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Don't You Dare Call These Tees Basic!

Lisanne Silverman on сен 1, 2009 2:19 PM PDT

We love our basics, we really do... but we'd be lying if we said they were the most exciting things in our closets. Sure, that American Apparel v-neck goes with 18 other outfits (and that's just the grey one) but honestly, it's kind of boring on its own, right? Why not swap out those boring basics with tees that have just a little something extra? Tiny embellishments transform plain tees from reliable standbys to fashionable favorites in their own right, and they're just as versatile as ever. Take this jersey tank from Casual Couture by Green Envelope- from the front, it's a simple, well-cut top, but the back features an exposed zipper that will add a little edge to any outfit. The pearl tee from Sauce is a girly spin on everyone's favorite slouchy pocket tee, and J. Crew's jeweled tissue tee practically has a statement necklace built in and would look perfect paired with everything from scruffy boyfriend jeans to a polished skirt and blazer. See the slideshow for your new favorite basics!

Tags : young fabulous and broke , top , tees , t shirt

Good Girl Gone Bad: 10 Floral Looks That Aren't Quite So Nice

Lisanne Silverman on июл 13, 2009 10:21 AM PDT

If you don't pay much attention to fashion, certain trends can appear confusing. That floral dress/leather jacket combo? Cute, but misleading. Sure, floral dresses are feminine and dainty, but leather jackets send forth an entirely different message, and so the untrained eye is left wondering just what was going through your head when you got dressed, which could be any of the following:

a) You feel the need to wear elements that together create juxtaposition.
b) You don't want to look too sweet or too tough, so you combine the two and look confused.
c) You were cold.

Or maybe it's none of the above and I just completely over-analyzed the entire scenario (oops). But given that unexpected pairings are what make fashion so captivating, there's nothing wrong with sending a totally confusing, what-on-earth-is-she-wearing message from time to time, and with all of these embellished floral pieces I've been seeing, sending that message is easier and more stylish than ever-- think studs, zippers, chains, and buckles wreaking all sorts of havoc on the sweetest of florals. Rag & Bone's Spring/Summer 2009 collection said it best with a black leather/silk floral sheath dress that was equal parts feminine and fierce. Click on the slideshow for 10 more floral pieces that aren't interested in playing nice.

thumbnail photo credit: Rag & Bone

Tags : zipper , topshop , top , sophie & me

Going, Going, Green! Our Favorite Looks Are Irresistible In ...

kate napleton on июл 5, 2009 9:19 AM PDT

Green may not be the first color you're excited to wear in the summer months, but it is making a huge impression this year. Fashion editors all over are praising bold, kelly green shades as a perfect complement to summer skin, a light and refreshing color that works with many skin tones. Imagine carrying around Tory Burch's 'Nico' north/south tote for a perfect pop of green to any outfit. Or popping on this perfect green jersey dress from Myne Karlin to meet your friends for brunch on a warm Saturday. Check out my slideshow for plenty of cute, summery, GREEN looks, because they're not just for St. Patrick's Dayany more!

Tags : tory burch , top , t-bags , summertime

The Asymmetric Trend Is Back!

Monique van Loon on июн 15, 2009 7:18 AM PDT

The asymmetric trend is back! For example, one-shoulder dresses, or tops with different sides like we saw at Lanvin. And don't forget the asymmetrical bathing suits! They are simply irresistible... designers from La Perla (pictured) to H&M would agree. You don't need to spend a lot to try this popular trend for summer- check stores like ASOS and Selfridges for asymmetric and one-shouldered styles that'll bring runway style to your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Click over to Girlscene to see their favorite asymmetric tops, dresses, even skirts!

Tags : asos , asymmetric , fashion , h&m; , top

How To Make A Top From Your Dad's Old Silk Ties

Alex Gambardella on май 7, 2009 2:18 PM PDT

Jennifer Stern is a contributor at CraftStylish, a site dedicated to do-it-yourself art and design projects. Below she shares how you can turn Dad's old duds into a flowy new top for yourself!

I have a pile of old ties that my dad cast off to me-- it turned out to be a treasure trove of silk fabric! I decided to embark on a design adventure; I wanted to make something out of them that didn't have the "this was made from men's silk ties" look. I took advantage of the fact that neckties are cut on the bias and used them to make a top with a little flutter. After choosing seven or eight ties from the pile, I took them apart. Then I draped them on my dress form. As I played with them, I ended up using two ties over each shoulder, joining them in the center front and back. This created a graceful V-neck. The ties closest to the shoulders created a fluttery cap sleeve. I joined the front and back with a tie on each side, finishing the armholes at the same time! After I finished draping and sewing, I stood back to evaluate the design-- it looked like a top that was made from ties! The telltale prints and colors combined with the pointed tips at the hem were a dead giveaway. I have to admit, it was pretty interesting with the ready-made "handkerchief" hem, but keeping with my original goal, I chopped off the points at the ends of the ties to straighten out the hem. With the weight of the lined points gone, the result was a graceful draping top...I love it!

Head over to the CraftStylish blog for the step-by-step instructions on how to make your own top, along with tons of other stylish how-tos!

Tags : top , ties , tie , silk

Recession Chic: 10 Mall Store Finds That Look Way More ...

Lisanne Silverman on янв 15, 2009 5:12 AM PST

I'll take shopping on Shopbop or Revolve over a trip to the mall any day, but these days, even the abundance of steep discounts and final sales (tempting, but SO unfair) can't always lure my credit card out from my wallet. But, as it turns out, mall stores are often filled with a few gems of their own- you know, those pieces that elicit remarks like "you got that where?!" from friends and strangers alike. Case in point- my worn leather bomber jacket from Zara has been mistaken for a Mike & Chris on more than one occasion! And trust me, walking out of the mall with even just one or two of these new favorite items can feel just as good (if not better!) than ordering a similar piece from a designer boutique, especially if you consider you spent so much less, and when it comes down to it, most people won't even know the difference, as long as the item in question isn't a blatant knockoff (Forever 21, are you listening?). Remember that quality accessories can really pull together any outfit, so when it comes to saving and splurging, spend your money where it counts, i.e. not on that $85 Kain pocket tee that Express makes in better colors anyway for a whopping $24.50. I've searched the web for 10 pieces that look the part, but have almost shockingly low price tags. Click the slideshow to see them all!

Tags : top , tie , tee , sweater