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!