Knife Pleats: How to Get the Runway Look

Knife pleats were ALL OVER the Spring 2014 runways in many refreshing versions. Whether you are shopping the runway look or a more affordable version, I can almost guarantee you'll fall in love with one of our pleated skirts! Which one is your favorite? Post it on the Real Life Style Facebook page! 

The Pleated Shirtdress

Christopher Kane Resort 2013

J.Crew Collection Pleated Shirtdress, $198

 The Floral Mini

Nina Ricci Spring 2014

Madewell Floral Pleated Skirt, $70

Edgy in Leather

Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2014 

Exclusive for Intermix Pleated Leather Mini Skirt, $398

Shiny Metallic

Dries Van Noten Spring 2014

Glamorous Metallic Pleat Skirt, $30.11

Rose Gold

Proenza Schouler Spring 2014

Etienne Aigner Crystal Pleated Skirt, $275

The Princess Skirt

Rochas Spring 2014

Garnet Hill Modern Party Skirt, $98

Bold Colorblocking

Jasmin Shokrian Spring 2014

JC Penney Worthington Pleated Colorblock Skirt, $10

Flowy Crepe

Alice + Olivia Resort 2014

J.Crew Sunburst Skirt, $118

Love what you see? If you'd like to purchase any of my featured items, simply click on your favorite picture. This will link you directly to my Pinterest page, where you can click on the picture again to reach the store's website. Happy shopping!

A Perfect Spring Outfit

I'm usually initially inspired by the expensive, i.e. investment version of a fashion trend. Not this week. No, this week's blog was inspired by the $14.95 pleated H&M skirt in the Cheap Chic version below. I thought it was so beautiful and reminiscent of all that is fresh and new for spring 2014, that I decided to create an entire outfit around this particular skirt. However, I knew some of you would rather invest in a skirt of better quality so I am giving you the investment version also. Enjoy and happy spring shopping!

Cheap Chic Version

Kasper Sleeveless Suiting Shell, $39

H&M Pleated Skirt, $14.95

Loft Open Tuxedo Jacket, $98

London Rebel Mule Sling Back Heeled Sandal, $60.22

Baublebar Primary Aztec Drops, $38

The Investment Version

Theory Emlay B. Crop Woven Shell, $225

Red Valentino Stretch Cotton Pleated Skirt, $345

Equipment Anais Blazer, $468

Vince Addir Bootie, $395

Erickson Beamon Girls on Film Gold-Tone Crystal Earrings, $535

Love what you see? If you'd like to purchase any of my featured items, simply click on your favorite picture. This will link you directly to my Pinterest page, where you can click on the picture again to reach the store's website. Happy shopping!

My Favorite Outfit Right Now

I put this outfit together for a client yesterday. It occurred to me afterward what a great outfit it would make for everyone else, including me!  A denim shirt is not only on trend right now, it is also a classic we should all have in our closets. The structure of the shirt covers a multitude of sins while being super comfy and machine-washable.

I've been obsessed with leather leggings the last few years. However, with my size going up and down constantly while having children, I did not think it was the time to make the investment. And have you noticed that most faux leather doesn't breathe so you get really sweaty? Yuck! These "leatherette" leggings from Hue have a breathable lining and feel like comfy exercise leggings on the body. A motorcycle boot adds edge to the look and a swing to your step. Inexpensive diamond earrings that you can wear everyday and a spring scarf finish off the look. The gold clutch adds an evening touch but your everyday bag will be great with it too.

I already have the rest of the outfit. Like I said, basics we should all own. I'm going to go buy myself these leggings now! Have I mentioned they are only $44.00? Happy shopping!

Madewell Perfect Chambray Ex-Boyfriend Shirt, $69.50

Frye Harness 6" Boot, $258

Hue Leatherette Leggings, $44

Alice and Olivia Crinkled Gauze Raw Edge Scarf, $125

PURYST Rough Raw Diamond Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold, $108

Marc by Marc Jacobs Raveheart Metallic Clutch Bag, $166

Who Wore It Best? The 2014 Oscars

Here is the lowdown (according to Real Life Style) on the best of the best dressed at the 2014 Oscars. In case you hadn't noticed, we never talk about who didn't look good! What stood out to me this year was that the actresses seemed so comfortable in their looks, not like they were just borrowing them for the night. Way to go hollywood stylists! For more on that story, see the March issue of Vanity Fair.

So I'm not normally into the punk, messy thing at the Oscars, but...Ireland Baldwin looks saucy and sexy in this number from Burberry. Jennifer Lawrence could not have been more opposite in her stark Dior, but somehow manages to look just as saucy and sexy...This is why she is the hottest actress in Hollywood right now. 

Red Hot

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture

Ireland Baldwin in Burberry

My prediction that the Best Actress winner would be wearing white did not come true but Kate Hudson looks AWESOME in her all-white ensemble from Atelier Versace.

White

Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace

Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein Collection

Lupita Nyong'o has been on everyone's best dressed list for awhile. It was great to see her win for Best Supporting Actress in such an incredible dress. Kerry Washington ties her though because who has ever looked that chic that pregnant at the Oscars? Not even Catherine Zeta-Jones!

Icy Shades

Lupita Nyong'o in Prada

Kerry Washington in Jason Wu

Holy nude! Cate Blanchett won Best Actress and Best Dressed in my book! 

Maximal Embellishment

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive

Maria Menounos in Johanna Johnson

Sandra Bullock was the only one to nail the pleat trend perfectly. I don't always understand her choices so I was glad that she hit the mark so well this year. Simple yet stunning. 

Pretty in Pleats

 Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen

The men really went all out this year! I personally LOVED Jared Leto's Saint Laurent Paris look with the red bow tie. It was just so HIM. I'm not usually one for gimmicks, but Pharell's shorts worked for me! I'm on the fence regarding Matthew McConaughey's white jacket. However, I think Will Smith's ascot was awesome. Way to show your personal style, gentlemen!

The Men

     

     

Pharrell in Lanvin and Helen Lasichanh

Jared Leto in Saint Laurent

Matthew McConaughey in Dolce & Gabbana and Camila Alves in Gabriela Cadena

Will Smith in Berluti and Jada Pinkett Smith in Versace

Who do you think wore it best?