Golden Girl

If I could steal one person's style in this world, it would be Olivia Palermo (duh, right?). The girl has got it. Her look is effortless and chic and a perfect fusion of past-meets-present fashion. She does her own styling and she wears thrift shop dresses with as much ease as a Dolce frock. If Olivia is gracing the cover of any magazine or article, rest assured I'm taking notes and making checks next to her wardrobe pieces of choice. Let me play fashion critic (loosely) and show a few looks I've taken away some great tips from recently:

This is such a classic look. A strong, Greek-inspired one shouldered neckline, bare collarbone and simple jewels are perfectly complimented by the rosy makeup and sleek, twisted back hair. A modern day Tinseltown girl at her best.
Tip Taken: A strong one-shouldered has become a classic staple, and best worn minimally with hair and jewelry. (I love the twisted up-do here)

The boho feel of this outfit isn't overwhelmed with Olivia's uncanny ability to accessorize with unique pieces. I love the belted vest, and the way the bold belt doesn't fight for attention with the more understated collar necklace. Long waves keep the look relaxed and helps the outfit to not try too hard.
Tip Taken: Bold belts work well with other statement pieces as long as they don't coordinate too closely and look too matchy-matchy.

My favorite part of this outfit is the ease in which it portrays. Olivia looks like she got ready in half an hour, which is something we girls across the country could take a tip or two from. The skinny always-a-good-idea black stretch pants (a closet staple of mine) are balanced by the breezy movement of the shrug,  but still streamlined with the sky-high black platform pumps. Her signature collar necklace brings the outfit to the forefront and doesn't fight with swept-back, windblown hair.
Tip Taken: Black skinny pants are always a good idea (duh) when balanced with sleek heels and more volume worn on top.

The perfect fusion of classic and modern. Black patent t-strap sandals don't overwhelm the figure flattering creamy gold cocktail dress. But for a modern twist, Olivia used a fitted blazer to toughen up the look a bit with am elongating necklace. The clutch and hair don't fight for attention with the rest of this classic ensemble. 

Tip Taken: A tough jacket takes a classic look up a notch. Love the blazer, and also thinking leather could work in this case as well. 

Here, Olivia is working lots of modern pieces together. Sky-high platforms compliment a leather skirt that is just the right length to stay on the "classy not trashy" side of the spectrum. A silk blouse makes a (faux) fur vest a little more delicate, and long waves neutralize the overall feel of the outfit, making this outfit work without seeming too severe.

Tip Taken: When worn in the right proportions, sometimes less isn't more. Make sure there is an understated feel to the multiple high-fashion pieces being worn. 

My personal favorite of her looks, Olivia somehow seems to call a Jacki-O feel to a few very modern pieces. A pair of shiny black skinnies is toned down with a pair of classic flats and a darling cream cape. The oversized suede bag keeps the look from being too Oreo black-and-white, and hair pulled back softly on both sides keeps tone of a retro-modern look. (I'll be searching for a cape-coat such as this for my fall staples now)
Tip Taken: Blast-from-the-Ladylike-Past always works. Cape- check. Flats- check. (We are in desperate need for some oversized black frames for the last check.)