
ttF Fashion Staples Series Diary: Skybar Spots
Just because my June Animal staples are over doesn’t mean I have to stop wearing leopard! Spotted silk instantly dresses up a pair of cutoffs, perfect for a daytime birthday bash. Before attending a friend’s birthday pool party at Skybar, I had brunch at Newsroom Cafe on Robertson. If you haven’t been, their Ceasar salads are a must. Then, it was off to the Mondrian to party it up at Skybar. Rubber wedges were a smart choice. Not because the bash was by the water, but because it started raining in the late afternoon! Global warming is really putting a damper on my wardrobe.
Alice & Trixie top, Forever 21 cardigan, Levi’s vintage cutoffs, lia sophia bangles, bangle from a London flea market, PH8 wedges
Fashion Staples Used: Denim Cutoffs


Get the look…

ttF Fashion Staples Series Diary: Maxim Hot 100
We all know Rebecca Minkoff for her cool leather bags and accessories. But last spring, the designer launched her first Ready-to-Wear collection. I had never seen the clothing until last week when I was borrowing a dress for a Style shoot. I fell in love with this green silk mini. The color is even prettier in person and it’s so comfortable! Instead of padding, Minkoff used a think strip of material to make the silk rise and effortlessly drape over the shoulder. The bold top balances out the daring slit in front, creating just the right amount of sexy.
And sexy was definitely what I was looking for when I got dressed for tonight’s Maxim Hot 100 Party at Paramount. The set-up was an adult playground, with swings, hot dogs and fries, a mini lake and of course, the Hollywood sign (tweaked just a tad). Celebs like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Russell Simmons and Sophia Monk (random pair!), Amber Rose and Ciara mingled on the dance floor beneath a ginormous screen replaying the sexy women who made the list. But some guests crossed the fine line between sexy and skanky. A top does not count as a dress, even if it a Maxim party.
Rebecca Minkoff Ilaria dress, Betsey Johnson Alexandra pumps, lia sophia bracelet
Fashion Staples Used: Nude Mesh Peep Toes


Get the look…

This is the first outfit of the ttF Fashion Staples Series. For the next 31 days, I will incorporate at least one of the above staples into my daily ensembles. At the end of the month, I will have worn each staple at least six times. Stay tuned!
1. Embellished Cardigan (J. Crew) — Mine is sold out but the gray version is currently on sale ($168 $99.99).
2. Silk Blouse (Banana Republic) — I found this top ages ago and wear it every single year. The store’s most recent version has a feminine ribbon detail ($69.50).
3. Reversible Belt (Target) — I bought this belt in the boy’s section of Target for about 8 bucks. You can probably find one in your local store. If not, this Levi’s belt ($14 $9.80) is equally inexpensive.
4. Men’s Watch (ESQ) — My accessory is extra special because it used to be grandfather’s. If you don’t have an heirloom piece in your family, this Seiko Watch
($254) has a vintage feel.
5. Dark Skinny Jeans (Forever 21) — I love designer denim as much as the next girl. But for under $25, Forever 21’s jeans are hard to resist. The only problem is they all fit so differently. If you order them online, make sure to get duplicates in multiple sizes.
6. Tan Flat Boots (Stuart Weitzman) — These shoes were a Christmas present from my mother. She originally wanted them for herself but they only had my size left. Lucky me! Try Steve Madden’s Immense Boots
($199.95) for a similar look. And make sure to enter SMFREESHIP at checkout for free shipping.

Silk scarves instantly add an element of glamour to any look. But that one question always remains: how do I tie it? Sabina Les, the founder of SL Designs, is a pro at wearing her gorgeous silk scarves many different ways. So I asked her to show ThinkThruFashion readers how to get the most out of their scarf purchases. With her easy steps, wearing one scarf five different ways is a cinch. And if you’re in New York for Fashion Night Out this Friday, buying these printed beauties just got 30% less expensive with the promotional code FNONY.
Here are Sabina’s tips on how and when to wear a long silk scarf…

1. Fashionable Knot Look
This scarf look makes a great relax and professional look at the same time and works well with open neck lines and form fitting tops and dresses.
Step 1. Fold 10″x60″ long oblong scarf in half and make a wide knot if the middle of the scarf.
Step 2. Wrap the scarf around the neck with the knot centered in the front and hang the ends in the front.
Step 3. Loop both ends through the knot to achieve an elegant and fun big knot tie look.

2. New Scarf Choker Look
This style makes an updated scarf chocker look that looks great with a button down shirt or an open neckline.
Step 1. Fold 10″x60″ long oblong scarf in half and wrap around your neck with both sides equal and make a knot on one side.
Step 2. Loop one side through the knot in the front and twist both sides.
Step 3. Wrap twisted sides around the neck and tie in the back to create a choker look with a knot in the center.
(more…)
You can never go wrong with a little black dress, especially one with such a timeless shape, like this Edun Bianca Sleeveless Shift
($195 $140). The silk makes it appropriate for summer or winter, the pockets add a playful touch and the high neckline is the perfect backdrop for your favorite statement necklace.
Gone are the days when we can buy an item simply because we like it. Now we have to think, How much use will I get out of this top? Will I still be able to wear this dress next year? On ThinkThruFashion, I show how to go the most out of your wardrobe and I can think of a zillion ways to style Jones New York’s Trendy Silk Brushstroke Tank ($79). The classic shape makes the top extremely versatile. You can wear it over jeans for a casual dinner or tucked into a pencil skirt for the office. The red and cashew painterly print is more interesting than a solid blouse but not so loud that you can’t re-wear without people noticing. And the exposed zipper in back adds an extra cool touch. My only complaint? They don’t have my size.
*Update: Does this print look familiar? The Style Spy filled me in that YSL came out with an almost identical brushstroke pattern two years ago! Check out her blog for more info.