Leather & Lace

Moto Jacket: Michael Kors (gift); Top: Joie; Tank: LOFT; Skirt: J.Crew Factory;

Pumps: Manolo Blahnik (gift); Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt;

Sunnies: Marc Jacobs; Bangles: Millsaps/Silpada/Banana Republic; Nail Color: Chanel Black Satin

 

Does anyone remember the Stevie Nicks song by the same name? I bought the 45, record that is, at a flea market years ago and still have it in my collection! I love a little leather and lace together. Tough yet feminine. Paired with lady like pumps, a high bun and loads of silver bangles, this creates a timeless look with a little edge!

 

 

 

 

The Top: Before and After

 

Dream to Reality - Edgy Trench

I hope to turn this into a weekly, or monthly, segment on the blog. There are so many pieces that I dream about owning and would love to make them a reality in my closet! Sometimes they're sold out by time time I discover them and sometimes they are just too out of my price range to justify making them a reality!

 

This post was inspired by this dream piece from Rachel Zoe! I love a good trench, but I adore that this one is olive instead of the traditional khaki. It has tons of edge with it's leather sleeves, exposed zippers and major buckles. However, the cost is something that would keep this trench far from my coat closet!!

 

 

Then, while shopping at H&M over the weekend, I found this pretty amazing trench! Is it olive? Check! Does it have leather faux leather sleeves? Check! And, it has one thing better. Quilted faux leather sleeves! What it's missing is exposed zippers and buckles! I can amp it up at the waist with a belt like this one.

 

I love how similarly these coats were styled by two very different stylists! And, I know I can recreate the looks from my own wardrobe!

 

What do you think of my reality?

 

Happy Friday!!



Grey Days

Denim Jacket: Levi's; Dress: BCBGeneration via Rue La La; Shoes: Brian Atwood;

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt; Sunnies: MARC by Marc Jacobs;

Necklace: Banana Republic (old); Ring: Silpada; Lip Color: MAC Dark Side

 

There is something to be said for a denim jacket! It is the hardest working piece of clothing in my closet! I literally throw it in the car for emergencies, throw it on at work when the office is a little too cool for my liking or simply add it as a piece to my look for that little something extra. Tuesday was an emergency and work need! It turned grey and cold and this jacket saved me! However, I love how it worked against the silky shirt dress.

 

I purchased this little number last season, then it turned too cold before I had a chance to wear it. Not sure why I didn't think to add tights, boots and jacket for a late fall/early winter look. I guess I thought the material was too flimsy for winter. I have definitely learned my lesson!

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

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Fall(ing) for Pink

Top: J.Crew; Pants: Ann Taylor; Shoes: Kate Spade (gift); Belt: J.Crew;

Sunnies: Prada; Necklaces: BaubleBar/Gift; Rings: Gorjana via Gilt;

 Watch: Emporio Armani;Bracelets: J.Crew (gift)/Ralph Lauren; Nail Color: ESSIE Penny Talk;

 

This look might be a little springy in appearance, however pastels are a huge trend for fall, so I decided to add hot pink and orange to the list! My blog, my rules right? Actually, this was part of the J.Crew fall collection last season and it's perfect for cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.

 

Obviously, I paired it with my winter white pants, but when I got home I threw on my boyfriend jeans and loved that look even more! Definitely a great weekend look with wedges or booties. What you don't see is the shoe I paired with it! See below. They were a perfect match, even if I am the only one who knew they were there!

 

 

The Top: Before and After

 

See what I mean? Perfect match!

 

 

 

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Kick Off to Fall

Sweater: Michael Kors; Shirt: J.Crew Factory; Jeans: LOFT;

Wedges: c/o Sole Society; Sunnies: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Rings: Gorjana via Gilt;

Belt Bag: Rachel Zoe; Watch: Emporio Armani (gift); Lip Color: MAC Dark Side

 

This past weekend was the annual Plaza Art Fair here in Kansas City and I consider this event the true kick off to fall!! I even dressed the part, but was dying by mid afternoon. You see, when we left our house, it was 62 degrees. That to me is perfect fall sweater weather. By the time we got there, it was as if the temperature changed by 20 degrees and it was a sweltering 85! I'm not sure what the actual temp was, but it was not sweater weather. As soon as we took these photos, I lost the sweater and finally sported the denim on denim look. I will capture pics of a similar look in the future. What I can say is that I'm no longer afraid of denim on denim!

 

I purchased this sweater last winter when I saw Blair, of Atlantic-Pacific, wearing this look. I too have a feather skirt, in black, and thought "I can make this work." I'm not even sure I tried, but will make it my goal this fall/winter! I love the metallic gold with a hint of black peeking through, and secretly, I love that it's my school colors without screaming black and gold!

 

I went with all denim look to showcase the sweater and added my Rachel Zoe belt bag for a handsfree afternoon! Also, those Geri wedges are still going strong as the perfect transition to fall shoe!

 

 

 

 

 



Rachel Zoe - Spring 2013

Top/Pants: Rachel Zoe; Booties: Steven by Steve Madden; Bag: Badgely Mishka;

Sunnies: Tom Ford: Necklaces: J.Crew/Talbots; Lip Color: MAC Dark Side

 

I am finally wearing my first Rachel Zoe runway look! Yes I have her shoes and bags. But to be wearing something from her collection, to me, is so maj! I've longed for this "suit" since I saw it walk down the runway during her Spring 2013 show! And though it may be a season old, to me, it's seasonless!

 

Here's what I love about these two pieces. Winter white is something that can be worn year round and this, though amazing together, can be paired separately in so many different ways. I honestly can't wait to explore the options! And, this look is timeless. That's what I love about Rachel's designs. She designs for women in a way that makes you feel glamorous, sophosticated, comfortable and one-of-a-kind. And you know that what you've purchased is a true investment. It will stand the test of time.

 

This look is no exception. I thought about how to pair it, taking the time to style it in the manner I thought Rachel would, and I carried myself differently. I felt confident, chic and above all fabulous! Thanks, Rachel!

 

 



 

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson

So Shiny!

Metallics are back for fall and I love the shiny little numbers I'm seeing everywhere! I'm a huge fan of metallics. The yadd shimmer and shine to any look, but you have to be very careful with them. Because they are such a statement, the use needs to be limited. A belt, a shoe, a handbag or nail polish is one way to add a small amount when trying metallics for the first time. However, if you are a master of metallics, then go bold! Add a skirt or top for a bolder look. I've picked a few of my favorites! Check them out below.

The belt on the left is from ASOS and I've had my eye on this version for quite some time! And the price is definitely right! J.Crew offers a much wider version that's all metallic and shiny! I would definitely add this to an all black look for a huge pop of color!

 

Another way to add shine is by placing it on your feet! A hint from under jeans or a full sheen while wearing a dress or skirt is dazzling! With these two versions from J.Crew, your look will be bright all day! I have a DIY of the silver oxford coming soon!

 

 

Let's talk major shine! If you are ready to take metallics full on, then go bold with a skirt or top! The skirt from MILLY is amazing and can go dressy or casz! I would have no problem wearing this bold skirt to work! The top, from Piperlime, is darling! I love the peplum, the metallic threads and copper color for fall!

Handbags are fun way to add that pop of metallic! The Cambridge Satchel is subtle in silver and the Rebecca Minkoff is soft in rose gold. (I have a crossbody version of Rebecca Minkoff's and I love it for weekends and travel when I want to be handsfree!)

 

Lastly, a swipe of metallic across your nails is the easiest, and most affordable way, to try the trend! Check out these from Essie and Deborah Lippman.

What do you think of the metallic trend for fall? Is this something you will continue to sport? If you haven't tried metallics in the past, will you now? Which one suits you best? Let's discuss!

 

Happy Friday!