LA Style Stories: Come Sail Away; White On
LA Story: Come Sail Away
I’m in the Marina for a casual yacht party in the perfect kaftan, Amazon, for the occasion. Don’t you love when it’s this easy? The light billowy satin fabric of my asymmetrical kaftan has a level of retro elegance with the single exposed arm. To enhance that I’ve pulled up my hair in a messy updo with a faux hair scrunchy, Amazon. It’s my secret weapon for unwashed and too lazy to do my hair days.
I’m wearing some layered necklaces, Gorjana, that include pearls turquoise and gold chains that I’ve balanced with a turquoise and gold bangle, Cartier, a Trinity bracelet and watch. Because my event is casual and we’re taking the boat out I chose not to wear a heel rather my patent leather, Birkenstock Giza, sandals. The traction on the bottoms will keep me from slipping and I really like their casual style and the reflective quality of the black patent leather that works back to the shine from my satin kaftan.
style-tip: the beauty of wearing a single garment with a large focal print is you don’t need to add much to it.
LA Story: White On!
What’s a girl to wear on those days when she’s got to be somewhere but it’s too hot to get dressed? A white poplin oversized shirt-dress, Macy’s, and know that this single multi-functional garment can be the solution to many of our styling problems. If you wear shorter dresses, this is cool casual and chic. As a long blouse over a straight skirt or belted and unbuttoned at the bottom with a full A-line box pleat skirt…I can go on for days. I want to look styled and put together using as few pieces as possible.
I can achieve this by using items with enough impact that won’t pull focus away from the total look. I’ve chosen this scarf, Chanel, for its white ground and bold gold chain print. It merchandises perfectly with my dress and sets the tone for my other items. I’m using it as a headscarf for a 70’s feel so my vintage bag, Gucci, was the obvious choice. The gold hardware works back to the scarf and my gold link necklace, Gorjana, and the neutral toned leather strappy sandals, Schutz, also work back to the bag make my legs look longer and elevate my look with the higher heel.
style-tip: a weather-friendly look can be easily achieved with a consistency in style/era and garment to accessory proportion.
*please treat your wardrobe well. many people worked very hard to get it to you.
Felicia Arlin
Felicia Arlin’s work as a stylist and costume designer has been featured in print, tv, film and on the red carpet. As a 20+ year veteran designer/merchandiser in the LA/NY garment industry her work has graced the racks of every major department store and specialty chain in the country.
She is passionate about helping women look and feel confident no matter their age, shape or socioeconomic status. Her hope is to empower other women by sharing some of the things she’s learned along the way to better cultivate and express their own individual and ageless style.
