Chic Holiday Style

Posted on December 8, 2015 by RLStyle

The holidays are here, and so are the parties and gatherings. With all the events of the season, it can be tricky to decide the right look for the occasion. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or cocktail party, here are some fun and easy style tips to look your best!

The Casual Family Gathering
Dressing up a dark-wash pair of jeans is a great way to look chic while staying casual. To channel the current 70s trend, try a flared leg. But most importantly, find the fit that flatters your figure best. Then add a silk blouse or soft cashmere sweater. To add some extra warmth and style to your look, layer with a cozy faux fur vest or jacket. White is always festive for the snowy season, and soft blush is right on trend. A statement necklace, sparkly flats, and a shiny, luxe clutch say you’re ready to celebrate. For an extra boost (of style and confidence), especially with a flared leg pant, go for the heels, even at home!

Festive Casual Party
For a casual get-together at a friend or colleague’s home, pair a dark-washed straight cut jean with a shiny, glam top. Try a black silk blouse and metallic blazer, or another option could be a metallic blouse with a black or grey blazer. No matter which denim silhouette you choose for your figure, the long, fitted, hip-covering jacket is always flattering. (When shopping for a blazer, ignore the slouchy, boxy jackets which are on trend now. Instead, buy one with the highest armhole you can comfortably wear, that curves in even slightly at the waist, and buttons without pulling. If there’s ever one place to invest, it’s a great jacket.) Add a multi-strand black crystal necklace and earrings to add extra texture and shine to your outfit, and let your pumps or booties bring a splash of color. Dressing up your denim with sparkle will assure you’ll feel gorgeous, but not over-dressed.

Girls’ Night Out
A fabulous sequin skirt is the perfect piece for going out with the ladies! Pair it with a monochromatic cashmere sweater and some chic black booties. Then add a trendy fringe clutch, glamorous earrings, and champagne to boot!

Straight from the Office
When jetting from the office to the holiday fête, a classic sheath dress works wonders. It is totally work appropriate, but can easily be dressed up for evening. Choose a neutral color like black, gray, or navy (paired with pumps and a sweater or blazer for work). But once evening comes, swap out the office shoes for a more festive pair, and amp up your style with your jewelry and accessories.

Cocktail Party
A burgundy lace cocktail dress is a trendy yet elegant choice. Finish your ensemble with a lush fur wrap, chandelier earrings, a glimmering clutch, and strappy black heels. Be sure to remember your burgundy lipstick, too.

Have Fun With Your Accessories…
This is the perfect time of year to shine your brightest, so shine on! Don’t be afraid to add some extra sparkle to any outfit you choose. Find some mixed metal bangles, jeweled earrings and necklaces, a shiny clutch bag, or some metallic nail polish. Go out in style and enjoy a festive holiday season and a Happy New Year!

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Fall Styling Event September 26!

Posted on September 8, 2015 by RLStyle

Put a Little Effort In, to Make It Look Effortless…

As you probably know, PrAna has great attire for activities like yoga & climbing, but did you know that they also have tons of cool lifestyle clothes for weekend?

Join RL Style as we put looks together to make casual dressing effortless!

Spring Trends 2015

Posted on March 21, 2015 by RLStyle

Wave goodbye to your winter wardrobe, because spring is upon us at last! This year’s spring trends are fun, easy, and best of all: you don’t even have to get rid of last year’s essentials. Last spring’s hot colors, white and pink, have outlived the winter and are back in full blast! Florals, botanicals and painterly prints are also hot this spring, so embrace this quintessential trend. However, if you want to stand out, keep in mind the following trends and tips to look fresh and stylish:

1) Denim All the Way: Don’t be afraid to mix and match denim, because you’ll just look cool and classic. Whether it’s a denim skirt or jeans with a light weight chambray shirt, make sure you vary the shades of blue to contrast your outfit.

2) Painterly Prints: If you’re not a huge fan of florals or botanicals and crave a more unique spring pattern, look for abstract “painted” looks. Printed dresses are an easy solution, or if you have a great printed blouse, pair this with a solid or denim bottom.

3) Bohemian & 70’s Vibe: Give your outfit a dose of hippie with some fringe accessories, such as shoes or purses! Also, flowy-sleeved blouses, long dresses/skirts, and deep colors like burgundy, green or spice market hues will greatly enhance your free spirited look.

4) Head-to-Toe White: Forever classy and always chic, wearing all white is the perfect spring look whether you’re taking it easy or going out for dinner.

5) Army/Navy: Military-influenced styles endure with army green, neutral khakis and always classic, nautical navy. Think utilitarian jackets, trench coats, anoraks, uniform-inspired dresses, and even fashion cargo pants.

6) Marsala Wine: Looks like an autumn tone? Time to think outside the crayon box. Wear it in spring, summer, fall & winter, sleeveless or not, and mix it with soft, cool tones of blush or aqua for a fresh mix. Flattering on just about everyone, Marsala is the Pantone 2015 Color of the Year.

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Top 10 Trends for a Fabulous Fall Season

Posted on October 29, 2014 by RLStyle

As posted on Inspire52, check out the list of must-have fall fashion trends…click here for full article:

TOP 10 TRENDS FOR A FABULOUS FALL SEASON

(Inspire52 is an awesome daily dose of positive news…read

here to learn more.)

It’s officially fall, and it’s finally starting to feel like it. So with the crisp air upon us, it’s time to switch out your closet, start layering and implement some of your fave fall trends to boost your wardrobe. So how should we describe the season’s trends? Practically anything goes from menswear-inspired to lady-like, from minimalist to embellished, from relaxed to sporty, from pastels to darks.

Let’s take a look at what’s hot this season… Click to read what you need and shop the styles…

End of Summer- Getaway in Style

Posted on August 7, 2014 by RLStyle

Getting ready for your end of summer getaway and don’t know what to pack? No matter which vacation spot you’re headed to, skip the stress of planning your outfits and pack these 4 essential ensembles. Looking fabulous, even while casual is a must for any vacation. Imagine sipping cocktails oceanside wearing a beautiful, long maxi dress with chic sandals and gold jewelry. This look is simple and comfortable while romantic and perfect for a summer evening. Feel like a celebrity lounging by the pool: dress up your pool attire with a printed silky cover-up, then accessorize with a cool fedora and tote. Taking a day trip into town to shop at all the local stores? Dress up your t-shirt with a necklace, printed skirt and strappy flats. Finally, be sure to include a great date night dress and heels for your last night out. Go soak up that sun and enjoy, because fall is around the corner.

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Transition your Wardrobe for Fall

Posted on August 29, 2013 by RLStyle

It’s August, the kids are back in school, and although it’s still pretty hot out, the fall fashion season is here! While you may not feel like pulling out your heavy fall clothes, there are several ways you can begin to transition your wardrobe and add some autumnal attitude to your style. Click the link to my style tips from today’s Denver Post to learn more…

“Five Tips: How to ease your wardrobe into autumn”, The Denver Post

Transition your Wardrobe for Fall by rachellefort1124 featuring a black suede purse

A Seamless Transition from Work to Holiday Party

Posted on November 29, 2012 by RLStyle

For weeknight holiday events, choosing an appropriate outfit that perfectly portrays festive flair can be tricky if your event is right after work and you have to plan for it at 6am. Luckily, there are some easy ways that you can take your 9-to-5 look straight to cocktails with just a few special tweaks that will avoid having to pack a whole separate outfit.

See today’s Denver Post for “5 Tips: How to take your look from the office to evening for holiday parties”, and read on for outfit ideas and more…

Seamless Transition: From Work to Holiday Party

Embellish your staples with shimmery pieces. A party-perfect embellished tank or blouse works while concealed at the office, when the rest of your outfit is classic. Keep it understated with a sleek pencil skirt, basic blazer or cardigan, and daytime-appropriate scarf. But then bring that sparkly piece out to play for your after-work event by leaving your blazer or cardigan and scarf on your chair as you head out. Then top it off by adding evening accessories – chandelier earrings, a luxe clutch, wrap and glam shoes – the better to sparkle with!

The day dress for night. A tailored sheath dress stays incognito during the day with a blazer, simple necklace, belt, basic pumps and briefcase, all in neutral tones. But after hours, this navy staple sheath becomes a perfect backdrop for an over-the-top bib necklace, clutch, wrap and shoes in jewel tones. Winter blues? Far from it.

The lady’s tuxedo. A sleek black suit also transitions effortlessly from a work go-to outfit to a dramatic canvas for accessorizing. Keep it tame from 9 to 5 with a teal tie-neck blouse and black pumps. Even hang up your jacket during the day if your office attire is less suited up. But amp up your outfit for evening by playing off this season’s chic black-and-gold trend – swap out your top for a shimmery gold silk cowl-neck blouse. Swap your professional pumps for strappy black and gold metal stilettos and swap out your day bag for a structured lace-inspired clutch. Finally, top it all off with a black laser-cut leather cummerbund belt. Menswear-inspired it may be, yet so feminine, chic and of the moment.

All in the accessories. Whatever outfit you choose, don’t be afraid to pile on the little extras for your holiday events. You’ll shine a little brighter if you add some glitz to your look. Especially with a minimalist outfit, more is more when accessorizing! Mix your metals, mix your jewel tones and be bold with your statement pieces– after all, fashion should be fun!

Honorable mentions. Adding a touch of fur- real or faux – to your outfit instantly glams it up. There’s none shown here, but it’s certainly worth a mention, especially if your after-work event is particularly dressy. A refined plush collar, scarf or wrap will keep you cozy and make any outfit look chic and luxurious.

The icing. A mini on-the-go makeup kit will refresh you after work, and adding a little drama is just as important to completing your party look as is jewelry. A swipe of red lipstick or smoky eyeshadow effortlessly takes you into night.

And for him… Your man can also easily prep for after work with a few added details. Come party time, he need only add a sport coat, pocket square and maybe even a tie clip to his classic button down and office pants (or dark, stylish denim if they’re appropriate in his office). Just make sure he wears his nice leather shoes in the a.m. to polish off his look.

Keep in mind… Even if you do have time to choose a whole separate ensemble for your soirée, you don’t have to wear head-to-toe sparkle to look festive. Dressing for the holiday season should be about expressing yourself, and you can do that even in your dressy jeans if the occasion allows. Shine on!

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Fall for Boots

Posted on November 1, 2012 by RLStyle

Boots are one of fall’s hottest accessories. Check out today’s article in The Denver Post for

tips on buying boots. And feel free to post any of your style questions!

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Autumn’s Hottest Colors

Posted on September 12, 2012 by RLStyle

Fall’s color palette is always decidedly moodier than that of sunnier months, but that doesn’t mean the mood has to be “gloom”. Add some drama to your autumn wardrobe with one (or three) of the season’s reworked jewel tones and neutrals.

Jewel Tones. Rich colors continue to have a place in your fall wardrobe – just substitute summer’s cobalt for teal, orchid for aubergine, and crimson for burgundy. Like their brighter cousins, these hues take perfectly to tonal pairings. Take a cue from the changing leaves and try tangerine with rust, or brighten burgundy with bold magenta accessories.

Neutrals. Midnight blue and charcoal are great alternatives to black – more unexpected and just as versatile, a great way to ground autumn’s brighter hues. Try a navy leather motorcycle jacket over a bold printed blouse, or tame teal skinny jeans with deep blue pumps or oxfords. Keep less as more by using magenta or orange accessories as just a pop of color in a monochromatic gray outfit. If bold colors aren’t your forté, keep neutrals classic by pairing a navy wool trench with cognac boots and gray trousers.

Edgy Black. Black gets a makeover this fall and takes a more front-and-center role than just a neutral backdrop. Pull out all the stops and elevate your daytime look with a mix of inky leather and denim. Take an all-black ensemble to its natural habitat of glamorous evening events with black silk, a tux jacket, or a pencil skirt with a leather peplum detail.

Remember: If a particular color you love isn’t your most flattering, don’t despair – just wear it on your bottom half or shoes instead of near your face.

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Incorporating Your Fall Wardrobe for the Last Dash of Summer

Posted on August 30, 2012 by RLStyle

It’s hard to hang up your breezy sundresses and rotate your strappy sandals to the back of the closet as the weather cools come September. Or maybe you can’t wait to shop for new jackets and fall’s “it” boots. Whether you’re clinging to summer’s last traces or eager for autumn, you can mix your wardrobes for both seasons together starting now. Who says you can’t have it all?

These pointers also appear in August 30’s fashion edition of The Denver Post‘s “5 Tips” feature, and can be found in print and at the DenverPost.com/Lifestyles.

Incorporate Fall Trends Into Your Wardrobe Starting Now

1/ Darken your palette but keep your brights. Burgundy, navy, and black are this fall’s “it” colors, but you can start wearing them now. Infuse your wardrobe with these rich hues, even mixing them. Navy and black combined is unexpected, yet very chic and sophisticated! Or layer a printed blouse with a cardigan or blazer in navy or burgundy, and your dark tone will act as a neutral. Also, you don’t have to phase out all your hot colors once the weather cools. Carry forward your bright yellow, bold blue, cherry red and bright orange tones from summer. For example, a tangerine tee or blouse will work effortlessly with the changing leaves when topped with a blazer in autumnal tones such as rust, cognac and burgundy.

2/ Add leather to your look. Start small while it’s still hot out, then up the ante once the crisp air arrives. For example, start by adding a wide leather belt to a soft blouse or dress, and leather booties, too. Then get ready to switch out your blazer and cardigan for a hip leather jacket. Try on a fitted style, and if the leather is a light enough weight, the jacket can be worn all day indoors as part of your outfit. And for an extra trendy take on your jacket, choose a military-inspired style.

3/ Don your denim. This fall’s denim trends are easy to incorporate once the summer heat breaks. The past spring and summer’s colored denim gets a sophisticated update with richer jewel tones and fall colors. Leather-like coated jeans come in light, medium or heavy weights (from their wax-like treatments), and add an instantly edgy attitude. Metallic varieties are having a moment as a way to add shimmer. Pair your daring denim with pretty, summery tanks and soft lightweight cardigans for a seamless season transition, as well as an interesting mix of textures.

4/ Dress in layers and layer your dress. Your favorite summer floral or geometric dress works straight into fall with tights, a soft leather jacket, and booties. And the accents don’t have to be black – gray, brown, navy, or maroon are great neutrals to ground the patterns.

5/ Summer shoes get the boot! Try closed-toed pumps and booties with your summer clothes while it’s still warm. Capped toes, platforms and embellished statement shoes are some of the new season’s hottest accessories. Just be sure to include burgundy in your fall collection—this sumptuous shade in leather or suede will stand out in the sea of black.

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