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ZipPick: Versatile Woven Skirt

May 23, 2015 by zipstyleseattle Leave a Comment

Skirts are one of those pieces that often only work in 1 setting – a casual skirt usually can’t be worn to the office and a professional pencil skirt looks funny on the weekends. But I want to share a skirt that is incredibly versatile in terms of season, setting, and color: Zara Burgundy A-line skirt

This skirt is a nice alternative to the pencil skirt and long enough to be office-appropriate. Despite it’s “professionalism” it can be a surprisingly fun casual skirt as well. Team it with a denim shirt, a grey t-shirt, a navy light weight sweater and you have an informal look.

The burgundy color is also versatile and unexpected – it can be paired with the usual neutrals(white, black, navy, tan, grey) as well as blues.

If you live in a mild climate like Seattle, this skirt can be worn almost all year round. It’s not too heavy for 70 degree weather but can keep you warm during the winter if worn with tights.

Style Ruts: The pencil skirt alternative

March 31, 2014 by zipstyleseattle Leave a Comment

When you think of skirts for the office, you probably picture a pencil skirt in your head. It’s the go-to professional skirt that can be worn easily with blazers and blouses. But the same old can get boring and some of you may not like form-fitting aspect of pencil skirts. Today I’ll review a few alternative professional skirts to get you out of your pencil skirt rut!

1.Full skirt – Full skirts are gathered and don’t hug the body like a pencil skirt. They can range in lengths from full length to super short. For the office, full skirts that hit right above the knee are the best bet. Though long skirts are in right now, a long full skirt is generally not the ideal look in a professional setting.

How to wear: This look will look best with a form fitting top to balance out the fullness of the skirt. Think form fitted turtlenecks, buttoned down shirts, and blouses.

2. A-line skirt – A line skirts fit snugly at the waist and flare out. It is different than a full skirt in that pleating is minimal and the “A” shape is maintained.

How to wear: This is very similar to a pencil skirt. You can wear the tops you usually pair with those. Thus it’s the easiest alternative to a pencil skirt! A-line skirts are great for those of you with big hips (places emphasize on waist and hides the hips) and wide shoulders (balances out shoulders).

4. Midi pencil skirt – Midi skirts are a cousin of the traditional pencil skirt but slightly longer in length. The hemline is usually between the bottom of knee to mid calf.

How to wear: You’ll most likely feel more comfortable in a skirt that isn’t too tight. Because the skirt will cover a lot of skin, you can wear lower necklines, short sleeves or 3/4 sleeves. Heels will be best in terms of footwear because the leg line will be shortened with the lower hemline.

Style Inspiration: Bomber jackets

August 16, 2013 by zipstyleseattle Leave a Comment

As a personal stylist in Seattle, I see the benefit of bomber jackets! Earlier in the week, I wrote a post about the trendy bomber jackets in this season. They may remind you of the 80s but I’m here today to show how they can worn in a variety of ways: professional, oversized, casual, contrast sleeves, or leather. Vote your favorite below!

#1 asos.com

#2 oasap.com

#3 shop.nordstrom.com

#4 shop.nordstrom.com

Zip Picks: 7 H&M Jackets and Coats

August 14, 2013 by zipstyleseattle Leave a Comment

In honor of H&M opening their US online store, I’m picking my current favorites in a series of posts. Check out my guide to shopping at H&M, H&M shoe picks, and pants picks.

This is the time of year when Fall jackets and coats start appearing in stores and it’s no secret that they are my favorite article of clothing! I happily looked through H&M’s current selection and here are my picks:

		(L) H&M Twill Contrast Sleeve Jacket(R) H&M Bomber Perfect examples of the trendy jackets H&M offers. These 2 casual jackets will carry you through late Summer and Fall. Wear with jeans as shown or with skirts/dresses.
		(L) H&M Peplum Jacket(R) H&M ZipUp Jacket with sheen You can get away with wearing cheaper quality clothing in black and these are a great example. The cuts of these jackets are chic and sophisticated and the quality will be less noticeable in black – both priced at $50.
		(L) H&M Blazer(R) H&M Military Jacket The black blazer is a basic every woman needs while the military jacket adds character to an outfit.
		(L) H&M PeacoatLove this high collared peacoat – Check out the several color choices!

Trend Alert: Bomber jackets

August 13, 2013 by zipstyleseattle Leave a Comment

The “it” jacket this year is the bomber. Bomber jackets hit at the waist or slightly shorter and have elasticized waists. They generally have zippers and elasticized sleeve cuffs as well. The collar can vary from moto style, crew neck w/band, funnel neck, or even folded over collars.

Here’s what you need to know about bombers:

1) Fabrics – Bombers come in a variety of fabrics. There’s something for everyone. Leather is typical, along with wool. We’re also seeing lightweight cotton and even silk!

2) Casual options – Bomber jackets are naturally associated with casual outfits. Easiest outfit is to throw on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and a bomber and you’re ready to go. You can also wear them with skirts and dresses. The shorter, sometimes cropped length, makes them incredibly versatile.

3) Professional options – Because bombers are available in a variety of fabrics, including higher quality like silk, they can be worn to the office! This is an exciting alternative to the typical blazer. I love the look of bombers with pencil skirts – they add bulk and balance out the form-fitting pencil skirt. Slim leg pants or slouchy pants can look fabulous with bombers as well. And of course, they can worn over dresses too!

4) Modern bombers – Bombers are not a new concept but this time around there’s a different take on them. You’ll see many have contrast sleeves, quilted leather versions are also popping up everywhere, and baseball bomber jackets are popular as well. If you want to make sure you’re choosing a modern bomber, look for these touches.

My verdict: I already purchase an office-ready bomber for the Fall. I’m looking forward to wearing skirts and dress pants with it instead of reaching for my blazers! What about you? Will you be on the look-out for a bomber jacket this Fall?

Zip Picks: 8 fun H&M accessories

August 12, 2013 by zipstyleseattle Leave a Comment

In honor of H&M opening their US online store, I’m picking my current favorites in a series of posts. Check out my guide to shopping at H&M and H&M shoe picks.

H&M has a great selection of accessories and today I’ll be sharing my current favorites!

		(L) H&M Brass Statement Necklace Many statement necklaces are bright and colorful which is fun, but they can be difficult to match with clothing. This metallic one, however, will go with pretty much anything! (R) H&M Stud Earring Collection 2 other options: Stud Earrings, Stud Earrings H&M is a great place to buy cheap stud earrings. There’s no reason to break the bank on these since they’re easily lost!
		(L) H&M Striped Wool Infinity Scarf (R) H&M Patterned Wool Infinity Scarf Two infinity scarf options. They come in additional colors/patterns as well. My favorite is the black and white stripe!
		(L) H&M Waist Elastic Belt H&M offers great faux-leather belt options. Here is a classy waist belt to wear over dresses. (R) H&M Aviator Sunglasses I find clients are hesitant (with good reason!) to spend a lot on sunglasses since they can break easily or get lost. Here are classic aviators for $7.
		(L) H&M Faux Leather Bag (R) H&M Faux Leather Tote 2 roomy faux leather bags. If you’re vegan or looking for a cheap black bag for work, these are for you!

Style Inspiration: Tuxedo blazers

August 9, 2013 by zipstyleseattle Leave a Comment

Many of my clients, especially younger ones, are unsure how to choose a blazer. Blazers can seem old, stuffy, and aging if you’re not used to wearing them. The key is to find a modern cut, like the current tuxedo blazers! They typically come in black, white, or white with black lapel, and they have slim lapels with usually 1 low-placed button. Today I’m sharing 4 tuxedo blazer looks to inspire you. Vote on your favorite below!

#1 wendyslookbook.com

#2 dujourmag.com

#3 zara.com

#4 victoriasecret.com

Wardrobe Tips: How to prepare for Fall

August 8, 2013 by zipstyleseattle Leave a Comment

Taking care of clothes and shoes can be such a bummer – not fun at all! But it really makes sense to look after your wardrobe items to make them last longer, look better, and fit better. One way I stay on top of this is to handle wardrobe maintenance on items that I’m not wearing regularly. For example, I like to take care of Fall/Winter items in the Summer!

What do I mean? Well, here are 2 ways I prepare for the Fall/Winter:

Boot treatment – If you’re buying quality leather boots, you can make them last many years but you have to look after them. Over time, boots get dirty, need leather treatment, and have heel damage. I like to take my boots to the shoe repair shop during the Summer for an overhaul. When Fall comes around, I’m ready with what feels like brand new boots!
Jacket/coat/sweater dry cleaning – Jackets and coats can get smelly, and wool can fuzz up, but during the Fall/Winter I need those jackets and sweaters on a regular basis to keep me warm. The Summer is a great time to take those in!

What about you? Do you plan for the Fall in terms of taking care of your wardrobe items?