Like bare arms and legs, your upper abdomen is going to be getting a lot of sun this season thanks to the spring 2013 runways. Now, if you were to take a survey asking women if they would feel comfortable baring a part of their stomach while wearing a dress or shirt, I guarantee that at least 70% would say “oh hell no.” Not only is the stomach one of women’s biggest “problem areas”, but it’s also an area we cover up for the majority of the year (unless you live in a bikini, in which case you are hereby excluded from this entire post). But before you turn your back on the trend, know this: revealing the upper abdomen — we’re talking just below the boobs — can actually be extremely flattering, and requires little to no work at the gym.

Unlike the crop tops before them, these upper torso cut-outs aren’t here to expose your FUPA. Instead, they show off the flattest part of your stomach, provide ventilation (the under boob sweat is one of my biggest issues come summertime and this nixes that whole problem), and may actually be sexier than cleavage. Should you be a man reading this right now, you’re probably thinking, “Sonia doesn’t know anything when it comes to sexy dressing.” And given my recent stint with gaucho pants, perhaps you’re right. But in the act of self-defense, I too think I am right.

The upper-ab cut-out leaves much more to the imagination than a J.Lo style dress or Lil Kim nipple pasties. While cleavage will always have a place in the world of fashion (as it should), this new epidermal focus is far more refined and elegant than a set of perfectly plump knockers pouring out of a strapless gown. Maybe not for the office or the first time you meet the parents, but for a summer party (like this very Memorial Day Weekend!), it’s definitely worth taking out for a test run. Also, for the record: bras are optional whilst going crop-top. Feel the freedom and find your own suitable cut-out dress from my picks below.

When I think about Memorial Day Weekend, a couple of things come to mind: cocktails, friends, grilling, and basking in sunshine — Mother Nature willing. So what does this mean for your outfit? I’m glad you asked (even though I didn’t hear you, but whatever) because I’ve broken down my ideal Mem-Day weekend outfit into a few necessities.

First off, you want to be comfortable. Not only do you need to be able to sit like a beer-bellied man passed out on the couch in front of ESPN (all class over here!), but you also need to be able to regulate your temperature. For me this means pants, preferably of the boyfriend variety, though I’d say yes to a husband pair too. The slouchier fit allows for breadth of room (i.e. extra hot dog), and means you can engage in all the outdoor activities you want since the issue of your skirt being blown up is, well, a non-issue.

This also means light layers. I don’t like to break out tank tops until I absolutely have to, so instead I opt for lightweight button downs and blazers. What’s nice about the button-down blazer combo is that it transitions seamlessly from day-to-night. This may not be a necessity for some of your weekend activities, but it’s better to be prepared than look like a naked and cold fool because you wore your tank top and didn’t bring something to cover up with in the evening. Having said that, not bringing a jacket is also a great way to pick up a gentleman, since only the most chivalrous of lads offer their coat to a woman clad in goosebumps. Therefore, if this is your way of fishing for men, don’t let me stand in your way.

Festivity should go hand-in-hand with your comfortable, climate-controlled outfit, and what better way to secure this than with a hat? Honestly, is there anything more festive than a hat? Birthday party hats, sombreros, crowns, bonnets — I can’t think of a festive occasion that doesn’t involve some kind of a head topper. Since this weekend doesn’t have a designated style of hat, I suggest you pick one that suits your face shape best. I’m partial to the straw fedora come summertime, but if My Fair Lady sun hats are your thing, then by all means…

 And now we must address the shoes, because really that’s always a topic of debate. Since I’ll be on the grass most of this weekend, I will likely either be barefoot, sandaled or sneakered (footwear adjectives! Oh yes!). But were I going to a party where concrete or hardwood floors were part of the decor, then I’d leave those flat shoes at home.   A pair of heeled sandals that won’t rip your toes to blistery shreds are absolutely imperative to warm-weather dressing. And if you’re concerned that your feet will hurt by the end of the day, don’t worry, I’ve found that most summer soirees end up with everyone barefoot anyways.

So there you have it, my key to Memorial Day dressing, otherwise known as what I’ll be wearing all weekend. Now let’s all make a face that looks like we’re peeing in our pants and count down the hours until the holiday weekend begins!

Ralph Lauren blazer | Theory shirt | Zara jeans | Max Studio sandals | Prada bag | Scoop hat | Venessa Arizaga bracelet

//photos by Emily Malan

I’m in a predicament. I have owned this jacket for three years and haven’t worn it once. Normally this would warrant a trip to Goodwill, but I love it too much to say goodbye. I’m not willing to give up on the relationship we could, and may very well still, have. What can I say, I’ve never been good at breakups.

Now, I know I’m supposed to be the one offering up the style advice here, but after you were all so helpful in picking out a dress for me to wear to my friend’s wedding last year, I just couldn’t resist turning to you again.

I have tried pairing this Comptoir des Cotonniers jacket with everything from an all white ensemble, to a black dress, to a mishmash of prints, but nothing has felt or looked right. Perhaps it’s because khaki is not a color or fabric I turn to on a regular basis (hello, Dad), or that I’ve always had issues with the casualty of baseball tees (or I suppose outerwear in this case). So I ask you, how would you style this jacket? What would you wear it with? Or is this a totally lost cause and it’s time for me to see the light and pass it along to someone who will have a much easier time fitting it into her wardrobe?

What say you!?

]]> http://runwayhippie.com/2013/05/21/a-style-predicament/feed/ 9 http://runwayhippie.com/2013/05/20/love-at-first-sight/ http://runwayhippie.com/2013/05/20/love-at-first-sight/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 16:49:45 +0000 Sonia http://runwayhippie.com/?p=13861

A lot of people don’t believe in love at first sight. I am not one of these people. Though never with a human (I didn’t even look twice at the boy who wound up being my first boyfriend), I have fallen in love at first sight many times. My heart flutters in virginal excitement almost every time I see a slice of pizza, and I have fallen into deep, immediate love with more pieces of clothing than I can keep track of. However, unlike pizza and even humans, the unstoppable heartbreaking emotion that comes when I see a piece of clothing can almost never be immediately satisfied. More often than not this new love interest is walking down the runway, thus a season ahead of my acquiring schedule, or labeled at a price that would require a loan from the bank in order to obtain (see everything Chanel). But thanks to the beauty of sites like eBay and Copious, and consignment or thrift shops scattered about, finding “the one that got away” (or the one you just couldn’t afford when it was staring you in the face) is actually possible.

One of my favorite ways to kill time between meetings, appointments, or just to avoid doing the thing I’m supposed to be doing, is by dipping my nose into random consignment shops throughout NYC. Not only is such an adventure time consuming (you just can’t go into a thrift store and sift — it’s an archaeological digging process), but the gems you can find are just unbeatable — like that time I scored this Bottega Veneta bag for $25.

While in between a teeth cleaning and my own dermatological stripshow, I decided to lift my spirits (I loathe doctors appointments) with a jaunt through a consignment shop on the Upper East Side. I didn’t go in with the intention of purchasing anything — I get as much thrill from looking at clothes as I do with buying them — until my eyes bulged and my body B-lined like Frankenstein on Speed toward this Dolce & Gabbana tomato skirt.

 The skirt is from the designer’s Spring 2012 collection and was originally the cost of a nice studio apartment. When I first saw it on Style.com, I twitched and drooled like I’d just been tasered (my normal “love at first sight” reaction). Joseph’s beard and Veronica’s eyebrows! This skirt wasn’t just for me and my love of vibrant prints! It spoke to my tastebuds and stomach as well! I could hear both my mouth salivating and my stomach grumbling, “Is that an heirloom!?”. But one glance at the hefty price tag not only left me with the reality of never owning such a beauty, but also considering a DIY where I would glue tomatoes onto a white trash bag and dub it couture. We do desperate things when it comes to love, don’t we?

But the stars aligned for me that day, and my beloved tomato skirt wrapped itself around my waist for $150. Some of you may consider this “meant to be”, but I like to think of it as a reward for getting an A+ on flossing from my dentist. Let this be a lesson in never neglecting your gums again, because you just never know when the love of your life will show up.

Malika sweater | Dolce & Gabbana skirt | Proenza Schouler heels | Bottega Veneta bag | Vintage sunglasses

// photos by Emily Malan

From where I sat for three days straight.

After a full month of non-stop travel and events, I cannot stress how happy I am to be home for the long foreseeable future. As much as I love the idea of a jet-setting life, there’s something to be said for the comfort of your own bed, a full refrigerator, and the ability to watch an entire season of Game of Thrones without the guilt of not going outside on a sunny day. I guess what I’m saying is that while I love to travel, I also love my couch. We’re good friends. Supportive of one another, even in the darkest of times. So I’m going to take it pretty easy this weekend (i.e. marathoning all three seasons of Arrested Development) since next weekend is Memorial Day and who knows what kind of shenanigans that will bring. Adios!

Clear eyes. Full margarita. Can’t lose.

Really digging giant gold rings that get caught on my sweaters these days…

The Banana Stand comes to NYC! 

The peonies are unreal this season. UN.REAL.

OK, you’re probably thinking, “Great, here’s Sonia wearing a mish-mosh of prints again. Bring on the lecture on how to mix-and-match.” And perhaps you’re right; maybe my style has become predictable in that I’ve run out of new ways to wear the pieces in my wardrobe, but I’m not ready to surrender to that assessment. So hear me out. Unlike previous posts of me playing textile mixologist (in this exact same shirt no less), I am here to tell you about the Gaucho pant.

Much like Tevas and Mom Jeans (I swear, I’m almost done referring to them on a daily basis), Gaucho pants were one of my favorite pieces to make fun of as a teenager. I don’t know if any of you have seen Never Been Kissed, but Josie Grossie (played by Drew Barrymore) wears the most awkward pair of spandex Gaucho pants that only fueled the ridicule fire from me and my friends.

Much like sporks or skorts, Gaucho pants are basically a cross between capris and matronly, ankle-length skirts. They billow like a flag in a wind storm and will forever receive curious comments like, “Are those pants or a skirt?” — a direct quote from Never Been Kissed and a man at the engagement party I wore them to earlier this year.

The old me would have hated such questioning comments, convinced that someone or everyone was making fun of me. But as it goes with every coming-of-age story involving a lesson learned, my hatred toward Gaucho pants was quickly swayed when I saw this pair of printed silk Tibi pants many moons ago (I got them for Christmas). I first tried wearing them the night of New Year’s Eve, but my friends told me they wouldn’t be seen with me in public and that I’d never get laid in them, let alone get a midnight kiss. (For the record, I wore something slightly revealing and still went home by myself to a bowl of pasta). I have since worn them to almost every festive cocktail party in the past few months — the aforementioned engagement party, my mom’s birthday, and a 7-course dinner party — and know they’re not going to be retired any time soon. These billow babies may not be timeless, but they are certainly seasonless.

You see, not only do they allow for the breathing room of a skirt, but they provide the comfort of pants — very clutch for those of us who have a tendency to sit with our legs apart (I blame this habit on the all girls school education I had through senior year of high school). So basically what I’m saying is that since I’ve now adopted Mom Jeans and Gaucho pants into my wardrobe, I guess Tevas are the next step in my sartorial, coming-of-age breakthrough. Are you with me!? If not then just watch me look like an idiot in the gif below.

Zara blazer | Topshop shirt | Tibi pants | Gucci heels | Vintage earrings | BaubleBar, Vintage & Hermes bracelets | Gorjana rings

// photos by Emily Malan

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable in ‘Rendezvous’ | Clinique Chubby Stick in ‘Two Ton Tomato’

Lipstick is hands down one of the greatest accessories. I know it’s a beauty product, but for something that adds such pow! to a look like a bold shade of red, it deserves to be placed in the accessory bin. However, prominent lip shades like fuchsia or orange aren’t necessarily for everyday wear — kind of like 6-inch stilettos — so finding a color that’s more subtle is as crucial to your beauty/accessory routine as face lotion.

When I was younger I had the brightest red lips on the playground. Kids used to make fun of me by telling me I wore my mom’s lipstick, and while that might have been the case behind closed doors at home, I spent most of my childhood telling the obnoxious kids hoarding the swingsets that my lips were naturally that red. But alas, as I’ve gotten older my lip color has faded and now I just miss the days when I looked like I had an addiction to eating cherry pops. While licking my lips can sometimes replicate this “natural red”, it usually just results in me looking like I have chapped lips. And as much as I love a bright lipstick, those too end up drying out my lips, and then I find myself licking them because they are chapped. It’s a vicious cycle if you didn’t pick that up already.

However, after spending a solid hour in Sephora last week, I think I have finally found the perfect everyday lip color. Clinique’s Chubby Stick comes in a multitude of shades in the form of a thick crayon. With a quick swipe it not only adds a subtle color (my personal favorite is the ‘Two Ton Tomato’ — whoever thought up that name clearly loves Heirloom season), but also gives my smackers as much moisture as Chapstick. I know I sound like a CoverGirl commercial right now, but I’m ok with that. When I find a product I love I want to share it. I want to praise it. I want to buy it in bulk so that I’m never without it. But since Clinique can sometimes be a bit on the pricier side, I’ve also found Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable to be an affordable and comparable alternative. Now let’s makeout.

Clockwise from top left: Topshop blazer | Isabel Marant shirt | Issa dress | Isabel Marant boots | Proenza Schouler bag | Asos belt | Ray-Ban sunglasses | Asos heels | Equipment blouse | J Brand jeans

The other day a friend of mine put me up to a challenge; she asked me what items I would choose if I was limited to a 10 piece wardrobe. Naturally, my first thought was, “Joseph’s beard! I can’t even limit myself to packing 10 pieces when going on a weekend getaway!” But I was into this challenge.

Before giving her my answer which, mind you, took about 30 minutes to put together, I made sure that I could leave items like underwear and socks off my list. Obviously those are “essentials” but that just seems too obvious to me. Once I got the go ahead to exclude the under-pieces, I began reciting my 10-piece wardrobe list, which I kind of want to turn into a song to the tune of Beyonce’s “Count Down”, but that’s for another time.

Now let’s break this ultimate wardrobe down.

1. The Black Blazer — Boring? Yes. Necessary? Abso-freakin-lutely. I cannot list the amount of times I’ve reached for my hip-length black blazer to add some polish to a look. The fact that it works with dresses, basic blue jeans, and even sweatpants is enough justification for me to own at least five of these, but we’re dealing with a 10-piece wardrobe so let’s just say I own one.

2. The White T-Shirt — Another basic necessity. Much like the blazer, I’ve found that the white tee can be dressed up and dressed down,  and functions as one of the more comfortable pieces in my closet. Suffice it to say, I wear my plain white tees as pajamas too.

3. The Day-to-Night Dress — Everyone believes the LBD (Little Black Dress) to be the ultimate wardrobe staple. I used to be one of those people, but I’ve changed my ways. I think that every woman should own a dress that transitions from day to night seamlessly. You want a dress that you can wear to brunch with the ladies before meeting up with Jack from Friday night for drinks. If this is a black dress for you, that’s fine, but don’t feel the need to limit yourself; hence my choice of a bright red Issa number.

4. The Ankle Boot — I never thought of boots as a year-round staple, but ones that let your ankles catch a breeze are comfortable and extreme climate friendly. I tend to opt for ones in a neutral color with a modest heel so that they go with everything and are easy to walk in.

5. The Shoulder Bag — Ok, this Proenza PS11 has been at the top of my must buy list for easily three years. When I first set eyes on it I knew it was the ultimate everyday bag. It’s a reasonable size, sits perfectly at the hip, and literally goes with everything. I know it’s on the pricier side,  but for something that’s going to be worn on a daily basis is worth a splurge (though I have yet to pull the trigger). For a more reasonable option, I suggest trying this Rebecca Minkoff cross-body that’s just as versatile and chic.

6. The Neutral Belt — Belts are one of those accessories that add dimension and breaks up silhouettes. An outfit consisting of jeans, a white t-shirt, and some ankle boots (all members of the 10-piece wardrobe) looks far more stylish when the tee is tucked into the jeans allowing the neutral belt to show. At least in my opinion, which is why you’re here. OK…moving forward…

7. Aviator Sunglasses — I’ve never met a person who doesn’t look good in aviators. Their tapered shape and slim frames are flattering on every face shape and aren’t the kind of shades that steal the spotlight like cat eye sunglasses or giant round ones as favored by Paris Hilton.

8. The Simple Heel — It’s up to you whether you prefer the pump or the sandal, but a straightforward heel is as necessary in a woman’s wardrobe as underwear. Just make sure that they go with everything and are one of the more comfortable footwear options in your closet — no one wants to wear shoes that make them walk like a drunk camel.

9. The Classic Button Down — I wear a button down almost every day, but reach for the one with blue and white stripes more often than not. The vertical stripes are flattering, it can be dressed up or down, and if you’re lucky, your boyfriend already owns a few so you can just borrow right from his closet. Whoa! Did I just narrow this down a nine-piece wardrobe!? 

10. The Skinny Jean — As much as I love the Mom Jeans, there is nothing I wear more often than skinny jeans. Once you find a brand and cut that fits you like a second set of skin, I guarantee you will wear them until the butt rips. This just happened to me with my favorite pair of Hudson jeans, though I am also a huge fan of J Brand, Rag & Bone, and Paige Denim.

Do you think I’m missing anything? I’d love to know what you think is the ultimate 10-piece wardrobe! TELL ME PLEASE!

]]> http://runwayhippie.com/2013/05/14/the-10-piece-wardrobe/feed/ 4 http://runwayhippie.com/2013/05/13/transeasonal/ http://runwayhippie.com/2013/05/13/transeasonal/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 17:11:33 +0000 Sonia http://runwayhippie.com/?p=13809

I know what you’re thinking. “Sonia, you showed us a photo of this outfit on Friday. Throw something else out there.” And I hear you. I really do. But I felt I should give you a little more info as to my thought process behind the look.

When I was approached by StyleCaster to style an outfit for spring, my immediate thoughts went to my leather jacket. I realize that a leather jacket doesn’t exactly scream spring, but it’s transeasonal. Is that a word? Probably not, but I’m making it one. You see, the beauty of spring and fall is that the climate isn’t extreme. You can wear shorts with a puffer jacket. Pants with a tank top. A ski suit with flip flops. In this scenario however, I opted for florals (I know…”groundbreaking”) to break up the edginess of the leather biker jacket that I actually did buy at a Harley Davidson store.

The result is what I like to think as effortlessly European — as in “ooh I am wearing this floral outfit but there is a slight chill so let me just throw on this rough biker jacket before I hop on my Vespa to go drink wine outdoors with friends.” (I hope you all read that in a French accent). So maybe I should rethink those Isabel Marant sandals as my spring investment and go for a Vespa, because that seems pretty transeasonal too.

Schott jacket | J.Crew shirt | Asos skirt | Schutz heels | Celine sunglasses

// photos by Emily Malan

Bags all packed and ready to go for Miami (bienvenido a Miami).

This was a short week for me as today, at this very moment, I am on a plane to Miami for my friend Sevan’s bachelorette party. Break out the strippers, matching bikinis, and inflatable penises! Just kidding. It’s not going to be anything like that. Anyhoo(ters), I’ve finally taken into account that we are out of the blustery winter season since I have not reached for a downcoat once in the past month. This naturally beckons the start of short shorts and rosé, and while I have yet to reach for shorts on a daily basis (let’s not get ahead of ourselves here), I have embraced the rosé season with open arms and an open mouth. Thankfully, I’m a teeny weeny step closer to announcing a big update on here (I’m such a tease, I know), which is grounds for celebration; therefore making my rosé intake totally appropriate. Right?

Cheers to the weekend!

My ‘Crushing Florals with Leather’ outfit styled for StyleCaster.

Rosé season is hands down one of my favorite seasons.

Finally! Supergas that are shouting “Sonia! Take us somewhere!” to which I say “Don’t worry guys! You’re coming to Miami!”

Compulsive book purchases (you can never have  too many) hanging out with Seymour the Whale.