Double Take

August 30, 2013Leave a comment

This outfit may look like a shirt and a skirt but don’t be fooled. This is actually a maxi dress that I layered with a denim button-up and then tied for a finished edge. The dress can now double as a skirt and no one will know! This is a great way to take a maxi dress or skirt into fall.

As you know, my stance on jewelry is the more the merrier. I doubled up these two J.Crew statement necklaces to create something even more magnificent. Doubling up takes your jewelry collection further and creates unique pieces. When picking two items to layer, start with a common thread. These both have the same crystal gems in them. The black in the one necklace then adds a little more drama to the outfit. J.Crew jewelry in particular has great stackablility. If you look on the website or in the store, they have many pieces layers and doubled. I think the ability to not only put two different pieces together but also to pull it off with an outfit really shows others you have an eye for style.

Would you double up?

Tropical Tank

August 28, 2013Leave a comment

Trying to make beachy more beautiful? Just add jewelry! The summer heat brings lighter washes and casual clothing. When it’s too hot to add visual interest through layers try adding some sparkle. I got these beauties from J.Crew. They add a little extra color, shine and interest with the tortoise. A Hawaiian tank like this one can start on the beach and, by adding some sparkle and white jeans, you can easily wear this outfit out to dinner and beyond. A denim vest can be added for a chilly summer night.

How do you spice up your casual looks?

Colored Chevron

August 26, 2013August 27, 2013Leave a comment

Oh how I love when sale items go on sale! During this time of the year, the sale section can be so cluttered within a store. This is why I love end of summer sales with too much merchandise to have a sale section the sale quickly spreads throughout the store. This way you can see all of the items and you don’t have to dig. On top of that, stores give further reductions on these sale items. Now is the time to find summer items on sale and also some fall colored items as well.

I love that these pants are bold but are not a multi-colored print and, of course, the fact that they were on sale! With only two colors, they can be toned down and taken well into fall. The dark rose pink is great with many skin complexions and is a very versatile color. Dark rose, along with other blush pinks and camels, complete the Ann Taylor Loft early fall palette.

What’s your favorite fall color?

Art Deco

August 23, 20131 Comment

Everyone has a signature style piece that is frequently sported in their wardrobe. Mine is a statement necklace; and lately, I cannot get enough of J.Crew Jewelry. Every piece is sparkly, funky and attention grabbing (in the best of ways, of course!). To make it even better, I ended up scoring this piece for nearly eighty-five percent off of the original price! I enjoy being brave when it comes to jewelry. I am often told by others, “I could never wear that.” I disagree – If you don’t try you will never know. I challenge you to buy something that you like but isn’t quite “you” and rock it! I wasn’t born with a statement necklace on, I made them mine. It is surprising how much confidence can come from a single piece of jewelry!

One of my favorite things is when a friend tells me that she, “channeled her inner Jenna today.” I am never more proud than when someone branches out on my behalf. Try something new today and own it!

What is your signature style piece?

Fall Forward

August 21, 2013Leave a comment

I know summer is not over yet but fall clothes are in stores now and finding a great fall jacket is a must. I got this prison stripe jacket for a steal at the Loft at the end of spring. It is structured, boxy and cropped; perfect for the start of chilly weather. I paired it with super skinny jeggings and black ballet flats for an easy look that lets the jacket steal the show.

When looking for fall jackets you want something light that you can wear layers with. If the jacket is too fitted you’ll have a hard time putting a cardigan or sweater under it when the temperature drops. I think everyone should have a bomber jacket, a cargo jacket, a bold jacket (like my prison stripes) and a fleece North Face jacket. Having these four types will get you through fall and onto winter. My go to place for finding cargo jackets is H&M. I have at least two from there and they are cute, feminine, cheap and come in many colors.

Where do you find the best fall jackets?

Slate and Stripes

August 19, 2013Leave a comment

Slate gray is a dream summer neutral. It is light, clean and can be mixed with lots of colors. Slate looks great with everything from magenta to emerald and especially with blues and ambers. Leopard sandals, my go to print, also add an unexpected contrast of neutrals with the gray. This Madewell blouse has a gray stripe that stands out thanks to the slate pants. The blouse can also be paired with dark indigo jeans and chestnut accents or booties during the colder months.

What would you wear with gray?

Tie-Dye to Bows Tied

August 16, 20131 Comment

New things have been hitting the shelves for fall and it’s hard to keep them hidden away to wait for cooler weather. This sheer tie-dye blouse from Target is the perfect balance of chic and comfort. Emerald green is one of my favorite colors of the moment and pairing it with a black contrast takes it right into fall. The sleeve and hem bands are made of a knit material so it feels like lounge wear. Instead of putting this blouse with skinny jeans or slim black pants I put it with shorts so I can wear it before the season changes. I find that taking certain “fall” items and pairing them with white shorts, or other summer colors, makes a look that works for right now!

What’s your favorite convertible piece?

Moccasins and Magenta

August 14, 2013August 14, 2013Leave a comment

One trend that I have a hard time accepting is tied up blouses. I have tried it a million times and I always feel like it looks unflattering. Last week while trying to figure out what to mix with these wild Steve Madden moccasins I found the recipe for success. When tying up your button down you have two options for making it work. First, buy a pre-tied shirt or blouse. These types of blouses are meant to be tied at all times and have given you extra fabric so that the look is polished. Second, use a shirt that is on the bigger side. I bought this J.Crew shirt around Christmas time and they only had a size larger than what I normally wear (not the best choice at the time but I couldn’t pass it up!). The larger shirt then gives you enough room to tie it in the front. I would pair with a flat front pant as pictured above to create a more slimming look. When there is a zipper and pockets it will draw attention to that area even more and it will be right where the shirt ends as well.

To tie or not to tie?

Peplum and Persimmon

August 12, 2013August 12, 2013Leave a comment

Pulling colors out from a focal accessory can make matching a breeze. I paired this green J.Crew scarf with orange and green accents against a blank white canvas with light wash jeans. The scarf’s main color is a mix of greens and has a rusty color blended into the print. Rust is a variation of orange so I made that the WOW color in the outfit with a J.Crew boyfriend sweater and a Patina clutch. I then made green the secondary accent color through jewelry. The accent colors soon become a palette for the entire outfit and create unity without being matchy-match.

For footwear I mixed in a leopard print sandal for some visual interest. Mixing patterns can make a boring look magical and can make you seem like a style icon. For beginners, start with mixing like colored prints then as you get more comfortable add in other colors. As you try out more prints together eventually go totally opposite like with this floral and leopard.

What’s your favorite focal accessory?

Lace Loving

August 9, 2013August 7, 2013Leave a comment

Foreign Exchange has brought Cali to the Midwest. This new store at Mall of America has everything from going out cutouts to casual cropped tanks. I found this lace overlay tank there last week and I love the intricate design and sheer fabrication. It’s great for an outdoor concert or an evening out on the town. I feed into its rocker feel with silver wing, feather and peace sign accents.

For a really edgy look you can pair with black leather shorts, spiked heels and a black blazer. Dress it down with white shorts, a black cardigan and ballet flats.

What’s your current favorite store?

Stylessence

Everyday achievable, with a splash of the unexpected.