Skirts & Stripes

September 10, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dryhaug

(Skirt: Loft (Similar), Shirt: Gap, Necklaces: Anthropologie & J.Crew (I like this and this and this), Shoes: Target (Similar), Bag: Fossil, Watch: Marc Jacobs, Bracelet: Ornamental Things)

Summer may have officially ended but don’t put your skirts and sandals away just yet. One thing I love about not being in school these days, is not feeling like summer ends when Labor Day hits. With winter right around the corner I try to tell myself every morning not to rush the fall and winter clothing, in four months I’ll want to be wearing tank tops and shorts. To start the transition into the fall season without doing away with summer try adding in darker colors but still keeping the summer staples alive.

This woven black skirt is a great basic. It’s comfortable, not overly dressy and it even has pockets! I choose to pair it with a simple striped t-shirt and leopard accents for a more casual look. Leopard is for all seasons, there are no exceptions. This leopard bag is great for this time of year and can be paired with virtually anything. I always find ways to tastefully work leopard into my look, just a touch is enough.

Summer has not ended people, lets even keep your whites out a little longer this year!

Simple Statement

August 13, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dyrhaug

(Necklace: World Market, T-Shirt: Gap, Jeans: J.Crew, Shoes: BC Footwear (Similar), Rings: Forever 21, Bag: Forever 21 (Similar), Nail Polish: Fishnets & Fringe)

Many people always ask me how to wear big statement necklaces and wonder if they can pull them off, I think anyone can pull off any piece of jewelry. Start simple, let the piece speak for itself and pair it with an understated outfit. A solid t-shirt with jeans and either heels or flats, depending on the occasion, can make the necklace pop and is a great way to start wearing some bigger pieces of jewelry. Once you are more comfortable wearing the larger and intricate pieces then start wearing them with patterns and fun colors.

I chose a soft grey t-shirt, dark jeans and wedges for a dinner look. I prefer the Gap modern crew tee, they come in every color, sleeve length and are very comfortable. When dressing up your outfit pair heels and an evening clutch together to take the look into the evening hours. During the colder months, you can layer a basic blazer or jacket. Since my coin necklace is so large I chose to layer with rings and small stud earrings, this way nothing takes away from the necklace. Jewelry can make an outfit, you just have to be brave enough to put it on!

Army Influence

July 8, 2015Leave a comment

(Shirt: Madewell, Tee: Gap, Shorts: J.Crew Factory, Sunglasses: H&M, Sandals: Target (Similar),Watch: Marc Jacobs, Bangles: J.Crew and J.Crew Factory)

If I had to pick one color to incorporate into every outfit this summer it would be army green. I’ll take it any way I can get it; shorts, jeans, jackets, vests, button downs. It’s a basic muted shade of green that goes with a lot of other colors and can make you look tanner, instantly! I love pairing it with denim and white, like this outfit, or with a black and white striped shirt or dress.

Don’t be afraid to mix styles, pair your army green with an ivory lace top or skirt. Girly with a splash of masculine can really set your outfit apart. I always like to add metal accents; gold, silver or both look great with army green. Leopard is also a great neutral pattern to mingle in, try shoes like I did, or a handbag!

Bright White

June 25, 2015Leave a comment

(T-Shirt: Gap, Vest: Nordstrom (Similar), Jeans: J.Crew, Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita (Similar), Necklace: J.Crew (Similar), Bag: Fossil)

Now that my skin is sun-kissed this season it’s time to bring out the white. Personally I feel much better when wearing white with a tan, so it’s the perfect start to summer! Whether you are wearing white bottoms, tops or both layering white on white looks great when the whites you are layering match. When one white is brighter or duller than the other it looks unfinished and less polished. This particular layering look can dress up a t-shirt and can also hide unloved areas of our body; arms and stomach. I like to add a fun pop of color in a necklace or shoes to offset the white and make it more summery. Neon accents also look fabulous with that summer tan!

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?

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?

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?

Shoot

August 7, 2013August 7, 2013Leave a comment

I was recently sent the best blogging gift EVER! Thanks to my sister Kelli, I will now be photographing my own blog entries with my Shoot remote control. This remote syncs with your camera and allows you to set up your camera, hit the button and take the shot. It has changed my life and now I don’t always have to call upon my friends to take my photo.

This outfit is all about textured accents. These crisscross reptile sandals are from Shi by Journey’s. They are throughly adorned in studs, brads and jewels which complement each other perfectly. My Foreign Exchange tank has a raised embroidered design for some visual interest and I chose all types of bangles including: fur, jeweled, raised and flat. They all have a common thread of metallic and black so that they can harmonize excellently together in the same outfit.

What textures do you like to mix?

Eyelet Enchantment

August 5, 2013Leave a comment

When people hear the word monochromatic, they think boring. That doesn’t have to be the case! This outfit mixes blush, magenta and fuchsia to make monochromatic magic. Monochromatic color palettes don’t always have to be the same shade of one color, popping a brighter version or two of the color generates a fresh look that will catch the eye. Accessories can also be used to add in multiple shades of one color. Mix with neutrals such as white and nude in the summer so the outfit looks vibrant and clean cut.

Monochromatic never looked so good.

What’s your favorite monochromatic palette?

Stylessence

Everyday achievable, with a splash of the unexpected.

Tag: Gap