tops
Boden merino tunic takes you from winter to warm
Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 | sweaters, tops | No Comments
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
Friday, February 22nd, 2008 | tops | No Comments
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)
Thursday, February 21st, 2008 | tops | No Comments
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
Wednesday, February 20th, 2008 | tops | No Comments
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
Monday, February 18th, 2008 | tops | No Comments
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.
Francesca’s has the perfect tee
Monday, February 11th, 2008 | tops | 1 Comment
I am always envious of women who can make jeans and a tee look chic and sophisticated. The trick, of course, is to choose a tee that is MORE than JUST a tee, something with some little edge. Like this blouse from Francesca’s.
This isn’t your ordinary cotton shirt; the deep plunging V and empire, drawstring waist give it shape and substance. Wear it now over a long sleeve scoop neck tee and later over a tank (something with a little lace would not be amiss). Pair with your jeans — boot cut or skinny — for errands or the office.
Organic cotton blouse, $42.00 at Francesca’s (which is like Anthropologie, but more affordable — who DOESN’T love that?!?).
Banana Republic empire waist tunic gets you through the winter
Monday, February 4th, 2008 | tops | No Comments
We’re having freakishly warm weather where I live just now, just enough to get me craving bright, light spring clothes, but another blast of winter cold is right around the corner. So before I start shopping for summer staples, I’m looking for pieces that I can layer and wear in the cold, but that will give my wardrobe a burst of novelty for spring.
This three quarter sleeve V neck tunic from Banana Republic may be just the thing. Perfect with jeans or corduroys or wool trousers, it’s a piece that can also be paired with a slim skirt or capri pants for warmer days. Layer under a cardigan or jacket, or over a tank or cami.
Banana Republic V neck tunic, $49.00. Available in two colors, in sizes XS to XL.
Old Navy kimono tops bring spring to your closet
Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 | tops | No Comments
This spring, feminine details are in, particularly for day dressing. But most of us won’t be investing in a whole closet of girly dresses, so where else can we find the frills? How about in a flowery kimono top from Old Navy?
This top is great for girls with curves AND girls without; if you’re carrying a little extra through the middle, the floaty A-line shape will help to disguise it, and if you’re flat on top, the deep V neck will give you some cleavage. Layer over a cami or a long sleeved scoop neck tee for a cool, casual look; pair with straight legged trousers or a pencil skirt.
Old Navy Cross Front Kimono Top, available in this print and five solids in sizes XS to XXL, for $26.50.
Ann Taylor spiffs up your casual office attire
Friday, January 18th, 2008 | tops | No Comments
Trying to avoid the two-wardrobe syndrome? You know, where you have one set of clothes for work, and another for weekends. It can be hard to find pieces that can go both ways and not look out of place (too dressy, too casual) at times.
That’s why I love this silk tunic from Ann Taylor. While the shape is a little more casual, the fabric and bold color make it a perfect foil for tailored pants or a suit jacket. Pair with jeans or chinos on the weekend, or wear to the office with a pencil skirt and slim cardigan. The hem is long enough to keep everything covered but not so long that it draws attention to your backside, while the collared neckline slims by creating a subtle V shape.
Silk twill tunic in grotto blue. Available in sizes 00 to 18 , and currently on sale for $29.99.