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.

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.

July 28, 2015August 6, 2015 styledbylyric3 Comments

Perfectly Undone

After receiving about 30 emails, texts & comments from friends & clients about my last post, I’ve decided it’s time to ~~defend~~ explain my issue with flip flops. Every human being on planet earth enjoys feeling comfortable & flip flops are the rubbery//styrofoam//magic “shoes” that we tend to feel most connected to when discussing comfort. However, there is not a single pair of flip flops on that same planet earth that are flattering for the feet or an outfit. & no, I’m not some alien that has never worn a pair, in fact I wear them quite often-when gardening, washing my dog, working on my house…all things that entail no picture taking & hardly any company.

I suppose my point is just this: flip flops are to be worn, but never seen.

But then the most common question is “What do you expect me to wear instead?” It’s likely that you are an amazing mama who’s exhausted 20 hours out of the day, or you work a nine-to-five, or frankly you just don’t have time to care about what you look like. & my response is this…

Comfy does not have to mean unkempt. Below are six of the most perfectly undone looks that scream, I’m tired, I work too hard, I have 18 children & yet, I’m still killing it.

Don’t wanna take off the tank top this morning? Don’t. But at least throw a bra on, put on some cute linen pants [rolled up for texture & style], run a brush through your hair & add a pop of color-in this case metallic silver-for added interest.

Ivana Revic can basically do no wrong in my book, but that all aside, take a note from her style guide; boho doesn’t have to be all no showers & ugly toenails. Substitute those beloved flip flops for a simple, neutral sandal, grab a pair of comfy ass printed pants, & rock last nights tee. Top it off with a simple side braid & you’ll look cute, put together, & no one will even know you didn’t brush your teeth this morning.

One of my favorite looks is the top knot. You can have day-five unwashed hair & no one has to know [see Shamp Champ for tips], but be sure to throw on a pair of crisp white skinnies & a clean, comfy pair of ballet flats to take the look to that I’m an off-duty model level. Top the fit off with a cute cross body bag, & you’re set.

Too hot for all that mess? Rock a soft, body-con tunic instead. Lauren Conrad is the queen of comfort, but you’ll never see her looking disheveled. Add a boyfriend sweater, nude sandals & big pair of sunnies & you’ll be the star of the grocery store.

Can’t part with the sweatpants just yet? No need. Just purchase the right pair; fitted sweatpants not only make you feel sexy even at your laziest, but they allow for versatility. Pop on a pair of pointed toe flats, give your tee-shirt a quick tuck in the front, throw on some blush & you’ll never wear anything else again.

& finally, for my yoga pant fanatics. There is absolutely no need to ever not wear yoga pants, right? With brands like Lulu, you can go from day-to-night-to-morning rocking the very same pair of leggings. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Leggings are for running errands & yoga class. Yes, they make every woman feel amazing & make every guy stare, however there is a right & wrong way to work this look. Try adding a feminine top, throw your hair up in a messy pony, coordinate colors & tones, & admit that you can’t go out to the clubs tonight in this.

Comfort doesn’t mean compromising yourself or your personal style. Everyone loves to feel beautiful & with that tiny bit of added effort to your outfits you can be your best self without losing your sanity-flip flops or not.

Stay comfy, babes.

Xx.