J. Crew Voile eyelet blouse turns casual into polished
Most of us don’t have multiple wardrobes for each season; our summer clothes do double duty in the spring and fall (and often on into the winter, if possible). We also tend not to have distinct work and casual wardrobes, particularly those of us who work in casual offices — instead, our weekend clothes blend into our weekday closet and we just get dressed.
In order to really make that work, though, your weekend closet needs to have more than just tees and tanks in it. Look for great blouses that you can wear with shorts for a Saturday of running errands or with a skirt for the office.
This one, from J. Crew, is a perfect work-to-weekend piece. The cut is casual and breezy but the eyelet fabric and ruched neckline give it a dressier edge. Pair with jeans and sandals for a laid-back vacation look, or with a pencil skirt and a wide belt for the office.
J. Crew voile eyelet blouse, available in black, white, and soft azalea, in sizes XS to XL. Currently on sale for $59.99.
Gap reimagines the twin set, just in time for summer
Twin sets are a perfect wardrobe staple, no matter what your personal style is; wear the shell and cardigan together, or break them up for a less Preppy look. Pair the cardi with a tank or camisole, layer the shell under a jacket or over a tee. Mix and match with dresses and skirts and jeans and trousers.
The Gap’s current twin set has some fantastic details, like the keyhole closure and ribbon tie. To balance the traditionally feminine line of the shell, the cardigan is a little more casual, with front patch AND welt pockets. It’s the perfect solution for those days when you have to go from the hot outside to the arctic inside.
Ribbon keyhole shell ($34.50) and super soft cardigan ($44.50), available in four colors.
Spiff up for spring with basics from the Gap
Spring is here! Not that you would really know it, with the cold weather and continuous snow many places, but still! Spring! Time to spiff up your closet.
I love this tee primarily because it’s a good transition piece — layer it over a long sleeved tee or thin sweater now, for cooler days, and then wear it on its own when the temperatures rise. Pair with jeans or slim skirt.
Gap smocked keyhole top, $29.50. Available in five neutrals.
What do YOU covet? Because I want this J. Crew blouse
I have been lusting after this J. Crew blouse for a while now. I love the structure and the ruffles and the buttons. I love how versatile it is — perfect with jeans or trousers or a skirt (and yes, I suppose shorts, which is what J. Crew is showing it with, but good lord who still wears shorts? Not me).
But rather than recommend this blouse, which is perfect for me but maybe not for you, I am curious: what are YOU coveting these days?
Tell me. And then let’s talk about where to find the pieces you REALLY want.
J. Crew solid silk Elizabeth halter, $88.00. Available in six colors (I’m leaning toward the fresh clover myself).
DVF blouse is perfect for work and weekend
Diane Von Furstenburg is famous for her wrap dresses, but there’s more to the line than just the basic frock. This beautiful lace-trimmed top is the perfect foil for pencil skirts and skinny jeans. The silk/jersey blend gives it both weight and shape and a little touch of luxe, while the pleated neckline flatters large and small chests alike.
And don’t forget to enter the DVF Women We Love contest, for a chance to win $5,000 and a trip to the DVF spring fashion show.
DVF Salma lace trimmed top, Nordstrom, $275.00.
Boden merino tunic takes you from winter to warm
I am over winter. I’m ready for balmy spring days, the kind where a light sweater is precisely warm enough. And Boden has just the tunic for those days.
This lightweight merino wool tunic is not quite a dress but not quite a sweater; pair with slim jeans or leggings, or toss over a swimsuit for your winter holiday break. The deep V neck and empire waistline make this the perfect top for a variety of shapes and sizes.
Merino tunic from BodenUSA, $88.00. Available in five colors, but currently back ordered, which is fine because in most parts of the East coast it’s still too cold to wear it anyway.
Gap tie-belt top: Perfect for the office, and beyond
I don’t believe in having one wardrobe for work and one for the weekend. Casual Friday attire has made it possible for most women to get rid of their suits and replace them with jeans (mid-rise, with a dark rinse and boot cut, please). But some days, jeans aren’t dressy enough, and you need to pop on a skirt. Having tops that will go with both — and will work for the office and the beyond — makes your wardrobe really work.
I love this tie-waist top from the Gap because it is versatile and functional and MACHINE WASHABLE (can I get an AMEN?!?). Perfect with jeans or a slim skirt, and ideal for girls with curves, or for girls who are trying to CREATE some curves.
Gap women’s tie-belt top, $38.00. Available in two colors (celestial blue, pictured here, and white), in sizes 2 to 14. This piece is part of Gap’s European collection, and the website notes that “European sizing conventions cause this style to have a slightly slimmer fit.” Which is good because it looks a little big on the model, don’t you think?
Spring trend: Green (from the Gap, of course)
Bright colors are in for Spring 2008, and my pick is green. Yes really.
Green is universally flattering; it is also bold without being overly dramatic. Green can easily be paired with other neutrals (navy, brown, black) for a look that is both classic and fresh.
This simple trapeze top from the Gap is a good place to start if you want to add some springy green to your wardrobe. The line is both tailored and casual; this is a blouse that you can dress up (with a pencil skirt or slim trousers) or dress down (with jeans or, when the weather warms up, long shorts). Layer over a tank or tee, or under a cropped jacket.
3/4 sleeved trapeze top, Gap, $44.50. Available in three colors, in sizes XS to XXL (and petites and tall, too).
Best. Tee. Ever: Gap Favorite T
Every girl needs at least one Really Great white tee in her closet (or dresser). A white tee — or a comparable, flattering neutral — is the perfect go-to piece on days when you want to be comfortable AND look pulled together. Pair with jeans and a slim jacket for casual days, or with a structured skirt and a cardigan for the office.
The perfect tee fits through the shoulders and bust AND has a hem that is long enough to keep your midsection covered, even when you’re sitting down. It is also made of the softest possible cotton, and can go in the washer AND dryer.
Gap makes my favorite white tee, which they actually CALL the Favorite Tee. Available in nine colors, including black and white, in sizes XS to XL, for $14.50. Right now, the short sleeved favorite t is on sale for $10.00 — stock up, because this one is worth having.
Add a little spring to your winter wardrobe with this Gap camisole
This is the hardest part of winter, I think — it’s still cold, but if you’re like me, you’re tired of bundling up in fleece and wool and pulling on your gigantic boots; instead, you’re starting to long for bright summery colors and light fabrics.
Right?
One way to beat the winter doldrums is by layering summery pieces under winter pieces. This won’t work for every summer piece — a lightweight sundress, for example, isn’t appropriate with your Uggs, no matter what you see on celebrities. But you CAN wear a pretty camisole under a wool or cashmere sweater, for a little pop of spring on a snowy day.
I love this cami from the Gap; it has a nice long length, which makes it perfect for layering under a crew or V neck sweater. It also has a nice clean neckline, which will be lovely under a cardigan or scoop-neck tee. When the weather warms up, wear it over a coordinating tank, either on it’s own or under a slim jacket. And the silk/cotton blend makes it a nice alternative to the basic ribbed tank or cotton tee.
Tiny-floral slip tank, Gap, $44.50. Available in three colors, in sizes XS to XXL.