Style Stores: Shiny Metal Objects & Back to Black
Style Story: Shiny Metal Objects
Holiday is a great time for our accessories to do most of the heavy lifting. I’m using mine to add a dash of 1920s flapper to this easy Holiday look that I pulled together right out of my closet. Fashionably speaking, garments with metallics sequins and high shine have been trending for the last few years so much so that they’ve become a wardrobe staple in our day to day. On the one hand it’s great because we already have and know how to wear them but on the other hand how do we make our sparkle special again? Today, I’m wearing a grey Grandpa cardigan, Barneys NY, over a sheer grey pleated sequin skirt, J Crew, with a neon fuchsia tulle skirt, Shein, under it. The longer length of the Grandpa sweater creates that elongated body style reminiscent of those in the 1920s.
I chose to layer my skirts, (neither have anything to do with the 20s), because that bright pop of colour is fun and festive and it brings the newness I was looking for to change up my sparkle piece and make it even more special. Nothing screams flapper more than a skullcap, Amazon, and its silver beads play perfectly with my shiny swingy handbag, Vintage, on a long liquid silver chain. My little rhinestone necklace, Vintage, is just enough so I don’t need earrings. This look comes together with a sparkling rhinestone pump, Steven Madden. I went with a closed toe rather than a strappy sandal for a more grounded feel that’s more in balance with the rest of my pieces. My finishing touch is a large rhinestone ankle-bracelet, Malinda Maria Jewelry, to really amp up the sparkle.
style-tip: accessories can be an inexpensive way to change up a look
Style Story: Back to Black
Black for the Holidays? Absolutely but make it special. I bought this silk chiffon embroidered skirt, Colette Dinnigan, from my favorite Beverly Hills store in the 80’s called Moda Sport sadly it no longer exists. The skirt was part of a set that included a sheer chiffon boat neck blouse that I somehow lost. Fast forward to this passed Spring when I found myself at a fabulous vintage shop by my house and spotted the blouse I’m wearing. The allover eyelet embroidery and small chiffon ruffling are a close match to my skirt. As picky as I am about the details, matching blacks embroideries etc., this totally works because it’s mostly about the texture as they have the same kind of look.
I’m using my black silk woven handbag, Barneys NY, as a way to break AND join my different embroideries together. The bags contrasting weave acts as a bit of a diversion because it’s the, odd man out. I went with a gold strappy sandal, Sam Edelman, rather than a black shoe because the idea of bringing in another black item that isn’t a perfect colour match would be a distraction. The gold sandal adds a much needed POP and it works back to the long chain on my bag. My earrings, vintage, aside from bringing in more colour, have a linear shape that mimics the long lines of my garments and their textured pattern is consistent with my highly textured look.
*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.
