Style Icon: MK

She gone Gatsby on me...

One thing clients often ask is that I categorize them into a "type".  "Just tell me what style I am and where I need to shop from now on," a busy, professional mother once pleaded with me. "It will make my life so much easier!"  

While this may work in some instances, it's not always so simple. We all have different facets to our image and dress sense. Our look and preferences are constantly evolving based on age, lifestyle, outside circumstances and influences...sometimes even a film we just happened to watch.  I even have a hard time categorizing myself  into any one particular style bracket. And I've known me a long time. I'm preppy at the core, but I love edge and a touch of boho...within limits. Nothing too busy. I guess that would make me a minimalist. So I'm a preppy, edgy, minimalist? Does such a style genre even exist? 

A tactic I've found effective is to refrain from looking at one’s own wardrobe to draw a conclusion. Our closets may not be representative of what we truly love because for whatever reason, we haven’t successfully channeled our likes into real-life.  Look to others in order to determine what gets your heart racing.  Most people can rattle off celebrities or socialites whose aesthetic they admire, the ones whose ensembles they lust after and think "YES...I WOULD TOTALLY LOVE TO WEAR THAT!" Whether or not we actually wear those outfits is a different story. Factor in lifestyle, age, body-type, budget, modesty preferences, resources and... we are limited. However, we can still aspire to be inspired, keeping in mind these constraints. It is possible.  

Pinpoint a person whose style you consistently love. We all have someone. It can be a celebrity, or someone you know. Then work backwards and figure out what elements of their look you really like.  Is it that they take risks? Is it that they can successfully mix prints? Maybe they have a similar look or body type to yours, making them more relatable to you. Is it the fine tailoring of their wardrobe that draws your eye? That they always look neat and put together? Or is it the effortlessness of their look you can’t get enough of? We all have different likes and dislikes, and being able to hone in on exactly what you love about a look is a valuable tool in developing your own personal style. 

This is a highly subjective exercise, so be really honest with yourself. It's got to be love at first sight. If you have to think about whether or not you like it, chances are you haven't found your style icon just yet. 

I'll give one such example for myself. I kinda fell for her without even realizing it. I always found myself eyeing and being helplessly, hopelessly drawn to her outfits. Not her beauty, but her street style (be sure to differentiate).  She’s visually statuesque and stunning, no doubt (she is the literal epitome of wearing a potato sack and still looking flawless. You get my drift). I fell head over heels, consistently across the board for every single look I spotted her in. The dialogue in my head went something like this:

• Her again? Why are her outfits always so on point? 
• I would so wear that. Like, in a heartbeat. 
• MMM-mm. This girl. YES.
• B**** stole my look! 

Just my luck, she happens to be a Victoria’s Secret model with ethereal limbs, porcelain skin, and the hanger-type physique designers favor to showcase their work. Despite her being an easy- to-hate ubermodel, I love her style. She's got the genetic blessing of looking good in anything she wears - yet she favors much more tasteful clothes than your average lingerie-model.  It's precisely why I covet her distinctly restrained element, and the fact that she keeps her overall look elegant and unfussy, versus provocative and trite.

Miranda Kerr is the ideal of preppy, minimalist, sporty-chic with edge, if this fantasy combo of mine ever existed. Whether on the red carpet or casually strolling the city streets with her baby boy Flynn, the girl dances the precarious tango of mastering clean and modern without EVER delving into boring. It's not easy. (Believe me, I've tried!) Since photos are indeed worth a thousand words, I'll stop writing and let you see. Then again, her look may not get your blood pumping the way it does mine...

So ask yourself - who is your style icon, and more importantly – what exactly is it about their style that really draws you in? It's the first step towards answering the age-old question: "what is my style type?"

Oversized, preppy-chic…with leather pants. I want every single coat this girl owns

 The queen of pairing quality basics with lust-worthy bags and accessories

Those Marant boots! And she's not afraid to repeat (re: coat). Love

Modern Hamptons #ootd

Did I mention I love her coats?

Not afraid of color. We'll see these shoes again...

B*** stole my look! In the infamous Marant sneaker wedge

Tone-on-tone. Sigh

Red carpet perfection 

The perfect touch of Boho. And there are those shoes again! 

                                         

   B**** stole my look! Minus the slit. We won't hold that face against her. 

    I almost cannot HANDLE  this one

Clean basics + Cool Accessories, Take 2

Love x 3

Maybe 2 people on the planet could pull this look off with a toddler in tow

Classicly ladylike

Written by Saba Ali - stylist, writer, and founder of SBD - Image Consulting

Comments? Questions? Leave below or email us at stylebydesign.sbd@gmail.com

5 Tips for Modest Summer Fashion

Summer is officially here. Love it or hate it, the season surely throws a wrench into the daily task of getting dressed, especially for those of us with a penchant for a more, let's say, restrained approach to our aesthetic.

So, how do you cover up in the heat, if tanks and shorts aren't your thing?

Here are 5 easy tips to dress on trend and keep it modest as the temperatures rise:

Ditch the Jeans - sure, they go with everything, but this is one piece I subconsciously leave behind every summer with reckless abandon. It's an intuitive choice - the thick fabrics, constricting cuts (skinny jeans are the antithesis of summer wear!), and the simple fact that there are plenty of months in the remainder of the year to wear them means you should have no qualms about moving those baby blues (or your greens, or pinks) to the back of your wardrobe until fall hits. Substitute with cargoes, harem pants, palazzos, or chinos (aka man pants) - the list of loose and demure bottoms in stores these days is absolutely endless. Incorporate them into your look as an effortless and easy choice for summer.

Maximize those Maxis  - unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably noticed maxi skirts and dresses have been back in mainstream fashion for quite some time now.  Given their consistent ride in the past few years, it's safe to say the look is here to stay! What does this mean for us, the quintessential, year-round modest dressers (who wear this look regardless of whether or not it's "in style", per se)? An abundance of choice. Prints, solids, silks, chiffons, brights, neutrals...the maxi world is your oyster. Take advantage of the fact that they now come cling-free, slit-free, and extra-roomy, the equivalent of every modest lady's wardrobe dream come true. Stock up, and rejoice that the only layer you may need to add is a slip. Just realize that whatever top you choose to pair it with, it need not be AS roomy as the one you sport with pants and jeans. Silhouette is everything, so be sure to balance your voluminous maxi bottom with a more tailored shirt or cardigan.

Shop For the Latest in Summer Fabrics - what do gauzy scarves, breathable tops, and airy bottoms all have in common? Technological advances in textiles have opened the door to delicious blends of cottons, linens, silks, and nylons which flow to perfection. Look for thin, printed pieces (solids tend to be more see-thru) which eliminate the need for that extra layer. Gone are the days of thick yet transparent linen (yuck! talk about fabric fail) which wrinkled up to the equivalent of your worst ironing nightmare, even after just one wear.

The High-Low Shirt - this amazing piece should be your new best friend.  It's like they designed it just for us modest girls. It comes in thin, dreamy fabrics, punch-drunk trendy colors, forgiving yet FLATTERING cuts, and covers up all the parts we need to hide. Also dubbed the "waterfall" cut, the high-front, low-back top is pretty much the perfect summer shirt.

Minimize Layers By Buying the Right Items - by heeding the advice to incorporate the items above, you are essentially eliminating the need for excessive layering, the bane of every discreet girl's existence. You know all too well how it goes:  sleeves not long enough? Add an undershirt. Oh, wait...length too short? Add a big cardigan. Before even making it out the door, you're sweating in an effort to say true to your demure style. But this need not be the case any longer. If you take care to invest in the right pieces, the need for more than one layer is automatically reduced. This is because of the amazing fact that apparel out there today is looser, longer, and more modest than it has been in years. (A short while ago, jeans couldn't have gotten any tighter or lower and skirts couldn't have gotten any shorter, so fashion had no choice but to start regressing in the opposite direction. And we were right there applauding when it happened!) Updating your wardrobe with a few key items of choice is not only fun and exciting, but a crucial step in cutting out the need for multiple layers in an effort to stay covered.

  Light summer layering inspiration - add in coverage as needed :)

And there you have it! A few easy to-do's to get your closet in shape for the heat ahead.  And please keep in mind this post is in no shape or form trying to dictate how one should dress - that's a personal choice. It's simply a guide on what to look out for from someone who has tried and tested just about everything in an effort to keep it all covered yet updated. Whatever your level of personal modesty, we can all agree it's a daunting task getting dressed and staying comfortable in the warmest months of the year.

Written by Saba Ali - stylist, writer, and founder of SBD - Image Consulting

Comments? Questions? Leave below or email us at stylebydesign.sbd@gmail.com

Spring '13: To Buy or Not to Buy?

 

Fashion is a funny thing. Twice a year, the world holds its breath as it anticipates a parade of new genius during spring and fall. Each collection brings a new twist on something or other, but mostly we find that season after season, styles get repeated. There is only so much "new" a designer can bring, as there is only so much wearable innovation that can be created. The Fall/Winter 2013 collections recently touted in the major fashion capitals around the world are said by some to have been a disappointing repeat of previous years' ideas.

How does this affect you and I, the people in the real world of everyday fashion? Style-repetition - old looks coming back as new - is actually a great thing. It allows us to reinvent certain pieces we hold dear in our closets (as well as to part with others that have little potential) vs. rushing out and buying every "new" piece that gets our hearts racing in stores.

Making this delineation can be tricky - nobody wants to look dated, trying desperately to pull off an old look as "new."  On the contrary, how many of us have rushed home with a new purchase, only to find something almost identical sitting in the back of our closets? (Admit it....it's happened to all of us!).

 Given this dilemma, here's a quick guide on what to bring back from your current wardrobe, versus what's worth splurging on right now for an instant update...

Old Digs

Trend #1: Lace - Always classic and still sweet. If you have any lace that you feel "uncool" wearing, now is the time to sport it with newfound pride. In stores you will see an array of laces in new colors, used on shoes, purses, woven into jewelry...but you can bet yours will still work as-is. Just make sure the pairing is fresh - treat as less formal and work in with some low-end pieces. The effect is more laid-back and less prim-and-proper than the lace of yesteryear.

Trend #2: The Tuxedo Jacket - Pretty much any blazer, vest, or jacket with a standout lapel falls into the broad spectrum of this very current trend. Long, short, peplum, or straight, there's a tuxedo-inspired style out there for everyone. Menswear is a fresh and modern take on black-tie, so feel free to wear your piece formally with slacks, as well as casually with more easygoing bottoms or shoes.

Trend #3: Anything Red - 2012 may have been the year of the red pant, but now the standout color is being reintroduced as an all-over hue. Dresses, jumpsuits, tops, bottoms, accessories...red, in any way, shape or form should no longer be sitting idle in your closet.  As the color that will put a spring in your step, red is globally renown for bringing luck, good fortune, and overall confidence. So pick it up, brush it off, and wear strategically.  And don't stop at just one piece! A long line of red can be visually stunning, not to mention slimming. Just be sure to keep accessories and hair/makeup to a neutral minimum.

Trend #4: Black and White - Sure, the trend today has more graphic elements, but what used to be considered too harsh in the past few years is now mainstream chic. So find those b&w stripes, checks, floral, block prints, small prints...everything goes. The combo is great alone or as a base for a pop of color. (Confused on which hue to layer b&w with? Choose your childhood favorite. It always works!)

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Trend #5: Leather: Last year we saw the explosion of all-over leather in ways previously thought unthinkable or too extreme - as fabric for pants, shirts, shells, bags, shoes, trims, sleeves, etc. It was worn in every form, and this season we can breathe a sigh of relief that it is here to stay. Recent technologies in leather fabric allows it to be more pliable, breathable, and dye-able...making the options endless. So rock your leather favorites now - it's the instant fix to give an old piece new edge. Just stay away from anything with too much hardware...studs, grommets, etc. The take this spring is more feminine and sleek versus biker-chic. (Been there, done that!)

Trend #6: Flowy Fabrics in Pastels: Sick of jeans and T-shirts? This is the perfect antidote to restricting, uncomfortable shapes that become less tolerable as the weather warms up. Satins, chiffons, pleats, georgettes...anything that flows and comes in a subdued pastel is fair game. The look is floaty, fluid, and unstructured. Metallic accessories pair nicely with the airy feel this look exudes.

Had enough of the old? Diving right into the new....

Snake-Patch Print - Quite possibly our favorite new look for spring...an innovative spin on last year's animal-print craze, is the snake-patch, or python-patch print. Fresh and modern, this is one thing you will be hardened to find in your existing closet. The take on snake right now adds color to the previously neutral print. In addition, the layered-effect of different textures and scales gives off a custom-made feel. So go right ahead...pick up this look, and you are adding something rarely-before-seen and original to your apparel treasure chest. (Use the options below as a visual guide to more affordable versions on your next shopping trip!)

Snake Patch Print Spring 2013 by stylebydesign-sbd featuring black leather handbags

Preen cotton dress
$2,195 - avenue32.com

Equipment cashmere sweater
$480 - stanwells.com

Equipment silk shirt
matchesfashion.com

Preen leather top
matchesfashion.com

Proenza schouler
lagarconne.com

Zara shoes
zara.com

Christian Louboutin high heel shoes
barneys.com

Diane von Furstenberg python handbag
shopbop.com

Diane von Furstenberg black leather handbag
ssense.com

Scarve
$225 - question-air.com

Modern Floral - Yes, most of us may have pretty floral items already hanging in our closet. But this time around, it's more about technicolor orchid blooms and chrysanthemums, versus pink and yellow English Country Rose. Chic yet strong, modern floral prints should be paired with edgier shoes and hair ...nothing too feminine. The difference in floral today lies in the lack of repetition in all-over print. Set against rich backgrounds and paired with other designs, flower-power has come quite a long way.

Modern Florals Spring 2013 by stylebydesign-sbd featuring floral top

Wallis floral dress
wallisfashion.com

Erdem floral silk dress
boutique1.com

Floral top
$110 - cosstores.com

Nicole farhi
$405 - nicolefarhi.com

Forever 21 lightweight jacket
forever21.com

Alexander mcqueen
$595 - brownsfashion.com

Giuseppe Zanotti pointy toe heels
bergdorfgoodman.com

Flower handbag
etsy.com

Lily and Lionel colorful scarve
my-wardrobe.com

There you have it! A quick-and-dirty shopping list, and some inspiration to revamp all your "oldies-but-goodies".  If you feel you are missing any of the first six looks, choose one for purchase this season, but resist the urge to run out and buy much more than that.  Then head to the dry-cleaner's with your black and white prints, tuxedo jackets, satins, reds, and leathers to get your complete wardrobe in top-form for spring today!

And for those cooler, in-between sorta days, we leave you with this: 

http://sbdstyle.blogspot.com/2013/02/with-spring-around-bend-but-winter.html 

Written by Saba Ali - stylist, writer, founder, and sole proprietor of SBD - Image Consulting

Questions? Concerns? Leave a comment or email us at stylebydesign.sbd@gmail.com. Oh, and don't forget to subscribe today!