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Chic Way to Rock Culottes

September 8, 2015 By Chastiti Horne 1 Comment

 

Orange Clutch

One of the most stylish pant trends this fall is culottes. And why not? From afar culottes appear to evoke a midi; but, with the split cut and wide leg crop these pants can be office appropriate and still look amazing for a night out on the town. A bonus is the wider the leg, the smaller the waist looks. Again, why not? So, convert your wardrobe with these stylish culottes and rock the bifurcated skirt. For those of you that fondly recall wearing these in your youth, you will be surprised at the multiple ways you can style this look. I remember wearing these to school (but we called them gauchos) with knee socks adorned with tassels and a ribbed turtleneck. I could probably still pull off the turtleneck, but it’s questionable about the knee socks.
Club Monaco Culottes

Culottes, like most everything on trend in women’s fashion, began as menswear. Of course, way back they were a posh French pant reserved for the upper class male. But as time marched on, as it always does, they evolved into a symbol of feminism for politically active Victorian-age women to give them the freedom that corsets and lace could not. These “divided skirts” became iconic pieces for many high end designers. The ever-beautiful super model before the term super model, Lauren Hutton rocked culottes in the 70’s and who could forget how effortless Ali McGraw made them look. Culottes give off a playful vibe that is flattering (when accessorized correctly) with a nod to history.

Navy Culottes

Pairing these culottes with patent wedges make the look more polished. I just think heels bring an elegance to this trend (not that I have anything against flats!). Stilettos take the look to new heights for a sophisticated evening ensemble. Pair them with booties or even knee boots for a cozy winter feel. If the pants are not right below the knee or mid-calf, flats can make the ensemble look like a dress up game gone wrong. Because the pants billow, a heel or at least some height give off a sense of thoughtful styling.
Elaine Turner Drew Clutch

This simple bright clutch pops against the navy pants and I adore the contrast with the stripes on the shirt. A fun crossover would be a nice addition for a leisurely stroll. I would recommend against big, bulky bags as they tend to overwhelm the cut of the pants. Personally I’m a fan of solids for this style, but bold patterns certainly can make a statement this season. Since the pants are your statement piece, I recommend going for simple accessories so as to not overwhelm the flowing nature of the culottes.

Work Style Culottes

I love this navy and white shirt! I chose to tie it at the waist for a little less stuffy look. My favorite aspect of the top is how well it wears. After a day at the office, no visible wrinkles! I still looked like I did when I left that morning (well, the clothes did anyway!). I also love that this shirt can be paired with a pencil skirt or even jeans. It’s versatile but lends itself to a classic piece. A great alternative to pair with the pants is a cropped sweater. It makes a great weekend look and elongates your legs. Adding a cowl neck sweater or cropped jacket to these pants allows you to really cash in on the versatility of the pants.

Street Style Culottes

These pants! Oh, where have you been? I have a fashion crush on them. Seriously. They look great but feel even better. I’m pretty sure I was a little sassier when I wore them. These are work pants, brunch pants, evening on the town pants – you name it! They can be dressed up for an event that demands cocktail attire (think silk tank top) or scaled down for a raucous girls’ lunch (cropped sleeveless sweater). Did I mention how comfortable they are? They’ve become a substitute to my typical office suit pant. You can find culottes in a variety of fabrics from leather to wool to everything in between. These definitely are not the culottes of our youth! This borrowed-from-the-boys look can put off vibes from bohemian to sophisticated in the blink of an eye. So don’t be afraid to rock those culottes ladies. They have come a long way!

Orange Elaine Turner Clutch

Culottes: Club Monaco (similar and super affordable style by Alfani Prima)| Striped Top: Club Monaco (also available at Shopbop, similar sleeveless style by Joie) | Clutch: Elaine Turner (similar clutch by Diane von Furstenberg and two gorgeous splurge clutches by Delvaux and Givenchy) | Wedges: Christian Louboutin, sold out (similar style by Pierre Hardy)

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Part II

July 18, 2015 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

Here are a few more of our favorites from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Happy shopping!!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Part II_opt

One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten | Eleven | Twelve | Thirteen | Fourteen | Fifteen | Sixteen | Seventeen

Patriotic Stripes

June 19, 2015 By Chandra Bonine 2 Comments

Chevron Stripes

Blue and White Striped Maxi

It’s hard to believe the first month of summer is almost in the books! I teach at our church’s vacation bible school every summer, and I also volunteer for a day camp for children with diabetes. Both of these week-long camps are in June, and having two weeks fully booked seems to make the month fly by. By the time Camp Rainbow wraps up next week, we will be closing in on the Fourth of July!

U.S.A!!!!!

Red, White, and Blue Outfit

Chevron Maxi

I tend to geek out a little with dressing the part for certain holidays! I like for everyone to get in full patriotic mode on the Fourth, especially the kids. I think they look so adorable in their flag-inspired outfits! They usually just end up in their swimsuits, though, so I try to refrain from buying up every single red, white, and blue outfit I see in their sizes. I was in Gap Kids today and picked up this swimsuit for my daughter (this one is also super cute) and this cute tee for my son. He was thrilled that it had a flag AND baseball bats! He is still fitting into last year’s swimsuit, and this one has been a favorite for two summers now. You can never go wrong with seersucker!

Striped Maxi Dress

Red White and Blue Maxi Dress

This Cremieux blue and white striped maxi dress is perfect for anyJuly 4th plans. The linen blend is cool and breezy, and the style is forgiving so I can indulge in as much barbecue as I like! This red bangle adds a festive pop without forcing the look into the literal zone, and neutral accessories keep the focus on the dress. Here, I’m carrying my ooooold Prada hobo bag. There is not a thing you can’t wear with this bag, and I have gotten my money’s worth a million times over. This bag is a great example of a good fashion investment for a timeless staple! Although this exact style is no longer available, this updated version is stunning!

Crimieux Maxi

Maxi Dress

I hope your holiday plans are fun and festive and spent with people you love! Here is a little playlist inspo for your Fourth. Happy birthday, America!!

  1. “American Baby” — Dave Matthews Band
  2. “This Land is Your Land” — Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  3. “Firework” — Katy Perry
  4. “America” —Waylon Jennings
  5. “Rockin’ in the Free World” — Neil Young
  6. “Homegrown” — Zac Brown Band
  7. “Party in the U.S.A.” — Miley Cyrus (I know, I know…but the kids LOVE it!)
  8. “Freedom” — George Michael
  9. “Living in the Promiseland” — Willie Nelson
  10. “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” — John Mellencamp
  11. “The Star Spangled Banner” — Whitney Houston
  12. “Born in the U.S.A.” — Bruce Springsteen
  13. “Living in America” — James Brown
  14. “American Boy” — Estelle feat. Kanye West
  15. “America” — Simon & Garfunkel
  16. “God Bless America” — Celine Dion
  17. “American Pie” — Don McLean
  18. “American Girl” — Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
  19. “Independence Day” — Martina McBride
  20. “Freedom” — Jimi Hendrix
  21. “Young Americans” — David Bowie
  22. “God Bless the U.S.A.” — Lee Greenwood
  23. “Pink Houses” — John Mellencamp
  24. “America” — Neil Diamond
  25. “Fourth of July” — Robert Earl Keen
  26. “America the Beautiful/Dixie Lullaby/Chicken Fried” — Zac Brown Band & Leon Russell
  27. “This Land is Your Land” — Counting Crows (random, but I really like this version!)
  28. “In America” — Charlie Daniels Band

Blue and White Chevron Dress

Dress: Cremieux (other pretty striped maxis here, here, here, and here) | Bag: Prada, old (here, here, and here for similar) | Wedges: Tory Burch, old (here, here, and here for similar) | Red Bangle: here and here for similar | Turquoise and gold ring: here, here, and here for similar | Earrings: Devon Leigh, sold out (here and here for similar) | Gold Bangle: Marco Bicego | Initial Charm Bangle: Alex & Ani | Feather Cuff: here and here for similar | Nail Polish: Essie Geranium

Simple Styling

June 4, 2015 By Chandra Bonine 2 Comments

 

Casual Dress

One of my favorite looks so far this summer is this black and white striped dress paired with sporty and simple accessories. We took our kids to an Astros game last weekend, and I wanted to be comfortable, covered up (the A/C in Minute Maid Park is INTENSE!), and ballgame-appropriate. This dress was a no brainer. Black and white stripes are so classic, and the comfortable ease of the knit fabric was perfect for navigating the ball park with my two littles!

Stripes

Details

My go-to Sam Edelman booties made the outfit a little more me, and the Levi’s denim jacket and chambray baseball cap gave it just the right amount of All American vibe — perfect for a MLB game! This dress is also great with sandals or Converse, and a wedge heel would make a really cute evening outfit!

Striped Dress

Black and White Stripes

For the most part, I’m really a Fair Weather Fan when it comes to baseball, so it’s no surprise I’m thrilled with the ‘Stros right now! They came in second for the game we attended, but they are off to the best start of any Astros team since 1998 (according to my Uber Fan husband). Now that my son is getting into baseball a little more, I’m looking forward to a fun summer of cheering on our great city’s team!

Black and White Striped Dress

Black and White

Dress: Sold out (similar options here, here, here, and here) | Denim Jacket: Levi’s | Booties: Sam Edelman | Baseball Cap: J.Crew | Silver Bangles: similar here | Silver bangle cuff: similar here | Beaded earrings: similar here | Nail Polish: OPI

Fields of Poppies

April 9, 2015 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

Spring Accessories

Poppy Print Skirt

“All across the meadows, many poppies blossomed, and that were so hypnotic and brilliant in color they nearly dazzled Dorothy’s eyes. ‘Aren’t they beautiful?’ the girl asked her companions, as she breathed in the spicy scent of the big, bright flowers.” — The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L.Frank Baum (1900)

Perhaps one of the most visually stunning cinematic scenes ever, the poppy fields Dorothy and her friends encountered on their way to the Emerald City were brilliant indeed. (Also deadly, but that’s beside the point!) This TopShop skirt certainly gives a nod to the Land of Oz, and its cheerful print makes it so much fun to wear. It is one of those pieces that instantly perks up your mood just trying it on. I am more a solids and stripes kind of girl, but a print this happy is not to be ignored!

Python Cuff Bracelet

Camel Cape Coat

Although the poppy print of this skirt immediately drew me in, I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off. Florals are usually not my thing. But my sister was with me when I found it, and she convinced me buy it. I decided to downplay the ladylike vibe of this midi skirt by pairing it with cage booties and a python cuff. It’s no secret that accessories are the key to making an outfit your own, and these slightly edgier pieces enabled me to wear this bold floral pattern, which is a look decidedly outside my comfort zone. I love the way it turned out, and I think another great addition would be a leather moto jacket or a plain black tank top with contrasting shoes for a pop! I actually learned a great fashion lesson with this skirt — never say never!! Because just when you think a certain look is not for you, you can always find an exception, and accessorizing can transform a piece you think is not your style into something that is SO YOU!

Floral Midi Skirt

Photos: Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Skirt: TopShop, sold out (here, here, and here for similar) | Striped Tee: here and here for similar and here for SUPER DEAL! | Cape: French Connection, sold out (here and here for similar) | Booties: Zara, sold out (similar and ON SALE here and here) | Clutch: YSL, sold out (here for similar and here for less expensive option) | Earrings: Kendra Scott | Python cuff: here and here for similar | Gold bangles: Amrita Singh, sold out (here for similar) | Ring: here and here for similar

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In the Loop Style

Two sisters. Two styles. One lifestyle blog. Join us as we navigate our unique perspective on fashion, fun, and sisterhood! XOXO, C & C

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