StyleBakery.com | Ask The Style Chefs

Michelle Williams' sundress and denim jacket look for less

June 16, 2011

Q. I just saw this picture of Michelle Williams wearing a white sundress and denim jacket. I love the entire look! Can you help me recreate it? My budget is limited, so please make it affordable.

A. Is there anything Michelle Williams doesn’t wear well? She is most definitely at the top of our list of best dressed celebs, she even manages to look great off the red carpet. This breezy look is the perfect casual summer look, right down to her ethnic woven bag. We put together a great replica using items that are each under $85. Enjoy!

Lc lauren conrad wayfarer sunglasses $30 - Kohl’s

Women’s Aztec-Print Bucket Bags $19 - Old Navy

Wood be Wonderful Heel $84 - ModCloth

Denim Western Style Jacket $85 - Topshop

Women’s Tie-Shoulder Tiered Sundresses $34 - Old Navy

image: people.com

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What to wear to a beach party?

June 13, 2011

Q. My husband and I are hosting a beach party for his work district at our home. Could you give me some ideas on outfits that would be appropriate and stylish for this event? I want to look pulled together, but casual, and comfortable. Maybe a casual dress and lower wedges?

A. You are most definitely on the right track! I would suggest a printed tunic, caftan or maxi dress and espadrilles or flat sandals. To me, a fun, tropical print conveys a festive, beachy theme, ideal for the host to wear. Some fun, summery jewelry and a pretty hat will complete the look. Here are some ideas for inspiration:

MARC by Marc Jacobs Starfish Ring $88 - CUSP

Kendra Scott Statement Pendant Necklace $88 - Nordstrom

Sola Espadrille $195 - All Saints

Miss KG Kaluha Jewelled Flat Sandal $94 - Asos

Cara Beaded Bangles, Set of 22 $48 - Bloomingdale’s

Floppy Bergere Hat $44 - American Apparel

Donna Morgan Strapless Jersey Maxi Dress $138 - Nordstrom

Lilly Pulitzer “Shauna” Floral-Print Cotton Sateen Tunic Dress $198 - Bloomingdale’s

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What to Wear

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In search of a stylish wallet

June 9, 2011

Q. I’m so bored with my plain black wallet. For something that I use literally every day, I want to invest in something more stylish that will make me smile every time I take it out of my handbag. Can you recommend some stylish wallets?

A. So true! For something that we use every day, surprisingly little thought goes into choosing a wallet. Of course, it must be functional and have all the right slots inside to hold all of our cards, but it should be stylish, too! We hunted down some of the best wallets around, and since it’s Cheap Chic Week at StyleBakery, many are under $100 — but I couldn’t resist sneaking in some splurges, too.

More Lodis…

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bag,
wallet

What to wear for my first day at a casual office?

June 7, 2011

Q. I’m a recent grad, about to start a job at a company with an “office casual” dress code. I have spent the past two years interning at companies with a strict business attire dress policy, so I am having trouble figuring out what to wear on my first day. I know that the office I’ll be working at is casual enough for jeans, but I’d love to look as professional as possible without going overboard. Any tips for a first-day outfit? I’d love your help!

A.Congratulations on your new job! And lucky you for landing one with an office casual dress code. The important thing to note when dressing casually at the office is that you still want to look neat and professional. If jeans are allowed, don’t wear them with a t-shirt and flip flops! Instead, opt for “nice” jeans with a ballet flat or chic shoe and a feminine top or even a little jacket or cardigan. Even if some of your colleagues are dressed a little sloppy, you will be taken more seriously if you project a neat, stylish, professional appearance.

For the first day, it is best to dress a little nicer, perhaps a shirtdress or wrap dress and heels. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to see how the rest of the office dresses and you can adjust your look from there. Here are two looks for inspiration to wear on your first day. Good luck!

Snappy Satchel $98 - Jessica Simpson Collection

Jessica Simpson - Fantastic Flap $88 - Zappos

JONES NEW YORK Lagoon Patent Pump - Nude $59 - DSW

Ruffled tie-front cardigan $79 - Banana Republic

Martin fit textured neutral cuffed crop $79 - Banana Republic

Ellen Tracy Janson Wedge Sandal - Black $69 - DSW

Calvin Klein Zip Trim Stretch Denim Shirtdress $98 - Nordstrom

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What to wear with wide leg pants

June 2, 2011

Q. I recently purchased a couple pairs of summer wide legs pants from Anthropologie (Worker Bee Trousers and Chambray Carpenter Pants) both in an ivory or beige. I’m having trouble finding the right tops that will complement them. So many of the tops have a lot of volume and length and I feel I need something a little more fitted on top for my 5’2 inch frame and wider leg pants. I am hoping to pair something with more visual interest than just a plain t-shirt. Can you give me some ideas? I love your site!

A. You’re instincts are spot on, you want to look for a fitted top to offset the volume of your pants. Try tucking in a pretty blouse or opting for one of this season’s new crop tops. A pair of wedge or chunky sandals will also help to flatter your petite frame. Here are a some ideas for inspiration:

Report Ledger Wedge Sandal - Silver $69 - DSW

MICHAEL Michael Kors Ines Platform $150 - Neiman Marcus

Splendid Rugby Stripe V-Neck Tee $61 - Piperlime

Petite Lemon Mesh Applique Peter Pan Crop Blouse $75 - Topshop

Orange Short Sleeve Peter Pan Collar Shirt $70 - Topshop

Cream Crochet Top By Boutique** $150 - Topshop

Blue Varigated Deckchair Stripe Tank Top $36 - Topshop

Vince 3/4 Sleeve Shirt $98 - Piperlime

Tall Red Vertical Stripe Shirt $45 - Topshop

Joie Polly Silk Border Floral Top $188 - Piperlime

Chambray Carpenter Pants $88 - Anthropologie