Belle's Weekly Favorites–August 27, 2012

Aug 27, 2012

 

1. Eberjey Colette Bralette ($54) and Satin Harness Bralet ($50) // 2. Helmut Lang Fitted Leather Jacket ($1,345) // 3. Band of Outsiders Silk Sleeve Sweater ($295) and Rebecca Taylor Leather Trimmer Tweed Peplum Top ($350) // 4. Kotur Metallic Stingray Minaudiere ($295)BCBG Harlow Snake Clutch ($78) and Zara Studded Box Bag ($50) // 5. Asos Zig-Zag Rings ($17)

Polyvore Set Here.

One.  I find few faux pas as appalling as grown women who wear underwear meant for teenagers.  The lime green bra with leopard trim peeking out from underneath your sleeveless dress sends a message you probably don’t want to convey.  But just because you should be looking to up your lingerie game doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with your undergarments.

I own this racerback bralette from Eberjey and I love it.  I sometimes wear it underneath a long racerback tunic tank with jeans and boots and a knit moto jacket.  I also wear it with my lounge pants and a tank top on the weekends, because why wire an underwire if you’re not leaving the house?

Both of these bras, but especially the second one, are what Miss M would call “girl sexy” vs. “guy sexy”.  Most men like minimal lingerie, the less fabric the better.  They like black, they like red, they like lace and they like see through.  Most women like pretty, sultry lingerie.  But since most men are just waiting for what happens after the lingerie comes off, wear what makes you feel most comfortable because confidence is sexier than anything you can buy at the mall.

Two.  The best advice that I can give you when it comes to buying a leather jacket is not to buy a cheap one.  Inexpensive leather jackets are often too short, too shiny, made with cheap materials that wear poorly and cut in styles that won’t stand the test of time.  So if you plan to purchase a leather jacket, empty out a pickle jar and start saving up for a good one.  

What I wouldn’t give to own this modern leather jacket with stand-up collar and zipper detail, but spending over $1,000 on a coat just isn’t feasible.  Luckily, this similar Elie Tahari jacket is on sale for $328 at Bluefly.

The only inexpensive “leather” jacket that I would consider buying would be one that is a mix of materials, like this knit/faux leather one.  The knit helps break and conceal (as best it can) the faux material.  

Three.  I love outfits and pieces that interplay softer fabrics with tougher ones.  The first piece from Band of Outsiders has a wool bodice and silk sleeves in a feminine blush color.  The second piece is made of a gorgeous heavy tweed with a leather belt above the peplum.  

While I would happily own both of these pieces, spending $645 of two tops just isn’t feasible.  This Asos blazer has a black peplum with leather trim at the zipper.  I also found a lace peplum blouse with leather trim on the sleeves and neckline.  This Lacoste sweater has a silk yoke and sleeves for $175.  And this Marc Jacobs cardigan has sheer stripes interspersed with the knit for a light, airy feel.

Also, I had a reader ask if peplums are “played out.”  I think they have some time left on the clock, but I wouldn’t spend more than $100 on one unless the style is really flattering on you and the piece is classic enough that it can be worn for years.

Four.  To add a bit of personality to your evening and going out attire, lose the pretty satin clutch.  Instead choose a handbag with a slight edge.  These three bags are all classic shapes made with chic materials–metallic leather, snakeskin-embossed leather and pyramid studs–so why not try a sassy bag?

Five.  These stackable rings from Asos are fantastic.  They are a cool chevron shape, come in multiple metallic finishes and can be worn on one hand or distributed among both.  If you’re not a ring person, Asos also created a set of zig-zag bangles in the same stylish finishes.  (Also, if you plan to order these rings, you may want to size up. I purchased a similar set this spring, and the small size was snug on my size 6 finger.)

Ask The Edit, Style

share this post

Leave a Reply to R Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. R says:

    What about over-the-knee leather boots? Played out? I need to buy some new, black flat boots this season, and am torn

    Thanks!

  2. Nina says:

    Belle, I think your first link is wrong. The bra it goes to is not racerback. If it is still available I'd love the link!

  3. Belle says:

    Nina: This goes to the right piece at Journelle. Sorry about that. https://www.journelle.com/eberjey-colette-racer-back-bralet.html

    R: I think over the knee had their day. Just go with tall boots, those will be around for a bit.

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

1

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

The Range: Printed Shirt Dresses

If you’re preparing your wardrobe for the warmer weather, don’t sleep on shirt dresses. Casual when worn with sandals or sneaker, dressy with flats or heels, they’re great for any work situation. They’re a great piece that you can throw on any time you need to look pulled together. Here are a few choices.

6

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Beauty, Top Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

1

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

Features, Posts, The Range | March 26, 2024

The Range: Printed Shirt Dresses

If you’re preparing your wardrobe for the warmer weather, don’t sleep on shirt dresses. Casual when worn with sandals or sneaker, dressy with flats or heels, they’re great for any work situation. They’re a great piece that you can throw on any time you need to look pulled together. Here are a few choices.

6

READ MORE 

Features, Monday Mornings, Top Posts | March 25, 2024

The Mondays: March 18, 2024

This weekend was a tricky one. The warm weather and bright sunshine of last weekend disappeared in a flurry of wet snow trapping our very active 18-month-old in the house with us. Plus, our babysitter cancelled, so neither of us feels ready for the week ahead. But in between making mac-and-cheese and watching Aristocats for […]

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO