Posts tagged leggings

A FashioniSTA’s Five Fall Essentials

The leaves are changing colors, and so are our closets. While we bid adieu to breezy sundresses, and say hello to a olive/black/camel/brown palette, there are five definite fall fashion essentials that every FashioniSTA should have in her arsenal.

Leggings
Love them or hate them, none of us can deny their versatility and coziness. Perfect when paired with a longer tunic – they take any FashioniSTA from the casual Friday cubicle to the couch for a night-in with a full DVR.
FashioniSTA tip: Thickness is key. These fleece lined leggings from Shopbop.com are perfect to keep legs warm and appropriately covered.

Cashmere pullover
If there is one thing that makes fall’s chill a bit more bearable, it’s cashmere. We love throwing on a black cashmere tunic (like the Vince one below) as a season go-to. Perfect when paired with a chunky necklace and skinny jeans for dinner out with friends or with the aforementioned leggings and booties on the weekend, it’s a closet staple to wear again and again.

Stacked loafers
Whether we’re 6 years old or 26 years old, back-to-school always defines the fall. While this FashioniSTA might not be hitting the books this semester, a pair of stacked loafers (like the wedges in last week’s #shoesdaytuesday, pictured below) takes us back to the classroom in the best kind of way. If you’re not into wedges, any loafer with a heel is a great way to bring the classic, schoolgirl staple into the now.

Leather skirt
One of our favorite fall trends for 2012 is finding unexpected leather pieces. The attitude that comes with black leather, mixed with the femininity of a pleated miniskirt, brings any outfit to another level.
FashioniSTA tip: Pair a pleated leather miniskirt (like the Patterson J Kincaid one below) with supersoft tights and an interesting cropped tweed blazer for a perfect mix of textures.

Faux Fur Vest
Maybe it’s Rachel Zoe’s fault, but whether it’s faux or real, we love a good fur vest. Preferably mid-thigh length – and best when paired with platforms and skinny black pants (like Ms. Zoe does below). It turns an otherwise monochromatic outfit into something glamorous – and who doesn’t appreciate a heavy dose of glam?

~Meredith, FashioniSTA

Back to School and Campus Cool

Summer is nearing it’s end which means last minute vacation getaways, fall fashion, and the most dreaded back to school. Although going back to school isn’t very exciting for most of us, the shopping for back to school is. With so many new trends and with those trends circling their way around each year, we’ve come up with a few fashioniSTA back to school basics for your wardrobe. Not only are these pieces super versatile, but they will keep you looking stylish all year long.

The Jacket
Basic Black Blazer: First and foremost, if your closet does not already have one of these hanging in it, GET ONE.  A blazer is an absolute wardrobe essential. Wear it over your sun dresses or shorts for a great transitional summer to fall look, and pair it with jeans and ballet flats for an effortlessly chic look.
Biker Jacket: A motorcycle inspired topper is a favorite jacket for spring or fall. We love fun details like zippers, buckles, or studs, but if that’s not your style, opt for a simple jacket in white or brown. Again, these jackets look great over your summer dresses or a feminine blouse- the contrast is super stylish and edgy.
Faux Fur Vest: Bring on the layers this fall because we love love love a layered look with a fur vest! Girls, wear it over everything (even your biker jacket).

The Jeans
Boyfriend: These laid back and comfortable jeans are perfect for the campus or classroom. They have that “I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-still-look-amazing” effortless style to them. Pair them with a plain white tee and a fun pair of flats.
Legging: Oh-so-comfy and stylish. Can’t go wrong.
Colored: Last fall colored denim really made a name for itself, and this year the trend is still going strong. We love a pair of brightly colored jeans paired with a neutral chunky knit sweater and moto-boots.
Printed: If you want to make a statement in your classroom, rock a pair of printed jeans- just make sure to keep the rest of your look simple and neutral.

The Top
Chambray: This stylish lightweight shirt is the it shirt for back to school this year. Wear it with your dark skinny jeans, wedges, and top it with your fur vest. Such a great look.
Plaid:  A cool, casual shirt that can be dressed up with a pretty layered necklace and skinny jeans, or dressed down with leggings and sneakers.
Chunky Knits: This season stock up on cozy cable knits in neutrals of gray, cream, and tan. Wear them with your colored jeans or leggings and boots.
Neon: Color is huge trend this fall. Neon has thrived through spring and summer and now making it’s way into fall. Take your colorful clothes you wore all summer, and maybe some fresh new additions as well, and pair them with all your favorite fall pieces. Neon and fall neutrals are a killer color combo.

The Shoes
Fun Flats: Patent, colored, printed. Our fashoiniSTA favorites are Tory Burch Revas. And leopard print.. of course.
Moto-Boots: These boots are fall must-haves. They go with everything and add a little edge to any outfit.
Wedges: Since the last thing you want to do is walk though school and around campus in heels, go for a great pair of neutral wedges (in a moderate height- comfort is key).
Sneakers: This fall a bright pair of sneakers are a back to school staple. Comfortable and cool. We love classic Chuck Taylors, but Keds and Nike are some other classics worth adding to your shoe collection. Wear them with your leggings, a sweater and biker jacket.
Rain Boots: For obvious reasons. Plus, they are super cute- go ahead, wear them with your colored jeans, shorts or even dresses. Thank you Kate Moss for making rain boots stylish.

For more inspiration, check out our back-to-school board on Pinterest! Happy shopping and happy back to school!

~Lisa, FashioniSTA

STA Goes Back to Basics with Our New Line!

No matter what anyone says, the most important staple to any wardrobe is a selection of basic pieces. There is no way that anyone can sustain a wardrobe on statement pieces, your superstar items need backup singers to complete the ensemble. Denim is a universal foundation to any wardrobe, but surviving on a denim-only diet will land you in style rehab. Mix up your closet and get the most out of all of your pieces by stocking up on basics like tanks, leggings, and t-shirts. And we know from experience that there’s no better place to find these than at the same place you’re going to pick up your one-of-a-kind studded blazer and sheer Barneys blouse. Second Time Around listened to the woes of shoppers everywhere, and has emerged with a new line of affordable basics ($8 to $12). Now there’s no wondering if you’ll be able to find black leggings at Forever 21 (has anyone else managed to always miss when they have black in stock? I have enough pairs of navy to last a lifetime.). There’s also no more guessing if the Nanette Lepore top you’re trying on will look good with a tank underneath. Style made easy! And what ensemble would be complete without the final accessories to finish off your look?

In addition to these basics, STA is offering a line of signature jewelry, priced from $6 to $50. These are versatile pieces, including delicate pendants, enamel bangles, and intricate stud earrings (as Stuff Magazine put it, “think boho-chic beads, leather cord bracelets, and chain-link necklaces). Enough to complement your ensemble without distracting you from your budget! 

Check out the buzz around town on our basics line!
Boston Magazine
: Their Bostonista blog cited the new line as “the solution to your woes,” which has created a “one-stop shop” for them. And they “heart the enamel tiger bangle”…we do too! http://blogs.bostonmagazine.com/bostonista/2011/01/27/new-basics-and-jewelry-line-from-second-time-around 

Stuff Magazine: They explored both the apparel and jewelry lines, saying about the apparel, “They’re not centerpiece designs, and they won’t dominate our fashion budgets either (prices range from $8 to $12) — but they’re perfect foundation pieces to help us pull together new looks.” http://stuffboston.com/stufftonight/archive/2011/01/24/012411-stuff-we-love.aspx 

NBC’s The Feast: Dubbed the line “superaffordable,” they said, “The Back to Basics collection, headed by Director of Styling (and one of our Feasterati), Marisa Meloski, is a selection of black and white essentials—tees, tanks, camis, and leggings—designed to accessorize with the stores vintage pieces.” A perfect summary to us!
http://www.thefeast.com/boston/shopping/FEAST-SHOP-BOS-Second-Time-Around-Launches-Private-Lines-114283729.html?ct 

Daily Candy: They tacked us on to their weekend itinerary, because – according to them – “you’re budgeted for a fashion pick-me-up.” http://www.dailycandy.com/boston/article/97839/Boston-Events-and-Diversions

~Ashley, FashioniSTA, Second Time Arond

Stylish Things to be Thankful For

In addition to the fact that I can stuff myself and not look like a fatty, there are a lot of things that I love about Thanksgiving. The fact that I can usually come up with a good list of things I’m thankful for is also a plus. In addition to the fact that I haven’t been hit by a bus and I’ve once again avoided contracting swine flu, I have a list of fashion favorites to which I’m grateful.   

Here are the things that fashioniSTAs everywhere can be thankful for:   

Black Friday Sales   

To fashioniSTAs, Black Friday is like Christmas came early. This is the day where shopping becomes an Olympic sport, and some of us train all year for this portion of the holiday games. Yes, I’m aware that you’re supposed to be buying gifts for your friends and family, but nothing says that you can’t browse for yourself while you’re at it and take advantage of the great deals out there. And where’s the best place to do that? At Second Time Around, of course! (Shop 7-9am for 50% off all merchandise! See details here.)  

 
Holiday Sparkles   

Unless you live under a fashion rock during the holiday season, you know that this is the time to break out your sparkly outfits and bring on the holiday cheer. It’s the time of the year when dressing in head-to-toe sequins is considered “festive” rather than psychotic. Personally, I’m all for dressing like this year round. From Alice + Olivia to Ann Taylor, you have a million options from sequin tanks to sparkly miniskirts to glitter pumps. And as a holiday staple, there’s always the full-sequin dress, perfect for New Years as well. All the sparkly clothing during this time of the year just makes everything a little more cheerful, no one ever got into an argument over glitter.

  

Leggings

Don’t pretend that you’re not part of the We Love Leggings Fan Club. I haven’t met a single girl, when pushed, who won’t admit to having this obsession. Dress them up or down, daytime or night; there are few occasions where you cannot wear them. They’re perfect if you’re petite or plus-size, and you can now wear them with a variety of tunics and dresses so you can look put together without putting in almost any effort. And they are a Thanksgiving staple for those of you that actually partake in the food festivities and eat until wearing denim feels like a straightjacket for your legs. 

   

Designer Electronic Cases   

I choose not to remember when cell phones and laptops got stuffed into bags, exposed to the elements. The technology industry finally wised up and fused fashion with function when they introduced accessories to hold all of our electronics. Think about shoving your iPhone – or iPad, for those of you ahead of the techno-curve – into your purse without a case. Horrifying. Now designers are chomping at the bit to protect our electronic valuables, with cases fromYSL (right), Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Juicy Couture. Now your personal style can be expressed through your technological necessities, what’s better than that?   

 
That Jersey Style Never Caught On 

I’m as big of a fan of Jersey shows as the next person. Ask anyone, if I could make a living watching Real Housewives of NJ, I would do it. But even I can admit that I’m glad Jersey style didn’t sweep the nation the way the television shows did. While I’m a fan of some of the fashion I see on the shows – depending on who’s wearing it – the bright pink lipstick, over-the-top animal prints and excessive bronzer are a little much. And when I say the bronzer is too much, that’s saying something, since I’ve been known to paint on the stuff like my skin was an easel.  

Here’s hoping you all have a stylish and happy Thanksgiving!   

~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around