Monday, June 29, 2015

Bikini Lovin'


It's officially summer, so that means one thing-- our series of summer fashion finds starts this week! From more "to live-for" bikinis, the most UNIQUE and perfect accessories, sassy body chains, summer dresses, and so much more-- I'm here to share my top picks with you.

And I'm sure you know the deal by now. The swimsuit you see here, (as well as all the other amazing items from Bask Boutique) can be purchased in person, on the phone, or on their web site. All you have to do is remember to enter promo code "laurastyle" at checkout to recieve 10% off your entire order!

Without further adieu, my favorite bikini right now is this fun, flirty and feminine beauty from Bask Boutique! The brand is BRYNJA. Have you ever heard of it? Sppptttt, you're getting the inside scoop here first- you are sure to see several A-list celebrities sporting this exact bikini! --> That is precisely why you should not delay in snatching this gem!

**And just to help you gauge your size, I personally think the BEYNJA line runs a tad small. I'm wearing a size medium in the top and a size small bottom.


Ruffles, the most precious floral print, and stark white string ties all together create the most PERFECT summer-chic bikini. But, what makes this sweet swimsuit so fun is the versatility of the white ties/strings on the bikini top. For instance, if you prefer to accentuate your waist, try criss-crossing the ties, cinching it in at your true waist-- emphasizing the slimmest area on most women's bodies.


Or for a more carefree look, you can simply tie the strings in an over-sized, exaggerated bow. In a subtle way, this also draws more attention to the bust.

Like with all things in fashion, bikinis are also about drawing attention to your assets; it's truly an art of mastering illusion. You have the freedom to embrace your curves with this suit, all while keeping it classy. And did we mention that this bikini print comes in different top and bottom silhouettes and different colors? Simply check out Bask Boutique and discover for yourself. And don't forget promo code "laurastyle" at checkout!

The white patent leather cuff and antique metal "U" shaped necklace with quartz detail  are from Opal Milk by Rye and can be purchased exclusively at the Abi Ferrin boutique or online HERE. Don't forget to enter your promo code "Laurastyle" at check out. Or if you stop by the Abi Ferrin flagship store, simply tell them that Laura sent you and they too will honor the 10% discount. 

Photo credit: Marcus Lopez
Makeup: Jeff Roose from Armani Cosmetics at Neiman Marcus NorthPark
Hair: Cam Allison from Pin Salon Dallas

All styling and media inquiries can be directed to: laura@life-stylebylaura.com

Monday, June 15, 2015

Summer Lovin' = My FAVES! Summer chic fashion at its finest!



Yes! Let's definitely make it worth their while, right? Summer is here, and fortunately we've had some beautiful days (in between 40 days and 40 nights of rain)! LOL. The best news is that fashion is in full swing here in Dallas, TX, and I have been extremely fortunate to partner with some of the most AMAZING local designers. You have been asking for all my outfit details (from pictures posted on Facebook and Instagram), and now I'm here to share. And the BEST news is - the majority of these items are available to you at a significant discount!!! Just remember promo code "laurastyle" at checkout to receive 10% off your order on EVERYTHING showcased in this blog, with the exception of #10! So without further adieu, here are my TOP TEN favorite looks, accessories and more for summer.

Numbers 1-4 are Body Chains!!! In my opinion, there is nothing more feminine and beautiful right now on a woman's body than a body chain. Why not embrace our curves? I have several favorites, all of which I wear on a regular basis.


First and foremost, for a super sexy chain, one of my go-to options is from Bask Boutique. This is an exclusive new Chain Bralette from Rory Ashton's upcoming Amour collection (due out in August). While this chain is not available yet, you are getting a sneak peek! And, to place your order for this must-have piece, since it's not available yet, simply e-mail me, and we'll put your name on the list: laura@life-stylebylaura.com. 

Again the jewelry designer for this body chain is Rory Ashton. Have you seen or worn her jewelry before? Her pieces are so beautiful and extremely unique! The material on this chain is gold filled, which makes the chain appear more dainty and feminine. The dangling quartz detail attached to the center pendant is absolutely stunning too.

I wore the Chain Bralette to the Wilkinson Center White Party. I was a proud CareerWorks Sponsor of the event. I truly believe in all the amazing things the Wilkinson Center is doing for our Dallas community. And a special shout out to the amazing Vodi Cook and OJ Desouza, and all your team for that matter. The event was awesome! (Photo credit: Texas Media Consulting.)

Also, if you look closely at the picture above, you will see my best friend, Ashley, wearing another stunning body chain, also from Bask Boutique and by Rory Ashton. This chain is a simple, yet beautiful chain (and is #2 on my list). This chain is not gold filled, so the color is a brighter yellow-plated gold, and that means the price point is lower. The quartz detail in the middle is so gorgeous, and we are also wearing the matching hand chains - which is my #3 favorite chain! You cannot see the hand chain on Ashley, but it's noticeable on my right hand. Don't you just love that? Who needs a ring and a bracelet when you can just have it all in one piece?  And, it's definitely different from what everyone else is wearing. Different and unique in fashion is always a plus - especially in Dallas! And once again, these items and so much more are available at Bask Boutique. (Don't forget to enter promo code "laurastyle" at check out to receive 10% off your total order).


Up next is a brand new designer who I just started working with called St. Raine, by Sarah Strain. Sarah is a Houston-based designer. Woohoo! (Special shout out to my Houston friends, fans and family - as I grew up in Houston - well technically Kingwood, just north of Houston.) I am absolutely BLOWN away by all of her jewelry. In fact, I feel like it is Christmas morning today, as I just received a package full of the most stunning body chains. From sexy and simple, like the one pictured above, to dramatic and elegant - wow, just WOW! You will definitely see a new blog post over the next week that is exclusively St. Raine jewelry! I promise you that you do not want to miss that post, because her pieces are stunning and very reasonably priced. I've been a fashion stylist and personal shopper for over seven years now, and I cannot emphasize enough how breathtakingly beautiful her jewelry is! (Mark my word-- Sarah Strain will do BIG things in fashion, that's for sure. And I can't wait to wear her designs on the red carpet.)

By the way, the model in the above pic is actually one of my good friends and clients. The chain she is wearing is #4 on my list, and it absolutely equals graceful, timeless perfection! It's dainty, exquisite and uber versatile. Worn with a bikini, over lingerie, a simple white tank top or even over a dress for date night - done and done. This chain pictured above is gold filled, so that makes it sexy and dainty too. Not to mention the classy cubic zirconia stone in the middle that adds a little sparkle; and even more - this chain will not tarnish! YES ma'am! To purchase this body chain, and so many other beautiful pieces from the St. Raine collection (keeping in mind that we just designed the best body chains, and they are not on the site yet, but will be showcased this week on my blog), simply click here: St. Raine. And don't forget to enter promo code "LAURASTYLE" at check out to get 10% discount off your order.

5) BIKINIS and bags! Yes and yes. The best place, hands down, to shop for the latest swimwear is Bask Boutique. I don't even know how I survived shopping for swimsuits prior to discovering Bask Boutique. You will absolutely love the owner of Bask, Megan Gembler, as she is an absolute doll! She makes shopping fun, effortless and easy. And that's extremely important when you are swimsuit shopping; after all, do you know any women who look forward to bathing suit shopping? The fitting room lighting is always brutal! Why is that? Well say no more, because you will NOT feel that way when you shop at Bask Boutique in Dallas. Megan will make you feel right at home . . . not to mention that her merchandise selection is outstanding! 

**And on that note, when you stop by the boutique in Dallas, just mention that you heard about her store from my "Skinny in Heels" blog, and you, too, will receive the 10% discount. 

Just look at the gorgeous entry table right when you enter Bask Boutique. Megan is so great at showcasing the latest arrivals. And please excuse my hanger off to the right. We had a lot of goodies to try on that day! LOL :)


One of my all-time FAVES is this ACACIA bikini, making it #5 on my list. As their web site boasts, this bikini is "lingerie meets swim". The nude lining underneath the black mesh exterior truly creates an aesthetically pleasing look . . . it's all about contrasting colors and tones. As you can see, I'm wearing a simple gold Rory Ashton body chain with my bikini-- just to add an extra touch of sass. And to be honest, I don't think I will be leaving home anytime soon without a body chain! It is definitely my latest fashion obsession. To purchase this bikini and a plethora of other beautiful options, click here: Bask Boutique

And, I'm sure you're wondering about this GORGE hand-made bag. This Wayuu medium-sized bag is Aztec-inspired and is #6 on my list. Currently my summer go-to bag, I cannot say enough amazing things about the designer Carito Caró. Each and every bag is hand made by a local tribe in Columbia, and it takes 4-6 weeks to make one bag. Talk about custom made! You just have to love her bohemian-chic aesthetic and appreciate the passion that goes into Carito Caró's designs. She is originally from Columbia, but resides in Dallas, and her clothing and accessories are extremely unique, wearable and  effortlessly beautiful!

I was blessed to met Carito Caró during the Operation Rock the Troops TV premiere Runway Rock show. **There is actually a separate blog post below (from May 8th) that documents the entire TV premiere and the Runway Rock show - as I was the lead stylist. You can see a TON of pictures from the runway, with a majority of the looks from Carito Caró. Her ready-to-wear pieces, bikinis, dresses, cover-up, tops and accessories are definitely on point. And, awesome news! You also get at discount on everything you purchase on her site. Just enter promo code "laurastyle" at checkout: Carito Caró

7) Oh my goodness-- can you say Sunday Funday and romper fab? Obsessed is an understatement. 

My #7 must-have summer lovin' item is this gorgeous romper from Bask Boutique by Flynn Skye. I'm wearing a size small, and it fits perfectly. And FYI, I also have a client who purchased a size small in this same romper, and she is more curvaceous in the boo-tay. I would not go up to a size medium or large unless you are a size 4/6 or larger. This fabric is super soft, breathable and stretchy! And do I spy a body chain? Yes, like I said . . . I'm always wearing one. ;)

And can we please talk about my #8 pick-- this GORGEOUS lace bra that is layered underneath? It perfectly accentuates the white detail in the romper, and is nude lined. In other words, it's definitely OK to show it off, because it is not sheer whatsoever. I am all about clothing that is classy, sexy and wearable - and this outfit has that down to a "T". 

The bra is by Love and Lemons. Currently, we are sold out, but don't you worry. Megan from Bask Boutique just placed a re-order, and they should be in next week! Simply shoot me an e-mail, and I'll get your name on the list: laura@life-stylebylaura.com. And as far as sizing goes, I'm wearing a size small in the bra. I have a tiny waist, so a small works great. Don't worry about ordering up in size to accommodate a larger cup size. My suggestion is to go up to a size medium if you are a true size 4/6, and a size large if you are and 8/10 or larger. And, of course, the bra also comes with matching panties. You do not want to miss out on this piece or the whole outfit; just trust me! Bask Boutique

Shoes by Laurence Dacade from Neiman Marcus.

9) Night time glam. This was my outfit for the "Finest Under Forty" Cystic Fibrosis Charity event. Hair by the amazing Cam Allison from Pin Salon.

If you look at my closet you will see a ton of accessories, shoes and lots of beautiful clothes, but rarely do you see #9 on my list, a sexy LBD - Little Black Dress. And that is precisely why I just had to have it. I like to classify this dress as tastefully sexy. And can you guess where this dress is from? Yep, it's from Bask Boutique! I'm definitely a Bask Boutique babe. The designer of this dress is Nookie. I love the plunging neckline, dress length and fabrication; all together making this one stunning dress. And, once again, I'm sporting my favorite body chain and Carito Caró bag.

Shoes by Christian Louboutin from Neiman Marcus.

10) And last, but certainly not least, #10 on my list, is this understated, yet beautiful Sydney Evan 14k diamond "evil eye" pendant necklace. 


I wear this necklace every day, and I love layering it with other necklaces, statement pieces and of course, body chains. The whole concept behind the "evil eye" is about knowledge, wisdom, and only surrounding yourself with positivity. And that's what life is all about right? After all, nothing lasts forever, and life is too short to be anything but happy! I personally do not have the time or energy to be around people who are anything but loving and positive - oh and smart never hurts either. ;) 

To purchase this "evil eye" Sydney Even necklace and other fine jewelry pieces from Sydney Evan, click here: Sydney Evan.




To close this lovely post, let's share a little love. After all, I was just talking about how life is short. Well life is also beautiful. Please take a moment today, no matter how stressed, sad, busy, or happy you are . . . whatever it may be, to just give thanks. I am so blessed to be surrounded by some of the most incredible people on this earth - and I have chosen who I want to be around. Did you catch that? I love my family, and I also believe that our friends are the family we choose for ourselves. These two gems below are my FAVES! Jeff Roose is one of the most talented makeup artists I have ever met and worked with - in my entire life! He is the lead makeup artist for Armani Cosmetics at Neiman Marcus NorthPark. And on the far right is my best friend and sister soulmate, Ashley. These two are my inspiration for this week's post. Thank you, both of you, for simply being you. XOXO!



All media and styling inquiries can be directed to: Laura@life-stylebylaura.com 
-------------------------
All skinnyinheels.com blog posts are © of Laura Fedock with Life-STYLE by Laura. All rights reserved.  The content, verbiage and descriptions used in this post and any blog post cannot be copied or republished without written consent from Laura Fedock. All photo credit is given to photographers when the photo is taken by a professional photographer. Any quotes that are included in the blog posts are always credited to respective authors. Further, any quotes from books or even the mention of books by professional authors are given credit where credit is due.

Friday, June 12, 2015

White HOT!!!


White HOT
Step aside red, it's all about White!

And what perfect timing, as the Wilkinson Center White Party Charity event is tomorrow, Saturday, June 13th, at St. Anne's Restaurant in Dallas, Texas.  The whole venue will be transformed into a magical white wonder land. Tagged as the top Dallas charity event of the year, this is surely an event you do not want to miss. All guests will be dazzled in white from head to toe. From sleek white mini dresses, to slacks and vintage separates, this is definitely the charity event to see and be seen. And, I'm happy to report that Life-STYLE by Laura is a proud CareerWorks Sponsor for this year's Wilkinson Center White Party! 

As you may know, the requested attire is white/off white. So how can we make this work for you? After all, we all want to dress to impress. As a professional fashion stylist and personal shopper, I always tell my clients that it is most important to feel comfortable and sexy in the clothes you wear. And with that being said, there are several important factors to take into consideration.

Every trend is not for every woman (or man, for that matter) . . . until now! White HOT. This standout shade was a hit on the catwalk for Spring and Summer ready-to-wear lines at Fashion Week. Models were decked out from head to toe in this crisp, fresh color. White was a major theme at 3.1 Phillip Lim, Thakoon, Derek Lam, Alexander Wang and many more.

Now, here is the catch. Once you know what clothing silhouettes look ideal on your body type, stick with that. If high waists do not flatter your figure, don't buy them-- even if they are everywhere on the runways. Same goes for overly-draped, bohemian silhouettes. If the fabric wears you and not the other way around, simply steer clear. There are enough new, stunning clothes every season, suitable for everyone, and there is no need to settle just to adhere to the latest trend.

Especially for the ladies out there, let me give you some advice to help you find the right fit for your figure:

If you’re . . .
Curvy, go for fitted-- not tight; this will allow you to show off your hour-glass shape.
-
 Boyish, play with voluminous skirts and draped dresses.
Tall, balance your torso with longer tops and low-waisted bottoms.

Petite, try long, straight trousers or minis to elongate your legs. Heels go a long way too!
- 
Fuller figured, stick to structural looks that define your waistline.






So without further adieu, here's my "Fabulous Five" must-have white ready-to-wear-items and accessories for summer, and the Wilkinson Center White Party:



1) AG Tailored straight leg paints. If you want a more slim fit (and you do NOT have very muscular thighs), then you will love the AG "Matchbox" Slim Straight Leg pants. For a straight leg fit that is a more forgiving (and definitely not as tight in the seat and the legs), your best choice is the AG "Protégé" Straight Leg pant. And here's one giant hint: the AG Protégé is Nordstrom's number one selling pant - not even kidding! The material is extremely comfortable, lightweight, fits well, is machine washable, cut from incredibly soft, richly dyed cotton . . . incorporates the classic five-pocket style-- AND and it comes in numerous colors other than white. 


                  


* If you know anything about guys and how they shop, here's one tip. Men are very religious in their shopping habits, especially when it comes to basics, like a well-made pant. Once they find an uber comfortable and stylish item they like, as in the AG "Protégé, there is no need from them to re-invent the wheel. Instead they ask, "So, what other colors does this come in? Perfect, I'll take all six!" --> And that is not an exaggeration whatsoever. To purchase the AG Pant, click here.






































2) Goodbye LBD (Little Black Dress) and say hello to "The Little White Dress". Ok, so we know this is Dallas, TX. Can you guess what the stereotypical Dallas dress is? In any large retailer that carriers cocktail dresses, the buyers always tell me that the number one dress brand Dallas women choose when they want to feel "sexy" at an event is Hervé Léger. Yes, I own an Hervé Léger, but it's powder blue, and I purchased it for a tropical Barbados vacation. So please work with me here and let's remove the stereotype and steer clear from a white bandage dress. I'm not saying that an Hervé Léger is ugly or unattractive. The construction is impeccable, and there is a time and place for a dress like this - just not at this event. There's a plethora of other options that are ten times better, and I say this for three main reasons. First and foremost, you are going to be sweating . . . like crazy. We all know that a fabric like that does not breathe whatsoever, and did I mention that it's the middle of June? Yes, we are going to be outside for this event. Secondly, you will probably see at least five other girls wearing the same dress. Yikes! That's never a fun feeling. And last but not least, Hervé Léger is often the easy option - and very pricey at that. You never want to look like you ran out of time and just settled for the easy, yet very expensive option, just so you could adhere to the dress code (in this case white or off white).

Instead, let's amp up the volume and do something unpredictable. How about a fun and flirty dress like this Alexis dress? The embossed floral lace detail adds an element of class, but this dress is still sexy and fun. And, you will also get a lot of use out of a dress like this. For instance, you can wear this dress on Sunday Funday with a pair of snake-skin embossed cork, strappy wedges. Come date night, wear a black leather moto (motorcycle) jacket on top, paired back to a hot pair of black high-heeled leather booties. The juxtaposition of mixing hard (moto leather jacket) with soft (a dress like this); especially a dress with feminine detail like lace appliqué . . . yes, that truly equals styled perfection. You are good as golden. To purchase the Alexis Dress, click here.



3) Yes, yes and yes! Shoes. Shoes make any girl happy. Well men can appreciate the finer things in life like shoes too, but that's the next number below. Ladies--these shoes are purposely not 100% white. An all white can be pretty boring. This shoe? It's anything but boring! The combination of three different fabrications - napa kid leather, snakeskin and dyed calf hair (to make it look like zebra), truly add to the mystery, elegance and overall fab factor of this strappy sandal. It's legitimate eye candy, for your feet! Oh, and did I mention that it's on SALE? Yes ma'am! If you have not worn Jimmy Choo, then you do not know just how comfortable their shoes are. Now is your chance! And as I always say, "You get what you pay for." 


Personally, I would much rather spend money on quality shoes, because I know I am going to wear them . . . wear them a whole lot. And in the end, your feet will thank you, I know mine do. Especially if you are wearing strappy heels like this to an event where there is dancing. Say no to blisters my friend, and say hello to designer shoes!

*And just a little side note: Shopping is truly my cardio. On a SLOW day of personal shopping and fashion styling, I walk 10 miles in 4+ inch heels, in the mall, carrying a ton of shopping bags, a heavy satchel purse, my dog in his little bag . . . and my feet really NEVER hurt. Why? Because I choose to not skimp on shoes. Wearing cheaper shoes are painful if you are planning on doing a lot of walking. AND, with the same amount of money you spend on two pairs of lesser quality shoes, you can buy one classic designer shoe that is going to last you forever. Just a little fashion for thought. Quality over quantity- always. To purchase the Jimmy Choo Shoe, click here.






















4) Gucci drivers; yes I said Gucci and these gems are on SALE too! The white pebbled leather is to-die-for and considerably more durable than regular white kid or patent leather. I have referenced the term "kid" leather several times in this blog, so I want to make sure you know what that means. "Kid" leather is what you would consider plain, sleek, very high quality leather - it's not shiny like patent leather or textured like this pebbled leather. The majority of the shoes and belts you own are made from kid leather. With that being said, Gucci leather is one of the finest Italian leathers available in the world. And in classic Gucci style, these drivers showcase the metal Gucci detail and the trademark "driver" pebbled rubber sole. 

Now there is one important thing to keep in mind with all driver shoes, even with the top-of-the-line brands: In general, driver shoes are very functional and comfortable, but they are not necessarily the type of shoe that you want to wear on an eight-hour day, especially a day full of walking. The driver shoe is a more casual shoe; not just in its silhouette but also in its construction; therefore, you will not have as much arch and ankle support with a driver shoe as you would with a normal loafer or lace up. To purchase the Gucci Shoe, click here.




















5) And last, but certainly not least, let's include an accessory equally adored by men and women both - a watch. While the picture here is definitely an investment watch, as it's a Rolex, please do not let that deter you. Just like with all the other "White HOT" items in this list, let this serve as inspiration for you. You can achieve any look you want on any budget. If you can afford an investment piece like a nice watch, shoes, etc, I definitely think it is worth it in the long run. But, you DO NOT have to break into your savings account or sign up for six months no interest on your retail credit card just to afford the latest trend. Trust me, I speak from experience. :)

This watch is a certified pre-owned Rolex Ladies' DateJust watch, available at Neiman Marcus courtesy of Crown & Caliber. The stainless sleel and 18-karat white gold detail is truly impeccable. The white dial is what makes this watch look so sleek. And if Rolex is not your style, be sure to check out the incredible selection of white Chanel watches at Neiman Marcus NorthPark - they are GORGEOUS! To purchase the Rolex Watch, click here.

























All media and styling inquiries can be directed to: Laura@life-stylebylaura.com 
-------------------------
All skinnyinheels.com blog posts are © of Laura Fedock with Life-STYLE by Laura. All rights reserved.  The content, verbiage and descriptions used in this post and any blog post cannot be copied or republished without written consent from Laura Fedock. All photo credit is given to photographers when the photo is taken by a professional photographer. Any quotes that are included in the blog posts are always credited to respective authors. Further, any quotes from books or even the mention of books by professional authors are given credit where credit is due.