Monthly Archives: September 2012

The Birthday Blues

Outfit: Jones Fishtail Wrap Gown (Rory Beca), Ankle wrap heels (BCBG old, but similar (here), Suede Studded Clutch (Dee Keller),

Jewelry: Gold Statement Necklace (Forever 21 old, but similar (here), Classic Pave Link Bracelet (J. Crew), Renegade Cluster Bracelet (Stella & Dot), Gold Karma Necklace (Dogeared), The Tale of Three Stones ring (Zariin), Gold watch (Michael Kors)

Good Morning readers, how about this cobalt blue Rory Beca fishtail dress!  I think I am in love!  In fact, I love it so much that it’s what I’m wearing tonight for my birthday dinner!   I’m can’t wait for all the birthday festivities to come this weekend.  Also, thanks so much to Abbey Brandon of District Dress Up for this absolutely stunning dress!

A Need for Tweed

Photos by: Casey Scheib

Outfit: Bailey 44 Leather & Tweed Dress (Love), The Olivia Loafer heel (Dee Keller),

Jewelry: Single Stone necklace (Brenchley), Classic Pave Link Bracelet (J. Crew), Two-tone watch (Michael Kors), Karma Necklace (Dogeared), David Yurman bracelet and ring

Good Morning readers, how chic is this leather and tweed combo? It’s one of my favorite looks for this fall!  I love how the tweed detail gives the leather dress a more classy and sophisticated look.  Plus, the two different textures look exceptional together. What do you think?

Initially, I styled the dress with a pair of red suede pumps, but then decided on the menswear-inspired heels for an unexpected twist.  Oh, and speaking of heels, don’t ever attempt to climb a train ladder wearing a pair like I did in the picture below.  It will result in a brutally painful accident.  Just trust me on that one!  Anyway, I’m super excited because tomorrow is my birthday so keep an eye out for my birthday outfit post!  Also, make sure to read this week’s issue of Dig magazine to read my article on New York Fashion Week and Mission: Closet Clean-out to prepare your for your fall wardrobe.  There’s even a little DIY project included

Fashion Week in a New York Minute!

Good Morning readers, I hope you all had a great start to your week yesterday.  I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things since I just returned from New York to attend the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference, Fashion Night Out in Soho, a portion of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, an Amanda Uprichard photo shoot and interview, and meetings with tons of other bloggers.  Needless to say, I had a blast and can’t wait for round two in February!  Below are a few pictures that I took with Instagram throughout the trip.  You can follow me @Jennifarrr to view more and to stay updated with Haute Off The Rack!  Don’t worry though.  I’m investing in a new camera soon so that I can better capture the images that I’d like to show you.

Left: Blake: My sweet boyfriend who survived days of meeting with other fashion bloggers, Fashion Night Out, endless cab rides, shopping and of course listening to me go on and on about fashion and blogging!

Right: Meghan Price: One of my best friends who made the trip out to the city to visit me on Fashion Night Out!  Other than the fact that it took us over an hour to find her car at the end of the night, we had a fabulous time!  You may recognize Meghan from when I featured her (here) as a Haute Off The Rack Fashion Feature.

Make sure to read my two pages in Dig magazine tomorrow for details on the Fashion Week, the IFB conference, and Amanda Uprichard photo shoot and interview.  I will also repost the article this weekend for those of you who don’t live in the area.

Left: The delicious meal we enjoyed at our hotel restaurant, Dohyo.  We stayed less than two blocks away from Times Square at Yotel for a reasonable price and experienced excellent customer service!  I highly recommend staying at Yotel!

 

To Belt or Not to Belt?

The question of whether or not to belt has been brought to my attention on a number of occasions; especially as it relates to the most figure-flattering accessory, the waist belt. I decided to address the question by showing you a few different examples of when to belt, why to belt, and what kind of belt to choose. I hope that teaching you how to master this wardrobe staple will allow you to make the most of your clothing, and ultimately to play up your shape!

 

This outfit is the perfect example of how a belt can make or break a look. I recently had the opportunity to style this high-low wool vest while collaborating with high-end designer Isabel Varela. I absolutely loved the intricate detail and the asymmetrical hem of the vest, but found that the excess material swallowed my petite 5-foot frame. Initially I panicked, and then I spotted the black stretch waist belt with gold hardware hanging in my closet. I immediately started experimenting with different belt combinations. I wanted to find the one that would flatter my figure without taking away from the original design of the vest. Finally, I realized that if I pulled the belt through the inside of the vest and right around to the front, it would still allow movement in the back for an effortlessly chic and glamorous look. Plus, it still enabled me to accentuate my waist in the front for a more classic and structured appearance. Try to think of your belt as a massive safety pin for chic disguise. When there’s a belt, there’s a way!

When belting a peplum, stick to skinny belts because using a wide belt will overwhelm it. For solid peplum tops or dresses, choose metallic and printed belts for an eye-catching look. Also, remember to refrain from belting textured peplum tops like this leather one to avoid distracting from the overall sleek and polished look.

Ladies, there is no need to own numerous blazers when you can alter the overall appearance of just one with a belt. For example, turn an oversized boyfriend blazer into a sleek, tailored piece by adding a simple skinny belt. The trick to belt success is to keep your belt as close to your natural waist as possible in order to accentuate the slimmest part of your figure.

Skater dresses can flatter almost any body type when paired with the right kind of belt. Women with large chests, short torsos, or petite frames should stick to skinny belts to elongate their waists and accentuate their curves. Women with long torsos and boyish figures, or more full, hourglass, or pear-shaped figures should go for wide belts to conceal their mid sections and create a more flattering shape. However, when wearing a statement necklace, I would stay away from belts to keep the two accessories from clashing.

Source: (www.digbatonrouge.com) 9/5/12

Good Morning readers, this is my latest article in Dig magazine on how to get maximum usage out of your belts.  In case, you didn’t see my last Dig post,  I decided that I am going to post all of my articles that I write for Dig Baton Rouge magazine on my blog every Saturday for all those of you who don’t live in the area, but still wish to read my pages!   Also, you can always go to www.digbatonrouge.com, click on News Mag and search my articles under Entertainment!  I hope you enjoy and Happy Tailgating! Geaux Tigers!

P.S. Click the image below for details on how to win this versatile and vibrant hot pink dress. This giveaway item is sponsored by H-Boutique, an online shop that thrives on fashion and philanthropy. For every item you purchase from H-Boutique, they will donate one item to someone in need. BUY ONE. GIVE ONE. “It only takes one person to make a difference.” – H-Boutique