don’t have to apologize to anyone for it.

Thus, today I’ve chosen my top five male & female looks to rock this 2015 Holiday. Making a statement during these few months is the name of the game. With so many fun prints & colors && textures to work with the options are pretty endless. Plus, you don’t want to be the one in the corner with Barbara from Accounting eating your feelings at this year’s holiday party, right? So it’s time to rework your wardrobe & accessories && make this your best outfit season ever!

Menswear: the looks I’ve chosen work for nearly any body-type & allow my male clients to feel enough creativity to represent their own personal style, but not take away from the professional atmosphere of work//family//co-worker-realted parties. Each piece varies from causal wear to black tie, all dependent upon the invite.

For super casual environments, try a black on black ensemble with a subtle pop of metal or color.
Not ready for a suit? Work a nice slack, a simple button-up & a great pair of loafers.
Event too casual for full suit & tie? Ditch the tie & work in a great shoe & pocket square instead.Time to suit it up, but want to stand out? Try a fun color or print on for size. Black Tie? Opt for true black hues, a vest, & a unique pocket square & tie [at max].

Womenswear: the looks I’ve selected for my ladies today are versatile, flirty & on-trend with the season, yet they allow serious room for creativity & personality. Women get to cheat a bit with party-wear because our looks often fit somewhere neatly between casual & black tie dependent upon the woman’s tastes & preferences. However, each piece chosen has either a unique shape, texture or print & will help kick your holiday season up a solid ten notches & still be invite-appropriate.

Not down with a dress? Try a great blouse & unique skirt. Top with a killer heel & you’ll be show stopping.
Keep it classic & professional with a beautiful burgundy lace dress, but spice it up with some sequins.
Want to keep it comfortable? Rock some amazing sequin pants. Tip: keep everything else simple.Nothing says Carrie Bradshaw like a tulle skirt. Perfect for holiday parties, but always add tights. Need some color in your life? An emerald cocktail dress is my go-to this holiday season. #sogood

So whether you have corporate events planned, your in-laws in town, or you just want a night out with friends & a hot-toddy, this season is the time to try new pieces & looks. Put on those leather chestnut loafers, guys. Purchase those five inch Louboutins, ladies. && get ready to own the shit out of Winter. You’ve worked hard the last ten months…

Happy Partying, party animals.

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.