Summer Skirts

I love wearing effortless skirts and tops for work and play during the hot summer months.  Check out these great, affordable options available at www.hm.com.

My weekend uniform...casual skirt and tee

DownEast Basics Giveaway

I am excited to anounce a giveway from DownEast Basics, a fashionable and affordable women's clothing company. One lucky Hip Fashion Stylist reader will win any one "new arrivals" item from the http://www.downeastbasics.com/ website.  I recently used some of their clothing for a magazine fashion feature (more on that later). Their clothes are stylish, reasonably priced, and well made.  Their service department is efficient and helpful.  I highly recommend them!  Here's me in my favorite outfit from their new arrivals collection.  Love the attached faux belt!

Best Blossoms Top and Splendor Skirt
Courtesy of DownEast Basics

To enter, leave a comment on this blog entry about your favorite item from the "new arrivals" section only.  You can get an extra entry if you become a fan of DownEast Basics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/downeastbasics.  Leave me a separate comment saying that you did so.  The contest will expire on Sunday, March 6 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced on Monday, March 7 on this blog.  Sorry, contest open to USA readers only.  Good Luck!

Winner is chosen randomly by random.org and will be notified by email.

Faux Fur Vest with Russian-style Skirt

I call this photo series "Tales of the Old Country."  The outfit is a little bit Russian folkloric and a little bit Pirates of the Carribean.  Whatever you want to call it...IT'S FUN!

           

The key piece here is the magnificent gored skirt with alternating panels of black crushed velvet and a wildly colorful print. I've added a vintage lace Victorian-style blouse from the 1960's and a textured, black faux fur vest. It's all topped off with a brown leather belt and some fabulous black boots. (Accessories were kept minimal to draw attention to the wonderful detail in the outfit.) And the best part is...everything was thrifted...except for the boots!

Photos by Dorothy McCuskey, PBD Studios.

Ballet Inspired

This ballet inspired outfit is simple, yet elegant...perfect for many ocassions.
 

The gorgeous ivory handkerchief hem skirt with overlay and ruching detail is paired with a simple black scoop neck tee.   

The pewter corset belt is the perfect addition, drawing the two separates together to create the look of a flowing dress.

I have accessorized the outfit with a simple silver necklace and ring, cz studs, a black cloth belt worn as a tie, and black platform slingbacks.  Photos by Dominic Van Horn.