Twofer Tuesday-Velvet

Velvet isn't just for Halloween costumes and period movie sets anymore, girls! Velvet is having a major fashion moment on the red carpet, and the look is just as wearable for real girls. Although the fabric is unavoidably dramatic, with the right feminine touches the look can be edgy-glamorous instead of outlandish.

We're seeing all sorts of garments constructed in velvet-from shoes to gowns. Most of the time for-sale velvet garments are made in dark moody colors (to compliment the heavy fabric's naturally Gothic vibe most likely)-but worn with accessories in light, girly colors-a velvet ensemble will suit even the most girly fashion girl.

So dare to incorporate some velvet into your wardrobe. Be inspired by your favorite celebs on the red carpet and use my tips for styling velvet pieces-and you can't go wrong. A dash of drama in a girl's wardrobe never hurt anybody!

On the Red Carpet:

Katie Perry

Kim Kardashian

Michelle Williams

Get the Look:

Velvet Pencil Skirt in "Plum Perfect"- American Apparel

$40.00

X-Front Velvet Sling-Back Wedge- Charlotte Russe

$35.50

Velvet Tunic with Rouched Deep V-neck and Mesh Insets-ASOS

$49.71

Velvet Leggings-2020ave

$14.99

Velvet and Lace Shell Top- Topshop

$24.00

"Gothic Lolita" Full Velvet Skirt-Princess Fashion House

$29.90

Velvet Button- Down Shirts- Territory Ahead

$34.99

"Sing me a song" Navy Velvet Shift Dress- Modcloth

$34.99

Wear Your Velvet With:

Wear your velvet ensembles with light, fresh, girly accessories to provide contrast to the heavy, dramatic fabric

Forever 21 Necklace

$7.80

Gojane Wire-Wrapped Stone Bracelet

$17.30

ASOS Bumblebee Scarf

$33.14

Zappos Betsey Johnson Crochet Headwrap

$28.99

So, do you think you'll try some velvet this fall? I know I will. The bold,dramatic vibe and rich, luxurious feel will be perfect as the leaves change colors and the weather gets chilly.

Wear velvet to the pumpkin patch, out to dinner, or to your Thanksgiving dinner-and you'll be sure to get recognized as the fiercest fashionista around!

xoxo

Elle Michele

@ellemichele88

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Twofer Tuesday- The Model Look, Pastels Plus Neon

I would have never thought to pair pastels with neon until I saw model Hilary Rhoda wearing a soft, romantic mint- green-and-peach ensemble with a bold neon necklace. The look embraces the color trend, but in a different way than we are used to seeing. Pairing pastels with neon gives a sweet look some punch, some edge. So this week instead of exactly duplicating an expensive outfit with affordable alternatives, I thought I would use the designer outfit as inspiration and find affordable pieces that evoke the feeling of the designer ones. Etsy has some great neon statement necklaces and I thought I would spotlight some of my favorites. We all should support small businesses, I think.

Enjoy!

Model Hilary Rhoda at the "Love Heals" Party

Photo courtesy of Thos Robinson/Wire image and instyle.com

Get the Look:

2020ave.com

Sleeveless Open Back Top in Aqua-$18.99

Forever 21

Pintucked Cutout Silk-Blend Top in Peach-$27.80

Charlotte Russe

Chiffon Ruffle-Front Tank-$18.99

UrbanOg.com

"Sarafina" Dress in Mint-$32.50

ASOS

Pleated Color-Block Skirt-$58.00

Topshop

SelfStripe Tube Skirt in Aqua-$40.00

EtEtsy- StudioLaTouche Shop

Handmade Neon Chain Choker-$40.00

EEtsy- PartybyNicole Shop

Handmade "Get Rad" Neon Statement Necklace-$39.50

Etsy- AlinaandT Shop

Handmade Geometric Neon Necklace-$59.00

I hope that you enjoyed these colorful pieces as much as I do, and I hope this new idea for playing with color inspired you and your wardrobe. Which piece is your favorite?

xoxo

Elle Michele

@ellemichele88

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Twofer Tuesday - Affordable Embroidery

I know I shouldn’t be thinking about the Fall after this ridiculous heat wave that took over Philadelphia, but I can’t help it! To me, it’s the perfect time to build your wardrobe for the next season, as the current season continues! (Especially if you can find great deals!)

For this Twofer Tuesday, I’m looking to Balmain and Dolce & Gabbana for their amazing embroidered pieces for Fall 2012! The looks are so regal and pretty!

Balmain

Dolce & Gabbana

I found some cool embroidered pieces around the internet for pretty reasonable prices! Embroidery could look homey, but in the right areas, it’s perfectly cute and adds a lot more to a simple design!

For the Ladies...

Forever 21 - Embroidered Floral Tube Dress - $22.90

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ASOS – Playsuit with True Blue Embroidery - $22.37

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ASOS – Top With Mex Tex Embroidery - $26.51

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Urban Outfitters – Staring at Stars Color Pop Embroidered Sundress - $29.99

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Urban Outfitters – Vintage ‘70s Embroidered Poncho - $199.99

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Urban Outfitters – SOLD Design Lab Embroidered Soho Super Skinny Jean - $142

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ASOS – SALON Kaftan Dress with Bright Embroidery - $198.84

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Urban Outfitters – Hazel Embroidered Chiffon Tunic - $119

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For the Guys...

Topman - Embroidered Denim Short Sleeve Shirt - $60

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Lands’ End – Men’s Regular 6” Volley Swim Shorts - $34.99

(3 Colors/Styles Available!)

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Topman – Red Nautical Embroidery Polo - $44

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Topman – Cream Anchor Embroidery Shorts - $60

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What are your opinions on embroidery? And what pieces are you dying to by??

A.Carmen

[ Images courtesy of Style.com, ASOS, Forever 21, Lands’ End, Topman, Urban Outfitters ]

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Twofer Tueday-Nanette Lepore

This Twofer Tuesday I was inspired to create an affordable look that resembles this Nanette Lepore ensemble:

The colors are fresh and summery. The skirt is gauzy and flowy, in a color reminiscent of the sea. The sexy crop top shows a flash of skin, but the cut-out details make it look more edgy and fashion-forward than club wear-inspired. The shoes are bright and color-blocked with an ankle strap and a platform. And to finish off the look, the model wears a bright coral lip.

Love this look as much as I do, but can't afford the designer price tag? I've found some cheaper alternatives to each part of the outfit that I'm sure you'll love just as much as the pieces in the outfit that inspired them. Every piece is under $50! :

A Sea foam-Green Flowing Maxi Skirt:

American Apparel- Chiffon Full-length Skirt in "Sprout"

$46.00

An orange crop-top with cutouts:

Gojane.com- Cut-out Knotted Bralette in "Neon Orange"

$17.80

Another sexy option for the Top:

Lulus.com- Sexy Coral "Speed of Light" Crop Top

$21.00

A Candy-Colored Belt:

Express online- Perforated skinny belt in "Neon Pink"

$17.43

Some Color-Blocked Heels:

Urbanog.com- "Morgan 2" Colorblock open toe sandal

$27.90

And a Coral Lip to Finish off The Look:

Revlon "Just Bitten" Lip Stain/Balm in "Rendezvous"

$9.00 (at drugstores)

I've found that building outfits inspired by designers looks is fun and leaves me with a look that doesn't cost much, but looks very chic and expensive. And we always want to look like our outfits are chic and expensive, don't you think?

xoxo

Elle Michele

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