29 August 2014

Ivory Popcorn

ivory

While I adore the clean crispness of a white/ivory ensemble, I usually stay away from wearing them because I'm a klutz and a quicker stain picker-upper. But I've been keen on several items from the new fall collection at  Banana Republic lately (thank you again, Marissa Webb), and this sweater and skirt have become my first two fall purchases (thank you, 40% off sale).

I don't really go by the "no white about Labor Day" rule so this hue will surely last me through fall and winter. I was, however, excited about breaking this outfit out that I neglected that this sweater and skirt are also fall-weight pieces, so I was a might bit cozy through the Southeast August weather.

I'm looking forward to pairing these pieces again in cooler temps with maybe grey or brown tights/boots. In the meantime, have a great holiday weekend for those in the States!

ivory ivory

Sweater: Banana Republic popcorn stitch (sim cable-knit, sim)
Skirt: Banana Republic box-pleat (sim, steal, midi, mini for a steal)
Necklace: J.Crew-inspired via Etsy (worn here - sim, sim, black for a deal)
Bracelet: INPINK barnacle (worn here - sim, sim, silver-tone)
Shoes: Zara block heel (worn here - sim, flats)
Bag: Moschino (worn here - sim, as satchel, luxe, coral)

ivory

ivory

27 August 2014

Can You Dig It

green spots

Thanks in part to my over-sized sunglasses, my whole ensemble in this post is giving me a faint 1970s vibe. I think all I need is a lower neckline (à la Amy Adams in American Hustle) and a flare-panted Vinnie Barbarino to hang my arm on, and I'll be all set to boogie on down.

I used to watch old reruns of Charlie's Angels and Three's Company as a kid, and - rampant bralessness in the female characters aside - '70s style seemed really appealing to me. The silhouette was lean, loose and easy. Lots of slim flared jeans, tall wedges and slender low-cut blouses. Looooooong hair, California tans, and bright toothy smiles.

So here's me inadvertently channeling a bit of 1978 for 2014. Happy Wednesday!

green spots green spots

Top: Old Navy cropped v-neck (sim, long-sleeved)
Dress: Lands' End pattern fit & flare (worn here - same in solid, sim in a striped pattern, shirtdress)
Belt: J.Crew (sim, pricey, with a bow)
Bracelets: J.Crew (worn here - sim), J.Crew factory chain-link, F21 (sim set)
Shoes: Mossimo via Target (worn here - sim, sim, platform)
Bag: Kate Spade (worn here - sim, smaller bow, in black)

green spots

green spots

25 August 2014

Currently ... from August

boardwalk stripes

Currently ...

Eating Outshine Fruit & Veggie frozen bars. Who knew tangerine and carrots together would taste like peaches? And only 35 calories for little pops.

Craving Ikea cinnamon rolls. Icey pops are nice and all, probably even healthy ... but I really want some sugar frosting deliciousness.

Reading The Belial Stone. Ancient artifacts, a kung fu fighting heroine and fallen angels? My inner ancient alien conspiracy theorist self is having a field day with this book. Not as in-depth as The Atlantis Gene trilogy, but it's been a page-turner so far.

Using MyFitnessPal to track workouts and what I'm eating. It's honestly a pain in the ass, but my biggest food downfall is with portion control and MFP has been keeping me honest so far.

Lusting after these J.Crew sunglasses. Though like most other sunglasses, they will likely be way too small for my giant head - plus they're pricey ... so maybe I'll get this Asos plaid skirt for fall instead.

What are you currently info?

boardwalk stripes boardwalk stripes

Dress: Ruche along the boardwalk stripe (sim, simpler, maxi)
Belt: Anthropologie (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Necklace: Love Obsessed (sim lighter pink, in mint, pricey)
Bracelet: GroopDealz (worn here - sim, small, necklace)
Ring: INPINK coral polished stone (sim, steal)
Shoes: Clarks kyna wise (worn here - sim, platform, lighter)
Bag: Madewell pochette (worn here - same in stitched leather, sim)

boardwalk stripes

boardwalk stripes

22 August 2014

Lace in the Sahara

sahara jacket

Thanks to IG friend Caroline, I got "coerced" into buying this jacket (and these animal-print espadrilles too - she's that good), and while it fits kind of large and shapeless on it's own, I adore it belted. I also took one of Madewell's styling cues and paired this jacket with a white dress for warm weather wear - a cool wear look will be coming soon too!

One cool thing about this style blogging and IG community is that it's opened my eyes to trying new styles or retailers that on my own I probably would never have even noticed. This jacket is definitely one of those items - and thanks to Caroline's promo-on-sale alert, I have a new piece that I can wear now and take into fall (I can't get over the sleeves and the buckled collars - love it!)

Has another blogger or IG-er influenced you into buying anything you now love?

sahara jacket sahara jacket

Jacket: Madewell sahara short-sleeve (sim in white, in tan, fitted, long-sleeved)
Dress: Forever 21 eyelet shift (worn here - sim, sim, loose, pricey)
Belt: Asos (worn here - sim, pricey, wide)
Bracelets: J.Crew factory chain-link, Asos, Forever 21
Rings: c/o JewelMint (sim, sim), Forever 21 (sim, with pearls)
Shoes: Zara block heel (worn here - sim, flats)
Bag: Dooney & Bourke equestrian (worn here - latest version, sim tasseled, rounder, western)

sahara jacket

20 August 2014

Not at the Beach

beach not beachy

First glimpses of fall fashions show that denim pencil skirts are making a comeback, which reminded me that in fact I already have a denim pencil skirt that I had literally not worn for several seasons now (my closet = black hole).

And after wearing this skirt again, it has kind of reminded me why it has been sitting in the back of my closet for so long. The skirt fits me fine, but slim pencil silhouettes seem more formal and denim is obviously a casual fabric, so trying to look relaxed but feeling restricted seems like a contradiction.

What's your opinion on the denim pencil skirt?

beach not beachy beach not beachy

Top: Madewell beach shirttail (in solid, sim, 3/4-sleeve)
Skirt: Lucky Brand (worn here - sim, sim)
Necklace: Love Obsessed (worn here - sim, sim, in mint)
Bracelets: J.Crew (sim), Sage K and Co (the original), Love Obsessed (sim), Asos (sim set)
Sunglasses: Tommy Hilfiger (sim)
Shoes: Gap espadrille wedge (DIY'd, worn here - sim jeweled flats, woven plain, taller)
Bag: Dooney & Bourke equestrian (worn here - latest version, sim tasseled, rounder, western)

beach not beachy

beach not beachy

18 August 2014

Lemony Yellow

yellow + stripes

There's something about a slightly popped collar that takes a regular button-down shirt up a notch, in my
 book. It feels the teeniest bit retro glam to me, like what I envision stylish Katherine Hepburn-types in the '40s  used to do (my level of historical sartorial accuracy is based largely upon what I imagine in my head, so just bear with me). So I'm keeping it simple in today's outfit sans any sort of big ole statement necklace or armload of bangles, but still feeling like I'm got the littlest bit of glam with me.

yellow + stripes yellow + stripes

Top: J.Crew perfect stripe (worn here - sim, sim, popover)
Skirt: J.Crew collection lace-stripe silk (worn here - sim, sim, mini, 3D floral for fun)
Belt: Anthropologie ekbal (worn here - sim blue, pewter, neutral)
Bracelet: INPINK barnacle (worn here - sim, sim)
Earrings: Ann Taylor (worn here - sim, sim)
Shoes: Zara block heel (worn here - sim, flats)
Bag: Dooney & Bourke equestrian (latest version, sim tasseled, rounder, western)

yellow + stripes

yellow + stripes

15 August 2014

A Little Wishlisting in Gingham

black stripes + green gingham

Granted fall is my favorite of the seasons, but living in the SE means that fall weather is still at least two months away. So I'll still be sporting bare toes and exposed limbs for a loooooooooong while longer, and the thought of scarves and boots give me the hives right now.

Buuut as an avid online window shopper, there's no avoiding the fall gear hitting up some of my fave shops already and I have to admit my wishlist for fall is starting to grow. Like the lovely textured sweater and flippy skirt that would make a lovely monochromatic ivory ensemble (thank you Marissa Webb for joining BR and making me start loving the brand all over again) ... or this perpetually popped collar camel blazer ... this faux-furried coat/sweater/poncho thing that kind of makes no sense but I am adoring ... and these studded suede pumps that I want both in the neutral and burgundy hues (sale, please)!

What's on your fall wishlist? Have any of you ladies already made some fall-worthy purchases?

black stripes + green gingham black stripes + green gingham

Top: J.Crew perfect boatneck (worn here - sim, sim, embellished)
Skirt: Tommy Hilfiger (worn here - sim, mini, darker, fab shirt dress version)
Belt: The Limited (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Earrings: Ann Taylor (sim, sim)
Bracelet: INPINK barnacle (worn here - sim, sim, silver-tone)
Shoes: Vince Camuto bello (worn here - sim, sim, flats)
Bag: J.Crew factory (worn here - sim, pricey, luxe)

black stripes + green gingham

13 August 2014

The Cold Shoulder

cold shoulders cold shoulders

You ladies know that I am normally not shy about loading my arms up with bracelets, but there's something really easy about wearing one statement piece that does away with having to coordinate a half dozen jingling jangling bits on my wrist.

I first got the pink version of this bracelet and adored it so much that I had to order the more neutral color-way as well. I personally have no problems with buying multiples of the same item in different hues - if something just works, then why not?

This dress, however, I got a loooooong time ago and this is the first time I've worn it. I saw it online, loved it on the product model, ordered it, then pondered if the whole skater-silhouette-with-shoulder-cut-outs deal would be too young. This dress is def too casual to be work-appropriate, but I guess a little peek at the shoulders is a non-prob for a fun evening out.

cold shoulders cold shoulders

Dress: Asos skater cold shoulder (buttoned version, sim with zip, slim silhouette, palm print)
Necklace: The Rock & Feather (worn here - sim, sim, pricey)
Bracelet: INPINK barnacle (pink version worn here - sim, sim, silver-tone)
Scarf: Joe Fresh (worn here - sim, sim, darker)
Shoes: Zara block-heel (worn here - sim, sim)
Bag: Coach legacy flight (worn here - sim, deal)

cold shoulders

11 August 2014

Borrowing

oversized + flounce

While I enjoy having stronger shoulders and upper arms from working out, I'm also slowly outsizing myself from a lot of tops and blazers. Nothing like trying on a blazer and not being to pick my arms because they are being squeezed like sausages in casings.

And forget about side-zip anything - I've had more than my share of half-panicked moments in dressing rooms getting "stuck" while trying to take off a try-on side-zip dress or blouse. Do you give in and have to call an SA for help so you can be seen with bra and belly hanging out while your arms and head are entangled in a frilly frock or proceed to Hulk Hogan your way out of a garment and then have to pay for something you've just shredded on-site?

Long rambling short, in this outfit, I've decided to forego any measure of discomfort and just "borrow" a tee from the mister's dresser drawers. A little oversized but nothing a bit of rolling and tucking can't fix and now my shoulders and arms are swinging fancy-free for the day.

oversized + flounce oversized + flounce

Top: Calvin Klein men's tee (sim, steal)
Skirt: Ann Taylor striped flounce (worn here - sim cas, more navy, B&W, as dress)
Necklace: J.Crew crystal collage (worn here - sim simpler, grander)
Bracelets: Asos (sim pricey), F21 (sim), J.Crew factory chainlink
Shoes: Geox D sibilla (worn here - sim, steal, lighter, cork-hued)
Bag: Coach peyton cora (sim, sim)

oversized + flounce

oversized + flounce

08 August 2014

Bits for August

Hey ladies - end of another week we all survived successfully! Here are bits of style randomness from this past month (you can see some of these pics and more on my Instagram):

july1 july2 july3
Shorts & sim belt, blouse (worn). ♥ Skirt (worn), sweater & sim blouse (worn), sandals.  
♥ Sim dress (worn), wedges, bag (worn), bracelet.

july4 july5 july6
Shorts, bag (worn), sandals & sim top (worn), scarf. Top, necklace (worn). 
 Dress & sim wallet (worn).

july7 july8 july9
♥ Sim tee, skirt, bag (outfit worn). Sim blouse (worn), skirt (worn), bag, sandals
Necklace & sim blouse, (outfit worn).

july10 july11 july12
Shorts & sim vest (worn), blouse (worn). ♥ Factory version of the dress (worn here, here, here, here). 
 ♥ Sim sweater (worn), skirt (worn), necklace, heels.

july13 july14 july15
Sim dress (worn), belt in black, sandals (worn), necklace, wallet. ♥ Sandals & sim dress (worn). 
 ♥ Sim blouse, skirt (outfit worn).

july16 july17 july18
Skirt & sim blouse (outfit worn). Sandals & sim blouse (worn), skirt (worn). 
 ♥ Sim dress (worn), necklace.