Kristen Lively

The Stylista: Stylist & Wardrobe Consultant

December 13, 2011

Christmas Comfort

Christmas is filled with family, food and gift giving.  Of course, you want to look your best- you know lots of pics will be snapped throughout the day.  But then again, you also want to be comfy sitting by the tree, hugging relatives, eating holiday treats and maybe even tossing the football in the backyard.

Knitted Chunky Zip Cardigan, $120 from TopShop

Knitted Chunky Zip Cardigan, $120 from TopShop

See a whole look here

Ugly sweaters parties are so prevalent, that no one even gives one of these monstrosities a second look.  Or even much of a laugh anymore, for that matter.  The ugly sweater is over.

Pearly Embellished Fairisle Jumper, $250 from All Saints

Pearly Embellished Fairisle Jumper, $250 from All Saints

See a whole look here

But, Fair Isle is a chic alternative.  Fair Isle sweaters, skirts, dresses, gloves and scarves are on trend this winter.  Sweaters with a retro feel are also trendy choice, like the TopShop one above.

Vanessa Bruno Athe Cable Knit Sweater, $58 from The OutNet

Vanessa Bruno Athe Cable Knit Sweater, $58 from The OutNet

See a whole look here

Wearing colors of the season is always a simple way to get into the holiday spirit.  Look for clothing and accessories in red or green that you would wear at other times of the year.  This is a good self test to see if what you are buying is too holiday oriented.  A sophisticated holiday look is spirited, not over the top.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Rich Green Crepe Top, $137 from Blue Fly

Marc by Marc Jacobs Rich Green Crepe Top, $137 from Blue Fly

See a whole look here

Have a stylish holiday!

Still need inspiration?  See some of my favorite pieces and lookbook.

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For more information, online consultations or to schedule an appointment, contact me.

Photos from Shop Style

November 16, 2010

Sometimes Life IS Fair…Fair Isle, That is.

This fall/winter you don’t need to hit the slopes to sport the Fair Isle pattern, which is actually a knitting method. Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Proenza Schouler and Rag & Bone all showed this pattern in their collections.

Proenza Schouler Fall/Winter 2010

Proenza Schouler Fall/Winter 2010

It seems like this would be an easy trend to wear.  But, beware, it is not as easy as ordering a sweater online or walking into a store and grabbing one.  These sweaters can easily go from chic to the “ugly sweater” category quickly.

Cooperative Fair Isle Sweater, $69 from Urban Outfitters

Cooperative Fair Isle Sweater, $69 from Urban Outfitters

Too much pattern, too many colors and oversized, bulky sweaters are decidedly unflattering.  Sure, you want the pattern to be noticeable, but covering your whole top in a large pattern doesn’t work well on many people.  The pattern should be around the neck, or if you are slim, in the middle.  A few bands of the Fair Isle pattern are ok, just don’t get lost in it.

Fair Isle Sweater, $198 from Rugby

Fair Isle Sweater, $198 from Rugby

Too many colors will compete with the already bold pattern.  Stick with a piece with two to three main colors, with an accent color.  If you have to question whether it is too much, it probably is.

Paul Smith Fair Isle Scarf, $181.50 from MyWardrobe.com

Paul Smith Fair Isle Scarf, $181.50 from MyWardrobe.com

Bulky and oversized sweaters in the Fair Isle pattern will age you.  Can’t you see your grandmother in a bulky Fair Isle sweater serving turkey and gravy?  Look for sweater or cardigans that are slim cut.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fair Isle Legwarmers, $128 from ShopBop

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fair Isle Legwarmers, $128 from ShopBop

If you want to wear this pattern, but are nervous about wearing a whole top, try accessories.  There are scarves and hats you can choose from to get your Faire Isle fix; you can even go bolder with the color and print since the pieces are smaller.  So, there is no excuse to wear this trend at least once this fall/winter!

Still need inspiration?  See some of my favorites and lookbook.

Follow me on Twitter and join me on Facebook®

For more information, online consulting or to schedule an appointment, contact me.

Photos from ShopStyle