OOTD: For the Love of Animals (and Vodka!)

 

Oh snap, you guys. My friends at Smirnoff US, knowing how much I LOVE their vodka, all vodka, etc., challenged me to go tête-à-tête in a blogger styling challenge hosted on their Facebook page. And for those who read this site, and actually KNOW me, you know I'm powerless against the power of vodka, so of course, I said yes.

The brand has enlisted 3 designers to create t-shirts that bring to life their vision of the iconic spirits brand, and my fellow bloggerati (including Julia from Fashion Pulse Daily and Alia from Second City Style) and I styled one of my fave tees of the bunch, designed by Rachel Caldwell.

Embrace DEMOCRACY and cast your vote for MOI by Liking the Smirnoff page, and then Liking my pic! If I win (the final tally of Likes happens on Friday), $1,000 goes to my charity of choice: The Humane Society!

Head to toe, here's how I wore it:

• Ray-Ban Wayfarers
• Smirnoff Tee, designed by Rachel Caldwell (enter to win one here!)
• Cuffs: Rebecca Minkoff (others here), Hayden-Harnett (others here)
• J. Crew Glitter Belt (other J. Crew belts here)
• HUDSON Jeans cut offs (originally the Collin Signature Skinny)
• Loeffler Randall Zola Wooden Platform Bootie (alt color here)
• Balenciaga Giant Day in Electric Turquoise (no longer available, other colors here)

Photo snapped by my very GRACIOUS competitor/neighbor Julia of Fashion Pulse Daily.

**UPDATE** Even if you don't want to vote, the comments are worth a visit, peeps. Behold a few of my faves:

 

On The Power of a Style Signature

Style is a funny thing in that it's kind of undefinable. You either have it or you don't, and to be honest, I'm not sure if it can be learned. One of the few common denominators among the most stylish people I know (who range from tattooed rockabilly punks to uber-preps who feel most at home at their country estate in CT) is that they tend to have at least one style "signature" -  a key silhouette, accessory, color or item that creates a thread of consistency through their look from day to day.

I've often discussed how I love a fashion multiple, and it's generally in those multiples that I inadvertently find my own style signatures. Ironically enough, I've got not just one, but essentially all on today.

• Simplicity in style and cut.  As you can see, I'm wearing super classic pieces above, including a crazy cheap pair of dark rinse, skinny Charlotte Russe jeans that give any high-end pair a run for its money.
• Color. I love NOTHING like I love a pop of color. Exhibit A: the gray and chartreuse scarf (via Old Navy.) Exhibit B: the Balenciaga Giant Day in Electric Turquoise
• Oh right...Balenciaga. Another style signature of mine - I have three and I'm currently eyeballing a fourth for Spring '11 in Mimosa, a bright, poppy yellow (Surprised? Probably not, assuming you read the bullet above.) I love many things about Balenciaga bags, but most notably, the ultra soft leathers, easy but edgy styles, and unique colors, which are (#themoreyouknow) never repeated.
• Jewelry. If I leave the house without it, I feel absolutely naked. Generally speaking, I go for one statement piece (in this case, the stacked Alexis Bittar, Disaya and Kenneth Jay Lane bangles) at a time, and balance that with smaller, more delicate pieces.
• Lastly, but never an afterthought (in fact, I often start there), shoes. Today's beautiful weather allowed me to break out the very spring-y, very dangerous Valentino Rockstud Pump, which inspired my colleague John to exclaim, "Those are fucking terrifying! But in a nice way." In other words, mission accomplished.

What are your style signatures? Do tell in the comments.

Photo snapped by Felicia "desperately seeking Filippa K" Sullivan

OOTD: In Retrospect? Not Such a Good Idea.

We all have those items in our closet. The skirt that's too flouncy, the jeans that are too tight, or in this case, the shirt that's too...too.

Too big, too voluminous, too shapeless. You name it and this shirt's it. So, while I still love the summery cotton blouse in theory (so different from reality, no?), I'll be relegating it to sleepwear as of TODAY.

On the bright side, this OOTD did incorporate a new favorite - my Tory Burch Metallic Brushed Denim Leggings.

Made of deliciously soft stretch denim, these jeans boast a careful attention to both wash and details. The silver tuxedo stripe makes a statement, but quietly. I can't wait to do these justice; expect to see them incorporated in another OOTD soon.

Head to toe:

• Tory Burch sunglasses (gift, no longer available)
• LOFT necklace (gift of LOFT, not yet available)
• Forever 21 Vintage Pintucked Shirt (no longer available)
• Tory Burch Metallic Brushed Denim Leggings (gift of Tory Burch)
• Joie flats (no longer available)
• Balenciaga Giant Day bag in Electric Turquoise (no longer available, other colors here)

 

Have you made any fashion mistakes lately? Do share in the comments -it'll make me feel better!

OOTD: It's All About the Pants

With an ass and thighs like mine, it's nothing short of AMBITIOUS to think that a pair of skinny cargo pants could work.  But the J. Brand Houlihans are inexplicably THAT pair of pants that looks good on (almost) everyone.

The magic's in both the fabric (it's thick enough to hold in any unsightly bulges) and the cut. My favorite element is the ankle zip, which can (in essence) turn these into a straight or boot cut cargo in a flash.

As I am prone to do, I did snag the Houlihans in multiple - Vintage Olive and Sharkskin, seen above.  Here's the rest of my Friday look:

• Tom Ford Jennifer Sunglasses
• J.Crew Cami (no longer available)
• Balenciaga Giant Day Bag in Electric Turquoise (color no longer available, other colors here)
• Joie flats (no longer available)
• Hayden-Harnett (no longer available) Cuff and Rebecca Minkoff Loop Bracelet
• Dannijo and Forever 21 necklaces (no longer available)

 

Grab a pair of your own J. Brand Houlihans for $231 at Tobi.

Photo by Felicia Sullivan