Monthly Archives: August 2012

Haute Off The Rack at DIG

MAGAZINE: ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION: HAUTE OFF THE RACK

DIG GETS A NEW FASHION EDITOR

by: Jennifer Palpallatoc

Good Morning readers, I decided to feature my first published article that I wrote for Dig Baton Rouge magazine on my blog for all those of you who asked me for a copy!   If you don’t live in the Baton Rouge area, but still wish to read my articles, you can always go to www.digbatonrouge.com, click on News Mag and search my articles under Entertainment!  I hope you enjoy!

Photo by: Max Zoghbi

Alas, Dig’s quest for a new fashion editor has come to an end and we couldn’t be happier to introduce Ms. Jennifer Palpallatoc, otherwise known from here on out (at least to her editor) as the fashion queen.

Hi everyone! I’m so thrilled to take on the role as the new fashion editor of Dig! For as long as I can remember, people have always come to me seeking fashion advice. I even started a personal fashion blog called Haute Off The Rack, which eventually led me to this job. I’m fascinated by the intricacy of couture design and all its glamour, so this is my experiment: to shop personally and purposely on a budget to bring my readers the best of both worlds. I’m beyond passionate about the art of fashion and strive to help women and men feel confident in what they wear. My goal as Dig’s new fashion editor is to maximize your outfit options by presenting new looks and molding what you already own into a wardrobe that best suits your lifestyle. I also plan to feature current stories on local fashion icons, events, designers and boutiques. Please feel free to submit your pressing fashion, style, and beauty questions to me at Fashion@DigBatonRouge.com, and I’ll do my best to help you prevent embarrassing fashion faux pas!

One fashion piece I can’t live without: Confidence. No one should live without confidence. The only way to pull off fashion-forward clothing and new trends is to look like you actually feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, so owning your look is essential. Confidence is what takes an outfit from sweet and simple to a complete knock out!

My fashion icons & inspirations: I derive my inspiration from other fashion blogs like Wendy’s LookbookCupcakes and CashmereThe Blonde Salad, and Cheetah is the New Black. I also cut out pages of different looks I’d like to achieve from magazines like People Style WatchLucky, and InStyle. As far as fashion icons, the classy bombshell Blake Lively is someone who really exemplifies that looking confident is the key to looking great. I also admire Charlize Theron’s cool and laid-back façade when sporting detailed and exquisite gowns, which gives her an effortlessly glamorous look.

My personal style: My personal style always reflects my daily mood and personality. I’m vivacious, zealous, self-confident, a tad dramatic, and always eager for new and exciting things. With that being said, I usually aim for bright colors, fashion-forward items, and classic pieces that I can update with chic accessories and statement jewelry. Since I’m well organized, my outfits always look very tailored and put together. However, one may consider my style continually evolving because I thrive on new looks and trends. Any time I spot a fun new trend I find a way to incorporate it into my style and make it my own.

My best fashion advice: Never leave accessories as an afterthought. In most cases, they can make or break a look. Adding accessories to your wardrobe, like a new printed scarf or a statement necklace, is the easiest way to update your current look without breaking your wallet. With the right accessories, you can easily transition one outfit from day to night, casual to professional, and even vintage to modern. Be bold, take risks, and use accessories as a way to express your personal style. If you’re on a college budget, my advice is to never to purchase an item that costs more than your rent. Although it may seem like a good investment at the time, remember that when it comes time to ask your mom for a little financial help, you’ll have to suffer through comments like, “Oh, why don’t you drive your new purse to work?” or, “How about you fly those new leather boots to Spring Break?”

Staple items in my closet: I’m a full-time student with three jobs so I’m always on the go. I need clothes that are appropriate for the office, comfortable for class, and easy to dress up or down with the right accessories. My staple items consist of a pair of dark, denim skinny and wide leg jeans, black and neutral-colored wedges or boots, silk blouses in an assortment of vibrant colors, and a blazer. I also consider accessories as staple items. You can find a large variety of shoes and accessories in my wardrobe because I find it’s the simplest way to transition my outfit into different looks throughout the day to best suit my busy lifestyle.

Old trend I hope returns: I’m crossing my fingers that the debut of The Great Gatsby will spark a huge comeback of the glamorous 1920s flapper girl style. I think that the rich, jewel-toned, silk flapper dresses and flared skirts embellished with tassels and sequins gave the women of the ‘20s a carefree and frivolous attitude.

Current trend I dislike: I’m not a fan of the gingham print because it makes me feel like I’m wearing a picnic.

Favorite trend for the fall: Leather clothing and accessories, and toe cap pumps.

Source: www.digbatonrouge.com 8/15/12

P.S.  Get excited for an upcoming giveaway with H-Boutique!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Simple Day to Night

Photos by: Max Zoghbi

OutfitBB Dakota leather/ponte skirt (Angelique’s), Snakeskin heels (Sole Society) ,  Lace top (Loft old),   Black Handbag (Tory Burch),

Jewelry: Statement Necklace (Love), Classic Pave Link bracelet (J. Crew), Gold and Horn watch (Michael Kors old, but similar above),

Good Morning readers, yesterday you saw how I wore this outfit for the daytime.  Today’s post is going to show you how to easily transition this outfit from day to night with just a few simple steps.  For starters, I packed my Tory Burch clutch, a fun pair of snakeskin heels, my classic pave link bracelet and a bold statment necklace all in this great Michael Kors travel tote pictured below!  Then all I had to do was change out my shoes and accessories, let my hair down and reapply my lipstick!  In case you didn’t notice, I also removed my hoop earrings so they wouldn’t clash with the shiny stones from the statement necklace.  The cardigan was no longer necessary either, and if wasn’t so hot outside right now I might have brought along a boyfriend blazer for night time.

P.S. Remember when I wore this statement necklace for my Blaque Label Glamour outfit post. Click (here) to see entire post!

Daytime Leather Mini

Photos by: Max Zoghbi

Outfit: BB Dakota leather/ponte skirt (Angelique’s), Dee Keller Rhonda wedges (Thank you to Park Lane),  Lace top (Loft old),   Luggage Laptop Tote (Michael Kors),

Jewelry: Wooden Bead Necklace (Thank you to Dotted Tusk), earrings (unknown), Mint Green Studded Wrap Bracelet (Tory Burch old, but find similar in link above),  Gold and Horn watch (Michael Kors old, but similar above),

Good Morning readers,  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and here is my outfit post as promised!  As you know by now, I’m a huge fan of leather so I’m sure you could imagine my excitement when I came across this BB Dakota leather and ponte mini skirt!  I searched everywhere before finding the perfect one to add to my collection of staple items for the Fall.  Today’s post is intended to show how you to wear this skirt for the day time, and tomorrow you’ll see how to take it from day to night with just a few simple tweaks!  Also, a big thank you to Dotted Tusk for sending me this stunning necklace to feature on Haute Off The Rack!  Make sure to check out the rest of the Dotted Tusk Collection at www.dottedtusk.com!

P.S. Remember when I wore these Dee Keller wedges in my Black and Blue for Summer outfit post?  They’re in my top 5 favorites of my Dee Keller shoes!  Click (here) to see entire post!

Two of a Kind

This adorable pleated, vegan leather skirt is sure to give you a fun and flirty look!  Dress it up with a pair of heels and a glitzed-out collar top like this Rhinestone and Sequin Bib Shell from Loft!  For a more casual look, tuck in a denim shirt like this BDG top from Urban Outiffters and throw on a pair of these Vince Camuto booties pictured below!

After observing both pairs, I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between these Vince Camuto and Rag & Bone booties except for the finishes on the leather!  The Rag and Bone boots look a tad bit shinier, but for casual boots like these I usually tend to stick to a more muted finish versus shiny.   Either way, I’d go for Vince Camuto!  Not only do I trust the brand, but they’re $306 less than the Rag and Bone booties!

Remember when I wore the Sparkle and Fade Slit Maxi Skirt for The Villa Giveaway?  I love how the skirt is such a casual material, yet so dramatic with the slit all at the same time

Click (here) to see entire outfit post!

Photos by: Max Zoghbi

Good Morning readers, I hope you all have been having a nice weekend and that you got a chance to shop the Loft Family and Friends Event!  If not, you still still have until 11:59 p.m. tonight to save 40% OFF your entire purchase!  Nothing feels better than saving while shopping!  Speaking of saving, I hope your wardrobe benefits from these fabulous finds once you’ve compared the prices!

P.S. I promise to get some outfit posts up this week!  I’ve just been trying to get everything in order before school starts up again!

Enjoy the last day of your weekend!