by Renae Virata

Usually, we pick out what to wear to please ourselves and (admit it!) others.  But today is one of those days where what you wear makes a statement.  In support of National Wear Red Day from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to bring awareness of heart disease, we have some red looks that are sure to look great and support a great cause.Mango dress, $59.99; Mango jacket, $179.99; Mango convertible purse, $34.99; Mango platforms, $109.99.

Fergie Beatnik platform heels, $89.99.

ModCloth Heart tee, $27.99 (and perfect for some Valentine’s Day cheer)

by Renae Virata

I got a question from a Travelista about finding a bag that would go with any outfit bar-hopping but would also be appropriate for a semi-formal event.  Check out the bags we recommend!

Her question:

I need help finding the perfect accessory, and I am turning to you for some options.  I am looking for a satchel that I can use when I go out.  I want to be able to use it when I go bar hopping, or if I go to a semi-nice event. Also, the most important thing: It has to be able to hold my iPhone, small lip gloss, contacts case, small container of eye drops, bank card, and ID (I know, I’m weird, but I’m so anal about what I have on me).  I’m hoping to spend $30 or less, but am willing to pay more if it is the perfect one  Can you recommend some that fit this criteria?  I have searched high and low and have not been impressed with what I have found.

First, gals, you have to let go of the notion that a good bag for evening has to be metallic, sateen, or beaded.  Also, you can be a tad fancy when you bar hop, so you don’t have to carry around that beat up, giant bag that you use for work when you go out for a casual outting either.

A good bag that meets our dear friend’s criteria is tough but chic – not only able to withstand being thrown around in a casual setting (ugh – dontcha just hate those mysterious sticky spots on the bar?) but also look fabulous for a more formal event.  Here are some tips when looking for just such a bag:

• Texture – Snakeskin or some sort of stamped leather texture add enough whimsy for the bars but looks purposefully chic and dramatic for a nicer event.  Leather is preferable to cloth because it provides structure and captures prints, color and texture better.  Smooth leather with a slight crinkle looks funky but has enough shine for any occasion.
• Color – Select something neutral but don’t be afraid of doing something other than black or a metallic.  Taupe or snakeskin are great with touches of metallic.  A deep mulberry, aubergine, or even royal blue will go with most anything and be appropriate for both a casual or formal setting.
• Shape – You want to be able to fit bigger stuff when you go to the bars, right?  That doesn’t mean you can’t bring the same larger bag to a wedding or night bash.  Instead of a mini clutch where you end up asking your date to hold that tube of lipstick that just wouldn’t fit with all your other stuff, opt for more drama with an envelope clutch that also doubles as an easy-to-carry crossbody.  Convertibility is key when it comes to that go-with-it-all bag.

Remember, you can always dress up a casual outfit with something fancier and make a formal outfit more modern by picking just the kind of bags we recommend below – and they’re all mostly under $75!

Big Buddha Mina $52 – Wear this THREE different ways – a clutch, a shoulder bag, and a cross-body.  Metallic snakeskin looks great with everything and so roomy!

The Sak Iris demi clutch $47.20 – Comes in three colors, but we LOVE the multi-colored geometric stripes.  Smooth texture leather and a convertible strap!

Hobo International Zara $128 -The crackle look is perfect for a cool night out but adds dimension to a casual outfit.  Convertible strap, too!

Elliott Luca 3-Way Demi Bag $59.99 – We chose the black pintuck in this bag that comes in many textures and colors because the texture is so cool and modern in addition to the blingy shine of the leather.  Use it as a crossbody or a clutch!

by Renae Virata

Okay, Cinderella, it’s gala season which means it’s time to break out your best! Depending on the specifics of the dress code, a long gown is usually the safest way to go.  However, you can get away with a beautiful cocktail dress if the event is not too formal.

Long gowns

Apart Goddess Gown $378

Max Studio brown gown $798

Allison Parris rooster feather dress $650

I am of the school of thought that dressing up to the nines doesn’t mean reducing your personal style quotient to a zero.  You can definitely punch up your outfit with some choice accessories, shoes, bags, and…hair!  I prefer the tough but sweet route, so a fine leather jacket over my gown is a definite ‘yes’!

Mango sequin jacket $199.90

Paper Crown faux leather jacket – for some tough but sweet $189

Chinese Laundry $89.95

Steve Madden $159.95

Nicole Miller geometric clutch $325

Big Buddha clutch $65

Rebecca Minkoff $750

Many galas oftentimes have themes, so be sure to play into them.  One of our readers recently mentioned going to a Roaring 20s-themed event.  She didn’t want to look too costume-y but definitely wanted to dress the part (especially since she was going to be honored!).  Her easy tips?  Find a modern silhouette that works for the theme, then accessorize, get your hair done, and make your makeup pop.  Lashes are a wonderful way to open your eyes up as are hair extensions (click here to check out some super affordable, real hair, options that are easy to attach from Sally Beauty Supply).

Last year, I attended an art ball with the theme of “Kaleidoscope” (which was left to one’s own interpretation).  So my friends and I borrowed some gorgeous and bright pieces from a local vintage re-designer and got our makeup done with some awesome designs.

No matter what the theme or how the dress code is, charity balls are meant to be a celebration (read: fun) while supporting a worthy cause.  So don’t leave your personal style at the door – treat the event as an opportunity to not only dress up but to have fun with your ensemble.

Clare in fishnets, a royal blue dress and boots. Photo | MODA Boutique

by Renae Virata

After four years of college in Nashville, you’d think I’d be an expert at what “NashVegas” really means – but I needed a little help.  So I called on the expertise of fashionistas at two of Music City’s hottest boutiques (which I wish were around when I was there!) to get to the bottom of this signature city style.

The question about NashVegas style came to WeareverTheWeather from a Brazilian native living in Rhode Island who will be attending a conference, with a dinner and party themed “NashVegas,” in Nashville next month.

“What I’ve been told,” says Rachel, the adorable owner of the Green Hills boutique TwoElle (definitely visit her lifestyle shop in Nashville if you are ever there), “is sequins and tacky bling, colored cowboy boots, and big hair.”

“To me, ‘NashVegas’ is dressed up cowboy,” adds MODA Boutique associate Clare Turner.  “Big leather, jeweled belt, a cool top, jeans, and, of course, cowboy boots.”

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What else should you wear for your trip to Nashville? Fill out our My Stylist form to find out!

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So, in order to help our inquiring Travelista strike a balance that is not too dressy and not too casual, I came up with two NashVegas looks for her fete.  The key, Rachel and Clare both agree, is to perfectly blend the sparkle of Vegas and the cowgirl sensibilities of Nashville.  That could be a sparkly top, jeans, big buckle belt and heels or a tube dress, bib necklace and cowboy boots.

“No matter what, you definitely have to have some sparkle in there,” says Rachel.  “Bright makeup, fake lashes, a glitzy top – as long as you have one element of bling and one element of cowgirl, you’ve got the basics covered.”

Click here to see this outfit created by our My Stylist app or click on an item: ApartStyle Dress $98, Old Gringo boots $499.99, Helen Kaminski cowboy hat $295, Chocolate New York bag $99.

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Don’t leave for your trip without Access America Travel Insurance. From travel delay coverage to missed connection coverage, they’ve got you covered!

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]]> http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/04/what-to-wear-in-nashville-nashvegas-style/feed/ 2 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2010/12/3188/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2010/12/3188/#comments Mon, 27 Dec 2010 18:54:41 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=3188 by Renae Virata

New Year’s is now upon us – time to party!  Whether you are going to a house party, chillin’ with the fam or doing the glam thing this holiday, nothing will help you start the new year right than looking your best.  The most important thing to remember is to make your night memorable and festive however you plan to do it.   Fortunately, there are unlimited options to get into the Auld Lang Syne spirit with a sharp outfit for the big night out (or in). 

Casual Night In

It’s your time to shine no matter what your plans are.  This season are a number of cardigans with just enough bling to add some sparkle to your night without overdoing it. Simply paired with a pair of your best jeans, slacks or a casual skirt will make it work.  Try pleather leggings with flats to get into the mood. And don’t forget to make your accessories work – a sparkly scarf or fun headband with a little bling can make your night special even if it’s just you and your SO.

House Party

So now you’re kicking it up a notch.  You want to be comfortable enough for that possible impromptu Wii tournament but match that 2011 tiara, too.  This is where accessories or a little fun embellishments can add that extra oomph to your outfit.  Shorts have been eking their way in more and more every winter – this year, the hot pants are all about sequins and sparkle, perfect for just such a social gathering.

SIMPLE AND CHIC. Clic to shop at Banana Republic - Tank ($79.50) + Pant ($92.99) + Scarf ($19.99)

SPARKLE AND FADE. Click to shop at Lulu's - Top ($65) + Shorts ($39)

Love the shorts look?  Click here to check out a $29 pair from Urban Outfitters.

All the Way Glam

All the sparkle and good cheer of an all-out New Year’s fete makes the effort to look your best all the more exciting.  In most cases, a dress is your best bet.  These days, your options are limitless to help you express your individual style.  This season, some of the hot ways to get glam are long gloves with a cropped faux fur jacket.  Leave the gloves on if you so dare to add a little panache to your look.  Or do chic separates that look put together and unique.  A nude pump makes an all black look more fresh and modern.  For a classic evening at the ball, try a simple strapless gown in a rich red, champagne, deep purple or black with interesting beading or in a richly textured fabric.

SEXY SEPARATES. Click to shop at Bebe - Lace corset ($79) + Pencil Skirt ($89)

FUN AND FLIRTY. Click to shop at French Connection - Dress $268

A CLASSIC NEW YEAR'S. Click to shop at Max Studio - Cocktail dress ($228)

Blake Lively. Photo: gossip-girls-episodes.com

by Renae Virata

It’s funny how we try to “dress a part” when there’s a theme.  But there’s always a way to interpret a look without going overboard.  It’s all in the details.

One of our readers is attending a cowboy-themed party at Pearl Brewery. It’s a cultural hub that provides an authentic Texas cowboy experience right in the heart of San Antonio.  So how do you look chic without looking like your dressing up in a costume?

Cowboy chic = Cowgirl elements + Urban silhouettes

This means a sexy prairie print under a structured denim vest in a more luxurious or unique fabric. Textures like fur, smooth leathers and (for winter) subtle tweeds.  And, of course, cowboy boots, whether they are traditional or an interpretation in an ankle boot, mule, or city boot.

Don’t forget to tie it all together with your accessories.  Snake-print boots, belts or bags add that perfect blend of urban cowgirl.  A thick sweater poncho or cape is elegant and simple over a long-sleeve tee or blouse.  A little bling with a lasso-inspired necklace or tassels on your bag or jacket tip a simple jacket or hobo bag into cowgirl territory in an instant.

What about hats?  You don’t have to feel obligated to wear one, but it can add that exclamation point to your outfit.  If you’re daring enough, definitely don one that makes your outfit complete!

Check out Crow’s Nest Trading Company which has a great assortment of cowgirl accoutrements.

Check out the details for this outfit which was created with the My Stylist tool on WeareverTheWeather.com!

Click to shop.

Check out the details for this outfit which was created with the My Stylist tool on WeareverTheWeather.com!

Click to learn more and to shop.

Check out the details for this outfit which was created with the My Stylist tool on WeareverTheWeather.com!

Click to shop.

Click to shop.

Photo: Newsen.com

by Renae Virata

A good friend of mine was invited to a charity event recently that had a dress code of “Champagne Casual Chic.”  These days, it seems like event planners are coming up with more descriptive (and interesting!) ways to describe event attire in order to create a certain ambience pre-event.  So what exactly is champagne casual chic?

Let’s break it down into its elements: Champagne + Casual + Chic.  We know this is a night event (champagne, plus the time of the event) that doesn’t require a dress (casual) but definitely dress to impress (chic).  Our formula is to take a simple outfit and make it a notch more fabulous and interesting with a few choice accessories and your own brand of style.  We think of it as the perfect blend of playful, breezy, and glam!

How would you describe “champagne casual chic”?  Leave your comment below or, better yet, send us a pic of your best outfit example!

Below are a couple of outfits that perfectly bring together all three elements to make Champagne Casual Chic a breeze to put together!  Other examples: Fur vest, tight black pants, booties, and turtleneck or tee (see picture above).  A flirty, loose blouse; glam belt; dark skinny or trouser jeans; cocktail ring; statement jewelry; and funky, glam heels. Shop each look below by clicking on an item.

Funky tunic dress (Champagne) + Funky boots (Casual)

+ Fishnets, Statement Earrings and Fab Clutch (Chic)

Leather jacket and heels (Chic) + White tee (Casual)

+ Glam necklace (Champagne)

Next week, Fashion Weeks around the world kick off with Copenhagen, Berlin, New York, London, Milan and Paris, plus LA, Vancouver and other cities that have lower-profile but still exciting, innovative shows. If you’re an editor, writer, photographer, blogger, or just hanger-on (no shame), how are you going to decide what to wear to the most fashionable events in the world?

Refinery 29 editorial intern Beverly Fong

Believe it or not, you’ll want to dress sort of like you do every day, except a bit more nicely. Unless you have a hired car, seat assignments and your own mini-portfolio on Style.com, Jak & Jil or The Sartorialist, you’ll kill yourself either by tripping in your high, pointy heels or freezing to death in your sequined cocktail dresses. Here we’re outlining a few tried and true guidelines that have worked for us in Copenhagen and New York, and then listing other Fashion Week dressing guides elsewhere on the web. Cheers!

Our Tips:

• Wear well-fitting, neutral-based clothes. You don’t have to wear all black, but pack a neutral-based collection of items that fit like a second skin. This will keep you from looking droopy and like your clothes are just hanging off of you after wearing them all day, for a couple of days. Think: your perfect skinny jeans or a fitted sheath dress with bright, textured belts.
• Dress warm. Tommy Ton’s caught editors in Paris in carelessly donned fur coats — a perfect way to dress up your jeans or shorts-and-tights look while staying warm.
• Wear flat shoes. If you wear heels, even small ones, you will be miserable at the end of the day. Don’t you want to stay up for the parties? Try motorcycle boots or flat OTK boots that go with dresses and jeans.
• Bring a big bag. You’re going to need something roomy to stash invites, freebies, water, snacks, press kits and business cards.
• Dress like yourself. Fashion Week is kind of like the industry’s biggest branding moment, so dressing up like Leigh Lezark is only going to make you look like a wannabe. Dress according to your personal style, with one or two extra pops, like a bright scarf or studded top during the day: you’ll be more comfortable, confident and eye-catching.

Other Fashion Week Style Guides:

• “Debunking Myths About Fashion Week,” Fashionista.com
• “New York City Fashion Week,” WearevertheWeather.com (our tip sheet from September ‘09)
• “What do you Wear to Fashion Week? Bloggers Discuss,” Racked.com
• “Tips on What To Wear During Fashion Week,” Papermag.com

Hey, Travelistas! Wanna know what to wear for the weather? Just click on My Stylist and type in your location, date, and an occasion and let My Stylist do the rest. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for everything fashion and travel from WeareverTheWeather.com!

New York Fashion Week is one of the most stylish, cutting edge events of the year, attracting leading editors, photographers, models, designers, and It girls from around the world.

Fashion Week – which used to host only private, under-the-radar presentations for editors only – has turned into a rock-star-worthy parade of catwalk shows and parties at the tents in Bryant Park, at Milk Studios’ presentation spaces, and at galleries and stores around the city. And although everyone’s bemoaning the crippling economy, most designers are ready to bring back the beauty and have a little fun again.

Even if you’re not part of the official “in crowd,” New York Fashion Week is a major celebration of everything that makes the industry great: art, creativity, young talent, the retail industry and freedom of expression.

At Leifsdottir. Photo courtesy of Laura Milligan.

This year, New York’s sponsoring Fashion’s Night Out, an open-to-the-public, citywide event that you’ll need a stylish, but comfy, outfit for as you run around town visiting Anna Wintour at Macy’s in Queens, the bartending Olsens at Barneys, and other designers and industry celebrities as they bring fashion to the people. Here are a few tips for looking Fashion Week ready…

•    Stay comfy: New Yorkers are proud of their eclectic but chic personal style, but if you think you’re going to run around the city all night in a towering pair of booties or stilettos, you’re going to look anything but cool. Grab your flat gladiators or flat boots for when it turns chilly, and you’ll add understated punch to your overall look.

•    Pick one cool trend and tone everything else down: New Yorkers are of course some of the most stylish

people in the world, but even on a night that celebrates fashion and creativity, you’ll stick out (in a bad way) if you pile on too many trends. Paige Welborn, a twenty-something who lives in New York, reiterates: “As for style in New York, you might expect everyone to be on top of all the trends, constantly abreast of the must-have accessory or color of the season, but New Yorkers are less trend-focused than many other metropolitan areas… Think about it, New Yorkers are  typically highly driven individuals who come here to make their own unique dream come true. Nobody comes to New York to make another person’s dream come true, so why would they follow other people’s fashion tastes?” Stick with one of-the-moment item, like a black jumpsuit or Blair-worthy headband – and then turn to your collection of basics for everything else.

Beverly Fong at Rachel Antonoff. Photo courtesy of Laura Milligan.

•    Pack a blazer. It’s still the beginning of September, but the forecast shows that Fashion’s Night Out could dip into the high 60s or low 70s, so pack a cardigan or a structured blazer so you’re not in a rush to go home and get under the covers. Blazers also add a very slight mix of sophistication and edge to any outfit without going overboard.

•    Take a big bag. With all of the sales, extended hours and (hopefully) free swag you’ll get, you’ll look silly and unprepared with a tiny clutch. Grab a hefty tote or messenger bag for collecting goodies door to door. “When you don’t have a car,” Welborn notes, “you tend to prepare for the elements a little more by carrying umbrellas and scarves around with you. Because of this, handbags and scarves can be the ultimate accessories for a New Yorker.” She prefers a stylish and comfortable backpack, and “as a person who likes to bring my own food/water bottle/utensils in an effort to reduce waste, I always have so many things with me, and it’s so much easier to carry them in a backpack.”

•    Layer. Fashion Week hits right in the middle of September this year, a major time for transitioning weather. Think mid-high 70s during the day and mid 60s in the evening. Cardigans, scarves, boyfriend blazers, and even sheer tights are having their moment again.

written by Laura Milligan

http://www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

http://fashionsnightout.com/timeline.php

http://www.style.com/peopleparties/parties/newyork/

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/