Look for Less: Jacket with Flared Jeans

With 70s style flare jeans being totally on trend right now, Diane Kruger looks so fashionable wearing light wash flare jeans.

For the jeans: start by reading the Young Sophisticates' guide to flare jeans to get all the info on how to pull off this trend. For a budget buy, you can get a similar look to the jeans pictured above at Topshop. If you are looking for designer denim, these Hudson flare jeans are totally boho-chic.

For the top, I would go with a basic white or cream t-shirt or tank paired with a black jacket, or even a black blazer, like this one from GAP, as it gets warmer.

Once you have the jeans, this quilted bag is around 25 bucks! It's obviously not the same as a Chanel quilted bag, but it's the next best thing at a fraction of the cost. The leopard heels complete the look.

Pretty Polka Dots

Photo Credit: via eclecchic

Looking for pretty polka dots?

Alice Ro Tiered Polka Dot Tunic

Carolina Herrera One-shouldered Dress

Forever 21 Polka Dot Top

Kate Spade Polka Dot Effie Blouse

TopShop Cream Spot Bandeau Dress*

*Note, there is only one size left (size 12) of the adorable Topshop dress.

Glamorous Decor

Photo Credit: via eclecchic

Such a beautiful bedroom.

Look for Less: Classic Trench

The classic trench will never go out of style. Take a style tip from soon-to-be princess Kate Middleton, wearing a gorgeous Burberry trench coat (on left). I myself have a Burberry trench that I love wearing - it's truly timeless. If you don't want to splurge on an investment coat, get the same chic look for less.

Whether you wear your trench in the rain or not, a khaki-colored trench conveys elegance and sophistication. There are so many different colored trenches to choose from ~ black, red, navy, and more ~ but there is something especially classic about a khaki or beige colored trench.

Actress Jennifer Lawrence recently wore a simple Miu Miu khaki-colored trench. If you like more of a plain & classic trench, I would suggest opting for this DKNY trench. It's around 100 bucks and nails the classic belted trench look.

If you would prefer a short trench, Ellen Tracy has a beautiful trench in several different colors (including khaki, black and red) for only $80. This coat also comes in petite sizes as well!

If you like Kate Middleton's ruffle detail on her trench, this short khaki colored trench from Miss Sixty has an incredibly sweet ruffle detail on the back of the trench; this pick is also less than $100. See the picture below.

If you are wanting a more modern spin on the classic trench, Banana Republic's tie cuff trench is totally chic - I also love the bow detailing on the cuffs.

And last but not least, I think that this Topshop trench is perfect for a girly girl that likes pleats. The pleat detail on the back is fabulous.

The classic trench is truly timeless! And speaking of timeless: who could forget style legend Audrey Hepburn wearing a khaki-colored trench in Breakfast at Tiffany's?

Photo Credit: via datapple; via Nordstrom

Do you have a classic trench? Do you like any of these picks?

Style Q&A: What to Pair with Orange Pieces?

Dear Young Sophisticates,

With orange being the color for spring, I love the idea of the cheery bright but I'm unsure of what colors or neutrals to pair with it. I have a beautiful tangerine pashima but I don't know what color combos would look modern rather than costumish. Thanks for your help!

Yes, orange is definitely big for spring, and sometimes it is confusing to figure out how to wear it in an everyday look.

You can mix all shades of orange with many different colors, but here are some practical and easy options for you. Orange was mixed with pink to great success on the runway (see photo on left) - definitely in style for spring 2011. If you decide to go for a two-color orange and pink ensemble, I would suggest pairing with nude or metallic espadrilles/heels/sandals {or, white sandals like the runway look works as well}.

Another fabulous pairing is orange with white - see photo below from the Lacoste Spring 2011 collection. Try an orange top with a pair of preppy white shorts or a white skirt. And, remember you can wear white year-round; so you can rock this look immediately if you want.

Photo Credit: Lacoste S/S 2011 via style.com

Ultimately, go with whatever you like and feel good wearing; orange can be paired with all sorts of colors and prints. I personally love wearing navy blue and orange together.

And to apply these ideas to your specific question, use what you already have by wearing your tangerine pashmina with a solid white or pink shirt and jeans, and walk out the door with confidence as you wear this bright and cheery look.

Get the Look: Ultra-feminine Neutrals

Jennifer Aniston wore this glamorous Valentino Haute Couture dress and Tabitha Simmons sandals during her recent fragrance launch.

The beading on this dress is spectacular - I love a little shine and embellishment, and I know most of you do too! While some people think of neutrals as boring, neutrals can provide the perfect palette for a little sparkle.

This Stella McCartney tank has a delicate floral cutout on the neckline. The feminine detailing of the floral cutout is absolutely lovely.

Many times, women think of neutrals as plain, devoid of any sort of personality. These neutral selections will appeal to women who want to break out of the {style} mold and shine. These ultra-feminine neutrals worn in a new and different way make you look incredibly polished and sophisticated.

This Diane Von Furstenberg belted stretch-silk dress is beautiful and the cocktail length of the dress is perfect for after-dark parties and events.

Very similar to the Valentino gown pictured on the left, this Rachel Gilbert dress is dazzling. This embellished silk-chiffon gown is romantic and for a girl whose not afraid to sparkle.

Take a lesson out of Aniston's style play book and go for simple hair and natural looking makeup when pulling off this look. And, you'll be all set to look your best.

Photo Credit: via sj; via net-a-porter

Will you be giving ultra-feminine neutrals a try?

Beauty in Diversity

Photo Credit: Estee Lauder Campaign via the Cut

Bravo to Estée Lauder for creating such a beautiful ad campaign!

Look for Less: Short-sleeve Shift Dress

When I think of the shift dress, I think of effortless sophistication. A short-sleeve shift dress can be paired with heels for an elegant evening look; a more casual shift dress pairs well with flat sandals and a stylish tote, resulting in a chic everyday look.

The runway inspiration comes from Proenza Schouler's Spring 2011 collection. Model Karolina Kurkova is pictured on the left; stylish actress Kate Bosworth has also worn this dress.

For a short-sleeve solid black dress for less than $100, opt for the Oasis 60's shift dress. For another great bargain, check out this crochet dress from Topshop.

EmersonMade's Mod Dress is sure to be on your must-have list. This dress comes in two colors, one in a solid black and the other in a lighter neutral color with pretty dots: mod dress - dot and mod dress - black. Both dresses are under $250. I absolutely love the Mod dress!

And, for those of you willing to spend more than $250 for a fabulous designer dress, these two picks are for you. I hesitate to include them in a look for less post, but these dresses are still far less expensive than couture designs that we see on runways and in fashion magazines.

If you love a pretty pink dress, Kate Spade shift dress will make you jump for joy. And last but not least, this pretty white shift dress from See by Chloe (pictured below) is simultaneously relaxed and elegant.

Stay tuned for more look for less posts - including more posts about shift dresses!

Photo Credit: via style.com; Revolve Clothing

How will you wear a short-sleeve shift dress this spring?

Spotlight on: twenty

Photo Credit: Courtesy of twenty

I have been on a mission lately to simplify my everyday look. Maybe it was seeing how consistently incredible Jennifer Aniston looks and that inspired me? To die for minimalist looks on the red carpet? Or, perhaps it was the new line twenty. Offering basics that don't feel boring, twenty gets it right. Twenty has graciously shared images from their new spring 2011 collection with YS exclusively. Enjoy the sneak peak & I hope you like!

twenty

Twenty is a line of clothing essentials that aims to offer women timeless silhouettes that have a chic feel about them. The sophisticated, ultra soft and super comfortable garments easily transition from day to night. Whilst each item in their collections is of the basic variety the luxury feel and fabrics make the clothes anything but basic.

Because of the construction and quality of twenty, pieces are easy to layer and come in a variety of neutral colors and style options. From crew neck, scoop neck or v-neck tanks and tees to wrap around cardigans and maxi dresses, you can create multiple outfits using the same piece.

The summer collection consists of cashmere, supima cotton, and micro modal high-quality essentials of tops and dresses. Twenty is perfect for all your summer travels as everything is easy to pack and light and layerable.

Retailing from $68 - $168, the line is available at Intermix, Bloomingdales, Calypso, and Nordstrom.

Simply Divine

Photo Credit: Interior Design by Pereira Associates via LonnyMag

Contemporary Dining Room.

Simply Divine.

Retro Throwback

Photo Credit: Craig McDean for Vogue Italia via fgr

The one and only Amber Valetta working it in this retro inspired shoot for Italian Vogue. And, PS: her hair looks amazing.

A Sweet Escape

Photo Credit: Cote Sud via SK

With all the busyness surrounding you and me,

wouldn't it be nice to be sitting here?

Southern France.

The courtyard pictured above is part of a boutique hotel called

La Maison du Village.

And as a side note, thank you to all 199 Facebook followers.

~

If you love reading this blog, will you be the 200th follower?

Look for Less: Printed Scarf

Photo Credit: via VD

A printed scarf is a perfect piece to get you through the next few months. With winter thankfully winding down and spring rapidly approaching, a lightweight printed scarf paired with a solid colored long-sleeved shirt and jeans looks smart and chic. Get this look for less by finding a gorgeous printed scarf spending less than $75.

LOOK FOR LESS:

Ann Taylor LOFT Pansy Blooms Scarf, $39.50

Anthropologie Wispy Blooms Scarf, $54

Madewell First Impressionist Scarf, $34.99

Modern Elegance

Photo Credit: Emily Browning by Terry Gates for Vogue Australia via fgr

Actress Emily Browning delivers a fresh and fun vibe modeling colorful prints and elegant ensembles in this stunning editorial. Her haircut's edgy coolness juxtaposes the ladylike dresses. And, how refined is the black and white photo below, where Emily wears a Louis Vuitton wool blend cape? Gorgeous.

Springtime Musings

YS ♥ PINK PEONIES.

Style Q&A: Long Dresses

Dear Young Sophisticates,

I need help finding the perfect prom dress for my senior prom. Where should I look for a classy, non-bejeweled prom dress? Any ideas as to where to look would be much appreciated since googling "prom dresses" brings up some really bad results. I'm a huge fan of your blog! I check it almost every day.

So glad that you like the blog! After reading these style guidelines, you will have the tools to look your best and feel fantastic at your senior prom. And for the majority of YS readers, I know you are long past shopping for a prom dress (although I am sure you all remember that experience), keep in mind that these style tips also work for any black tie event.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with selecting a black dress, try on dresses in colors that are of-the-moment right now - gowns that are red, all different shades of purple, and green jewel tone - take inspiration from the red carpet when it comes to colors. See what looks best on you color-wise - don't be afraid to try many dresses on before finding the right one!

Most girls opt for a floor-length gown for prom and black tie events. I am going to recommend two floor-length options for you. The first option is Grecian goddess - Selena Gomez (pictured above) looks absolutely beautiful and still looks age-appropriate in her red Grecian inspired gown. I like this gown because the gorgeous draping offers a soft and feminine look; this gown is much more modern and fresh than the traditional prom dress. This type of dress would look amazing also in soft pastels, including light pink.

If you aren't interested in a draped gown, consider a minimalist dress a la Gwyneth Paltrow and Emma Stone - this is incredibly chic and also makes it easier to find a long dress in an affordable price. However, be prepared to stand alone if you opt for this style of dress - as this really is the anti-prom dress that a fashionista would wear to prom. If you are fearless and fashionable, by all means, go for it and blow your peers away with your style savvy.

And one last practical tip, if you decide to wear a long gown, make sure the hem line touches the floor. Also, don't be afraid to go for a cocktail length dress - that also works!

In terms of where to shop, I recommend going to big department stores in your area and don't forget smaller stores and boutiques. You also might want to consider renting a high-end gown from Rent the Runway - it's perfect for a special event where you're likely to only wear the dress once.

If you have a style question, email youngsophisticates@gmail.com with your question and your question may be answered in a future post.

What did you wear to your prom? In retrospect, was it a style hit or miss?

Get the Look: Bright Yellow Clutch

Photo Credit: Mattias Swenson via FashionSquad.

Transition into spring with a bright yellow clutch at your side.

If you want to splurge on a super luxe clutch, Nancy Gonzalez bright yellow croc flap clutch is such an it-girl-worthy bag.

For Tory Burch fans, there is a chic bright yellow clutch for you as well!

For those of you not wanting to spend a fortune on a clutch, Hobo International has a yellow clutch that is functional and very cool in yellow for $100.

And if you would prefer a bright yellow wallet as an alternative to a clutch, Kate Spade has just the thing for you!

If you like the idea of the bright clutch, read on at Get the Look: Brights.

Spring Dress Obsession

I think this dress is, in Rachel Zoe speak, ba-nan-as!

Perfect for spring & summer nights.

French Connection Bex Beads Tunic Dress

$228 (also available in eton blue/off white color)

Tory Burch's Gorgeous Home

Tory Burch's home was recently photographed for

Instyle Magazine. It's unbelievably chic, like Tory herself.

Tory also told Instyle about her "passion for everything orange" -

to get more ideas how to incorporate orange into your

wardrobe, read the YS article "Spring's Hottest Color: Orange."

And, how fabulous is Tory's white dress?

Photo Credit: Francois Hilard; Instyle Magazine

Mrs. Press Giveaway Winners

Photo Credit: Mrs. Press A/W '11 Collection, Courtesy of Mrs. Press

Announcing the 3 lucky winners of the Mrs. Press Giveaway:

Angela, Jojo's Circus and Virginia of Blue Fruit

Winners will receive shower gel, body lotion, hand cream & soap from the beautiful dressing table line from Australian fashion line, Mrs. Press. See more pictures of Mrs. Press' new Autumn/Winter 2011 collection on the Mrs. Press Facebook page - here.

The model in the picture above is wearing the Imogen blouse in metal lace from the A/W '11 collection - it's also available in printed silk. Absolutely lovely!

Thank you to Mrs. Press for sponsoring such a fabulous giveaway!

Sparkle

Photo Credit: Natasha Poly via LPH

I love a little sparkle!

{Natasha Poly Backstage at Emilio Pucci F/W 2011 at Milan Fashion Week}

How about you? What is your most recent sparkle purchase?

Timeless Beauty

Photo Credit: via fgr - Julianne Moore for Talbots Spring 2011 Campaign by Mert & Marcus

How elegant does Julianne Moore look in this new campaign by Talbots? And, by the way, talk about a total glam reinvention for Talbots! Thoughts?