Tighten Up

Why do tights seem like some archaic accessory that our moms wore a hundred years ago? Every time I pull them out of my drawer I cringe a little at their sad, limp shape & wonder, “how can I style you better & not age myself ten years?”

Well, today’s the day.

I’m breaking down my five favorite winter looks incorporating tights, in hopes to eliminate any weirdness we have toward these sheer, wardrobe gems. It’s time to look cute, age appropriate & actually be warm while out in the city having a holiday beverage this season.

Let’s go.

dress shorts with tightsOne of my favorite ways to style tights; rock your favorite pair of dress shorts [keep the sex appeal with a pair that hits way above the knee], a fun ankle bootie & a long, seasonally appropriate vest. This look gives your legs amazing shape, showcases each individual piece of the fit & keeps you warm in cold winter months.

opaque tightsWant to own your inner Parisian? Work an extra short, fitted skirt with a pair of deep opaque tights & an extra pointed-toe ankle bootie. Add a pullover sweater & some great bracelets & you’ve got the best day-to-night outfit in all the land.

shredded tightsAncient fashion rules would cringe over mixing black & brown, but this is one of the best color combos. That being said…take your favorite pair of black tights [distressed or not], throw your favorite winter tunic over them & layer the crap out of it. Add a wool coat with a heavier jacket & maybe even a fun printed scarf. The more layers the merrier. Your fit will be screaming “I’m winter ready, bitches!”

denim shorts and tightsNot ready to put those summer shorts away just yet? We can compromise. Find an ultra sheer pair of tights [black preferred], mix them with your favorite button-up or blouse, add a chunky pair of heels or booties & work those short shorts, girl. The key to this look is mixing grungy pieces with ultra feminine pieces; balance is everything, right?

flannel tightsStaying in or keeping it casual? Grab your favorite flannel tunic & find the heaviest knit tights you can. Add a boyfriend watch or simple gold necklace & you’ve got the perfect homebody outfit this winter. Need to head out? Throw on a pair of rugged lace up boots & a beanie. You’ll be a sexy cross between a lumberjack & a Victoria’s Secret model. Who can’t get with that?

There is a happy medium between the looks our moms used to wear & the great winter looks coming off the streets of New York, San Francisco & Milan. The key is to keep the rest of your outfit current. Tights can look stale & outdated if you’re mixing them with pieces that aren’t comparable, so work your tights into an outfit with an extra short dress or skirt & don’t look back. When else would you be able to show so much of your stems without fear? Exactly. #workitgirl It’s the holidays after all…

Happy Tightening, babes.

Xx.

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.

casual black on blackFor super casual environments, try a black on black ensemble with a subtle pop of metal or color.
casul loafersNot ready for a suit? Work a nice slack, a simple button-up & a great pair of loafers. 
classic and cleanEvent too casual for full suit & tie? Ditch the tie & work in a great shoe & pocket square instead.red suitTime to suit it up, but want to stand out? Try a fun color or print on for size. black tieBlack 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.

casual black and whiteNot down with a dress? Try a great blouse & unique skirt. Top with a killer heel & you’ll be show stopping.
burgundy lace and sequinKeep it classic & professional with a beautiful burgundy lace dress, but spice it up with some sequins.
sequin pantWant to keep it comfortable? Rock some amazing sequin pants. Tip: keep everything else simple.tulleNothing says Carrie Bradshaw like a tulle skirt. Perfect for holiday parties, but always add tights. emerald green 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.

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.

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[Images Courtesy of AlexisRussell.com 2015]

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.

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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…

opposing

[Pink meets Mint meets Yellow meets Blue meets Leopard]

opposites

[Chartreuse meets Blue meets Leopard]

purple n green

[Purple meets Green meets Brown meets Stripes meets Coral]

navy n orange

[Navy meets Orange meets Chevron]

sincerely jules

[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.

Be Jeweled.

stacked

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

amorilo

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.

Make A Serious Statement

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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.

Lost Lover

flower crown

lavendar

beach queen

Looking for a few Summer accessory additions or maybe just some amazing inspiration? Head over here to meet Australian mega babe Anna Sinclair & shop some of the most unbelievable home decor & unique bohemian jewelry I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Serious. You won’t be sorry, but your bank account will.

Xx.

Bejewel My Heart

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.

The Big Reveal

20140414-170847.jpg20140414-170854.jpgI figured it was probably time for me to debut the face behind the words & show that I really am a fashion-friendly, credible source for all things style & wardrobe.

I made myself one major promise upon starting Lyric & this blog in it’s entirety & it was that I refuse to relentlessly post pictures of myself on here. I want this part of the blogesphere to be about my readers & [potential] clients & about helping them identify their own personal style, not to mimic mine. However, if you find yourself inspired by any of my pictures, outfits, jewelry, etc., when they seldom do appear on the blog please don’t hesitate to reach out & inquire!

So here it is. Me. A shameless car selfie [taken on my iPhone]. Today’s fit & gems. & some major post-manicure debris.

Happy Monday, babes! Xx.

do you have the time?

do you have the time?

Watches are the perfect accessory for any outfit, but selecting the right one can be tricky & slightly exhausting. With the ever-trending boyfriend watch vs. the sleek & elegant feminine competitors, one can get lost in the shuffle. Let’s stop time for a minute & make some sense of it all…

Boyfriend watches: these gold, silver, mixed metal, large, strapped or linked watches can be worn with nearly anything & pull a not-so-polished look together in 1-2-3. This look can be incredibly versatile, but needs little embellishment. More often than not I see women [& men] wearing watch accents, also known as “arm candy”. Large watches are like the loudest person in the room; they need no introduction & less should be is more. Pair a thin cuff [of similar metal] or chain bracelet alongside your timepiece & call it good. I also prefer wearing my bulkier rings on the opposing hand as the watch to even out the weight differential.

Feminine Watches: these watches need friends; the more the merrier with this look. Throw on that giant gold cuff [still matching metal, please] & add varying sized bangles & chains. Texture & volume are what take this look from 0 to 60 with just an ounce of added effort. Mind you, the more wrist jewelry, the less neck & finger gems. Always remind yourself of balance & placement when adding accessories to your fit.

To get inspired or to shop for your perfect new wardrobe addition, browse through some of my favorite watch companies & designers at the moment:

Lastly, have fun with colors; don’t fear the colored dial or faced watches, as these little additions can play up a seemingly simple outfit. Your accent pieces are almost as important as the clothes surrounding them, so choose wisely & be sure they make YOU feel like the Goddess/Gods that you are. Xx.

All Things Jeweled

layered

 

Need a place to shop for the best Spring & Summer jewelry? Gorjana has amazing pieces & just teamed up with one of my favorite fashionistas, Courtney Kerr. Their jewelry doesn’t turn into terrible brassy one-time-wearers & are well worth the investment. Their designs are so unique & fashion forward; scoop up the right pieces for you, today! Xx.

The Layering Commandments

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Layering necklaces [amongst other jewelry] is hardly a new concept, but perfecting the look can be difficult. Fear not. Here are some true blue rules to layering:

1. Don’t be afraid to mix metals
2. Be sure to stagger each necklace [don’t have one on top of another]
3. Stick to dainty, feminine pieces [one chunky strand is enough]
4. Try to limit your number of pieces to four [more than this can look chaotic]

If you still find this look daunting, check out Urban, Anthropologie, Nasty Gal, Brandy Melville, or BaubleBar for pre-layered inspiration.