GET THE LOOK: WHITE OUT

Summer is the most difficult time of year to get dressed. It's hot, it's humid, and comfort is top priority. Let's be honest, Scott Schuman would not want to photograph us in our tank top and flip flops ensemble. So how do we make ourselves presentable? Cristina from Fuji Files here with your sartorial survival guide to hot summer days.

White is the coolest of colors for summer, literally! The color white reflects sunlight and heat more than any other color, making it your best option for keeping cool. But if the thought of an entirely white outfit is slightly terrifying (it certainly is for me!) then mix in some creams and nudes.

The key to this look is keeping it light and airy, not too structured. A loose collared shirt is an easy breezy choice for summer, pair it with textured shorts or skirt in a neutral shade and you've got instant style. Add a few accessories such as cute sandals and a tote, and you're done! An easy summer ensemble that is both cool and stylish.

*resources: shirt Topshop, shorts Anna Sui, shoes Swedish Hasbeens, necklace Kenneth Jay Lane, tote Fleabags, sunglass case Kenton Sorenson, sunglasses Ray-Ban



*images via thesartorialist, stockholmstreetstyle, vanessajackman, netaporter, swedishhasbeens, needsupply   

BIANCA BRANDOLINI: SIMPLE TO SASSY

I'll be honest - for the most part my wardrobe consists of easy to mix black and white pieces that take me just about anywhere, any time of day. Bianca Brandolini is a perfect example of my typical look these days...

A sheer, breezy blouse paired with skinny denim in pieces that have enough detail to keep things interesting. However, when I saw her rocking this combination of patterns, I had to take note of how perfect the pairing was...

Still neutral enough to be 'safe' but so unexpected that it's utterly cool, this is a style I'll be going for as we head into fall. Normally layered prints are reserved for that boho look we've all become familiar with, but this season it's all about using them in preppy or classic silhouettes, and I have to say I'm a huge fan. Done and done.


*images via elle.com

GET THE LOOK: CALL OF THE WILD

Hello ladies! It's Cristina from Fuji Files here to show you how to get the 'fashionista who stole her little brother's tee shirt and still looks fabulous' look. Sound impossible? Observe how these lovely ladies pulled it off.

Sharks, panthers, and rottweilers... how on earth do these girls turn these boyhood favorites into fashion finds? Simply add a mini-skirt and fashion-forward accessories into the equation! Warning, wear this shirt with anything other than a mini-skirt (ie jeans) and you run the risk of actually looking like a boy. So be sure to keep the rest of the look edgy and feminine!

*resources: shirt, bag Topshop, skirt Elizabeth & James, shoes Asos, necklace Eddie Borgo, sunglasses Ray-Ban

*images via harpersbazaar, columbine, topshop, netaporter, asos

GET THE LOOK: ORANGE PANTS

Most of us have long avoided the color orange because of the all too common jack-o-lantern effect: orange + black = Halloween. And, when attempting an orange ensemble it seems that suddenly everything else in my closet is black! Cristina from Fuji Files here to show you how to get the look without the scary side effects.

Girls everywhere are dawning big doses of color in everything from skinny to wide leg and cropped trousers. These pants are also the perfect way to try your hand at the color block trend, so pick a top in a solid color and steer clear of patterns and prints. 

Start with orange trousers in an easy, flattering fit like these linen pants by J.Crew. Pair them with a simple white tee and then play with the accessories! To avoid looking like a pumpkin, skip the black and accessorize with blues instead. Blue is the the best alternative to black and is a perfect match with orange (complimentary colors on the color wheel!).

*Resources: sunglasses Ray-Ban, earrings Missoni, pants J.Crew, shirt T by Alexander Wang, cuff Pamela Love, iPad case Michael Kors, shoes YSL

*images via fashionsquad, theintersection, blondesalad, streetpeeper, vogue, afterdrk, netaporter

GET THE LOOK: GINGHAM GIRLS

Hello ladies! Today we'll be borrowing a look from the boys: the classic gingham button-down shirt. Cristina from Fuji Files here to show you how to mix some menswear into your feminine summer ensembles.

Gingham has been spotted peeking out from the collars of the smartest street stylers - here are their techniques for styling the picnic blanket print.

Mixmaster Kelly Framel topped her tough look off with glittery gold stilettos! Take a page from her book and include feminine textures like lace and gold in your menswear-inspired outfit. Blogger Blair Eadie and model Freja Beha Erichsen both layered their gingham shirts to perfection with the model-off-duty staple: a t-shirt. The foundation is simple enough, layer your favorite tee with a gingham shirt (buttoned all the way up for extra style points) then add feminine textures and colors like lace and coral!

*Resources: Gingham shirt J.Crew, tee Kain, glasses Selima Optique, skirt Bird by Juicy Couture, bag Proenza Schouler, shoes Alexander Wang, starfish cuff Bimba y Lola, nailpolish Braziliant by Essie

*images via Vanessa Jackman, Atlantic-Pacific, Mr Newton, Netaporter

GET THE LOOK: OLSEN INSPIRED SUITS + STRIPES

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen possess the type of personal style that is unique, innate, and always one step ahead of the trend. For the most part their day to day looks are an elusive mix of rare vintage finds and luxury items - in other words, totally and utterly unattainable!

Cristina from Fuji Files here to help recreate this simple suit and stripes look by shopping your very own wardrobe.

We're in luck this time ladies because MKA have broken it down for us and shown us how to wear the look in three different ways!


*shirt, shorts, & sandals Topshop, blazer Dion Lee, bracelet Tom Binns, clutch Reed Krakoff, sunglasses YSL

If a coral suit is too bold opt for a light neutral this summer, and if you don't own a light suit just recycle your basic black! Many of us already own a blazer, stripes, and sandals making it extra easy to recreate this look for free. Roll up your jacket sleeves to keep the look casual (the girls even rolled up their pant legs), and add heels to take this look from day tonight!


*images via olsensobsessive, netaporter, topshop

MINOUX: A LITTLE CIRCLE OF STYLE

Today was one of those days... woke up and dashed off to the DMV to replace my license (lost last weekend when it flew off the boat and into the lake!), ran home to meet up with my sister so I could speed her to the airport, back home for a quick lunch, then off to an eye appointment (horrible vision is a great excuse for new glasses!). And somewhere in there, I managed to style up this gorgeous little necklace...

Just one of the very chic pieces at Minoux, sent to a circle of bloggers this week for us to all style up differently! I love seeing how everyone is doing it up differently. I thought I'd style something I could plan to wear in Austin this weekend, and this ensemble will definitely be packed!

Each blogger chose from a similar style that comes in different sizes and metals. The large pyramid caught my eye with its mix of gold and silver - the perfect size to be noticed, but small enough to still feel delicate. Plus... well, she hangs just right if you ask me. Sometimes a simple necklace is all you need for a little sex appeal (nuff said?).

To check out how all the other gals are doing it... click on through!

Monday - my style pill and honey kennedy
Tuesday - i am a greedy girl (love her!)
Wednesday - me, and you're already here, so thanks for stopping by!
Thursday - where the lovely things are
Friday - apartment 34 (my girl!) and squid

How would you wear it?? 

*what i'm wearing: dress anthropologie, denim jacket h&m, gold belt banana republic, gold sandals f21, necklace minoux

OBSESSION: RED PANTS

Since taking some time off from frivolous shopping (seriously the best thing I could have done for my wardrobe), I've recogznied a few key pieces that I am missing at the moment... one of them being a gorgeous pair of red pants.

Don't get me wrong. I love my denim... but a girl needs options. And when the weather just won't cooperate with my dress fetish, I've got to start getting creative! So, these have got to be my next purchase. Have you been sporting your own pair of fabulous colored trousers? I've seen quite a few out there. Please lend me your recommendations!

PS - is it just me or do her hair and sunglasses look slightly matrix-ish? ew. *image via elle street style via fuji files

PATTERN IN MY PANTS

As if burst of bright solid colored pants weren't enough...

The bravest fashionistas can now attempt conquer this look. Ladies who rock it - I applaud you.  They're totally on the verge of crazy, but I absolutely love 'em.

Of course, if they're a little much, we have several more tame versions to choose from...

They kinda remind me of the chicest possible version of warm-up pants. Which really makes them the most appropriate solution for absolutely any occasion - day, to night, to the tennis court.


*image via stockholm streetstyle. pants by celine.

WHITE BLAZERS + BFF's

So, obviously I need a white blazer for spring...

And maybe some highly reflective sunglasses that coordinate with my t-shirt too. (I'd better get a pair in every color). Also, did you get the memo? It's cool again to have twin day with you bff. Awesome.

*image via garance dore

GREEN LEATHER GETS FRESH

There are very few circumstances in life where the idea of a green leather living room set would be even remotely close to a genius design concept. This is one of them:

Leaving the rest of the space fresh, white and modern makes this incredibly appealing to me! Of course, it helps the the chesterfield sofa and chairs have fantastic style. It reminds me of this ensemble that I blogged about a couple years back...

Still dying to find the just-right vintage green leather jacket to top my white dresses and t's in.

*images via unknown (help!) and the sartorialist