Category: ‘top five’

Top Five: Built-In Bra Tanks, Because Layers Should Be Used Sparingly In The Summer

If we could get away with it, we’d pretty much always be wearing built-in bras – these tanks are great for layering under cardigans and silk scarves now, or heavier sweaters in the fall and winter.

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1. The classic cotton-spandex strappy camisole ($24.50, 2 for $30) comes in black, white, and nude.

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2. A halter ($24.50) with a built-in bra is ingenious for small-chested women – it’s just not worth wearing a strapless.

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3. This long stretch tank ($12) has more coverage, so you can wear it on its own.

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4. Hard Tail’s scoop neck tank ($54) has some extra detail, with a subtle textured stripe pattern.

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5. The floaty shape and extra support make this camisole ($22.50) viable as a real shirt, not just a base layer.

Top Five: Fringe Sandals Will Help You Look Earthy For Earth Day

This trend will look best with clothing that only hints at earthiness, like a solid-color maxi dress or a peasant-cut silk top; the cast of HAIR can wear these with tie dye …but only onstage.

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Rich black suede, long fringe and a silver buckle make these flats ($225) feel glamorous.

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This pair ($79) from Kenneth Cole incorporates the trend while still looking classic.

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These camel-colored flats ($98) are a mix of preppy oxford and laid-back thong.

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Statement-making Sergio Rossi heels ($850) are almost like a cool piece of jewelry for your ankles.

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A totally simple sandal ($39.50), brought up to date with all-around fringe.

Top Five: Start Off The Season With Cropped Pants…We’ll Deal With The Cold Ankles

Cropped pants are one easy way to incorporate spring into your April wardrobe, even if it’s still chilly enough for a jacket.

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1. Balance the cuff and roomier leg on these pants ($69) with a chunky wood-heeled sandal.

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2. If you’re long-waisted, tuck a slim black tee into these belted kakhi pants ($90) for a flattering proportion.

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3. A good spring substitute for wool trousers, these lightweight pants ($40, were $58) are a steal for office attire.

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4. Paige Black Label’s skinny ankle pants ($230) are fancy enough for evening, especially with metallic sandals.

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5. The café capri ($79.50) from J. Crew has a classic, clean-cut fit and comes in eight preppy colors.

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Top Five: Spring Totes That Won’t Look Dirty The Second Time You Wear Them

While we’ll probably pick up a cheap canvas or nylon tote for beach trips and picnics, they can attract dirt pretty quickly and don’t look quite put-together enough for the office. These more-structured choices won’t show grime as quickly, and are more seasonally appropriate than basic black.

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This cornhusk tote ($68) is just plain fun – and the muted trim is a good counterpoint to that crazy bright green.

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Crinkled, shiny patent leather is easy to wipe off, and this bag ’s ($198) dark pink color is an easy way to add color to an outfit.

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A perfect spring work tote ($345), big enough to carry a laptop or a pair of flats.

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The dusty blue and textured leather mean this tote ($250) can stand up to a little wear without looking dingy.


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The print on this coated canvas bag ($89) can camouflage a little wear and tear.

Top Five: Trenches For All Sorts Of In-Between Weather

Versatile colors mean you can wear these light coats for a little extra coverage now, then pull them out again for the first fall chill.  

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1. This twill trench ($103) comes in an unusual blue-green – perfect with white trousers till fall, when it’ll be just as appropriate with black or heather grey.

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2. The details on this Mackage trench ($440) – like a thick belt and stan-up collar – make it look even sharper.

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3. We like the contrasting buttons on this navy stretch canvas trench ($107).

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4. This Simply Vera Vera Wang satin trench ($58, was $118) looks like it was made to throw over a black dress for evening.

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5. If you insist upon black, this belted ¾ trench ($218) is a flatting, nipped-waist option.

Top Five: Wearable Neon – Yes, Wearable Neon

We’re sure we don’t have to tell you this twice, but a little neon goes a long way. To pull off this trend, we’d focus on accessories and pair them with neutrals – happy little pops of color are way more palatable than a Day-Glo muumuu, or something bizarre like that.

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1. These plastic sunglasses ($15.50) cost exactly what a fun, trendy pair should cost.

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2. A bright patent hobo ($295) is work-appropriate thanks to the classic shape.

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3. The iconic Jimmy Choo strappy sandal ($535), in fun neon patent leather.

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4. Wear these lacquered bracelets ($5) all together with a shift dress, or mix one or two with chunky wood bangles for more texture.

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5. A comfortable everyday sandal ($59) looks punched-up in glowing yellow.

Top Five: Metallic Accessories Are Luxe In A Not-Obnoxious Kind Of Way

We saw lots of metallic accessories at Fashion Week, which was probably a sign of things to come, since they’re popping up on spring-y extras for the season to come.

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These Roberto Cavalli heels ($330, were $654) would add a little sex appeal to just about anything, and we like the sleek finish and darker color.

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Wear a gold braided belt ($9.50, was $12.50) to cinch a chiffon dress to channel a bohemian look or wrap it around a fitted black number for a glamorous night option.

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This snakeskin-embossed envelope clutch ($68) is big enough to comfortably fit the essentials.

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An easy-to-wear version of the gladiator trend, Bernardo’s Mars flats ($115) are a good choice with easy weekend dresses or beach-y maxis.

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The clean shape of this Rebecca Minkoff satchel ($550) does well carrying off allover gold.
 

Fashion Top Five: Payless’s Best Spring Shoes, And They’re All Under $40

We’ve been quite impressed with Payless lately, and their spring lines are no exception. We went through their spring arrivals to find five lovely pairs of shoes – all under $40.

These on-trend gladiator-inspired sandals ($28) by Abaeté for Payless are ideal if you’re not ready to commit much cash to the trend.

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We love the Lucite-and-wood heel of these Lela Rose for Payless wedges ($38) – it complements the navy satin so well.

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If you’re partial to dark neutrals, even in spring, try a pink ballet flat ($25) to brighten up a casual outfit.

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Swap out your black booties for canvas wedges ($25) when it’s warmer out; they look particularly cute with footless tights.

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These cloth flats ($36), a solid addition to a spring work wardrobe, would look professional peeking out from black pants or trouser jeans.

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Fashion Top Five: Those Quilted Bags Everyone Was Carrying At Fashion Week

In addition to all classic quilted Chanel bags we saw in the tents last week, we’ve also been spotting quilted handbags – and not just the interlocking C variety – out and about in real life, too.

Marc Jacobs’s quilted shoulder bag ($1,095) is the luxe designer version of this trend.

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A versatile, classically shaped tote ($30) looks more original in quilted dark blue.

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This patent leather bag ($289) comes with a detachable brass chain – carry it as a clutch or over your shoulder.

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Lauren Merkin’s Edie Bag ($450) is big enough to wear to work, and the unique color still matches almost everything.

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This quilted duffle ($25) is a good size for carrying around all day on the weekends.

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Fashion Top Five: Cheery Candy-Colored Flats

These bright flats will look just right with spring’s shorter hems and lighter fabrics. For now, wear them with jeans and slacks to add a little brightness to the final days of winter.

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The elastic panels on Delman’s Mona flats ($195) look like a cute design detail, not a concession for comfort.

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These turquoise flats ($13) are perfectly simple and really inexpensive – a great combo if you’re afraid of committing to bright color.

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A pointy toe and ruffles make this pair ($107.50, were $164) refined and office-appropriate.

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We love this green color, and the well-placed cutouts at the top of Sigerson Morrison’s patent skimmers ($236.68, were $429).

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The thick braid on these yellow flats ($69) lends a hint of preppy; they’ll add a clean, pulled-together feel to faded denim or cuffed boyfriend jeans.

Fashion Top Five: Bold Turquoise Jewelry

We’ve noticed this stone appearing in many more varied, more modern settings than just the intricate sterling silver of yore. There are plenty of delicate ways to wear turquoise, but lately our favorites incorporate the color in big, often unexpected ways.

Turquoise looks stylish and modern in tiny bubbles on the band of this moonstone ring ($150).

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These drop earrings ($4) would make a laid-back low ponytail look fancier without being fussy.

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This sterling silver oval ring ($45) is closer to the way we’re used to seeing turquoise – a little rough-hewn and surrounded by silver – but sleeker.  

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This bohemian-cool bead necklace ($230) won’t look out of place on top of an all-black outfit or with professional work wear.

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A big gold cuff ($475) with a big turquoise stone in the center will be statement-making with absolutely any outfit.

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Fashion Top Five: Red Things You Can Wear That Aren’t Dresses

Last week we showed you how to wear a red dress without looking like you belong in the produce aisle. But if you’re still itching to get in the National Wear Red Day (or Valentine’s Day) spirit and can’t quite take the full-body plunge, try one of these less-committal ways to wear the color.

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SheFindsBrynT loves her La Canadienne Pulley boots ($235), which are a deep, dark red that almost (almost) looks neutral.

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A thick red headband ($4) is flirty and feminine, and can keep unruly hair in check.

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Wear a silky red tank ($10) under a neutral blazer or cardigan to take a baby step towards incorporating the color.

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This bold patent clutch ($110.49) and its gold-chain handle can easily dress up your denim for evening.

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If you really want to take it slow with the color thing, wear a pair of red boy shorts ($8 for 3) to bed.