Friday, October 31, 2014

I Heart Circles - Mixing Prints

Sweater: Target: Top: J.Crew (gift); Boyfriend Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar);
Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (similar); Scarf: Gift (similar); Shades: MbMJ; 
Lip Color: Chanel 40 La Sensuelle

I'm trying to get a little more creative with my wardrobe and styling things in ways I wouldn't normally. I think it's part of the challenge of being a style blogger. It's not just about staying current, but about reinventing your wardrobe and thinking outside the wardrobe box....or closet. I've been wanting to wear this heart print top for a while now, but I couldn't think of ways to style it without looking exactly like the other ways I've worn it. Then it came to me like a vision. Wear it under my J'Adore sweater. Get it? Love and hearts?

But then I started thinking about how I could mix it up. Add a circle print scarf! I went back and forth between the one I'm wearing and this one, but I really liked the more dynamic print of this scarf. And I simply "heart" how these two prints came together. 



Other ways I've styled the scarf.

  

I wanted to give you the option of seeing the heart top mixed with the graphic sweater. Still mixing prints, just in a more subtle way. 

Styling Tip: This is a great way to start playing around with mixed prints if you've been hesitant on how to style.


 

I'm really curious how the whole thing would look with this scarf. Honestly, it's my favorite in the collection. Don't be afraid of playing around with mixing up your prints. It can truly amp up a look instantly. And, it's the best way to remix that wardrobe!

Happy Halloween Fashionistas!

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Sly Like a Fox...

Sweater:  MICHAEL by Michael Kors; Tee: Target; Jeans: LOFT;
Boots: Seychelles; Scarf: Sole Society (c/o); Shades: Prada (gift)

I just adore this fox scarf! The colors are bold yet neutral enough to go with just about everything in my closet. And it has. Now that fall is back, this sly little guy will be wrapped around my neck for most of the season! 



 The Scarf: Before and After

http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2014/01/this-is-what-fox-said.html



I am a big fan of scarves to help amp up a look. It's a small way to add color, texture, and a playful touch to your look!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

October Tres Chic - Chunk Knit Sweaters

 
 I am a sweater girl! No if and or buts about it. And to prove it, I have at least four sweater boxes to hold them all! So when "the experts" announced this fall's latest trend of chunky knit sweaters, I squealed with joy and I'm not a squealer! Just ask my mom.

October's Tres Chic was a no brainer for us! Bring on the chunky knits from three of your favorite Midwest bloggers! 

Caitlin, formally Gussied Up, has made a major change to her blog! Like the name and layout, and it's lovely! Same goes with her look from Go Blog Social in Chicago earlier this month! Check out the new site SophistiCAITed!

sweater: sheinside (old) but similar here | jeans: shopbop ℅ | booties: madewell |
 tote: windsor (sold out)| tank: vintage but similar here | 
necklace: j.crew factory (old) similar here | 
rings: vintage tiffany's and david yurman

Lauren of Classy and Fab Girl attended Go Blog Social as well! Loving the chunky sweater mixed with the fab leopard scarf! Keeping it Classy as always!



 outfit post | top – boutique in San Diego | scarf – H&M (similar)| white jeans – Gap 
purse – Zara | shoes – J shoes | earrings - Kendra Scott

Lastly, I introduced my sweater during my Royal work look last week. Can't wait to style it again soon! Sweater weather is on its way!

 Sweater: H&M (fun option); Skirt: Piperlime; Heels: ShoeDazzle (similar); 
Handbag: J.Crew (similar) Necklaces: Ann Taylor (similar)/Tori Spelling (similar); 
Shades: LOFT ($15!!!!); Bracelets: Jessica Simpson/J.Crew/Fossil

I love fall! It has always been my favorite time of year. The fashion is just so much more chic and luxurious and these chunky knits keep that fashion truth alive!

As always, if you have a trend you want to see styled by us, just let us know. We love being challenged! And it doesn't hurt to maybe have to shop! See you next month!


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

It Girl - Holly Golightly

Leather Jacket: MICHAEL by Michael Kors (similar); Tee: Gift (fun option $15!); 
Boyfriend Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar); Flats: Jessica Simpson (fun option); 
Ring: Kristian Alfonso (similar); 
Nail Color: Essie Fear and Desire/Chanel Black Satin
 
Yesterday afternoon we participated in McKinley's first annual Trunk-or-Treat at his school which happened to be a first for us as well. He was dressed as Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates and was absolutely adorable! Because it's Halloween, I don't want to go overboard in the orange and black department. I also don't really get to get dressed up anymore. I simply want all the focus on him!

However, I thought it would be fun to go as the "It Girl" Holly Golightly! Not in the LBD, updo with tiny tiara, and cat-eye liner kind of costume. But with elements of being an It Girl. You know leather jacket, raspberry lip, and wearing Holly on your shirt!



The Jacket: Before and After

http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2013/10/heart-and-soul.html

Don't have a tiny tiara? Just wear something similar on your shoes! I had all but forgotten about these little satin flats. I also forgot how comfortable they are!

 

 And how cute are my festive nails? They aren't perfect, but I kind of like that they are a little kookie in appearance. Makes perfect sense for Halloween, no?



Oh, it just so happened that Marie Claire ran this article online yesterday. I was already dressed when it appeared in my Facebook newsfeed. Talk about being on the same wave length! What film would inspire your next costume? For me, I'm thinking Penny Lane!

Monday, October 27, 2014

#CosmopolitanChic - Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

It's been almost a year since we took a vacation and that was to Los Angeles for my birthday. It's been over four years since we headed out to Vegas for Joel's. I am seriously dreaming of a get-away and Las Vegas sounds like a fun spot, no? The last time there, we played total tourists. We literally tried to do everything you could do in case we didn't get back. If we were to return, I'm thinking we would simply stay put in our hotel and take advantage of everything it had to offer.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas looks amazing! It's glamorous, luxurious, and offers a New York style amid all the themed resorts of the Strip. And I'm all for glamorous and luxurious these days! So when I'm not sleeping in (because it's a vacation), or laying by the pool (because that's what you do in Vegas), I would find myself mingling among the eateries the Cosmopolitan has to offer.

The Wicked Spoon sounds like a wonderful place to brunch. The decor is ultra modern, with bright colors and super cool lighting. And it offers American comfort foods which are perfect for that midday meal. There's also a secret pizza window where you can grab a New York style slice and head back to your spot by the pool! But I'm sticking around to dine and here's what I would wear. I'm all about sequins these days and I'm loving this skirt from H&M. Paired with a denim shirt (that would look so chic over your swimsuit) fun heels and a statement necklace, I would be dining in style. And, I could get my window shopping on in this look. I would need it to walk off that delish meal.


So, I've been lounging by the pool and hitting up the resort shops. After a quick cat nap, and costume change, I'm off to dinner. We're going to check out Jaleo. Spanish tapas or cheeses soaked in red wine sound divine. A pitcher of Sangria and amazing conversation are in order during this dining experience! Oh, and I made a quick change into this sassy dress! Sans tights, I love how these cobalt heels bring out the colors within the dress. A fun clutch, statement ring, and deep red lip complete the look! It's now time to hit the slots!


I didn't win big, in the slots that is. But I'm willing to bet that our late night trip to Marquee will be something to remember! And I can't wear what I wore to dinner. It's a night club with a four story LED screen, a DJ pumping out jams, and a packed dance floor. There are three different rooms for you to explore and I'm thinking the smaller Boom Box sounds more my speed. But just because the room may be small and intimate, my look is a total standout! I'm back with the sequins and punched it up a notch with the feathers! Fun heels and a bold clutch add that Vegas flare!


The hubby and I could use a weekend away, something we haven't done since having our son three years ago, and now I'm dying to get to Vegas. And the Cosmopolitan is calling my name! And so are these looks. Wonder if a trip in the New Year could be on my wish list to Santa? Here's hoping!

What would you wear while in Vegas?

Thursday, October 23, 2014

New Twist on Rain Gear

 Sweater: Tahari via Marshall's (similar); Tee: Ann Taylor (similar); Leggings: Target;
Boots: J.Crew (gift/similar); Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt; Hat: Target;
Necklace: Silpada; Ring: Silpada: Lip Color: Chanel 40 La Sensuelle

 A cool rainy day calls for a warm cape inspired sweater, leggings, tall boots, and a hat! A couple of weeks ago, we headed down to the Plaza on a day that we thought would just be overcast and cool. Not the case! The minute we pulled into a parking space, it started to rain! But we didn't let that bother us. The boys walked under the umbrella while I took cover under my hat!

I got this darling sweater the day before at Marshall's! I honestly never find anything at Marshall's so it was definitely my lucky day! Little did I know that I would need it the following day. Paired with faux leather striped leggings and riding boots, this was the perfect look for a rainy day stroll.




The Hat: Before and After

 


Wednesday, October 22, 2014

How To Layer for Fall

Denim Jacket: Pointer (similar); Sweater: French Connection (similar); 
Vest: Lands' End (gift/similar); Boyfriend Jeans: LOFT; Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (similar); 
Scarf: Gift; Shades: LOFT; 
Lip Color: L'Oreal Extraordinaire by Colour Riche in Plum Adagio

Saturday I hosted a Holiday Boutique from my driveway, a small home decor business I'm trying to literally start from the ground up, which meant I spent most of the day outdoors. My house faces north so very little, if any, sunlight actually reaches that side. With the temps in the low 50s, maybe even in high 40s, layers were a must when getting dressed!

It all started with the scarf. It was also game day for my Alma Mater and I knew I needed a scarf for the day.  From there, I just started adding pieces. I love this striped sweater and how the scarf pops against the black and white background. I reached for the vest because I didn't really want a wool overcoat. But the vest just wasn't enough protection, so I grabbed my dad's denim jacket. The combination was perfect!  



The Vest: Before and After

http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2014/01/warmer-temps-trip-to-zoo-and-crystals.html
 
And as the sun eventually made it's way to the edge of my driveway, I was finally able to remove the denim jacket! I love the mix of stripes in the sweater with the school colors, mascot, and name!  



When building your layered look, what is the first piece you grab for to being the building process? Layering is one of my favorite things about fall! It gives me a chance to wear some of my fav pieces all at once!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

World Series Game One - A Royal Work Look

 Sweater: H&M (fun option); Skirt: Piperlime; Heels: ShoeDazzle (similar); 
Handbag: J.Crew (similar) Necklaces: Ann Taylor (similar)/Tori Spelling (similar); 
Shades: LOFT ($15!!!!); Bracelets: Jessica Simpson/J.Crew/Fossil

How exciting and amazing is it that the Kansas City Royals are heading to World Series?? And when I say heading, I mean they are playing tonight! I have been glued to my TV since the Wild Card game and I've been rotating my royal blue/Royals pieces for game days. Which got me thinking. What would I wear to work in order to root on the Royals without wearing a sweatshirt or tee every day?

I immediately thought of this skirt, but it's so hard to style blues. Well, well, well...how well does this chunky knit go? I love it! Pairing neutrals, such as a gray bag and and shoes, kept all the focus on the main event. 

 

The Skirt: Before and After

 

For the accessories, I loaded up on the jewels! I love the tortoise shell mixed with the blue and orange. And that spike necklace is my fav layering piece!

  


I think this is a royal look for the work place. What are you wearing this week while showing your support for our Boys in Blue? I can't wait for Game One!