get the look: taylor swift for glamour

glamour magazine's november 2012 cover, featuring taylor swift (image via glamour.com)

on her: sequined tank :: burberry london | skirt, belt :: dior | diamond bracelet :: tiffany & co.

My obsession with this look on Taylor Swift for the cover of Glamour's November issue has been steadily growing since the magazine arrived in my mailbox earlier this month, and it may have finally reached its tipping point via this post and this Pinterest board.

I'm not usually a sequin kind of gal, but something about the sparkle in this particular ensemble really caught my imagination - probably self-evident based on the three different looks below. I managed to dream up my perfect New Year's Eve/holiday party outfit, a sparkly but totally weekend appropriate laid back uniform and even something moderately office appropriate. What do you think?

1. for new year's eve...
It might be a bit early to be planning my New Year's Eve party outfit, but this glitzy glam look is just a little too perfect to not be worn for the not-really-so-far-off holiday parties. Wear the blouse untucked and belted at the waist over a red skirt with a flippy hem (like a mid-length tulle piece), and keep jewelry simple. I'm not sure this look would work quite so well without red lips and nails, but I'd suggest keeping them on-hue or slightly darker than the skirt (not lighter). The bold lips and nails mean your eyes and cheeks should be toned down - a pretty taupe shadow blended across your lid and crease and a universally flattering blush like Nars Orgasm should do the trick. You are, however, hereby authorized to go a tad crazy on your top lashes - make them fan out like a butterfly.

An important part of this look is the flirtiness of the flouncy silhouette, which is what makes a tulle skirt so perfect - it has just the right amount of volume without being overwhelming. They can be a bit difficult to find in the right length, but fortunately for us, they're pretty easy to DIY. Stay tuned for a tutorial sometime in the next couple of weeks.

2. on the weekend
While I'm kind of dying to wear the first look to some swanky party, this second, more weekend appropriate version might just be my favorite. The slightly rustier red of the pleated maxi skirt paired with neutral brown accessories and even a denim shirt make this outfit chic, trendy and relaxed. I'd wear the sequin tank and denim shirt tucked in with the skirt belted for day, with easygoing, natural jewelry (like feather earrings and a leather wrist wrap) and a carry-all rustic satchel. Litas seem to be an object of great contention within the fashion blogosphere, but any dark brown boots will do - extra points for laces. The red lipstick in the first look is still very appropriate, though I might skip the red polish for now (or vice versa).

This look would even be relatively easy to transition to something similar to the first one for an evening-appropriate ensemble. Swap the denim shirt for a moto jacket, untuck the tank, change the brown belt for a red one, apply black sandals and a matching clutch and switch your jewelry to something a little more statement-worthy and you're going-out glam in less than five minutes.

3. at the office
A tailored red dress (sheath, skater, whatever, as long as it fits well and has a decent length) and a sequined cardigan are the perfect mediums for taking this look to work. Some sheer but patterned black tights make the outfit weather-friendly, while the lace up oxford heels, sleek black messenger bag and men's watch add some professional polish. Opt for a shiny red belt (patent leather or faux skin in a glossy finish with do) to cinch your waist over the cardigan. A just-above-the-belt length pendant necklace keeps things sophisticated, whether you choose a cross or something less religious - just keep it on the delicate side and out of statement territory. The rosebud stud earrings add just the right amount of playfulness to let your personality shine through without clashing with the shiny cardigan, though I'd opt for red nails instead of lips to avoid an overload of the color around your face.

Because of the glitzyness of the gold sequined cardigan, this is another look that can easily go from 9-5 to post-5pm - lose the tights, trade the oxfords for a strappy black heel (like the ones in the first look), swap your pendant for a statement collar and grab a black clutch. Keep the men's watch on - it amps up the mystery just a tiny bit.


One thing I learned while putting these outfits together is that with a look this bold, make up is key. Overdoing it on any aspect of your beauty routine can throw the whole thing from chic to eek, so when in doubt - go subtle. This many statements mean that everything else has to be super simple in order to maintain the balance between classic and fashion victim.

What do you think? Which look is your favorite? Will you be sporting it anytime soon, or are you saving it up for your first holiday party?

Be sure to check out the matching Pinterest board for tons more ideas on how to channel this look into your wardrobe.

Read Taylor's interview here, plus more photos from her cover shoot here and more on getting this look here.

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phelps' shoes look like they were dipped in snot

via fitsugar.com

The world at large seems to be caught up in Olympic fever, and naturally I've found another excuse to watch something "just for the clothes."

America's Olympic athletes are, of course, decked out in head-to-toe Nike gear. From the assorted uniforms for each sport to the grey windbreakers and neon shoes worn on the medal stand, the Nike check logo can be seen sprawled across pretty much everything the USA Olympians sport. As an aspiring stylist, I can certainly appreciate the attempt to blend a little bit of American fashion into the athletes' podium look, but I draw the line at these bright green shoes. They look as though they've been dipped in phosphorous snot.

They first blipped on my radar when Michael Phelps donned them for an interview with NBC about his (somewhat overly) celebrated career; despite the clips of him shirtless, winning multiple medals and scoring world records, these radioactive monstrosities were the only thing my brain could catch hold of.  Upon a little research, I've learned that these are the new Nike Flyknit Trainer+, available in ten colors for $150. The other nine colors include black, white and a spectrum of other brights such as blue, red and orange - none of which are nearly as offensive as this fluorescent shade of booger.

via CNTV

On the other hand, I love the red pair spotted on Jessica Ennis, and the yellow and blue trainers worn by a few players on China's & Croatia's women's basketball teams respectively.

But seriously - what do you think? Am I crazy, or do those neon green tennis shoes make you think they were dipped nuclear mucus?

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sheerifying

blush pink tank :: gnw (similar) | black lace skirt :: miss chievous (similar in black; in white) | black heels :: madden girl (similar) | necklace :: maurice's | starfish cuff :: c/o shopcalico (via chictopia; pictured in gold, also available in silver) | black cat :: lily, my sister's (adopt one here)

Please forgive the unintentional blog vacay; the dental issues + personal stuff I referred to in my last post have been occupying my mind of late, and I've been lacking any sort of motivation or inspiration. Was not originally planning on posting this outfit from last week, since it's kind of basic and my hair is kind of a hot mess, but at the behest of my gorgeous friend Ems -- photos of my pretty lace skirt.

Lace skirts are the perfect way to rock the maxi skirt trend come midsummer - find one with a lined top half to hide your nether regions, but keep the bottom half sheer and airy, so that things stay cool and you show just a hint of sexy leg. Come winter, you can layer some brightly colored tights underneath for an unexpectedly patterned pop of color. Plus, the shadows coming through the skirt look pretty neat come dusk.

This billowy pink tank is also nice for summer, but it was more of an I'm too exhausted and my face still hurts so I can't think of anything better option. Upon purchase of this skirt, I hunted and subsequently scored a vintage black satin blouse to sexify things up, a la this photo of MK and Ashley. Fashion reason says I should wait until fall/winter to rock said combination, but given my utter disregard for the rules of style, I'm sure you'll be seeing photos sooner rather than later.

Love how these two always dress to contrast each other. Trying to talk my sister into doing something similar with me, because it would pretty much be awesome. Maybe a little weird. But mostly awesome.

Those of you interested in trying out the sheer maxi skirt trend should check out my picture book on Pinterest, Sheerifying, for some super cool ideas and awesome tips.

Olsen Twins Photo: via Posh24.com

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