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.

March 9, 2015March 9, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

White Out

Does anyone else have a full fledged meltdown when white denim starts positioning itself on the shelves of your favorite retailers? As it is, I have a legitimate issue with denim; I need every wash, ever created. #certifiable. But white denim is my kryptonite. I want 100 pairs, all the exact same shade, no matter the cost. But. I cannot, for the life of me, find a thick enough pair that doesn’t show every single tiny little imperfection of my legs. Nobody wants to see that I ate an entire wheel of brie this past weekend. That’s not ever cute. So why do designers continue to make these flimsy, see-through versions year in & year out?

The struggle is real.

Thus, today, after scouring the internet, department stores & questioning friends & family alike, I’m posting my absolute favorite white denim finds. One’s with serious structure & texture, to prevent from looking like an awful 80s jazzercise outtake. In hopes that all of my fashion-hungry babes can attain this chic, clean look this Spring without compromising their comfort & security.

Here goes…

AG ‘The Prima’ Mid Rise Cigarette Jeans, Nordstrom, $164

For a more relaxed, everyday-wear pair, these AG’s are my favorite. They’re thick, hug every flattering inch of your lower half & are perfect from day to night. [Order up, they run small].

KUT From The Kloth ‘Catherine’ Boyfriend Jeans, Nordstrom, $79.50

We all know how much I love a great boyfriend jean & these KUT From The Kloth jeans are no exception. For a more relaxed fit & aesthetic, these crops hit right above the ankle & are perfect for the beach. [Order down, they run big].

Mid Rise Destroyed Cropped Jean, Express, $79.90

There is always a time & a place for a distressed pair of denim & these Express pair hit the mark. Keep in mind, they are a skinny jean, so they hug…a lot. More ideal for my thin legged babes, these jeans are the perfect partner to Spring tunics & days in the sun.

Reid Cone Denim Jean, J.Crew, $95 [on sale now]

J.Crew can pretty much do no wrong in my book when it comes to denim, but they seriously nailed it this Spring with their Reid Cone jeans. Soft, breathable, structured…need I say more? You will live in these this Spring//Summer. & they’re on sale right now [use code: SPRINGSTYLE]

MiH Marrakesh Flare Jeans, Anthropologie, $195

& for my boho babes who need a little flare, come these MiH pair. Rich in texture, they have the perfect fan around the bottom to create an element of surprise & interest. Perfect for Summer concerts or BBQing with friends; these are a must have.

Whether you choose a pair mentioned above or find yourself shopping for others that better suit your fancy, just remember that fit, fabric & coverage are the key factors to perfecting white denim. & babes, don’t pair them with bright undies. You’re just setting yourself up for failure.

Happy Hunting. 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.

November 17, 2014October 21, 2021 styledbylyric2 Comments

Be Jeweled.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

July 7, 2014July 7, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Sexy Sleep

If you’re anything like me, your sleep patterns can change pretty dramatically during the Summer months; with endless heat waves & constant sweating…sleep can seem like more a chore than a place of relaxation. But fear not, for I’ve found one of the sexiest & most unique intimates shops this season, to give you a break from the endless heat [not to mention, your special someone will have to seriously fight to keep their hands off of you].

Muy Bella Intimates is your one stop shop for some of the most detail-oriented intimates, crafted by some of the most creative Italian, Balinese & American designers on the planet. It’s a place for fearless babes with a fearless fashion sense to find pieces that break the mold & help better define their style from the inside out.

I could sit here & talk your ear off about all the reasons why I love this little slice of shopping heaven, but you should just go see for yourself…Happy Shopping, mega babes. Xx.