One of the easiest ways to refresh an old blazer is to change out the buttons. Today, we're taking a cue from Louis Vuitton's retro Fall '12 runway and giving a mustard-yellow blazer a little vintage flair, just by adding diamond and pearl buttons. In just a few simple steps you'll have a unique blazer all your own! On Allison McNamara: H&M blazer, StyleMint top.
If you're seeking polish with your Winter layers, look no further than the blazer — especially since this batch is on sale. Whether you're in the market for a slick fit to deliver ultra-sophistication, one in classic tweed to speak to your scholarly side, or a leather-sleeved version to amp up the cool, we've culled a few of our favorites for your shopping pleasure. Layer them up under your cozier coats to safeguard from the cold or sport the wardrobe staple on its own if the temperature allows – these pieces will serve you well all year long.
When you're shopping, the real test of a piece's value is how versatile it is. Can you wear it to work, on the weekend, on a date, on a trip? If you can, most likely you've got a wardrobe winner. Case in point: this Quiksilver printed tunic is pretty, with a springy print and sheer texture. It's perfect for the beach and throwing on over your bikini. But it can also be worn every single day of the week, for pretty much every occasion. Want to see? We style one piece, seven ways. Click to shop.
What do you do when you want to make a pretty dress more crisp, or soften up a sharp blazer? If you're FabSugar reader Dessert Plate Design, you combine them for a modern, Parisian chic outfit that can go effortlessly from day to night. She layers a flirty red dress over a black tee and navy blazer, adds killer black booties and a sophisticated purse, and — poof! — she has a pretty yet crisp outfit that rocks.
Congrats to Dessert Plate Design!
Everyone else, submit your looks, and I might feature you on FabSugar!
When Milla Jovovich suited up for an event in Tokyo, she finished her look with a smartly tied scarf, aka not a man's tie. It's a kind of literal substitution, which makes it all the more playful — a sexy finisher for a masculine look. And, just the way a guy changes up his tie to fit the suit, feel free to mix and match with menswear-inspired separates; we like it styled best with boyfriend blazers and vests for something Fall fresh.
If you're in a pinch for a Halloween costume, both for time and for money, and want to be able to recite a really great line throughout your spooky evening, consider being a Working Girl.
Now is prime time for an ode to this '80s power chick flick: shoulder pads are in. We all have the office basics for this, but insert the largest shoulder pads you can find into your blazer. Tease your curls, wear your pearls, and slather on the red lipstick. Bonus funny points for wearing white sneakers instead of sexy black pumps. "I have a head for business and a body for sin."
Just can't get enough?Join my A Fabby Halloween group where we can share ideas, photos, and revel in Halloween happiness.
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The Diesel site doesn't announce it, but if you look hard enough (it's actually not that hard), you will find some serious deals on the brand's premiere Black Gold label. Cool denim and off-kilter separates are abundant. I stumbled across this Diesel Bester Denim Blazer ($150, originally $500) — and what a helluva price reduction. Only thing is, sizes are limited, but if you're an XXS, XS, or L, you're in luck. A denim blazer is a sneaky alternative to the black ones we've been inundated with this year. If I learned one thing from Ralph Lauren's American Spring collection it's to take denim-mixing risks. At that price, it's worth the risk!
MaxMara, who showed quite a colorful collection this Spring 09, did more of what we've glimpsed prior to this season and hoped would gain momentum: namely, the blazer cum dress, the coat dress, or, the power suit for girls who hate wearing trousers. In the MaxMara show it cropped up sleeveless and black and in a black and white check that would take a girl from Fall to Spring quite nicely. It is a trend for women who like showing off a little leg, or who will only go 'mini' under the most serious circumstances. If the dress actually opens up, well, that just seals the deal for us. Wearing a super sized blazer with a cotton t-shirt and jeans would also come in handy on days when your wardrobe just doesn't seem to fit.
To see our gallery of the Spring 2009 MaxMara collection, which showed as part of Milan Fashion Week, click here.
We liked Alexander Wang's Fall 08 collection on the runway but our appreciation for this collection has deepened now that it has delivered. Seeing the chic black trousers in baggy and skinny styles, the sleek boyfriend blazers, and vests of every material makes us realize that you could build yourself a nice little Fall 08 wardrobe with any of these pieces. You don't have to stop brushing your hair, or sulk, or be a size zero--they'd actually, we realize, still look very nice on their own. To see the runway shots from Alexander Wang's Fall 08 show, click here.
Speaking of The Gap, this wool blazer is an affordable take on this season's surefire trend. From Alexander Wang's herringbone blazer which, at $758 in the middle of August, is flying off the shelves, to Alexander McQueen's double breasted blazer which, even at nearly $2,000, seems to us like a wise investment, the options are plentiful and tempting. But, no matter how much the over five hundred dollar options tempt you it's possible you'll need invest in this trend without spending so much. The Gap, for 98 dollars (no tax), is selling a wool blazer in heather grey, oatmeal, and chocolate and we have to say that it's a tempting option. Buy it a size larger than normal, roll the sleeves up, and pair it with a burned out t-shirt and a great pair of shades and the look quickly becomes of Alexander quality. The bonus is what you can do with all of the cash you didn't spend on the more expensive options. To which we say, shoes, vacations, and champagne with lunch.
