NYFW - J.Crew Fall 2014

Is this same the retailer that I love to shop? If so, I'm going to love them even more come fall! Their presentation at fashion week this year was killer! The muted tones brought on my shocks of pinks and oranges was utterly cool! I love the menswear inspired looks, especially the cropped/roomy pants, and continued use of fuzzy fur. This collection from J.Crew is stunning, affordable, wearable, and relateable. All the elements needed from a major retailer and for my closet!

This is by far my favorite piece from the collection. This dress is everything! Look at the collar, the neckline, the sleeve length and hem! Stunning, classic, and truly timeless!

I have always been a coat girl and the coats coming this fall are incredible! This one is no exception. Look at the belted/buttoned waistline. The color is soft and feminine. The cut is streamlined. This is a definite must-have piece.

OMG! This fur sweater is darling! I love the colors and over-the-top shape. I can see this worn with everything in my closet from skinny jeans, to a long, black maxi skirt, to flared jeans and killer heels. Um, maybe like the ones she's wearing?! 

 I want every single piece within this look. The pop of orange is so dramatic, the coat is divine, and those pants are incredible.

This is yet another coat I'm pretty sure I need! And the shoes! Must have the shoes!

I was on the fence about this look until I took a closer look at the sweater. An over-sized boyfriend sweater is just the thing to wrap up in when you feel the need for a comfy blanket! 

Lastly, this top is gorgeous! I love the floral design. And I love the detail of the sleeve. It's little things like that, that make a piece so memorable. I love how they paired it with jeans, but how amazing would it be with a pencil skirt or my leather mini? Oh, and let's not forget that shoe! Yes, I will take that in a size 8 1/2 please!

J.Crew has fastly grown as one of my favorite retailers and this fall is going to find me perusing the web and their store often! What is your favorite piece?

Photos courtesy of WWD. Photos taken by John Aquino.

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

 

Chevron Stripes and a Picket Fence

Top: LOFT; Skirt: ModCloth; Shoes: Tory Burch; Bangles: A Mix;

Belt: Target; Earrings: Silpada; Sunnies: MARC by Marc Jacobs

 

Nothing says Americana like a white picket fence! Or red, white and blue Chevron stripes, no? I've decided to dedicate this week to pairing the three American colors in honor of the Fourth of July. There are ways to pair all three and not look like the flag or a costume.

 

I love the ease of this skirt. You literally throw it on and go! A little white button down with delicate lace makes it a little more feminine. And I love the bold shoe!

 

 

 

The Skirt: Before and After

 

I'm really happy with the contrast in stylings.

 

 



 

How do you dress for the Fourth?

Highlight on Lilly Pulitzer

The other day I blogged about a little designer by the name of Lilly Pulitzer. So, instead of simply referencing, I thought I would do a little blog post about the cute looks of Lilly! Like I said before, I've been a fan for years! I've owned everything from dresses to shoes and I've loved them all. They're the epitome of feminine, a little flirty and the perfect summer wardrobe must-have!

Below are some of my favorites from their newest collection!

I think this is by far my favorite piece!

  

I am loving these wedges!!!

Want to see more? Check out Lilly here!



Trench Twist

Dress: Ann Taylor (old); Scarf: Ralph Lauren (old); Shoes: Jimmy Choo;

Sunnies: Prada (gift); Bangles: Jessica Simpson/Fossil, Earrings: Ann Taylor (old)

 

This dress is a dress I've had forever! I would say it's at least five years old, if not older. I haven't worn it in forever because, well, it didn't fit! So happy to just give it the old college try on! What I love about the dress is that it's a classic, timeless design. Want to know why? Because it's a take on the traditional trench coat which has been a wardrobe staple since it's creation!

 

This dress made me feel a little Parisian, and when I think of Parisian woman, I think of scarves. Maybe it's the movies but they always seem to be wearing a scarf! This is not the new way of wearing scarves, but the 14 year old way of wearing scarves. After I graduated from college, I worked retail for several years. I started working for Harold's in 1996 and this is how everyone wore their scarves at the time. Actually, this was the first scarf I ever purchased! I love the soft colors, the subtle floral design and the feminitity that it brings.

 

I have to admit I was a little hesitant to wear it like this. Since it's not "on-trend" I felt silly for going back in the fashion vault of how I've worn things. Funny that I thought that because today over at What I Wore, Jessica eluded to somewhat the same thing regarding her look from today. I, we, must ask ourselves, why is that we get dressed everyone morning? For work or for leisure? Why do I, we, feel that we have to conform to a look that seems to be standard among fashion magazines? Because I, we, blog we feel we might be held to a different standard of fashion? Isn't fashion subjective?

 

 If we are blogging about our personal style, shouldn't that style be what we personally feel looks good on us, reflect who we are and makes us feel good? I tend to try too hard in getting dressed sometimes because I want my readers to think I'm fashion forward or trendy or a trend-setter. That the looks I wear and photograph are looks that they too should try at home, but that's not being true to either me or you! With that said, I will continue to look to the future of fashion, but will still rely on the things that I think are fashionable. It could be something that's out six months from now or a look I sported six years ago.

 

In the meantime....take a look at my Parisian self on a very windy Kansas afternoon!

 

 

 

 



 

Happy Thursday! MUAH!



Tough Enough?

Dress: Ann Taylor; Jacket: ELLE for Kohls (similar);

Shoes: Jimmy Choo; Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs;

Bracelet: Ann Taylor

So far I'm loving the transition to fall! I'm also loving this outfit! Two days in a row.... unheard of for me. Usually, I like what I've put together as it is part of something I've wore previously. Yesterday, I knew I wanted to stay in a fall color palette, but with it being close to 90 by late afternoon, I needed something that would keep me cool. AND, because it's in the low 60s when I'm leaving in the morning, I needed something to ward off the chilly air. 

I reached for this little jacket that I haven't worn in quite some time. I was unsure of how I would like the end result. In the end, I felt a little tough yesterday! The leather, darker tones and thick bracelet were just tough enough yet, somehow the ruffle on the jacket and cut of the dress kept the look feminine. Best of both worlds!