Angela Simmons: Photo of The Day

 

Style + Life + Fashion’s Photo of The Day goes to Angela Simmons. She’s “servin and werkin” wearing a cream suit (matching top, jacket, and skirt) while giving us a pop of color with purple pumps.

Angela has great style and in my opinion this was a very nice street photo. This “Simmons” girl likes to keep us on toes and guess what, it works!

 

How To Use Pinterest 101: Fashion and Style Photos For Daily Inspiration

Follow Style + Life + Fashion on Pinterest to gain daily inspiration.  The handle is @kwest1908.

A few of our favorite boards include, Work From Home, Creative Spaces, Money Management, Gift Ideas, Men’s Apparel, and Health/Fitness.

Don’t forget to save your ideas to keep the pinterest boards organized.  Happy pinning!

How To Use Pinterest 101:

  1.  Set-up an account.
  2. Install the pin it button.
  3. Add a pin.
  4. Create a new board.
  5. Repin from your homefeed.
  6. Be social by liking and commenting on other pins.
  7. Upload your own pins.

Kate Hudson LBD Collection with Ann Taylor

A little black dress never goes out of style. As you may have heard, actress Kate Hudson has collaborated with Ann Taylor to create the limited edition “Kate Hudson LBD collection,” premiering this April.

 

You can never have too many little black dresses, and Kate agrees! “It’s one of those things a woman should never be without. I have a whole section in my closet devoted to LBDs!” actress Kate Hudson says of the new collection. Kate has been the face of Ann Taylor since 2012, and this is her second time designing for the store.

The five styles of the collection are designed to fit how women live and are named with the occasion in mind: see Camera Ready, The Romantic and Best Actress below.

The collection will be in stores April 10th and also available on AnnTaylor.com.

 

This spring, Ann Taylor and Kate Hudson team up to celebrate the ubiquitous LBD with a capsule collection designed by Kate Hudson.

The Kate Hudson LBD collection premieres this April with five limited edition little black dresses designed in partnership with Ann Taylor creative director, Lisa Axelson, each highlighting Kate’s personality and lifestyle.

“I loved working with Lisa Axelson and the design team on these little black dresses,” said Hudson. “We designed them to fit how we all live—so there’s something for every occasion and everyone.”

 

About the Collection:

 

THE ROMANTIC – A soft silhouette with a bit of flounce, representing Kate’s spirit, the short and flirty number is cast in a sheer micro-dot fabric trimmed with faux leather for a bit of edge.

CAMERA READY – A super-sexy fit, detailed with cut-outs and sculpted seams, this number is an effortless way to turn every moment into a photo opp.

LONDON LOVE – A sleek dress with revealing sheer insets and a slight fishtail hem, it blends sexy and structure into one statement piece.

BEST ACTRESS – A dramatic off-the-shoulder, floor length column dress with an asymmetric cut that hugs the body, this is the modern-meets-laid-back-meets-super-sexy version of red carpet style.

THE LATE NIGHTER – Emulating another side of Kate’s personality, this made-for-her piece is a bit rock ‘n roll with an open back, with touches of lace for fun and flirt.

 

AMIClubwear Giveaway – Enter to Win and Update Spring Wardrobe

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Super Cute Plus Size Clothing

Style + Life + Fashion has teamed up with AMIClubwear to host a giveaway for our faithful readers! Ladies can win a $50.00 GIFT CARD to jump start their spring wardrobe.  To enter the giveaway, view the guidelines below:

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GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES

1. “Like”  AMIClubwear’s Facebook Page or Twitter account.

2.  Return to my blog (HERE) and leave a comment sharing your favorite Spring 2014 trend.

3.  Share our Style Life Fashion giveaway on your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram)

Giveaway will end at midnight on March 27, 2014 EST.  The winner will be notified (via email) 
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Money Saving Tips from Stylist Sam Bell: Don’t Blow Your Tax Refund

Don’t blow your tax refund on clothes without reading these money saving tips! Wardrobe stylist Gen Bell offers great money saving tips for tax season and for throughout the year.

Sam Bell

1. Have a set budget!
Having a set budget on how much you’d like to spend is key. Everyone has different methods that work best for him or her. Some people prefer to use cash so that they can see exactly how much they’re spending and on what. My personal method is to create a budget first, let’s say $100. Then I figure out how many outfits I’d like to have from the $100, let’s say 4 outfits. Then I start window-shopping and comparing prices from different stores. I always check both online and in actual stores. Often times you’ll find the best mark down prices online!

2. Hit the Discount Stores
You can find stylish bargains at stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and DSW. Designer duds for a fraction of the price! But be careful, just because a store is inexpensive doesn’t mean you’ll save any money if you over spend. Learn control.

3. Learn to Do-it-Yourself
Learning how to make a few, simple alterations can save you lots of money down the line. Master the basics of sewing, replacing buttons, and hemming pants. If you’re a busy professional like most of us, then find a local seamstress in your neighborhood that can make the simple alterations for you. The point is to have you clothes last you for a long time. So if you loose a couple of pounds and can’t fit those jeans anymore, make the necessary alterations so that you can reincorporate those jeans back into your wardrobe.

4. Shop Out of Season
Seasoned shoppers shop for spring and summer items in the fall, and buy your fall and winter looks when spring rolls around. Clothing is always cheaper when they are out of season.

5. Avoid Impulse Shopping or Emotional Shopping
Many of us can’t fight the urge to impulse buy. Remind yourself when the urge arises, are these shoes worth it right at this moment? Do not buy the shoes, wait a couple of days and if you still want them and rationalize your need then buy them.

6. Think About What’s Already in Your Closet
When shopping, build a wardrobe around one or two color families that you already have. Keep your current wardrobe in mind when you shop, and don’t buy anything that won’t go with at least two or three other items that you own.

7. Take Care of Your Clothing
Caring for your clothes will help them last longer. Use the right amount of detergent, avoid the dryer when possible and hang and fold clothes properly. Pack your seasonal wardrobe! You don’t need your winter clothes hanging in your closet all summer long. Pack them in air tight containers that are designed to keep the moisture out and your clothes fresh!
8. Shop Vintage and Consignment
Fashion is cyclical! Trends from the past always make a comeback so don’t shy away from vintage and consignment shops. It may take longer to find exactly what you are looking for at a used clothing store so you must have patience and bring a friend for a fun movie montage.

9. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize. No outfit is complete without the right accessories. Take a simple dress and accessorize it in different ways to create completely different looks each time! This will expand your wardrobe without having to buy a new outfit for every occasion.

About Gen Bell:
Wardrobe stylist and creative director, Gen Bell is the true embodiment of a career girl in every aspect. Bell was born in Chicago and is currently styling key individuals in the South Florida community in film, fashion and music. Bell has worked one on one with designers, boutiques, production companies, models and more.

As a previous writer for Haute Living, Gen Bell has an impressive resume for a newbie. With a portfolio centered on beauty, video, celebrity/music, and street-chic styling, Bell has a vast knowledge of creating an aesthetically pleasing composition. Working with color palettes, silhouettes, and design, Gen Bell pulls together elements and principles to create a final “product” which sets apart from the rest.

To view all of Gen Bell’s stylist services and her portfolio, please visit www.genbell.com

Ann Taylor Spring 2014 Collection: Wardrobe Remix

When it comes to fashion, this spring will be all about cool neutrals and trendy basics. Debuting Ann Taylor’s new Spring 2014 Collection, featuring the ultimate A-list pieces for the modern closet.

Perfectly combining the spring classics that every woman needs from the perfect shirt to slim pants to a classic trench, the spring collection plays on runway trends by adding sheer fabrics, piped lines and stripes in slate grays, creams, navy and black tones. “I like to mix different prints or textures within a color family so you can create this high-low look within your outfit. I think this love affair that we’re having with blush instantly modernizes and feminizes old classics like black and navy,” Creative Director Lisa Axelson says of the new Spring Collection.

Below are a few images from the new spring collection, which will be in stores through April. Please let me know if you are working on any Spring fashion trend stories. I’d be glad to provide Ann Taylor’s full Spring look book for consideration for any fashion roundup, trend stories or cover shoots. Images featuring Kate Hudson, the face of Ann Taylor for Spring 2014, are also available.

Ann Taylor Spring 2014 Collection

Heather Blond Premium Resortwear: Layering Style Tips

While the Southern Hemisphere is enjoying record warmth, here in New York we are battling bitter cold! Our fans below the Equator are enjoying their Heather Blond Resortwear by the pool or on the beach, but just because it is winter up north doesn't mean you can't enjoy your all-eyes-on-you fabulous Heather Blond! Yes, whether it is Moscow or Madagascar, resortwear can be worn anywhere!

Since it's been proven that bright colors and prints can lift you out of the doldrums of the dark, cold winter, this is the perfect time to rock your Heather Blond Premium Resortwear! The trick to wearing your kaftans and tunics in the cold is layering. By using your existing wardrobe basics you can create a fun and fashionable wardrobe that won't break the bank!


Here are some of our stylist's tips:


1. Leggings and skinny jeans – a stylish neutral base to contrast color and texture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Scarves – trendy and oh-so-warm!!





3. Layering Knits – Cozy cardigans for brunch with the ladies, chic blazers for running around town

 

 

 

 

 

So while it maybe cold and snowy in Chicago, before you head off to that warm escape to Punta Del Este, you can wear your favorite kaftan to brunch in the city, hop on a plane and be ready to hit the beaches when you get there!

 

Photo of The Day: Aztec Print Jacket and Leggings

Style + Life + Fashion’s Photo of The Day goes to…myself! I decided to wear this aztec print jacket, with black leggings, and lace up booties.

Normally, I am a “solids” type of girl but today I wanted to wear this inexpensive jacket with a few fun accessories. I think it’s the perfect outfit when grabbing cocktails on a Friday night.

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Part II: Jacket can also be worn with a stretch pencil skirt, wide belt, or jeans.

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day 2014: For Men Looking Dapper

Pharrelll Williams

Valentine’s Day is less than a month away. Women have plenty of options to dress up for the occasion but men can find it challenging to choose the right outfit and style for the day of Cupid's arrow.

And it’s quite important to dress right because if you end up being a fashion disaster, it will become difficult to woo her and you can become a victim of low self-esteem. That’s the last thing you would want to happen on V-Day.

The following clothing tips will make sure that you appear dapper and full of confidence:

1. Outerwear

The cold isn’t going away anytime soon, so you will need a sweater. Go with the one that is thin in texture, yet warm at the same time. Mock neck is a classic that will look flattering on you and boost your appearance, regardless of whether you complement it with a pair of jeans or formal dress pants.

The other option is the classic V-neck sweater that will make you appear relaxed and fashionable at the same time. You can wear it over a polo and dress pants or over a pair of jeans and t-shirt. As for the colors, choose darker hues such as blue, purple and brown.

2. Accessories

You want to avoid too many accessories on this day. Possible options include wrist watches and mens canvas belts, which has a nice cotton canvas webbing. Both of these additions can redefine your style and highlight your formal or casual outfit.

Bill Rancic

If you are going to be dining at a restaurant, make sure you go with a fashionable wallet. Perhaps you can go with one made out of smooth or textured fur with contrasting prints inside, as it falls in the latest wallet trends for 2014.

 

3. Shoes

Avoid wearing square-toe shoes because they are out of fashion and select pointed shoes (black lace-ups work well) as they are trendy and work with both casual and formal outfits. But if you want to go with leather, select a couture, slim kind or lace-ups that feature a chunky sole. Both of them will complement trim-cut pants as well as a pair of skinny jeans.

You can also select loafers as they are a versatile option and have been going strong for the last few seasons. The latest designs include tassels and other elegant essentials and some of them include treaded soles in thick material.

4. Pants

Denim was said to appear in the 15th Century in the closing days of the Medieval Age, which falls in line with the origination of Valentine’s Day. So feel free to go with a faded vintage style or a classic straight cut if you are going to wear color-pop lace-up shoes.

You can even go with printed pants below formal upper attire and in case you do, keep it minimal and don’t compromise on the tailoring – you don’t want to appear as if you’re wearing PJs.

5. Hair

Last but not the least, take care of your hairstyle: a neat look is the most preferable but you can also try on wavy and side styles depending on your outfit. Remember that a dapper hairdo can be a turn-on for your date.

Jake Gyllenhaal

And if you have a hard time in deciding the style that would go with your outfit, feel free to book an appointment at a salon. This can turn out to be a good option as your hair might need some trimming to adapt to a certain style.

Contributed from Sam Peters

Photos are taken from Pinterest.com