Philip Lim For Target

Philip Lim For Target

BLOG

 

FOLLOW MILE HIGH STYLE HERE

Instagram         

Well color me surprised! If you read this blog and are familiar with The Big Girl Bag, you know I endorse spending a paycheck on a handbag that will pair with everything, never go out of style, and last forever. And the math supports it: 3-4 moderately priced handbags (Coach, Marc by Marc Jacobs, etc.) equal 1 killer bag, so if you’re spending the money anyway, spend it fashionably.

My almost exception-less position on this ultimately boils down to the fact that inexpensive bags look inexpensive, and inexpensive is not a good look. So it should come as no surprise that upon learning that Philip Lim (a darling of the contemporary fashion world) was producing a line for Target, I didn’t bother to look. And this is my mea culpa.

Styling a client the other day, I saw her bag (pictured) and could have sworn it was the real thing. The typical indicators of inexpensive (floppy handles, horrible hardware, crap-looking leather) were nowhere to be seen. Somehow, a $900 bag translates beautifully into $45, and I am endorsing this bag for anyone who is looking for versatile and chic. There is, however, a catch…

Owing (I imagine) to its popularity, this bag is not available for purchase online, and I imagine the stores won’t be any different. It’s not all bad news though, because if you can stomach paying double, Ebay has the answer. Many of them, in fact. You can bid or Buy It Now in either taupe or black. Remember that even at double the price, this bag is a style steal.

 

 

[yuzo_related]

Elements of Style

Elements of Style

BLOG

 

FOLLOW MILE HIGH STYLE HERE

Instagram         

Over the last 3 years of working with 50+ clients, I’ve come to see and define the elements of style: creativity, budget, discipline & desire. Among these, only one separates a good wardrobe from a spectacular one, and it’s not what you’re expecting.

Disciplined buying/conscious styling is the most important factor for creating and sustaining great style. By that, I mean acquiring only the pieces you need for your wardrobe while simultaneously resisting the lure of impulse shopping. When your closet is lacking a cocktail dress, a ballet flat, a Big Girl Bag, any of the staple pieces you need, and instead you’re spending on items you already have*, you’re treading water. Additionally, the $40 here and $60 there (for another scarf or piece of jewelry) add up. If you do the honest math and calculate the total of impulse purchases over a month, that bag you deemed ‘too expensive’ will suddenly be attainable.

I recommend making a shoe box-piggy bank: every time you want to buy ‘this or that’, instead write a check to yourself for the amount and put it in the box. After a month, use that money to buy something you need. If you take on this project, I’ll find your item free of charge, a testament to my firm belief that this is the only way forward.

*This is always how impulse shopping works- you’re buying repeats, slight variations of what you already own.

 

[yuzo_related]

The Casual Solution

The Casual Solution

BLOG

 

FOLLOW MILE HIGH STYLE HERE

Instagram         

the casual solution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I ran into a colleague today who mentioned reading my post about Anthropologie and agreed that most of their tops are impulse purchase, wear once or twice and donate kind of items. We spoke about the lack of options for casual yet stylish everyday wear- something beyond the boring basic-ness of American Apparel but not quite at the ‘dry-clean only’ level of higher end merchandise. What can women wear everyday that is comfortable and casual but still stylish and appropriate? I have the answer for her, and for all of you.

Start with impeccable basics, add fabulous accessories and finish off with great footwear and handbag. The key here is to keep the clothing basic and unadorned (but still of high quality with great detailing) and allow the accoutrement to add personality and sparkle. Here’s how it breaks down-

Tops– If you’re accustomed to buying tops with lots of design details, it’s gonna take some adjusting to get excited about a sweatshirt. Or a t-shirt. But these are not your father’s Champion sweats. Classified as ‘weekend wear’ or ‘activewear’, these pieces make comfortable chic again, and paired the correct way, are absolutely appropriate to wear as part of your daily uniform.

Pants– Focus on finding great jeans and classic black leggings. My personal recommendations are Seven, Genetic, Mother, and J Brand. Colored jeans have made a comeback these last few seasons and are a great way to take a basic to the next level.

Shoes– The shoes make or break an outfit, and nowhere is that more important than with basics. Classic ballet flats are timeless, oxfords are more on trend, and loafers are (probably) the next trend. If you are looking for something a bit edgier, I recommend a short boot or booties.

BagsYou know what I have to say about this. As I write, Common Threads has the most amazing sparkly Fendi tote.

Jewelry– Some options here are overlapping pearl strands (which contrast beautifully against the outfit’s casual vibe), a cocktail ring, the always stylish and versatile Chan Luu wrap bracelet, and amazing stud earrings from Carla Morrison Fine Jewelry. Great jewelry (whether it’s fine or costume) doesn’t need to be reserved for special outfits or occasions.

Accessories– These are the finishing touches. For this season, consider a slouchy beanie, driving gloves (with or without fingers), a scarf, and proceed conservatively. Jewelry and accessories need to be balanced so you’re not dripping in them. A general guideline for jewelry and accessories is to try and incorporate at least 2 and no more than 4 pieces per outfit.

Other bits n pieces– Add into the rotation a classic buttondown in multiple colors, an investment piece, and a denim shirt. Remember that it’s not about any one individual piece but rather how it all blends and balances together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[yuzo_related]

The Big Girl Bag

The Big Girl Bag

BLOG

 

FOLLOW MILE HIGH STYLE HERE

Instagram         

Those of you familiar with Mile High Style are well aware of my insistence on smart splurging and adherence to quality over quantity. Nowhere is that more important than in the purchase of the investment piece: the ‘Big Girl Bag’.

Simply put, a Big Girl Bag comes from a top design house and typically retails for over $1000. $1000 seems exorbitant for a handbag and sets off all sorts of alarms of budget, principal, and limits. That is until I have clients add up all your $300 Coach bags, $500 MARC by Marc Jacobs bags, $75-100 random bags and so on. The math is compelling. You are paying $1000, well over $1000 for bags that are less versatile, less timeless and less fabulous.

The good news- You only need one. I don’t care what the editorials are telling you, these bags are appropriate year-round. Black leather can be worn in the summer, taupe patent leather in the winter. Additionally (and again despite the popular editorial nonsense), these bags don’t go out of style. When chosen correctly, a Big Girl Bag won’t be trendy and will be forever; for every day, for every outfit.

More good news? With websites like ‘Tradesy’ and ‘TheRealReal’ (and others I keep in a secret file), seasonal sales from every high-end department store (Barneys, SAKS, Bergdorf Goodman), and top notch consignment boutiques like Common Threads, sourcing a Big Girl Bag for 40-60% off the retail price is becoming easier and easier. If you buy at the right time and stay on top of online sales (or hire me to do this for you), $1000 gets you a $2000 bag.

 

 

[yuzo_related]