Rue La La: How do we go about making the perfect bed?
Nan: It just takes attention to detail. You need to always be thinking about the final picture. Does it need a bedskirt? To start with, you need really nice bedding, and a good iron. The more luxurious and beautiful the sheets, the better the bed.

Rue La La: We want to recreate this luxe look at home. Can you walk us through your process?
Nan: Okay, my process:
1.) When you buy bedding, make sure to wash it first.
2.) Use a down insert, or a down substitute. Do not skimp on the pillows.
3.) You’ll need a nice mattress pad cover that’s cushiony, breathes, and is soft.
4.) Iron the pillow cases and the duvet, and if you have extra time, the sheets.
5.) Make sure the inserts fit the shams and the pillows fit the pillowcases.

Rue La La: Any chic bed-making shortcuts?
Nan: Use a gorgeous sheet set and a beautiful blanket tucked in or a soft cotton throw draped over. Keep a stash of ironed pillowcases in the closet to save time.

Rue La La: Hospital corners or no hospital corners, that is the question.
Nan: It depends on the kind of sheets. Some sheets, like crisp cotton, are great for hospital corners. But with linen, there’s just something about the way that linen sheets drape.

Rue La La: What kinds of bed linens are you seeing this fall?
Nan: Right now, toile patterns are really hot and so is ikat. I’ve been seeing a lot of anything handprinted or handblocked from India. Also, there’s been more and more linen bedding and sheets in faded and washed tones. To be honest though, I only tend to notice things that I like.

Rue La La: How do you bring patterns into the bedroom without them seeming overwhelming (and keeping you up at night)?
Nan: Since I don’t like decorative pillows, I would bring texture and pattern into a room via the pillowcases and euro sham.

Rue La La: Styling beds means imagining bedrooms. Will you break down your styling process for us?
Nan: Sure, here are my tips:
1.) You need to make a set. What kind of person is this? What color are the walls? What’s the architectural style, bed style, kind of lamp, and what’s the bedside table like? What are they reading if there are books on the nightstand? What kind of art is on the walls? I have a persona picked out and generally I like to think of the person living in the room as intelligent, someone who reads and likes art. I picture them usually reading the same books as I do.
2.) Choose a good mattress pad cover.
3.) Find some good pillows and duvet inserts.
4.) Find a headboard that goes with the bed.
5.) Gather lots of pins and plenty of cotton batting.
6.) Start making the bed from the bottom – the pillows should be the last thing to go on the bed.

Our The W Hotels Bed Boutique opens Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 11AM ET.

RUE STYLIST EVAN TAKES THIS TANK TO NEW LEVELS (x3)

Rue stylist Lindsay couldn’t resist shopping our It’s a Guy Thing Boutique for herself, and showed us how some easy styling can redefine this tomato red scott james summer sweater entirely.

With Diane Keaton à la Annie Hall as your muse, broaden your horizons and look towards menswear as an option for women. When done right, there’s something cheeky – and just a little bit daring – about girls borrowing from the boys.

Our It’s A Guy Thing Boutique opened Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 11AM ET.

RUE LA LA STYLIST MAUREEN GIVES MEMBERS SPRING-WORTHY SOLUTIONS

Now that winter’s run its course, we’re busy getting prepped for warmer weather (an animal of its own). We asked our lovely Facebook Fans to post their most pressing questions. And one of our Rue stylists, Maureen, has all the answers when it comes to dressing for the season.

Q: What’s the one must-have outfit piece this spring? – Caitlin O.
A: Invest in a dress that can go from day to night. Try the new longer length to pair with flats in the daytime and high wedge espadrilles at night. For day, throw on a woven leather belt and a light cardigan or jean jacket. For night, go for drippy rhinestones to up the glitz.

Q: What’s the rule on nail polish color this season? Toes only? Fingers only? Matching toes & fingers? – Shawn F.
A: We love mixing up fingers and toes, but we try to keep the colors in the same family. Spring for a coral on your fingers and a hot pink on your toes, or try a ballet slipper pink paired with cherry red.

Q: I have purchased many cute tops for spring, but what do I wear them with? Aren’t cropped pants out now? – Cortnie M.
A: Even though the trend right now tends to be a wider, more trouser-y style for spring, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear cropped pants. We love a well-fitted cropped jean with a great wedge heel and a flowy bohemian top.

Q: If I’m just adding three tops to my wardrobe for spring, what type or color should I buy? – Patricia C.
A: One: A lady-like dressy blouse with a tie neck to wear with jeans, a blazer, or a skirt. Two: A striped French sailor T-shirt to serve as a wardrobe staple. Three: A racerback tank in a bold color like yellow or cobalt blue to wear with jeans and partner with a stack of chunky bangles.

Q: Is the 70’s wide-leg high-waisted jean here to stay? What’s a good way to pull this off for people with a short torso who frankly like lower-rise jeans? – Alicia D.
A. Like all trends, it’s unpredictable as to what will stay and what will go. We do predict that a wider leg jean will be around for at least a few seasons and we will be seeing less of the skinny jean. To give the illusion of long legs, try a mid-rise cut and platform heels.

Q: The rules of wearing white… it’s a big debate in the South. I grew up learning that between Easter and Labor Day white is right, but many say that you have to wait until Memorial Day to wear white. And then lately I’m reading that there are no longer rules for white, wear it year round. What is right for white??? – Christy S.
A: The rule of only wearing white between Memorial Day and Labor Day has gone to the wayside. For white jeans or pants, make sure it is a perfect fit and the material is forgiving because white tends to reveal imperfections. We are loving white cotton dresses and skirts too this season. It’s a pretty and fresh addition to any wardrobe.

Q: What is the best color or pattern to add to your wardrobe for spring? – Ann M.
A: A fun trend for spring is mixing patterns. Wear a floral skirt and a striped T-shirt, or mix a bold patterned dress with a smaller patterned jacket. If done right, the look is super chic. ]]> http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/04/22/style-file-your-spring-style-questions-answered/feed/ 3 http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/01/13/rock-the-denim/ http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/01/13/rock-the-denim/#comments Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:13:37 +0000 ruelalablog http://www.ruelala.com/blog/?p=3252 RUE LA LA STYLIST PICKS FOR ROCK & REPUBLIC

We believe that you can never have too much denim. And we’re beyond excited about our Rock & Republic Boutique, overflowing with rock star-worthy styles in every shade and shape. We checked in with our resident stylist, Maureen Dahill - who styled the Boutique, for her favorite looks of the day.

Our Rock & Republic Boutique opens Thursday, January 13.

RUE LA LA STYLIST MAUREEN TACKLES THIS SEASON’S BIGGEST QUESTIONS

One of Rue La La’s very own stylists, Maureen, dishes on how to wear this season’s must-haves.

Q. How can I look fun and flirty but not silly at age 40?  – Julie C.
A. Just because you’re 40 doesn’t mean you can’t be cute and flirty! But when you reach a certain age, some of the sexier trends can look like you’re trying too hard, so err on the side of caution when dipping into trends like leopard or leather shorts. Why not try a fitted, skinny cigarette pant paired with a pretty, tucked-in blouse? That look can be very flirty yet sophisticated. Or, try a rich jewel-tone feminine skirt with a cashmere top. And heels always add a touch of fun and confidence to any outfit.

Q. Leopard print is everywhere, but how can I wear it and not go overboard? – Elisabeth V.
A. The thought of wearing an entire leopard dress might scare most women. But there are other ways to rock leopard. Try accessories - a leopard handbag or skinny belt is a nice addition to a neutral outfit in grey, taupe, or black. Or if you’re feeling slightly braver, a classic-cut pencil skirt in leopard paired with a black cardigan is a nice way to wear this trend.

Q. Can knee-high boots be worn to the work area? Or are those more for the weekend? – Lourdes Q.
A. I would say that knee-high boots are appropriate for many offices, but what style depends on your office dress codes. If you work in a more creative type of office, try a distressed leather boot in gray or brown. If you work in a more conservative environment, a sleeker, more polished knee-high boot in black will work nicely with a black skirt or dress.

Q. Can I wear a short black dress to a Friday night wedding this weekend?? I always feel I need to wear light colors to a summer wedding… – Mary F.
A. A black dress to a summer wedding is always a perfect choice. Just make sure the material of your dress is appropriate. If you have a daytime wedding, a shift in linen or light cotton would work. Make sure your accessories aren’t evening. Avoid sequins or anything too glittery for day. As for evening, the little black dress will work in almost any fabric (except of course a heavy wool). A bare leg and a great sandal will make the black dress look more summery. Don’t forget a pedicure, too!

Q. What will be the hottest color and trend for autumn/winter?? – Shari D.
A. It seems that jewel tones were popping up all over the fall runways. Try colors that are intense with rich tones like amethyst, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. If you shy away from brighter colors, you’ll be happy to know that neutrals like camel and grey are huge for fall 2010. Also, wearing monochromatic colors head to toe is another color trend. Try a dress in red with matching tights and lipstick. Being matchy-matchy is also on-trend for fall.

Q. I love that lace is in, I personally love to wear it on nights and weekends, but how can I incorporate it into my work wardrobe without it looking too lingerie-ish? – Anna K.
A. I think lace is a nice addition to your work wardrobe. Try a lace top or blouse under a blazer or cardigan. The hint of lace is the perfect subtle touch for the office. Even a lace skirt with opaque tights and more casual oversized sweater would be a refreshing change for your fall wardrobe.

Q. I LOVE the idea of jeggings! But I’ve never bought any due to the face that I have no idea what size I would wear! I would love it if you guys could tell me the best way to determine my size/fit, if they run small, big, etc. – Amanda T.
A. Jeggings normally should run true to size. But don’t forget they are a straighter, skinnier fit, so sometimes that means going up a size so it sits comfortably on the waist without digging in and causing the dreaded muffin top. But also keep in mind that most jeggings have Lycra in them and are more stretchy than regular jeans and therefore have more give to them.

Q. I just bought a Valentino lace tote, but what in the world can I wear it with without feeling like I’ll be wearing black every day? – Olga C.
A. Mixing textures and patterns is a big trend for fall 2010. So embrace the combination of lace and wool or lace and tweed. It’s fresh and fashionable. Your lace tote would look great with a lush camel coat. Or try a chunky wool oversized sweater in grey. Another nice combination would be the femininity of the lace tote mixed with a menswear Harris Tweed blazer.

Q. What can I wear over-the-knee boots with so that they don’t make me look like a streetwalker? – Rebecca D.
A. The trick is to balance the look with a more casual and less-fitted outfit. Opaque ribbed tights in grey with a cute wool mini and a chunky sweater would complement an over-the-knee boot in a distressed leather.

Q. Am I just wishful thinking, or are glittery shoes “in” this fall? – Brittany B.
A. Gold and glitter are very much a trend this fall. If you love glittery shoes, wear ‘em! You could try the sock and shoe trend that is big for fall as well by wearing a thin sock with them.

Q. What type of legwear will be in style this fall and winter (i.e, opaque tights, sheer pantyhose, tights with patterns, etc.)? – Michelle M.
A. A variety of legwear is a huge trend for fall and winter. Socks with sandals are big. Opaque tights in grays, blacks, and even white are looks spotted on fall runways. Sheer black hose looks great for evening looks. We love the look of a thicker scrunched sock peeking out of an ankle boot. Ribbed tights in a variety of colors like grey, burgundy, and camel are also a fresh look for fall.

Got more vexing style questions? Post them here or on our facebook page and we’ll get you some stylish answers.

With leather jackets being the must-have outerwear piece of the season, we had to get the scoop on how women can incorporate this look into their wardrobe. Here, APART style guru Melissa Diner dishes on her favorite ways to wear leather (at any age).

Want more styling tips from APART? Check www.apartstyle.com.

Confession: Sometimes we get a glimpse of an upcoming trend and love it in theory (or how it looks on the model coming down the runway) but can’t always pull it off in the morning when it’s time to leave for work. So we turned to Rue La La stylist Maureen for easy styling solutions to this season’s most vexing trends.

Lingerie
The trick to mastering lingerie pieces is making it look like you’re not wearing a nightie in public. A couple of easy options: Wear a lacy camisole top under a blazer, or try a slip dress with opaque tights and a chunky sweater.

Fur (or faux fur)
A fun look for day or night: Wear a luxe fox collar or shrug over a casual T and jeans, or draped over a sweater dress with boots.

Socks with sandals
This has forever been a fashion no-no, but if done the right way, it can be adorable. First you want to make sure the sandal has some substance to it. A wooden chunky-heeled sandal paired with a thinner-to-medium textured scrunched sock is a great way to wear this trend (never wear an evening strappy sandal with socks).

Velvet
This is such a rich and lush fabric that it’s normally thought of for evening. But you can find gorgeous blazers in rich fall tones that would be perfect for daytime. Wear them with jeans and a T or a pretty silk blouse underneath for the office.

A cape
A wool cape in a neutral shade (camel, grey, or black) should become a staple in your fall wardrobe. Try wearing a shorter one over jeans for a toned-down, more casual look. Elbow-length gloves in leather or suede keep your arms nice and warm while looking fashion forward.

White tights
Trading black opaque tights for white can be a daunting trend for most. White tights tend to make legs look fuller, so it may not appeal to some. But if you want to be a little adventurous this fall, try white tights beneath soft knit sweater dresses and pair with a slouchy boot or bootie.

Sheers
These pieces are not for the faint of heart. If you’re not afraid to flaunt it, try a sheer dress with a shorter fitted mini beneath. A pretty satin bra would look stunning underneath a completely sheer blouse.

Knee-high socks
I love the look of knee-high socks peeking out of pair of distressed leather, calf-high boots. But if you want to embrace your inner schoolgirl, don them with heels and a skirt. But keep in mind the skirt length - you don’t want to wear a micro mini. For evening, you can wear a sheer knee-high pulled slightly over the knee with an evening shoe or bootie.

Over-the-knee boots
The trick here is to avoid looking dominatrix-y. Try a neutral grey-tone boot in a distressed leather and wear them with a knit dress or mini. To keep balance, pair your mini or dress with an oversized sweater or blazer and layer on opaque tights.

No matter what trend you’re trying to master, remember this: Style is all about taking risks. Just be sure to keep proportions in mind, and most importantly - have fun.