2.14.2010

Style Secrets: Luxurious Lounge Lizard

“I think I’ve discovered the secret to life – you just hang around until you get used to it.”
Charles M. Schulz

Let’s be honest now, shall we? Blustery weather, or simply a case of being stir crazy and lazy, oftentimes leaves us susceptible to temporarily forgetting our stylish side. Please don’t get defensive my loves - remember the proverb, “A shut mouth catches no flies”; therefore, purse your shimmering Sugared Almond-shaded pucker for just one more moment if you will, and hear me out. There is absolutely no harm in lounging about your humble abode sans makeup; but the au natural look stops there!

I understand your current predicament, dolls. You are home, you are alone, and you are expecting no visitors aside from a wayward cat or two scratching at your front door; thus, why not accouter yourself in the circa-1995 coffee-stained t-shirt you can’t help but to adore, or perhaps allow your bottom-half to proudly display a pair of sweats sporting tattered hemlines and a nearly invisible hole in the knee? The plain and simple answer is…we are what we wear.

Darlings, take it from someone who knows, it is absolutely impossible for one to feel fabulous, or get her creative juices flowing if she is taking style cues from her less-than-perfect alter ego whom has no qualms about playing the role of style slob for the afternoon. Lounging, if you will, is an art; something that takes skill to be done correctly – especially in terms of dress. After all, there is no guarantee that a cute boy won’t pop in for a visit at a moment’s notice; and when he does, you are going to look like a superstar, for you are about to be transformed into a luxurious lounge lizard!

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S Before you so much as attempt to morph your lounge look from lethargic to lavish, you must put yourself into the proper mindset. Yes, I know it sounds slightly “out there,” but a posh perspective will make you feel all the more glamorous on your quest for luxurious lounge lizard satisfaction. Think Veronica Lake regaling in the comforts of a cherry wood chaise longue, dressed in a floor-length silk gown, her flaxen hair cascading into the perfect peek-a-boo over her right eye; or imagine yourself trading places with the likes of Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, or Brigitte Bardot. Channeling classic, Old Hollywood Glamour is exactly the inspiration you need to empower yourself, and your lounge attire.

The Slouch Effect Perhaps you were unaware of this kitty cats; but sometimes the slouchiest styles are the ones which convey the most subtle seductiveness. Obviously you want to remain completely comfortable while hanging around; but that does not mean that you must slip on the oversized sweatshirt from your father’s alma mater – a piece which has most definitely seen better days, and swallows your body whole, creating a look synonymous with that of a potato sack. You want a slouchy shape which shows off your sassy silhouette without constricting your movements or creating discomfort; therefore dolmans, off the shoulder tops, and relaxed tees are precisely what the doctor ordered.

“I am so busy doing nothing…that the idea of doing anything – which as you know, always leads to something – cuts into the nothing and then forces me to have to drop everything.”
Jerry Seinfeld

Dolls if there is one thing, and one thing only that I must force you to do, it is to overlook the slightly boxy construction. Oversized tops possess the ability to actualize an alluring aesthetic which serves to make one look lean, lithe, and sylphlike – three characteristics that add a kick of sauciness to your upper-half, and up the ante of your lazy day style. A cut that falls below the derriere and is fashioned with banding at the hemline like L.A.M.B.’s Tie Dye Top, shows off your shape and establishes a very put-together look; whereas a composition that hits at the hip and lacks a banded fit around the waist, such as LnA’s Loose Cropped Tee, is viewed as being more free-spirited and bohemian given its less rigid architecture. Regardless of your favored formation, both harbor the ability to get the job done, and make you look marvelous through and through!

Stretch It Out! Darlings given the fact that you are looking to spend the day stretching out and luxuriating in true lazy, lounge euphoria, there is no better way to do so than with the assistance of leggings adorning your lower half.

Leggings are the piece de resistance of loungewear for your derriere for the sheer fact that they are thick enough to keep you as warm as a pint-sized puppy curled up in front of the fireplace during the winter months; yet adequately breathable to keep you cool no matter how high the temperatures rise once summer rolls around. As if that weren’t incentive enough, however, they ensure that you look chic, sleek, and c’est magnifique at all times; and truly balance out your entire attire. Remember, when it comes to style, balance is bliss; and as you are wearing an oversized top, the body-hugging aesthetic of leggings will establish the “even-steven” elegance you are looking to achieve.

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”
Sydney J. Harris

Avoid cropped leggings which harbor the potential to cut your body in half, and look for pieces that reach the ankle. These will elongate your figure and keep you cozy all at once. Simple styles in blacks, navy blues, and grays, which are fabricated out of jersey knit like David Lerner’s Basic Leggings, are fundamentals for retaining fashionable finesse in the midst of relaxation. These hues can couple with any color of the rainbow and look stunning with each and every one; nevertheless, should you feel plagued with the desire to be a bit more playful around the bottom, look no further than a pair of leggings showcasing a pretty pattern like the marled knit seen upon Bop Basics’ Knit Leggings. Such a style allows one to release the wild child within, without forsaking refined resiliency; and really, who on earth can resist that?

Knit Wit Cardigans are the Wonderbra of the world of outerwear. They are a wear-with-all type of accoutrement that snuggle about your body in a way that gives new meaning to Madonna’s 1985 hit single Dress You Up. In fact, to be completely truthful, while an angel receives their wings each time a bell rings, whenever someone slips their arms into the sleeves of a cushy cardigan, they are enveloped into a universe full of affection, warmth, and earnestness; hence the reason why a cardigan is a necessity on your quest for luxurious lounge attire.

Kitty cats, I’m sure that your closet is bursting at the seams with charming cardigans that will work wonders at keeping you a mix of cozy and classy; the key to remember, however, is that you want something completely oversized. Fitted cardigans, while absolutely ambrosial when worn out on a hot date with the cute boy down the street who asked you out via a sentimental mix tape, are too confining when lounging. A piece which bridges the gap between chunky knit and ravishing robe is what should be in your mind’s eye.

“Relaxation means releasing all concern and tension and letting the natural order of life flow through one’s being.”
Donald Curtis

Forgo floor-sweeping designs. While these possess the potential to make one feel like a starlet, they also open the door for dramatic disasters of the ungraceful variety that will make you feel clumsy rather than comely. The perfect pieces are those that fall right below the bottom, like Splendid’s Lurex Rugby Cardigan, or grace your upper to middle thigh, such as Mink Pink’s Chain Mail Draped Cardigan. And, when in doubt, simply raid the closet of the boyfriend – it seems they always have something perfect lurking inside!

Footloose You may have a shoe collection that rivals that of Imelda Marcos; but when indoors, unless you are a true diva, it is unlikely that you are displaying these pretties upon your tootsies. It was Dean Koontz who once said, “Bunny slippers remind me of who I am. You can’t get a swelled head if you wear bunny slippers. You can’t lose your sense of perspective and start acting like a star or a rich lady if you keep on wearing bunny slippers. Besides, bunny slippers give me confidence because they’re so jaunty. They make a statement; they say, ‘Nothing the world does to me can ever get me so far down that I can’t be silly and frivolous’…” Perhaps truer words have never been spoken.

Darlings, you could be a celebrity of epic proportions, a model strutting her stuff on the catwalk day in and day out, or merely the fashion adoring doll that you already are; regardless, everyone needs a bit of time to slip off their stilettos, and stuff their feet into cozy goodness.

“Who among us hasn’t envied a cat’s ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?”
Karen Brademeyer

Kitschy slippers are a tongue-in-cheek way to allow your frisky side to cast a spirited wink to your wardrobe; a sophisticated approach to adding a splash of whimsy to your lounge style. It’s true, bunny slippers will leave quite a lasting impression upon beholders; but if you feel that they are slightly too childlike for your personal tastes you are still able to provide your posh paws with a well-deserved rest…simply do it in a more high-fashion way!

Flats of all formations are just as fabulous indoors as they are while trotting about town. Moccasins like Frye’s Reagan Campus Driver Flats or UGG Australia’s Dakota Shearling Moccasins distribute a dapper touch to your lounge look du jour courtesy of their vintage aesthetic; ballerinas such as Maloles’ Georges Suede Ballet Flats with Gold Studs or Jeffrey Campbell’s Jewel G Ballet Flats sprinkle a touch of girly glamour upon your appearance via feminine embellishments; and oxford architectures like Joie’s Louie Louie Wingtip Flats without Laces or American Apparel’s Hannah Shoe radiate a dash of retro pizzazz to your haut monde duds thanks to perforations and seam detailing. Of course, if slippers aren’t your cup of tea, you can always enlist the assistance of cute socks, like American Apparel’s Unisex Colored Knee Stripe. Just make sure to keep those tootsies toasty!

For Your Listening Pleasure Don’t play coy with me my loves; I know exactly what you are doing right now. Your eyes are dancing about the room, searching for a cozy nook to take up residence in for an afternoon of lounging. Stop; don’t move a muscle! A day of relaxation is utterly incomplete without a few tunes to lull you into a luxurious trance; thus, a petite playlist to get your lounging party started!

Always for You - The Album Leaf
Kiss of Life - Friendly Fires
Hello Brooklyn - All Time Low
Breakfast in NYC - Oppenheimer
Microphone - Coconut Records
Don’t You Evah - Spoon
Coast of Carolina - Telekinesis
When You Were Young - The Killers
Seventeen Candles - The Pink Spiders
Dressed to Kill - Landon Pigg


"A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation…is the medicine that puts all ghosts of fear on the run.”
George Matthew Adams



Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It, Shopbop, and Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Get Your Flirt On Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz’s Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart.
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75 comments

The Trendy Fashionista said...

Cool knit leggings!

Have a wonderful weekend.
-The Trendy Fashionista
http://thetrendyfashionista.blogspot.com

Denisa L said...

fun qoutes!aww
and love those tights:)

Rock Couture said...

WOW loving tis post... Love to Lounge and Love Loungewear!

Happy Valentines Day!

Cindy Whitehead said...

Love your words of wisdom on bunny slippers - very cute!

Couture Carrie said...

Love the new look and this amazing post, darling E! Fab playlist!

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxox,
CC

Jen said...

Darling, you've had a makeover! I love it!

I'm such a lounge lizard, a total laidback sofa snoozer. Right now I'm wearing jeggings, a draped cotton tee and cosy wool cardigan. Lovely!

FASHION SNAG said...

Love the new layout Erika! This is one of my favorite posts because I love to lounge around. I agree with you on the longer leggings, and avoiding the cropped ones! Happy Valentine's Day Erika! I love guinea pigs. I updated the page some more so check back. xo

www.FashionSnag.com

Martha said...

I love these your Style Secret posts. I must confess i was up into the wee hours of the morning (more like 1:30am) reading them last night. Keep them coming! :)

<3

The Fashion Fool said...

all the things you mention are staples in my wardrobe! i guess i love being comfy!! haha

tess said...

love the song microphone! and that seinfeld quote is hilarious

btw love the new layout!

ZANAH said...

I am the "slouchy effect" when at home. Loving your new design layout too !!! :) Mon Mode Blog

Anonymous said...

Great leggings!;))

xoxo M.

Leia said...

Oh, I so agree with all of this!

Fashion Court said...

obsessed with lounge wear :p and you always find the BEST photos! .. happy vday, darling!

Anonymous said...

perfect post to read on a Sunday. So cozy. Love the play list. xo
Ashe

www.previouslyinaudible.wordpress.com

J said...

haha this post makes me want to not dress like a slob around the house and wear some cute knitwear!!

Nubiasnonsense said...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I love your new layout! Sorry I just had to say that.

I am actually a big fan of the slouch effect.. sometimes being a bit careless and almost effortless and still looking good is sexy

SabinePsynopsis said...

What is this, Erika? I'm gone for a few days and your whole blog lay-out has changed... But your writing has stayed as witty, entertaining and charming as ever! {I'm just soo happy you can't see me at home - slouchy sweaters and tracksuit bottoms and all...). Whatever you do, whishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!

Midnight Cowgirl said...

"When You Were Young" is a great song!

Sarah Whitney said...

I love this post! I'm not exactly a glamorous dresser around the house.. I usually resort to Uggs and my boyfriend's clothes. You've inspired me to take a second look at some cute PJS when I'm shopping next time!

Stephanie said...

You are so right. I get very lazy in my style when I'm not working and it totally affects my moods.

H A N N A H . M A Y . R O S E . † said...

Ohhh this is all so true - when lounging around like a slob I just can't get inspired. & it's always when I look the worst that an unexpected visitor will arrive! So now I ALWAYS lounge around in an off the shoulder slouchy tee, black leggings, and slipper-boots, with my hair tied back nicely in a messy sexy updo. a little slick of vaseline on the lips & eyelids, sometimes a little brow pencil and blusher, and voila!

Please enter my giveaway? :)

LONDON--ROSE.BLOGSPOT.COM

xx

Devea said...

I love those cardigans! I just got one yesterday. Haha, thanks for these fashionable tips on being lazy. I need to follow this advice, as I am always lazy.:)

ellie said...

Lets not forget those great black thigh highs. A real essential this winter to dress up or down in..as far as I'm concerned.

Thanks much for the feedback. & for writing this very cool article to read. Lots of fab things to know.

Iva Messy said...

ERIKA!!! your new layout is AWESOME!!! Happy Valentines Day!! ;)

little luxury list said...

LOVE the new look dearest! Totally agree - glamour, stretch, seductive sloucing - all perfect sytyle secrets. Have a wonderful weekend!

Leah said...

I am a big fan of the slouch effect.

I love the quote at the top... so true! xoxo

Anonymous said...

You always post the best photos!

and OMG am I loving your layout!! this is fabulous

Erin Kim said...

knit cardigans are definitely wonderful. thanks for your insightful post. :) and i love the schulz quote. :) happy valentine's day!

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

Those lounge looks are so beyond me. Haha. But oh so decadent! PS -I love the new look of your page!

Bonnibella said...

Happy Valentine's Day Erika! I wish I was stylish while lounging and slouching around. However, I do love leggings and agree the crop kinds cut the body in half. What do you think about denim leggings?

GraceFace said...

I LOVE this post, it might take me a while to ditch my sweatshirts though ;)

English Rose ♥ said...

I.am.in.LOVE.with.the.new.background.

Lovelovelove.

Am downloading everything on this playlist - apart from Seventeen Candles which I already have thans to you =]

Merci beaucoup for your sweet comment darling =]

Stay safe and chic ma chérie,
English Rose x
http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

Alice said...

Lovely post and very spot on! I live with my boyfriend, so obviously I want to look good at home but not overdone. Leggings and a loose but sexy jersey top works the best for me!

glee said...

i'm lovin' your new lay-out. Fabulous. have a wonderful Monday :)

Treacle said...

Brilliant! And the pictures perfectly complement the text.

michelle_ said...

New layout = LOVE !
Its sooo chic and cute at the same time :D
And I agree leegings n knit sweater arre the best combination for comfort in history..

michelle_ said...

New layout = LOVE !
Its sooo chic and cute at the same time :D
And I agree leegings n knit sweater arre the best combination for comfort in history..

Chicago Chic said...

You are amazing and I have to say that I adore your new layout, Erika! Took my breath away....and leggings are so very comfy! (love that 1st photo by the way)

xxx
Rachel

Schnappy said...

Very good photos! I like these cardigans! :)

Anonymous said...

ah this post makes me want to curl up on the couch and never leave :) i love the cardigans you featured, especially that last one! So cozy my dear!

Scientific Housewife said...

I love those sweaters! Hope you had a great Vday!

Ash Fox said...

totally into the "slouchy style". great post!

daisychain said...

Ok, I so need to upgrade my lounge wear!


Love the new layout doll x

miriam said...

i wouldn't mind looking like a sugered almond!

Nina said...

Ha, ha, ha, a tutorial on lounging ... you think of EVERYTHING, Erika!

PS I love this new layout, by the way!

meig said...

Great post! And I love the music selection!!

Your blog is lovely and I so enjoy reading it!!

Style, via Tia said...

Perfect timing on this post cause I have been lounging for like a week and a half.
I love your new layout!

Sherin said...

Amazing!! I'm definitely one to fall into the trap of lounging around in pj's and looking not very nice. I'll definitely take these tips into account.

XOXO AnnNicole said...

I had to laugh when you mentioned wearing dads old sweaters because thats what ive been doing the whole weekend! And, as an insane lover of all time low, loved that you mentioned them! great post! :)

xoxo, Nicole

Unknown said...

lovely quotes!

All Women Stalker said...

Ahh Imelda Marcos, our infamous First Lady. I visited her house once because it's a museum now. She had HUUUUGE jars of famous perfumes. And a bathtub even the ancient Egyptian kings will be jealous of. Hahaha

Emily said...

I love this post! This is exactly what I need on these snow days :)

Unknown said...

Wow, what an awesome post!!!! Well written!

Amanda Lalique said...

wow this is a really cute post.. I like your whole blog too! I am a brand new follower and I will definitely pop by more often!

xo

Aline said...

you are so cute, i love this post:)

bananas. said...

Ahhhh i lovee it! I live in leggings and when the camera's not looking, i embrace my height, or lack there of, and rock the flats. Haha.

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Fantastic post, Erika! Fabulous loungewear will always make me think of Blair Waldorf!

You have picked the perfect essentials for looking great while relaxing. Leggings and cardigans are definite musts. And I'm loving those Knee Stripe socks from American Apparel!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

A cardi and leggings...What a perfectly delightful lounging uni!

Unknown said...

Thanks for checking out FVNCY.com

I agree hands down on this post. I'm an unemployed recent college grad and I live in leggings right now. It also really doesn't help with the awful weather (ha I really shouldn't be complaining cause CA is still really mild in comparison to other places). I think I need more knit cardigans.

KIFvncy,
M.E.

Unknown said...

awww petite playlist! how cute ;) LOVE all the songs! going into my ipod right about now. Thanks for sharing!:)

xoxo
-Carlis

sapphirewhisper said...

Totally agree. This weekend is going to be very snowy and perfect for comfy styles. Thanks for the inspiration!

Your blog is so beautiful, will be checking in again!

Dusty Rose Vintage said...

Great post. Such simple measures... all well worth it!

Dina's Days said...

I guess it's officially time to retire my oversized sweatshirt! Great post and nice to see your posts on IFB!

Unknown said...

Hi :)

Just realized that I am already a lounge lizard^^. Outfit today: Jeans shorts, my favourite cozy pair of black tights, black ballet flats, a simple white shirts and a white cardigan. Oh, and about (lacking) leggins. Ordered two new pairs two hours ago! Thanks for sharing the lounge secrets ;). Love,
Lilly

Semi Precious Jewellery said...

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

Wall Mirrors said...

ahhhh. I love the post. It makes me want to curl up on our overstuffed couch and never leave :) Also -- love the leggings you featured, especially that last one!

Howard Elliott Mirrors said...

This blog is really beautiful. Great post of gorgeous ladies. I so interested in this blog.

glasses said...

you have a grat post

Dining Table Sets said...

I just wanted to say I really liked your post. We own some ecommerce sites that sell Dining Table sets and other furniture. We are always looking for great content we can use to help our customers. Thanks.

fastest way to lose weight said...

Great post, thanks for the insight

Herschel Muehlbach said...

I found out that all those strategies were really useful for me. That’s where the real sense is hiding Ray Ban 3269
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Sadie said...

Excellent post! My loungewear most definitely needs an update... ;)

Anonymous said...

Very useful secrets, in-fact top secrets we can say is shared. Thanks so much for sharing it..
Thanks

Shop F-Session said...

I'm such a living room reptile, a complete relaxed couch snoozer. Right now I'm dressed in jeggings, a covered pure cotton tee and comfortable made of wool cardigan. Lovely!

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