Ladies, Far and Near/The L.B.P.S. (Little Black Pencil Skirt): How to Wear It?

A black pencil skirt is certainly a staple for most women.  But, when paired with solid black tights and plain black pumps, it becomes--in a word--predictable.  Here are some suggestions for keeping that 

leg-lengthening, figure-flattering black-from-waist-to-toe look without giving up any style points.

#1)  Choose a textured or patterned tight.  Rather than a solid opaque black on your legs, go for something sheer with a small pattern such as the cross-hatches (# 7 above left) or the tiny repeated heart print above right (image with the ankle strap shoes).  If you really want opaque coverage, opt for a ribbed tight in either black or deep charcoal grey (#3 above).

#2) With the patterned tights, wear an all-black shoe with some texture or dimension to it.  For example, a patent leather black pump adds much more interest than the same shoe in flat black leather.  Suede and stamped leather do the trick as well.  A really great choice would be a shoe that combines two different fabrics (either of the suede pumps above).

#3)  Pull any look together by adding a touch of black into the rest of your outfit.  Above are some earring examples, but this same concept can be used with bracelets or in the print of your top or blouse.  

These three tips can be applied to any outfit, no matter your personal style or budgetary price point.

Like what you see above?  Click on the live links below to find each piece.

1.  Onyx stud earrings.  2. Vince Camuto pencil skirt.  3.  J.Crew ribbed tights.  4.  Michael, Michael Kors pencil skirt.  5.  Kate Spade butterfly earrings.  6.  Marcasite rose stud earrings.  7.  Sheer pattern pantyhose.  8.  Cole Haan pump.  9.  HUE Merino wool tights.  10.  Via Spiga patent leather pumps.  11.  Earth suede wedge-heel pump.  12.  Trotters textured pump.   Unnumbered:  tiny heart tights and blue/black pencil skirt.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

Boho Beauty/Going to a Cocktail Party: What to Wear?

Brocatto peplum top, Lafayette 148 suede trousers, Topshop swing coat,  Zara two-tone leather clutch, Fendi multi-textured sandal, Chevron heart bracelet, Heather Hawkins clear quartz stud earrings, Perpetua mixed-metals bib necklace.

Like what you see?  Click on the live links above for each piece.

Boho style is typically relaxed and unrestrained.  How to translate that vibe into a look polished enough for upscale cocktails?  Use a soft color palette and layer textures to create this refined Bohemian lady.  The brocade of the peplum blouse resting on top of the suede trousers acts as a the perfect base for strong accessories in muted tones:  blush, gold, and cream shoes and jewelry.  The pop of raspberry on the clutch and loose, fuzzy overcoat complete the look.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

Traditional Man/Works in a Casual Office: What to Wear?

Wallin & Bros. herringbone sport coat,  Banana Republic windowpane shirt and knit silk tie, Uniform Wares wrist watch, Mezlan dress boot, Peter Millar twill pants, Highway nylon backpack, Bottega Veneta belt,  Paul Smith tie clip.

Like what you see?  Click on the live links above for each piece.

When the office demands a suit, there's no confusion about what is appropriate.  In the casual office setting, it can be hard to get the look just right.  Sometimes, the outfit is too casual (jeans);  sometimes it seems formal and stuffy (heavy wool sport coat ).  The pieces above offer a great solution.  The traditional herringbone sport coat gets an update in fit.  Notice that the jacket ends at the high hip and has a fitted (but not tight) shape.  The windowpane dress shirt and twill pants create a nice line because of the similar tones.  Adding a knit tie and dress boot is a bit fashion forward without risking too much.  Accessories finish the look:  a simple yet elegant watch, tie bar (go for it!) and beautiful scored leather belt.  The lines in the belt reflect the lines of the windowpane plaid.  And finally, choose an unexpected bag:  a nylon backpack rather than the traditional leather briefcase.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

Preppy Lady/Back-to-School Coffees, Meetings and Lunches: What to Wear?

Vineyard Vines top, J.McLaughlin skirt, Kate Spade flats, Longchamp bag, Tory Burch + Fossil + Kate Spade bracelets and Kate Spade stud earrings.

Like what you see?  Click on the live links above for each piece.

The kids are back in school and that means busy days ahead for moms.  Whether she works inside or outside of the home, Mom is going to need a few easy, everyday outfits that look polished and pulled-together for all of the back-to-school Open Houses, Class Coffees and long-overdue lunches with friends.  Here is a great template for early September days:  khaki skirt + striped T-shirt and fun accessories.  Notice the great fit on the skirt due to the cotton stretch fabric and good length.  The shirt is more relaxed in terms of fit; imagine the sleeves pushed up to show off the cool bracelet combination.  Finish the look with an interesting pair of flats and an everyday, yet elegant, handbag.

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a wardrobe supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories, and a full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

A Young, Modern Mamma/Attending High Holiday Services: What to Wear?

Tory Burch leather jacket and dress, Jimmy Choo ankle boots, Alexander Wang handbag, CC Skye horn necklace, Alexis Bittar hinged cuff, Eddie Borgo crystal stud earrings

The High Holidays are early this year and so the weather will be warm.  Choose a sleeveless dress in a conservative plaid and then accent it with bohemian touches to create an updated, young feel.  The basket-weave stitching, black horn necklace and organic texture of the bracelet and bag are unexpected partners, but work well together.  The reason:  the sheen on the jacket, boot, bag and jewelry all complement each other and the black accessories tie in with the waistband on the dress.

Happy New Year!

Styled by maria turkel.  Maria is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant currently living in Greenwich, CT and formerly a costume supervisor on the hit television series, Friends.  For examples of her LookBooks, Client Success Stories and full list of services, visit www.mariaturkel.com.

Preppy Girls/Going Back to School: What to Wear?

Hi Everyone!  Today I'm starting my blog entitled "Who/What:Wear?"  My own little play on words which reflects the way in which I see each of my clients.  Who are they?  What are they doing in life--for everyday, for special occasions, for work?  And, of course, what should they wear?  A young mom who stays at home with her pre-school aged children needs a completely different type of wardrobe than her counterpart who has kids in high school and works or volunteers outside the home.  And both women require a different approach when one sees herself as essentially 'preppy' while the other defines her style as 'artistic and eclectic.'  

Above is a photo for the Preppy/Sporty Girls who are heading back to class this week or next.  What makes a polo shirt, jean jacket and denim mini stand out and look special?  It's all in the details:  keeping the color scheme red, white, and blue--but tweaking those colors to include navy and orange;  adding colorful patterning (bracelets, shoes) and interesting design elements (denim tipped polo shirt, polka dots on skirt, the fabric flower pinned onto the jacket).  Finally, the fit is of utmost importance especially in Preppy styles which can tend toward a boxy, more masculine cut.  Choose jackets and shirts with contoured side seams, skirts and jeans with lots of stretch.

Happy Back to School!