Color Combo: Red and Green

Christmas is upon us and what better way to celebrate this festive holiday than to wear red or green?  How about you wear both?  Red and green are complementary colors, which means they are directly opposite each other on the color wheel.  When complementary colors are used in a color scheme, they can create a vibrant and intense look because of the high contrast between each color, especially if they are at full saturation.  Some say you should stay away from wearing complementary colors, but I beg to differ.  Complementary colors work well together if you use different shades and tints of each color instead of both hues at full saturation.  Not sure if you can pull this combo off?  Check out my outfits below showing how to wear the color combo of red and green.

Outfit #1 – Olive and Cherry Red

For this outfit, instead of using a bright saturated green, I chose olive green to counterbalance the saturation of the cherry red.  I wore a red long sleeve t-shirt with dark washed skinny jeans and layered my outfit with my olive utility jacket.  I finished the look with olive and brown lace-up hiking inspired boots and a peace sign pendant for a casual rugged vibe.

Shirt: Old Navy // Jacket: Old Navy // Jeans: American Eagle // Boots: Old Navy // Necklace: Maurices (Old)

Outfit #2 – Hunter Green and Brick Red

For this outfit, I decided to combine hunter green and brick red, which are darker shades of red and green.  I paired my hunter green chunky sweater with a white long sleeved t-shirt and brick red jeggings for a casual relaxed look.  I accessorized the outfit with cognac riding boots and a multi-colored jeweled pendant.

Shirt: Target // Sweater: Old Navy // Jeggings: Kohl's sale (Lauren Conrad) // Boots; DSW // Necklace: Maurices (old)

Outfit #3 – Red Plaid and Green

I think this last outfit is the most daring because it combines more saturated hues of red and green.  I combined a red plaid silky button-up blouse and green skinny jeans.  I added a black blazer and smoking slippers to complement the black found in the plaid shirt.  I topped off this classy look with emerald jewelry and a red lip.  This outfit would be great choice for a casual holiday party or dinner with friends.

Shirt: Express // Blazer: BCBG Max Azria // Jeans: Kohl's - sale (Elle) // Shoes: DSW // Jewelry: Old Navy

How would you wear red and green?  How are you celebrating Christmas this year?

Outerwear Trend: Shearling Coats

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you are enjoying a great thanksgiving meal with your family and friends before Black Friday hits.  If you are one to head out on Black Friday to go shopping, then make sure to pick up a cozy faux shearling coat.  Shearling, which comes from sheepskin, is typically used on the inside of coats to add a layer of warmth.  Paired with suede, leather, or corduroy, shearling coats are a big outwear trend this season.  I think a shearling coat is a must in your wardrobe because they can either be dressed up with a flowy boho dress or dressed down with a sweater and boots. I bought a faux shearling coat a long time ago and I have kept it around all these years because it so comfortable and warm!  I hope you find inspiration from the three outfits below which utilize my brick red corduroy and faux shearling coat.

Outfit #1 – Rugged & Warm

For this first outfit, I wanted texture and warmth to be the prominent elements throughout this look. What better way to enhance that style than to pair cozy fur boots with the shearling coat.  I kept the look casual with pairing the coat and boots with a light taupe colored turtleneck, dark-washed skinny jeans, and a gold leaf pendant necklace.

Coat: Target (old) // Turtleneck: Gap Outlet // Jeans: American Eagle // Boots; Gift // Necklace: Express

Outfit #2 – A Salute to Pilots

For this outfit, I was inspired by Amelia Earhart and bomber jackets worn by fighter pilots during WWII.  Early bomber jackets were made out of sheepskin and pilots usually wore white silk scarves to prevent neck chafing.  As a salute to that, I teamed up my shearling coat with a plaid wool scarf.  Since Amelia Earhart was a woman in an archetypal man’s profession at the time, I kept the look androgynous by wearing khaki trousers and I wore my hair in a top knot as a tribute to her short hair.  In the end, the ensemble started to look boxy and shapless, so I balanced the outfit with an oversized brown belt to define my waist.

Trousers: BCBG Max Azria // Scarf: Amana Woolen Mill // Shoes: Target // Belt: old

Outfit #3 – Say Yes to Prints

While I was creating these outfits, I did notice that I had used mostly solids.  So for this last outfit, I decided to incorporate a print with the shearling coat.  I paired the coat with a printed jersey dress.  Since the weather is cooler now, I wore gray tights and navy wool socks for added warmth.  I finished the look by complementing the shearling coat with my red suede booties.

Dress: JcPenny // Tights & Socks: Target // Shoes: Wet Seal

How would you wear a faux shearling coat?

Orange is the New Black

It is the end of October and fall has officially arrived.  The holiday of Halloween enables people to carve pumpkins, dress up in costumes, and eat lots of candy.  When October comes around, I love adorning my house with orange and black décor, but I especially love getting inspired by the colors of changing leaves.  During this time, I like to start wearing autumnal colors of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns.  Did you notice that I didn’t say the color “black”?  Black does have its positive attributes – it’s flattering on everyone, can be worn in any season, and can be paired with almost every color on the spectrum.  However, black has never been my go-to color.  I love embracing color throughout my outfits. To me, color can exemplify a personality that you visually present to others, such as the red correlating with passion, or blue resembling calmness.  During the colder months, darker hues tend to be the norm to wear, with black being most people’s primary choice of color.  This fall, I urge you to break from the normal black and welcome color into your wardrobe – how about trying the color orange?

Orange is a great color to wear during the fall season because you fit right in with the scenery.  Yes, true orange may not work on all skin tones, but that’s where you shop for the shade that may work for your skin.  If you are hesitant about the color, then maybe start small and buy an accessory instead.  Below, are three casual outfits incorporating a couple different shades and patterns of the color orange that can be great to wear for some fall activities.

Outfit #1 - Orange Plaid

For this outfit, I wore my orange plaid button-up shirt opened with a white tank top underneath along with a pair of medium-washed jeans.  Instead of wearing boots, I paired my outfit with some oxfords and finished the look with a top knot.

Shirt: Heritage// Jeans: American Eagle // Shoes: Dillards (Steve Madden) //Belt: Old

Outfit #2 - Burnt Orange

For this next outfit, I tried the color combo of burnt orange, gray, and army green.  I paired my burnt orange crew-neck light sweater with light gray skinny jeans and army green utility jacket.  I accessorized the outfit with an autumnal printed scarf and cognac boots.  I wore this outfit on my recent trip to the Amana Colonies and it worked perfect for the casual shopping and sight-seeing.

Sweater: Heritage // Jeans: JCPenny //Jacket: Old Navy //Scarf: TJMaxx // Boots: DSW (Bandolino)

Outfit #3 - Pumpkin Orange

For this last outfit, my inspiration was casual 70’s.  I brought out my dark washed high-waisted jeans from the closet and paired them with a pumpkin orange colored turtleneck.  I kept the look casual and easy by accessorizing only with a vintage statement necklace and ring.  I finished the ensemble by wearing my chocolate brown suede boots for some additional texture.  

Turtleneck: The Limited (sale) // Jeans: Victoria's Secret Catalog // Boots; Target // Jewelry: Vintage (Grandma's)

How would you incorporate the color orange into your wardrobe?

Summer to Fall Transition: Printed Maxi Skirt

Fall officially begins in a few days and it’s that time to start breaking out your cozy sweaters and boots.  I’ve always enjoyed autumn because it’s the season of tailgating, pumpkin carving, and warm apple cider.  The crisp fall air is creeping upon us, if it hasn’t already, and I for one don’t want to see my summer clothes collecting dust in the back of the closet just yet.  For this post, I created a transitional summer to fall outfit utilizing my primary colored printed M-style maxi skirt as inspiration.

Summer - Maxi Skirt: TJMaxx// Crochet Tank: Younkers// Vest: BCBGeneration// Shoes: Payless // Bracelets: Craft Fair
Fall - Sweater: BCBG Max Azria// Shoes: Kohl's// Hat; Kohl's// Necklace: Old

For the summer outfit, I paired my printed maxi skirt with a white crochet tank, a denim vest, and a pair of gladiator sandals for a casual bohemian look. 

Transitioning this summer outfit into fall is simple – just swap the crochet tank for a warm neutral sweater, like this cognac colored dolman sweater, and the sandals for a pair of suede ankle booties.  I finished the autumn ensemble with a wide brim boho hat and a neutral floral necklace to continue the bohemian elements found in the summer outfit.

How do you transition your summer attire into outfits for fall?

Happy Hour Chic: Printed Slouchy Pants

Happy Friday!! For most people, it is the end of the work week.  If your Friday evening plan is to head out to a local bar or restaurant for some post-work cocktails, then I have an outfit for you.  Whether you’re grabbing drinks with some co-workers or attending a casual networking event, you definitely want an outfit that can transition you straight from work to happy hour without having to go home and change.  

When dressing for this type of occasion, I like to create an outfit that is breathable and comfortable when socializing while still being polished enough for the workplace.  For this outfit, I grabbed my black and white printed slouchy pants as the base.  I love these pants because the drawstring around the waist provides the casual element while the black tuxedo/racing stripe adds the sophistication it needs for the work environment.  Plus, printed slouchy pants have been a continuing trend this summer.  I kept the outfit work appropriate by pairing the pants with a summery neon yellow button-up blouse for that added pop of color.  I completed the ensemble with minimalist touches of black jewelry and a pair of black strappy heels.  

Who’s ready to look stylish during AND after work with no wardrobe changes? What outfit would you wear that can be transitioned from work to drinks?  Have a great weekend!

Pants: TJMaxx (Vince Camuto)// Shirt: Express // Necklace: Gift // Ring: Old // Shoes: JCPenny (sale)

Happy Fourth of July!!

It’s that time of year where we celebrate our country’s independence with parades, BBQ’s, and fireworks.  However you celebrate this holiday, there is always room to display your patriotism by breaking out your red, white, and blue, or stars and stripes attire.  Since Fourth of July is usually a time of hanging out with friends and family in casual settings, below are some outfit ideas to wear ranging from tank tops and shorts to sundresses.

Outfit #1 – Nautical Stripes

Nautical inspired clothing can always be a great way to show your patriotism.  Instead of wearing typical denim shorts, I paired navy shorts with a red and white striped tank that adds more polish to the outfit than denim.  I finished my look with white sunglasses, a white belt, and a stars and stripes bucket bag to bring in some classic Americana flair.

Tank: Old Navy// Shorts: Old Navy// Belt: Mint L.A.// Sandals: Target// Sunglasses/Bag: Vintage

Outfit #2 – American Flag Scarf

This American flag scarf is the star of the outfit.   I’m usually not really a big fan of apparel that contains the American flag, such as American flag shorts or denim containing stars due to the fact that they can look too trendy and I like being able to wear clothes more than just a certain part of the year.  However, if you want to break away from solid red, white, and blue, maybe try an American flag scarf.  I really liked this scarf because the colors are a more muted red and blue and not as bold.  For this outfit, I paired the scarf with a muted blue muscle tee and light denim shorts along with a pair of white keds to emulate a laid-back casual vibe.

Scarf: Target// Muscle Tee: Target (sale)// Shorts: Old Navy // Shoes: Target

Outfit # 3 – Polka dots and Stripes

I like pairing polka dots and stripes together especially if they are already combined together in one shirt.  Since this top already displays some emphasis due to the print, I kept the rest of the outfit subtle and just paired the silk top with some white denim cropped jeans.  I finished the look with red and white jewelry and white wedges for a casual chic ensemble.

Shirt: Mint L.A.//Jeans: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad)// Shoes: Kohl's// Jewelry: Old

Outfit #4 – Where’s Waldo Sundress

Since it is summertime, what better way than to wear a sundress for the holiday.  I paired this striped strapless dress with a denim vest to break up the Waldo stripes while continuing the casual summer vibe along with some red and white bracelets. 

Dress:  BCBGeneration// Vest: BCBGeneration

What are your plans for Fourth of July?  What are you planning on wearing?

Describe Your Perfect Date - April 25th

Anyone who has seen Miss Congeniality knows the answers to this question.  If you haven’t, click here for the clip.  Miss Rhode Island, who ends up winning the whole Miss United States pageant in this awesome chick flick comedy (spoiler alert!), says the following “I’d have to say April 25^th.  It’s not too hot, not too cold; all you need is a light jacket.” As a tribute to this moronic but memorable answer in the movie, I decided to treat you all to a post highlighting light jackets paired with rainboots for those rainy spring (not too hot, not too cold)days.

Outfit #1 - Peace and Love

Earth Day was just a few days ago so as an homage to this late April national holiday, I decided to wear my dog-print rainboots with a peace sign graphic tee, medium-washed jeans, and an olive green utilitarian jacket.  I added my worn-in, all-time favorite cross-over messenger bag to finish my laid-back vibe.

Rainboots: Banana Republic// T-shirt: Kohs's (old)//Jeans: American Eagle//Jacket: Old Navy//Bag: Target

Outfit #2 – Mixed Prints

I’ve concluded over the years that stripes and prints work well together.  For this look, I paired my dog-print rainboots with a black and white striped skirt, white crewneck tee, and my cognac faux leather jacket to complement the beige color that is found in the print on the rainboots.  I also wore my coral necklace for another dose of color to accompany the rainboots.  If it is slightly raining, but this sun is shining, this outfit would work great with the weather, however I wouldn’t recommend this outfit if there is a thunderstorm.

Rainboots: Banana Republic//Skirt: Francesca's//T-shirt: Target//Jacket: Marshall's//Necklace: BCBG Max Azria

Outfit #3 – Leather and Brights

If you have to plans for a night out, but its pouring rain, give this outfit a try.  I decided to wear my bright green Doc Marten style boots that are water resistant with faux leather leggings and a bright multicolored printed tunic.  I maintained this edgy vibe by wearing a black faux leather jacket and wearing my hair in a ponytail so my fuchsia colored hoops can be shown. This outfit is perfect for those who want to take risks with their wardrobe and like experimenting with bright colors and textures.

Boots: Walmart (old //Leggings: Express//Tunic: JCPenny//Jacket: Kohl's, Lauren Conrad Collection//Jewelry: old  

How would you pair rainboots with jackets?