Real Life Style Fall Events and Lani's Fave Emmy Dress

Real Life Style has some fun fall shopping events coming up! Join us on September 17th at the Theory store at Leesburg Outlets in Leesburg, VA and again on October 18th at Neiman Marcus Friendship Heights. Keep reading for more details and scroll down for Lani's favorite dress from this week's Emmy Awards.

Theory Leesburg Outlets - September 17th

Fall Shopping Preview with Theory Leesburg

Wednesday, September 17th, 2014 - 12:00 PM

Theory Outlet @ Leesburg

241 Fort Evans Rd NE

Leesburg, VA 20176

Enjoy an afternoon of fall shopping at Theory Leesburg with Lani! Meet Personal Stylist Lani Inlander of Real Life Style as she shows you her favorite Theory classics and new releases. Lani will be giving personal style makeovers and advice about how to dress for the upcoming season.

Theory will also be offering a 20% off discounts to guests who present an invitation at checkout. Real Life Style will be sending out the official invite to all blog subscribers next week. Not a subscriber? Join now!

Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie: Get Fit and Feel Fabulous - October 18th

Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie presents: Get Fit and Feel Fabulous!

Saturday, October 18th, 2014 - 12:00 PM

Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie

5300 Wisconsin Ave NW

Washington, DC 20015

Join Lani Inlander of Real Life Style as she reviews her favorite fall trends. After her presentation, there will be complimentary bra fittings by Neiman Marcus' Lingerie Extraordinaire and Lani's favorite bra fitter, Cynthia Hanson. Enjoy refreshments and mingle as you peruse Lani's picks from the Neiman Marcus fall collection.

Lani's Favorite Emmy Dress

Lately I have found awards' show dresses a big yawn of red, black and white. However, I perked up big time when I saw Anna Camp's ethereal confection from designer Lorena Sarbu. I didn't actually watch the Emmys because who has time to watch TV, but I enjoyed the recap of the best dresses on Vogue.com!

Hope to see you at one of our fall shopping events! Shoot us an email if you have any questions or want to schedule your own event at home or at a retail store. 

The Shirt That Takes Off Ten Pounds

Am I the only one out there trying to hide my post-baby belly? I didn't think so. I mean seriously, who has time to go to Pilates when you have two kids and work full-time? I'll just have to be like my clients and get a rockin' bod when I'm in my forties! In the meantime, I'm here to share my fave new "hide the belly fashionably" trick: the layered top. I have had one (see below) in my closet for two years but it has never quite worked as my body changed constantly with pregnancies and breastfeeding. I pulled it out again about a month ago and EUREKA!, suddenly it covered all sins. The good news is, the one-off shirt I picked up for myself a few years ago is now a trend so you can have one too. Happy shopping!

The Inspiration

Buy One of These Options Now

Theory Hoda L Top in Easeful, $555

Hinge Chiffon Hem Layered Top, $39.90

Topshop Layered High/Low Long Sleeve Blouse, $47.90

AQUA Tank - Sleeveless Double Layer, $78

Blaque Label Layered Blouse, $86

Scoop NYC Chalk Sleeveless Layer Blouse, $135

Tibi Double Layer Gauze Tank, $137.50

A.L.C. Luella Layered Linen Tank, $145

Theory Sheltered Sleeveless Cotton Top, $215

10 Crosby Derek Lam Layered Tank, $275

Theory Hodal Tweed Print Silk Top, $295

Stella McCartney Ivory & Black Layered Top, $740

Proenza Schouler Crinkled Layered Shell, $950

Three Outfits to Buy Now- On Sale!

Do you know about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Once a year, to motivate us all to get a head start on our fall shopping, Nordstrom holds a crazy amazing sale on new fall merchandise. This year the sale is until August 4th. RLS has gathered a few shopping ideas for you in case the options are too overwhelming. Happy Shopping!

Ok, full disclosure. We selected this Theory suit in the awesome Dark Merlot color, then realized that only the black and charcoal suiting were part of the sale. We think you should start saving to buy the Dark Merlot suit for your Fall wardrobe anyway! Need well-fitting, modern pieces for your work wardrobe? Theory, check. Need a perfect work pump? Cole Haan, check. With top notes of blueberry and mandarin, and base notes of licorice blackwood and sandalwood, I am dying to try ME, the new fragrance from Lanvin. 

1. Theory Gabe B. 2 Jacket in Black and Charcoal, $263.90 (from $395)

2. Theory Emery 2 Trousers in Black and Charcoal, $183.90 (from $275)

3. M.A.C Look in a Box- All About Beige Kit, $49.50 ($101 value)

4. See by Chloe Harriet Hobo, $290.90 (from $435)

5. Nordstrom Stone Stud Earrings, $19.90 (from $32)

6. Lanvin ME Eau de Parfum Duo, $102 (from $159)

7. Cole Haan Bethany Patent Leather Pumps, $165.90 (from $248)

Nothing says cool and casual like this butter soft leather jacket from Marc New York. Haven't tried the slip-on sneaker trend yet? This is a great opportunity. Love these Vince suede slip-on sneakers. A lucite necklace from Alexis Bittar is an unexpected twist on the statement necklace. Have you heard about the renaissance at Coach? Read more here. I'm loving the fresh line by new designer Stuart Vevers.

1. Marc New York Front Zip Leather Jacket, $265.90 (from $398)

2. Citizens of Humanity Avedon Ultra Skinny Jeans, $119.90 (from $178)

3. Alexis Bittar Lucite Lace Bib Necklace, $263.90 (from $395)

4. COACH Grommet Leather Duffle Bag, $265.90 (from $398)

5. kate spade new york le pavillion iPhone case, $25.90 (from $40)

6. Julep Nail Color & Treatment Trio, $25 (from $46)

7. Vince Bowen Suede Slip-On Sneaker, $149.90 (from $225)

Fur! Glorious fur! LOVE this fur collar from Pologeorgis. Buy one and wear it with everything, as seen in this blog post from a winter past. This quilted Burberry coat (more merlot!) is an investment worth making for the future health of your fall wardrobe. Looking for a comfy, tall boot in which you can pound the pavement while looking totally chic? Ugg has you covered with their Dree Suede Harness Boot.

1. Pologeorgis Genuine Dyed Lamb Fur Collar, $219 (from $365)

2. Burberry Brit Starkford Belted Quilted Jacket, $459.90 (from $695)

3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, $38 ($52.50 Value)

4. Karen Kane Faux Suede Leggings, $65.90 (from $99)

5. Loeffler Randall Work Tote, $398.90 (from $625)

6. UGG Dree Suede Harness Boot, $199.90 (from $274.95)

Happy Shopping and don't forget to let me know what you've bought! Take a picture and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #RLSNordstromSale. You can find us at @LaniInlander. 

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!

The Perfect LBD For Your Holiday Parties

Looking for the perfect Little Black Dress for all the holiday parties and events coming up? You should be. The perfect LBD for you is one that fits and flatters your body type, showcases your unique style, and can be dressed up or down with accessories. Classic to avant-garde, Real Life Style has chosen the best of what's out there for your picking. Post here on our Facebook page and let us know which is your favorite! 

Wondering how to accessorize your LBD for your different holiday events? Stay tuned for next week's blog and get all the details!

The v-neck and cap sleeve of this dress are flattering for those with a larger bust and great arms.

Helmut Lang Cocoon Stretch-Cotton Dress, $210

Love the avant-garde look and assymetrical of this All Saints dress.

All Saints Zoe Dress, $225

Create curves with this strategically seamed dress from Maje, a french import.

Maje Darling Paneled Stretch-Jersey Dress, $375

Dressier holiday parties coming up? Go with satin.

Halston Heritage Pleated Satin Dress, $395

More body-flattering ponte knit, long sleeves that cover and strategic seaming. Love it!

Tibi Jacquard-Paneled Stretch-Ponte Dress, $395

Project Gravitas's ponte knit dresses have built in shapewear. Awesome! The sleeves are also great for those who want more coverage or get cold easily.

Project Gravitas Katharine Dress, $275

This Theory dress is for those looking for comfort in their LBD.

Theory Chloh Textured Stretch-Knit Dress, $415

More travel-friendly ponte knit! This dress from Talbots is made modern with faux-leather sleeves and trim., not to mention a great price!

Talbots Faux-Leather Short Sleeve Dress, $159

Tall and you like your high heels? This longer dress from Vivienne Westwood is for you.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Alto Draped Voile Dress, $605

Looking for a truly avant-garde dress that just skims the body? Go for this one from Theyskens' Theory.

Theyskens' Theory Fabby Wrap-Effect Crepe Dress, $425

Want to go really long? Embrace the drama and go for this dolled up maxi dress.

Alice + Olivia Joi Leather-Trimmed Wool Maxi Dress, $440

Love the way jersey hugs your body? Looking for arm coverage and a sexy slit? Here you go!

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Sihu Draped Jersey Dress, $505

The Perfect Outfit

What is The Perfect Outfit you ask? It is flattering, appropriate for multiple occasions and makes you feel LIKE A MILLION BUCKS. A few weeks ago a long-time client showed up to lunch in the above outfit and it rocked my world. Why? She had created it herself using tools she learned from yours truly. Keep reading for the details...

Elizabeth and James Heather Crepe Blazer, $259.87

Where did she find this awesome blazer, with a waist-creating shape and a color made for the camera? On this blog of course! It arrived in her inbox just as panic about a TV appearance was beginning to set in. She had it overnighted and wore it on the Today Show a few days later.

Armani Collezioni Jersey Tank, $285

How much is the perfect under-top worth? In this case, $285. Although initially floored at spending this much on a tank top to go UNDER a jacket, she realized that after 4 hours of searching, time saved shopping plus umpteen wears would make this a value piece after all.

Theory Matten Stretch Viscose Pant, $265

Who makes the perfect pant for you, baby? Theory, every time. This is a lesson none of my clients ever forget.

Cole Haan Air Lainey Patent Peep-Toe Pump, $148

I recommended this perfect pump to the client (and many more since!) 8 years ago. She has now bought multiple pairs and it still goes from work to dinner to cocktail without missing a step.

Everlane Tote, $35

Ok, so this is not the exact black tote the client was carrying, but I just had to add it. RosaLovesDC featured it on her blog a few weeks ago in a great denim color and I must agree with her, it is the perfect tote. 

Happy shopping!