Slacker Style

I admit it- I've been slacking with the blogging. I resolved to do it more and then I promptly stopped altogether. What a slacker! Seriously. I have been keeping myself very busy at work and at play and I have tried to be fashionable throughout it all, but I admit I have been terrible about writing about these fashions. I was hoping to write an awards-show blog after the Golden Globes, but I'll be honest- so many people looked so awful and even the good ones weren't groundbreaking that I just couldn't come up with any decent content. The Grammy's were slightly better. Ah, well.

I've been doing more and more with accessories at work and also gearing up for a big accessories sale. It's made me assess my own accessories and for the first time in a long time, I actually find that I have some gaps in my collection. I've been so satisfied with my closet lately and it's only in the last few weeks that I've looked through things to put an outfit together and thought, "Meh. Nothing appeals." It's partly due to the fact that I have been running, so a lot of my clothes are actually a little too big for me right now. It's also partly due to the fact that it's so freaking cold out lately that the only thing I want to consider wearing is cashmere and fur. So I do.

One gap I've noticed in my collection is earrings. I've got this sassy new super short haircut that is also super blonde. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out:

Anyway, with this new 'do, earrings come into play in a totally different way than they previously did with my longer, brown hair. Earrings become a much bigger statement now, so I find I'm actually wearing a whole lot of dainty studs instead of my typical giant chandeliers and whatnot. 

I've purchased about a dozen pair of little studs in the last few months, but I think I want to get back into statement earrings. Something like these would be a great addition to my collection: 

Kate Spade Chandelier Earrings, Nordstrom, $98

The other thing I've gotten into is the midi- or mini-ring. You know what I'm talking about- it's the teeny tiny ring that you wear above the middle knuckle. It took a little getting used to, but now I love them. In contrast to the statement earrings, I love how delicate and subtle they are, yet eye-catching at the same time because of their location. 

Midi "Knuckle" ring, Etsy, $9.99

Some people like piling on lots of rings- some large cocktail rings and then other midi-rings, too. I prefer the midi-ring look when it's all by itself, like in the photo above. I like how delicate they are. If you haven't tried out this trend, get thee to an accessories shop ASAP and buy yourself one. Give it a whirl! Express yourself through your midi-ring! You just might love it! 

Finally, the other accessory that I absolutely cannot live without is a hat. It has been frigid around here and completely necessary to wear a hat in order to stay warm outside. I've got a decent hat collection, but nothing beats wool and fur for staying toasty warm. 

If you can pull it off, may I suggest a large fur hat- there is nothing better for keeping warm and although it's a bold sartorial statement, it's one I love! 

So there you have it- my winter must-haves, accessories-style. It's not bad style for a slacker, huh? 

It's Cold.

This morning as I write this post, the temperature outside is in the low 20's. So I can think of nothing more appropriate to write about than outerwear. It's obvious, I know, but I promise to include lots of pretty looks.

I've said before here on the blog that I love winter because with the outerwear look, you're essentially getting to put together two outfits every day. It's double the fashion! How can that be bad, right? So, today I just want to show some fabulous outwear pieces to jazz up your closet this winter.

For starters, get yourself something with fur. Faux or real, whatever you prefer, although real is always SO incredibly warm. I know a lot of people take issue with real fur for the cruelty aspect, but fortunately there is a LOT of really great faux fur out there right now. Shop around- you'll see what I mean.

If you're new to fur, go for accents of it as an introduction. It will seem far less overwhelming:

Fur by rtboo featuring American Eagle Outfitters

A fur collar, or trim on your cuffs, or even a fur hat will all add a touch of elegance and opulence to your winter outerwear. Even a scarf or head wrap added to a basic wool coat can completely transform your look.

My second favorite choice for this season is the quilted look. It's been around for a few seasons now, but it's more streamlined and sporty than ever. There are also some more sophisticated quilted options out there so you don't have to feel too dressed-down in them. There are poly-fil options as well as down and other feather options, so pick your fave.

Quilted by rtboo featuring a j.crew vest

I love how geometric the quilting can be- which, by the way, is another trend for this season- linear, geometric patterns will be everywhere.

What's your go-to outerwear look? Do you have a collection of coats and accessories, or do you have one classic staple that you wear just about every day? Leave a comment and tell me!

Stylish Coworker: Jess

Remember my post about persimmon pants? Well, my oh-so-stylish coworker Jess showed up wearing the most fabulous burgundy pair of pants and as soon as I saw her, I snapped her photo to share with you all.

Seriously, she's the cutest thing ever, am I right? 

So there you have it- someone totally rocking the colored pants trend right there in real life. Have you found your perfect pair of red pants yet? If not, get out there and do it! You will not regret it. I promise. 

Wear This: Leopard and Cream

Leopard print, oh leopard print. You are sometimes so tricky to wear, aren't you? I have some leopard print heels that I wear every now and then and a fabulous leopard print dress that will be great for a date night one of these days. But aside from that, I don't often head in the leopard print direction when I'm out shopping. Here's why: it's a tricky print to wear. Seriously tricky. Why so tricky? Because if the garment is just a smidge too tight, or the top is on the borderline of being too low-cut, or the hemline on the dress is just a half inch too short, then your leopard print look is suddenly SLUTTY. We try not to do slutty here on S...tNB, so I'm going to tell you how to wear leopard so that you ALWAYS look classy. We're classy here on S...tNB, okay?

For starters, all of those things I just mentioned- low cut top, too tight anything, too short skirt or dress- avoid them all when wearing leopard print. And that goes for anything you pair WITH something leopard print. (By the way, this goes for cheetah and zebra and basically any animal print, but since leopard is far and away the most popular, I'll be using it in this post.) By this I mean that if you are wearing a leopard-print skirt that is an appropriate fit and length, you should still be careful not to wear a top with it that is too low cut, etc.

Second, try to pair leopard with something other than black. Black is so harsh and also such an obvious choice for a neutral. Think outside the box and wear something else- camel, chocolate brown, or my personal favorite neutral for leopard: CREAM. It's the perfect combination of soft and edgy.

Leopard and Cream by rtboo featuring a black pencil skirt

As you can see from the polyvore set above, it works for casual outfits as well as dressy looks. You can wear this to the office or out on a date. It's just as good a look for lunch with your girlfriends as it is for parent/teacher night.

A final tip when wearing leopard print is to keep your accessories minimal. It's fine to add a pop of color with your shoes, a bag or even a statement necklace, but if you do so, stop there. Don't over-accessorize and definitely don't wear multiple bold pieces. After all, the leopard print is pretty bold on its own, so too many other bold, eye-catching pieces along with it and you'll just end up looking like a mess. Trust me on this.

I think I may have just inspired myself to go shopping for more leopard print pieces for my wardrobe. Having a style blog is really not good for my checking account.

Anyway, enjoy your day, everyone and as always- thank you for stopping by and reading!

Persimmon Pants

I'm the absolute worst when it comes to dry cleaning. I hate dealing with it, so I usually wait until the end of a season to bring everything in. Then I promptly forget that I've got clothes waiting to be picked up until months later and suddenly I'm getting phone calls from the cleaners saying, "Come get your stuff!" I did that recently, I'm ashamed to admit. But the great part about doing that is seeing what fabulous stuff I forgot that I own! I picked up a few things this week and among them was my oh-so-stellar pair of red velvet pants! I love these pants!

Anyway, rediscovering these pants reminded me of a conversation I had with Beth a little over a week ago. We were walking down to the SoWa vintage market in South Boston (more on that soon) and a woman walked by in a pair of bright green pants. We started talking about this fabulous new trend of brightly colored jeans and pants and Beth mentioned that she's been wanting a pair of fabulous red pants for a while now. But not true red, more like persimmon or rust. Something that works for fall, but that could also be somewhat season-less. And let's face it, doesn't everyone need a pair of completely fabulous persimmon pants? No doubt.

So, to inspire all you lovelies out there, here are my picks in a range from dark orange to deep burgundy, from skinny to wide-leg, high-waist to hipster, there's a pant here for anyone and everyone, I promise:

Persimmon Pants by rtboo featuring a cropped trousers

"But just how do you wear such a bold pant, Renee?" you ask. I know, it can be tricky.

For starters, the fit has to be impeccable. Take them to a tailor and get the length just right. Nip the waist, the thigh, the ankle- whatever it is that needs tweaking, have them do it and make sure these pants perfectly tailored. There is no other way, truly.

Next, find some rich, neutral pieces to layer onto the look- colors like chocolate brown, charcoal grey and creamy white will all work beautifully. Go with whatever compliments your skin tone, or what you like best. You can't go wrong. As long as your shade of pants isn't too close to pumpkin orange, you could even pair them with black. But be careful- too pumpkin-y and then combination with black just screams, "I love HALLOWEEN!" And I, personally HATE Halloween. But regardless of your feelings towards the holiday, you probably don't want your sartorial choices to be telling the world that you love Halloween. Just sayin'. Also, avoid a bold print. You want the pants to be the focal point, so any eye-catching print will likely just compete with them. So not cool.

Finally, add some complimentary accessories and head out the door confident in the knowledge that you are seriously ROCKING red pants. Then leave a comment here and tell me how awesome it felt. No, seriously. Leave me a comment- you know how I love them!

If you're having trouble picturing the look, here's some inspiration for you:

More Persimmon Pants by rtboo featuring a green t shirt

I think I've inspired myself to wear my red pants this week! Off to the closet I go- gotta plan the outfit!

Have an awesome day, everyone! Thanks for reading!

How to Wear Rose Gold

Rose gold is everywhere these days. It's such a trendy metallic, but people have asked me, "How do I wear it? What goes with it?" The answer is simple: the easiest way to wear rose gold is with shades of pink! It's so feminine and sweet. Think of it as a monochromatic outfit- head-to-toe blush. It's quite pretty:

Rose Gold & Blush by rtboo featuring leather handbags

Rose gold is softer than yellow or white gold, so your outfit approach should be, too. Blush is a great color regardless of skin tone and rose gold only accentuates the positives of blush. But, if head-to-toe pink just isn't your bag, try one of these combinations:

Rose Gold Accent by rtboo featuring vintage dresses

In any case, the following are the Do's and Don't's of wearing rose gold:

- Do keep your look uncluttered and allow the rose gold piece to be the focal point or featured item in the outfit.
- Do feel free to mix in white or yellow gold in addition to the rose gold. Mixed metallics are perfectly fine, despite what your grandmother might try to tell you.
- Do avoid pairing rose gold with colors such as purple, burgundy or black- you can do better.
- Don't let this trend intimidate you! Go out and try it today!

Have a great day, everyone and thank you for reading!

The Colored Jeans Thing...

I am in love with all the brightly colored jeans that can be found in just about every store out there right now. Target, Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, to name just a few. I've got a few pair of my own- a fabulous bright kelly green from the Gap and a purple-ish pink that I got at TJ Maxx. They are literally everywhere you look- I've even seen them at work, on customers AND on employees. That's where my issue starts.

The thing is... they're still jeans. They're still casual. In my opinion, they're not always appropriate for a professional setting. But, to be fair, it is an extremely fine line. If you work in an industry that encourages fashionable as well as professional dress, it can blur the line even further. So, to help all of you out there who want to sport a pair of bright, colorful jeans while still maintaining the correct office dress code, here's how you wear them:

First, what NOT to do:

- Do NOT wear jeans with rips, tears, stains or distressing of any kind.
- Do NOT wear similarly casual pieces such as sneakers, vans, sandals and jersey tops (t-shirt material)

Pretty simple so far, right? Next, what you SHOULD do:

- Choose dressy pieces to elevate the look and keep it from becoming too casual.
- Choose conservative tops that are clearly work appropriate.
- Accessorize for a dressier look.

Here are some polyvore sets demonstrating the right way to wear colored jeans for a professional setting:

Colored Jeans Part 1 by rtboo featuring low rise jeans

As you can see above, all three looks utilize a dressy, work-appropriate top and some kind of conservative heel. Any of these looks could also be elevated with some jewelry- a long necklace or a great pair of earrings, maybe even a cuff bracelet.

And some more options:

Colored Jeans Part 2 by rtboo featuring sleeveless tops

If all you have is a simple shell to go with your jeans and you don't feel quite dressy enough, add a blazer! It's a sure-fire way to make those colored jeans more "business casual" and less "hanging out with friends casual."

How do you feel about this colored jeans trend? Are you loving it? Hating it? Wishing you could wear it to work? Leave a comment and tell me your thoughts. And as always, thank you for reading!

Shoesday Tuesday: Mint Oxfords

I have a new pair of shoes that are making me ache for spring to arrive:

Isn't the color just the most fabulous shade of creamy, delicious mint? And check out the super cool cut-outs on the sides:

I am absolutely DYING to wear these precious brogues, but it's still just a little too cold. Maybe soon, though...

Happy Shoesday Tuesday, everyone!

Avocado Ombre Inspiration

You might think that as a style blogger, I read a lot of style blogs. You would be wrong. I hardly ever read style blogs, or even fashion magazines. What I do read all the time are food blogs and magazines. Baking, cooking, recipes, cheap eats, high-end restaurants, cooking for one, kid-friendly cooking, etc. I don't use Pinterest for fashion. I use it for recipes. And don't even get me started on Food Gawker. I love the pictures more than anything else. I often find myself eating dinner and feeling tempted to snap some photos and write a blog about it. I never do. At most I might put a photo up on Facebook, but I try to suppress my urge to do that since I hate looking at other people's food on Facebook. Also, my photos would usually be of a poorly lit, half-eaten meal. Not exactly the kind of visual delight that is typically found on most food publications.

Since my aspirations to become a great food blogger will likely never come to fruition, I've decided to stick to what I know: style and fashion. Tonight, I had a delicious grilled sandwich that would have made a great food blog. I used Ezekiel bread (my fave!), cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, jalapeno peppers and tomato. It was AWESOME. McKenzie made a similar sandwich at work the other day and I decided to try to recreate it. I was pretty successful, truth be told. It was a gorgeous sandwich- crispy, toasted bread; gooey, melted cheese; bright, juicy tomato and of course the gorgeous creamy ombre green of the avocado:

Isn't amazing how frequently we find beautiful inspiration from the most common, every day objects? Ombre existed in nature long before it was a fabric textile trend. And it's been an incredibly popular trend for several seasons now. It's not one that I've worn very much of, but that's not to say I don't think it can be beautiful. I like it in subtle touches, but the right garment on the right body in an ombre effect can be stunning. 

Stuart Weitzman Stringon, Zappos, $285

Ombre Skinny Jeans, Nordstrom, $78

Asymmetrical Ombre Top, 2b, $24.95

Ombre Scarf, Target, $14.99

Obviously, there are plenty of other places in nature to find ombre inspiration- the rising and setting of the sun for one. Lots of flowers and other foliage for another. For anyone who knows me, it should be surprising that I've found it in food. 

Can you think of any other ombre-inspiration within nature? What about other trends? Leave a comment if you like! Thanks for reading! 

Pixel Pieces

Retro is in. It's always in. The question isn't whether or not it's in, but which decade is currently the hottest. The 80's and 90's are all the rage right now. It's all those 20 and 30-somethings who are fueling the trend, basking in the nostalgia of their childhoods. Since tight-rolled jeans and scrunchy socks will never be attractive, what can you wear to look 80's-retro, but also cute and chic? Try something pixellated!

Before high-definition, we had 8-bit, but now that over-pixellated look is permeating fashion accessories and I think it's kind of cute!

Pixel Heart Brooch, Topshop, $18

8-Bit Sleeve (for iPad, or just a cute clutch!), Big Big Pixel, $29.95

8-Bit Sunglasses, Sunglass Hut, $6.49

Pixel Heart Earrings, Topshop, $20

I can't go so far as to endorse the idea of wearing Mario and Luigi 8-bit printed clothing, at least not for anyone over the age of 11. But I do think these accessories are quirky and cute and a subtle way to show off your nerd side without being too over-the-top about it. 

So what do you think of this trend? Leave a comment if you have an opinion. You know I'd love to hear it! Have a great day, everyone and as always, THANK YOU for reading! 

Minty Mint: How to Wear It

On Sunday, a reader left a comment asking about how to wear the new color trend, mint. It's true that it's a little tricky. And what good is loving a trend if you're not sure how to make it work? Choosing the right neutral is key. I recommend grey, navy or cream and here are a couple of outfits demonstrating how that would work:


Mint & Grey:

Mint & Grey by rtboo featuring steve madden

Think of the mint as a version of lime which always looks great with just about any shade of grey. It's a little creamier, but it still works with the coolness and the season-less nature of the grey.

Mint & Navy:

Mint & Navy by rtboo featuring retro shoes

Whether a preppy, buttoned-up look, or a casual afternoon-downtown look, navy is a lighter, easier dark neutral to pair with this color. While the combination of black and mint may be a little too "mint oreo cookie," the navy is a softer approach.

Mint & Cream:

Mint & Cream by rtboo featuring slim fit jeans

Since the mint is already so creamy, it's natural to pair it with CREAM! Obviously this works much better in the spring or summer, where the other two options are a little more versatile, but either way it's lovely.

I hope this is helpful to those of you trying to figure out how to make the mint trend work for you. Feel free to leave a comment if you have more questions! And as always THANK YOU for reading!

Minty Mint

Are you guys in love with the mint color trend? I'm on the fence. I prefer bold jewel tones most of the time, but this pretty pastel is a refreshing departure for me:

Patent Skinny Belt, Banana Republic, $29.50

Hanalei Bay Top, Modcloth, $37.99

Rochas Foldover Clutch, Barneys, $650

Chloe Madeleine Bag, Barney's, $I have no idea

I love how creamy the hue is this season. It's not too bright, not too pastel, it's like Goldilocks- it's just right. I think I may have to find a way to work this color into my wardrobe pretty soon, before it's gone! What do you think of this color trend? Love it? Hate it? Already wearing it? It's so yesterday? Leave a comment and as always thank you for reading! 

I Know There Must Be a Clever Title for This Post, But It's Escaping Me For the Moment

I never thought this would be the case, but I'm actually really into the whole contrast-sleeve trend that's been going on lately. I saw it first several months ago, and thought, "hmm... that's interesting." The more I see it, the more I like it. I haven't actually purchased anything yet, but that's not to say I won't. Not sure what I'm talking about? Here are some fabulous examples:

Aryn K Sequin Sleeve Blazer, Bluefly, $44.09

Blazer with Leather-Look Sleeves, ASOS, $114.01

It's not just for the ladies, either! Check out this fabulous mens' shirt:

Shirt with Contrast Sleeve, ASOS, $21

And if you need any more evidence at all that this is a cute trend, just check out my girl Zooey Deschanel on a recent episode of New Girl: 

Love! 

So, what do you guys think of this look? Love it or hate it? Leave a comment and let me know. And as always, thank you for reading! 

Forget Emerald, Mallard is What's Hot

Recently, Pantone announced the "hot colors" for 2013, with Emerald as the standout bold color of the year. It's already everywhere- in fashion, home decor, etc. We've even seen its influences at work in the bridal industry already. While I have no complaints about emerald in general, I have to say that there is a color that is so far beyond it in terms of elegance and overall depth that it just leaves the so-called "color of the year" in the dust. "Where can I find this color?" you ask. I'll tell you.

Amsale designs a line of silk chiffon bridesmaid dresses and they have a new color called "Mallard" that is deeper and richer than any emerald on the market. It took my breath away the first time I saw it on a bridesmaid dress in our store last week. And that's a miracle because it's a well-known fact at work that I hate bridesmaid dresses. Yes, that's right. I hate them. They are boring, miserable dresses that rarely flatter every body type (like all brides claim) and will never be worn again for any reason (contrary to what all brides claim). I hate them.

Despite how much I hate bridesmaid dresses, I would wear anything (even a bridesmaid gown) if only it were in this decadent shade they have named "Mallard." I haven't seen many ducks as pretty as this particular shade of green, but I'm sure they're out there.

It is now my goal to have a dress or a top or something in this color. Mallard is my new obsession. It will be mine.

Pumpkin Mustard Re-cap

It's amazing how the colors mustard yellow and pumpkin orange have infiltrated the land this season. I've written quite a few posts about it in the last few weeks, so I decided to do a recap of the outfits. Check 'em out:

These colors aren't always easy to wear. Kristin, Ashley and I all have dark hair and warm skin tones that work well with the two colors. If you love these colors, try to find a shade that works really well with your skin tone. Either color on the wrong skin can be pretty wretched. You don't want to look wretched, do you? 

To help you incorporate these colors into your wardrobe, I've created two inspiration boards on Polyvore and I've also kept the price of each item on the boards under $50. After all, if it's a trend, you shouldn't spend a lot on it. Also, if it's something new that you're trying, you shouldn't spend a lot, either. Wait until you know you're comfortable in this brave, new color before investing a lot of money. 

Pumpkin by rtboo featuring amrita singh

Mustard by rtboo featuring slim fit pants

What's so tricky about these colors aside from skin tone issues? Well, they're not always easy to incorporate into an outfit. Pretty much everyone has basic pieces in black and often black is the best go-to neutral when putting an outfit together. However, with these colors, you can end up looking a little too bumble bee (in the mustard) or a little too Halloween (in the pumpkin). Try pairing them with other neutrals like brown, grey, cream and navy. Keep the tones rich and you can't go wrong. These are warm, luxurious colors and they need strong neutrals to carry them. Don't go for a pale grey that would work with a more citrus-y orange or yellow. Instead choose a rich charcoal grey. Rather than pair your mustard pencil skirt with a crisp, white blouse, choose a creamy winter white instead. 

Love these colors right now? Wearing them in your own day-to-day outfits? Send me a photo! I'd love to put you on the blog! 

Holiday Style: Fancy Pants

Do you have holiday parties coming up soon? Are you trying to find fabulous outfits and dresses for these annual soirees? Well, my advice to you this year is to think outside the box and consider the oh-so-trendy fancy pants. I know that's not the actual term for the trend, but you know what I'm talking about. Sparkly pants, shiny metallic pants, sleek satin pants- I know you've seen them out there. They're all over the runways and red carpets and now it's our turn. Check out these awesome fancy pants I found all over the interwebs:

Spot Jacquard Trouser, ASOS, $79.16

These are also available in green, but that was a little too much for my taste. I love the pink, though! Jacquard is a slightly stiff, woven fabric often in an intricate pattern. It can be a monochromatic pattern, or multi-colored like these pants, but it has a rich texture to it because of the pattern. Instead of a printed pattern, jacquard designs are woven into the fabric. It's so rich looking, don't you think? 

Michael Kors Shantung Pants, Nordstrom, $995

Unfortunately, there is no missing decimal point in the price of these bad boys, but they're still fun to look at despite being way beyond reach. I would love the sport such a bold color pant to a holiday party. Some metallic heels and a cashmere top would be the perfect finish to these beauties. 

French Connection Ozlem Sequin pants, Bloomingdale's, $198

So, how does one actually put together an outfit with such outlandish pants? Here's how: 

1.) Keep the textures contrasting. Sleek satin, silk or taffeta should be paired with textured cashmere, fur or wool. 

2.) Wear heels. They not only lengthen, they shape. Heels make your butt look better. 

3.) Keep all other sparkle and shine understated. Sequin pants do not call for a glittery handbag or satin blouse. They call for neutrals. 

Here's one way to do it: 

Fancy Pants by rtboo featuring rhinestone bracelets

So, have I convinced you to try this new trend? Are you ready to start shopping for a pair of fancy pants? I rarely wear pants at all, so I think I'll need more time warming up to this trend. If I was a little more leggy, I might get on board sooner. Leave a comment and tell me what you think! 

Trend Alert: Collar Necklaces

For years, the prevailing necklace trend has centered around bibs. No matter the medium, designers have been creating statement bib necklaces in eye catching colors, patterns and materials for quite a while. We were due for an update, or at least something new. I kind of love the new collar trend:

Pointed Flat Collar Necklace, Forever 21, $8.80

Peter Pan Collar Necklace, Etsy, $21

Topshop Rhinestone Peter Pan Collar Necklace, Nordstrom, $50

Whether the necklace is made with chains, beads, fabric, plastic, metal- there is something sweet and cool about them. They work with lots of different tops, but I especially love them on a button-front shirt that has a collar of its own. The contrast is usually so striking and interesting to look at. I honestly can't even remember when I first saw this trend, but I think it was around this time last year. It's only grown in popularity, and I just love it. I don't have a Peter Pan collar necklace myself, but I do have an adorable top with a jeweled Peter Pan collar attached that is just fabulous. I'll have to make an outfit with it soon so I can show it to all of you. 

What do you think of this trend? Are you on board? Do you think it will last or is it fleeting? Leave a comment because you KNOW I want to know what you're thinking!