We’ve all been watching Whitney Port for a few years now starting on The Hills and now a New York transplant trying to make it in The City.  And while we have all witnessed a few hits and misses from this rising fashion icon it seems as of recent the Whit has really come into her own. Spotted all around New York fashion week and events around town this reality star really has perfected an easy yet polished look. It seems instead of loads of layers and prints that we’ve seen in the past the new Whitney is sticking to basic yet well constructed pieces that could fit into anyone’s wardrobe, classics. And to finish each look Whitney goes for the classic red lip which she pulls off so well.

When you’re planning your next trip over seas keep Barcelona in mind, you will defiantly want to check into one of the several new or refurbished and distinctively cool hotels that have opened there recently including W Barcelona.  The latest hotel launch, capturing a ton of design attention is the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona <http://www.mandarinoriental.com/barcelona/> . Mandarin Oriental Barcelona’s official opening was celebrated in November 2009 with a lavish gala attended by the city’s elite and its hype has lived up to everyone’s expectations.
The hotel’s cool factor is a combination of three elements: The convenience of the central location, the good bones of the refurbished former bank building, and most significant, Spanish-born Milano-based architect, Patricia Urquiola, whose responsible for the interior decor of the 98-room hotel, including most of the furnishings. Continue Reading…

With Halloween being my favorite holiday I am always looking for new & fun ways to celebrate. While most of us are cutting back on our disposable income spending (myself included) I had to get super creative with my Halloween party plans on a budget.  Continue Reading…

This silhouette has been a favorite of mine for sometime and this fall almost every designer has their own version. The long sleeve mini dress is the perfect go to piece this fall, while some versions may be a little too short for office wear most are extremely versatile. They can be dressed up or down, tights/no tights, heels or flats. So come by Standard Style boutique to check out this trend asap, including the amazing versions by T by Alexander Wang (their under $100!).

Last Thursday Standard Social sent me and my boyfriend out to San Francisco to attend the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, and I have to say it was overall the best music festival I have ever attended. Continue Reading…

With fall just around the corner, layering was on my mind. While layering is a skill for most fashionistas, monochromatic dressing can be an easy solution for those who aren’t so sure on their layering capabilities.  The key to this look is sticking to neutral colors, unless your a real pro. Another tip would be choosing basics with the emphasis on fit. Continue Reading…

With the style sense of a Vogue editor you wouldn’t believe this girl is a mere 17 years old. Jane Aldridge the author of the online blog Sea of Shoes has made a name for herself in the fashion world of the past two years. What started for her as a daily blog to showcase her unique and beautiful sense of style in conservative Dallas suburb has blossomed into a full fledged fashion bible. Continue Reading…

With Kansas City’s sticky summer weather, when it comes to make-up less is more. A good way to attain this without looking blank and boring is adding touches of make-up in certain colors that are not too heavy yet still stand out. Three of my go to items for summer are red-orange lipstick, gold eyeshadow, and pale pink nails. Continue Reading…

This Current Elliott skinny jean is one of the best ripped jeans this fall.  The “cloud destroyed” wash is super forward and cute with simple tanks and tees and a great pair of heels or edgy booties.

Ripped denim has been a trend that continues to trickle down from the Spring Balmain runway into every denim collection you will see this fall. While we have seen the ripped denim look before in a more So-Cal pre-meditated sort of way, the new ripped look seems more edgy and raw. The extreme distress running the length of the leg and the boyfriend shorts holding on by threads are my favorite choices pair these with platform booties and a silk racer-back tank for the perfect no fuss look. Stop by Standard Style Boutique today to pick up your pair of Avedon Xene by Citizens of Humanity the new black distressed jeans seen on everyone from Rhianna to Hilary Duff, these jeans will last you well into the winter and just get better with wear.

One of the most flattering dresses ever created the Jackie O dress by Black Halo has hit the racks of Standard Style. The perfect cocktail dress that can be worn day to evening with ease. This dresses construction flatters any figure, from it’s perfectly off-set neckline to its paneled waist (for a slimmer appearance). Stop by Standard Style Boutique today to pick up your new favorite dress before its gone!

As the weather gets hotter I have been trying to think a ways to re-invent my wardrobe to stay cool while staying chic; and my new favorite combo has been popping up everywhere. Over-sized tees and boyfriend button-ups paired with bright pencil skirts and leather minis is the perfect fashion forward summer look. This is a great way to dress up your favorite tee or introduce your conservative pencil skirt to a night of drinks and dancing. Style this look with strappy heels and stacked bangles for the club and slouchy ankle boots for an everyday look. So instead of wearing that same summer dress you have tried to accessorize every which way, pair together the separates in your closet  to create a fresh and stylish look.

While most of us have already stocked our closets with summer dresses of the baby-doll and maxi variety a new silhouette has emerged. The drop waist  silhouette, very common in Los Angeles has made its way to the mid-west. This easy to wear shape gives off the impression of a long torso, narrow waist, and long legs; perfect for any figure. This shape can transform into any one’s wardrobe, try a paisley or floral printed version for a boho look, or a sleek drop waist silk romper with heels for a night out on the town. Anyway you want to wear it, this silhouette is here to stay. To pick up your drop waist dress stop by Standard Style Boutique at the Country Club Plaza or Town Center Plaza.

There is a new trend in hair color and its one most women visit salons regularly to avoid. The grown out look features the appearance of highlights grown out way beyond what most of us would allow. This trend in color has been seen everywhere from our favorite New York foursome to fashion editorials in foreign magazines. Continue Reading…

Diane Kruger is a style icon relatively new on our radar. From the red carpet to downtown Manhattan, Diane Kruger never gets it wrong, and always stays true to her personal style. She effortlessly blends simple basics with fashion forward creations,  inventing looks that are wearable yet unique. I love the risks she takes, while not everyone can wear a high-waisted pant with a cropped tank, she not only can but makes it look chic at the same time. Kruger also has a talent for accessorizing who would of thought of adding a slouchy beanie or boho scarf  to an event dress?

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In the midst of a recession style overcomes and 2009 Fall Fashion Week went on as scheduled. A few obvious trends overwhelmed the runways: muted dark colors, season-less basics, and minimalism throughout. We can give the recession definite credit for those. We heard that designers this season took the country’s financial state into consideration when designing their collections; they wanted to create pieces that will last the test of time and trends. While some may see this as a set back in the fashion world, I feel it could not have come at a better time. What the runways may have lacked in flamboyance they made up for in quality. Much needed luxurious/durable fabrics, impeccable tailoring, and classic yet beautifully constructed silhouettes to over shadow the cheap imitations running amuck. Above and below are a few stand out collections from the Fall runways.

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The Bohemian look is earthy, neutral, and layered, with loose, flowing fashions and accessories that are often made from natural materials like linen and gauzy cotton, wood, stones and leather…or so we thought. This spring Boho fashion has taken a page out of the eighties, traditional Boho pieces in neon colors. Neons have made a come back in the past few seasons so I guess it was only a matter of time until someone mixed this bright phenomenon with its polar opposite. I give most of the credit to Diane Von Furstenberg’s spring collection. Her runway was covered in bright floral head bands and multi-colored prints, grounded by flowy neutral blouses and safari trench coats. So this season when you are accessorizing your Boho looks throw on those neon beads and an oversized bright bag. Don’t forget to finish the look with a bold nail color or a bright eye-liner.

Looking for the hottest name in fashion? We can’t get enough of Phillip Lim’s Spring collection, niether can Hollywood. In less than three years, Phillip Lim has crafted a covetable line with strong roots in clean American sportswear. He launched the collection in 2004 as a counterpoint to the loud, often too arty clothes coming off the runways. Here, girls who avoid over the top in favor of streamlined looks with personality and an attention to detail, always find just the right thing. Shop right now at StandardStyle.com for the latest spring arrivals from Phillip Lim, or come by one of our boutiques to see some of these amazing pieces in person.

1. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen

From Full House to front row at fashion week, the Olsen’s have taken the fashion world by storm in 2008. Guiding the reigns of two labels; The Row (high-end basics line) & Elizabeth and James (Fashion forward contemporary line) these girls show no signs of slowing down.  It’s no doubt that their personal style has a huge impact on the lines and it’s their personal style that we look to covet ourselves.

2. Kate Moss

While we expect most super models to know what’s happening in the world of fashion, Kate Moss takes it a step further.  With her sought after TopShop collection Kate Moss sets the fashion bar, bringing the runway into closets everywhere. Whether it’s out running errands or a red carpet event Moss always looks perfectly polished with just the right amount edge.

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