Easy Does It

Silk Sweatpants: LnA "Lucas Silk Pant" (on sale from $264 to $210 here)

Crochet Top: Mink Pink "My Dream Crop Top" (for $54 here)

Shoes: Dolce Vita 'Elka' Heeled Sandals (on sale from $170 to $118 here)

Wool Blazer: Joe's Jeans 'Meredith Blazer' (on sale from $278 to$139 here)

Leather Backpack: Stela 9 ($224 at Revolve Clothing here)

I have never been a sweatpants type of person...until recently! I always thought that sweats were reserved strictly for gyms or lounging around the house but boyyy was I wrong! With the proper styling, sweats can actually be chic! Luckily in the past couple years, designers have really redefined sweatpants in a whole new way and I'm lovin' it! Now we don't have to sacrifice comfort for fashion! We can be both casually chic and comfortable when stepping out in public.

Below are some tips on choosing and styling the new and improved sweatpants.

1) Choose sweatpants in a thin & lightweight material to keep it from looking like you're ready to hit the gym. I personally choose them in silk because I like wearing my comfy sweatpants year round.
2) Make sure the pants are a slim fit and tapered. If it's too loose throughout the leg and ankles, it probably won't be too flattering on your body. 
3) Accessorize strategically. Sweatpants are easy to dress up or down with accessories. If you're going for a chicer look, choose a hemline that sits at the ankle and pair them with heels. If you're going for a more casual look, choose a hemline that hits just below the knee. Instead of heels, you can keep it casual with some cute slip-ons, d'Orsay flats, or sneakers. I personally prefer heels because I just prefer heels :) 
4) Top off your sweats with a structured fitted top or a crop top. 

Other ways that I've styled some of my other silk sweatpants: 

Don't Mesh With Me 

Cream of the Crop (Top)

Sheer Pleasure

I also picked up this exquisite little number on my crazy shopping spree at the Isabel Marant pour H&M collaboration launch that I wrote about in "I maRant to H&M". 

This silk chiffon dress far exceeded my expectations. The lookbook really does not do this dress any justice (even though Milla Jovovich looks stunning as always). You have to see the dress in person to appreciate the intricate details that include: the subtle metallic embroidery throughout the dress, the peacock-like pattern, the puffed shoulders and ruching on the sleeves, the cinched waist, and the raw edges.  

I really love how this dress just effortlessly oozes class and elegance with its conservative yet form-fitting silhouette and intricate details. This dress hits just below the knee so in order to elongate my legs, I styled it with a nude heel. I kept the rest of the look simple for my boyfriend's family brunch with minimal jewelry, makeup, and a nude lip. For a nighttime look, this dress would look spectacular with some classic black pumps, a long black coat, and some red lips to add some drama. Now show me how you girls styled your Isabel Marant pour H&M silk chiffon dresses! 

Jacket: Isabel Marant pour H&M (here)

(Complete Lookbook here)

 Shoes: Steve Madden (similar here)

 

 

I maRANt to H&M!

Last week I braved the crowds at a local H&M store and eagerly awaited the launch of the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection. I woke up at 3:30am to wait in line because I was on a mission to scored the most coveted item of the collection...the beautifully embellished cropped jacket! I've been drooling over Marant's jacket since her Spring 2012 collection so I was thrilled to see a similar version of the jacket in the H&M lookbook for a fraction of the price. I did what I had to do to get my jacket and ran to H&M way before the sun came out. Losing a few hours of sleep was such a minor trade off for such a great collection.

The embellishment on the jacket is over-the-top (in a good way) and done impeccably! And since there's already so much going on with the tiedye, beading, rhinestones, embroidery, etc., I kept the rest of the outfit relatively simple. I styled my new favorite jacket with my new favorite heels and completed the look with faux leather leggings and a sleeveless blouse with contrast details made to look like a tie. As my cousin claims, "this outfit is very Sgt. Pepper"! And I'm totally ok with that! Hahaha

Keep an eye out for future posts featuring more of my scores from the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection! 

Jacket: Isabel Marant pour H&M (here)

Sequin Heels: Isabel Marant pour H&M

(Complete Lookbook here)

Blouse: Millau (LF Stores)

Pants: Romeo & Juliet Couture

Clutch: Valentino

Jewelry: Luv AJ and TomTom Jewelry