How To: Winterize A Summer Dress

At Luv4Anouka, we love a good article of clothing that we can wear all year long. There’s nothing better than a versatile top, skirt or jacket that can be styled 100 different ways. But what about a sweet summer dress? It has the word summer in it, so does that mean we can’t wear it once the temperature drops below 70? If you packed away your summer dresses this winter, it’s time to revisit & winterize!

The dress: you could have 20 or so sun dresses in different styles & colors. Not every single one may work in the winter. Try to avoid dresses with very obvious summer embellishments, beachy patterns and extraordinarily bright colors (like neon!) Muted colors, ruffles, soft floral prints and stripes usually work well! If you decide to go with a lighter colorful dress, be sure to keep the rest of your outfit balanced with darker colors. The dress pictured here is from our Spring 2013 collection - sneak peek! 

Layer UNDER the dress: If the dress is made out of a very light and thin material, throw a slip under it. Or better yet, layer a long sleeve tee or turtleneck under the dress. This won’t work with every dress, depending on the fit and the neckline, but if done right it’s a very stylish look!

Play with texture and balance: If the dress is open knit, don’t layer over an open knit sweater; contrasting textures are crucial for a fun look. And don’t overlook the balance of your overall outfit. You want to keep warm but you don’t want to be bulky and uncomfortable. Choose one key piece to keep you warm, whether it’s a chunky cashmere sweater or a (faux) fur lined bomber jacket.

Rely on accessories: A big winter scarf, knee high boots, tights, knee high socks, leggings, winter hats and gloves are the easiest way to take a dress from summer to winter. Not only will they keep you warm, they will really complete the outfit.

Holidy Guide: Gifts for the Stylish Career Girl on a Budget

For our last installment of great gifts for under $100, here is one for all those lovely working ladies! Work-life balance was a big topic in 2012, with more women in the workforce now more than ever. Gone are the days of bulky pant suits and colorless briefcases. If your prerogative is success AND good looks, there's no need to suffer. Here are our favorite attractive picks for dressing up your office and getting organized. There's nothing more attractive than a girl with ambition!

The shirt featured here is the perfect work top. It layers beautifully under a blazer, has a work appropriate fit and comes in four different colors. And you can wear it to happy hour without feeling over/under dressed.

Luv4Anouka Pullover

Anthropologie Push Pins

Marc Jacobs USB Ring

C. Wonder Mug

Ann Klein Watch

Holiday Guide: Gifts for the Color Lover for Under $100

As we get closer and closer to the holidays, I hope you're doing a little less shopping and spending a little more time with your family. But if you're a last minute shopper like me, you're still looking for the perfect gift for someone! Since we've already covered neutral and glitter gifts, we will now give you our favorite gifts for the color lover.

There's something about finding a neatly wrapped brightly colored box under the tree that just gets everyone excited. It stands out from the typical holly printed paper and when everything outside is painted white, it's nice to remember that the winter doesn't have to go without color! When you're wearing all black from hat to boots, it's nice to spruce things up with a brightly colored scarf or a fun pair of gloves. There's no rule that says you can't wear pink, purple, orange or blue once the temperature drops below 30. Love the shirt? Find a store selling Luv4Anouka near you.

Luv4Anouka Henley

Stila Color Palette

Anthropologie Headwrap

Kate Spade Gloves

J.Crew Bangle

Holiday Gift Guide: Pick of the Glitter under $100

There's only 21 shopping days left for Christmas, have you gotten something for everyone on your list? Whether you're still shopping for friends and family or *gasp* haven't created your own holiday wish list, we have a few items here for the glitter girl. Who is a "glitter girl"? This is the girl who loves to stand out and sparkle in a crowd. Anyone who loves living a glitzy and glamorous life (without the extravagant price tag) will love the items on our list. If you love the top featured here, click to find a location selling Luv4Anouka near you. 

Luv4Anouka Tee

J.Crew Clutch

Kate Spade Belt

Ettika Bracelets 

Sperry Boat Shoes

Holiday Gift Guide: Neutral Fashion Under $100

If I could sum up the holiday shopping season in one word, what would it be? Overwhelming! There are so many covet-able items out there just waiting to be purchased. Thankfully the internet has made it easier for us to find what we’re looking for. Each week from now until Christmas we will be sharing a gift guide for the friends and family in your life; and if you happen to see something you like, be sure to add it to your holiday wish list!

This specific collection is for the woman out there who likes to keep things neutral. Grays, blacks, tans and whites are essential for any wardrobe! They act as a blank canvas for color, but the right piece will stand out on its own. All the items here are under $100 for those of us on a budget (which is a lot of us, right??) If you love the dress featured here, click here to find a location selling Luv4Anouka near you. 

Luv4Anouka Fitted Tank Dress

J.Crew Scarf

Marc by Marc Jacobs Key Pouch

Madewell Bangles

DV by Dolce Vita Loafers

The Perfect Cotton Tee from Luv4Anouka

Sometimes you have to toot your own horn, and this is one of those times! Have you been on the hunt for the perfect tee? In my experience, every tee shirt I’ve come across was either too expensive or wasn't great quality. Why was the perfect tee SO impossible to find? Well, I no longer have to settle for the scratchy and ill-fitting: introducing Luv4Anouka’s perfect cotton tees.

 How do I love this tee? Let me count the ways.

The Fit

This tee is neither too tight nor too loose and lies seamlessly under cardigans and sweaters! This makes it great for year round styling. Dress it up in the summer with a fun statement necklace or light scarf. Layer it under chunky knit sweaters and fun printed cardigans in the winter.

The Material

If you’re like me and won’t settle for anything but the SOFTEST cotton, you’re in luck. These tees are lightweight, cozy, and almost silky. 

The Details

The burnout wash, raw edge v-neck line and little pocket are just a few of the things that make this tee extra special.  

The Variety

If you can’t get enough of this tee, it comes in 10 different colors. So whether you’re looking to lay low in a neutral or brighten your outfit up, we’ve got you covered. 

The Price

I don’t know about you, but I can’t justify spending $50+ on a tee. Sure, I’ll get a lot of use out of it, but I go through tee’s very quickly because I wear them so often. So I need a tee that fits my budget, and this one does. So how much is the perfect tee going to cost you? Only $30: the price is right.

Under It All: Luv4Anouka Layering Guide

Those who can layer their clothing effortlessly have a gift. When you can layer two, three, even four pieces together and it looks fabulous and not frumpy, only then can you call yourself a true fashionista. It's no easy feat, but have a look at our guide and then head to your closet to create some looks of your own!

Some things to keep in mind: 

• Keep your first layer lightweight and possibly even form fitting. This will make it easier to layer items over it. If you start off with a bulky layer you're asking for a fashion disaster! Our Henley and thermals  are the perfect first layer - soft, comfortable and in a variety of necklines, colors and patterns. 
• Texture balance play a key role in layering. If you have a chunky knit sweater, pair it with a lightweight silk or chiffon blouse. Other textures we love: waffle, french terry, lace, leather, and velvet.   
• Play around with different lengths of your top layers so people can actually see the different things you're wearing! If you cover up one item with another and can't even see the bottom layers, there's no point in wearing them (unless you're layering up because its cold out). 
• Infuse your outfit with colorful or printed accessories to keep your outfit from looking too monochromatic. 

For the items in this guide: 

THEYSKENS' THEORY Earth/Slate Kylo Yourney Pullover | Cropped H&M Sweater | 3.1 Phillip Lim Cropped Back Blazer | Luv4Anouka Cardigan  | Lauren by Ralph Lauren Cotton Knitted Vest | Luv4Anouka Sweater Blazer

J. Crew Leopard Print Scarf | Vince Camuto Belt | Pim + Larkin Statement Necklace | Kate Spade Quilted Hat | See By Chloe Shoes

Luv4Lifestyle: Halloween For Fashion Savvy

You're never too old to celebrate Halloween! As we mature, Halloween does as well. This edition of Luv4Lifestyle features some "grown-up" decorations and treats for you to enjoy in the coming weeks.

1. Tell me about it, stud! Yes, studs are all over the place for this season. Here are some of our favorites (including one of our own):

Luv4Anouka Rolled Sleeve Top w. Antique Metal Buttons & Studs
Jeffrey Campbell Martini Studded Loafers
Tory Burch Studded Wrap Bracelet

2. Step away from the snickers bar! While yes, fun size candy is good, truffles and gourmet chocolate are SO much better. Take the plunge this Halloween, and bite into something worth the calories. Dark, high quality chocolate does the body good. Vosges chocolate has some amazing flavor combos, including chocolate with pink Himalayan salt and caramel. Mmm.

3. Who knew printed pants could look so good? Fashion blogger Wendy Nguyen did. Wendy does a beautiful job of mixing what looks like a snake skin printed pant with a diamond printed blouse. Didn't get a chance to jump on this trend for fall? Don't worry, we have some beautiful printed pants for you for the spring season. Keep an eye out!

4. I'm not a fan of the color name "oxblood" but I do like the "burgundy" color trend. And what's a better way to incorporate the color into your wardrobe than with some wine stained lips? And you can even use this color to enhance your Halloween costume - vamp it up!

5. If you love decorating your home for the holidays, you absolutely must make these lace ghosts from A Beautiful Mess! They are the exact right amount of spooky elegance. And a huge batch of them will only take you 30 minutes.

Happy (ghost) hunting!

Print Persuasion: Mix and Match

Now you know about our addiction to stripes, but what about all the other great prints out there? Polka dots, plaid, floral and animal prints are fun ways to spice up your outfit. In the past, prints have received a lot of flack (leopard print is tacky, plaid can only be worn on a farm, etc). But we saw these prints all over the fall runway. If you love prints but you're scared of the fashion police, here are some things to think about when styling your next outfit. 

• Ease your way in: start off small with accessories before diving in to mixing and matching bottoms and tops. 
• Have at least one solid article of clothing to bring your outfit together. This one solid should be a color that both prints pick up on. Perhaps a neutral. 
• Play with different textured prints to give your outfit depth and balance.

So have fun with it and don't give up, the mixed prints look is here to stay. In fact, for this spring we had fun mixing light florals and stripes. If you need some inspiration, click here for a list of 5 Chic (Not Crazy) Ways to Mix Prints from Refinery29. 

Luv4Anouka's Love Addiction with Stripes

At Luv4Anouka we believe you can never have enough stripes. It's a classic print that goes with just about anything due to its simplicity. Big block stripes, thin stripes, horizontal, vertical, we love em' all. If you like this dress, you'll love our other mailers featuring our striped pieces for fall!

Luv4Lifestyle: Welcoming Fall with Open Arms

(1) Cross body bags are such a great investment for fall. They're big enough to carry all life's major necessities, and you don't have to worry about putting your purse down and leaving it somewhere (we've all done it!).  Plus, most can convert easily into a stylish clutch when it's time for a night out on the town. These three are some of our favorites: 

Rebecca Minkoff Wallet On A Chain Clutch AndWristlet Handbag (Piperlime)

Sam Edelman 'Bryn' Studded cross-body bag (HSN)

Botkier Lucy Crossbody (Nordstroms) 

(2) As summer comes to a close, we say goodbye to beach waves and hello to soft, romantic ponytails. Get the simple step by step instructions from Julia at Gal Meets Glam. 

(3) If you couldn't be at Spring Fashion Week, here's a take-home: the playlist to the hottest runway shows.

(4) DIY: Forget tacky wreaths and scarecrow displays for the home. These beautiful paper hydrangeas are a beautifully sophisticated way to say "fall is here!"

(5) The ultimate debate plaguing shoe lovers everywhere (and The Everygirl): booties or riding boots for this season? Our question is, why not both? If you didn't get into the bootie craze last year, we suggest going and picking up a pair. You can wear booties with just about anything, including skirts & dresses in the spring time!