Stilettos and Substance

Fear not the baggy high-waisted trouser; this notoriously hard to wear item of clothing can take you to the pinnacle of chic when styled correctly.

These pumpkin-hued cropped trousers are flatteringly paired with a form fitting dusty blue bodysuit (worn as a top) and belted at the waist for structure. The cropped cream jacket is an ideal accompaniment to the outfit as it is cut just above the trousers, which in turn highlights the high waist and also keeps the look from becoming too enswathed in fabric.

A striped clutch in colours that echo the outfit’s multi-coloured vibe and vintage inspired gold-rimmed velvet heels round off this whimsical look that plays with colour, texture and fit.

-Reem Buhazza

Photographs by Kateri Quirk
Styling and Modeling by Mona Hamid
Writing by Reem Buhazza

Outfit Details:

1. Cropped Jacket: Boutique in Portsmouth, England. Similar,

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/alice-olivia-boucle-crop-jacket/3402354?origin=related-3402354-0-0-1-1&recommendationAttribute=Rich%20Relevence and

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=8080068&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=cropped%20jacket&pageSize=20

2. Blue Body Suit: Therapy, House of Fraser. Similar,

http://store.americanapparel.net/product/?productId=8373

3. High Waist Trouser: SPARKS (a unisex boutique on14 Hanbury St, London, E1 6QR). Similar,

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-us-W2012/269187/899018/PLEATED%20TROUSERS%20WITH%20BELT

4. Skinny Belt: Ann Taylor. Similar,

http://www.asos.com/Pieces/Pieces-Brisa-Leather-Skinny-Belt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2534943&SearchQuery=skinny%20belt&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Mocca

5. Striped Clutch: Mimco (http://www.mimco.com.au). Similar,

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=7826369&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=stripe&pageSize=200 and

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Moyna-Long-Stripe-Beaded-Clutch-Bag-Golden-stripe-clutch/prod151770003___/?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dstripe%252Bclutch%2526_requestid%253D40578&eItemId=prod151770003&cmCat=search

6. Suede Shoes: Nine West.

When trawling vintage shops we look for one-of-a-kind gems that can instantly transform an outfit and free us from the homogenous style restraints of the high street.

Shoulder pads needn’t take on cringe-worthy 80’s Dynasty connotations; this vintage jacket’s soft sweater material keeps it from being too structured and fussy, and the baroque accents give it character and drama. John Lennon-esque round sunglasses (another unique vintage find) and an unconventional Jelly bag garnish the outfit and instantly add a quirky twist.

These statement pieces are styled around delicate basics that are simple, but with subtle details that give them a tailored and classic look. The black tassel detailing on the white top is timeless and chic, and the brown belt-like aspect on the black leggings adds contrast.

- Reem Buhazza