Cover Craze: Taraji P. Henson is Boss for InStyle’s January Issue!

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Alissa

Actress Taraji P. Henson is making waves not just in front of the camera as Cookie Lyon in Empire, but also on the big screen (of course, she did this in Hidden Figures too) with her new film out next year, What Men Want–a remake of 2000’s What Women Want starring Mel Gibson & Helen Hunt). She’s not just the star of the comedy, but also serves as executive producer for the film. For In Style magazine’s January issue, Taraji also discusses in the article (read here) about being a single mom & her 20-plus year career & her connection to her fans, both nationally & internationally.

For the playful/Network-inspired photo shoot, Taraji plays with retro menswear pieces, including Michael Kors Collection (shop sweater here), Zara, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Fendi (shop suit here), Bottega Veneta, Pomellato (shop bracelet here), Hermes, Tibi (shop boots here), Missoni, Rochas, Valentino (shop shoes here), & more!

For more magazine-inspired posts, click here, here, here, & here! Happy Styling!

Fabulous In 4 Ways: A Bold Statement Necklace For Under $12!

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Alissa

Although the holidays may be over, that doesn’t mean it’s time to put away your best & most sparkly accessories & that includes statement necklaces. I’m pretty new to the bauble club, but I’m having fun experimenting with different ways to wear the bold piece of jewelry, which is what inspired my latest post for Fabulous in 4 Ways. I’m excited to explore the variety of style choices one can make with a statement necklace, especially when headed out for a day off of lunch with the girls, to the office for a big meeting, a cocktail party on a date, or a weekend getaway trip.

Statement necklaces have been a prominent go-to accessory for celebrities over the years, including supermodel Coco Rocha, pop star Katy Perry in Amrapali, actress Emma Roberts, style icon Olivia Palermo, Molly Sims in a floral necklace, & Hart of Dixie‘s Jamie King.

To start this project, I choose the statement necklace ($11.98) in black & gold from Target, which has just enough glitz & glam to dress up several combinations of basics with prints & rich textures.

Target - statement necklace $11.98.

For daytime, I love the ease of this look & how just one piece instantly adds some punch against the backdrop of casual separates. Also, the necklace is successful over a basic blouse & colorblock look for a fashionable office environment, playing up your personality, yet still remaining professional.

SHOP day look: sweater ($24.80) @Forever 21, jeans ($19.99) @Zara, & ballet flats ($44.10) @Bon Ton. SHOP work look: top ($25.00) @Topshop, skirt ($34.11) @ASOS, & shoes ($32.99) @Charlotte Russe.

When headed to a cocktail party, a statement necklace is just the piece to elevate a classic LBD, sheath, or lace frock. Lastly, when taking a road trip for the weekend, a statement necklace is perfectly interchangeable when considering how to efficiently pack to get the most out of your wardrobe.

SHOP cocktail look: dress ($49.99) @ModCloth, sandal ($19.94) @DSW, & clutch ($15.00) @Payless. SHOP weekend look: sweater ($19.97) @New York & Company, sweat pants ($41.30) @Last Call, booties ($44.99) @Nine West, & cardigan ($18.99) @Kohl’s.

For more statement necklace inspiration, I choose a few more styles that are both affordable & adjustable to any neckline for any outfit.

SHOP: gothic collar necklace ($16.00) @Boo Hoo, marquise necklace ($15.00) @Charming Charlie, tribal necklace ($12.90) @Forever 21, & pharaoh bib necklace ($20.00) @Bauble Bar.

Which way would you wear a statement necklace? What’s your favorite go-to piece of jewelry? Do you mix p your wardrobe staples to create new, stylish options? For more fashionable posts, check out Natalie Portman’s Dior look for less, full red carpet galleries from the Critics Choice Awards & this year’s Golden Globes, Runway Rundown lookbooks from Jenny Packham & Alice + Olivia, & affordable fashion inspired by HBO’s Girls. Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Top Sale Picks @Zara ($20 & Under)!

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Alissa

While I was in Italy, I was finally to step inside a Zara store, which was having a big, big sale. Although I didn’t end up buying anything, I couldn’t get the stores super affordable prices & fabulous styles out of my head.

I decided to take a look at the sale items with U.S. dollars & found these five pieces that can seriously upgrade your wardrobe & they all cost under $20!

Anytime there’s a sale on shoes, you know I’m all over it. I love the sandals with snake skin straps ($19.99), which are perfect for any LBD look & can easily transition a work look to happy hour. The black mini skirt ($14.99) is extra special with the zipper detail, especially when worn with ankle boots & an oversized t-shirt. If you’re looking to change up your work attire, try a striped poplin shirt ($19.99) instead of wearing the usual white button down.

Even though new year’s celebrations are over, there’s no reason why we can’t still wear some sparkle & metallics. For example, the straight mini skirt ($19.99) is just the pop of color to wear with luxe neutrals, floral prints, & Parisian stripes. Speaking of… the striped t-shirt ($14.99) mixes a classic pattern with a glamorous texture, especially when worn with leggings, skinny pants, or jeans.

For more on the sale items @Zara, click here! Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Best Black Jackets For Day & Night (Dedicated to Laurie)!

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Alissa

During a recent breakfast date with my uber-stylish friend Laurie, the subject of blazers came up since she’s in search of a jacket with enough flair to dress up a going out look, but one that can also be worn for a daytime casual look. Because a black blazer is such an essential item, I thought I’d turn to some of my favorite celebrities for some inspiration on the different styles of blazers for a number of different occasions.

First off, we have Olivia Palermo in a velvet Giambattista Valli mini dress with brogues from Zara & a Mango clutch. She tops her look with a button-embellished jacket for a more polish at a Macy’s event. Fergie attended an affair for Black Eyed Peas in a feathered & gold skirt with a satin-trim blazer & Christian Louboutins. Rachel Weisz paired her velvet jacket with leather leggings at the DVD launch for Deep Blue Sea. At the premiere of Sandra Bullock‘s latest film, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, the Oscar-winner donned an Alexander McQueen suit with a plunging jacket & corset-inspired belt. Jessica Alba went out for a stroll in West Hollywood, pairing a single-button jacket with a high-neck white dress & black tights. Lastly, Kristen Bell played down her cropped pink trousers with a Rachel Zoe tuxedo jacket & satin pointy toe pumps.

When looking for a blazer that works for you, there are a lot of factors to take into account like fit around the waist, where the sleeves fall, & details like trim & structure. Since jackets are investment pieces, these bargains are a little higher in price, but totally worth it if you find one that works best for your shape. I picked out a variety of jacket suggestions to be worn casually with shorts & tights, with your favorite dark denim jeans & a button-down top, over an LBD, or over a sequin cocktail dress.

The classic two-button blazer ($59.99) from Gap ranges in sizes 0 – 20 & has been marked down from its original $98.00 price tag. There’s plenty of room here to add a fancy antique brooch if it looks too office-ready for a going out ook. If you’re looking for something with some built-in personality, try the zebra stripe textured blazer ($32.80) from Forever 21. A dressy option for a jacket comes from JC Penney, the MNG by Mango tuxedo jacket with satin trim ($60.00) is just enough to wear over a blouse or with a jersey dress & metallic belt. If details like buttons are your thing, the H&M blazer ($59.95) is not just available in black, but also light pink & bright blue. A classic single-button stretch jacket ($48.96) like the one from New York & Company adds confidence to a t-shirt & jeans look, especially with knee boots & hoop earrings. Lastly, I remembered my recent post about Kmart’s Sofia by Sofia Vergara collection & the velvet tuxedo blazer ($31.99) came to mind, especially if worn with a slinky cami & skinny pants.

For more Basics for a Bargain looks, check out scarves inspired by Claire Danes & Rihanna, tees & leather like Miranda Kerr, & look-alike sweater dresses to those worn by Nicole Richie & Eva Mendes! How do you wear your favorite blazers? Where are your favorite places to shop for blazers? Happy Styling!

Darling of the Day: The Ultimate Pippa Middleton Style Gallery!

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Alissa

Thanks to a collection of online photos, courtesy of In Style, I’ve been able to put together 88 looks worn by the very stylish Pippa Middleton, younger sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton. I’ve had my eye on Pippa for a long time now & am happy to post this gallery so that we can all be inspired by her French Connection, Modalu, Whistles, H&M, Prada, Maje, & Zara pieces. Not to mention, the party planner mixes & matches pieces all season long, especially pairing her signature black blazers over ruffled dress, printed sheath numbers, & basic tees with jeans. She’s not afraid to repeat her favorite items & makes them look fresh & new every time! Take a look around & rate which ones are your favorites!