Rue La La » Spring 2013

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Shop, Shop Again

akuzia — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:00:47 +0000

There are few things more frustrating than discovering something you love only to find it’s sold out (sad, yes, but come on – we love the drama of it all). The silver lining? In addition to making you want those made-for-you flats and that multichain necklace even more, it gives you ample time to think about what to do with your scores once you finally get your hands on them.

Thankfully, the style gods believe in second chances, and here’s what I’ve been planning for those coveted pieces that are about to become mine – for real this time.

Our Déjà Rue Boutique opens Saturday, April 27, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Rue Road Test: Tropical Palm Prints

akuzia — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:00:58 +0000

With the slowly warming temps starting to gain momentum, it’s hard to not get into a vacation-like frame of mind. But if I can’t be flanked by palm trees on a daily basis, then donning Rio de Janeiro–inspired, retro jungle prints will have to do instead. To pull off this tropical trend (without going full-on “tourist”), mix neutrals with smaller doses of the energetic print. Note: Umbrella drinks are optional, but highly recommended.

A printed scarf is the simplest way to inject this bold pattern into an everyday look without going overboard. I paired one with a tailored white blazer for an urban vibe that can go straight from the office to a night out on the town. For a more casual day look, wear it wrapped around your neck over a cami, then when the sun goes down, fashion it into a halter top and slip on your favorite pair of espadrilles to take the night by storm.

Ready to commit full force? Jungle-fauna print pants are wildly cool when paired with a brightly colored sleeveless blouse, and best accessorized by some bossa nova playing on your headphones, a straw Panama hat, and arms piled with wooden bangles.

By Grace Romanowsky, Staff Writer

How did your road test fare? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Rue Road Test: Lucite Accessories

akuzia — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:00:23 +0000

From sky-high pumps to box clutches, cuffs, and statement necklaces, it’s clear that Lucite accessories are a must-have this spring. I love the illusion of walking on air that a Lucite heel creates, or the look of crystals seemingly afloat within a bracelet or necklace. What’s especially cool about this trend is how it manages to make a bold statement without taking over, complementing virtually any outfit, day or night.

I tried this trend with a wide cuff bracelet featuring inset opaline crystals and loved how the girly jewels looked paired with a leather jacket. If you’re feeling extra daring, accessorize a see-through clutch with the contents themselves: an eye-popping phone case, funky shades, and your favorite lip gloss. One added bonus? Lucite is waterproof, so it’ll take you right from April showers to a day at the beach. And the award for most versatile accessory goes to…

By Grace Romanowsky, Staff Writer

How did your road test fare? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Get Enlightened: How to Wear Metallics for Spring

Lauryn Paiva — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:00:07 +0000

Ahh, metallics. The not-so-distantly-removed cousin of Trends We Hesitate to Try. According to the spring 2013 runways, however, we can go ahead and embrace the precious tones as a new wardrobe staple. Here’s how.

Stick to the classics. While multi-hued metallics are majorly on-trend right now, you can never go wrong with silver, gold, or rose-gold metallic tones. A silver pair of heels will punch up a jeans-and-tee ensemble.

Play with prints. Fun prints are an easy way to wear this trend without going over the top. A brocade or floral print adds subtle texture.

Anchor it. The great thing about metallics? They’re universally flattering. If you’re aiming to be noticed, select one piece and build your look around it. A light gold skirt, paired with a neutral or chambray top, will nail this trend on the head.

Drop a hint. Adding accents is a fun way to incorporate this trend while still looking office-appropriate. Cap-toe metallic flats, gold-trimmed anything, and the old standby of bold statement jewelry will always pair well with a floral dress or structured blazer.

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

What are your tips for pulling off the metallic trend this season? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Pretty Talk: Spring Fragrance Trends

blapolla — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:39 +0000

Spring is all about the return to lighter, airier things – fragrances being one of them. Just like in fashion and beauty, there are also scent trends that change from season to season. So whether your favorites include floral, citrus, or musk undertones, there’s a warm-weather alternative to your winter spritz of choice. Below, a guide to this year’s top trending perfumes.

Image courtesy of Chernetskaya/Stock Free Images.

1. Fruity florals (like Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh) are uplifting and simple, making them an ideal pick for spring.
2. If fruity scents mixed with musky undertones are your thing, try Van Cleef & Arpels Feerie Spring Blossom, which has hints of wild raspberry and lychee sharpened with pink pepper.
3. Labeled as more exotic than precious, Dolce & Gabbana Desire is the perfume to spritz on for rooftop bars and nights out.
4. Fusing juicy bergamot and apple with a floral bouquet of jasmine and ylang-ylang, See by Chloé gives off the scent of sweet musky vanilla. (Sephora labels it as the urban-chic scent.)
5. A blend of elegant jasmine and the unexpected, delicate sweetness of panna cotta create the sophisticated and fresh Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Eau de Parfum, reminiscent of bright, sun-filled days.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Want to know more about beauty? Follow our Pretty Talk column every Tuesday.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Sandals, Flats, & Wedges: The Best Clothes to Pair with Each

blapolla — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:00:48 +0000

Spring is one of the most versatile times of year when it comes to shoes. Peep-toes, wedges, and sandals come out of hibernation, while the ever-appropriate flat still marches on. But with all the options, it can be hard to choose which style works best with dresses, pants, or shorts. We’ve done the legwork for you – see below for an easy reference.

Our Sunny Sandals & Pumps to Cure Spring Fever Boutique opens Sunday, March 31, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Pretty Talk: Spring’s Top 5 Hair Trends

blapolla — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:00:02 +0000

The beginning of spring is just one day away, and even though there’s still a chill in the air (or a few inches of snow, if you’re in Boston), I can’t wait to say hello to a new season of hair trends. From loose waves to sleek ponytails, these are the styles to try out over the next few months.

1. Braids
Whether it’s a slightly undone fishtail or a few small plaits tied into a ponytail, spring is all about the braid. Try it on busy mornings for a put-together look in about 10 seconds flat.

2. Low Ponytails
The most low-maintenance look of the season (or, ever), the low ponytail was all over the spring/summer 2013 runways. Part your hair down the center and keep it sleek, or leave it loose all around.

3. Super Straight
Fine-haired girls, rejoice! Your naturally pin-straight locks are in for spring. For those of us without sleek strands, warm up those flat irons (not before spraying your hair with heat protector, of course).

4. Loose Waves
There’s nothing more romantic than soft, loose waves, and thankfully this style is here to stay. Let the salty ocean naturally wave your strands, or curl your hair then brush it out before spritzing (lightly) with hairspray.

5. Hair Accessories
Seen on the runways of FENDI, Chanel, and Dolce & Gabbana, hair baubles are a total must-do. From oversized pearls that amp up a low bun to colorful head scarves perfect for less-than-stellar hair days, this trend brings the fun back to hair styling.

What's your favorite spring 2013 hair trend?

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Which hair trends will you be trying? Take the poll then share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

The Fitting Room: The 5 Peep-Toe Rules to Know

jberliner — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:00:24 +0000

St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, which in my book means one thing: It’s high time to start transitioning into springwear. But with temps still in the (insurmountably depressing) 30s here in Boston, that’s easier said than done. So let’s ease into spring slowly, shall we? First up: Taking those peep-toes out from the back of the closet.

Below, five things to know about this open-toed standby, just in time for the cusp of spring.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit tip you want answered? Check our The Fitting Room column every Monday, or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Bring Spring’s Brightest Hues into the Office

blapolla — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:00:51 +0000

It isn’t always easy to incorporate spring’s bright hues into the workplace (especially in the corporate world). But these saturated picks are both appropriate and on-trend. Below, your go-to guide for colorful 9-to-5 dressing.

Our Armani Boutique opens Monday, March 11, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

4 Ways to Wear Spring Trends on Your Feet

akuzia — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:00:36 +0000

With a new season comes a fresh set of trends to master, but when they’re a bit more daring than your comfort zone, it’s easy to dismiss them. However, leaving yourself in the fashion dust is not an option. Rather than decking yourself head to toe in colorblocked duds or everywhere beading, let your shoes display your stylish prowess, and keep the rest of your wardrobe as “you” as possible.

Cutouts
Slightly less provocative than the dress or shirt variety of this trend, these flashy flats let you rock the look from the office to cocktail hour seamlessly.

Bold Stripes
So much more than a nautical statement, stripes are making a comeback this season. Whether multicolored or single-hued, their structural presence lends an air of laid-back cool to every look (from the bottom up).

Black & White
A hot trend in both the clothing and home-decorating worlds for spring, this color pairing was practically meant to be. Treat like a neutral and mix with colorful denim to complete the look.

Beading
Like any embellishment, beading can be a hard detail to balance – especially when there’s a lot of it. To pair with jewelry or not? But when you leave the fancy stuff to your feet, competing baubles are no longer an issue.

Our Always Ready: Wear-Anywhere Flats Boutique opens Saturday, February 23, at 11AM.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.