How to Achieve 'Understated Elegance' in 3 Simple Steps

Red_chiffon_dress_by_Emma_Domb.jpg

Trends are constantly evolving and fashions come and go. What is considered ‘in’ one season can most certainly be ‘out’ the next. One style, however, that never goes out of date and that seems to transcend all others is that of understated elegance. This is a tricky style to master however. We can recognize it when we see it but it can be very difficult to know how to create it ourselves. If you're looking to inject a little more elegance into your wardrobe, then follow our three simple tips on how to do just that.

Your Wardrobe

When trying to create any look, the best place to start is always with your wardrobe. Clothes that are elegant are generally the simple, classic and well-fitted items in your wardrobe. This makes creating elegant outfits reasonably easy to put together as classic and simple items are very good for mixing and matching. Therefore, you are going to want to be rummaging through your wardrobe for items like fitted blazers, of which royal, navy blue is a very chic and smart color for a blazer, as is cream, which unfortunately is a little less practical, so better left for special occasions.

Deck shoes and ballet pumps look fantastic with nautical stripes and fitted khaki trousers or pipe leg jeans. These types of items work well for elegant, smart yet understated day outfits. When it comes to creating elegant evening outfits then you want to be thinking about flowing, soft and romantic lines and materials. Floaty chiffon tops with spaghetti straps work really well with trousers or jeans paired with delicate heels. Wide-legged trousers are a really good look for the evening and work well in a monochromeatic style with blocked, matching colors on top. A-line dresses are very simple yet elegant and look extremely feminine with soft cardigans and flat pumps.

So look for items such as these in your wardrobe as your staple elegant pieces and start to add your accessories from there.

Accessories

It has never been easier to find accessories for all occasions these days. As jewelry and accessories come in all shapes and sizes, it is now very affordable and easy to change and mix up our style on a regular basis. That is certainly true when it comes to creating a more elegant twist to your outfit. Look for jewelers such as Roma designer jewelry for some inspiration on elegant jewelry options. From pearl and diamond earrings, all the way through to elegant silver bracelets, pendant necklaces and the type of jewelry that would really set off your outfit.

Final Touches

No outfit is complete without a little grooming of the hair and a little preening of the face. The key of elegant hair and makeup is ‘less is more’ so keeping make-up natural and hair neat and tidy is a good place to start. Go for a matte, flawless foundation, pop a subtle blush of  color to your cheeks, focus on neat and well defined eyebrows, a slick of mascara and finish off with a dash of shiny, nude lip gloss. And there you are, elegant, classy and ready to  go.

fashionado

The Best of Charleston Fashion Week Street Style 2017

When it comes to fashion, Charleston delivers it - both on the runway and on the streets. Night after night, Charleston Fashion Week attendees bring their street style game to the week long event. Color blocking, graphic tees, fur, sequins, coats, capes and of course, the perpetually on-trend- everything black... The Charleston fashion Week fashion shows spill over to outside the tents. It's pretty fabulous. Side Yard Studios did an amazing job of capturing the best of Charleston Fashion Week street style. See slideshow above - my partner Alex and I were caught a few times - got to keep up with so much #LexusCFW style!

fashionado

The Dandy Affair: A Panel Discussion

the dandy affair

Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds presents The  Dandy Affair, an informative panel discussion on the resurrection of the gentleman. Guest lecturers have been "knighted" to speak and provide industry relevant advice to a captive audience. The Dandy Affair is the result of Hammonds' years of etiquette insight, refined through his gimlet eye and comic prose. With an array of sections on style and fashion, on dandies and dudes, grooming and on how to dress appropriately, this guide is an indispensable read for men of all ages.

Concluding the panel discussion, guests will be provided the opportunity to  purchase a copy of Dr. Hammonds newest book, The Dandy Affair: Men who are unapologetically woven into the fabric of life. Portions of the proceeds will help benefit The Dukes Foundation.  It is encouraged for all guest to arrive in their most Dandy Attire!

The Dandy Affair is Saturday, July 30, 2016 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM at Roche Bobois - 333 Buckhead Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30305 - RSVP HERE. Seating will be limited. 

I am excited to be one of the panelists. Please join us!

Guest are encouraged to park in the parking lot across the street from Roche Bobois. Additional parking is located in the parking decks located at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. 

fashionado

The 25 Best Street Style Pics from Paris Fashion Week Men

Photographer Phil Oh captured some of the best street style photos from the men's collections during Paris Fashion Week. If there is a take-away from these images is that personal style reigns supreme in the fashion world. It's not who you wear so much as how you wear it. 

fashionado

Kendall Jenner, Chanel Iman, Chiara Ferragni in Dylanlex at Coachella

How you accessorize is as important as what you wear, especially when you're Kendall Jenner, Chanel Iman and Chiara Ferragni - and you're partying at Coachella. You want to achieve that balance between no fuss but I know what I'm doing... Well, these ladies know what they're doing all the time and they chose to make their Coachella statement in the most sparkly and divine way - with DYLANLEX.

DYLANLEX began as Drew Ginsburg, a young jewelry designer, took to documenting her unique jewelry creations in the form of an Instagram photo journal. Her designs and "selfies" ultimately garnered the attention of a cult following and evolved into a social media movement. As a result the young designer was able to cultivate a consumer fan base via her social media platforms. Today DYLANLEX exists as a full a line of original hand crafted statement pieces that has grown to include necklaces, rings, and bracelets. You can "Shop The Instagram" here: http://dylanlex.com/pages/shop-the-instagram

Each DYLANLEX piece is hand crafted in New York City, using the expertise and craftsmanship of artisans gathered from across the globe, to create pieces that blend modern edge with the elegance of traditional techniques. Swarovski Crystal, antiqued metals, and internationally curated elements combine to create statement jewelry that would normally only be possible by combining several distinct pieces. In a world where everyones fashion has something to say, statements must be louder. DYLANLEX.

Celebrity fans of DYLANLEX include Beyonce, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Katy Perry, Kendall Jenner, Zoe Kravitz, Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, Alicia Keys, Laverne Cox, Ashley Tisdale, Shay Mitchell, Hilary Rhoda, and more... 

fashionado

Spring is on its way!

spring e vincent martinez fashionado

Hello SPRING! I know you're not here yet though it sure looks and feels like it. The pleasures of living in Atlanta.

Days like today (and just like last week when this photo was taken) are heavenly reminders that this is Winter in the South. I love it.

This is not a "fashion" post where talk about Spring fashion and tell you what to wear and how to wear it... So what about the photo? Well, that's where it gets very exciting. VERY! I was asked by Atlanta Pet Life Magazine to be featured on the cover of their Spring issue along with my dog Simone, aka, Miss Fashionado. I am thrilled! O- Em- Gee!

The Cover!! (Wow... not this photo because Simone isn't in it.) There is another one with her, that I will share when the issue comes out. It's amazing!

While my favorite photographer, Tomas Espinoza, who is also my dear friend (and one of the best photogs in the city, btw) and I were hopping around my favorite property, The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, we came across this floral billboard. Tomas and his creative eagle-eye spotted it across the street from the newly opened Tom Ford. This was the perfect backdrop for my lime green Mr. Turk blazer. End of story.

Not entirely... The Shops Buckhead Atlanta is the hosting location for Doggies on the Catwalk, so when I conceptualized the cover shot for Atlanta Pet Life I knew immediately that this had to be our "set." With that said, save the date for Saturday June 4, 2016 for the 9th annual Doggies on the Catwalk. Our benefiting sponsor is Canine Assistants - a truly inspiring non-profit that is changing lives, big and small. Service dogs and high-end labels will make quite the fashion statement. There's much more Doggies on the Catwalk info coming your way, including tickets and VIP. Stay tuned!

fashionado

A Guide for Country-Casual Fashion

how to dress country casual

Southern-inspired fashion isn’t just limited to 10-gallon cowboy hats, bolo ties and shiny belt buckles. Today’s country fashion is more stylish than ever. And you don’t have to be from a small town to wear the look. Country music superstars like Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan are setting new trends that anyone can wear. Here are some of today’s hottest looks:

Boot Scootin’ Boogie

Cowboy boots are synonymous with country fashion. From country concerts to everyday wear, versatile boots can be paired with nearly any outfit. And today’s country stars are no strangers to the long-standing fashion trend. Outdoor retailers like Cabela’s sell boot brands like Justin’s, Durango and Tony Lama. Not only do they offer the best styles, Cabela’s has partnerships with country celebs like Luke Bryan, Justin Hodge and Justin Moore, which makes them a credible country-fashion retailer.

Fabulous Florals

Country music superstar Carrie Underwood rose to fame after she was discovered on the hit show “American Idol.” Not only is Carrie famous for her amazing vocals, she’s one of the most stylish female singers in the industry. She’s known to wow audiences with her stage outfits and she owns the red carpet at events like the CMAs in beautiful floral-printed gowns. Carrie’s everyday style, even her fitness brand Calia, embraces fun floral prints and pops of color for a powerful and feminine look. From casual floral dresses to workout pants with fun prints, you can emulate Carrie’s style for any occasion, from a day at the gym to an evening out with the girls.

Lovely Lace

Not only does Miranda Lambert rock the stage, she’s known to rock lace in all colors and styles. From fun and flirty whites, pastel blues and reds to a sultry and sexy black lace, Miranda has been photographed in all of these lace looks. Consider a neutral-colored or pastel lace dress for daytime. Or if you’re searching for a country-inspired evening look, opt for something a little darker in black or navy. Lace dresses can be paired with leather boots, wedges or flat sandals for a casual look. Or you can pair a lace dress with a classy pair of heels in nude or black for a more polished look.

Forever Flannel

Luke Bryan is known for donning the traditional flannel shirt. Not only is the country staple engineered to stand the test of time out on the farm, more and more people are adopting the flannel trend in their own wardrobes. Both men and women can sport the versatile and comfy look. The classic button down is suitable for casual wear, or men can dress it up by pairing the flannel with a dark pair of denim jeans, leather belt, statement watch and boots or classic dress shoes for a more sophisticated look. Women can wear the look by layering the flannel over a classic white tank or, for a trendy look, tie the flannel around the waist and pair it with leggings and tennis shoes. Flannel shirts are made in all types of materials; for colder weather opt for a thicker material, or if you’re considering wearing the flannel trend in a warmer area, go for a breathable material that keeps you cool, comfy and stylish.

fashionado