Two of a Kind

November 24, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dyrhaug

(Shirt: Old Navy, Vest: Mango (Similar), Jeans: J.Crew, Booties: Report Signature, Sunglasses: Cole Haan (Similar), Hat: Madewell, Scarf: Target, Necklace: J.Crew (Similar), Watch: Michael Kors, Lip: Mac Russian Red)

Plaid is the perfect print for mixing during the fall and winter months. I coupled a striped tee and plaid scarf in this look along with some faux fur for added texture. Polka dots, stripes, paisleys, gingham, leopard, checks, chevron and hounds tooth are all great patterns to mix with your seasonal plaids. I always try to carry over one color from each pattern to make the mix cohesive. It’s also important to balance you patterns, make sure they are both of similar proportion so one doesn’t over power the other. The easiest way to add in patterns is through your accessories, especially during the winter!

I added to my black destroyed denim and booties with a black hat, red lips and sunglasses to pop the colors in the plaid. This also creates a very dramatic look. Darker straw hats like this one can be a great transitional piece for fall, they aren’t too hot but still have the look and feel of a similar wool hat that’s more traditional for winter. These chunky black Jackie O glasses are a must have for any wardrobe, they are dramatic yet dignified. To find more stylish sunglasses for this season check out Salt City Optic.

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!

Summer’s Shade

September 3, 2015Leave a comment

Photographed by Andrea Dryhaug

(Hat: Madewell, Shirt: Nordstrom BP (Similar), Shorts: J.Crew Factory, Shoes: Target (Similar), Belt: The Limited (Similar), Bag: Longchamp, Watch: Michael Kors, Bangles: J.Crew (Similar), Earrings: Madewell, Rings: Madewell)

If there is one accessory that really throws me off my game it’s a hat. I love them on other people and I buy them thinking I will wear them, but I can never really seem to put them with an outfit when the time comes. This hat is inspired by my favorite blogger, she wore it and I thought I needed to give this hat thing a try. I think from my beach hats I find hats to be, in general, more casual but that is not the case. They can be dressed up or down and even worn with a cute skirt. If you are starting with a darker hat, like this one, add accents of that color back into your outfit. This will help you feel like you are not top heavy with the darker color.

I think if you choose to wear a hat (and you should!) make sure you own it. You can drown under a hat if aren’t feeling totally comfortable. Start small, wear you hat for a short amount of time or to an event you know has a time limit. Don’t just wear hats when you have dirty hair, you will start associating hats with that and you won’t feel put together when you do wear them.

I hope this fall brings us many more hat outfits!

Tickled Pink

July 15, 20151 Comment

(Top: J.Crew, Shorts: J.Crew Factory, Necklace: J.Crew (Similar), Sunglasses: H&M, Watch: Marc Jacobs, Bangles: J.Crew and J.Crew Factory, Bag: Target(Similar), Sandals: DSW)

I believe in stripes for every season and this season its pink stripes. This boat neck stripe shirt from J.Crew has been a go to for me since I bought it. It’s easy, fun and can be dressed up with accessories. It is three-quarter length sleeves but is great with jeans on a brisk day or on a warmer day with shorts for a balanced summer look.

I like wearing my pink stripes with gold accents and a little sparkle. My necklace is also from J.Crew, it has a blush colored stone and hanging diamonds that dress up your casual look just a little. You could also wear a sparkly statement necklace and heels if you were wearing this for a late night look. On a cooler day or night pair with a jean jacket or cargo jacket.

Please note this shirt also comes in other colors so you can fill your closet with stripes for each season!

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!

Slouchy Tank

June 11, 2015Leave a comment

(Tank: Madewell, Sweater: Target (Similar), Jeans: J.Crew, Necklace: J.Crew (Similar), Wedges: Clarks (Similar and Similar), Bag: Fossil)

I have found the perfect front tuck slouchy tank for the summer. It comes in seven great colors, from basics to bolds to pastels, and it currently on sale. The neckline is great alone, it’s not too wide or low, or with a long necklace. I have been a big fan for front tucking anything and everything in the past few months. It’s a chic way of tucking without being uncomfortable or worrying about if your tuck is staying in place as you go about your day. This Madewell tank has two slits in the front and a rounded back hem that make it perfect for front tucking. You simply tuck each of the corners of the slits and you’re ready to head out the door. Whether you wear the tank with jeans, shorts or a skirt it is an easy look for summer. I’m thinking Red Rock or Heathered Clay will be joining my closet in the near future as well!

Cream of the Crop

June 5, 20151 Comment

The Crop Top: I know this is an almost impossible trend, not only to ignore, but to pull off. However, I think it can be done tastefully without your stomach hanging out and in moderation. Pair with high waisted jeans, short or maxi to create a long line and a more modest look. The lace hem on this crop top extends the top as well so it’s not so exposing. When paired with a maxi it can be a great casual look for parties or weddings as well as a day at the beach. You can also layer a crop top over a dress, maxi or regular, so that nothing shows and it then looks like seperates.

The Half Top Knot: This look can be risky for some people but always looks chic. I find that it is a great way to put up short hairstyles and still make it look like you have a style. I prefer to leave my bangs out but they could definitely be twisted back on a hot day or a day at the beach. I usually put my hair into a pony first, then tease the pony and wrap to create a bun (I like to use a tiny clip instead of a hair tie to secure it), teasing will make it look like you have a larger bun than you really do!

Lime Light

September 15, 2014Leave a comment

J.Crew has done it again; they have redesigned their jeans to perfection. They have not only added stretch to the toothpick jeans, they have also added new styles and washes throughout their collection.

It’s no secret I am a J.Crew lover. I have owned a few different pair of their jeans in the past but mostly boyfriend type jeans. J.Crew skinny’s are now on a whole new level, from distressed to black to my personal favorite the parker wash.

The lime eyelet tank is also a J.Crew sale rack find. When trying on and buying blouses from J.Crew make sure you always try them on and don’t be afraid to try down a size. Boxy is the trend but can make you look bigger than you are. I can go down up to 2 sizes in J.Crew tops just to eliminate the extra fabric around the mid section.

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.

Stylessence

Everyday achievable, with a splash of the unexpected.

Tag: Target