Monday, December 31, 2012

New Obsession: Anne Hathaway and her Pixie Haircut

Watching the movie "Les Miserables" this past Friday gave me a whole new respect for Anne Hathaway.  No longer did I see her as the princess of her earliest films, "The Princess Diaries" and "Ella Enchanted."  I see now someone with some real acting chops, in the same league as Meryl Streep.  And boy, can she sing !!!  Who knew?  I certainly didn't.  As Fantine in "Les Miserables," she moved me to tears over and over again, along with all the other wonderful performances.



As a new fan of Fantine and Anne Hathaway, I dedicate my last post of the year to her.  As I plan to trim my hair today, I look to how Anne has been wearing her new short do.  I love her look with a pixie cut.  She has never looked so stylish.  I mean she has always been stylish;  her stylist is, after all, Rachel Zoe.  However, with the pixie cut, she has an edgier, fresher, and all-together more fashion-forward look.  With short hair, she can wear a potato sack and still look fashion-forward.

Here are my favorite looks with her short hair:


I am sure she is going to knock it out of the park this upcoming awards season.  I am looking forward to seeing her on the red carpet some more.  With this role, she deserves all the awards she has already received and will receive.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Today's Fashion Flashback -- ANNIE HALL



With seeing so many menswear influences for Fall 2012, I can't help but dedicate today's fashion flashback to the genius in film and in style of Annie Hall, as portrayed by Diane Keaton.  Diane Keaton, herself, embodies menswear chic until today, but what we know of her style goes back to the Woody Allen film "Annie Hall" from 1977.  

If you haven't seen this film, you must see it !  It is a classic, and one of Woody Allen's best films.  It won 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress in a Leading Role for Diane Keaton.  "Annie Hall" is also considered one of the best comedies in academic circles. 



The character of Annie Hall broke through fashion in the late 70's, introducing to the world that wearing men's clothing can be sexy and quirkyly remain feminine.  Sure, other style icons in the past wore menswear inspired clothing like Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn, but none is more fun to emulate than Annie Hall's style.  Yes, the style is quirky.  Yes, the style is fun.  And yes, the style is definitely iconic.

I haven't seen the film in a while, maybe 9 or 10 years, but with Fall around the corner, I want to watch it again.  Not only for the fashion but also the rapid-fire, witty dialogue between the characters of Annie Hall and Alvy Singer, a comedian in love with Annie, played by Woody Allen.

If you want to emulate the look, there are two key looks that stand out from the film.  The one pictured above and this one.  Both are easy to copy and/or play with.  What you may need are:

1.)  Button-down shirt.
2.)  Black tailored vest.
3.)  Men's tie.
4.)  Wide-leg khakis (or any khakis really)
5.)  Tweed blazer.

Optional items:

1.)  Bowler's hat
2.)  Prairie dress or skirt
3.)  Cowboy boots

I recommend you shop your closet and see how many items you may already have.  You'll be surprised.  If you don't have a men's tie, shop your local thrift store or Marshalls, TJ Maxx or other discount retailers.  That way, you won't spend an arm and a leg for a silk tie.  Trust me, there are bargains to be had.  Stick with solid colors or more feminine prints like paisley, florals or large prints.  Not only are they more feminine, they are more edgy.  If you find a solid black, silk tie, YOU HAVE STRUCK GOLD !   Not only will it be versatile, it will be something to keep in your closet for a long time, for whenever you want to do the tie thing.  Don't bother buying one specifically made for a woman.  One, it will probably cost an arm and a leg.  Two, it might probably be made of cheap polyester or flimsy rayon.  Three, it's just not as cool as the real thing.

This is going to be fun to mix and play with.  Make the look your own by adding your own touches.  I'm going to add a broach strategically placed on the tie and give it my signature bling -- those that know me, know that I love sparkle and bling !!!  Maybe, instead of the bowler hat, wear a fedora.  Just make sure you look in the mirror before you leave your place, since an accessory like a hat can make or bReak an outfit.

I've done the first look so many times before (my favorite look in the late 90's to early 2000's) that I think this time around I am going to try the even more renegade second look.  I do love my cowboy boots, ahem...  I won't do the hat though, since I don't have a "hat face."

Whether you try this look or not, chances are you'll probably be wearing some menswear at some point this Fall.  I would even put money on that.  I've seen many menswear inspired looks for Pre-Fall and Fall, so expect to see more posts on menswear.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Rachel Zoe Expands Her Empire to a Jewelry Line

Rachel Zoe launches her jewelry line today, available at Neiman Marcus.  Hooray !!!  Rachel Zoe deserves all the success she has won due to her hard work, unique and superb aesthetic, and down-right talent.  Now she brings us her own jewelry  line !  Her styling tricks center on accessories, especially fabulous and bold jewelry.  How fitting it is that she brings us her own jewelry line.  It's about time Mrs. Zoe.

Here is her promotional video for the Rachel Zoe Collection Jewelry:



Full of Art Deco inspirations, tassels tassels and more tassels (so on trend for Fall 2012), and a lot of black and gold combinations, I see many pieces that are collectible, lifetime pieces.  The black and gold pieces are very versatile and will go with many outfits.  My favorites are the bangles and bracelets.  Well, I am totally a bracelet gal -- I even make my own, but even if I weren't I would still covet the Rachel Zoe Collection wrist candies.  I just want to gobble them up.

My blog specializes on "fashion on the cheap" and frugal shopping, but I approve of this splurge.  There comes a time when you just have to throw your budget out the window.  This is one of those times.  The prices for the Rachel Zoe Jewelry Collection (according to The Zoe Report, Mrs. Zoe's own blog/newsletter) range from $165 to $650.  Pretty typical of high-end costume jewelry, comparable to other designer costume jewelry lines.  I don't think it's too bad for the pocket.  As already mentioned, the collection is available at Neiman Marcus.

Check, check, check it out !!!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Geek Chic Inspiration from Two Door Cinema Club's New Video: SLEEP ALONE

Now why is such an adorable boy like Alex Trimble singing about sleeping alone???  He shouldn't know about such things.  I don't know about his personal life or his love life (if I was a teenager, I would know every fun fact about him and Two Door Cinema Club), but just by listening to the lyrics, sounds like loneliness is haunting him on the road.  Nobody said being a successful musician was easy.  Shoot, nothing is easy.  Nursing school is killing me right now, but I knew it would be hard and competative.  I'm sure being rich and beautiful isn't easy either.  Well I feel for poor little hottie potottie Alex Trimble.

I feel even more for his outfit.  I love the entire band's wholesome approach to fashion.  Check out the new video for "Sleep Alone."


They look like studious boys that would have sat next to me at the library when I was doing my undergrad in the 90's during the fall.  Well, they're a bit more dressed up and preppy, as my college days were all about grunge.  Anyway, I still picture them in a library somewhere either reading quietly or quizzing each other.

Their studious, collegiate look is perfect inspiration for Pre-Fall.  Those light crewneck sweaters and cardigans atop button-downs, worn with slim-fit jeans and old-school tennis shoes are perfect outfits for late August and early September.  Not just for boys, but for girls too that don't mind underplaying their femininity.  I love androgynous style like Tilda Swinton's.  It's so edgy and so, so hip.  Unfortunately, only skinny girls can pull off this look.  Pudgy girls/women like me would just end up looking like Pat (old skits from Saturday Night Live via the 90's).

If you are young and thin, feel free to try this look.  Other's perception of your I.Q. might go up.  One thing is for sure, your hipster status will go up.

Monday, August 6, 2012

I Just Subscribed to LIVE FROM THE RUNWAY on YouTube

Ooooooohhhhhhh, I love new fashion finds.  I was looking at my blog, and lo and behold, there was an ad for Live From the Runway -- YouTube.  Of course, I clicked on it !  And me likeeeeee what I see.

I normally view runway shows on Style.com, the VOGUE run/owned Website.  I'm happy with it, but it doesn't hurt to have another source of runway shows.  

If you are cray cray about fashion like I am, you might also like Live From the Runway -- YouTube.  I am not a big YouTuber (I go on it occasionally to view music videos or whatever is going super viral and I want to be in on it), but this will drastically increase my YouTube use.

The feature that had me at hello is the LIVE streaming of the upcoming Spring 2013 Fashion Week starting September 8th through the 15th.  OMG, it's gonna be like being there, except NOT having to pass through hard-to-get-through security check-ins !!!  And you don't need an invite.  I LOVE IT !!!  Great for a fashion outsider like me who is just cuckoo for fashion.

If you click on the following YouTube link there is a "subscribe" tab on the upper, left corner of the video.  Enjoy if you partake of this fashion event.


Saturday, August 4, 2012

Time to Transition Your Closet From Summer to Fall

Ah alas, it is August and is the last month of Summer 2012.  What a Summer it was !  There was lots of fun to be had via fashion.  I hope the urge to wear pastels, an exuberance of florals, color blocking and the Spring/Summer staples of nautical and head-to-toe whites are out of your system.  Or almost anyway.

With September (my favorite month) around the corner and Fall/Winter Season creeping into the picture, it is time to prepare your wardrobe for the colder months.  I just did so two days ago.  Maybe hold on to putting out all your bulky sweaters just yet,  Just start to bring out your darker colored garments in the Fall/Winter palette.  Hello forest green, mulberry, and wine.  And of course my Fall/Winter best friend, black.

I am looking forward to layering and looking slimmer in those darker palettes.  I don't know, i think it's easier to look chic in the Fall.  Blazers just make it so easy to look chic.  It is just the perfect finishing touch.  Great for when you are in a rush -- just throw on a blazer.  No time for piling on the accessories, the blazer will fix that.  So this is the item to bring to the front of your closet or in a prominent area.

Summer to Fall Transition



Keep those light layering scarves around, even the florals.  It is a great transition piece.  As much as I love scarves, I can't wear them too much in the Summer -- It just makes me sweat TOO MUCH !  Ughhhh, sweating is so not fashionable.  But with the temperature starting to cool in September, what a perfect time to wear those light scarves.  Plus it is the perfect bridge between Summer and Fall.

There might be an item in your closet that didn't get much play in the Summer -- that white oxford button-down shirt.  Well, bring it on out.  You'll get plenty of use out of it in the coming months.  While you're at it, bring forward those other colored tailored button-down shirts.  Perfect now for wearing alone or with a blazer or that scarf.  The button-down will start to tailor your look.  As the Fall/Winter months require more clothes, the look is more tailored.  By starting to wear your tailored button-downs late in the Summer, it is the perfect transition to the Fall/Winter months.

Keep these three items in mind when transitioning your closet from Summer to Fall/Winter.  When you prepare your closet, have the items you will use the most, the most handy.  This will help getting ready in the morning, or for whatever occasion, faster and easier in the next couple of months.

Enjoy the remainder of the Summer.  This song is my end-of-Summer song for 2012.


 


Saturday, July 14, 2012

Flaunt Your Smile and See What You Get

Today's post is inspired my baby sister's Television debut in the show, "The Doctors," on NBC.  My baby sister was a part of the episode, "Hide It, Fix It, Flaunt It," and it aired this week.  Too bad I missed it, but luckily the segments she was in was available for viewing on The Doctors Website.  My sister Michelle filmed it last year and even she didn't know when it was going to air.  My Mom's friend saw the full episode in Michigan and was surprised to see Michelle;  that was how we heard the show finally aired.  Michelle didn't get to see the episode either.

The "Hide It, Fix It, Flaunt It" show reminded me of the importance of smiling.  It is a friendly, open, and welcoming facial expression that communicates, "Hey, I'm a nice person.  I'm going to be nice to you."  The single act of smiling can elicit many responses, usually positive ones.  In basic, day-to-day interactions with the world, a smile can get you a friendly reception.  People are more likely to deal with you in a pleasant, friendly manner.  Before I continue, this may be common sense to you, but believe me, some people are completely oblivious to this.  Try this exercise when you are doing errands with several destinations.

1.) Don't smile at the attendant at your first destination.  See what kind of a reaction you get.
2.) Smile at the attendant at your second destination.  See what kind of a reaction you get.
3.) Repeat Step #1.
4.) Repeat Step #2.
5.) Reflect on which elicits a response that you like and would like to get more of.

I guarantee you smiling at the attendant will get you a more pleasant service.  It may get you quicker service, if that's what you want. (I work in retail, and believe me, when a nasty woman or man comes up to me without a smile and demands I hurry because they are in a rush, I will work slower than a snail drenched in molasses.  My fellow retail colleagues will agree with me 100% and will do the same.)  You may even get perks like more free samples, freebies other people don't get, inside tips on sales or the best time to shop if that's what you are doing (Hey, this is the really good stuff), and better service than the other people in line.  And guess what, next time they see you, they may smile at you first and give you the excellent service you deserve because believe me, as much as companies train employees to give excellent service, there are just some assholes out there that don't deserve even mediocre service.  So flaunt that smile and work that smile !

I won't discuss much how smiling works on the opposite sex, as flirting is not my expertise.  All I know is that MEN LOVE WOMEN THAT SMILE !!!  I learned that from "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus."  I know how smiling can get you unsolicited attention, and even get you a stalker, so in this sense you have to be choosy on who you smile at.  Don't be a smiling idiot, as apparently, that's how I got a stalker.

If you don't mind getting a stalker, then do be a smiling idiot.  Smiling increases your serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being.  For me, when I am not feeling that well, I fake smile at the mirror for several minutes, and it really boosts my mood.  Give it a try next time you are not feeling your best.

Ugly people benefit the most from smiling.  Let's face it.  Good looking people don't have to do much to be good looking.  Us average and less than average in the looks department have to work harder to be easier on the eyes.  Don't look to make-up and plastic surgery as a first resort.  Your first thing on the to-do list of looking better is smiling.  It's free, and it's good for you !!!  It shows that you have an inner beauty, which is more important than physical beauty anyway.  When I am not smiling, friends always ask me "why are you mad," or "why are you angry?"  My response is, "That's what I look like when I am not smiling.  My face falls angry.  That's why I smile all the time."  I am not good looking, but smiling moves me in the attractive range, and further away from the ugly end of the spectrum.

Smile and the world does smile with you after all, but if you are self-conscious about your smile, the following segments from the "Hide It, Fix It, Flaunt It" episode of The Doctors might help.  Drum-roll please !!!










Sunday, June 3, 2012

Today's Coverage of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Makes Me Want To Wear A Jeweled Headband !!!

I just posted a blog and the TV is playing in the background, tuned in to CNN's coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, and all I want to do is go out and wear a jeweled headband.  I already have a pearl jeweled headband, but I want to go get a sparkley one.  I've seen it featured in fashion sites and blogs, and yes, it is on trend for Summer 2012.

Here are some celebrity inspiration.


Do your princess moment and put some bling on your hair.  It is so feminine, cute and fun.  Enjoy this flirty trend !

Crafters and Jewelry Enthusiasts Unite !!! STATEMENT JEWELRY MADE EASY

Styled by Tori Spelling has already hit your local craft stores, mainly Michaels and Jo-Ann Fabrics (that I know of.)  Styled by Tori Spelling is a line of do-it-yourself jewelry that allows you to create necklaces, bracelets and earrings as simple or ornate as you want.  There are four collections:  Boho, Noir, Glitz and Glam.  This collection allows you to layer pieces that are also interchangeable from the different collections.









I love the fact that the pieces are easy to put together.  You don't need to be a jewelry hobbyist like I am (see my collection at DeviantART.)  You don't need tools to create these statement pieces.  Yay, good for y'all that don't normally make jewelry.  All you need are your hands and your imagination.

The best part is the affordability of the Styled by Tori Spelling line.  Pieces or elements to create your statement earrings, bracelets or necklaces range from $2.99 to at most $19.99.  Many elements are between $9.99 and $12.99.

I am very excited to get my hands on this line and start creating.  I am a jewelry crafter and a jewelry enthusiast!  Whether you are one or the other, I think you will have fun with this.

Check out the collection at either Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabrics.  If you will be shopping Online, I prefer the Jo-Ann Fabrics Website.  It is more user-friendly and easier on the eyes.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

New Dual-color Look for Lips to Try: COVERGIRL BLAST FLIPSTICK

Sofia Vergara for COVERGIRL BLAST FLIPSTICK
I saw this ad of Sofia Vergara for Covergirl Blast Flipstick in the June 2012 issue of People StyleWatch, and I was won over.  Sold !!!  I want to get the dual tube Sofia is wearing called "Stunner."  One side has a bright orangey-red creamy color and the other side has a glittery metallic lip color in gold.

Yes, the bright lip trend continues on for the Summer, but I want something new.  This does it for me.  I've never seen it on the runway, in trend reports, or on the streets.  No matter, I want to try it!  It looks refreshing compared to the hot pink or bright red lip I have been sporting for two Spring/Summer seasons already.  As the ad shows, the

metallic color goes on the center part of the lips and acts as a highlight.

The best news is that trying this trend is easy on the pocket.  I have consistently found that Target sells lipsticks the cheapest without any promos or sales, but by all means, if you see it on sale somewhere else get it there.  It is currently selling at Target for $7.99.  Drugstores often have "buy one get the second  1/2 OFF" and you may be lucky enough to get this at "buy one, get one FREE."  These so-called BOGO promos are my favorite, especially the BOGO Free promos.

COVERGIRL BLAST FLIPSTICK
There are 13 lip duos in this Covergirl line.  As I mentioned, one side has a creamy color and the other side a metallic color.  This look will easily complement several of the many trends for S/S 2012.  In my opinion, this is definitely a beauty look worth trying.  (I'll follow up with a review of this product in a couple of days.)


Friday, May 25, 2012

The New Statement to Make is With Your Earrings

Feel like wearing clean lines?  Going for the minimalist look?  Punch it up with something unexpected like statement earrings.  We've seen statement necklaces for a few years, and stacked bracelets this year and last, now the new thing is a giant pair of statement earrings.

I prefer wearing this trend with simple, understated ensembles.  Let your earrings do all the talking.  I already have quite a few pairs, even before this trend cropped up this year.  I'm glad I won't be the only freak or fashion geek sporting giant doorknocker earrings.

If you are into this trend, the good thing is that you won't have to scour vintage or thrift stores to find a great pair.  They are practically everywhere right now from high-end to low-end. 

Here is the inspiration:

PRADA Spring 2012 Campaign

 

Keep an eye out for the big and bold earrings ;-)



Be sure to choose earrings that have a big look, but light-weight.  Nothing is more unattractive than a stretched out earlobe.  The only statement you'll be making is "Hey, check out my realllllllllllllyyyyyyyyy heavy earrings."  It is probably best to hit the stores for this one, rather than Online shopping, as many sources may not have the weight in the product description.

Great places to get amazing statement earrings.

Banana Republic (on the Bohemian-side)
J. Crew (always fab and on-trend jewelry but a tad on the pricey side)
Anthropologie (kitsch and a bit retro)
Forever 21 (all sorts of goodies & CHEAP!!!  Did I say CHEAP!!!)
Claire's (not just for the teenie bopper set -- I swear!)
TJ Maxx (many locations have a nice jewelry section)
Ross (you will be surprised what you will find in their jewelry cases, just turn a blind eye to the clutter)
Loehmann's (if you are lucky enough to have one nearby -- designer earrings for less)
Lincoln Road (if you are in Miami -- lots of places with amazing jewelry)
Miami Twice (again, if you are in Miami and like vintage, a fab source of statement earrings from all decades)



The New Statement to Make is With Your Earrings

Feel like wearing clean lines? Going for the minimalist look? Punch it up with something unexpected like statement earrings. We've seen statement necklaces for a few years, and stacked bracelets this year and last, now the new thing is a giant pair of statement earrings.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Hi, My Name is Pink Cowboy Boots, And I Am a SWATCH Addict.

  O n September of last year, I turned 40.  Two of my gifts were from my sister Tessa who has amazing taste.  She knows my style, and in fact dubbed my "punky brewster" style and occasionally calls my style "blossom" -- both shows from the 80's.  I agree that my style is eclectic, colorful and probably loud to most people.  Anyhow, that's me and that's how I like it.

Tessa really knows how to give gifts;  always giving you something fabulous, something you may not need but will most definitely want.  Last year, for my special turning of age birthday, officially joining the middle-aged, she gave me two very youthful watches from SWATCH.  I LUV THEM and wear them with zeal !!!

One is a Jeremy Scott design with angel wings in white.  Super-fabulous!!!  It's no longer sold on the SWATCH Website, but you may find it on eBay. 


The other a florescent orange face with a black and white zebra strap (no longer available.)  My sister said I could go to the nearest SWATCH store and exchange any of the watches she got me with the gift receipt. 


I kept the white Jeremy Scott design for sure, but the orange zebra striped one I was willing to switch for another.  I ended trading it for one of the Kidrobot designs.  I chose the Love Song design by graffiti artist Tilt (also no longer available from the SWATCH official Website, but other Kidrobot designs are still available.)

The Kidrobot designs come with a doll.  A doll !!!  I love dolls, and still have part of my Barbie Doll collection (I sold some 35 dolls on eBay last year to free up some closet space for clothes.)  They are fun and oh so collectible ! 


My sister has got me hooked on SWATCH.  I want another Kidrobot design, and I actually want the orange zebra striped one back now that neon is so hottt for Spring/Summer 2012.  Aghhhhh, too bad it's no longer available from the SWATCH site.

I have to commend the SWATCH store I visited last year at Dadeland Mall in Miami.  The customer service was superb.  They added me to a members club that once a year has a membership event that allows you to bring in your SWATCH for a battery change, polishing and cleaning.  WOW !!!  I was very impressed.  That kind of excellent customer service has made a fan out of me.

This Spring/Summer with all the trends to look forward to getting dressed every morning, I've been itching to get more SWATCH watches.  I am totally jonesing for another SWATCH watch.  There's so many to choose from, and they're worse than potato
chips -- you can't stop at just one!  Anyhoo, enough of my babbling.  Here are my picks for Summer 2012.

Shout Out $70 from Kidrobot Collection

Arctic Sea $50






Yellow Lacquered $75

Wonder Zebra $70
I don't think I'll hanker for any other brand of watch, being that there are so many to desire and dream about from SWATCH.  Well, except for maybe Marc Jacobs or Michael Kors and maybe Oceanaut.  Sigh, I am a fashion and accessories addict!  (This is why I blog, so I can get it out of my system without necessarily buying.)


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The Espadrille Makes a Come-back for Summer 2012

I'm excited to see the espadrille in many various forms, from the original version to oh so many wedges for this Summer.  There are so many to choose from the mall and Online!  I've picked a handful under $100 to whet your appetite.

$29.94 from OLD NAVY

$70 from ALDO

$79 from NINE WEST

$49 from PIPERLIME.COM

Sofft $99.95 from ZAPPOS.COM

Betsey Johnson $89 from ZAPPOS.COM

The espadrille wedges I have chosen are perfect for many of the trends so hot this Summer.  Nautical is always big for the Summer and the wedge from Old Navy would be perfect for a nautical look.  Orange is huge for this Summer, so wear the wedge from Aldo with an Ikat or preppy outfit.  Go wherever your imagination takes you, and mix and match to your hearts content.

The espadrille was such a staple in Miami in the 80's.  Brings back some fond memories of yesterday's trends and fashion. 

Friday, May 18, 2012

NEED SUPPLY CO. -- A Funky Source for Great Stuff

Need Supply Co. is a different kind of online shopping experience.  It's a bit on the pricey side, but you will surely find some unique pieces, whether it be a dress, a top, a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes or one of their oh so fashion-forward accessories.  Need Supply Co. is a bit of a renegade.  The Website is part rocker, part preppy, part hippie, part librarian.  Whatever you get from their Website will add an edge to your wardrobe.

Here is a taste from their current Lookbook for Spring/Summer 2012.



Enjoy Part Two of their Spring Video for 2012.  It reminds me of a Wes Anderson film.  A little bit of "The Royal Tennenbaums."


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Don't Get Scurrred To Mix Stripes With Florals

As florals are hot for Spring/Summer 2012, add even more pizzazz by mixing it with stripes.  I've seen it on the Web and in store windows, and I just love, love, love it.  I want to see it on the street more, and I want to wear it myself.


Here are some ideas to hopefully inspire you and get you started.  


1.  Pair a striped tank top or nautical striped shirt with a floral skirt, and add a contrasting pop of color with your shoes. 


2.  Wear a bold striped long-sleeve shirt or nautical striped shirt under a floral shoulder-less dress.


4.  Wear a bold floral button-down shirt with a vertical-striped pencil skirt or cigarette pants.  Accessorize with an envelope clutch.


5.  If the above ideas are too bold, try a floral scarf with your nautical striped shirt, and see if you like it.


Have fun with this wild and bold combination. 
I know I will !!!