SUMMER STYLE: WEST COAST VS EAST COAST

Always the big debate in music, entertainment, food, and culture,  the battle between the West and East Coasts also extends into the fashion industry. Though once considered the prime “hub” of the fashion industry, New York City in recent years has taken a back seat to Los Angeles with new designers and up-and-coming fashion labels setting up practice on the West Coast. Many new designers today are starting their lines in L.A. rather than New York since they have a better chance of gaining notice, as well as the appeal of having a celebrity wear the clothing. A few years ago after working a decade in the East Coast’s fashion world, leading stylist Rachel Zoe relocated to L.A. with the concept of merging Hollywood glamour with fashion. She along with other prominent designers have helped pave the way for the fashion industry to grow and expand across the U.S. With diversity comes creativity, as today’s fashion world encompasses the tradition and class of the East Coast along with the novelty and free spirit of the West Coast. So which style do you prefer? Take our “West Coast VS East Coast Summer Style” quiz below and find out which fashion type you fit most.

  

LATEST TRENDS

When the latest trends hit the Runway, how does the West Coast verses the East Coast handle it? This Season, Boho 70’s style was, and continues to be, a huge fashion trend. The West Coast tends to embrace the current fashion styles in creative and casual ways, utilizing fashion as a personal means of expression. The East Coast, on the other hand, gives a “nod” to current fashion trends and finds ways to incorporate the latest trends with traditional classic looks. With music festivals like Coachella and Lightning in a Bottle, the West Coast fully embraced the “Boho” look this Season, taking it to the max with gladiator sandals, floppy hats, fringe, and peasant blouses. Get your West Coast “Boho” style with Hale Bob’s “peasant Style” ivory beaded and embroidered silk washed tunic paired with Citizen’s of Humanity’s white cut-off shorts and Free People’s floppy hat. We also like Hale Bob’s beaded long sleeve black and white peasant blouse layered with Liberty Garden’s lace Kimono for a true “Boho” feel. If you like the “Boho” look in a more conservative style, go with the East Coast look with Hale Bob’s ivory silk drop waist tunic paired with your favorite cut-off denim shorts and comfy sneakers for all-day Summer style.

  

OFFICE WEAR

Summer office wear gets two different looks when it comes to West verses East. Though both climates tend to get hot in the Summer, each Coast handles the heat a bit differently. West Coast office wear always tends to go a bit more casual and funky than East Coasters. Get your West Coast Summer office style with a cool yet casual jersey knit “V” neck dress from Hale Bob paired with funky booties from Christian Dior. Go East Coast clean and streamlined with Hale Bob’s metallic cropped pants layered with a black satin blouse and matching black pumps from Charles David. Either way, you will dazzle your co-workers with the perfect Summer work wear style.

  

CASUAL

At home and at play, how do West Coasters verses East Coasters handle their casual Summer style? Since the weather is mild all year around and the beach is prevalent, the West Coast casual style favors flip flops, swimsuits, tunics, and beach hats. Even if you don’t live by the beach, emulate the style with Hale Bob’s floral silk crinkle tunic paired with Liberty Garden’s ivory lace skort and nude leather sandals. The East Coast leans towards sophisticated tailored casual styles in the warmest months of Summer. Get the classic “sailor” look with a striped 3/4 sleeved cotton top from Paige layered over Citizen’s of Humanity’s white denim shorts and accessorizing with a white boater hat from Luisaviaroma and leather t-strap sandals from Sam Edelman.

  

SWIMWEAR

Cool off at the beach or pool with stylish Summer swimwear. The West Coast leans towards the Season’s hottest Summer trends when sun bathing outdoors, never missing an opportunity to stay fashionable and up-to-date. While embracing modern styles, the East Coast, however, leans towards classic trends that never go out of date. Get the West Coast style by pairing your favorite Summer swimsuit with Liberty Garden’s ivory lace skort or floral chambray lace shorts topped with Liberty Garden’s lace Kimono and floppy hat from Nordstrom. Get Khloe Kardashian’s style with a printed “East Coast” swimsuit from BitDazzle accessorized with a chic sailor hat and white leather sandals. Whether West Coast or East Coast swimwear, you’re sure to turn heads either way with this Season’s Summer style.

  

SUMMER CONCERT

When work is done and it’s time to have some fun at your favorite Summer concert, which style will you turn to? West Coast favors “Boho” and 70’s style carefree looks while the East Coast embraces flowy, feminine styles suitable for a concert in the park or a show on Broadway. If you favor the West Coast, get the look with Hale Bob’s selection of maxi dresses, perfectly suited for any outdoor Summer event. We especially love the Hale Bob’s multi-colored drop waist maxi dress or the mint tie dye maxi dress. If the East Coast is more your style, try Liberty Garden’s newest black and white strapless maxi dress or the slightly more tailored black twill jumpsuit ,perfect for any nighttime Summer activities.

  

DATE NIGHT

And finally, when it’s time to hit the town with your favorite someone, which style will you favor for “date night,” West Coast or East Coast? As we’ve mentioned, the West Coast tends to favor a more casual approach to even the more formal of occasions. You won’t see many jewels or sparkles with the West Coast girl. She lets her natural beauty shine through with just a fresh bronzed glow and a touch of lip gloss. The East Coast girl knows how to play up her assets and is always perfectly groomed, without trying too hard. Toss your hair into beachy waves, and get your West Coast city style with Hale Bob’s newest printed neoprene strapless mini dress paired with your favorite flat sandals and seashell jewelry. Go East Coast glam with Hale Bob’s pleated floral sheath dress or mint green snake and paisley dress, perfect for wherever your date may take you.

Today’s woman has a wealth of fashion choices depending on her style and personality. There is no right or wrong when it comes to style. Feel free to express yourself through your own unique fashion and taste. When it come to fashion, you are your own designer and judge. We’ve shown you what West Coast women prefer verses East Coast, but ultimately it is you who takes charge of your own life and what makes you feel most confident. You may identify completely with one Coast or the other, or on the other hand, may feel like you are a little bit of both. Embrace who you are and what makes you unique, and remember our motto, be you, be fabulous, and always be feminine.

SIZZLING SUMMER WORK STYLES

Don’t let the hottest weeks of Summer cramp your work day style. This week, we’ll show you “cool” ways you can beat the heat and still stay fashionable at the office. Many of this Season’s trendiest styles that we’ve mentioned in our Summer blogs are perfectly suited to fit the workplace. With just the right accessories, your office outfit can transition from day to night, from playtime to work time. Take a look at our top picks that’ll keep you looking fabulous at the office and chic on the streets.

PATTERNED PENCIL SKIRT

Forgo the solids, and brighten up your Summer work style with a tribal patterned pencil skirt. As the weather warms, pair your skirt with a cool silk camisole and slide on heels, adding a bright fuchsia jacket for chilly offices or after work cocktails. We love Hale Bob’s brightly patterned knit stretch Ponte pencil skirt paired perfectly with a black faux leather tank top. For extra hot days, go with Hale Bob’s silk stretch black embroidered tank or black studded sleeveless top made from 100% silk to help keep you cool. Complete your look with Hale Bob’s bright blue or purple Bolero jacket or go a bit more neutral in black or white.

WIDE LEG JUMPSUIT

For an all-in-one chic Summer style, try the wide leg jumpsuit. Easily adaptable for the workplace, go “Boho” by pairing your stylish jumpsuit with thick nude wedges or go classic with black patent leather pumps. When the weather is at it’s warmest, look for strapless or tank-styled jumpsuits to keep you cool. We love Liberty Garden’s black lace and twill jumpsuit, newly arrived at our online store Posh at Play. Complete your office style with a trendy lace Kimono from Liberty Garden or top with a sophisticated silk purple scarf from Hale Bob.

IVORY LACE DRESS

From Helo Rocha to Dolce & Gabbana, ivory lace from head-to-toe is all the rage on this year’s runways, and continuing into the Fall Season. Don’t just reserve your lace for weddings or formal occasions. Bring your dress out to work with you this Summer by pairing with leg-lengthening nude ankle strap pumps like Steve Madden’s best seller “Anibell” or go retro with Sergio Rossi’s suede kitten heel pump. Three of our favorite Summer ivory lace dresses to try are Hale Bob’s tailored cool cotton crocheted dress, romantic tank dress, or embroidered mesh dress for chillier workplaces. Your lace dress is sure to keep you cool in the office as well as for after-hours cocktails.

FLORAL DRESS

Nothing says “Summer” more than a bright floral patterned sundress. Don’t be afraid to bring a little touch of sunshine to the office on your next workday. In order to keep your look “professional,” steer clear from sandals and wedges, and look for more tailored and structured accessories to complete your look. Start with Hale Bob’s purple floral tank dress, featuring a mock-wrap silhouette to hug your feminine curves. Complete your look with Steve Madden’s ankle strap pumps and elegant pearl strand from St. John Collection. We also love Hale Bob’s purple printed long sleeve floral dress if you tend to get chilly at the office or the black and white floral print shirtdress, perfect to pair with a black blazer for a shabby chic style.

SHORTS AND BLAZER

When the weather becomes unbearable, simply switch out your tailored pants for shorts in the hottest months of Summer. Look for cotton shorts with pleating and cuffs, or patterned silk shorts to keep you cool yet sophisticated at the office. Don’t forget to complete your style with a white button down or silk tank and structured blazer. We love Hale Bob’s black cotton eyelet shorts, sure to keep you cool, or go with the silky black and white printed shorts for a fun patterned style. Complete your look with Hale Bob’s black studded silk tank top and coral printed silk jacket and you are sure to turn heads at the office with your chic work fashion.

WIDE LEG PANTS AND FLORAL BLOUSE

Bring the Hawaiian Islands to work with you in a colorful floral print blouse paired perfectly with wide leg pants to allow air flow on the hottest Summer days. Not only are wide leg trousers a trending look this Season, but also they will help keep you cooler rather than tight, constricting leggings and pants. We love Hale Bob’s coral silk crinkle tunic or try the black silk floral button down for a more tailored approach. Pair with AC Collection’s black flare jeans or go breezy in Hale Bob’s black studded satin wide leg pants. For after hours errands or dinner with the girls, roll up the cuffs of your blouse and tie in front for a more relaxed, post- work Summer style.

MAXI DRESS

And finally, as we’ve been talking about the trend all Season long, what better way to wear the maxi dress than in the office. Dress up your maxi dress style by pairing with a vest or jacket at work. Get a similar look as pictured above with Liberty Garden’s black cami crinkle dress topped with AC Collection’s grey scoop neck vest. Change up your maxi dress style by adding Hale Bob’s ivory Bolero jacket or pair with the white studded sleeveless jacket for a bit of glamour. No need to save your maxi dress for the beach or pool. Bring out your Summer style Monday morning at the office.

What will you add to your weekly office fashion style from your Summer wardrobe collection: your favorite pattered pencil dress and cami, sleeveless jumpsuit, ivory lace dress, floral dress, shorts and blazer, wide leg pants and floral blouse, or maxi dress? This weekend, peruse your closet and see what you have to brighten up your workday week. Too busy to spruce up your Summer work wardrobe? Shop conveniently from your office or home with our easy online store Posh at Play, perfect for the busy working woman. Shop day or night, and with quick delivery service and FREE USPS priority shipping, you’ll be the “fashionista” of your own workplace.

FALL FASHION YOU CAN WEAR NOW

Though Summer’s heat waves are still hitting most of America, Paris looks to signs of crisp, cool days ahead at this week’s Paris Fall Fashion Week 2015-2016. It may seem unbearable to already think about putting on a fur vest or bundling up in a cozy wool jacket. Nevertheless, the Fall season is just around the corner so it is time to start thinking about segueing into Autumn’s favorite fashion finds and we have selected the top trending picks for Fall. The weather may still be a bit warm, but we’ll show you how to make Fall’s fashion fit your Summer wardrobe perfectly. Take a look at our top styles and start thinking of pumpkin lattes, autumn leaves, and cooler temperatures with our favorites.

HALF SLIP SKIRTS

  

One of our favorite skirt styles trending into the Fall season on is the sheer midi or maxi skirt with half slip. We’ve been seeing this look on the Red Carpet all Summer long and are excited that the trend is carrying into the next Season. Designer Bouchra Jarrar displayed dozens of half slip skirts in sweeping silk and sheer lace fabrics at this year’s Paris Fall Fashion runway. In the Summer months, get your own half slip style with Liberty Garden’s newest black lace midi skirt paired perfectly with an ivory ultra suede muscle tank . Segue into the Fall season by trading out your tank with Liberty Garden’s black menswear sweatshirt for a great “Athleisure” look. Dress up your style Summer or Fall with Hale Bob’s versatile yet chic black lace bodysuit, a trending fashion silhouette throughout the rest of the year.

BRIGHT FUCHSIA

   

Giorgio Armani dazzled the runways this week with an array of bright fuchsia colored blouses, gowns, jackets, furs, and shoes. The designer definitely left no doubt in our minds what color pallet he prefers for Fall 2015-2016. All Summer we have been talking about going bold with brights, so why not take the look into the Autumn season? Start with a bold fuchsia Mayan Tribal print tunic from Hale Bob paired with Citizen’s of Humanity’s ivory cut offs for Summer and easily switch to Hale Bob’s black faux leather leggings or even black zip up ultra suede leggings as the weather cools. Keep shining bright no matter what Season you are in.

CUT OUT

  

Keeping Summer alive, the half top and cut out style is not retreating for Fall 2015/2016. From Yiqing Yin to Alexander Vauthier, designers are favoring one of Summer’s hottest silhouettes for Fall. What better motivation to keep your body toned and in shape throughout the year than to grab onto the cut-out fashion style. We love Liberty Garden’s black mesh long sleeve cut out top paired with basic jean cut offs or Hale Bob’s black lace eyelet shorts for dressier Summer occasions. Switch it up for Fall by combining your cut out top with your favorite skinny black jeans from 7 For All Mankind or go “Boho” (still trending for Fall) with AC Collection’s medium wash flare jeans. Dare to bare your body all Season long with the tastefully flirty cut out style.

BOHO MAXI DRESSES

  

As we have mentioned all Season long, “Boho” styled maxi dresses and skirts are a huge trend on the runways, street style, and in stores. We are glad to see the trend continue into the Fall. No need to bundle up your “Boho” floppy hats, dresses, jeans, lace vests, or gladiator sandals, this trend is here to stay. Let your hair down and stay cool in the remaining hot Summer months with Liberty Garden’s pale pink embroidered cami maxi dress paired with your favorite wedges or gladiator sandals from Steve Madden. We also love the great selection of “Boho” maxi dresses and skirts from Hale Bob available now at Posh at Play. As the Summer fades into Fall, dress up your maxi dress with platform shoes, popular at this year’s Paris Fashion Week, or go with knee length leather boots   seen at the Versace Collection, also trending for Fall.

RED FROM HEAD TO TOE

   

Bright cherry red is not going away for Fall. From Zuhair Murad to Valentino, designers are staying with head-to-toe red for Fall Fashion. Try Hale Bob’s ultra suede red leggings paired with red silk blouse and flat leather sandals to keep you chic and cool throughout the remaining Summer months. Trade your sandals for ankle high boots as Fall approaches. We also love Hale Bob’s versatile cherry red silk maxi dress paired with your favorite strappy heels and clutch for hot Summer nights. Layer with Liberty Garden’s ivory lace Kimono and flat sandals for a casual “Boho” look. Carry your red maxi dress into the cooler months with chic red pumps and red rabbit fur vest from Hale Bob for the perfect “holiday” look.

FUR

   

Speaking of fur, designer Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi caused quite a controversy at this week’s Paris Fashion Week with jackets, scarves, dresses, and sweaters made entirely of all real fur. Animal rights activists had were prevented from stopping the runway show altogether and ultimately, the show was able to go on. Whatever your view on animal fur, real or faux, the designer’s creations were a beautiful yet surreal collection of illusion. A piece of fur adds a hint of dignity yet glamour to any outfit from casual to evening. We love Hale Bob’s rabbit fur vests in red, teal, and black, a color to suit everyone. If you prefer a more subtle approach, we suggest Hale Bob’s wool sweater with rabbit fur trim, great over denim shorts for chilly Summer nights or perfect for a brisk Fall day paired with your favorite jeans. What is your opinion on the latest Fall fur trend?

SEQUINED METALLICS

   

Finally, one of our favorite trends for Fall 2015-2016 is the metallic colored sequin material found on dresses, skirts, pants, and jackets. From Alexandre Vauthier to Armani, sequined metallics are a continuing trend from Fall 2014. For Summer, look for a sequined sleeveless cami or pair your white tee and jeans with a chic copper sequined jacket from Hale Bob. Perfect for Summer or Fall, we love Hale Bob’s great selection of sequined metallic dresses from the silver cami sequined dress to the copper sequined dress to the multi-colored floral sequined dress. Don’t just reserve your sequins for formal evening occasions. Bring your sequins out to play during the daytime by pairing with your favorite Tee, leggings, and sneakers for a perfect “Athlesiure” style.

Though there are dozens and dozens of many wonderful trends to choose from, half slip skirts, bright fuchsia, cut outs, Boho maxi dresses, head-to-toe red, fur, and sequined metallics are our favorite Fall looks. This Season’s designers are blurring the lines between “Summer” and “Winter” wear, adapting styles from both Seasons to merge into one unique look. This is great for us, the consumers, since it means we do not have to completely change the items in our closets for every Season. We can utilize Summer season’s purchases through the cooler months in new and creative ways, adding a few accessories and trending items for a fresh look. The designs from Paris Fashion Week 2015-2016 all centered on utilizing and accentuating the feminine female form and embracing your inner romantic. What trending Fall style will YOU incorporate into your wardrobe this Season?

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE: FAVORITE FASHION FINDS FOR THE FOURTH

Let’s Celebrate Freedom! Independence Day celebrations are upon us and it’s time to think about our favorite fashion finds for the Fourth. No need to overdo with over the top flag related apparel. We’ve got the perfect fashion trends for any and every occasion for you to choose from. Take a look at our favorite Fourth related fashion finds available NOW and start shopping our favorite looks today.

PATRIOTIC LOOK FOR THE OFFICE

Carry your “independence” to the workplace with a chic striped A-line skirt and polka dot blazer. We love P.A.R.O.S.H.’s embellished A-line red striped skirt paired with Free People’s polka dot blazer. Complete your “July 4th” look with flattering nude colored pumps, cat eye sunglasses, and chunky gold jewelry. Though we love the model’s classic Christian Louboutin “So Kate” nude heels with red soles, get a similar affordable style with Diane Von Furstenberg’s “Bethany” nude pumps, perfect for working hours and easily adaptable to cocktail hour before seeing the fireworks. Don’t be afraid to express your freedom this Season, even at the office.

STRIPED TOP AND WHITE WIDE LEG PANTS

A great look for office, beach, cocktail hour, or BBQ is a simple blue striped top paired with flowing wide leg silk pants. We love Olive + Oak’s striped button down tank paired with Hale Bob’s studded white wide leg silk pants. Accessorize with sunglasses, Free People’s straw Boho hat, Liberty Garden’s lace Kimono, and flat sandals for daytime July 4th celebrations. Segue into the evening hours by pairing with Tori Burch nude wedges or dance the night away in Alice + Olivia white strappy heels.

COBALT BLUE LACE DRESS

Nothing says “Patriotic” more than a bright cobalt blue lace dress with red clutch. As mentioned in our “Summer Sundress Style” blog last week, cobalt blue and bright jewel tones were trending on 2015 Spring and Summer Runways this season from Dion Lee to Daniel K to Alexander Wang. Grab Hale Bob’s newest cobalt blue lace trimmed dress paired with Diane Von Furstenberg’s red lizard clutch for perfect July 4th style. You’ll shine in this Season’s trendiest color while also celebrating the red, white, and BLUE.

STRIPED SHORTS

Perfect for a stroll down the beach or shopping along the Boardwalk before seeing fireworks. Look crisp and clean in a simple button down blouse paired with blue striped shorts and your favorite wedges. Beat the heat by accessorizing with a chic straw hat and cool aviators while waiting for the sun to go down. We love Cusp’s comfy boyfriend striped shorts with Tommy Hilfiger’s patriotic blue button down. Switch up your holiday colors by pairing your shorts with Hale Bob’s white silk button down or go bold and bright in Hale Bob’s bright red silk blouse for perfect July 4th style.

BOHO TIE DYE

Express your freedom and individuality with this Season’s trendiest “Boho” fashion style. From Etro to Emilio Pucci, designers this Season put a fresh twist on 70’s style Bohemian fashion, updating the look for 2015. Why not try the style this July 4th? Start with Hale Bob’s red, white, and blue tie dyed jersey knit maxi skirt paired with a simple white lace trimmed cami. Complete your “Boho” look with a BCBG white striped floppy hat and gladiator sandals from Steve Madden. If the night turns chilly, grab your ivory lace Kimono from Liberty Garden, and settle down on a cotton beach fringe blanket from Free People to watch the fireworks above.

RED SKINNY JEANS

Shine bright in one of this Season’s most popular colors- bright red. And what better way to try the latest color trend than with a pair of skinnies at your Fourth of July celebration this weekend. Take a tip from celebrities Solange Knowles and Caitriona Balfe and go red head to toe with DSquared2’s skinny cropped jeans paired with Cusp’s sleeveless red collared blouse or Hale Bob’s red silk long sleeve button down for chillier evenings. Complete your look with Steve Madden black ankle strap sandals and matching black floppy hat from Rag and Bone and you are ready to celebrate in style.

WHITE LACE

Another popular solid color style for Summer is pure white from head to toe. From Rachel Zoe to Vogue to Elle, fashion advisors across the board are picking up on this Season’s freshest yet romantic take on the all white look. Get your own feminine style with one of Liberty Garden’s newest arrivals and a blast from the fashion past- the white lace skort. First developed in the 1960’s, the “skort” is a pair of shorts with a panel across the front resembling a skirt. The style was revived in the 90’s and is back in a big way this Season. Pair your lace skort with a matching stretch lace floral tunic from Hale Bob or go breezy with Hale Bob’s silk drop waist blouse, accessorized with your favorite wedge sandals or sling back pumps for an elegant fashionable Fourth.

WHITE SHORTS AND BLUE BLOUSE

Finally, if all else fails and you need to throw together a quick “Fourth of July” look, simply grab a pair of white cut-offs and a flowy blue blouse. If you don’t have white shorts, make your own by cutting off a pair of your favorite white denim jeans. Add a few rips and tears for a “distressed” look. Or get to shopping the style with Citizen’s of Humanity’s white “Manic” cheeky shorts paired perfectly with Hale Bob’s navy silk cotton tunic. Complete your red, white, and blue look by adding red accessories you already have in your closet such as a red handbag, red earrings, a red bracelet, or chic red sandals. If you don’t have any red accessories at home, check out the unique selections at ModCloth.com and find your perfect pieces today.

This weekend is all about celebrating “the Land of the Free” and what better time to express your individuality than by putting together your own unique Fourth of July style. Whether you’re a “free love child” and prefer the Boho look or you’re a classic and enjoy tailored blouses, there’s a “July 4th” style waiting just for you. We’ve shown you our top fashion picks for the Fourth but we’d love to hear from you, our readers, on just what type of “Independence Day” girl are you? Comment below on what style you will be wearing this weekend. Let freedom ring!