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.

September 22, 2015September 22, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

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.

Don’t: those boots.

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.

Don’t: that denim.

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.

Don’t: that vest.

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.

Don’t: that 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.

Don’t: those pants.

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.

Don’t: that 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.

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.

May 8, 2014May 8, 2014 styledbylyric2 Comments

The Biz

I’ve had quite a few people message me about the following topic & I really wanted to take some time & thought on this one. Let’s talk business attire; the one area of the fashion world that somewhat limits our options & freedom for authenticity. However, I strongly believe the following advice will bend this sad principle & help every heel-wearing, blazer-sporting, mega business babe show her voice & personality in & outside of the office. [Keep in mind, this all varies depending upon where you work & their dress code requirements.]

The big hitting question: what do I purchase? There are so many ways to wear business attire & blend in pieces from your personal, daily wardrobe, but the key to looking professional is finding timeless pieces that make you feel confident. Here are some tried & true rules:

Find The New Classics: purchase pieces that hold longevity. Sweaters, button-ups, flowing blouses & slacks are ideal. These pieces mix & match flawlessly & will never go out of style, but don’t be afraid to play it up. The shapes of these classic pieces are ever changing to keep up with the fashion world, so I say go for a wide-legged slack & a statement belt, as these slight adjustments can change the entire era of an outfit.

Be Reasonable: sky-high pumps are not office friendly. Instead, opt for a pair that won’t make your feet feel like balloons. Generally, a one to two inch heel is the “safe zone” for office wear & try to select a pair in the nude, cream, black or tan family, as these will move fluidly throughout your entire wardrobe. I usually go for a pump that I can wear outside of the office to validate my investment & assure me that I’m still respecting my fashion voice.

Draw The Line: pencil skirts are the perfect way to spice up a blank or boring office wardrobe, but be picky, as length is everything with this look. Walking the line of office appropriate & chic can be tricky with any leg-showing item, so keep it safe at knee-length & you won’t ever fail.

Blazer City: if my previous posts on blazers weren’t inspiring & intense enough, I will once again remind you of my blazer obsession. They are the perfect office attire addition & move incredibly well between business meetings & your after work glass of wine with a friend. Find yourself three favorites: one black or grey, one white or tan & one bright or bold. Having these three staples in your closet will dress up ANY look & make you feel chic & put together. Rememer: the true fit of a blazer is in the shoulders; if the stitching doesn’t line up with your shoulders, it doesn’t fit.

Add Some Pop: nothing says “put together” with more intention than a hint of creativity & personality in your outfit. Even in the most traditional work environments, a light pop of color is acceptable [& just plain fun]. Try to stick to pale pinks, blues & even light lavenders & plums. Remember: bright tops = muted bottoms. Never do both with work wear.

Slacked: the most important investment for your business wardrobe are pants. However, the 80’s are over & there are hundreds of options for business women today. The choice is yours, but I always believe that a fun pair of cropped pants or drawstring pants [particularly ones with strong pleats] can add interest & focus to an outfit, making it stand out among the sea of monotonous office wear. Not to mention, printed & non-printed pants are everywhere right now, so the options are basically endless.

Know Your Environment: if you spend your entire day out on the streets of San Francisco or New York running from appointment to appointment, then be realistic about your footwear & outfit. Always opt for slacks versus skirts or dresses & a fun pointed-toe flat; the wind-chill could seriously freeze your bones, your heels may slow down your pace & your focus will be on how quickly you can finish your meetings & ice your swollen sausage toes when you get home or where your next cab is because you can’t walk anymore. No one wants to lose agility & work ethic because of their attire, particularly your boss.

& last, but not least, keep learning what pieces & shapes work for your body & your body alone. Even if Amy in the corner cubical is rocking some amazing jump-suit & five inch stilettos, it may not be right for you. The entire purpose of fashion is about finding your own style & feeling beautiful doing it, so try not to be susceptible to trends…but you already knew that, because you’re a mega powerhouse business woman who blazes her own trail. Duh.

TGIT. Xx.