Marinel Sun: A Fashionista's Solution to Chic Style for the Boardroom

As every fashionista who does the nine-to-five grind knows, finding an ensemble that is both professional and stylish is never easy. And even when you do find a piece that adheres to both sets of criteria, snagging that au courant blazer or skirt at an affordable price is yet another challenge. With pieces less than 70 dollars, Marinel Sun blends three necessities- style, professionalism, and quality- into one ultra-affordable brand.

Based in San Francisco, designer Marinel Sun recognizes the modern women's need for office-friendly clothes that doesn't compromise her position as a fashionista. If Sun's solution to chic and affordable work style isn't enough to make you love this collection, the entire line is made locally. And, as we all know, an eco-friendly attitude is always on trend.

With several classic silhouettes and fun prints, there are so many pieces to lust over. The Cindy dress (pictured) screams utilitarian chic while the Jenny skirt looks like something straight out of Mad Men. Between the easy-going silhouette and fun print, the Wendy shirt is perfect for the cubicle or a night out with your girlfriends. Versatile enough to make your own, yet zesty enough to spruce up your work ensemble, Marinel Sun is undeniably a must-have in your closet.

How would you style Marinel Sun's work-friendly collection? Sound off below!

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The 8 Best Looks From Fall Couture 2014

For the typical style savant, Couture Week is like Christmas, Hanukkah, Fourth of July, Valentine's Day, and your birthday rolled into a few days. With every show comes beautiful craftsmanship,  thought-provoking silhouettes, and extraordinary execution. While the looks that cascade down the couture catwalks don't directly translate to masses, you have to admit that they are some of the most beautiful runway shows of the year. Editing down hundred of outfits is no easy feat, but get your crash course in couture by taking a look at these eight jaw-dropping looks.

Armani Privé Look 8:  Couture shows aren't all about impressive beading and applique. Beautiful tailoring can be seen in even the most modern looks. Exhibit A? This super feminine alternative to a pantsuit. While the overall concept is undeniably classic, the voluminous trumpet sleeves revitalizes an otherwise safe look. Overall, Armani's collection juxatposed sleek matching separates with loofah-esque dresses and polka-dotted veils. Though the evening gowns are guarantees for several upcoming red carpets, there's nothing more refreshing than a crisp ensemble.

Christian Dior Look 48: It's no secret that Raf Simons is consistently killing it at Dior. With dashes of the brand's famous "New Look," the Creative Director meshes modernity and femininity to create the ultimate cool girl vibe. Though Simons's array of Marie Antoinette-inspired gowns started the show with a sartorial bang, it was the collection's fuss-free cocktail dresses that took center stage. Breezy shapes are paired with delicate beading and girlish applique. Consider these looks the essence of Simons's knockout couture collection: the perfect midpoint between lavish evening dresses and super hip pantsuits and minimalist coats. A far cry from last season's perforated dresses and flouncy silhouettes, this collection is proof that Simons does not dwell on the past. Instead, he always looks to the future.

Chanel Look 25: Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to glamorize the mundane during each couture show. Last season was all about adding luxurious sneakers to girly minis. This time, the beauty of this collection was utilizing interesting fabrics. From sequins to a lace-silicone blend, this collection is just begging to be touched. With furry sleeves and a hypnotic tweed, Lagerfeld spices up the ever-so-basic column dress. However, the experimental dress gets Coco Chanel's stamp of approval with a matching hat. Ultra chic.

Elie Saab Look 39: Even the biggest Elie Saab fan will tell you that the French designer's couture collections always offer the same thing: embellished evening gowns that are regulars during awards season. While the predictability of these collections can be a little frustrating, you have to admit that the execution and results are always impressive. Lately, Saab has been toying with embroidery and paneling in addition to his signature beading. The off-the-shoulder neckline, subtle slit and rich craftsmanship offers something new while staying true to his trademark aesthetic. While the industry is always gasping for a breath of fresh air, it never hurts to have one designer that you can always depend on.

Giambattista Valli Look 1: Without fail, Giambattista Valli always strives to redefine his "girl" during couture season. Last fall, she was a feminine warrior with painted florals and iron accessories. Just one season ago, she was a little more eclectic with bow-tied skirts and high-octane jewel tones. However, Valli's latest couture show took a stroll down memory lane. With hint of  the traditional shirtdress, retro full skirts, and classic hair wraps, the latest collection felt like a reincarnation of Grace Kelly's impeccably clean style. An asymmetrical shape with sharp stripes, Valli's opening look set the tone for the whole collection (with no questions asked). Further into the runway show, the designer played with intriguing textures; however, this collection proves that first impressions do matter.

Maison Martin Margiela Look 7: In the world of couture, Maison Martin Margiela is the spunky younger sibling. Though the brand's collections may not promise red carpet-worthy ensembles like Elie Saab, Margiela offers an artistic look at couture. Between jeweled masks and unexpected patchwork, this collection is anything but traditional. But in the midst of all the chaos lies a look that beautifully captures the craziness of Margiela with couture's stereotypical beauty. Though polka dots and florals don't generally seem like a print match made in heaven, the different densities of each fabric makes this strong combination easy on the eyes. The netted mask and geometric earrings give this look a perfectly whimsical finishing touch.

Valentino Look 60: Over the past few seasons, design duo Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli have been incorporating more streamlined, monotoned looks into their couture collections. However there's always a sheer embellished number that provides the perfect princess moment. And in a sea of new-aged florals and bold belts, it was one of Valentino's final looks that ultimately offered the "wow" factor. Sheer without the scandal, this look teeters between sexy and sophisticated. Though the silhouette is nothing new, Valentino gives a basic shape some depth with monochromatic clashing prints: the ethereal side panels perfectly complement the tribal pattern on the front of the dress. Tres chic.

Viktor & Rolf Look 15: Every season, there's one couture collection is so insanely creative, it is pure genius. For fall, that collection is none other than Viktor & Rolf. With carpet textures and towel dress shapes, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren strayed away from the conventional this time around. Though it takes a special style savant to sport a towel-inspired dress, this look makes the untraditional incredibly wearable. The patches of carpet fuzz offer a subtle risk while the sharp silhouette makes this dress perfect for the red carpet. If any dress from this collection is going to reach commercialized status, it's this number.

Which couture looks are you loving? Sound off below!

All runway photos courtesy of Style.com

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Mens Spring 2015: Would You Date That?

As every fashion nerd knows, there's something undeniably attractive about a stylish guy. Okay, he doesn't need to know the difference between Brioni and Boglioli, but a man who can put together a solid outfit and has some level of trend awareness is a major turn on. However, for every coveted menswear trend that we're dying to see Bradley Cooper and Joseph Gordon Levitt try, there are a slew of fashion fads that are completely undateable. For your viewing pleasure, and a great way to review the latest menswear collections, let's play a little game called "Would You Date That," shall we? The ranking remains the same as always: 0= No way, 10= Here to stay.

Mono-Printed Suits: 3

Goodbye, traditional suit and tie-- spring is all about zesty, mono-prints. Though the type of print is up to the tastemaker, several collections have on thing in common: their mono-printed suits honor "in your face" patterns. Jeremy Scott's fast food craze continued at the Moschino men's show with soda pop themed suits. Equally bold, psychedelic color-blocking was all the rage at Alexander McQueen. On the other hand, Christopher Kane's mono-printed suits boasted subtle, yet undeniably futuristic, lines. And of course, florals ran rampant on the catwalk. Yohji Yamamoto smartly paired scarce florals with a baggy silhouette. Always the Euro romantic, Dolce & Gabbana's spring collection provided an alluring mixture of florals and ornate masonry. The Verdict: Whoever sports a mono-print suit is undeniably confident, but this trend ranks dangerously low on the scale. Matching separates is a surefire way for any fashionisto to effortlessly make a statement; however, this menswear trend screams trying too hard. And how annoying would it be if your beau's ensemble received more attention than yours did? So annoying. Unless the pattern in question is a small polka dot or seersucker, stay far away from he who wears mono-prints. (Moschino Look 1)

Stylish Stripes: 8

To be unapologetically blunt, the stripes phenomenon is nothing new. Everyone from sailors to Elvis circa "Jailhouse Rock" sported the classic lines. However, the nautical-friendly pattern has received an au courant  makeover. At Kolor, Junichi Abe presented head-to-toe stripes, yet the wide bands offered a modernist take on this staple.  Hedi Slimane's Saint Laurent boys epitomized California cool: their stripes were paired with tight leather pants, embellished jackets, and wide-brimmed hats. Layering was key at Dior Homme as primary-colored stripes are thrown between crisp oxford shirts and pinstriped suits. Stripes are even on trend for outerwear as Emporio Armani showed off some seriously major slickers. And let's not forget Topman Design's take on this fad: with a bold color palette and flared jeans, design director Gordon Richardson is clearly scheming up a seventies revival.  The Verdict: Provided this trend is styled realistically (read: no wide-brimmed hats), stripes are a must for men this spring. Though the phenomenon is undeniably preppy, the pattern is versatile enough to be worn by every man. A striped shirt seems like the obvious option; however, jackets and shorts are two fresh alternatives. Or have your man revitalize this trend with unpredictable hues. Either way, the striped shirt guy would definitely make it to a second date. (Dior Homme Look 8)

The Unconventional Hoodie: 6

Hoodies have always been a staple in mens' closets; however, gone are the days when neutral zip-up and pull-overs are the only acceptable way to wear this piece. This spring, look out zany colors, bold patterns, and even unpredictable fabrics. Balmain's menswear collection presented electric colors and geometric shapes, which were cooly styled with moto-inspired pants. No stranger to making a statement, James Long revitalized this piece with patches of color and loads of stripes. But no example of innovative hoodies is as unconventional as Umit Benan's collection. Nothing turns heads quite like perforated sheen. The spring shows even offered new ways to style the trusted hoodie. For exmaple, Gosha Rubchinskiy's models sported jean jackets over their zip-ups-- two trends in one look. Similarly, Ami mixed classic hoodies with bold striped coats. The Verdict: Cozy, versatile, and the ideal piece to snag from your beau, a hoodie is definitely dateable. But unless the fashionisto in question is experimenting with new textures and prints, this trend could steer in the way of basic and safe. A surefire way to bring this phenomenon to to the next level is by layering. Isn't there something sexy about a guy with a hoodie and leather jacket? (Balmain Look 15)

The Reinvented Bomber: 9

Look out, hoodie: there's another casual jacket that's getting a makeover. Though the bomber already screams effortlessly chic, the newest takes on this fad pushes the sartorial envelope just enough. Silky prints and subtle metallics cascaded down the runway at Dries Van Noten while Fendi's take on the bomber paid homage to the T-Birds with cool leather. While Brioni gave the classic silhouette a very sporty twist, Kris Van Assche spruced this piece up with sharp lapels and bold stripes. And then there was Marc Jacobs, who adorned his bomber jacket with an attention grabbing flamingo. The Verdict: Unless the man in question is sporting a flamingo-embellished jacket, which could either mean he has a great sense of humor or is already waving some major red flags, this trend is insanely dateable. And for all of you who have watched Grease a few too many times, this piece isn't strictly for goodie two-shoes. Your man can give this trend a much-needed edge with ripped jeans and ultra-cool aviators. (Dries Van Noten Look 32)

Daring Denim: 5

It seems as if we've been obsessed with denim-on-denim for many seasons, but this new take on the trend exceeds the traditional Canadian tuxedo. For example, Junya Watanabe's menswear collection boasted loads of patchwork denim while Sibling jazzed up the American fabric with jeweled applique. However, there were swarms of more traditional ways to rock denim. Christopher Bailey tucked a jean jacket underneath an equally relaxed blaze at Burberry Prorsum, and Miharayasuhiro played it safe with denim jacket and matching pants. Trussardi was inbetween the spectrum with a bold denim blazer and trousers. The Verdict: The datability of this trend rests on how it's styled. While a chambray and jeans is undeniably sexy, a man in embellished ensemble would most likely upstage your very own outfit. And we all know that's not the foundation for a lasting relationship. If your guy is looking to revitalize his denim, layering or a patchwork shirt is a healthy mix between the two. (Junya Watanabe Look 6)

Utilitarian Jumpsuits: 1

While this isn't one of the biggest trends for spring 2015, the utilitarian jumpsuit did have quite the impact. At Kenzo, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim's jumpsuit was reminiscent of a race car driver's uniform with some subtle color-blocking and sporadic patches of honor. The trend quickly took a show-stopping turn at Louis Vuitton with a jumpsuit that's covered in rivets and grommets.  3.1 Phillip Lim, on the other hand, opted for clean minimalism in a versatile neutral. The Verdict: As much as we all love Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" music video, a potential beau who sports a jumpsuit as ready-to-wear is questionable on multiple levels. Occupation aside, save the onesies for young boys. (Kenzo Look 33)

What do you think about these trends? Are they dateable? Sound off below!

All runway photos courtesy of Style.com

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