September 9, 2015September 9, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

September Issues

Dutifully titled, September can bring about some serious issues in the wardrobe department. While the models are getting ready to kill it at NYFW this weekend & help point us in the right direction, we’re left to figure this shit out for now. The weirdness with weather, the confusion over which styles need to be ditched & which are still hanging around, the inability to choose between pastels or greys for an outfit…it can all be a bit frustrating.

But fear not, for today I’ve compiled a few of my favorite [& most convenient] ways to update your wardrobe & style those weird in-between-season outfits, to get you out of the house faster & sexier than ever — Fashion Week or not.

Let’s go.

Tip #1: learn to fully embrace layers. You don’t have to put those beloved shorts & skirts away just yet, just be sure to keep it Fall-appropriate. Add a pair of ankle booties, throw on a scarf, add fall focused colors to the mix…it doesn’t have to be blunt & in your face for it to be a transitional look. The key: bulk up your top layers & keep the bottom half simple. A few of my favorites…

Tip #2: color is ok. With Fall comes this weird misconception that all prints & colors must go, but I assure you this is the farthest from the truth. Instead, shift your focus toward the right colors & patterns; mix in a few Summer shades with neutrals & keep the tones in sync with one another. Hint: think fall tones — yellows, blues, reds, soft pinks, greens…

Tip #3: switch up your footwear. If you make but one change between seasons, let it be your footwear selections. It’s game changing & doesn’t have to be painfully difficult. Decipher which shoes you wore most often during the Summer & then find their Fall-focused counterpart. For example, my favorite pair of black & gold Summer sandals were recently swapped out for a delicious pair of black & gold Sam Edelman booties. This way my wardrobe isn’t completely compromised, but my shoes are appropriate for the shift in weather. Not a fan of boots? Opt for a pointed-toe flat instead. The broader your horizons, the less mess when finding a fit.

Fall Boot Favorites:

Fall Flat Favorites:

dorsay

Tip #4: change your color scheme. Whether you’re prone to vibrant makeup or not, Fall is a fun time to play around with different hues & step out of your comfort zone. From your nails to your hair to your makeup-this is the season to play. My go to switch-ups are oxblood & nude//blush lips, black, blue & taupe nails, gold & plum lids, & I usually ditch my bronzer for a soft blush. These quick changes are cheap & efficient ways of changing your look from Summer to Fall without much fuss. The trick: try, try, try again. You won’t find the perfect colors right off the bat, but once you do it’ll be show stopping. A little extra: if you choose a bold lips, go light on the rest of your face. fall makeup vamp lip

fall red makeu

Your personal style doesn’t have to be completely revamped with every changing season [& frankly it shouldn’t be], but tweaking small things here & there can make all the difference in the world. With Fall & Winter comes dark colors, warm sweaters, oh & my personal favorite: pumpkin everything. #imfemaleafterall. So soak it in & get prepared, because it’s here & your wardrobe so wants to be ready…

Happy Shifting, babes.

Xx.

February 9, 2015February 18, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

The Friend Zone

You know that terribly awkward place between what is & what should be. The noncommittal place where making any kind of move seems sudden & unprepared. The grey area that seems safer than anything finite. Yeah. This place. This is what I call February & March.

What? You ask.

The seven weeks between Winter & Spring that should [frankly] be their own damn season. Where you constantly feel uncomfortable because none of your clothes breathe enough, or keep you warm enough, or let in enough air…the list goes on & on. Regardless, it’s the annoying friend zone of the fashion world that you want to get out of as quickly as humanly possible. & I’m here to not only help that transition, but help you enjoy it, too.

There are five small changes you can make to prepare for this awful land of limbo. Let’s get to it.

1. Lessen The Load: swap out those heavy wool layers & opt for lighter fabrics. Layering with softer, light-weight fabrics can still keep you plenty warm without that gross overheated feeling.

Outfit Recommendations:

A light weight blazer//sweater//jacket, over a soft tank & a great pair of wide leg pants.

For a more casual feel; pair a cute pullover sweater, with your favorite boyfriend denim, add a leather jacket for some edge & top it off with a super feminine pair of flats//heels. Done & done.

One of my favorite looks during this season; a fitted white tee, denim//chambray topper, awesome printed pants & a simple heel. Effortlessly chic.

2. Add Some Va Va Voom: color is everything during this transition. To help you relinquish your desperate need for an all black ensemble & reintroduce you to pinks, blues, peaches…anything that makes you think of Spring, you’ll need to reach for colors that are complimentary in your color wheel & throw them in the mix. You don’t have to pack away all those darks just yet, but adding Spring-focused colors to each outfit [even as simple as your handbag] can help things move along quickly.

Outfit Recommendations:

Chartreuse & black are the ultimate duo. Adding this pop of color to your Winter-focused outfit can hurry the Spring season along in a major way.

Don’t want to change out those dark colors just yet? Understandable. Just invest in a fun, bright handbag to keep your look fresh & transitional. A small change that makes you look more fashion forward than ever.

By now you should all know my ~~obsession~~ love for an amazing blazer, & this is the perfect time to bust one of those babies out. A [colored] fitted blazer will help you ditch those heavy coats & bring a softer layer to your outfit. Not to mention, make you look prepped for basically anything.

3. Print It Up: ditch that entirely solid ensemble you’ve been rocking all Winter & reintroduce yourself to prints. Yes, those floral, patterned, beautiful things that you’ve let sit in the back of your closet for the past eight weeks or so. But don’t forget, you have options here; tribal, floral, animal, chevron, houndstooth, etc. Get creative.

Outfit Recommendations:

A printed shoe can be exactly what you need to add a little pop of Spring to your once Winter outfit.

A monochromatic printed pant is a subtle way to add dimension, but not take away from the basic feel of an outfit.

Don’t limit yourself to typical prints. Challenge yourself this season to find the most unique & outspoken print you can find, team it with subtle pieces & voila, you’re a fashion icon.

4. OMG Shoes: nothing shows that you’re more prepared for the coming season than the perfect shoe. I know it sounds ridiculous, but how many times have you witnessed an amazing outfit be completely ruined by the wrong shoe? Uhg. Pet Peeve #1. If you’re going to make all the effort in the world on your top half, pay mind to the bottom half while you’re at it. Starting with your feet. Your outfit & stylist [me] will thank you.

Shoe Recommendations:

One of the easiest ways to transition your footwear is by rocking a black//grey//taupe, edgy sandal with tons of hardware. The dark color & heavy hardware gives a cool Winter feel, with breeziness fit for Spring sunshine.

Not ready to put your cute Winter boots away just yet? Totally fine. Just try to find yourself a pair with a peep-toe for a little sex appeal & a major nod to Spring. [Be sure to wear an awesome, bright toe polish to top it off].

Much like a good blazer, pointed toe flats are basically the loves of my life. They’re so sexy, so chic, & so practical. You can run errands in them, go out with friends, rock a date night, or look like the most put together employee at your next company meeting. Try them in red, blue or grey for an added edge & you’ll be the hottest thing the room.

5. Shaded: clothing is not the only staple that needs revamping between seasons. Your lips should get some love, too. Find yourself a few fun, bold shades that will bring your kissers from the dark to light with one quick swipe.

Color Recommendations:

Twig by MAC is the perfect daily neutral for those of you not quite prepared for Spring just yet.

For some major Spring pop, Candy Yum-Yum by MAC is my go-to color.

MAC’s Kinda Sexy is a fun, subdued transitional color for your lips, if you aren’t prepared to go rogue just yet.

Ready to go pink? Try Pink Plaid by MAC & your wish is my command. Perfect for warm Spring days, this color will help ease the transition away from Winter.

So the next time you find yourself in that terribly awkward place between what is & what should be, remember these tips & solidify exactly how you want to be personified. Stand out & be ahead of the game. Because the grey area sucks anyway.

Xx.

September 3, 2014 styledbylyric2 Comments

Clever Cardigan

I’ve had quite a few women approach me &/or message me to do a post about the appropriate styling of cardigans for the coming Fall season. With layering at the top of it’s game during this chilly season, teaming the right sweater/cardi with the right top can be tricky. Here are my fool proof rules & stylings to perfecting the best cardigan looks for your lifestyle & body…

Layering: one of my favorite ways to pair a few contrasting items together for warmth, comfort & an effortlessly chic outcome. Pair your cardi with a leather moto jacket & a great pair of denim & you’re ready for a breezy night out in the city.

Belted: sometimes cardigans can be woven with intensely heavy knits & add unwanted bulk. Choosing light to medium knits for this style is ideal; belt high on the ribcage [with a decorative belt knot] for a beautiful hourglass shape.

Overstated: as mentioned above, cardigans are often made with heavy knits & fabrics, which make for a wonderful weather deterrent, however, I advise only my petite babes to rock this style, as adding unnecessary bulk to any body type is difficult to manipulate in a positive way. Team with a white tee & a sexy pair of jeans & you’ve got yourself an effortless night in with your loved one.

Swept: one of my absolute Fall favorites this year; the floor length cardigan is so elegant & adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. I’m loving this wardrobe staple paired with distressed shorts, an awesome top & casual booties or even a super sexy stiletto.

Buttoned Up: for my preppier babes, this look is amazing with a collared shirt layered underneath. Higher, round necklines work best, but even buttoning a cardigan & wearing it without a top underneath can be sexy & edgy.

Tucked: sometimes cardigans can feel overly lengthy & can often give you grief throughout the day. One of the best cures is the cardigan tuck; simply tuck the ends of your favorite cardigan into a pencil skirt, denim, or high-waisted slacks. This gives the body & hips a nice silhouette, but be mindful of your sweaters fit- slimmer is better.

Draped: best worn with straight-legged denim or pants & a tank or styled cami, the draped cardigan is one of the most on-trend looks for Fall. This piece is perfect for layering necklaces & a great big boyfriend watch. Note: less is more with such a stylized item.

Fall is almost upon us [thank God], so start getting creative & make it a point to perfect your own layering styles this season. Your body [& stylist] will thank you.

Xx.

May 15, 2014May 15, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Brunch Wear

Please excuse my absence as of late, I’ve been working like a maniac on the website so I can finally launch & start better assisting my fashionistas one on one. But for now let’s keep rollin like this…

I’ve been approached a handful of times this week about brunch wear. You know, that time between breakfast & lunch when we meet up with our girlfriends or double date & nine times out of ten sit outside on a gorgeous patio & drink bottomless mimosas until we’re completely sunburnt & sideways? No? Not how you do brunch…? Hm, anywho…I love me a good brunch, but I love it even more when I feel beautiful & presentable. Let’s break it down…

1. Come Prepared: I don’t care where you live, the weather can change at any time, so layering is crucial for this event. Chambray is one of my favorite wardrobe pieces because it layers with everything, adds a structured dimension to any outfit & is much lighter than adding a sweater or jacket. I always recommend, when layering, putting together three major items: a tank or tee on bottom, a chambray or light layer between & a heavy jacket [usually leather] on top. This gives you plenty of options & versatility throughout the elements of your day.

2. No Money Shots: dresses are [visually] ideal for a brunch, especially the ones showing up all over stores, given it’s Spring & florals are the ‘it’ pattern. However, chances are your group will be bustling around an oblong table or climbing over one another to get to the restroom, so be wise. If you do opt for a dress, remember to wear a nude biker short underneath or a cute pair of Hanky Panky’s to prevent from flashing your Britney to the entire restaurant. I almost always recommend my clients wear floral print dresses to this event, because they’re age appropriate, effortless & the patterns can be incredibly unique. Just be practical about your event & it’s whereabouts & your outfit will follow suit.

3. Opt Out: if you decide that dresses aren’t for you & you’d rather sport a cute pair of boyfriends jeans or shorts, just be sure to add feminine pieces & colors. Brunches are much like a garden party; think florals, pastels & sunshine, & your outfit should play off of these themes. You don’t have to go super-fem to feel super-sexy; throw on a funky, bright heel & tease your tresses & you will feel as beautiful as ever.

4. Burnt Up: if you are anything like my boyfriend, you leave the house nearly every day without your sunnies & find yourself turning around three miles from home to grab them. Don’t. You will need them more than ever on this day; sitting outside, roasting under the early afternoon sun. Plus, sunglasses are the perfect addition to an outfit. They’re like the tiny, but perfectly red cherry on top of this day & you mustn’t forget them. I’ll be doing a sunnies styling post in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for that! But for the time being, trust yourself & your taste. You know what shape, size & style is right for you, so honor it.

5. Hats Off: a hat is always a good idea. Not crucial, but a fun addition. Not to mention, I can’t even count how many times I’ve left a brunch with a burnt scalp due to #hatproblems. I’ve linked a few of my Spring/Summer favorites here, so be sure to check that out & find the perfect head piece for you.

6. Hydrate: ok so you can’t wear this item [or I guess you could, but it would turn into a weird wet-tee shirt…let’s just not], but it looks good on everyone! Hydrating is such an important part of beauty & fashion, & no one wants to be the downer on this day because they drank too many mimosas or sat too long in the sun without consuming any H2O & get a migraine. Play smart.

& ultimately, have fun. Events with friends & family are times for us to slow down & enjoy the company of one another. We are some of the hardest working creatures to ever exist & we deserve a break sometimes. Trust these guidelines, drink & eat responsibly & love on one another & you’ll have the perfect brunch date. I promise.

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.