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?  

Spring Trend: Sporty Chic

March Madness has finally began and in lieu of all the winter athletics coming to a close and spring flourishing, no better way than to highlight the Sporty Chic trend for spring.  To emulate this athletic-inspired trend, consider varsity jackets, track shorts, jerseys, baseball caps, raglan baseball tees, racing stripes, razor-back or front tops, and perforated or mesh detailing.

Participating in athletics growing up, I’ve had my fair share of wearing numerous sports jerseys and tennis shoes so for me this trend hits right at home.  I’ve always been a big fan of raglan baseball shirts (even though I never played softball/baseball) and  I enjoy wearing them all year round.  They just bring an ease to any wardrobe because they can be versatile.  Below, I styled three different outfits utilizing my white and gray raglan baseball shirt as a nod to this spring’s Sporty Chic trend.

Outfit #1 – Feminine Details

I enjoy the juxtaposition of pairing feminine and masculine details to an outfit.  I chose to pair the baseball shirt with relaxed, medium washed jeans for a laid-back vibe.  To infuse some femininity, I decided to pair the outfit with my hot pink heels and a statement necklace to add a punch of color.  I also scrunched hairspray in my hair to rough up the edges for added texture.

Raglan Baseball Shirt: Target // Necklace: Francesca's // Heels: Wet Seal
 

Outfit #2 – Relaxed Tomboy

Growing up, I went through a major tomboy phase.  I wore hand-me-downs from my older brother and I despised wearing dresses.  I soon grew out of that stage, but I still love the simplicity of menswear inspired apparel and accessories.  For this outfit, I paired the baseball shirt with boyfriend style khaki pants along with a jean vest and classic low-top converse sneakers.  For an effortless hairdo, I put my hair in a side ponytail. 

Khakis: Old Navy // Vest: BCBGeneration // Converse sneakers: Journey's (old) // Bracelets: Craft Fair

Outfit #3 – Monochromatic

I like the idea of wearing a monochromatic outfit because I enjoy exploring the combination of different shades and tints of a hue.  For this outfit, instead of wearing pants, I paired the top with my light gray leather mini skirt along with a metallic gray belt and silver perforated flats to add some shine to the ensemble.  I topped the look off with stacked silver, white, and transparent bangles.

Skirt: BCBG Max Azria // Flats: Target // Belt: BCBG Max Azria // Bracelets: JCPenny // Ring: Kohl's (old)

How would you wear the Sporty Chic trend?  Who do you have winning the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament?

Movie Inspiration: 2014 Oscar Nominated Films

As an ode to the upcoming Academy Awards, airing this weekend on March 2^nd, I’ve created a couple outfits inspired by Oscar-nominated movies that I have also seen.

American Hustle

A story set in the glitzy disco-era of the 1970’s, American Hustle follows two con-artists, played brilliantly by Christian Bale and Amy Adams, who are forced to work for an ego-centric, fame-driven FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) to bring down the New Jersey powerbrokers and mafia.  Jeremy Renner plays the New Jersey political operator who is caught between the mafia and the Feds and Jennifer Lawrence portrays Bale’s witty, unpredictable wife who can bring down the whole operation.

My outfit below pays homage to the groovy-centric fashions of the disco era.  When I reflect on the fashions of the disco era I think of plunging necklines, wrap dresses, jumpsuits, sequins, and fur.  To epitomize this glamorous era, I decided to pair my deep azure colored jumpsuit with gold earnings and necklace along with my metallic gold heels. To finish the look, I wore my faux fur belted coat to add more flare.  Since we aren’t headed to the disco nowadays, this outfit would be a great option if you’re going to an artsy event, such as a gallery opening or a theater performance.

Jumpsuit: BCBG Max Azria// Coat: Gift// Heels: Chinese Laundry// Gold Jewelry: Express

The Wolf of Wall Street

Based on the memoir of the same name, The Wolf of Wall Street tells the true story of Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who lives a fast-paced wealthy lifestyle until his firm is under investigation for engaging in securities fraud and corruption on Wall Street in the 1990’s.  Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Jordan Belfort along with Jonah Hill as his right-hand man, Donnie Azoff, and newcomer Margot Robbie who portrays Belfort’s trophy wife.

When it comes to Wall Street in the 1990’s, yuppie power suits come to my mind.  For my inspiration, I decided to create a power suit of my own.  Since Jordan Belfort lived a prosperous lifestyle with lavish parties, I decided to bring his exuberance to my ensemble.  Instead of a typical colored suit, such as black or gray, I wore my red blazer with navy trousers and a light blue oxford button-up shirt.  I added the perfect vintage tie containing a colorful paisley print and my Ralph Lauren structured purse to add some prestige.  I kept my hair modern by styling it in a topknot so my hair wouldn’t block the tie and blazer from being the focal point of the look.  This outfit does have it eccentricities so it may not work well in a more conservative work environment, but if you work in a business casual or creative setting and are brave enough to wear it, this type of power suit would be a great option for a work ensemble.   

Blazer: Express// Pants: The Gap// Shirt: Express// Tie: Vintage// Purse: Ralph Lauren (gift)// Booties: Wet Seal

Are you going to be watching the Oscars? What nominated films have you seen?

  

Pantone 2014 Color of the Year: RADIANT ORCHID

Last fall, Pantone announced their 2014 Color of the Year – Radiant Orchid.  According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

When I heard Radiant Orchid was Pantone’s 2014 Color of the year, I was excited because I had recently just bought a crewneck sweater along with a floral skirt that were similar in color to Radiant Orchid.  These items I picked up were both from Target and the skirt was on sale for less than $10.  As I’ve said in an earlier post, I only buy clothes and accessories that can be worn in at least three different ways and that are within my budget.  Usually after shopping, I go home and try on my newly purchased items to see what outfits I can create with them.  Below is my take on wearing radiant orchid and transitioning the color from winter to spring.

Winter - Sweater: Target// Skirt: Target// Tights/Boots: Target// Bracelet: BCBG Max Azria//
Spring - V-neck tee: Target// Jacket: TJMaxx// Oxford shoes: Dillards// Bracelet: shop in Galena

Winter – Gray Accents

This floral skirt has accents of navy, white, orange, and light pink.   I decided to winterize the skirt by pairing it with my crewneck sweater, gray heeled boots and tights.  This skirt would also look great with navy accents instead of gray for winter.  This outfit would be a great option for a casual dinner date or brunch.

Spring – Casual Cool

To transition this outfit into spring, I swapped the sweater for a white cotton v-neck tee, the gray boots for oxford shoes and added a cognac leather jacket.  This outfit would work well for weekend errands on a nice warm spring day.

How would you wear Radiant Orchid?