Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
What I Wore: Someone is an adult!
Haven't done this in a while....how about an outfit post??
A staple that should be in every girl's wardrobe is......a pencil skirt. (Bet you thought I was going to say a skinny belt, huh??) This electric blue version is my latest clearance rack find, courtesy of the Limited. Tonight I celebrated the big 3-0 with all of my friends here in Seattle. That's right folks, on Monday I begin a new decade - a decade in which I think I have to officially be a grown-up. Fitting that I'd dress like a librarian for my party then right?? I was excited to get my fancy on, but to avoid looking too stuffy and office-like, I decided some bling and a pop of color were in order. J. Crew hot pink skinny belt and sparkle cuff to the rescue!
That is such a weird close-up picture of my arm! Sorry, I don't know how else to photograph my jewels. Here's another weird close up of my ruffled polka dot blouse and cardigan. Both are from the Banana Republic non-clearance rack. Oh well, cute none-the-less:)
Thank you so much to Briann, Christy, Medley, Stefanie, James, Kristen, Aleks, baby Ava, Reed, Jessica, Sarah and Ryan for helping me celebrate my Birthday. You guys are the best, and I look forward to celebrating many more of life's milestones together!
Color Blocking is beautiful, but brave.
Color Blocking = a new trend when 2-3 bold colors are worn from head to toe, all from the same color family (ie. red and pink). I'm super intrigued - but not enough to try this on my own. These ladies look lovely, but I'll just live vicariously through them utilizing the world wide web, and allow you to do the same on my blog :) Happy Friday!
Sunday Sunshine: Fall is Fast Approaching!
Today's version of "Sunday Sunshine" will be a run-down of all of my recent purchases that are gearing me up for fall. Yes, FALL people. It is right around the corner, even if you're in denial. I too was in a state of denial, until I spent my day off last week at the mall. I am so wishing to hold on to every last stitch of summer, but fall is by far my favorite season for clothes. I've been perusing my September fashion magazines and blog-stalking fashionistas on the world-wide-web for seasonal inspiration, and it was time to put some of those ideas into my closet. Yay shopping! Below are my newly acquired treasures, with a little inspiration-sharing mixed in.
1. J Crew....aka, my mothership.
I swear, if someone could get into my head and see the dream styles I'd always wish to be sporting, they'd spit out J. Crew. Pretty much every window, catalog, display, and mannequin they come up with I use for inspiration. Now, I know better, but I went in anyway. And I am pretty proud to have only walked out with 3 things. 3 expensive things none-the-less, but I love them! First, this amazing orange was available in every piece imaginable, but I went with a simple tee. Easy to mix and match, will look awesome with my leopard print peep-toe flats, and will work well under my Apple blue :) I picked up the jeweled turtle pendant, because who doesn't love a bit of whimsy around the neck? And last but not least, this wool "city mini" in "bright dahlia." Probably will be rocking it with a cozy sweater, skinny belt, tights and boots.
2. Banana Republic....gotta love the clearance rack!
I swooped into the BR, and picked up this dress for about $35 after reading this post on "What I Wore." Amazing blog, serious style, and I'm inspired by her nearly everyday. This dress is a bit summer-y, but I'm thinking layered with a denim jacket, it will be perfect for those days that are near when our temperatures start to drop. I'll probably throw in a red accessory - I can't pass up the opportunity to be nautical :) Secondly, I found this pink blouse in the petites section for uber-cheap. I tend to find great deals in that part of the store, because apparently I'm the only one in Seattle with a short torso. Thinking about this with some dark navy skinny jeans.
3. Old Navy...sometimes a shopping trip is just about one piece!
After seeing this vest on 2 different blogs, both styled in a way I loved, it seemed like a piece I needed in my wardrobe. The first look would work for the remaining weeks of summer, plus she's sporting a skinny belt. A girl after my own heart. Check out "GS Lillian Daily" for more ideas. She's a bit eccentric, but has some fun ideas too. The second is a good transition idea for fall, as the vest is work over longer sleeves. And more mileage out of my leopard print shoes! Christine is a fashion editor in NYC (note the pigeon on the sidewalk) and her blog "My Style Pill" is a good read as well.
4. Nordstrom Sale anyone??
This year I was on a mission. I needed some grey knee-high boots. I've got a black pair and a brown pair, which I pretty much wear 8 months out of the year here in Seattle. Grey seemed like the next logical neutral, and I knew Nordy's could help a girl out. Grey suede, thick enough heel to be comfy at work, fun buckle detail, and how can you go wrong when the brand name is "Naughty Monkey?" Love the brand, and they always have funky shoes with fun details. Remember this pair?
5. Madewell....as if J. Crew wasn't enough?
J. Crew's sister store - ie. in the same company - is a little gem called Madewell. It is right next door to my Apple store, and due to the fact that I walk by it every day, I have developed such an affinity! Their clothes are slightly more urban/trendsetter vs. J. Crew's preppy/pretty, but I regularly find amazing pieces that, although are unique, I know I will have in my wardrobe for years. My first find was this gingham button-up shirt, so I could copy the below outfit idea (styled with a great olive cardigan and wide woven belt - cute!) I also purchased this sunny yellow cardigan, but I couldn't find a picture showing the best feature - elbow patches! Lace seems to be everywhere these days - and January Jones looked part-Betty in her black shirt - so I'm going to try and channel my inner-"Mad Men" with this tank option. And last but not least - an awesome statement necklace! It does look a little home-made, but let's be honest. I am not good at crafts, but I am good at shopping:)
6. Since we're talking about lace....Fancesca's!
How cute is this cardigan?? Looks awesome over pretty much any color. Score!
7. Who isn't inspired by 50% off the entire store?? Thanks Gap!
2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts, 3 sweaters, 3 tanks, 1 dress, and a blouse for about $200. Who needs an employee discount??
Can't believe I am saying this, but I'm excited for the weather to turn slightly more chilly. Slightly! Especially tomorrow, because I have no AC in my house, and I'm definitely going to work up a sweat cleaning out my closet :)
Spectacular Spectacles
Warby Parker. Google it now. If you haven't heard of this company already, I highly encourage some research on your part. I learned about this amazing brand from a friend at work the other day. They sell super cute vintage inspired glasses, and you can purchase frames and lenses for just $95! Say what?? Even more spectacular - for each pair you purchase they will donate one pair to someone in need. That just warms my heart :) There are some pretty impressive statistics on their website about the importance of access to eyewear. For example:
- Glasses can increase one's income by 20%. That’s the equivalent of creating an extra day’s work each week. Glasses are one of the most effective poverty alleviation tools in the world.
- 1 billion people don't have access to glasses, which means 15% of the world's population in unable to effectively learn or work because they can't see clearly.
And one more cool Warby Parker service? They let you try on 5 pairs for free! Yep. Pick the styles that interest you from the website, and 2 days later Mr.UPS will drop them at your door. You've got 5 days to gather the opinions of all of your friends as to which pair makes you look the most dashing. Then simply send them back with the pre-paid label - all at no cost to you. Whoot whoot! This is where you all come in blogger friends - I need votes! Post a comment for me with a vote for your fave:
1. The Langston
2. The Colton
3. The Sinclair
4. The Webb
5. The Finn
So far, Warby Parker has donated 50,000 pairs in over 36 countries world wide. Amazing. Click here for more info. Do it for your inner Clark Kent. You may not even need the cape to save the day - just the glasses!
What I Wore: Style Inspired by a Necklace
Oops, I did it again. Perhaps this could be a new love in the making? Typically I live for long pendant styles, but when you come across something like this beauty - you can't pass it up :) Who knew short necklaces could be such outfit-makers?
Clearly my addiction to all things Francesca's is growing. I of course HAD to take my Mom there for some shopping while she was here last week, and this $24 treasure made it's way home with me. She's so pretty!
I purchased a dress (weird, I know) from American Eagle about a month ago, and was struggling with how to make it look pulled together. It's not sunny enough here to just throw on a sundress with sandals and hit the road - our weather still dictates the need for layers. And in my book, if you begin layering, you've committed to creating an outfit. Original plans for my new necklace were to pair it with a denim jacket over the white dress, keeping the clothes neutral and the focus on the super cool turquoise. Fail. The denim truly looked like a jacket, not a layer (is any of this making sense? 'cause it totally does in my head) so the navy cardigan was a last minute substitution.
Aaaahhhh yes, the orange Banana Republic bag. A few years ago, I remember thinking "Why would I spend this much on a bag that is such a bold color? Shouldn't I get a neutral that will last me longer?" Negative. Neutral isn't how I roll. I took a deep breath, handed over the $$, and haven't regretted one penny of it. Hey....at least it wasn't as much as the the Hermes Birkin I've coveted for years, right? They do look pretty similar though :) The bag was equally as cute in yellow, which is the only color I could find an image of on the world wide web today. I'm too lazy to go take a close up of my own, so you'll have to use your imagination. Last but not least, I tied a Coach ponytail scarf on the handle for fun, grabbed my neutral wedges, and the turquoise necklace officially had an outfit to call home!
Celebrity Accessory of the Week
I'm very intrigued by the hat tradition that they've got going on across the pond...mostly because my noggin is gi-normous. Hats don't EVER fit me well, so I have such an affection for these, as I like to call them, "side hats." Big-headed people rejoice! This style doesn't really go over the head...all it would take is mastering the perfectly styled tilt that could cover my equally-as-big forehead. Not really an option while living here though. I think people would expect me to speak with a much fancier accent if I sported this look while in the US of A. This gal is settling into her royal role very beautifully. Looking quite regal - and receiving my nod for celebrity look of the week.
"Side hat" Beatrice, covering a bit of the forehead....not the whole thing. I think someone could learn a thing or two from reading my blog :)
Celebrity Look of the Week....
There is so much I love about this. The skinny belt, the sleek clutch, the textured front blouse, the most pale shade of blue possible, but most of all....that amazing hot pink lip. Wowza! Emma - you are this week's winner hands down. Bravo!
What I Wore....
This was my outfit of choice for a wedding I attended a few weeks ago. Spring is trying so hard to make an appearance here in the PNW, so I decided to help it along with an ensemble styled entirely around a sunny little belt.
One of my favorite sundresses from my years at the Gap. Unfortunately this pictures makes the dress look electric blue, but picture a lovely shade of grape....
Topped off with a cute fitted cardigan in grey - thanks American Eagle sale rack!
Cinched at the waist with this beauty from J. Crew. I have this in every color you would ever want to wear. If you're inspired - come over - I'll let you borrow!
I kept my jewelry neutral due to all the color going on in the rest of the outfit. Anthropologie never fails if you want something fantastic for your jewelry box.
And last but not least, my faux-croc-skin clutch from Banana Republic, in that same lovely shade of grape. You'd be surprised how many outfits this can compliment!
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