Today’s Outfit Idea: The Imitation Cowl Neck

All right, all you ladies who push your style aside because you’re too dang busy just trying to get your kids or your partner or yourself out the door in the morning – the Fastionista is here to ease your style fear.

One way I like to add some visual interest to my look is to put a different spin on a given style. For instance, DIY color blocking, by layering a long-sleeved top under a short-sleeved sweater, follows the color blocking trend but does so in a totally unique way because you’re working with your own pieces (unless someone else happens to pair together the same long-sleeved top and short-sleeved sweater, in which case you can hold a “who wore it better” poll). I’m feeling the urge to play a little with style expectations, so here’s what’s in my closet today:

· Crew-Neck Sweater with Snood: I’m injecting some color and shine right off the bat with this red fitted sweater, which has metallic thread running through it. With full-length sleeves and a hem that covers to the hip, it will keep me warm enough at work, but the material’s not so hefty that I’ll be too warm in these spring-like temps we’ve been experiencing in the Northeast. My snood (which is basically a closed scarf ring) happens to match my sweater, but any snood, or a scarf draped around the neck, will produce that cowl effect in a more dramatic way than a standard cowl-neck sweater. And because my snood has a cable-knit pattern in it, it’s not only set apart just a bit from my sweater, adding another layer of style to my look, but it adds texture as well.

· Polka-dot Skirt: Because the pattern in my snood is so subtle, I can bring another, bolder pattern into my outfit without worrying that the two will clash. My skirt is black and white, but a navy blue and white polka dot would work fine here too, since navy blue is still a neutral. This is a pencil cut: that classic, très professionnel look for the office.

· Accessories: My snood counts as accessory #1, so I’m just going to finish off with a silver cuff bracelet and silver and black earrings. I’ll wear the bracelet over my sleeve, and the earrings have just a bit of a dangle to them to give a little movement to my ensemble. I’m going with these relatively understated pieces because I already know what shoes I have in mind, and I don’t want too much on top to compete with their flair…

· Purse: …And along those same lines, I want my purse to be on the quieter side. A simple black patent leather satchel adds another element of shine without distracting from my…

· SHOES!: Not only are neons trending this season, but bold-colored pumps in general are hot right now, so I’m tying my outfit together with a bright yellow pump. The yellow complements the red in my sweater, and adds one more dramatic splash to my look.

Voila! There you have it: great fashion fast. And you, gorgeous lady, are ready to take on the world, Fastionista Style!

Dressing for work is one thing, but at the end of the day it’s time to play!

Stepping Out Tonight In: Fringe

While it’s perfectly acceptable to bring a short, subtle fringe into your office attire, the full-out flapper or Old West fringe is perfect for going out on the town. I happen to love this skirt from Urban Outfitters, because it’s bold and dramatic, and plays right into the ’20s style that’s en vogue right now. Remember that whenever you work a vintage-style piece into your outfit, it’s always best to temper the look by pairing with items that are either subtle or very definitely modern: for instance, a neon blue sweater would work beautifully with the Outfitters skirt. Not feeling quite this bold? Shorter fringe at the hem is a good nod to the trend without getting too chichi. Have a great night!