Making A Statement In The Workplace With Ann Taylor

Dressing for work, while remaining comfortable and true to your own style can be difficult. Typical looks tend to lack color and boldness, especially when the weather starts to become cooler. And even though it is not quite cold outside yet, that does not mean our offices can’t get chilly too!

To change this common theme, add some statement sweaters to your office wardrobe. You will not only be comfortable but will also be dressed for the part. Whether you like to stick with neutrals or this season’s statement animal print, Ann Taylor has something for you.

VH1 Black Ink Crew Chicago Reality Star Dani J Brings High Fashion to the City

On Aug. 26, 2018, VH1 Black Ink Crew Chicago Reality Star, Danielle Jamison or Dani J.  as many know her as, will be hosting her “Summers Not Over Yet” Fashion Show/Day Party. For the past three years, the “Styles By Dani J” brand showcases the clothing of Chicago’s top fashion designers. This year the production will not only be produced by Dani J. herself but alongside the “Summers Not Over Yet” Master of Ceremonies International Fashion Producer Blake Martin. The Event will take place at  5311 S. Lake Park Ave W. Chicago, IL 60615.

Dani J says “Chicago is so underrated when it comes to fashion so being able to bring different designers and boutiques together under one roof is what this brand is all about.”

This fashion show is like no other because each look is personally picked out and styled by Dani J. herself. Dani Created “styled by Dani J” not solely for her styling career or as a lifestyle blogger but as a means to create an up close and personal and visually appealing experience for Chicago unique and creative fashion.

Danielle “Dani J.” Jamison
Danielle has her own lifestyle blog where she shares tutorials/tips, photos, brands, etc. to inspire her fast-growing audience.  She exposes her audience to multiple messages of style, confidence, self-love, and the hottest trends. For more information please visit: http://www.iamdanij.com/

 

BAES AND BIKINIS – HAUTE COUTURE SHOW Miami Swim Week 2018 Show Recap

California-based swimwear brand, Baes and Bikinis, showcased their 2019 collection at the Paraiso Tent during Miami Swim Week on Thursday, July 12th, 2018.

This year’s show, Haute Couture, took crochet to the next level with a mixture of sexy and modern swimwear styles, followed by delicate coverups.
Inspired by the Greek Islands, the Bahamas, Hawaii and Malibu, Baes and Bikinis showcased a sexy swimwear line with plenty of knits, crochet, and delicate details.
The brand combines imported soft fabrics and seamless comfort to encompass the lifestyle of the perfect low cut island bikini mixed with a flirty Malibu fit.

8 Ways to Spice Up Your Work Wardrobe from HOUSE OF TERRANCE

Women really want to know how to spice up their work wardrobes. We say adding on-trend accessories is the easiest, most cost-effective way to spice it up at work!

1. Shoot Some Hoops — Earrings are always an easy way to add some style to your look. This season the hoop game is strong! Check out these 3 very different styles which can easily be paired with basic work outfits to add a little spice.
Gold Triple Circle Hoop Earrings
Large Colorful Bead Hoop Earrings
Modernist Gold Oval Hoops
2. Draw Straw  — The little straw bag is having a moment like I haven’t seen since the 90s! Adding one to your look can really take your style cred up a notch. This season there are so many cute affordable ones to choose from in addition to the culty Cult Gaia bag every fashion girl has been carrying around for a couple of seasons.
Urban Outfitters Crossbody Straw Bag
Catch tote from Anthropologie
Rebecca Minkoff Straw Crossbody Bag
3. Get Cuffed — Nothing adds a more stylish touch to an outfit than a bold cuff. And you double the effect when you sport matching ones. These beauties from H*O*T are just the thing!
Basketweave Gold Tone Cuff
Abalone Shell Stretch Cuff
Carved Floral Gold Tone Cuff
4. Buy Belts — Finally belts are back in the spotlight where they belong! I’ve always loved this particular accessary and found it to be such an easy way to add color, structure and style to an outfit. This summer we’re seeing a wide range of belt styles and one of them is bound to appeal. I’ve included 3 top belt styles; the western belt, the handy belt bag and the logo belt.
B-Low the Belt Bri Bri Belt
Zara Belt Bag
Tory Burch Logo Belt
5. Stylize Your ID — Practical yet immensely stylish, Fashion Ids truly illustrate the saying ‘necessity is the mother of invention’!  Some years back when I still worked in a large Ad Agency I was unhappy wearing my work ID on an ugly lanyard. So good friend and colleague Mark Fina and I created FASHIONids, the perfect way to express your style while keeping an ID at hand. Handmade with vintage jewelry pieces and found objects, they’re an excellent way to add personality to your work wardrobe no matter what that consists of. Here are 3 favorites:
Copper Chain with Black Wood Leaves FASHIONid
This Pearl is a Star FASHIONid
Golden Charms FASHIONid
6. Tie One On — A couple of weeks ago I recounted how impressed I was with French Womens’ ability to wear a scarf, when I first landed in Paris to live and still today. And I know why. It’s because it’s the one accessory that makes every outfit look better! Here are 3 that will uplift your most basic work ensemble.
 
& Other Stories Peony Scarf 
Zara Pleated Polka Dot Scarf
Ferragamo Scarf
7. Lighten Up — Ok I know you’re thinking that there’s no way you’re getting stylish and comfortable in one shoe but I promise you it’s possible. These are 3 pairs that I have recent experience with and couldn’t be happier. The Everlane Day shoe blew me away, so cute and comfortable! Although I’m not a fan of the brand’s overly basic basics they’ve really nailed the great looking comfort shoe. Cole Haan with zerogrand technology is like walking on a cloud. And finally go for Allbirds if you want to join the cool kids comfort shoe club 🙂 I promise you won’t take them off.

Everlane Day Heel
Cole Haan ZEROGRAND Oxford
Allbirds Tree Runners

8. Artify Your Phone — Yes phone cases are style accessories too! I bet you’re never without yours and it should be as fashionable as you are. That’s easy with the 3 examples below, all products of our H*O*T artist collaborations with Pauline de Rousy de Sales and Patrick-Earl Barnes.
Red Pants Woman iPhone Case by Pauline de Roussy de Sales
Moncler Dog iPhone Case by Pauline de Roussy de Sales
Woman Red Dress on Blue by Patrick-Earl Barnes

Learn more at HOUSE OF TERRANCE

Mastering The Mix from House of Terrance

There are likely a few different reasons for the rise in popularity of mixing prints.  Designers like Alessandro Michele of Gucci, Stuart Vevers of Coach, and Stella Jean, have made an impact on this type of fashion.

There’s a search for a more expressive individualistic way of dressing and access to sophisticated styling due to social media.

1. Color and silhouette are important considerations when mixing prints.
Keep your mix easy and classic in shape. Stay with 2 or 3 colors at the most to simplify things. More than that and you risk looking clownish.

2. Scale too is all-important.
Make sure and use a range of sizes in your patterns to make your mix more interesting and sophisticated. The easiest mix to try is 2 black and white prints in different sizes.

3. Try adding a solid basic to the mix,
like a jean jacket, leather jacket, or blazer to create some visual tranquility in your ensemble. And for a shortcut to pattern mixing look for pre-mixed pieces that incorporate 2 or more patterns already.

4. Be fearless!
Try mixing a floral with stripes, plaid or animal prints (often considered neutrals these days). Or you can go with the same pattern in a different color or size. It all can work, especially if you keep 1 and 2 above in mind.

Take style quiz here:  House of Terrances

Dressing from the Boardroom to the Boardwalk

Summer Friday’s are upon us and it’s time to update your wardrobe for the summer social scene that lays ahead.

Ann Taylor and Thirty-One Gifts’ summer collections have everything you need to take from the boardroom to the boardwalk. These patterns scream summer but maintain the professionalism oh so desired in the office. Just grab your bag and your sunglasses – you’ll be having your happy hour with Ann Taylor and Thirty-One soon enough.

 

 

5 Jewelry Trends to Take Away from the Fall/Winter Season

Jewelry can really make an outfit stand out. Even an outfit that might seem dull, at first glance, can be invigorated and livened by a piece of jewelry chosen accordingly. Of course, there are certain trends that dictate the design of jewels – and if you want to recreate your style, picking the right accessories will allow you to do that!

Accessories grant that specific je ne sais quoi that is so alluring. We really love the way in which a piece of jewelry can add depth and dimension to an outfit. That being said, we’d like to talk about the main trends you’re likely to observe this year.

  1. Statement Earrings

Without a doubt, statement earrings are a beloved trend. Hence, most jewel makers offer a wide selection of styles – including Brilliant Earth. The best thing about statement earrings is that they catch the eye. In fact, they direct all the attention towards the upper part of the body. You can combine them with classic, timeless pieces such as a white or black dress – you couldn’t possibly go wrong. Plus, you can choose from so many models and designs, meaning that you’re bound to find something that appeals to you.

  1. Oversized Jewelry

Another ever-present trend is that of oversized jewelry. In fact, it comes down to this: the bigger the jewelry, the better. The thing is that oversized pieces of jewelry instill confidence – a characteristic that should describe every woman nowadays. Essentially, oversized gold or silver accessories are in sheer contrast with minimalist, dainty clothing. Hence, Brilliant Earth Jewelry diversified their available styles, to make their jewelry selection as varied as possible.

  1. Simple, Elegant Necklaces

Another trend that is likely to be around for a while now is that of thin, dangling necklaces. Regardless of the type of outfit, you’re wearing, adding a bunch of dainty, elegant necklaces with a simple, timeless design can really add a hint of texture and character. In fact, during the fall, you can attempt to combine them with scarves. Conversely, you could pair a set of dainty necklaces with chunky, metallic chokers, if you’re the adept of unconventional jewelry.

  1. Charm-Style Jewelry

Our list continues with charm-style jewelry. Whether we’re talking about bracelets or necklaces, charm-style jewelry is an ongoing trend that is gaining territory by the day. People who are eager about collecting things will find them infinitely more appealing. And this doesn’t come as a surprise, considering that charm jewelry is the definition of whimsy, not to mention that you can get as creative as you please.

  1. Fall Leaves Theme

A theme for the fall/winter 2018-2019 season is that of fall leaves. This theme makes one think of nature, or, more specifically, the woods. Nature-inspired fashion pieces always manage to look good, and we definitely appreciate the dainty, ethereal leaves we’ve noticed in some of the upcoming collections.

To conclude, these are some of the main trends you’re likely to observe in the jewelry department. Which of them appeals to you the most and why? Let us know!

Collaborative Post

South Moon Under Store Opening and The Summit Birmingham

South Moon Under opened a few weeks ago at The Summit Birmingham.  I learned about this store while living in Baltimore and hosting a styling event at the Harbor East location.  If you were a fan of the Scandal Shopping TV Series we featured the retailer to recreate Olivia Pope’s iconic look.

SMU has a variety of stylish items from a few of our favorite brands.  Some of those labels include Chinese Laundry, French Connection, Gucci, Nasty Gal, and Lucky Brand.  I stopped by the store to see the new merchandise and pick-up a summer accessory.  The store manager informed me that each store has only a select amount of key pieces.  There’s no worry about having the same outfit as your former classmate.

I enjoyed walking around the store while music played and secretly fell in love with the Uneven Fray Denim jacket.  The official store opening is Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.  If you stop by South Moon Under, tell us what you purchase!

Store Address:

220 Sumit Boulevard

Suite 150

Birmingham, Alabama 35243

My Personal Style Type According To House of Terrance: HOT Style Quiz

 

You love a good blazer, a collared shirt, and tailored pants. Your favorite accessories start with the letter P–pumps, pearls, and pinstripes. You always gravitate to shades of navy, beige and gray. Your signet ring is your fave accessory.

 

TIP: Classics like you are always in style. The only thing you need to watch out for is style fatigue because a traditional classic style without updates can sometimes seem a bit frumpy. Always spice up classic style with a twist on it for example instead of a simple string of pearls or a single bangle worn with your watch, why not add 1 more piece? Try adding another necklace to layer with your pearls or add 1 or 2 bangles to the mix on your wrist to keep things fresh. Either of these examples from H*O*T would work https://houseofterrance.com/vintage/vintage-gold-chain-and-pearls-necklace or https://houseofterrance.com/bracelets/silver-screw-bracelet-with-pav-rhinestone-center

 

And remember to spice up your classic look with color!  Even though neutrals predominate your closet adding a pop of green, red or bright blue to your look doesn’t have to take you out of your style comfort zone.

 

To take your own personal style quiz visit House of Terrance.com