The Simple Life.

Photo Credit: Lovers + Friends

Weekend Casual! Here's a super summer-ready weekend getup idea that you'll have to try! (It's an effortless one.) The checklist is sweet and simple and the outfit elements needed for the look won't break the bank. Are you ready for some style inspo?

To attain the featured look, scurry around your favorite stores for the (4) items listed below. Cost-Saving Tip: Comb your closet—you might already have what you need.

1. Bobby Pins for Top Knot
2. Sleeveless Shirt w/Spaghetti Straps
3. A Pair of Denim Shorts
4. Comfy Flats (Sneakers OK.)

AUGUST STYLE EDIT

The Weekend by nikkistyle featuring a White Shirt

Happy Easter Sunday.

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Happy Easter Sunday, Lovies! 

In my basket, all the eggs are pink and purple and includes a copy of InStyle, British Edition, the April '15 issue. 

Surprise, surprise. Hehe...

So—I'm in the midst of creating an editorial calendar i.e. new content for nikkistyle.net. And the mission to inspire (person)al style and individualism will remain a goal, I pinky swear!

In the interim, if you want to pull together a stylish Easter outfit and need an idea, click here to read a past post of mine. Also, I share a sea of visuals, style tips, and tricks via Tumblr. 

Enjoy! XoXo —nikki | @nikkistyle on Twitter

Outfit Edit: Kim Kardashian Spotted Looking Too 'Distressed'...?

Photo Credit: eonline.com

Style No No! So there's ripped...then there's tore the f*ck up. Let's take a step back. Kim looks fab from the waist up; I adore a great blazer paired with a lightweight casual tank underneath. And while I am not gaga over what's trendy, I do own a few pairs of distressed jeans, but not as 'distressed' as Kim's. Holy Help! Girlfriend, the jeans are way too holey -- and the overall fit? Meh. Below are some tasteful trendy alternatives:

Shop It: (left) Ridley High Waist Ultra Skinny via ASOS; (right) Rolled Skinny Ankle Jeans via Nordstrom

Celebrity Style': Beyoncé Nailed It

Photo Credit: essence.com

Style Notes! It is no secret that Beyoncé often hits a home run in the personal style department. The featured Kenzo-Topshop combo nailed a perfect balance of comfort and fashionably cutesy. The pops of pink adds a playful element to the entire look — and the imprinted tiger symbolizes strength, royalty and regal beauty.

Source

Source

Style Moment: Think VINTAGE

Photo Credit: Vintage Fashion Expo

Noteworthy! I'm having a "style moment," so stop what you’re doing and have a look with me, will ya? OK, so. I adore this vintage LBD via Vintage Fashion Expo. And I just know the dress would look flattering on most women, especially the bust area *ahem* The look is giving soOo much neck, which is flattering! The over-sized pockets are a plus as well. 

I want, please. 

A "Wear It With" Tip: wear w /  chunky platform wedges! ;) #nikkistyle

P.S. oh, and did ya hear? 
The Vintage Fashion Expo is happening now in LA!

Psst! Denim Is Always Trending, Wear It Year-Round...To Work, Too!

Note-To-Self: Cobalt Blue Heels, Swoon!

Trend Alert! I know, you probably packed away your short cut-offs due to the crisp winter air settling in. However, you do have all season long to rock the denim trend, specifically, the denim-on-denim trend. So, the trick to wearing the trendy denim-on-denim is to simply mix your washes and weights — the inevitable mash-up style. And yes, while wearing denim to work is typically a 'no no' (excluding casual Fridays), at some companies you might get away with wearing, perhaps, darker denim pieces. But make sure your choices are professional and clean (a step up from casual). 

Below are business environment-approved denim pieces, according to nikki! :)

Denim Blazer; Ruffle Hem Denim Blazer; Dark Denim Skinny Jeans; Dark Navy Wool-Blend Pencil Skirt

Have a comment? Write to me, or Tweet me.

Hey-Guess What? You Can Absolutely Dress-Down (the trendy) Sequin!

Photo Credit: refinedstyle.com

Style Notes! I've been wrestling with how to best dress-down sequin -- until now. The fashion gal in the featured photo (by the way, who is she *ahem* Refined Style?) is showing us how to wear a sequin piece without looking overly flashy. Honestly, I shied away from rockin' sequin in fear of looking like a damn disco ball-that's not going to work-nope. Disclaimer: I do, however, love looking fashionably forward, just not in excess, ya know? 

Style Solution: I believe the balance, for me, is to pair sequin with "downtown" distressed denim (either shorts, or a skirt). Also, the featured outfit would look perfect with a pair of tennis shoes, or heels-at night. OoOo there I go again...with that "transitional" talk.

Below are more trendy sequin looks that I'm simply adoring. Yuuuuuuuup!

Olivia Palermo, People StyleWatch

Sincerely, Jules

Questions/comments about this post? Write to me: nikki@nikkistyle.net :) xx -ns
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Trendwatching: CLASSIC BLACK

A) Casual 

B) Tailored

C) Edgy

B old
L uxurious 
A mbitious 
C hic
K iller Kolor

Black Is Beautiful! Today I'm simply paying homage to the color black -- the color that's always an option. And more importantly, black is undeniably slimming, ladies, and one of those day-to-evening transitional colors. But that's not it. You can also mix and match a variety of black shades, fabrics and textures, and 'pair up' with other cool colors. Seriously, black will forever be classic. I happily own many black pieces (like, more than enough), that are either tailored for work, edgy for evenings/weekends, or somewhere casually in between. Are you loving the forever trendy B L A C K just as much as I? Tell me how you rock YOUR black, write to me: nikki@nikkistyle.net xx :) -ns | Follow me on Twitter

Photo Credit: WWD

My Hobby: Magazine Clipping
Janet Jackson, Black on Black

You Can Wear Animal Print To Work, And I've Got The 'How-To' Formula!

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Style Notes! I work in a business casual environment -- and am always looking for ways to incorporate my favorite weekend pieces into my work wardrobe. (If you're a reader of my blog...then you know I love transitional pieces!) For example, animal print clothing and accessories can be loud and a bit obnoxious, especially in the workplace. Here's a noteworthy tip: tone-it-down. Last week, I wore a strapless knee-length animal print dress coupled with a yellow cardigan, and went to work feeling stylishly appropriate.

Photo Credit: iamnotasupermodel.com

I've said time and time again...animal print can be all types of tacky if not styled correctly. If you want to  wear animal print anything to work, tone down other elements (nails, hair, shoes); have them appear soft—in color and texture—in efforts to obtain the right balance. Otherwise, you'll look a bit hooch...and that's not preferable, I'm sure. Now don't get me wrong, some co-workers might give you props for your dare devil style, but I guarantee you that most will not be calling you a "professional colleague" anytime soon. So, just remember one thing: think balance when wearing animal print to work. In other words, offset the vulgarity (animal print) by mixing with simple, solid yet feminine colors.

In addition to yellow, I soOo like to pair animal print with basic and neutral colors, such a dark green, warm brown, nude, deep purple; and classic black and royal blue, too! Share your tips for wearing animal print to work, either below in the comment section, or on Twitter!

Color Chart - Mix 'n Blend

Transitional Style: Summer Nights, And Fall Days ... 'The Cropped Pant'

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Crippen via Vogue

Talk Back! There's nothing better than a cropped pant and high heels; it elongates your body adding about 3 to 5 inches! And who doesn't want height? While reading Vogue's article, (Susie Crippen's) Ten Tips for Looking Good in Cropped Pants, I was pleased to read attainable style advice geared toward most of us cropped-pant-lovers. In the picture above, four (4) different cropped pant looks are featured -- tell me (I want to know), which is more your style? Personally, I love outfits with a little edge that says I'm in control, and would wear (from left to right) Look #2 and Look #4.

Re: Look #4 -- I heart a plunging neckline; it showcases a flattering silhouette.  

Hey, Stylistas! Want to Wear Cropped Pants? Read Susie Crippen's Ten How-To Tips:

When wearing skinny cropped pants . . . 

1. The leg needs to be short: I am five foot five and I get all my inseams hemmed to 25 inches so there is a good amount of skin showing. I am convinced this makes me look taller. 

2. The leg opening should be as narrow as possible. Have them taken in if necessary. 

3. On the subject of tops and shoes, a good heel, like my white Céline pump, works with an oversize men’s shirt. I like the contrast of feminine with masculine. 

4. With a simple T-shirt, I wear a statement flat sandal that has a bit of flash. 

5. In snow or rain, I love pairing skinny cropped pants with a short engineer boot, oversize sweater, and a good raincoat. 

When wearing wide-leg cropped pants . . . 

1. This is my new favorite shape. I am all about playing with the notion of clothes that are oversize and still sexy. It reminds me of pictures of Lauren Bacall and Katharine Hepburn in the forties. There are so many great flats and booties out there right now that make it easy to create a really feminine look with a looser trouser or jean. 

2. Even more than with skinnies, the inseam has to be short enough to make them looked cropped—not just poorly hemmed. Above the ankle is my hard and fast rule. 

3. This fall, I can’t want to wear them with a fitted sweater to make the look a bit more sexy. 

4. The best choice for a tall ankle boot is one that hugs your ankle. That shape creates a beautiful silhouette and you avoid looking like the guy walking on stilts at the circus. Knee-length boots are also good under wide-leg cropped trousers if the boot is fitted to your leg. 

5. Wide-leg pants are also great with a midheel like Roger Vivier. 

Final Tid-Bits for Wearing Cropped Pants: If you're short and want to look taller, wear cropped pants with heels. Similarly, if you're tall and want to look taller, wear cropped pants with heels (maybe a kitten heel). However, if you're tall and don't want to look taller, wear cropped pants with flats. See? #StyleOptions for all. I like attainable style. xx :) -ns

 Video: Meet Susie Crippen

Trend Alert: Overalls For Women

Source: Pretty Major

Style Notes! Unless you've been living underneath a giant rock, I'm sure you heard that overalls made a huge comeback this spring. Yup, you read right, overalls -- "bib-and-brace" -- overalls. And while I'm not too sure if I'd rock the trend (more leaning towards a no) I'm really starting to find them exceptionally cutesy, thanks to the featured picture. 

Home-Girl wearing the overalls (above) is showing us that she's embracing the trend as she pairs it with a cool white mesh short sleeve shirt. But, I particularly like that the overall is distressed denim, which is certainly a spruce-up ingredient adding some fashionable flavor to mix. Moreover, peep her manicure! It's clean and simple yet stands out whilst complementing the entire outfit. And the camera? It's so statement.

Photo Credit: I Am Necole

In closing, I Google'd 'overalls' to read the latest articles discussing the trend, as well as to spy on adult celebs brave enough to wear overalls during SS/13. Findings: Necole of necolebitchie.com (left) is working it for the people. Don't y'all think? Personally, [I think] she nailed it. So, would you rock the overalls trend? Tell me on Twitter, or right below in the comment section. xx :) -ns

Do you want to rock the overalls trend? You're in luck! I handpicked options JUST FOR YOU! Shop The Trend: 3.1 Phillip Lim; Amazon; Anthropologie; ebay; Forward by Elyse Walker; Free People; Macy*s; YOOX.COM

Weekend Shopping: A Ton of Tees

Photo Credit: theblaze.com

Style Notes! I think spring is finally here to stay. And so, today I went to the mall to buy tons of V-Neck T-Shirts ("Tees") -- some solid colors (black, grey, green); some graphic.

Get a simple staple tee—and pull together an effortlessly cool and relaxed outfit. Some days I just want to kick it (shop, go to a game) in comfortable clothing: I typically pair my tees with preppy boat shoes, and with one of the many cute skirts in my closet! xx :-) ns   

What did you buy this weekend? Tell me on Twitter. 

Brian Atwood's "Tie Me Up" Sandals

Shoe Crushin'! Today I spotted these sex kitten (ish) lace up sandals. But, I must admit, as I looked at the shoe by itself (right) I wasn't wholeheartedly loving them -- until I saw the "Tie Me Up" sandals on Brian Atwood's friend (above), which basically displays the perfect example of a creative personal styling approach.

Pairing the sandals with dark blue distressed skinnies was a fabulous idea (because I'm not sure if I would like the sandals as much -- if they were paired with a dress). Also, I like the rockstar mixture of neon green (heels) and purple nail polish! These simple touches made me realize that the animal print sandals ARE workable and far from "hideous." 

Warning: Animal Print can be tough to pull off; it can add some spice, or add tads of tacky. 

What do you think about the Tie Me Up sandal? Hit, or Miss? Tell me on Twitter. -TTYS

Photo Credit: Brian Atwood

Collared Sheer Shirt By Gypsy Junkies PLUS! The "Black Leather" Trend

Photo Credit: Planet Blue

Style Find! Sheer Blouses are my weakness. I think they're stylish and comfortable with a touch of sophistication and class. I wear sheer year-round, but of course, will incorporate some layering during the fall and winter seasons.

Though I caution folks: If sheer is styled poorly and over-accessorized -- things can go wrong real quick -- or as Mr. Kors would bluntly put it, "Hooch," meaning fashion fail.

In any event, I am adoring my style find: the featured sheer Lovespell Collared Shirt by Gypsy Junkies. I would certainly kickoff fall wearing an ivory-colored sheer shirt with hints of black velvet. Crazy, Sexy, Cool! And in regards to the styling (right), the shorts are super cute. However, if you're not into the short shorts thing -- try a black leather skirt.

Side Note: "Black Leather" is trending!

Black Leather Spotted! at All Saints
Fashion's Night Out (NYC), September 2012
Photo Taken By: nikkistyle.net 

A Cool Closet Organizational Tip, Called "Shoe Stacking"

Photo Credit: Lavish Lyfe

Notes By Nikki! I enjoy trying new ways to better maximize closet space, and would like to share an organizational tip with you.

When the shoe sales associate asks me at the register, "Would you like to keep the box?" My response was "no" most of the time, because I wanted to see my shoes lined up in the closet (Exhibit A), or alongside the bedroom wall. I believed that the approach gave me quick visual access to shoes I wanted to wear, daily.

But then space became scarce due to the accumulation of new shoes bought each season, and the unforgiving dust bunnies started to move in. Not cool.

Exhibit A.

Photo Credit: theyhyperbalist

Therefore, in efforts to maximize space, and to keep my beloved shoe collection looking brand new for many more seasons to come, especially the suede ones, I took note of a wonderful tip: Shoe Stacking...using inexpensive clear plastic bins (Exhibit B).

Exhibit B.

Photo Credit: Dressed Her Days Vintage

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

I do keep some of the original shoe boxes if I can identify which stilettos, wedges, flats, flip flops, sneakers are in the box from the outside, but certainly have adopted the clear plastic container method as well -- since you can actual see the shoe in the box. Though, selected shoe boxes are meant to be kept regardless, such as my Fergalicious boot box (right). After all, the red splashes of detail are pretty electrifying!

Check back for more of my favorite organizational tips. Share your faves, too!

How-To Build a Knockout Wardrobe With Lucky Magazine's Brandon Holley

Photo Credit: Source

Style Notes | So, I just finished watching a quick video clip featuring Lucky's Editor-In-Chief, Brandon Holley as she shared invaluable fashion tips, specifically, tidbits that I personally live by in which inspires me to build a knockout wardrobe. 

Ready? Here we go.

1. Before you make a trip to the mall, start in YOUR OWN CLOSET. 

• You might find several hidden gems -- and probably clothes you forgot you had.

2. The Golden Rule: arrange your closet by color.

• Each week after doing (my) laundry, I spend a few hours re-arranging my closet by color. This very simple and fun task makes it easier for me to pull together outfits for the upcoming week. And, I feel so much more organized. 

3. Always rely on basics.

• So true. Some of Brandon's "basics" consists of flats and boater shirts -- some of my basics are scoop neck t-shirts (in black, gray, navy blue), a waist-length denim jacket, black pumps, and a solid color hobo in green. 

4. Make a fashion statement by mixing "the basic" with signature pieces. 

• For example, I would wear a basic t-shirt and a pair of jeans, and then spruce up the outfit by adding arm candy, such as my gold bangles with pops of color.

5. Shop, Shop, Shop. 

• I know. Many of us are conservative with money these days (and rightfully so). Therefore, if you don't have the funds just window-shop for ideas. I do this this all of the time, and PIN pics of looks I'm loving on my inspiration board.

Video: Fashion Tips By Lucky's Brandon Holley

 

Lastly ... To Photoshop, or Not To Photoshop

MediaBistro states: Lucky Magazine's Brandon Holley says a magazine without photoshopping would sell "10 copies." I think Brandon makes a valid point.

I am not certain that I would purchase a fashion magazine with some random individual on the cover, because truthfully, I want to be kept abreast of the latest celebrity gossip and spy on what they're wearing. Also -- the many pages of ad porn is visually stimulating.

Frankly, if I want to see that "everyday girl" I can click on a fashion blog and browse FOR FREE (there are literally thousands!) Just being honest. Besides, pretty much all fashion magazines have blogs in which they spotlight "street style," like ELLE's Street Chic.

So anyways, if there's a little photoshopping in print mags ... eh oh well ... no tears here.

What do you think? Tell me on Twitter.