So you know how I said that I was going to let my inner bad girl out? Well she ran amuck, and spent way too many nights dancing on tables. After a brief stint in rehab (for exhaustion), I'm back a new woman. And being a new woman means I need a new wardrobe! My current goal -- to be as charming as possible. Which realistically means that if I can't be 100% sugar and spice all the time, I'll at least dress the part.
If charm had a corresponding color it would be pink. It's sweet, polite, and virtuous, basically everything I'm not. But a girl can pretend. A super soft slouchy cashmere sweater is a great basic, and looks especially swell* when paired with a silky print skirt. A hot bag and a chunky gold necklace keep the look from being too precocious. Now (*Yes, I said swell, there are only so many adjectives in the English language, and "swell" seems like the type of word a charming girl would use.)
Even camo pants can be charming. The trick is to balance the ruggedness of the pants, with soft feminine pieces. A short sleeve pink cardigan and a eyelet camisole are delicate enough to balance the pants. Ballet flats and a vintage inspired locket are the perfect finishing touches.
Ruffles seem to be a reoccurring theme this spring, but that doesn't mean you have to dress like you're on your way to Sunday school. Rami Kashou's "Alice" top is a fresh take on the ruffled look adding a cool artsy spin to the idea of looking charming.
You know that part in Field of Dreams, where the voice says "If you build it, they will come." I have a similar inner voice, except it speaks to me about clothes. Right now it's saying if I buy this Manoush dress I will spend the summer in France, eating at sidewalk cafes, and not get fat (because French woman don't get fat!) We'll see what happens...
Never underestimate the value of a little kitsch. This sailor inspired denim skirt definitely has charm in spades. A silky print skirt, and sexy wedges add a grown up element to the look. The finishing touch -- an adorable owl necklace. Quirky charm! That's definitely an idea I can get down with.
Admittedly, this may be over the top for some of you. But sometimes the most stylish woman is the one who takes disparate elements and makes them work. There's a little bit of everything, ruflles, pointelle, brocade, but the combination is so fierce, and unexpectedly charming, in a way that's witty, and far from mundane.
Amazingly enough skinny jeans are a versatile piece. Sure they're popular, but pairing them with unexpected pieces, like a floaty bib front top and this charming J.Crew beaded clutch, creates a truly distinctive look, that defies trends.
