For being the shortest month of the year, February sure is long isn’t it?! I have a well-documented hate affair with winter and while it may be premature, I always see the beginning of March as the start of spring. To be fair, the second month of the year did see its fair share of well-dressed folks in RVA and as always, it is my pleasure to highlight a few of my favorites. From super casual to black tie, there’s outfit inspiration here for all occasions!
Clare Brown Meneely (@clarabellecwb) flawlessly pulls off the hardest of all silhouettes with this outfit: the midi skirt and flats combination. Midi skirts (and especially full ones like hers!) are notoriously unflattering since they end mid-shin, essentially cutting your legs off. But the high waist of the skirt and the lightness of the top balance out the proportions so she looks cute and comfortable.
Carry a full, printed skirt like this one into the warm months by ditching the tights and pairing it instead with a cute crop top and metallic sandals.(Photo by Matt Meneely)
Rebecca Thomas (@thepoetryofthings) snapped this photo of this dapper man in the Jackson Ward neighborhood; obviously, the neon yellow spectacles completely transform his conservative look into something totally original.
If you’re not into neon frames but like the idea of a pop of fluorescence, try neon nail polish, a brightly colored cross-body bag or even some neon shoe laces in your oxfords. (Photo by Rebecca Thomas)
As if! The 90s are back and dare I say - better than ever? Plaid flannels, Doc Martens, ditzy florals and baby doll dresses are it for 2016 and Alannah Banks (@lannahb) totally nailed the Clueless-era trends with her oversize flannel and knee-high socks. It’s casual and cool and Tai would be so jealous!
An oversized flannel works best when paired with a mini dress like Banks’ so it doesn’t overwhelm your frame. (Photo by Candace Moore)
Thankfully, no rules were ever written that the blvd Best Dressed had to be human because Micah was killing it in his plaid cape last month! He’s the resident feline fashion expert at the vintage store, Pinup-ish shop (@pinupishshop), in Shockoe Bottom. Micah did a fabulous job of matching his natural fur coat colors to his topper.
The mix of stripes and houndstooth is subtle but so chic. Remember, when you’re pairing print, keep the size of the prints small so as to not overwhelm your frame. (Photo by Megan Parry)
Of course, I couldn’t not throw in a little Elby Awards action; Richmond magazine's fifth annual restaurant awards show honored the best in the RVA restaurant community. Of course, everyone is there because of the food but the style scene comes in at a close second. This year’s theme was “Elbys En Blanc,” so white attire was en mode. Stella and Constatine Giavos (@stellagiavos, @giavos) went for a sexed-up 50s vibe with that white leather biker jacket and pencil skirt/crop top combo.
Stella nails conventional fashion wisdom with this ensemble; if you’re showing a little skin somewhere (shoulders + midriff), you should be covered up elsewhere (midi skirt). (Photo by Katrina Giavos)
The Junior League also threw an incredibly stylish party last month at the Science Museum and Madelaine Spangler (@styled_by_mad) may have stolen the show with her vibrant Chicwish frock. Hot pink and navy is a classically preppy combo but the mix of the stripes and oversized flowers is so modern and cool.
Spangler kept her accessories minimal - black heels and a black clutch! - with fun details - sparkles and bows so as to complement her dress, not distract from it. (Photo by Parker Slaybaugh)
