Category Archives: Style

Bling it On!

Bold patterns have their place in my closet but I prefer clean lines, minimal details and basics for the majority of my wardrobe while injecting personality with a “notice-me” shoe, bag or other statement piece.

Lately, it’s blingy, bold necklaces that have been taking me from boring to seriously cool. I pair them with jeans and tees, button-downs and even sweatshirts or simple sweaters and sheaths.

Trust me…they make the outfit! Here, my current favorites at every price point.

 

Trend to Try: Braids

Braided styles feel fresh for fall, especially when worn in an up-do. This pretty style (courtesy of Aveda) works for all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and curly.

  1. Prep hair with a texturizer and blow dry hair smooth. Try Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep, $24 at aveda.com.
  2. Use a tail comb to make a straight center part from forehead to nape of neck.
  3. Make an inverted fishtail braid on each side of the head, beginning at the crown and working to the back of the ear. Secure the end of each braid with an elastic band.
  4. Use hairspray to tame flyaways. You’ll like  Aveda Air Control Hair Spray, $24 at aveda.com.
  5. Add some fullness by gently massaging braids.
  6. Fold the braids over one another across the back of the head, just above the nape, in a crisscross fashion. Tuck ends under and secure with bobby pins.
  7. Finish with a light mist of hair spray for staying power.

blogshot-avedabraid2

 

 

(photography and style how-to courtesy of Aveda)

The Animal Print: Fall’s Newest Neutral

Leopard print is having a huge moment this Fall–you’ll see it on everything from sweaters to dresses, skirts and accessories. My favorite pick is these animal print shoes that absolutely “make” any outfit they’re paired with! Try them with a pantsuit for a modern look, skirts and dresses for retro appeal or skinny jeans and a schoolboy blazer for instant cool.

Sixties Slingbacks in LEO, $148 at bodenusa.com.

Gorgeous Hair in 3 Easy Steps

I’m LOVING Keri Russell’s look at the NYC premiere of her latest film, Austenland…so much in fact that I’ll definitely be wearing my hair this way quite often come fall! If your hair is shoulder-length or longer you’ll want to give it a go.

Celebrity hairstylist Brian Magallones gave Russell her super-shiny glam waves using René Furterer styling products. Here’s how you can do it too:

  1. Beginning with clean, dry hair, part hair deeply on the side.
  2. Wrap 2-inch-wide sections around the barrel of a 1 ¼-inch curling iron.
  3. Flat iron sections along the bottom few inches of hair to make it modern.

Rub a little René Furterer MODELING PASTE between your fingers and smooth out flyaways around the hairline. Follow up with a quick hit of  René Furterer VEGETAL FINISHING SPRAY for natural control with just enough movement. Finish with a light misting of René Furterer GLOSSING SPRAY for mega shine. Gorgeous!

All products available at www.dermstore.com.

Art for All!

If you’re in the market for some affordable art I highly recommend you check out LernerStudio, the new online gallery of award winning artist, Ulrika Lerner. Her original paintings and drawings draw me in and inspire me–I think they’ll do the same for you!  click here to see or purchase.

(image “Before the Storm” oil on canvas, courtesy of LernerStudio, available at etsy.com)

The Hottest Color under the Sun?

Yellow of course!

This bright mini makes standing out from the crowd a fait accompli! Pair it with nude flats and a cotton tee right now and when those crisp fall days roll around it’ll look great with boots and a comfy boyfriend sweater.

Madewell Meadowlace Mini in Jester Yellow, $88 at madewell.com.

 

 

 

The Style Cure!

Nothing motivates me more than having a deadline. For example, when Emma and Sam were at camp (they’re home again, yay!) my husband Eric and I decided to surprise them and make over their rooms. We had less than a month to pull it all together and it was no small accomplishment since we’d barely done anything to their rooms since they were little. We asked them a question or two to make sure we’d get it right. Emma’s one wish was white walls. Eric painted three walls white but what really pulled her room together was this beautiful wallpaper I found on sale at Anthropologie. Sam was less particular but he really wanted some orange in his room. I liked the idea of that (hey, I’m a Syracuse University grad) but I thought too much orange might make my high energy boy a bit too energetic. Orange chevron pillows were just the touch this room needed, though my favorite element in his room is the bright green yogibo couch where he can curl up to read or play his guitar. See photos of their rooms below.

I bring all this up because without that deadline there’s no way I would have been able to pull together both of their rooms in such a short amount of time. Which brings me to…The Apartment Therapy Style Cure! I’m using this as a guide to help re-do another room in my home. Since it starts today (August 1st) don’t delay…click here to sign up and every day for this month-long project you’ll receive an e-mail with just a small task to complete on whichever room you choose in your home. If you follow it you’re sure to have a room to show off by Labor Day. I hope you’ll do this with me… xoxoNancy

blogshot-emma'sroomblogshot-emma'sroom1blogshot-sam'sroom

Flaunt your Inner Hippie!

In the sweltering month of August I always get a bit more in touch with my bohemian side. I keep it modern by mixing and matching with pieces I already own. Here, some boho-chic options to help you do the same.

Exotic jewelry makes a statement on its own. I’m crazy about The Maasai Collections Maasai Zip Cuff, $195 at shoplatitude.com and the Bluma Kiva Choker, $165 at abchome.com (photo above).

Graphic prints grab attention–a little goes a long way. Check out these gorgeous Beaded African Print Shorts at topshop.com and Aldo Taipa Platform Sandals, $55.99 at zappos.com.

A tunic works for all shapes and sizes but choose wisely so it makes you look long and lean instead of boxy. It’s extra flattering when nipped in slightly at the waist. See Joie Nira Top, $188 at www.joie.com and the Border Print Tunic, $118 at www.freepeople.com.

I love a beachy dress with gladiators or flip flops for day. Paired with ballet flats or sandals and a fitted blazer it gives off a more urban vibe. You’ll like Megan Park Silk Dress, $144 at shoplatitude.com, Quotation: Red Haute Maxi Dress, $193.60 at bloomingdales.com and BCBGMaxAzria Eva Scarf-Print Dress, $268 at bcbg.com.

 

 

(photography courtesy of abchome.com)

Flower Girl!

A few weeks ago, my brother Stephen and his wife Laurie brought me a beautiful gardenia plant. I love everything about it from its shiny leaves to that sweet scent when in bloom. I’m still waiting for it to blossom though and hope it happens soon so I can tuck a gorgeous, white flower behind my ear or pin it in my hair for a laid-back, carefree summer look.

If it doesn’t happen soon I do have a backup plan. I can always head to my favortie trim store, Tinsel Trading at 1 West 37th Street, NYC for a huge selection of vintage, reproduction or contemporary flowers. If you live too far away or are more of an online shopper check out www.tinseltrading.com. You won’t be disappointed!

 

(photo courtesy of bohomarketblog.com)

Get Stacked!

The trend of layering multiple bracelets isn’t going anywhere soon and the best part about it is you don’t have to start from scratch. Look through your jewelry box…chances are you’ve already got a lot to work with. Mix it up with different widths, textures, colors and styles.

  • Three to four pieces will give you the look, but feel free to add much, much more!
  • Add a bit of an edge with something spiky or leather.
  • Pile on those delicate, thin bracelets–they’re so much more interesting when they’re layered.
  • Try something sparkly to go the glam route.
  • For a polished look only combine one or two colors.
  • Got a watch? Add it into the mix.

 

find us elsewhere

subscribe via email

Enter your email address: