Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Making a New Year's Eve Statement

It's New Year's Eve! Can you believe that tomorrow will be 2015? Where has the year gone? For me, it has flown by! I'm not a huge NYE girl. We've done the going out thing. Hosting a party thing. Going out to dinner just the two of us thing. But as of late, we're really into staying in. However, when I think of making a night of it, I totally believe in making a statement. So in keeping with my theme, I've picked some of my fav statement making pieces! Just one of these will complete your NYE look, no matter what your plans!




If I had to pick one, or maybe two, I would definitely go for the clutch and bow-tie jacket! However, I love the feather coat and tiger ring. Okay, who am I kidding, I want them all! 

What are your plans for the big night? Headed out for a night on the town or simply laying low? Either way, I hope you have a wonderful night and that the New Year finds you surrounded in peace, good health, sublime happiness, and as always, incredibly stylish !!


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

The Coat Alternative

 Sweater: Anthropologie (similar); T-Neck: J.Crew (similar); Jeans: Loft (similar); 
Boots: Steven by Steve Madden (love this pair); Handbag: Pour La Victoire (similar); 
Hat: ? (fun options) Necklace: Target (similar); Gloves: Target

As I've gotten older, I become increasingly aware of how much I'm becoming my mother. It's not just in things I say but my approach to style. She hates wearing a coat. Period! It doesn't matter how cold it is, she refuses to wear a coat. And though I have a closet full of coats, coats I love, I have to admit I hate wearing one! Con, they're bulky. Pro, they're great for keeping you warm. Con, they're a pain when inside stores or restaurants. I would rather freeze for a couple of minutes while walking to the door than to have to deal with the coat once inside. Now, if I'm walking outdoors, or playing in the snow with my son, a coat is perfectly acceptable. Necessary. But just for a few minutes, a serious pain! 

Instead of a coat, I've been opting for a sweater coat. You know, a sweater that's relatively thick, long, wards off the chill, and looks so much more chic! I had all but forgotten about this sweater. It's been since 2011 that I've worn it! And apparently I love to wear versions of teal when I style it! (See before and after.) But I still love it after all these years and will definitely keep it toward the top of the sweater box for future cold days!



The Sweater: Before and After

http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2012/12/actually.html

 


Monday, December 29, 2014

All That Glitters

Jumpsuit borrowed from Alicia Janesko. All other pieces my own.

During KCFW this fall, an amazing sequin jumpsuit walked the runway show of Alicia Janesko and I immediately fell in love! This piece was reminiscent of Studio 54, an era of fashion I adore, and I thought of all the amazing places I could wear this incredible creation. On a whim, I reached out to Alicia regarding the jumpsuit and if I might be able to borrow it for a blog post. Much to surprise, she said yes! The minute I brought it home, I started working on styling it in various ways. I wanted to show you guys how one piece can be worn in various ways all allowing for casual and dressy occasions. 

But before I get to the styling, I want to talk a little about Alicia and her company. Alica began her caftan line with the intent to provide women with custom pieces. She wanted us to move beyond the typical poolside cover-up's and casual resort pieces. She designs her pieces to move from day to night, something we all need when traveling, and each move with the curve of your body. Since they are custom made, they are designed specifically to your body type, and each are made of luxurious fabrics and hand detailing. Having seen many of Alicia's pieces for the spring 2015 line, I can tell you they are impeccably made and incredibly chic!


Now about the styling! I've been on the hunt for a pair of sequin pants. I love the idea of such a luxe fabric in the form of pants versus the standard dress or skirt version we often see. Pants can be dressed up or down and that's their biggest appeal for me. Upon styling the jumpsuit, I gravitated toward making them pants. I have to say, I love how this turned out! A simple cashmere t-neck, a chain belt worn low on the waist, and gold accessories make this a perfect look for a night out! I would so wear this to dinner or a cocktail party.
 

 


I love the neckline. Alicia's attention to detail is so evident in the instant necklace like halter. It's made of heavy brass and hugs the neck which allows for the drapey bodice. 


For a more evening approach, I added a little faux fur. I love the contrast of the dark black against the shiny bright sequins. Plus, if you are a little hesitant to show so much skin, the jacket allows for coverage. However, it's stunning without and truly makes a statement! 



 
I am so honored that Alicia allowed me to borrow such an exquisite piece from her collection. I felt so chic and quite haute couture. I hated to see it go back, I would love to wear this again, but C'est la vie. I have another little something up my sleeve and I can't wait to share it with you soon!

Interested in chatting with Alicia regarding pieces in her current collection or in working with her to create a custom piece? You can contact her here. And if you do, I want to hear all the details!

Happy Monday, Fashionista's!

Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

An Endless Day - What I Wore

Sweater: Tory Burch (fun navy option); Tank: Loft; Jeans: Loft (similar); 
Booties: Camper (similar); Scarf: Gift; Necklace: Stella & Dot;  
Bracelets: J.Crew (similar/similar)/Kate Spade (fun option); Earrings: Gorjana

Last Tuesday seemed to be a day that I thought would never end! It was preschool drop off/pickup, an afternoon spent at my parents house, a doctor's appointment for McKinley, taking him home to nap, running to the pharmacy to fill his prescription once my hubby got home, back home for dinner (thank goodness for a crock-pot), off to run an errand, and then home to start our nightly routine for bedtime. By the time I hit the bed, I'm pretty sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

With a look that literally took me from sunup to sundown, I couldn't have asked for a better one! My fav boyfriend jeans, comfy sweater, chic scarf, and almost forgotten about booties made my endless day bearable. I felt like I had a good friend by my side with its easy feel.




The Sweater: Before and After

   http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2014/01/maroon-burgundy-or-bordeaux.html




What pieces help you get through a hectic day? Do you dress for success or simply leave it to sweats and comfy sneakers? 

Happy Monday, all!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Just A Girl....

T-Shirt: Tulip; Striped Tee: Boden; Pants: J.Crew; Booties: Rebecca Minkoff; 
Jacket: MICHAEL Michael Kors; Handbag: Pour la Victoire; Necklace: Tiffany's (gift)

This one t-shirt says it all. "Just A Girl Who Decided to Go for It"! And that's what I have done over the past year. I've embraced change, made changes, set goals, started business ventures whether solo or with my mom, met new people, made new friends, pushed myself to network and then work with people and businesses I never thought were possible, all while staying at home with my son and being present as a working mom. It's not the same work I've known for 17 years. It's truly close to being 24/7. My new hours are 7:00 am to roughly 1:00 am. I sleep maybe 5-6 hours a night. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!




The Jacket: Before and After

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


My new year will continue to bring change and I'm going to be the girl who continues to go for it! I can't wait to see what I'm capable of doing because I'm doing more than I ever thought imaginable. 

Are you a girl who goes for it? Want a t-shirt to show the world you mean business? Tulip on the Plaza is selling this exclusive chic tee to continue to empower women! And who doesn't want to be stylish while taking over the world!?! 

Happy Monday, Girls! Go get 'em! 

Friday, December 19, 2014

A Holiday Program - Festive Wear

Jacket: Pendleton (gift/similar); T-Neck: French Connection (similar); Jeans: Loft;
Boots: Sole Society (similar); Necklaces: Talbots/J.Crew (similar); Bracelets: J.Crew;
Ring: Etiquette Boutique

Yesterday we attended McKinley's first holiday program and I couldn't help but beam with pride! The whole school sang a mix of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs and they sang with gusto! McKinley was so attentive, an active participant, and according to another mom, he knew every word. Being an active theater participant myself, I could be a stage mom in the works!  

 Because it was a holiday program, I wanted to look festive without looking Christmasy. I wanted to be chic without trying too hard. I originally thought of wearing red, but thought that seemed to obvious. Instead, I went with this deep green jacket. Skinny jeans, tall boots (it snowed overnight), and a fun statement necklace are my definite go-to's these days when wanting to look a little more pulled together.




 
 

Between the children's chorus of carols, and this amazing green jacket, I was totally in the Christmas spirit! This time of year can leave us frazzled and that 30 minutes was all I needed to help calm my nerves!

What do you do take your look up a notch during the holiday season? Do you go subtle or all out in color? I can't believe this is our last weekend before the big day. Take a deep breath, let it out, and get a little dolled up!

Happy Friday, Fashionista's!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Tres Chic December - The LBD

Dress: Ann Taylor; Shoes: Valentino (gift/similar); Earrings: Made by Me (similar); Ring: Gift;
Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo; Nail Color: Sephora OPI Personal Shopper 
Nicole by OPI: Rainbow in the S-Kylie

When we thought about December and what we wanted to style, we all agreed with the LBD or Little Black Dress. We all have something to attend this month. Holiday parties, New Year's Eve events, work events, and cocktail parties and the LBD is the easiest piece to style in your closet. Throw on colorful shoes, gobs of jewels, fun tights, a little jacket, or go with all black. It's a blank canvas! 

We also thought it would be to get together for a little Tres Chic photo shoot. My dad graciously accepted the job! Our little shoot took place on the balcony of Aloft and we loved looking out over Park Place! The ice skaters were in full swing while others were shopping or lunching. Such a fun experience. As you can see, we all went in completely different directions with our dresses and I think each one is as chic as the next! Check out Lauren at Classy and Fab Girl and Caitlin at SophistiCAITed to see more! 

 Caitlin's Outfit Details:
Leather Limited Dress (old) similar here and here, BCBG blazer (old) similar here,
 JustFab bow pumpsJoie clutch c/o Shopbop, J.Crew tights (old) similar here
 Stella and Dot necklaceJ.Crew bracelet, J.Crew Factory bracelet (old) similar hereKate Spade studs

 
Lauren's Outfit Details:
dress - White House Black Market (similar) | leather jacket - Envy (similar) |
 tights - Loft | shoes - Ellen Tracy | lip color - Revlon Blushing Nude





We have had such a great time with our Tres Chic series and I can't wait to see what we come up with in 2015! As always, if you have any wardrobe challenges you would like us to tackle, send them on over! We love a styling challenge! 

See you in January with our next Tres Chic post! Until then, stay fashionable!

Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Shopbop: Hostess Gifts

I have several parties coming up this weekend and I'm trying to think outside the box in terms of of hostess gifts. I always seem to give the same thing, a bottle of wine or a plate of baked goodies like cookies or bread. This year I'm thinking of going down a more chic route and I'm loving these little nuggets I recently found! There's something for the fashionista, the wine lover, the neat freak, the foodie, coffee expert, and the baker. And each one is as sophisticated at the next! See my favs below!


What's on your list for the host or hostess in your life?

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Dancin' in my Seat

Top: Joie (similar); Tank: Loft ($10); Pants: J.Crew (gift/similar); Heels: Sole Society (c/o/similar)
Clutch: Ann Taylor (similar); Bracelets: J.Crew/Banana Republic; Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo

Saturday afternoon my hubby and I attended Motown the Musical and had a blast! The music, and performances, were incredible! They just don't make music like they used to! I don't know how anyone was able to sit still in their seat. I was constantly tapping my foot, rocking my shoulders, or nodding my head to the beat. If I could have, I would have been on my feet getting my groove on!

This is not the look I had planned. I was all dressed, only to find moth holes in my favorite cashmere dress! Thank god I discovered them before I left the house. I scoured my closet, looking for the next best thing, when I stumbled on these pants. I love these pants! And side note, they fit 10 times better than they did last year. Love that even more! I decided to glam them up with black lace and delicate heels. I went with bracelets versus necklaces to keep it simple. A touch of red lips and we were out the door!




 The Pants: Before and After

  http://akstylemyway.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-car-show-or-blog-photos.html



Hope you're having a fashionable week!