Retro Romper

September 4, 2014Leave a comment

This summer’s go to weekend outfit is a romper. I love that they are an easy and complete look in a matter of minutes. They are light weight, no fuss and come in great colors and patterns. Layer a vest for a less casual outfit or for cooler days pair with a chambray shirt for a grungier look or a cardigan for the preppie look.

Since this item is a little bit trendier I got mine from Forever 21. They are under $15 and come in solids as well as prints. I like the strapless ones because they are easy to slip on and you don’t have to worry about tan lines when out in the sun or on the boat.

They are a great summer add-on to your closet and may be going on end of season clearance. Stock up while you can!

Tailored Neon

July 1, 20141 Comment

(Shirt: J.Crew, Shorts: Target, Earrings: J.Crew, Purse: Fossil, Ring: Kate Spade and Etsy, Shoes: Clarks, Sunglasses: Von Maur)

Carefully selected staple colors can really take an outfit up a notch. This summer season my go to colors are white, nude and turquoise.

Add white to make it bright. White bottoms lighten your outfit and make you appear to have a sun kissed glow. Whether it’s shorts, trousers or jeans have your whites bright and out in the sunshine. If you are feeling daring, try an all white look – just make sure your whites are the same shades!

Nude shoes lengthen when worn with shorts, dresses or skirts. There is no choppy ending with a nude sandal and a good pair will make your legs look much longer. These wedges from Clarks are my favorite purchase of the season. They have air technology and are comfortable all day long. Try a patent nude when going for an evening look.

Something about turquoise makes me think of summer and the sea. Turquoise can mix and match with a variety of other colors. It can also act as a eye-catching contrast if you choose a turquoise accessory for a statement piece.

Tradition

January 10, 2014Leave a comment

There is one day throughout the year that still holds all of the magic that the world has to offer. That day is Christmas. It’s not just about the presents and things, it’s about traditions. What I love most about Christmas is that everything begins and ends with family. Our family of four has grown to five and will soon become six of us celebrating this magical day.

In our family, the traditions begin right away on Christmas Eve. We have dinner and spend time with extended family at my Aunt’s house. Later in the evening we go back to my parents house and we all sleep under the tree. Yes, all five of us have an air mattress and we spend the night under the glow of our Christmas tree. Even the four dogs find their spots on the futon or the end of the bed.

My excitement on Christmas morning cannot be contained. I still wake up by six thirty anxious for the day and already preparing for a nap later! After cinnamon rolls and presents, youngest to oldest, we find ourselves heading across the street. My dad plays Santa for the neighbor kids while the rest of us enjoy champagne and whiskey. Following Santa we have breakfast and relax all day, usually with movies! This year we had dinner guests, amazing ribs, strong drinks and a good time!

This magic only comes once a year and can only be called Christmas.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Two-1000-Thirteen

January 6, 2014Leave a comment

Looking back on my first year as a blogger I can only thank everyone for joining me on this journey. I’ve had so much fun welcoming all of you into my closet and sharing what style means to me.

I know in recent months – okay three months – I’ve taken a little time off but I hope 2014 brings many more blog posts. Between a new job, a new place to live and finding my groove, blogging has seemed rather difficult lately. I am dedicated to making Stylessence a priority in 2014. This is my creative outlet and I truly enjoy making my passion a part of your lives.

Here’s to a stylish 2014, Happy New Year!

Baby It’s Cold Outside

December 31, 20131 Comment

(Jacket: J.Crew, Sweater: Madewell, Chambray: Madewell, Necklack: J.Crew, Jeans: H&M, Bag: Fossil, Rings: Madewell, Hat: Target, Boots: Sorel)

One thing I wish upon winter is that it be over after Christmas. This week Minnesota entered a ‘deep freeze’ and let me tell you I picked a great week to do a photo shoot… burr! Between the chilly fingers and static hair this shoot did not last long. Now I know why all bloggers live in California or Texas… it’s always great photo weather and you only have to put on a jacket to make a statement.

This outfit was inspired by wish lists and holiday styling. I wore this outfit to Christmas Eve, minus the handbag I unwrapped Christmas morning, and stayed toasty throughout the festivities. Chambray is the new black for making your winter wardrobe warmer. You can layer it under sweaters, cardigans, jackets and vests for a preppy chic look. It pulls everything together and gives you a well rounded look.

Everyone have a safe and happy new year!

Making Spirits Bright

December 24, 2013Leave a comment

Holiday parties on the horizon? Make a statement with any style.

Sophisticated Sweater-

(Necklack: J.Crew, Jeans: 7 for all Mankind, Sweater: J.Crew, Boots: Dolce Vita , Earrings: Icing, Jacket: J.Crew)

The preppy look with a little spice. This look mixes neutrals, oxblood and powder pink to create a palette worth wishing for. Pop holiday colors in your accessories, don’t try to go overboard on being ‘festive’ this season. Stay true to holiday cheer but keep it simple.

Chic Chevron-

(Chambray: Madewell, Boots: Madewell, Sweater: Madewell, Purse: Madewell, Earrings: J.Crew, Jeans: Gap)

Mountain lady meets city slicker in this chic holiday look. Layer chambray shirts with chunky sweaters and touches of leather. For extra texture work in some animal print, metal and jewels. I’ve been making the best chic sweater finds at Madewell, they have great colors, textures and prints.

Lumber Jack Leather-

(Ring: H&M, Leggings: TopShop, Watch: Marc Jacobs, Vest: Madewell, Sweater: Madewell, Heels: Madewell)

If rustic is a little bit more your style always go for buffalo plaid. It comes in all colors and sizes perfect for anyone on your list. Pleather leggings, studded heels and cowl necks get you into the spirit with a little sass.

Blackout-

(Dress: Top Shop , Booties: Aldo, Bracelet: Alex and Ani, Jacket: Rene Derhy Elliset)

For a holiday show stopper stick with black and accent with metallics. Touches of fur are always an elegant accent to top off your look.

What style is calling out to you this season?

Wonderful Wishing

December 18, 2013Leave a comment

Here’s to a holiday wishlist full of wonderful things!

I feel like throughout the year I go about my business and suddenly Christmas is here again. I seem to always forget to think of ideas early, write them down and try not to purchase them myself! I’m all about instant gratification, much like the rest of my generation, and sometimes it is difficult to think of things that I wouldn’t buy myself and would make life better. Yes, sometimes it’s nice to get something that you just don’t want to spend your own money one but it’s hard to think of those ideas when someone puts you on the spot.

Next year my goal is to try to think of things early, write them down and avoid purchasing things myself. This will ensure the magic of the holiday remains year after year.

(Handbag: Fossil, Boots: Hunter, Swimming Suit: J.Crew, Necklace: J.Crew, Coat: Zara)

This year I want: a beaded fringe necklace, one floral swimming suit, a plaid cargo jacket, my first pair of Hunter boots and a leopard leather Fossil bag, just to name a few!

What’s on your holiday wishlist this season?

Signature Splash

September 23, 2013Leave a comment

Fall is upon us and my scarves are out! Take a basic outfit to the next level with a sassy scarf accent.

Grab your favorite colorful scarf and choose a shade or two within . Then add accents based on the color, or colors, that you chose (don’t be afraid to choose more than one!) . If you’re feeling daring, mix in a print like leopard! Beware of mixing too many colors when it comes to the major elements of the outfit, you don’t want to get too choppy. Pick unique neutrals to make your splash piece pop!

I love this eggplant tunic from Forever 21, it’s not only a great color but it also has great flow and an accordion pleated back.

What’s you favorite way to spice up your outfit?

Friday Play

September 20, 20131 Comment

By adding this very sparkly wreath necklace and strappy nude heels to this outfit gives it a whole new look. I choose nude instead of gray to bring out the blush color in the shirt and to create a longer leg line. The main thing to do in this case while switching accessories to transform the look is to add height and shine. Fun heels really change an outfit. Even if you wear heels to work, try switching them for something less conservative. Add bigger and brighter necklaces and bracelets to enhance the shine and sparkle.

Also, downsizing from a large tote to a clutch can make the look more carefree.

Work Day Wednesday

September 18, 2013Leave a comment

Two ways to wear: from day to play.

Taking something as simple as a tee shirt from work to late night can be a mystery for some; here are a few tips in choosing the right work essentials! All you need is a quick change of a few accessories and your daytime look becomes ready for an evening out. (Stay tuned for Friday’s post to see the finished product!)

For this look I chose to add in my favorite magenta and touches of gray. My flats and sweater are perfect pops of color and are sensible for work. I find myself layering at work so if I get cold I can add and if I’m hot I can remove a layer. The necklace and bag bring in a modern neutral that compliments the shirt and skirt. I love this large tote bag, it is the perfect size to bring all of the essentials to work. It can fit a laptop, files or even a few accessories for your extra curricular activities!

What are your go-to work essentials?

Stylessence

Everyday achievable, with a splash of the unexpected.

Category: Style