The Perfect Outfit For A First Date
Photos by: Claire Thomas
First dates are nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about what to wear. And we know first hand, so we've gone ahead and whipped up the ideal example of what to rock when you're trying to meet Mr. or Ms. Right. Opt for a little long-sleeved dress in an unexpected shade of purple, and layer on a slim belt to play up the hourglass silhouette. Just add the perfect subtle shoes and bag, plus an effortless top-knot, and get ready to score—style-wise, at least.
Nail this date-ready look in five easy steps:
Essential #1: Wicked Wedges—Walk tall in these adorable and affordable wedges. They'll go with everything this fall, but we love the way the neutral color offsets the deep gem shade of this long-sleeve dress the most.
Riviera Cork Wedges, $215, available at American Rag, 150 South La Brea Avenue (at 2nd Street); 323-935-3154.
Essential #2: Cute Cocktail Dress—Nothing is easier to slip into than the perfect cocktail dress. This 3.1 Phillip Lim number comes in the most amazing deep purple hue and has super-flattering pleats and folds, so it's always sexy, and never snoozy.
3.1 Phillip Lim Long Sleeve Gathered Dress, $795, available at Feature Boutique, 11958 San Vicente Boulevard (at Saltair Avenue); 310-826-6600.
Essential #3: Thin Brown Belt—Keep the focus on your shape with this brown leather belt cinched at the natural waist. It draws the eye to the smallest part of your bod, and ties together the shoes and the bag. Done and done!
Skinny Feathered Edge Leather Belt ,$30, available at American Apparel, Robertson Boulevard (at Burton Way); 310-385-9183.
Essential #4: Sleek Hair Helper—The classic ponytail-turned-bun is emerging as the go-to hairstyle for fall. Whether it's sleek and minimal or a little messy, ensure you don't have any fly-aways with HerCut's brand new product.
The Ponytail Styling Lotion, $22, available at Sephora, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Century Park East); 310-843-0123.
Essential #5: The Mini Messenger—Keep your baggage—emotional and otherwise—to a minimum with this small and superb Madewell cross-body bag. We love the rich brown saddle leather and the zipper details.
Canyon Messenger, $128, available at Madewell, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Avenue of the Stars); 310-772-0428.
R29 Giveaway:
Want to get your hands on the ideal finishing touch for this perfect look? Just tell us in the comments of this story about your best—or worst—first date and the most memorable answer will get this Low Luv by Erin Wasson gold bangle from Feature Boutique.
Want more outfit inspiration? Check out the best way to wear fall's essential turban accessory here!
Fashion Plates: The Perfect Outfit For 5 Burro
With the last days of summer simmering away, we decided to take a little leisurely stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge and head to one of the best newish Mexican eateries on the map now. Just three months in existence, 5 Burro was opened by husband-and-wife team George and Marla Cornejo (he's the brother of sleek-chic NYC designer, Maria Cornejo, wouldn't you know) on a quiet waterfront stretch of Brooklyn's Columbia Street. At first glance, this vibrant little restaurant might seem slight on space, but drift back through the bright and cheery front room to the wide-open back garden for some serious spicy-delicious fare. Clad with Crayola-colored chairs and tables, this alfresco sprawl is a mini escape from the Brooklyn bustle and offers the most sublime setting for a late-summer nosh. Start your 5 Burro meal with a frosty pitcher of perfect Margaritas (just enough tart and sweet for our discerning palates). The fairly broad classic Mexican menu offers an array of freshly prepared dishes, including quesadillas, sopas, and fajitas, but we went straight for Marla's pitch-perfect recommendations, which did not disappoint. Kick things off with the homemade avocado dip and the beyond satisfying Queso Fundido, a melty-spicy blend of Monterey Jack cheese and spicy Mexican sausage (a meal in itself) and finish with the soft-tortilla grilled fish taco. The best part? All of the ingredients are sourced locally, and served with rice, beans, and house-made fresca salsa, meaning you'll wish you brought more friends to the table.
We're not letting you go anywhere without the right look. Since the late-summer walk to this far-flung resto is part of the fun, we've assembled just the right outfit to get you there in R29-approved style. We've included something from sister Cornejo, natch, plus you can spruce up your trek with a cross body bag, sturdy but still slamming desert boot wedges, and, for that Brooklyn bridge glare, Sean Lennon-y sunnies. Of course, what Mexican night would be complete with a slash of lip gloss in fiery red—olé!
R29 DEAL:
Want to get in on the eats without emptying your wallet? Order two entrées to get the quesadillas absolutely free! Just mention R29 to score the swe-et discount!
5 Burro Cafe, 127 Columbia Street (near Kane Street); Brooklyn; 718-875-5515
Above, from left: Zero + Maria Cornejo One Wing Dress, $596, available at La Garconne;
Wendy Nicholl Braided Bullet Bag, $540, available at La Garconne; Marc by Marc Jacobs, Suede Wedge Boots, $350, available at Net-A-Porter;
Karen Walker Rover Sunglasses, $171, available at Milk; Topshop Polish in Coral, $12, available at Topshop.
Interested in more outfit pairings for NYC's most fashionable restaurants? Check out our perfect outfit for BONDST here!
Fashion Plates: The Perfect Outfit For BONDST
There's a reason why BONDST has been a go-to NYC spot for over a decade. Situated in a historic Soho-style brownstone that belies a sleek, spare interior, the 3-floor eatery serves up modern Japanese with some decidedly European influences, plus a crowd that's as fash-forward as it is foodie. Last week, we decided to forgo the main dining room for a more secluded tête-à-tête in the intimate lounge, tucked below street level. With a new cocktail program we've been dying to try out, we may have been a tad ambitious in sticking to one drink—the menu includes everything from a signature Lychee Martini, an Asian Pear cocktail (Maker's Mark, pear nectar, and sparkling pear cider), and a Shisito Pepper Margarita (pepper agave, tequila, yuzu lemon foam, and shisito pepper). To get in on the Tokyo vibe (albeit a little less frenetic), we decided to put together an outfit perfect for a late night nibble-and-sip (the crispy tuna rolls are dangerously good). There's lots of Japanese designers, natch, and one amazing cheap thrill, plus a bunch of patterns, textured surfaces, and a slinky silhouette that will make you stand out without looking like you're Lost In Translation.
BONDST, 6 Bond Street (between Broadway and Lafayette Street); 212-777-2500.
Clockwise, from top left: Tsumori Chisato Drapey Knit Pullover, $359, available at La Garçonne, 447 Broadway (between Grand and Canal streets); 866-887-8707 (returns only); Urban Oufitters Filigree Ring, $18, available at Urban Outfitters, 628 Broadway (between Bleecker and West Houston streets); 212-475-0009; Joseph Water Reptile Image Pants, $220, available at Joseph, 816 Madison Avenue (between 68th and 68th streets); 212-570-0077; Topshop Granite Elastic Wedge, $125, available at Topshop, 478 Broadway (between Broome and Grand streets); 212-966-9555; Pleats Please Issey Miyake Bilbao Lucent Combo Bag, $450, available at Pleats Please Issey Miyake,
128 Wooster Street (between Prince and Spring streets); 212-226-3600.
Perfect Outfit: How To Work A Turban
Photos by: Claire Thomas
Instead of breaking your back carrying those hefty September issues around town, just take a page from today's Perfect Outfit. Spotted in west L.A., our new friend Cassidy skillfully paired gray paper-bag shorts, a blush oversized blouse, and some substantially strapped sandals to create the base for our new favorite autumn uniform. But the final twist that really tops it off is a totally rad turban: This piece is unexpected touch but really ties the entire look together and makes it feel fresh for fall. Clearly, we think Cassidy's outfit is head and shoulders above the rest and, naturally, we recommend you be a copycat!
Snag these four pieces to assemble the perfect outfit now: (clockwise from far right)
A Teen Vogue Editor Rocks The Perfect Outfit
After spending a weekend in Montauk with Teen Vogue's Senior Accessories Editor, Shiona Turini, we just can't get enough of this crazy-cool chick. While we aren't sure what we like more—her hilarious sense of humor or her to-die-for style (she always looks prepped for the pages of her own glossy)— we are certain that this It-Girl editor has an EIC title in her future. So, we were more than psyched to play paparazzi at Madison Square Park where we snapped a killer photo of the Bermuda-born babe in an Uptown-glam, yet funky look that we are absolutely dying to replicate. It is no secret that the W magazine alum knows how to get her co-workers turning green with envy, pairing a killer tweed Louis Vuitton jacket with some sky-high
Burberry heels, for a perfect outfit that goes straight from Condé Nast corp. to a downtown dinner with friends. Plus, we're loving the classic, black DVF skirt that ties the outfit together with
a playful pop. Since we don't all have a fashion closet to raid, we're letting you in on Shiona's style secrets for a price that won't have your wallet wailing. Now, that's what we call an editorial A-plus.
Get this editorial dream look with 5 perfect pieces (above, clockwise from top):
Essential #1: Playful High-Waisted Skirt—Throw this timeless skirt on with a simple top or over some wool leggings and boots in the fall. You'll be set to go for any occasion.
Ecote Chiffon Band Skirt, $58, available at Urban Ouftfitters, 374 Avenue of the Americas (near West 4th Street); 212-677-9350
Essential #2: Sporty Platform Sandals—Reach new heights with sporty platform sandals (that won't kill your heels) like Shiona's bangin' Burberry pair, at a wee lower price. Who says you can't rock some height and be comfy at the same time?
TopShop Plato Sporty Platform Sandals, $230, available at TopShop, 478 Broadway (between Broome and Grand streets); 212-966-9555
Essential #3: Tweed Jacket—It may not be Louis Vuitton, but this high-fashion-inspired tweed jacket adds some some class to any fashionable girl's closet.
Free People Coco Tweet Jacket, $198, available at Free People, 99 Spring Street (between Broadway and Mercer Street); 212-226-7497
Essential #4: Crystal and Pearl Bracelet—Shiona sure knows how to pick accessories (duh) that add a little flair without going overboard. So, take a tip from the best—this pearl and crystal bracelet looks crazy-expensive, but it's still parfait for everyday.
J. Crew Crystal and Pearl Symphony Bracelet, $75, available at J.Crew, 99 Prince Street (between Mercer and Greene streets); 212-966-2739
Essential #5: Leather Chain-Handle Bag—This classic but contemporary bag will always take pride of place on your purse rack. Seriously, it's the perfect go-to that can be recycled over and over again.
Madewell Brownstone Bag, $158, available at Madewell, 486 Broadway (between Broome and Grand
streets); 212-226-6954
Perfect Outfit: A Casual Creative-Office Look For Summer
Photos by: Sarah Cates
During the warm months, looking both chic and work-appropriate can be a perplexing double-edged sword. After all, cut-offs and tank tops are hardly office-friendly, and blazers and trousers have us feeling seriously sweaty post-Subway commute. But since the majority of our week is spent at work, with breezy AC chilling the backs of our necks, we're always game for fashion suggestions to stay cool and casual while still looking thoroughly collected. This outfit, seen on blogger Lauren McGrath at the Alex Wang sample sale, teaches us a lesson in how to style low-key, relaxed pieces in a way that feels pulled together and neat.
**Editor's note: Of course, not all work environments are created equal. This outfit would work for a casual day at a creative or fashion office.
Above, clockwise from left: Levi's Tube Skirt, $48, available at Urban Outfitters; Steve Madden Sliderr Sandal (in black), $29.95, available at Steve Madden; Steve Mono Luck Belt, $105, available at Opening Ceremony; Calypso Grotella Tunic, $49, available at Calypso; Topshop Leather Structured Satchel, $80, available at Topshop.
How To Rock Your Boyfriend's Shirt
Photos by: Claire Thomas
Let's face it: This year even early August in L.A. feels more like an extended June gloom episode than the usual desert heat. So instead of being bummed that you can't rock your favorite ditzy floral dresses, just keep your fave borrowed-from-the-boys button-up in the mix. And if you need some outfit inspiration on how to keep it looking hot, just take a hint from today's perfect subject and mix it with a seasonally fresh pair of white-cuffed shorts. The look is relaxed, effortless, and surprisingly stylish for a chillier summer day. And just because your look is low-maintenance, don't forget to add on some seriously classic accessories: An uncommon strappy sandal, skinny leather belt, and a berry lip stain will keep you polished and pretty all day long.
Here's how to mimic this masterful mix from top to bottom:
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