Hints of Style

Ideas for what, when and wear

Author Archive

It’s the Little Things

Monday, March 4, 2013 by:Trish McQuillen

I worked with a wonderful client last week who was having a tough time updating her classic style of dressing for work and play. She had a few versatile pieces for us to incorporate into our new wardrobe plan, but there was just something missing.

As she stepped into her skinny jeans, pulled on a simple tank and topped it off with a blazer, we could see that the look was slowly coming together. She then picked out a pair of comfortable, but slightly cumbersome rubber-bottom shoes to round out the outfit. At that point, her regular daily dressing routine was complete.

What began as the right approach to a classic ensemble, fell flat without those added extras that transform an outfit from common to complete.

Start with the same basics – jean, tank, blazer – but this time add a slight wedge shoe and a trendy pendant or statement necklace. Or a comfy kitten heel and some dangling chandelier earrings. Still yet, a season-favorite ankle boot and a few layers of alternating length chains. Trade in the blazer for a cozy cardigan and the above additions look just as awe-inspiring.

The little things…it’s a simple concept with a spectacular outcome.

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Bringal Pendant Necklace from Anthropologie in Westport, Greenwich, Farmington, Westchester

Baxen Patent Leather Wedge from Jimmy Choo @ Walin & Wolff in New Canaan, Westport. Saks Fifth Avenue in Greenwich, Stamford

Amelia Chandelier from Kendra Scott @ Erica K in Darien. Femmegems in Greenwich

Janis Textile Heel from Isaac Mizrahi @ Lord & Taylor in Stamford, Trumbull, Danbury

Double Layer Rosary @ Free People in Westport, Farmington, Greenwich

Birthstone Necklace @ Free People

Selma Buckle Wrapped Booties @ Loft in Stamford, Westport, Fairfield

Green with Envy

Friday, March 1, 2013 by:Trish McQuillen

One year it’s Tangerine Tango, the next it’s Emerald Green.
Who know’s where 2014 will lead the Pantone Color analysts in charge of predicting the perfect pigment.

“Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty
that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.”

A quote from the company expressing the feelings evoked when one sees, wears or even sits on all things Emerald Green. I can express one feeling for sure…I can’t wait to look out my window and see EVERYTHING green again.

Until then, we may have to settle for seizing the (green) day and stocking up on a piece or two of “this powerful and universally appealing tone.”

emerald

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Watermint and Blossom Twisted Halter Dress from Worth New York @ www.worthnewyork.com, or a local Worth Specialist in your town…1-800-967-8465

Tiana Embroidered Peasant Blouse from KAS New York @ www.bloomingdales.com

Patty Peplum Top from Alice + Olivia @ Alice + Olivia in Greenwich, Saks Fifth Avenue in Stamford, Greenwich

Arch-Hem Cashmere Sweater and Scarf from Michael Kors @ Michael Kors in Greenwich, Danbury.

Sage d’ Orsay Snake Print from Kate Spade @ Kate Spade in Westport, Greenwich, Shoe-Inn in Westport, Chou Chou in Wilton

Tessera Drop Earrings in Glass, Metal and Suede @ Anthropologie in Greenwich, Westport, Farmington

D-Styling Zip Shopper from Tod’s @ Mitchell’s in Westport, Saks Fifth Avenue in Stamford, Greenwich

Incognito from Essie @ CVS stores, Ulta Beauty in Milford, www.amazon.com

A Hunt for Hennes & Mauritz

Monday, February 25, 2013 by:Trish McQuillen

Gucci, Valentino, H&M, Armani.

One of these things jut doesn’t belong.
Amidst all the designer delights appearing on last night’s Oscars, one name flashed its label for the very first time.

Helen Hunt in H&M (photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Helen Hunt went against the grosgrain choosing a custom designed dress from the ever-affordable H&M.
Yes, the approximately $700,000 worth of jewels that adorned her neck, wrist and lobes did add the black tie bling to the understated, yet elegant ensemble.
Not only was her choice a bit more affordable than its red carpet rivals, the navy satin dress was also “green” by design.

H&M has joined the Global Green USA cause to further their global garment recycling program. According to H&M spokesperson Marybeth Schmidtt, as of last Thursday, customers will be able to exchange any piece of clothing, from any brand, in any condition and receive a 15% off voucher good towards their next item purchased at the store. H&M has 269 locations in the US and is represented in 48 markets worldwide.
“We believe this program will really make an impact in reducing the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills all over the world and we are excited that, at the same time, we will raise funds for Global Green USA to continue their great work”

Environmentally friendly, fashionable and fabulous…now that’s a red carpet favorite.

H&M’s Conscious approach

Global Green USA

Lively Up Your Prep

Saturday, February 23, 2013 by:Trish McQuillen

In 1980. the Official Preppy Handbook hit bookstore shelves creating a greater awareness of that polo-driven, khaki-sporting, loafer-stepping scene. The book was a tongue-in-cheek view of prep school attire worn by the so called “rich” of the northeast and those who aspired to be like them.

Before & After

The colors pink and green will never be the same.

Today, not only is a sequel to the book in the works focusing on a more modern day version of the original bestseller, but these classic styles for Spring have taken a new twist. In many cases a relaxed, bohemian beat has been added to soften and complement the subculture styles of yesterday.

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Chambray Skirt/Floral Sequin Skirt @ J Crew in Greenwich, Stamford, Westport, Fairfield, New Canaan, New Haven, Trumbull, Danbury

Varsity Cable Cardigan/Flounce Skirt by Tommy Hilfiger @ Macy’s in Stamford, Trumbull, Milford, Danbury

The Helen Dress by Tory Burch @ Tory Burch in Greenwich, Nordstrom in Farmington, Mitchells in Westport

Tie-Dye Skinny Jeans/Linen Blazer by MICHAEL Michael Kors @ Michael Kors in Greenwich, Danbury, Saks in Stamford, Greenwich

Camoflage Skirt/Check Silk Top by Lela Rose @ Mitchells in Westport, Neiman Marcus in Westchester, www.shopbop.com

Worth Skinny Mini Zip/Shay Top by Lilly Pulitzer @ Splash of Pink in Westport, Island Outfitters in Fairfield, Darien Sport Shop in Darien

Brrrrr…

Saturday, February 16, 2013 by:Trish McQuillen

Despite the cloudless, sunny sky and the miild, 50* temperature outside yesterday, the weekend weather has us dipping back more than 20 degrees with signs of more snow.

I’m definitely not the picture of pep and poise when the mercury doesn’t rise to the occasion each day. But after peeking at this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition, I may never groan again.

Bikini from Eres

Kate Upton, gracing the cover as well as scenes inside, carried off another scantily clad photo shoot for the annual, and most anticipated, edition of the year. Her assignment, however, was not as environmentally friendly for photo shoots as her 2012 cover shot in Queensland, Australia. With penguins playing in the background of many pictures, it was obvious that this year had the super model nowhere warm, but rather in Antarctica.
Despite being barely dressed, and sometimes completely undressed, in the middle of the South Pole, she managed to convey the same tropical impression that she showed in the other Sunshine Sate.

Although I don’t advise you shoveling in one of these string-like sensations, you may want to tie one on before this year’s Spring break.

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Seaview Stripe Bikini from Seafolly @ Tahiti Street in Greenwich, Totally Kool in Westport

Knotted Fringe Top/Bikini from L*Space @ Free People in Greenwich and Farmington, www.freepeople.com

Cape Navy Bikini from Vix @ Soleil Toile in Westport, Darien Sport Shop in Darien, Swim N Surf in Fairfield

Daytona Bandeau Bikini from Becca @ Everything But Water in Greenwich, Farmington

Reversible Twist Bikini from Vince Camuto @ Lord & Taylor in Stamford, Trumbull and Danbury, Nordstrom in Farmington

White Skull Lace Bikini from Letarte in Greenwich, Saks Fifth Avenue in Stamford and Greenwich

Snirt

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 by:Trish McQuillen

The first few hours following a substantial snowfall are definitely the prettiest. The ground glistens with the purest of white flakes imaginable.

Then it all changes.

b/w

Dirt seems to infiltrate the snow mounds of purity creating the blatant contrast of colors…otherwise known as
SNIRT.

Everywhere I turn I see snirt – piers, playgrounds, and parking lots are covered with the speckled wintry mix of black and white.

Winter, however, is not the only season that washes these two shades together so naturally. Spring 2013 has also creatively captured the contrast of those two colors.

So next time you’re stepping over a mound of snirt…Spring ahead.

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Marc Jacobs Long T-Shirt Dress @ Saks Fifth Avenue in Greenwich, Nordstrom in Farmington

Stella McCartney Colorblock Dress @ Neiman Marcus in Westchester

Combined Coat @ Zara in Stamford, Greenwich and www.zara.com

Zebra Print Skirt @ Banana Republic in Westport, Stamford, Fairfield, Trumbull and Danbury

Chloe Black/White/Grey @ Mitchells in Westport, Richards in Greenwich

Asha’s Else Earrings @ Erica K in Darien, Dovecote in Westport, and www.ashabyadm.com

Prabal Gurung for Target @ Target in Trumbull, Bethel, Milford and Ansonia

hi·a·tus …noun \hī-ˈā-təs\

Monday, February 11, 2013 by:Trish McQuillen

According to Merriam-Webster.com dictionary

Hiatus – : an interruption in time or continuity : break; especially : a period when something (as a program or activity) is suspended or interrupted

Although it wasn’t a “5-year” break from writing, it has been since October 27th…2 days before Hurricane Sandy walloped the east coast, that I wrote my last blog. The New Jersey shoreline was one area that took a serious blow as the eye of the storm focused on their barrier islands near Ortley Beach.

Bridge over Troubled Water

My 84 year old parents live…lived… 3 miles from Ortley Beach.

They’re both well as they were evacuated the day before the hurricane hit, but their house and their lives have since changed dramatically.
They now reside in Stamford and, needless to say, we’ve been extremely busy relocating and reorganizing their new world.

Just today my Dad asked, “How’s your Bog, Blog, whatever it’s called, coming along.” I was about to answer how I haven’t had much time to write ever since…..
But I decided against verbalizing that hasty response.
Instead I replied, “Funny you should mention that. I’m supposed to write one today.”

Can’t lie to Dad.

Fall 2013 Fashion Week Schedule

Cozy Cables

Monday, October 29, 2012 by:Trish McQuillen

You don’t have to visit Ireland to understand the coziness of a cable knit sweater. Sometimes known as a fisherman’s jumper or sweater, the usually cream-colored knitted pullover wasn’t always so soft and snuggly. Given the name Aran jumper after originating in the Aran Islands off the western coast of Ireland, these warm wonders were once made from unscoured wool which retained its natural oils enabling them to withstand wet, inclement weather.

Doubtful the modern day cable sweater would be able to absorb or even repel rain as its lookalike from yesteryears, but that coziness and warmth still lingers.