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Adding glam to casual classic style

Helena

Veteran

Hi all, would love your input on something! My style is very simple and classic - uniform is generally a tailored v-neck and jeans (or some summer variation thereof).

Two of my absolute favorite celeb stylistas as Eva Longoria and Giada DeLaurentiis. The reason is that in their style is very simple and casual - they often wear my uniform in their casual wear - but they somehow always look so feminine and just glam enough (without ever looking overdone imo). EL looks like a movie star in jeans, t, and baseball cap. I'm trying to work out just HOW they do it, so I can emulate. Here's my thoughts so far:
- sunglasses - big, movie star style ... Eva in particular
- accessories - Eva always seems to have some statement earrings on, Giada some pretty layered chains. Eva has some great bags.
- hair and makeup - always picture-perfect
- shoes - heels
- clothes - usually figure-fitting - Giada in particular has some, ahem, assets I don't have, but Eva is quite trim and still rocks the figure-flattering look

What do you think - I'm thinking for a SAHM some substantial hoop earrings, some metallic flats (rather than heels, not going to work for me!!), the big sunnies, and a little more effort on the hair and makeup is reasonable?

Thoughts on how they pull it off? (besides the stylists!! )

Any other stylistas you love to emulate?

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Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Gracie

Anonymous

Hmmm, I think it's great accessories, great shoes and polish, as in make-up and groomed hair which looks immaculate. Probably a good dose of attitude as well. Oh, and clothes which fit impeccably.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I don't see glam, at all.

Anonymous

Hmm, I don't know Eva, but from this picture, it looks like her clothes are pretty basic so all you need are some sky high platforms and a hand bag that costs more than a house, lol!

Giada has that deceptively simple thing going on. The jeans were probably tailored to fit her perfectly, as well as the top. How else could we see the curves on someone so slim? Her make-up, hair and delicate jewelry add a huge dose of polish. Everything comes together perfectly to make her look just "so".

Both of these women seem to have a natural look, but don't feel bad if your clothes don't fall out of your closet and onto your body and look just like this. I'm sure you can do it, but you'll have to learn how to tweak like the stars do. I can totally see you rocking this look! It sounds like you're on the right track trying to pin down a common denominator so that you can re-create the formula. The great news is that this look (even if it's not really effortless) will never look overdone for your SAHM lifestyle and it can take you almost anywhere.

I need to think on this some more, and if I have time, I'll look up some more of their pictures. Do you have a pinterest board I can link to?

Sal

Veteran

I agree with your thoughts, and I would add polished hair to the list as well. Either a swishing ponytail or a sleek blow dry with volume.

I would not be afraid to add variety to the mix as well, ie swapping a knit jacket for the v neck.

Miranda Kerr and Elle McPherson also wear this sort of style.

I admire the styling of Emma Stone and Diane Kruger.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, maybe glam isn't exactly the word. Polished but casual, very Italian somehow in my mind. I agree that fit is key, good fibers/fabrics, flattering colors, and a bit of "oh, I just threw this on" je ne sais quoi. Jewelry that's expensive(-looking) but not too big or statement-y, and long, blown-out hair. Diane von Furstenberg always seems to look this way in most of the pictures I've seen her in, although obviously she tends to be more formal, more dresses, less jeans.

carter

Veteran

Hate to say it, but I think it's the impractical (for mere mortals) things that add the glam. The long, thick, perfectly styled hair. The picture perfect make up. The seriously high heels. I think the things you've mentioned...the big shades, metallic flats, new earrings, a bit more attention to hair and make up will be the perfect additions to complete your fab MOTG look. You're already the glammest mom in the sandbox, I'm sure!

rabbit

Veteran

Yeah I see this as kind of classic casual Southern European-ish bombshell, but I haven't looked at other pictures of these ladies.

Casual Glam to me (if it's not the glam rock kind) is more like casual items that fit perfectly and are minimalist, with a few carefully chosen dressy and high end accessories -- sunglasses, a linear clutch, perfect heels that are very modern. But I could be off-base.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I agree with the others - the "polish" seems to be in the details. The fit of the clothing, the color choices, the simple classic styles, the extremely well groomed hair (shiny, no frizz, curled/styled just "so"), groomed fingernails, great makeup, etc. High heels seems to be a given for the movie star set, but interesting, well crafted shoes in a classic style don't have to be sky high and probably look less ridiculous in the real world. A great handbag in a classic color certainly doesn't hurt the look Eva has in the pic.

jackiec

Veteran

Agreeing with others about the extra polish ie gorgeous hair, nails, skin, etc etc, personal trainer for 4 hours a day to give them that worked-out-rosy-glow etc.

I do see the glam that you are seeing, and love these particular celebs and am adding Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston from my list of favs.

I think that a fab, large, & lux looking bag always helps the image. As do good sunglasses and shoes. I also can't do the high heels. Beautiful, quality fabrications & the right drape seem to help with the image as well.

Great post, watching closely

ETA bag doesn't necessarily have to be large, but don't these celebs often have the super large billion dollar designer bag perched just so on their arm???

Helena

Veteran

thanks for the collective wisdom everyone! interesting on the word "glam" ... I guess there are different meanings for it ... I meant that they sort of have that star-quality look even in the most basic things ... I'll have to read through some of the other descriptors you've mentioned. So a haircut and a couple of accessories are on the list now!

Claire, here is my Pinterest, I have both an Eva and a Giada board on there, as well as a Kate, Angelina, and Jennifer ha! Not that I love the celebs or anything
http://www.pinterest.com/barklah/

Aida

Veteran

I also don't see glam here, more "pretty" and "polished" along with the Euro-Italian style as Laura mentioned. A good way to emulate is to REALLY be picky about fit (and color), skew tailored for cuts, and to go for classic/simpler pieces in more luxe fabrics. Then round the polish off with hair, makeup, and skin care. I don't think that heels are a must for this type of look, flats will give a nice Euro feel too. You could also mix in a more dramatic piece here and there. Hoops and metallic flats sound like good additions to me!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

It truly about the pieces & styling. For example my last outfit was a tshirt, skirt & flats.
http://noscrubs.lookfab.com/po.....he-shoes-1
But the shoes were shiny silver, I had my hair up, etc. And I got a Killer.

Helena

Veteran

Jackie, so true about the bags ... sadly I guess my Birkin is lost in the mail somewhere Although I did splurge on a Longchamp Le Pliage for my upcoming 40th ... that's the height of my fanciness level. Love Jenn and Gwynnie too!
Aida, great break-down, thank you! Interesting about the Euro-Italian piece that's been mentioned ... I'll have to look further into that; I'm not familiar, but it sounds good.
Thanks all as always!

Anonymous

Thanks torontogirl (are we allowed to use your real name on here?) those boards are really helpful. Here's what I deduced:

Everything is flattering. Conventionally speaking, pretty much.
This is expensive casual, hence the sense of glamour (the word casual is sometimes used as a polite euphemism for grubby--this is not!)
Dainty gold jewelry highlights the face and body
Hair is meticulously maintained
Make-up is present even if the look is natural. Maybe false lashes..
Perfect nails
Spray tan, anyone? Perhaps.
Designer bags and shades for sure.

MsLuna

Veteran

I agree with you - it's all in the accessories! The casual classic look can definitely work for SAHM's! I noticed the use of metallics among these ladies you mentioned so I really like your idea of metallic flats. That would look really chic with the tank top - skinnies - cardigan uniform! And yes, polished hair and a great handbag would work as well!

Helena

Veteran

Hey, thanks all - great analysis! Claire, yes - real name is Helena - nice to meet you all properly!!

carter

Veteran

Fun pinterest boards! Go get your shoes, shades and earrings, and give us a week of copycats! Pick your own, or I'll be happy to pick them for you;-)

catgirl

Veteran

F21 necklaces!

Gracie

Veteran

I just checked a few of your WIWs and your pins. I think you are very close to your goal, you have shown some nicely polished outfits with great fit. Movie star glasses, a statement bag, swingy hair and polished makeup – you might already be wearing it since I can't see your face It's really helpful that you have chosen people who have a similar body type to yours.