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House of Harlow

A Worthy Investment: Wardrobe-Transforming Accessories

Accessories make the outfit. How many times have you heard that one? Well, learn it and make it your fashion M.O. this season. When you can’t splurge on a new wardrobe every season (and who can these days?), the right accessories can freshen up your look and stretch your closet.

So shake things up. If you live in your flat riding boots, try a suede over-the-knee boot. Trade in your usual black tights for a bright or patterned pair. I’m loving jewel tones to punch up basic black or a demure Swiss dot pattern to accent your finest party-wear. And you should know my theory on jewelry by now…it wakes up any tired look!

Any of these seemingly small additions will instantly revamp your look in a big way. The point is this: people are more likely to remember a fantastic bib necklace or cage platform than another little black dress.

Read on to see my favorite wardrobe-transforming accessories!

[Click to continue reading…]

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Celeb Style Inspiration: Ashlee Simpson

If I had to pick one celebrity whose style most resembles my taste and fashion sensibility, I would have to go with Ashlee Simpson, hands down.

Just like Nicole Richie, Ashlee has transformed herself from fashion victim to fashion maven and now has a signature style that is entirely her own and always on point.

Ashlee’s style can best be described as boho-rock. She incorporates elements of both in almost every outfit she sports- be it for running errands or hitting the red carpet- rarely sticking to a single motif. For Ashlee, a boho-maxi calls for some punk-rock accessories, a billowy peasant top will be offset with skinny jeans and converse kicks, and anything flirty or feminine will be toughened up with heavy chains and edgy shoes. No matter what, her style always has that thrown-together effortlessness to it which isn’t easy to pull off.

Ashlee always injects a bit of herself into every look, even when she’s experimenting with trends and styles that are a bit outside of her fashion comfort-zone, and this approach to fashion is definitely one to draw inspiration from.

Read on to learn more about what makes Ashlee’s style so fab and to get the looks pictured above! [Click to continue reading…]

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Get the Look: Boho-Rock Accessories

Ah, summer…the official season of musical festivals and the perfect season to channel your inner hippie chick.

The bohemian trend has seen a great evolution in recent seasons. When the style originated in the 1960s and ‘70s, it was more about a free-spirited lifestyle. Then a few years ago, Sienna Miller kick-started “boho-chic” with her effortless combination of gypsy and luxe. Head-to-toe bohemian can seem a bit outdated these days, but when infused with a little rock ‘n roll, it becomes modern and relevant.

Accessories, as always, are the easiest way to segue into a trend. Start with an ensemble of denim cutoffs and flowy print tunics. Blend in traditional bohemian accents such as fringe and leather in the form of a handbag or hair accessories. Then balance the look with harder elements like studs and metal.

As with clothing, jewelry is all about layers. Pile on the wooden bangles, beads and friendship bracelets. Mix in gold coins or natural stones to highlight the vibrant colors of your clothing.

Boho-rock is an unstudied mix of inspirations and trends. Stylistas like Kate Moss, Mischa Barton and Mary-Kate Olsen are big proponents of haute hippie. They prove that to perfect the look is to embrace your own individuality. So go wild, child.

Read on for my top boho-rock picks! [Click to continue reading…]

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A Worthy Investment: Statement Rings

I absolutely adore jewelry in all forms- necklaces, bracelets, earrings- my collections of all of the following are quite extensive. However, the one accessory I very rarely leave home without is a stand-out statement ring.

From beautiful stones, pretty pearls, diamonds, mixed metals, there are so many incredible styles that, while small in size, can have a big impact on your overall style by injecting a fantastic fashion-forward edge in one fell swoop.

Shop the styles pictured above after the jump! [Click to continue reading…]

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A Worthy Investment: Statement Earrings

I finally got around to seeing the Edie Sedgwick biopic Factory Girl this past weekend and as expected, I was totally inspired by the amazing fashion (in the midst of being really saddened by her doomed life, of course). The film totally re-acquainted with the utter fabulousness of statement earrings- one of Edie’s signature style staples- an accessory I had shelved for quite some time in favor of statement necklaces and bracelets.

Oversized earrings are such an easy way to glam up your look, not to mention, enhance your natural beauty. Statement earrings also bring the focus to the face and are perfect for days when you’re feeling a bit insecure about your bod.

Oversized earrings were also major players on the Spring runways, from old Hollywood glamour styles at Tracy Reese, to artsy styles at Marni, to tribal inspired at Louis Vuitton, to the show-stopping chunky coin styles at Zac Posen (designed by Erickson Beamon).

After watching the movie, I decided to whip out my earring collection and am now all about the statement earrings, they honestly elevate any look to new heights! With this season’s heavy emphasis on accessories, feel free to wear them with some of your other favorite pieces, just make sure you maintain some sort of a balance and always stay true to your personal style. You can use your earrings t complement a look or create one, like Edie who used massive-sized earrings to glam up even the most basic ensembles, like her signature leotard, tights, and sweater combos. There really is no way to get it wrong.

Check out some of my favorite statement making earrings after the jump! [Click to continue reading…]

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A Worthy Investment: Edgy Jewelry

I am a huge accessories fiend, an obsession that has piqued recently on account of a resolution to stop making unnecessary purchases and work with what I already have. Accessories are a fantastic way to spice up even the most basic pieces and can help you create the exact vibe you’re going for- edgy, boho, preppy, no matter what look you crave, there’s an accessory to help you get there.

The edgy/femme contrast was a huge trend for spring as seen on the runways of Louis Vuitton, Thakoon, Matthew Williamson, Julie Haus, and more. I love mixing edgy pieces into my daily looks, even the most seemingly quiet and subdued, to achieve this look- it really is amazing to consider the significant impact something as simple as a leather cuff or a rock-inspired cocktail ring can yield on an outfit. With a major glamour goth trend on the horizon for Fall 2009, I think it’s definitely time to start investing in some edgy pieces.

Check out 10 must-have edgy pieces after the jump! [Click to continue reading…]

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