Hips Don't Lie

A model on the runway at Charlotte Ronson's spring 2013 show in The Stage at Lincoln Center. Photo source:Fairchild Photo Services

Type-casting is a dangerous thing.  Take Ben Affleck;  when he first came on the scene, he was Hollywood's golden boy.  The kid had talent (decent acting abilities and an Academy Award for co-writing Good Will Hunting), loads of charm, and the tall/dark/handsome looks to match.  Pretty soon, Hollywood had him spray-tanned, teeth-whitened and bootcamp buffed straight into Leading Man status. Armaggedon, Pearl Harbor and even a Gwyneth Paltrow score followed and Ben was raking in the box-office dough. Then, Gigli happened. Suddenly, Ben had gone from promising young thespian to sell-out. He started dating J.Lo (or was it Jenny from the Block?) and a string of forgettable Jersey-Girl-esque films followed. It took the poor guy nearly 10 years to do damage control, during which time he married the lovely Jennifer Garner and had 3 perfect little kids. Wah. Wah. Wahhh. Seemed like this acting thing wasn't going to work out. Then, out of nowhere, dude co-produced, directed and acted his way back to Oscar gold with Argo. Boo-yah! In true full circle fashion, Ben Affleck is Hollywood's golden boy once again. We so did not see that one coming.

The peplum, as it turns out, is kind of like the Ben Affleck of fashion (it's a stretch, I know)...

For the rest of this story, and cute outfit inspo (ie.how to wear peplums for work, weekend, and a night out) read here  

PLAY: I.N.C International Concepts Striped Peplum, $79, The Bay; Lauren Leather Jacket, $388, Roots; B&W Bracelets, $15, ALDO Accessories; Super Skinny Zip Pants, $60, Gap; Leather Booties, $120, ALDO; NARS Lipstick in 'Schiap', $30, Sephora; Faux Leather Clutch, $20, Smart Set; Cat-Eye Shades, $12, ALDO

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Let's Dance

Image courtesy Vogue

Originally posted in The CLOSET

No matter how routiney or predictable we become, there's something about the end of the year that inspires us to believe; We believe we can get out of that massive rut, that we can tranform into that person we've always wanted to become, that we can change for the better. After a week-long binge-fest, I've already made some mental resolutions that I hope to keep, though I know that every year, sometime around January 13th, I'll likely slip back into at least a few old habits.

Regardless, a girl can always dream - and in my laid-back holiday state, as I lie here happily ensonced on my couch, watching piles of movies with my kids and trying to muster up the effort to hit the toboggan hill, I've already dreamt up some stellar New Year's Eve outfits. I figure by the time the 31st rolls around, I'll be very ready to toss aside my well-worn pajama pants and get back into my heels to kick in the brand new year. Here's to wishing and hoping and for all of us, a truly wonderful 2013.

xo sarah

 

Fête Accomplie: Part 2

Photo courtesy H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Now that November's arrived (along with a little bit of snow and Starbucks' red cups), it's all about the holidays. Before you know it, you'll be getting invites - whether it's to your office mixer, a New Year's party, or a fun little gift exchange with your besties. There are so many reasons to celebrate in the coming months and since parties generally mean dressing up (yay!), we thought you might need a little inspiration. Here are 3 pretty looks to help get you prepped for the madness. Though dresses are always a safe bet, I love the idea of trying something new and fun, especially around the holidays, whether it's a sweater and skirt combo in chic winter white, an edgy lace blouse with rockstar accessories, or an eclectic mix of printed pants with an easy chambray shirt. The best part? You'll be able to add these pieces into your wardrobe all year 'round. Then, all you have to do is brush up on your Gangnam Style moves so you can properly hit the dance floor. Seriously.

For more pretty party looks, check out Fête Accomplie: Part 1

1. Pattern-Knit Jumper, $39.95, H&M; 2. Studded Collar Blouse, $34.95, H&M; 3. Fuzzy Mini Skirt, $39.95, H&M; 4. ALDO RISE Floral Lace-Up Platform Booties, $195, ALDO; 5. Pastel Friendship Bracelets, $12, ALDO Accessories; 6. Snow Angel Color Palette & Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara, $51, Sephora

 

Dolce & Gabbana Fall '12 - photo style.com

1. Satin Pleated Clutch, $39.95, Le Château; 2. Ultimate Miracle Skirt, $35.50, Ricki's; 3. Skull Motif Ring, $9.95, H&M; 4. Mesh Boots, $59.95, H&M; 5. Mirror Lace Print Blouse, $32.90, Dynamite

A Holiday '12 look from 3.1 Phillip Lim 

1. Floral Slim-Fit Trousers, $39.95, H&M; 2. David Dixon for Town Shoes Clutch, $69.95, Town Shoes; 3. Jersey Jacket, $59.95, H&M; 4. Denim Shirt, $29.95, H&M; 5. Glitter Nail Polish (set of 3), $10, Call It Spring; 6. Patent-Toe Pump, $67.49, ALDO

Mustache Musts for a Manly Movember

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I know. I know. That's a whole lotta 'm's. But when it comes to 'staches, it's all about the cheesy, the in-your-face (make that, on-your-face), cliché.  Or is it? Since the Movember movement (created to raise funds and awareness for male mental health and prostate cancer) has become a rite of passage for any philanthropically-inclined male, mustaches have evolved from a little bit creepy to, dare I say it, a tad sexy?  While a few years ago, I would have said that the only man who has ever (ever) looked good in a 'stache was Tom Selleck, I now see mustached men and actually kind of get the appeal.  I mean, everyone loves a guy with heart, especially when they're willing to let hair invade their upper lip for a full month in the name of charity.

And what about the women who support their hairy men - or 'Mo Sistas' as they've come to be known?  While men get to go incognito behind a full-blown fu Manchu, the women in their lives aren't quite so lucky.  You've heard of the man cold, right?  Try the man mo'. "It itches", "I keep getting food stuck in it," and the completely unrelated "I need a massaaage" is really just the beginning.  Then try kissing that. Ouch.

Here are some of the cutest mustache must-have's for this month.  Happy, hairy Movember! x

Oh, and if you live in the London area, be sure to tune into BOB FM tomorrow around 7:30 a.m.  I'll be talking men's fashion with 3 stylish looks to help guys avoid the pervy pitfalls of the 'stache. (really)

Mustache Ring, $7.90, Garage

Mustache Straw Set, Claire's

Mustache Magnet Set, $9.75, Claire's

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Blu-Ray, $17.99, Sunrise Records

Striped Mustache Beanie, $18.75, Claire's

Join the Boathouse team, grow a sweet 'stache, and help raise funds for Movember - join Boathouse here

Hello Kitty Mustache Necklace, $13, Claire's

Von Zipper Mustache Chart Tee, $9.99, West 49

Sunstache Frames with Soul Patch, $13, Claire's 

Fête Accomplie: Part 1

Beyonce in the November 2011 issue of Harper's Bazaar

Originally posted in The CLOSET

So, I realize that you probably haven't even bought your Hallowe'en candy yet. And I know that the holiday season is probably not the first thing on your mind.  But, you have to admit, the scattered mentions of parties, presents and the chubby guy in red mean that Christmas, Kwanzaa and other merry festivities are really not that far away.  And since several friends have mentioned that their offices have already booked their holiday fêtes (crazy, I know), it means that now is a fabulous time to start pre-planning your party wardrobe.  

This season, step away from your basic little black dress and instead, think outside of the perfectly wrapped box.  White Oaks Mall is full of pretty finds sure to set you apart from the crowd at your next office party, cocktail toast, or full-out holiday bender.   Here, we share 3 chic, party-ready looks (PS - Be sure to check back next week for 3 more)

I know it's early but I'm already excited.  You? xo

Photos courtesy 3.1 Phillip Lim

1. Short-Sleeved Dress, $39.95, H&M; 2. Statement Necklace, $17.95, H&M; 3. Icon Sunglasses, $16,American Eagle Outfitters; 4. Striped Top, $19.95, H&M; 5. Laser-Cut Clutch, $40, ALDO Accessories; 6. Red Suede Pump, $69.98, ALDO

1. Pinstripe Trousers, $69.50, Gap; 2. Statement Choker, $24.95, H&M; 3. Leather Bomber, $349, Danier; 4. Stretch Cami, 2 for $26, Smart Set; 5. Mimi Bow Belt, $59.50, Club Monaco; 6. Schutz Eunice T-Straps, Club Monaco; 7. Gemstone Flapover Clutch, $69.95, Le Château

1. Red Carpet Collection Clutch, $89.95, Town Shoes; 2. Red Peplum Dress, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Erickson Beamon Earrings, $149.50, Club Monaco; 4. Calvin Klein for Town Shoes Strappy Heels, $170, Town Shoes; 5. Sephora by O.P.I Trend Tips Real Lacquer Strips, $14, Sephora