12.28.2011

Feeling like you need to spice it up a bit for the new year?  Want to take your drab office looks up a notch?  Consider some "unconventional" suiting options - like a sleeveless blazer, for instance.  It's still dressy, but much more interesting than the typical suit jacket.  Also, women's blouses are so beautiful and feminine lately, why cover the entire thing up with a standard jacket blazer? 

I also threw in a pair of sparkly heels, which may not be practical now, but buy on sale and enjoy a few months from now - can't hurt, right?  The patchwork sandals add a bit of shimmer to an otherwise solid colored outfit.  Do something fancy with your nails to add another layer to your look.  Finish the look off with a bold necklace and a clutch - another colored necklace or clutch could work here - perhaps a teal to go with the bold magenta purple of the shirt.  BE ADVENTUROUS in 2012!

One / Two / Three (Similar) / Four / Five / Six / Seven

P.S.  If you're going to purchase anything you see on the blog, please consider buying through the links provided, as they are affiliate links that help keep this little blog running! Many thanks, mi amigas!

12.20.2011

Whew, I finally came up for some air and have a lovely look for you today.  Things sure are crazy when you're preparing for the holidays, aren't they?  This past weekend, we celebrated Christmas a week early with my boyfriend's family.  We had a wonderful time filled with food, wine galore, and a rowdy game of Taboo that ended up turning into a crazy game of Charades - it was a VERY fun night.

Despite how busy I've been, I still try to put together polished looks every day for work because I know it's the best way for me to avoid the "winter clothing slump".  The WCS is a syndrome I would best describe as boring pants + plain shoes + drab sweaters outfits because it's too cold in the morning and too dreary outside to muster up any energy to dress well.  This year, I am NOT letting WCS happen to me, and I won't let it happen to you either!

Here is an outfit I wore to work last week with black opaque tights.  I found a similar skirt on sale for $20 at TJ Maxx (but don't call me a maxxinista, because I am not going to lie, those commercials drive me a little batty!) and thought it would look so chic to wear head-to-toe black and throw on my favorite red coat and gold necklace for a little oomph.  I felt so late 50's/early 60's Mad Men-ish in this outfit!  It's wonderful what a classy outfit can do for my mood.  What do you think?

Turtleneck / Skirt / Coat / Sunglasses / Necklace / Purse / Shoes

12.8.2011

If there is one thing I can get down with, it's sparkly dresses for New Years Eve.  Sparkly dresses are really a must-have for any celebration.  Since sequin dresses are quite popular these days, there is no shortage of options available, but most of them will run you $200+, which may not be worth it for those of you who will probably only wear the dress 1 or 2 times.  Luckily, I found a $91 sequin dress that is TOTALLY worthy of your New Years soiree.

Add a little color to the look (otherwise it might be a little one-note and neutral) with these classy blue suede shoes and keep your shoulders warm with the addition of a faux fur shrug.  Add some neutral accessories and a bold red nail polish to tie the entire look together!

Necklace / Dress / Shrug / Bracelet / Shoes / Clutch / Polish

12.7.2011

I'll be honest - I read a lot of blogs - and you know what I've learned from reading these fashion blogs and dressing myself since I started this little blog?  The majority of being "stylish" is the ability to create an interesting look and feel totally, 100%, confident in it.  If you don't believe you look great, no one else will.  Now that's not to say that you can wear a ridiculous outfit worthy of a "What Not To Wear" feature and because you're confident, people will think you look awesome;  it does mean that if you go a little off the reservation with an outfit - stripes + pattern + multiple colors - and you somehow managed to relate all of the pieces to each other to create a final look, all while LOVING it - other people will probably think you look pretty "stylish" and wonder how they can pull that off too.

Have no fear friends, for today, I have gone a little out in left field for you, so you don't have to.   Hope you enjoy!

Cardi / Shirt / Tights / Snood / Polish / Clutch / Boots / Skirt

11.30.2011

Sorry for the radio silence, my dears.  I was too busy enjoying the lovely holiday and stuffing my cheeks full of turkey and apple crisp to think about outfits :)

This past weekend, I realized I've been wearing the same outfit lately in a variety of different ways.  It consists of the following items:

I've got the market cornered on striped shirts, so it's possible I could wear this outfit for the rest of Fall and Winter, but I digress.  Here's how you can create my favorite "go-to" look for this time of year!

1 ) Coat $19 2) Striped Top $60 3) Jeans $60 4) Moccasins  $20

5) Wellies $120 6) Earmuffs $40 7) Scarf $58  8) Nail Polish $8

White Tee - Day Three

Continuing the White Tee fun this week, next I want to show you how to dress it up a little with an eclectic look.  This is also a relatively affordable look, especially if you already have some flat leather boots!  The white tee gives off a "cool, casual" vibe when paired with the multi-colored patterned skirt from Forever21.   For a summer look, you would wear the skirt + tee combo with a pair of leather sandals or ballet flats, but for Fall, layer a comfy sweater in a complementary color (I chose blue here, but almost any color would work with the patterned skirt).  Add a bright color in the form of accessories, like this pretty Zara purse and hammered metal Top Shop earrings, and ground the look with rich, dark boots.  Combine all of these elements for a seriously easy, laid back look!

One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six

White Tee Guest Post: 26 and Counting

I am excited to introduce you to our guest blogger, Liz, of
26 and Counting!  She'll introduce herself a little more below, but I've been following her blog for a while and LOVE it because she features corporate-friendly style with a twist.  I asked Liz if she'd join in on the "White Tee" fun this week and she obliged!  Without further ado, here is Liz with a lovely work-friendly look!
_________________________________________________________

Well hello! My name is Liz and I blog over at 26 and Counting. Like Lauren, I’m a corporate gal who likes to dabble in a little style blogging on the side. I’m also a fellow Cincinnatian – so we have that in common too. When Lauren asked me to style an outfit around a white tee, I jumped at the chance. Immediately this red skirt came to mind and after a few trials and adjustments I ended up with this finished look.






What’s white and black and red all over? Apparently, me {if you answered newspaper or sunburnt zebra – you’d also be correct}.
___________________________________________________________________
A HUGE thank you to Liz for contributing today!  Head on over to her blog to be schooled in mixing colors and patterns for fun and inspiring work-friendly looks.  Also a reminder to any new readers - if my facebook page gets 250 likes by December 1, I will be doing an exciting giveaway!  Please click the "like" button in the top right corner of the page, or head to MY FACEBOOK PAGE and like it there!

White Tee - Day One

Happy Monday! This week, I wanted to focus on an item that almost ALL of us have in our wardrobe:  The White Tee (um, $7?, buy 5 of them!).  This piece is such a versatile, basic piece of clothing and is often overlooked when putting an outfit together.  Throughout the week, I'd like to embrace the white tee and show you how easy it is to incorporate into your look and still look polished and stylish!  Later in the week, I'm excited to feature Liz from 26 and Counting, and also I will show you a white tee look for the man in your life!

To kick things off, I put together a casual, daytime friendly look:

The white tee is a perfect backdrop for an earth-tone inspired look.  The true-blue straight-legged cuffed jeans look so "all american" when paired with the classic white tee shirt; make the look a little more interesting with the addition of the caramel colored boots.  Layer another earth-tone into the outfit with the addition of the green multi-pocket cardigan.  Wear the cardigan open and add a scarf around your neck, which pulls another layer, pattern, and tone into the outfit.  Top the look off with a lush, butter-soft orange folding clutch from my favorite K.Slademade for a stylish lady-on-the-go look!

One / Two / Three / Four / Five

11.16.2011

Hi there lovelies!  I wanted to give you another idea for your holiday parties, well in advance so that you have time to buy these beautiful pieces to make your party outfits extra special.  Today's look is sparkly and fun, but not over-the-top dressy.  This look would be good for a cocktail or dinner party.  How gorgeous is the jeweled detail on the silk top?  You don't even need a necklace, and those back buttons are such a gorgeous and unique detail, so wear your hair in a simple side-swept bun (credit to Sarah Markle for introducing me to the SOCK BUN!).  The swiss dot tights are an all-time favorite of mine:  they're classic mixed with a bit of playfulness, and always feminine.  What do you think, would you wear this for a holiday party this season?

Shirt / Skirt / Tights / Shoes / Ring / Polish

11.14.2011

Happy Monday!  I am enjoying the last day of a FOUR DAY WEEKEND!  It has been really wonderful, filled with lots of relaxation, movies, and good food (if you're in the Cincinnati area, definitely give Taste of Belgium in OTR a try... the pumpkin waffle.... yum!).  I didn't spend a lot of the weekend out in public, so there were lots of leggings and sweatshirt outfit combinations for me, but when I did go out this weekend I took advantage of the beautiful and mild fall weather we've been having.  I picked up a pair of legwarmers at Aldo on Friday and wore them basically all weekend - they are SO comfortable and look so cute underneath a pair of boots (think comfy casual rather than 80's throwback).  Here is a way to incorporate leggings into your fall outfit, oh and HERE are the leggings I picked up on Friday, if you're interested! 

Remember, if I get to 250 facebook fans by December 1, I am doing a GIVEAWAY!  Please spread the word and go to Stylized Existence and "Like" the page!

 One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six / Seven

11.08.2011

While working with a client this weekend, I was emphasizing the importance of layering different patterns, textures, and colors into an outfit in order to make the overall look more interesting.  I tend to show less layering on the blog because it is a bit harder to convey in outfit collages, but it's an important technique to employ when trying to create a finished look.  There is a limit to the number of different layers, fabrics, colors, patterns you put into one outfit, but if you use complementary colors and thin layers, the end result will be a polished, well-thought out look.

Although this look only has a blouse and a blazer layer, there are many different textures that make up the overall look.  The flowy, polka dotted blouse with the ochre structured blazer create an interesting look on top.  Add a tortoise shell link necklace on top of the silky blouse, and then finish it off by adding in another color/texture combo in the form of the red, crocodile clutch.

So tell me, do you layer?  What are your favorite layering combinations?  Does it make you feel more finished?

 One / Two / Three / Four / Five /  Six

FB Fans = Giveaway!

Hi there friends!  Wanted to spread the word here that if my facebook fan page gets 250 fans by December 1, I will be doing a giveaway!!  So head on over to Facebook and "like" Stylized Existence to get blog updates and other random musings :)  You can either click the words Stylized Existence or you can follow through to Facebook via the right-side toolbar!

Thank you SO MUCH for your support!   And, as always, if you are in the Cincinnati area and interested in closet or shopping services, E-mail me at StylizedEx@gmail.com!

Thrifty Thursday 11.02.11

Okay, so I have a confession about this post.  The clutch is not OVERLY thrifty..... however, in my defense, the rest of the outfit is VERY thrifty so I think you could stand to drop a cool $40 on the super awesome, massive striped clutch that is kind of ridiculous but so fun and will add some drama to so many different outfits.  You can thank me later.

Onwards to the savings!

This rust-brown colored skirt is feminine and classy - and initially I thought of pairing it with an animal print (just as Forever21 styled it for their site) but decided to go with something more streamlined and instead chose a black dolman top and a dramatic black collar necklace instead.  Paired with a simple pair of black heels and the amazing striped clutch, this outfit has some great details for a small amount of change!  Happy Thursday dears, see you back here tomorrow!

Ring Shirt or Shirt Skirt Necklace Shoes Clutch

11.01.2011

Guys, can you believe it is NOVEMBER?  I really cannot... seems just yesterday I was soaking up the sun on a warm July day.  It's going to start snowing soon and I will probably cry.  I think I get a bit seasonally depressed.... but you know what turns that frown upside-down? The HOLIDAYS!  I love Christmas so much.  Everything about it makes me smile - the music, showering other people with gifts, the cookies, spending time with family, the parties.... DRESSING for the parties!!!!!  So let's get down to business.  You'll probably have some holiday parties to attend, so I can help you crack the riddle of what to wear.
 

First step, pick out a fun dress, preferably one that can be worn outside of the holiday season.  This Zara green dress could be worn throughout the year, but is also perfectly jazzed up for a holiday look.  Since you'd most likely be cool without anything covering your arms or shoulders, this faux fur shawl is glamorous and rich looking - perfect for dressing up a look.  Lastly, add some glitzy accessories to top off and dress up the look just a bit more.  Follow these three steps and you'll easily put together a seasonably-appropriate party look!

One / Two / Three / Four / Five

Thrifty Thursday 10.27.11

Hi friends!  I've been seeing some great pieces around the web so today I just wanted to show you some pieces that are fun and look more expensive than their price tags state.  What would you choose??

One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six / Seven / Eight

Guest Post - Ryah Sofia

Hi guys! I will be blogging over at Ryah Sofia again today, but I wanted to give you a sneak peak.  I styled outfits around her Basic Black applique this week, here's the woman's look:

Head on over to her blog where my post will be up later today to see the sources for the look, as well as a little girl's look!

Weekend Wear 10.24.2011

It was a gorgeous weekend here in Cincinnati.  Cool temps in the morning (perfect for a big cup of coffee), then warmed up to the mid 60's with abundant sunshine for the afternoon.   I had a few errands on the agenda for Saturday afternoon including test driving a car, shopping for some living room accessories, and picking up some things to get our house organized.  I wanted to be comfortable but still look put together (although I was really tempted to leave my Lululemon WunderUnder crops on....) so I consulted my closet and the creative juices started flowing.

I usually start with the top as the foundation of my outfit, and on Saturday, the first thing that popped out to me was the black gingham shirt from J. Crew factory outlet.  I considered putting a sweater over top of the shirt, but thought I might get warm, so I opted for the vest instead.  I didn't want to look bulky so I chose a thick camel colored leather belt to cinch my waist and give me some shape, despite the layers I was wearing.  I paired the tops with some Gap jeggings (cuffed a few times at the ankle to give a more casual feel) and black woven flats.  For accessories, I used my black Bottega Veneta woven purse (the Deux Lux one below is almost an exact replica at a seriously small fraction of the price), a leather bracelet, and a gold watch.

Here's how you can re-create the look!

One   Two   Three   Four   Five   Six   Seven   Eight   Nine

Friday's Fancies: 10.21.2011

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, this week's Friday's Fancies is dedicated to PINK!  I built my outfit today around the combination of pink cuffed trousers and a fun polka dotted blouse.  Here's an important tip: Layering and the use of a variety of fabrics (and colors) will make your outfit more eye-catching.  This look features the silk blouse on top but then I added another layer in the form of the faux fur vest - just a little addition to make the look more interesting.

Next, add a few tasteful accessories (aren't the loafers awesome?) and you've got a luxurious (and playful!) look!

One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six / Seven

As usual, I am linking up to Friday's Fancies on Long Distance Loving!

Thrifty Thursday: 10.20.2011

In honor of my mom's birthday yesterday, I promised her I would do an age appropriate post for her.  Since my mom is known as a thrifty shopper, it's also appropriate that the look I put together would fall on a Thrifty Thursday!  The rust colored jacket has a nice texture and is really flattering with the addition of the tie belt - it accentuates the smallest part of your waist.  If you've been reading the blog long enough, you'll know I am a huge fan of navy + orange combo, so I've paired the jacket with a relaxed navy and white striped tee, some bootcut jeans, and a really cute pair of tasseled navy flats. Mom, I hope you enjoy it (and all you other ladies out there - hope you enjoy too!)

One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six / Seven / Eight

10.19.2011

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!  It's my dear mother's birthday so I have to show some love.  That aside, I wanted to show you guys what I wore this weekend.  I spent the majority of Saturday in the car (with a few stops to test drive a car and for Jeni's ice cream) and needed to be comfortable, but still wanted to look cute.  With my road trip post fresh in my mind, I put together a casual and comfortable look.  Here's what I wore, and I hope you enjoy a glimpse into my wardrobe:

One / Two Shirt, Belt / Three / Four / Five / Six / Seven / Eight / Nine

Oh, and in case you were interested, I had the Buckeye State and Brambleberry Crisp at Jeni's. TWO THUMBS UP!

Guest Post - Ryah Sofia

Hi all!  I wanted to let you know I am guest blogging over at Ryah Sofia blog today.  Angie designs hair accessories and asked me to style a woman's outfit and a little girl's outfit to go with her Tinsel Tidings applique.  Here is a sneak peak of the woman's outfit.  Head on over to Ryah Sofia blog to see the child's outfit and all of the sources for the outfits!

Friday's Fancies: 10.14.2011

Hello lovelies!  We've finally reached the end of the week, and alas, another Friday's Fancies.  This week I put together a fall-inspired look filled with rich browns, oranges, and purples.  I love the look of a flowy mid-length skirt + knee high boots, especially in this fall color palate.  This floral skirt below is sold out, but I want you to understand the idea behind this skirt so you can spot one and understand the value in it. This type of skirt could be dressed up, but it could also be worn more casually (think ballet flats) and will work with a variety of different tops because of all of the gorgeous colors in the skirt.  The J. Crew coat is a splurge item, but if it is well taken care of, the coat will last (and be in style) for many, many years.

Bag | Sweater | Coat | Boots | Nail Polish | Ring | Earrings

I am linking up with {av} over at {Long Distance Loving} for Friday's Fancies!

Thrifty Thursday/Steal Her Style: 10.13.2011

It's a monumental day here at Stylized Existence... I've done the unthinkable (drum roll please)....... I have managed to combine a Thrifty Thursday and Steal Her Style post into one!

It all started yesterday, when I pinned this picture of Andy to my Style Pinboard.  She looks supremely chic here and I just couldn't stand to drool over the photo any longer without trying to attain the pieces needed to create the look.

The green skirt below is sold as a dress, but in this style, it could very easily be worn at the waist with the waist folded down to create the proper length.  The faux leather jacket is from Forever21, and the super chic lace up boots are from Target.  All in all, to steal Andy's style, you only have to spend $167!

 

One Two Three Four (Similar) Five Six Seven Eight Nine