Idiosyncratic Style

1. PRETTY PETALS

Christian Louboutins at Neiman Marcus

These Christian Louboutin petal sandals will definitely inject the necessary spring into your step and your wardrobe. They are quite beautiful shoes, however with a $995.00 price tag they are more than slightly un-obtainable for most of us. So I was ecstatic to discover a chic DIY project on … love maegan. The only thing more covetable than pricey designer shoes are one-of-a-kind shoes that no one else will be wearing. I encourage you to infuse your own personal touch into the design and really make them your own. I can’t wait to make a custom pair for myself.

2. TOUGH FLORAL

Stylist: Kristen O'Reilly | Photographer: G. Tjepkema |Make-up: T. Byers

We are used to seeing florals all dolled up looking innocent, girlie and sweet, but I really like them with injections of bad ass and rock’n'roll. Taking a hint from  Tough is a lady at Cynthia Steffe, re-think your pretty patterns and match them up with a little leather and hardware. Perhaps a studded belt with your floral frock ala Carrie Bradshaw. These are not your grandmas florals, so don’t wear them the same way she does.  

3. FULL BLOOM

Breeyn McCarney 2009 Collection

At Toronto’s Alternative Fashion week earlier this year, I had the pleasure of checking out Breeyn McCarney’s collection and instantly developed a crush on this frilly, flirty dress. Forget floral patterns, this dress is a flower in full bloom! The wearer of this dress is sure to make a statement wherever she goes.

4. FLOWER POWER 

Diane Von Furstenberg S09

Boho styles may come and go, but anything that taps in to the free-spirit of the 60’s has a little piece of my heart. So obviously, I fell in love with the floral headpieces worn on the Diane Von Furstenberg  S09 runway. They are whimsically worthy of any neo-hippie fashionista. I found a really cute how-to video on Fashion Club.com Daily that walks you through a wearable DIY version of the headband.

5. PERENNIAL FAVORITE

Betsey Johnson Runway Montage

No one does flowers quite like Betsey Johnson can. Betsey’s flowers are the kind of perennials you look forward to showing up each season, whether it be vibrant floral prints, fabric rosettes or actual flowers styled on the models, she doesn’t dissapoint her flower loving fans.

Although buying a Betsey Johnson piece is a sure fire way to tap into the floral trend, it won’t be easy purchase for everyone’s budget. Just because you are cutting back your shopping list these days, doesn’t mean you have to skip on the floral frocks of our favorite cartwheeler. Be sure to click around for some great online deals. Yesterday, I found some amazing Betsey Johnson items on Etsy, like this floral stretch velvet mini for $39, this maven worthy floral romper for only $29.99, this eclectic floral hat from her 80’s punk line for $30 and this adorable retro style floral dress for $60. So even in a recession you can still get a little BJ, if you know where to look.

As you may have learned from the Idiosyncratic Style Poll a couple posts back, I am a big fan of comfort in my couture and therefore  excited to see various versions of the comfy looking harem pants cropping up on runways and in stores everywhere. But these structure-less pants are definitely a tricky trend and I wanted to test drive them before even buying a cheap pair. So, I came up with a 10 minute project to make a pair of stylish harem pants from pajama pants.

Photo: G. Tjepkema | Stylist: Kristen O'Reilly | Make-Up: Taylor Byers | Model: Kate Wallace

Instructions:

1. Grab a pair of pajama pants (or yoga pants). This is your canvas so pick a color and texture you like enough to wear outside the bedroom.
2. Take some sewing elastic (perhaps leftovers from another project).
3. Cut the elastic into two pieces that fit snugly around your lower leg.
4. Make a small incision on the inside of the bottom hem of each leg.
5. Feed the elastic through the opening in your hem (tip: use a safety pin).
6. Once the elastic is through, sew the two ends together securely
7. Mend the inside of the hem where you poked your hole.
8. Do some style experiments with your new 10 minute harem pants.

Styling Tips:

1. Try pairing them with a men’s style blazer to add a little structure to the look.
2. If the pants are made from shiny materials, keep the rest matte and simple.
3. Show a little skin (even if it is just ankles and some arm length).
4. If there is an elastic band waist on the pants, be sure to conceal it when styling.
5. Heels will help give the comfy casual pants a dressier appeal.

I can’t wait to see pictures of your up-cycled pj pants and what you wear them with.
Post your pictures in the IdStyle on Facebook.

Stylist: Kristen O'Reilly | M/U: Lindsay Wilson

Rompers and boyfriend jeans are both top trends right now so why not combine the two and throw on a classic pair of denim overalls. Just like boyfriend jeans, the casual legs could be cuffed and rolled up to show some ankle and showcase a great pair of shoes or maybe worn loose with flip flops.

OVERALL INSPIRATION

Chanel S08 | Luella S04 | The Sartorialist

Chanel S08 showed off a version of the denim onsesie styled with pearls that captured the essence of their brand. Luella S04 managed to remain true to the comfortable and casual nature of the original overalls without sacrificing even an ounce of style. The Sartorialist captured a woman offering a fresh approach to styling an overalls ensemble by pairing them with unexpected pieces, like a colorful printed blouse and loafer inspired heels.

Recently, Marie Claire published a fashion editorial that highlighted overalls as a feminist statement featuring the masculine-inspired style of factory girls past and present.

Free People have an amazing pair of cozy oversized overalls for $595.00, Dickies classic women’s overalls are on sale for $29.99 and thrift stores everywhere are offering perfectly worn in overalls and incredibly low prices if you are game for the hunt.

Check out IdStyle on Facebook for some links to DIY recycled overalls projects.

Photographer: G. Tjepkema | Stylist: K. O'Reilly | Hair M/U: L. Wilson

Spring has sprung and it is the perfect time to tap into your inner girly-girl. Test out the age-old fashion staple of little sisters everywhere and tie your tresses in a beautiful bow to visually declare your style major.

Kaboodle offers a large tartan bow for those who like to rock a little harder. Prepsters everywhere will want to take a cue from Gossip Girl’s Blair and opt for a simple headband with silk bow. Vintage ladies should try the forehead veil and oversized bows seen on Luella S09 Runways. Bohemians are not left out either, watch this great how-to video to help you create a braided hair bow, organically made from the hair on your head. Those who gravitate towards yesteryear should pay attention to Kelly Osbourne’s retro inspired matching bow and coat combo. Fashion mavens may want to don the editorial hair bows John Galliano put forth for S09. Trendy girls will want to test drive Lady Gaga’s literal “hair bow” for themselves. Really girly-girls should pile on the youthful hair accessories a la Harajuku girl. If all else fails, Zooey Deschanel shows us that the tried and true way to wear this trend is simple and sweet with a pink headband.

Whatever your idiosyncratic style may be, wrap it up with a pretty bow. I dare you.

If you are one of the brave stylistas that take these dares each month, be sure to let me know in the comments below and post a picture of you rocking the girly bow in the IdStyle facebook group.