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Legacy of Pearl

Daily musings of an academic mother on personal style, fashion finds, books, motherhood and more...

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LUV: Lovely Unique Vintage

February 05, 2009

Style vs. Fashion

“

Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Yves Saint Laurent

“The difference between style and fashion is quality.” Giorgio Armani

”
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April 22, 2010

Coral Spring Jackets

Coral is quick becoming one of my favorite colors this Spring. I already have a few coral items, especially in jewelry, but really love the new pink shade of coral. It looks fresh and looks fabulous with white, nude and other neutrals. So I think it would be great as a jecket to pop on pants and dresses.

 

With the rainy weather, I've been thinking about a coral trench coats, but I think I'll really get a blazer or something structured like it over the summer.

 

What do you think? Do you see yourself wearing this color?

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April 12, 2010

Fuchsia Handbags

I love fuchsia handbags this Spring. I seem to notice them all the time and keep thinking how nice the color is. I have an old handbag in this color so I know how unpractical to pair this color can be. Maybe it's time to get it out of the closet and use it with white, turquoise and green.



Do you like handbags of funky colors? What do you think of this color?

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February 28, 2010

Must Have for Spring&Summer: Printed Jersey Shift Dresses

Printed shift dresses make a big statement since two years and I see no shortage of them this year. In fact, the colors and the patterns get even bolder by the year. I love the shades of yellow, blue and purple in big geometric prints this season.They are very easy to style creating an instantly artsy look and also very practical to maintain. In my busy daily schedule, I love that they don't require ironing and could bemachine washed. They are a great addition to your wardrobe if you like wearing leggings and sandals in Spring and Summer.

I wear mine in a lot of different ways including as a tunic blouse on top of skinny jeans and leggins, with regular jeans and belt as a tunic,  as a dress with tights and boots or with sandals or flat shoes in summer.

Here are a links to few in all price ranges and patterns... there's definitely no shortage of them on the market right now.

by: LegacyOfPearl 3 Comments
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December 10, 2009

Winter 2009: Peplum Hems -- How to Wear?

Peplum hemmed jackets, shirts and skirts are everywhere this season. I love the trend, as peplum hems give definition to the body in a very flattering way. I love tops and jackets with peplum hem with straight pants and pencil skirts. With peplum skirts, I make sure everything else is understated and slimming. Here are some looks. However, the look might not work for every body type. I feel the looks is easier to wear hourglass, busty or tube body types, but it would take more experimenting for apples and pears. I believe everyone can wear anything with the right cut, size and styling.

So do you have a favorite way to wear peplum hems? Any ideas?

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December 09, 2009

Ear muffs anyone?

Ear muffs for every budget (below left) and a typical casual outfit (below right).
Ear muffs used to be my favorite winter accessory and I still have a little craving for having them on cosily when I see one in a store. Living in Southern California, I don't get to wear them except for winter trips or traveling. They are not only useful in cold weather in the city or skiing, but also nice and soft during a flight and they help one avoid hat hair in a stylish way. The comfort they bring while flying is equal to that of a cashmere wrap or plushy socks for me.

My all time favorite are the classic Burberry ear muffs below, but recently I started seeing some really stylish ones mainstream. Enjoy the cold winter days! I was caught in the snowstorm in Chicago yesterday and loved every bit of the first snow of the season falling.

How about you? Do you have a favorite accessory?

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December 02, 2009

Winter 2009: Plaid Everything

Plaids are always somewhat in fashion, but that have been a growing trend since two years. The biggest difference in the new plaid compared to the '90s is that the plaid pieces are more fitting and structured. The rule goes even for button-up tunics and shirt dresses over skinnies and leggings.

So how does one best wear plaids?
  • Limit the number of plaids in the outfit to one. Hardly anyone can get away with wearing two plaid pieces at a time.
  • Match the second piece to the dominant shade in the plaid or simply stick to neutrals.
  • Make sure the fit is perfect. The loose plaid shirt or dress look is old fashioned.
  • Mix it with rugged accessories like studded bracelets and riding boots.

For me, I like plaids as accessories and accents in varieties of the classic red and green so I limit the wear of them to Christmas season. I generally combine it with jeans, boots or leather jackets to dress down the strength of the plaid pattern. How about you?

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September 28, 2009

My Favorite Jean Styles for Fall 2009

The styles that I'm not so fond of this season are jeans in check, tie-dye style aicd washed jeans  and highly-overpriced distressed boyfriend jeans. There are so many other available styles for me that I haven't even considered trying one on.

How about you? Do you wear jeans often and what styles do you like?
  • Skinny jeans:If you love skinny jeans, this is another fun year for you. I love the look for casual weekends with boots and evening wear with dress-up tops. It still is the third option for me compared to the versatility of straight dark washes and trouser cuts. Animal print and leather options that are plenty this Fall are a bit too edgy for my taste, but I've seen them done with great spohistication.
  • Wide legged trouser jeans: This is another cut I like as a refreshing alternative to slim-cut jeans that were so popular the last couple of years. It is a tough but feminen look. Trouser jeans are easier to find in all kinds of price ranges, especially in stores like Ann Taylor, JCrew and Banana Republic.
  • Dark wash premium jeans: The look is so multi-purpose and flexible that it is almost hard to imagine that drak washes will ever be out of fashion. (Remember 90's?) You can dress it down to go to the playground or dress it up to go to work. Just add your favorite piece of the day. When it comes to dark wash, premium jeans that can withstand the wear&wash are the best and worth the cost. It is possible get good prices during sale events.

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September 27, 2009

Fall 2009: Snakeskin anybody?

Just get creative with scarfs, belts, shoes and even snakesking inspired jewelry... It dresses up simple outfits like jeans and shirt combinations or a little black dress.
Snakeskin inspired fabrics and accessories has been a big trend of Spring and Summer. The trend continues to boom for Fall 2009.

I like snakeskin as a suddle alternative to all other animal prints, but also find it harder to wear as a clothing choice. It is bolder than many animal prints on fabric. One risks looking like a fashion victim if the style doesn't fit the fashion personna they are carrying.

So how to mortals like me do snakeskin best? Simple answer: accessories!

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August 12, 2009

Fall 2009: Structured Shoulders

Here are some examples to different shoulder details of the trend. Rounded ones look the most feminine to me, but seemed peaked ones are becoming more and more popular.
Peak-shouldered Jackets and Tops
Cape-shouldered Blouse
Puffed-shouldered Jackets
Structured shoulders including peaked, caped, puffed and spiked details are a big trend of Fall 2009 after last years introduction. The trend is still to hit the more affordable street fashion, but expect to see more of it by Winter 2009. Bebe already seems to have a number of jackets with peaked shoulders.

I'm not completely sold on this look yet,, but my eyes are getting used to it. The best way two wear the style is with jeans, knitted tops and platform ankle boots in my opinion. One needs some height increase with these broad shoulders. A more over the top styling is with knitted pants or leggings to create a tougher look.

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Please contact me through the Contacts Page and come back to see the blog post dedicated to your question. You can also just email legacyofpearl AT yahoo DOT com.

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