Relaxed + Cool

Although I really like dressing up, wearing super high heels, and looking fierce, sometimes you've just got things to do and those 4 inch heels aren't appropriate.  Realistically, my life is currently made up of more situations where sneakers are appropriate than heels, so I've been on the hunt for a pair of shoes that I can wear with jeans but still look like I've got some style.... Cue the ultra-white Chuck Taylors.  I already have a pair of these in brown, but the brown is seriously blah and the shoes have since been relegated to the backseat of my car or on my feet in the gym only for heavy lifting days.  I'm definitely eyeing these babies below because they look very "american girl" and are equal parts relaxed and classic.

1. Old Navy v neck tee, $8.50 /  2. Faux leather jacket, $76 / 3. Banana Republic printed scarve, $60 / 4. Fossil Modern Cargo Organizer $128 / 5. ASOS Chunky Gold Watch, $63 / 6. Tory Burch Leather Aviators $165/ 7. Converse, $40 / 8. Paige Denim skinny leg jean, $179

I'd love to pair some cuffed jeans with a simple grey tee and a killer {faux} leather jacket for the times when I am running around trying to get everything checked off of my lists.  Make sure to add some interest to the outfit with a patterned scarf and bag - don't want to run the risk of looking too plain!  See, you can still be stylish even if you are comfortable!

Weekend Look: Shorts + Stripes

I've never been much of a fan of shorts - always felt a bit self conscious in them (even though I self-admittedly have twig legs) and I always hated when my legs would stick to seats in the sweltering heat of summer.  Shorts in cold temps with opaque tights, on the other hand, is something I could definitely get down with.  I would have no issues pairing a cute pair of blousy shorts with tights and a killer pair of booties for an upcoming weekend look.  Here's what I wish I was wearing this weekend:

What are you planning on wearing this weekend {or wishing you were wearing}??

Guest Post on Sweet Little Thrills!

Today, I am lucky enough to be featured on an art + fashion + creativity blog Sweet Little Thrills!  Jackie often pulls together Color Palettes based on inspiring photographs that she finds.  She was kind enough to give me a few of her color palettes to choose from so that I could create an outfit based around the unique combination of colors.  I chose this color palette and created a soft, romantic, work-appropriate look.  Please stop on over to Jackie's blog and check out what I created!

Thrifty Thursday 2.24.11

I am starting to seriously feel the effects of this seemingly unending winter: sick of the grey skies, the cold wind, and feeling like all I can wear is dark colors --  I am really longing for sunshine, longer days, and tanned skin.  I am starting to look for pieces to add to my spring and summer wardrobe, but since we recently purchased a home, I am trying to stretch my budget as far as possible.  Luckily, this entire outfit is only $94 with skinny jeans and $110 with the straight leg jeans (both of which I already have - instant money saver!).... and that has me feeling happier already. 

Click the photos below to take you directly to the site!

Seeking out the Perfect Trench

It was pouring here yesterday, and as I hurriedly made my way through the work parking lot, while dodging ankle-deep puddles and seeing my winter wool coat get soggier by the second, I wished I had purchased a classic ( + classy) trench coat for days like these.  

 Trench coats will be in style forever so if you've got the money for it, do yourself a favor and pick up the mother-of-all trenches, this sexy Burberry number.

If you're on a more realistic budget and would have to give up food for months (years!?) to afford that, here are some more choices for a variety of budgets:

First Row (R-L): carmen san diego khaki trench coat, $60 Femme Trench Jacket, $188, Stone Double Storm Flap Trench, $180

Second Row (R-L): Trench Coat w/ Contrast Piping, $35, The Jackie City Trench, $189, Miss Sixty Women's Missy Trench W/ Roll Sleeve, $102

And while we're at it, here are some awesome umbrellas to help you battle the storm in style:

kate spade umbrella, $75/ Old Navy Womens Printed Umbrellas, $7.50/ Gap Floral umbrella, $25

Happy Tuesday!

Steal Her Style: Viviana Volpicella

For this edition of Steal Her Style, we'll take a cue from Vogue Nippon's Assistant Fashion Editor, Viviana Volpicella.  She has been photographed numerous times by Scott Schuman and Garance Dore due to her uncanny ability to wear patterns, color, and textures in so many combinations without looking ridiculous or over-the-top;  I place her very high on my "women to emulate" list.  

We had a streak of a few unseasonably warm days here last week.  I was inspired me to dig through my archived images for a summery Steal Her Style feature, and I found this gorgeous photo of Viviana posted by The Sartorialist back in July.  I know we're still a few months away from summer in most of the US, but we can still daydream!  Viviana is wearing an uncharacteristically neutral look in this photo, but the contrast between the feminine bright-white lace dress and the rugged army green jacket allows her to create a still-very interesting look.  Here's Viviana in Milan (via The Sartorialist):

 

Here's how you can get Viviana's look:

1. Army Jacket, $80, Victoria's Secret

2. Lace Shift Dress, $83, Free People
3. Ray-Ban RB4148 Caribbean Sunglasses, $189, Ray Ban
4. Essie Nail Color, jelly apple, $7, Walmart
5. Vintaged Stone Ring, $4.80, Forever21
6. Urchin stud, $25, Banana Republic7. Glint Gathered Metallic Leather Clutch, $78, Nordstrom
8. Chinese Laundry Lavine in Coffee, $90, Zappos

Versatility

A white tie-neck blouse is a versatile piece that will carry you through the seasons, and if you buy a good quality one, it might even carry you through the years.  It is a feminine take on a standard white button-down, allowing for a softer, yet still very classic look.  Staple pieces, like a white blouse, can serve as a jumping off point for creating outfits throughout the year.  Look how easily this piece transitions from a winter outfit (faux fur and all!) to a light, crisp spring look.  Once you begin to build an inventory of staple pieces, you'll see how easily your day-to-day looks come together.  What versatile pieces have you purchased lately?

(Click the photos below to access Polyvore and see where you can purchase the items listed above!)

New Year, New You Staples: Black Trouser

Hi Guys!  I am kicking off the "New Year, New You" staple wardrobe segment this week -- Over the next few weeks I will take you through the pieces I mentioned in my "New Year, New You" post - these foundation pieces will become the groundwork on which you'll build fabulous outfits.  First up:  The Black Trouser.

Style to buy: Trouser or boot-cut style – this type of fit flatters most body types.

Fit Specifics: Before going shopping, pack your most commonly worn pair of dress shoes - you'll want to try them on with your pants. When worn with a heel, pant should just barely graze the floor in the back - there is a fine line between too long and too short.  The length should be just long enough to graze the floor, but should not hit the ground and fold in the back.  From the front, the pant should fold just slightly due to it hitting your shoe.  As far as fit across the stomach, when you button and zip the pant, there should be NO pulling across the front of the general crotch-region (there is really no other way to say it!!).  If the fit is creating lines in that region, trade up to the next larger size.  You can always get the length taken up or the waist taken in – but you want to make sure the pants fit the largest part of your body. 

Things to look for:  Heavy wool, lined pants are best for Winter and can usually be found on sale when Spring comes around.  For the cooler months, opt for a thinner, non-lined wool pant – they are the sturdiest and look the most professional.

Go-to stores:  Ann Taylor, Banana Republic (check the sale rack or the outlets), Gap, Zara

Good Options:
1. Modern Boot Pant | Gap, $60
2. False Plain Trousers | Zara, 26 EUR
3. Perfect Trouser Pant | Gap, $60
4. Logan fit Pant | Banana Republic, $98

NY/LA V-Day

Mushy but true, in our house we tell each other how much we love one another and do special things for each other often enough that Valentine's day is just another day to us, but I couldn't help but think about what I'd wear if I was having a special day with my Honey in New York or LA.  Southern California was lucky enough to experience bathing suit weather over the weekend, so I'd seek out this classic pink and cream polka dot bikini and hit the beach with my main squeeze.  If I were in New York, I'm sure we'd make dinner plans for somewhere we've *always* wanted to try, and I'd do my best to look effortlessly sultry with the help of some lace and racy red nails.

Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day with the ones you love!

New York

1. Dovima Nail Polish - Nars, $17
2. HairStyles Library - Messy Bun

3. French Chain Wallet - Tory Burch, $137

4. Lace Pencil Skirt - The Limited, $70

5. Socialite Pearlescent Studs - Forever21, $4.80

6. Spring Rhein Red Suede Pump - Zappos, $25

7. Peach Heart Flock Balcony Bra - TopShop, $32

8. Revisions Shirt - Quicksilver, $58

Los Angeles

1. Divine Rights of Denim Bermuda Cutoffs - Forever21, $25

2. Metal Heart Stud Earring - ASOS, $11

3. Pink Ribbon - butter LONDON Nail Lacquer - Nordstrom, $14

4. Polka-dot bikini - J.Crew, $44/$46

5. Braided Loops Sandals, $15

6. Basic French Terry Sweatshirt - Forever21, $13