Splurge Or Save… On A Black Peplum Tank!

During a recent shopping venture, it occurred to me that my wardrobe lacks a peplum piece. This was surprising because of how flattering a peplum silhouette is for any & every shape. I’ve seen plenty of peplums on the red carpet, designed into gowns, styled with pencil skirts, paired with pants, & accented on cocktail frocks. This is seen on Glee actress Naya Rivera in a Monique Lhuillier sleeveless top with a printed pencil skirt. Also, Star Trek’s Zoe Saldana celebrated Prabal Gurung in a belted top & shorts look by the designer. Oscar nominee Amy Adams is feminine in a polka dot Jenny Packham design with Jimmy Choo stilettos.

Style muse Olivia Palermo matches a tweed Rebecca Taylor top with skinny jeans & silver pumps. Indian beauty Freida Pinto took in Burberry Prorsum‘s recent runway show in a jewel tone ensemble. Aussie actress Cate Blanchett attended the Dubai International Film Festival in a peplum top by Peter Pilotto with a pencil skirt & studded evening sandals.

When you’re planning to invest in a trendy piece, it’s always important to consider how often you’ll wear it to get the most for your money. This is especially true in the case of the Trina Turk peplum top ($228.00) from Nordstrom, which is also available in pink & white to lighten up your tougher looks as we transition from winter to spring. For a more relaxed look, you can head over to ShopBop for the Only Hearts ladder back peplum camisole ($110.00) to wear with skinny jeans, liquid leggings, or a satin mini skirt. Banana Republic‘s ponte knit peplum top ($49.50) offers a chic alternative to stuffy work looks with suit separates or printed trousers.

At a lower price point, the Romeo & Juliet Couture high-low peplum blouse ($34.30) from Last Call by Neiman Marcus has been recently marked down from its original $130.00 price tag. For my curvier Style Darlings, the Mossimo sleeveless peplum top ($22.99) is available @Target in sizes XS – XXL. Also, it’s sold in white stripes & orange stripes so that you can play with prints & mix it with a pair of floral cropped pants or a polka dot skirt. Lastly, the most affordable is the zip back peplum tank ($17.94) from Express, however sizes are limited & will probably run out due to the store’s current 40% off sale.

Clearly, peplums are pretty easy to find so many varieties, especially sleeveless ones that are perfect for layering over long-sleeved shirts in the cooler months, over a sheath dress to add more structure, & with any & every bottom in your current wardrobe. Do you follow the peplum trend? How do you like to wear it? For more from Splurge or Save?, check out previous posts including blue leather moto jackets, Kim Kardashian’s silver pointy toe Jimmy Choo pumps, pink jeans from Michael Kors & J Brand, Diane Kruger’s floral Stella McCartney pants, & polka dot pants from White House Black Market & Ralph Lauren. Happy Styling!

Splurge Or Save… On A Blue Leather / Faux Leather Moto Jacket!

I started off 2013 on the hunt for a moto jacket, something that I wouldn’t normally be attracted to for my wardrobe, but I like the idea of adding an edgy piece to my usually ladylike outfits. However, I’ve yet to find the perfect jacket for me, but the hunt is on. In the mean time, I’m inspired by the latest trend in blue leather moto jackets which I’ve been seeing at every price point, perfect for a new Splurge or Save? post! I would recommend adding a moto jacket over a sheath dress with peep toe pumps, to dress up a maxi dress & gladiator flats, or for a graphic tee & skinny jeans with knee boots.

I’m starting this post off with the Jil Sander leather jacket ($3,050.00) from Nordstrom, which is of course made from the highest quality craftsmanship. Its sleek minimalist design calls on a mix of menswear-inspiration & utilitarianism chic. Next, the moto leather jacket ($450.00) from True Religion is a 100% lamb leather design with cool zipper details & a contemproary cut.

At a much more reasonable price, @Macy’s, you can find the INC International Concepts faux-leather classic motorcycle jacket ($89.50). Forth, I’ve selected the (minus the) leather crop biker jacket ($76.80) from Express, which is currently 40% off its original $128.00 price tag. Lastly, @Forever 21, the stitched faux leather jacket ($42.80) is a comparable & budget-friendly topper.

I think it’s really important to mention that I don’t like to bring up the whole animal-free clothing issue, but I do always believe in trying to find clothing that doesn’t hurt the environment or its living creatures. There are so many earth-friendly varieties out there in fashion these days, like Stella McCartney, & I’m always excited to learn more about them. How do you feel about the leather vs. faux leather? Would you wear a cobalt moto jacket?

For more shopping-related posts, check out look-alike pumps to Kim Kardashian’s Jimmy Choos, a variety of mint-colored spring shoes, floral pieces inspired by Miranda Kerr & Jessica Chastain, how to copy Drew Barrymore’s style with pieces from Target & Forever 21, & Ashley Madekwe’s black & white look for less! Happy Styling!

Ad Madness / Show Me The Shoes: Kate Upton’s Latest Campaign For Sam Edelman Shoes!

Model Kate Upton has been making headlines for breaking the rules of high fashion lately. The voluptuous Sports Illustrated model has recently scored a campaign deal for shoe designer, Sam Edelman, because photographer David Lipman says that “she isn’t thin,” according to WWD. While modeling strappy heels & sitting in a scattered sea of ballet flats, the blonde looks nothing short of amazing, certainly capturing “the spirit of youth & vitality.” Prices for the collection range between $60.00 – $150.00. To shop Sam Edelman shoes, check out Zappos, Nordstrom, 6PM, Heels.com, DSW, Bloomingdales, & Dillards.

For more celebrity ads, check out a behind-the-scenes look at Beyoncé’s Pulse NYC fragrance, Kate Hudson’s return to Ann Taylor, Raf Simons’ debut for Dior, & Natalie Portman’s Miss Dior Le Parfum commercial. Happy Styling!

Super Style Wishlist / Watch This Style: Miss Wu By Jason Wu Debuts At Nordstrom!

Designer Jason Wu had an amazing 2012 & it looks like 2013 is getting better, especially since his latest collection for Miss Wu has debuted @Nordstrom. The luxury line derives inspiration from the 60s, & Wu describes it as “Gamine and mischievous in the spirit of girls like Marianne Faithfull, but with a dressed up twist.”

While the prices are on the high side, ranging from $185 – $865, it’s always fun to watch to see what the pros are doing & how the face of fashion is changing. Contemporary street fashion has been taking over blogs & it won’t be long before we see the likes of Miranda Kerr, Heidi Klum, & Rihanna wearing some of these duds.  Check out the video & hit up Nordstrom to check out the Miss Wu lookbook.

For more stylish videos, check out previous posts from Watch This Style, including the best segues from Sex & the City, Rachel Weisz for Bvlgari’s Serpentine collection, Gwen Stefani’s cover shoot from Vogue, & Marion Cotillard’s collaboration with Dior’s latest handbag! Happy Styling!

Super Style Wishlist: Building An All-Nordstrom Look With Vince Camuto Cap Toe Pumps!

After a short series adorable & exciting flirtation tweets back & forth with the Style Darlings at Vince Camuto, I’ve decided to revisit Super Style Wishlist with the challenge of styling the fabulous VC Signature ‘Priscilla’ pump ($225.00) in port from Nordstrom.  The cap toe trend just isn’t going away this season & the combination of the lush suede against the metallic accent makes for a polished & unexpected finish to any look.

I love the idea of mixing rich gem stones in a colorblocking way, which is why I was immediately drawn to the Trina Turk ‘Monarch’ sheath dress ($298.00) in velvet green.  The seams & waistband are perfect for any shape- not to mention that it’s the perfect dress to wear from the office to happy hour.  Since it’s fall & time for texture, I was very drawn to the Mcginn ‘Cass’ tweed jacket ($435.00) in navy, which makes the transition from day-to-night even more stylish.

Also, I wanted to add some extra splash with accessories like the Lauren Ralph Lauren leopard print calf hair belt ($72.00) & Expressions NYC ‘metallic wave’ box clutch ($48.00) in bronze. As for jewelry, I wanted to play with complimenting hues & was able to achieve this when I found the Kendra Scott ‘Allegra’ bib necklace ($195.00) in zodiac, Juicy Couture ‘Pretty in Pink’ stud earrings ($42.00) in lilac/gold, & Tory Burch ‘Column Resin’ statement ring ($95.00).

Of course the total for this entire look runs over $1400.00, but that’s why we have wishlists! How would you wear the cap toe pumps? Which fall trends are you following? For more luxury looks, check out previous posts featuring Marios Schwab 2013 ready-to-wear collection, leather on celebrities like Nicole Richie & Sophia Bush, red carpet looks on Elizabeth Olsen, Olivia Wilde, Sarah Jessica Parker, & more! Happy Styling!