Peplum Perfection

September 14, 2016 Kelly Donohue

Los Angeles, CA

Season after season, the peplum top continues to remain a hit. A staple of mine, I think I now own this type of top in just about every print, texture and shade available. And my latest addition, this charcoal gray number, was a steal I found at Marshalls. It has the thickness and quality of a sweater but the silhouette of a flattering mini dress. What's not to love?

For a busy day at the office, I paired it with high-waisted black skinnies and ankle strap pumps. You can also pull it off with trousers and booties, casual boyfriend jeans, or a fitted leather pencil skirt. When you find a good peplum top, the options are really endless!

Peplum Top: c/o Marshalls

High-Waisted Skinnies: Forever 21

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Photos By: Joe Yu

A Striped Summer

August 2, 2016 Kelly Donohue

Westwood, CA

Stripes never go out of style. And if you're like me me, you'll sport them every season, every chance you get. I love the bold, yet simple feel of a striped ensemble but since they already take up a good chunk of my closet, I only go for lined looks that are unique and fresh these days.

The designs that have popped up this season are dizzying yet striking. A step away from straight and narrow stripes, these versions offer a more modern way to wear the trend. I guess that's why I instantly fell in love with this flowy peplum top. Donning asymmetrical lines and bright, sun-kisssed colors, this tank just screams warm weather!

White Skinnies: Nordstrom

Striped Peplum Top: Zara

Heels: last season COACH (also similar style here)

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Photos By: Lynne Hsieh

Mostly Monochrome

March 19, 2015 Kelly Donohue

March 19, 2015

Los Angeles, CA

We’ve all got solid color separates in our wardrobe. Essential to our everyday, these staple pieces are truly great for any season.

Today, I’m sticking with separates that are both similar shades of gray. When pairing pieces that are within the same color hue, I find, that if done right, the outcome can be as striking as wearing a bold pattern or vivid color. The key is to mix different textures and designs. It doesn’t have do be anything dramatic but you’ll want to make sure that the fabrics and cuts are different enough from one another so that variety and depth is added where it otherwise may be lacking.

The ruffles and sophisticated structure of this peplum top from Ruche contrasts perfectly with my light-wash, more casual, denim skinnies. I cheated and added a touch of color with an orange statement necklace but since I am new to trying out this trend, I figured I’d start off slow. Mixing blacks, whites and neutrals are a great place to start. We all have to start somewhere, right? I’m hoping to become brave enough to pull off a brighter, bolder monochromatic look by the end of spring/beginning of summer. What do you guys think of mixing similar shades? Any pros out there?