How to be the Best Dressed Wedding Guest This Season

There are certain fashion rules you must abide by as a wedding guest: Never upstage the bride. Never wear white. Don't show up underdressed. Don't dress too sexy. 

I must say, I'm not all that motivated by "Don'ts". Instead, I've come up with some fashion guidelines which are sure to make you the best dressed wedding guest at this season's festivities. 

Statement Shoes
No one will ever fault you for fabulous shoes, but you can be sure they'll be talking about them! Shoes are a nonthreatening way to elevate your look and stand out. I'm loving sexy strappy sandals this season. I love the Nunaked from Stuart Weitzman for neutrals, but am also coveting the below to spice things up.

Manolo Blahnik | Jimmy Choo | Sandro | SJP

Color!
Special occasions are a great excuse to step out of your color comfort zone. Personally I feel most comfortable in all black in my day to day life. It's easy and chic and I never feel underdressed wearing it. When it comes to buying an occasion dress you can make the dress your statement and keep the accessories simple. When selecting a colorful dress I make sure to pay attention to fit, fabric, and construction. This is something worth the splurge because colored fabrics do not hide flaws as well as black.

Cushnie et Ochs | Zimmermann | L'Agence | Zimmermann

Complementary Jewelry
Jewelry is my passion, of course! I love the unexpected look of double Svelte Metals cuffs with a cocktail dress. I also love necklaces and earrings that feel special without overpowering the look.

Chloe | Jennie Kwon | Lulu Frost | Maiyet

Happy dressing! I would love for you to share your wedding style with me over on Instagram! You can find us @SvelteMetals.

Svelte Street Style: June '14 Roundup

It's officially summer! That means things are heating up (everywhere except of course here in the Bay Area) and it's time to rotate in those easy-breezy pieces. This month, we're loving the all-white-everything trend. Check out how some of our favorite bloggers pair their favorite Svelte Metals pieces with their summer whites.

WeWoreWhat: Crawford Cuff | Phashionable: Howell Cuff | Always Judging: Nova Cuffs | The Chriselle Factor: Bartel Cuff | Neon Bush: Lancaster Ring

Covet Fashion Game x Svelte Metals

Oh, the virtual closet. We've been dreaming of it since the first time we watched Clueless (yes, since 1995). That's why when we found out about Bay Area-based Covet Fashion we knew we'd be hooked. The best part? You can virtually shop and style current seasons from coveted brands such as Joie, Rebecca Minkoff, and Zimmermann. The new game already has a loyal fanbase including celebrities like Rachel Zoe and Kendall and Kylie Jenner. And if that's not enough to get you to the App Store...We're thrilled to announce that you can now style your favorite Svelte Metals pieces in game! 

We love seeing our collection rendered by the amazing artists at Covet. Check out the Howell, Hoxton, and Cobb below.

See you in game, Coveters!

Svelte Street Style: May '14 Roundup

This month we're loving the sporty and comfortable vibe of leather joggers and baseball caps. As always, we love to dress up the trend with some rad metal jewelry. Something we love even more? Spotting our favorite fashion bloggers pairing Svelte Metals pieces with their chic sweats. 

Peace Love Shea: Double Bartel and Tifton Cuffs | Nany's Klozet: Macon Cuff | Complacency Kills Us All: Nova Cuffs | Keller Rose: Nova Cuff | Ria Michelle: Lancaster Ring

Svelte Metals x Wai Ming Spring '14

When one of our favorite brands, Wai Ming, approached us about providing accessories to complement their Spring '14 lookbook we were floored. Starting with her Spring 2012 debut collection, Emily Brady Koplar continues to update classic silhouettes with unexpected (yet refined) details. It's no wonder industry leaders like Refinery29, InStyle, and People StyleWatch have taken notice of Wai Ming. We're dreaming of the pretty fan print that takes the stage for Spring '14. Wai Ming is available online and at a boutique near you.  

Blogger Daniela Ramirez in Svelte Metals

The gorgeous Daniela Ramirez of Nany's Klozet styled our Macon cuff in a look we just can't get enough of! We are totally inspired by how effortless, chic, and comfortable it is, and can't wait to put our own spin on the look. One thing's for sure, we won't forget the Macon or those rad leather joggers!

  

 Joggers | Wide Brim Fedora | Statement Necklace | Cuff Bracelet

Cheeki x Svelte Metals

We were thrilled to be included in Cheeki's latest lookbook! The brand offers high quality intimates (read: cute undies!) in both vibrant and practical hues. But the best part? They come in stylish airtight packages so you can take them on-the-go, making them our new essential for our beach bag and carry on. You can find Cheeki at a store near you or online.

Photos Courtesy of Cheeki

Want more? Don't get your panties in a twist! Head over to Refinery29 to see the full lookbook. 

Celebs in Svelte: Glee's Erinn Westbook at People StyleWatch Party

Check out the gorgeous Erinn Westbrook at last night's People StyleWatch Denim Party. While you may recognize Erinn from her days as an MTV VJ, you'll soon see her weekly as mean girl Bree on FOX's Glee. 

Erin wore our Wells and Chamberlain rings along with some other fierce pieces.

"Mean" is the last word we'd use to describe down-to-Earth Erinn, but we can't wait to see her get into character. Season 5 of Glee starts on September 26th.

Wear Now & Later: Fall '13

Truth be told, we weren't really prepared for the chilly weather in the Bay Area. The one upside is that we've gotten a jump start on our fall wardrobe (which was basically nonexistent thanks to years of living in Miami). While the rest of the country is enduring the hottest days of year, we out in NorCal are juggling (sporadic) warm days with (consistent) cool nights. We're getting a crash course in the art of layering, and sincerely hope to pass. Check out the pieces below that you can wear now (even if it's swelteringly hot) and will also transition seamlessly into fall.

Maxi Skirt | Waist Belt | Scarf | Structured Handbag | Sleeveless Dress | Sunglasses

(Re)Decorating Your Work Space

Perhaps we are guilty of holding onto childhood traditions, but fall still feels like the start of a new year to us. With so many goodies on the shelves for Back-to-School, we can't help but partake and do a little redecorating.

Up first, our brand new office in California! When approaching a space for the first time, we like to sketch out the area with scaled measurements, being careful to note any built-in design elements to consider (i.e., windows, sloping ceilings, outlets, etc). This way, we are able to design around what is already available to us. Got a rad view? Take advantage by placing your desk in front of the window.

We like to tackle the functional necessities first (we've been known to get distracted by everything at Z Gallerie). For us, this includes large table areas and lots of storage. Typical desks are often a bit narrow for our purposes, but we've found IKEA dining room tables make perfect work tables. If you've got the time, you can uncover some fab pieces vintage or thrift shopping. And if you're crafty, DIY projects can help you turn existing pieces into custom works of art.

As with our personal style, we also love to mix patterns, textures, and colors with interiors. Accent furniture and decor items are a fun, noncommittal way to spice things up. Adding items that don't scream "cubicle!" is key to keeping your office homey, welcoming, and eclectic. Check out the pieces we are hoping to snag for our new space below.

1. Chair 2. Cow Skull 3. Area Rug 4. Magnifying Glass 

5. Bird Cage 6. Display Box 7. Retro Telephone Stand 8. Desk Lamp

Red Carpet Crush: Cara Delevingne's Baseball Caps

Baseball caps are the epitome of laid-back cool. Celebrities are often spotted shielding their (makeup-less) faces with caps on their way to the gym or while running errands. Our favorite way to style them, however, has been gracing runways, concerts, and events, thanks to It Girls like Rihanna, Rita Ora, and model Cara Delevingne. We love how the girls take risks with textures, patterns, and colors. Check out some affordable versions inspired by Miss Delevingne's choices of caps in basketweave, leather, and classic cotton.  

           

Target | BCBGeneration | ASOS           

Throwback at the Beach

Escaping the city heat and heading to the beach this summer? We are too! The only thing that's more exciting than some time in the sand and a drink in our hand is a new suit and accessories to go with it. Lately we've been inspired by the retro swim trend, and admittedly have been stockpiling high-waisted bottoms. If the high-waisted cut isn't for you, however, you can still get on the retro band wagon with accessories and fabric patterns. Scroll down to see what we'll be wearing at the beach this summer.

Top | High-Waisted Bottom | Bag | Sunnies | Flip Flops

Suit | Bag | Sunnies | Wedges

Once you've got the look down, it's time to pack your beach bag for your day. As year-round beach bums, we feel we have the ultimate list of must haves (trashy tabloid mags excluded!).

Wide brimmed hat that is chic and keeps the sun off your face. 

Reusable water bottle to help you stay hydrated all day.  

Large beach towel in a fun pattern, finding one that can fit two people is ideal. Sharing is caring! 

Small cosmetics bag to organize small items such as lip balm with SPF, a small hair brush, and sunscreen. We also like to include a couple snack-sized Ziploc baggies to protect items like cash, cell phones, and iPods from getting wet.   

Happy Summer!!

What We're Wearing: Day to Night looks for Summer

With summer merchandise hitting the floors we can't help but drool over the endless outfit possibilities for the coming months. Maybe it's because of those Summer Fridays, but we love the spontaneity of summer. We find it helps to have a few go-to outfits planned in advance so you'll be ready for anything. Check out our picks below, where we've shown you how to take these looks from day to night by simply changing up the accessories. Carpe diem/noctem! 

Top, Maxi | Day: Bag, Sunnies, Sandals | Night: Clutch, Sandals

It's no secret we are fans of sophisticated crop tops and metallics for day, and we love how this outfit works both. The top is a little daring, but the length and fit of the skirt keeps the look more demure. For day, this look can take you to swaying at an outdoor concert or scouring vintage finds at the flea market. Trade your bucket bag for this gorgeous mother of pearl clutch (definite splurge!) and you're ready for a romantic dinner complete with moonlit stroll.  
  

Dress | Day: Crossbody, Sunnies, Sandals | Night: Clutch, Heels

This punchy orange shift is the perfect blank canvas. For day, pair it with some neutrals for a chic shopping/lunch/errands look that is put together and unfussy. For a fab night out, turn up the volume with a vibrant purple clutch and black and white chunky heel sandals. 

Blazer, Tank, Shorts | Day: Crossbody, Sunnies, Flats | Night: Clutch, Heels

Nothing pulls an outfit together like a blazer, and this graphic tank + printed shorts combo is no exception.  For day and night, take this look almost anywhere as it is a polished balance between casual and tailored without looking like you tried too hard (and that's the whole point, right?). The tank and shorts are a way to express your personality. Have fun with it and try some unexpected pairings!

White Hot American Summer

There is nothing fresher than white, and in case you haven't noticed that whole "you can't wear white after Labor Day" thing is lonnng gone. To honor you traditionalists out there however, we're celebrating Memorial Day (aka the day you're finally "allowed" to wear white again) by sharing our top picks for summer. White is super versatile: use it as a blank canvas to make bright accessories and jewelry pop, or look effortlessly chic by layering it with other neutrals. And because there is probably nothing we hate more than VPL, we're also including some tips on how to look flawless in white. 

1. Mango 2. H&M 3. Top Shop 4. Intermix

Wear White Like a Pro: 

• In a humid climate (Hello: Miami!)? Trust us and steer clear of silk which tends to turn into a wrinkly mess fast.  More structured fabrics will fare better.
• If you'd rather not deal with complicated underthings, opt for fully lined pieces.
• Conduct a transparency test by holding the garment up to the light, and also by seeing if your hand shows through the fabric. If so, you'll need some strategic armor.  
• Avoid visible undergarments or shapewear (That's right, even Jessica Alba cops to wearing Spanx) by sticking with nude, not white. We love pieces by Cheeki, Commando, and Spanx (Hey, if it's good enough for Jessica, it's good enough for us).
• Makeup should be applied after you're dressed- no girl wants foundation on her crisp white collar.  
• Watch where you sit.
• Do yourself a favor and stick a Tide To Go pen in your handbag.

Glam Punk at the Met Gala 2013

Unsurprisingly, last night's Met Gala in New York City was full of major fashion moments. This year's exhibit, 'Punk: From Chaos to Couture' had us extra interested to see what our favorite celebs and tastemakers would be strutting up the Met steps. We expected to see a lot of black, safety pins, and studs and were not disappointed (we chose to ignore those whom had chosen to ignore the theme). 

What was most exciting to us, however, was seeing the unpredictable. We loved that completely un-punk ladies transformed into glam punk goddesses. Below we've selected our favorite looks from the night as well as our favorite punk inspired pieces to make your own. Because every girl has a little misfit inside of her.

Top: Miranda Kerr/Michael Kors, Jessica Alba/Tory Burch, Jennifer Lawrence/Dior, Dakota Fanning/Rodarte. 

Bottom: Taylor Swift/J. Mendel, Cameron Diaz/Stella McCartney, Minka Kelly/Carolina Herrera

1. ASOS 2. Top Shop 3. Vince Camuto 4. ASOS

Red Carpet Crush: Selena Gomez's Crop Tops

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably noticed crop tops are back in full force. Starlets have been dabbling in the trend since last summer, but we're totally digging the lady-like yet youthful take Selena Gomez has been gracing the carpets with.  

Spring Breakers (!) SXSW Premiere & 2012 Kid's Choice Awards

                

The trick to keeping the look classy like Selena is to show only a sliver of skin by pairing the crop top with a high waisted skirt or shorts. This can be surprisingly flattering because it exposes the narrowest part of your torso, creating an hourglass illusion. If you want a more modern and youthful look try playful shapes, vivid colors, and mixed textures.

1. Top, Skirt 2. Top, Skirt 3. Top, Skirt

1. Top, Skirt 2. Top, Skirt, 3. Top, Skirt

Ode to Chunky Heel Sandals

We've recently noticed that chunky heels are everywhere. Not only do they make a statement, but they are also super comfy on our (stiletto-challenged) feet because of the thickness of the heel. This style may be overwhelming to your figure, so if you're looking to elongate your stems try lighter tones which won't visually cut you off at the ankles.

       

1. Senso 2. Calvin Klein 3. Sigerson Morrison

       4. Elizabeth & James 5. Rachel Roy 6. Ted Baker

                                      7. BCBGMAXAZRIA 8. Rachel Zoe 9. Rachel Roy

Trends We Love: Metallics for Day

Much to our delight, daytime metallics have been tapped as a Spring '13 trend. We can't help but feel that the trend is a nod to Miss Serena Van Der Woodsen's sequins-for-day style (RIP GG). Pastel metallics are our favorite for spring and summer, pair them with light neutrals or work them into a monochrome outfit.  If you want a more subtle look, pieces with metallic accents are a great place to start.

Trousers, Polishes, Sunnies, Sandals, Tote, Shirt, Earbuds, Clutch

Travel Essentials: Packing for the Plane

Packing your personal item for the plane is an art- you need to find a balance between bringing the right stuff and keeping your bag light and manageable. Editing out unnecessary items doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style either. Check out our must-haves for the journey. 

The Bag should be neutral and polished so it can be used for the duration of the trip (read: saves space in your luggage for more shoes!). This one is structured with an external zip closure which keeps items secure during take-off and landing. Avoid anything too slouchy, which can be hard to keep organized.  

Tablet and Cell Phone Cases protect your devices while you're on the go. We like ones that are fun and functional like this iPad case which also stands your device at an easy to view angle. A cell case in a graphic print is an inexpensive way to show your personality. Keep your inflight gadgets simple by uploading your favorite playlists onto your tablet so you can keep your phone stowed.  

Earbuds barely take up any space and can provide great sound quality. Ones like these have a mic feature for handsfree phone calls and come with ear cushions in a variety of sizes for that perfect fit.  

Reading Material that it is lightweight and no fuss like a paperback novel or magazine will keep you entertained. After you've enjoyed it you can pass it along to a friend or fellow traveler (trust us, it'll brighten their day!).  

Water is the key to feeling your best while traveling. This self-filtering bottle is perfect to take through security where liquid allowances can be a pain. As an added hydration bonus, enjoy an electrolyte rich coconut water before you board to give your system a boost. 

Snacks from home will feel like a treat when you're 20,000 feet high. A fruit and nut bar packed with nutrients and protein will satisfy hunger better than free pretzels. Sometimes we sneak in a bar of raw chocolate as a treat. Bring a couple bags of your favorite herbal tea and ask for hot water during beverage service. 

Pouches keep little items organized. Ours holds essentials like hand sanitizer, hand cream,  and lip balm.  When it comes to disembarking, classic sunglasses, a low chignon (we secure ours with these), and a little bronzer is the recipe for insta-chic.  

Making a checklist and putting your bag together the night before a trip can help reduce anxiety about traveling. Don't forget your wallet and keys!

Trends We Love: Short Suits in Prints and Textures

Short suits graced the runways for Spring '13 (Michael Kors, Helmut Lang, Rebecca Minkoff), and we couldn't wait to see them translated to more affordable ensembles we could rock. We were kind of bummed that the trend didn't blow up more because it left us with limited options. Check out the affordable little numbers you can purchase now and sport all the way through summer (or year round if you live in Miami!). We love how the use of white and cream in the below prints and textures keep these suits looking light and airy.

1. Mango 2. Mango 3. Top Shop 4. Mango

If none of these "perfect pairs" grab you, or if you're not ready to invest in the trend you can get a similar look by creating your own shorts + blazer combo.  Don't get caught up in trying to match fabrics and colors, mixing and matching is a way to make the outfit all your own.  We pulled together some looks to get you started- the possibilities are endless!  Happy styling!

1. Blazer, Shorts 2. Blazer, Shorts 3. Blazer, Shorts 4. Blazer, Shorts