Metallic Gold

Sweater: MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar); Shorts: Zara (similar);

 Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (similar); Tights: Target; Handbag: Balenciag (similar); Belt: Ann Taylor;

 Necklaces: Ann Taylor (similar)/Tori Spelling (similar);

Rings: Gorjana/Tori Spelling (similar); Bracelets: J.Crew Factory/BaubleBar (similar); 

Shades: Tom Ford; Nail Color: Chanel Noir; Lip Color: MAC Dark Side

Last week I attended a Fashion Group International meet up regarding networking and connecting to make your business profitable. I learned some great tips for all facets of business and I can't wait to start applying the practices.

We met at the uber cool Garment District in Power and Light. We sipped champagne, listened to speaker Laurie Morrissey, and chatted with fellow business women about their current endeavors. And because we were going to be among some pretty fashionable ladies, I wanted to step up my game! I knew I wanted to wear the shorts, but the top was tricky. I tried on several different pieces, which were all great, but there was just something about this metallic gold! Gotta love a little shimmer!

 

 

The Sweater: Before and After

These tights were a total mistake! I thought I was grabbing my standard opaque pair, but instead I ended up with leopard. Totally worked out in my favor! I love the texture of the tights with the metallic cable sweater.

  

 

Black and gold just happen to be one of my favorite pairings. My alma mater colors just happen to be black and gold as well! How cute would this look at a basketball game? Too bad I wasn't this pulled together in college! 

Hope you're having a fashionable week!

My All J.Crew Wish List

I didn't know I had a wish list until I got the new J.Crew catalog in the mail last night. I was absentmindedly looking through when it seemed like everything was catching my eye! I literally dog-eared every page. Everything seemed shiny, metallic, and gold. I never knew I was a gold girl until this catalog! 

The striped top comes in black, which I prefer, and the gold circles add a little something which all of my other stripe tops are lacking! How cute is that ornament? Who doesn't need a Blah, Blah, Blah ornament to match their favorite t-shirt?! The gold linen pants are amazing! Holiday parties, or just because, seem to be all the right occasions for them, no? I love stationary and these would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone. Tres chic! I didn't know I needed/wished for these shoes until my mom pointed them out. Seriously, so MAJ! The necklace is stunning! Like little matchsticks around your neck. It would light up any look.... That puffer vest in metallic gold is just what I need to punch up any casz look during the winter! And a Blah, Blah, Blah phone case? Yes please! Lastly, I have been in love with these Sorel Joan of Arctic boots since last winter. Definitely a must-have item to get me through winter! 

From Top to Bottom

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

What is on your J.Crew wish list this year? Check out their site for some fabulous finds! I love that they offer not only clothing but home goods and more! A one stop shop.

The Ugly "It" Summer Sandal

For whatever reason, this season's "It" sandal is what I consider the "Ugly" sandal. Do any of you remember the Birkenstock phase craze in the 90s? I will admit, I totally jumped on that trend wagon back then and sported the brown version that everyone was wearing! I have hated them ever since.

So when I saw Michael Kors sporting this version during his Fall Runway show, I was appalled! They are so, well, ugly! I couldn't believe that we had reverted back to a version of the Birkenstock in high fashion! Remember the Teva craze? Jean Godfrey June answered a Dear Lucky question regarding "Tevas? Really?!" Read the answer for yourself, I provided the link, but here are just a few statements from some of the editors at the mag. “Flatforms!” exclaimed accessories director Julia Kalachnikoff. “Yes! They go with everything.” Stylist Kate Young started wearing Tevas last summer, and the world followed. See what I mean? The Ugly sandal is where it's at!

I seriously turned up my nose to the new trends. I was not about to go down that road again. I mean, I tell everyone I know how ugly I think Birkenstocks are. Sure, they are comfy, but my god! They are so bulky. So bland in color. So 1993! Then, while browsing the shoes at Target, I found a silver metallic pair of "Ugly" sandals from Sam & Libby. Before I knew, I had tried them on and put them in my cart! I also got the seal of approval from Jean Godfrey June, her exact word was "Love", so now I need to figure out how to style them.

So now that I've jumped on the bandwagon again, I decided to share with all of you some of my favorite Ugly sandal styles for the summer. Sandal number one is the pair I invested in, but I do love number four!

 

One/Two/Three/Four/Five

What do you think of the new sandal trend for summer? Is this something you are willing to go with or just simply let pass you by? I have to say, the Sam & Libby version from Target is really comfortable, a little cute, and I'm looking forward to styling them. Perhaps over the weekend....

Happy Friday!

XOXO

Fluctuation

Top: J.Crew Factory (similar); Boyfriend Jeans: LOFT (similar); 

Sandals: Seychelles via Gilt (similar); Shades: Prada (gift); Handbag: 

Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt (various colors); Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

What does one wear when the day starts out in the upper 70s with large amounts of humidity, but ends with lows in the upper 50s and lots of rain? This, I guess! I started out the day with the air condition running in the car to keep my hair at bay and had the heat on while driving home. Only in Kansas, right?

I am not one for a tunic. I feel like they hug me in all the wrong places, but there was something about this one. I loved the color combo and sweet vine design so decided to take the plunge. I'm thinking it will look darling with denim cut offs and will really pop against white jeans. Now, to find the perfect fitting white jean....

 

The Boyfriend Jeans: Before and After

A Styling Session

Top: Ann Taylor (on sale); Jeans: LOFT (similar); Heels: B Brian Atwood via Gilt (similar);

Shades: ULTA; Necklaces: Silpada/Ann Taylor (similar); Bracelets/Earrings: Silpada;

Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

Monday was my first styling session as a stylist, instead of through this blog and styling virtually, and I had the best time! Kimberly, the client, is leaving for Cannes on Monday and will be in France for nine days. In total, we came up with over nine looks using roughly six pieces. I can't wait to share the post with you!

When getting ready, I thought about going on the dressy side. Then I started thinking, this is my business and I can dress however I want!! And, if I'm trying to sell myself as a stylist, I need to go more chic than business in my attire. I am so happy with this look! I've been dying to wear this leather top, but it wasn't weather appropriate until now! I love the rough boyfriend jeans paired with sleek leather and metallic heels! Throw on silver rimmed aviators, and load of silver accessories, and you've got instant stylist style. Or what I like to call Style My Way!

 The Boyfriend Jeans: Before and After

 

The Perfect Choice

 

Dress: Kate Spade; Pumps: Saks Fifth Ave (on sale/credit); Clutch: Milly for Banana Republic;

Necklace: Banana Republic 

Over the weekend I attended a baby shower for my sweet friend who recently had twin girls! (They are darling in photos and I can't wait to get my hands on them!) I love showers of any kind, unless they're rain showers. Pink was the color of choice, obviously, and this dress was perfect way to go.

I paired it with my new, amazing metallic pumps and my coordinating metallic wristlet. I love a wristlet. You can still carry a little clutch, and because it hangs off the wrist, it allows you to be hands-free. My chunky brooch necklace was the perfect piece to complete the look.

 

DIY - Metallic Silver Oxfords

I blogged a couple of weeks ago about the metallic trend and how it's still going strong for fall. Within that post, I featured a pair of silver oxfords on J.Crew and I have been obsessed with getting a pair. I love the shiny edge to such a classic shoe. 

 

J.Crew also overs a super cute Penny Loafer version, another iconic shoe with a trendy twist.

 

 

And than I started thinking.... I have a pair of nude slip-on Steve Madden oxfords that I was going to sell. Why don't I spray paint those silver and make my own pair of oxfords. I would be saving myself money but still getting the pair I've been dying to have!

Here is what you'll need:

Slip-On Oxfords

Spray Paint

Clear Sealer
Black Sharpie

Masking Tape

Cardboard

Newspaper

Plastic Gloves 

 

 Start by taping off the soles all the way around the shoe. Take off the tassels and tape off the small piece across the shoes. Place newspaper inside the shoes so you don't spray the insides! You don't want silver all over your feet and socks do you? 

 

Take the cardboard and shoes into a well ventilated area. I chose the backyard, but you can use your garage or basement. Just make sure you have it ventilated! Start spraying! Make sure you apply several even coats and get in all the nooks and crannies! Once dry, apply the clear sealer so that your paint doesn't crack upon wearing.

 

For the tassels, I've really been brainstorming on how to get them black. Spray paint, RIT dye, fabric paint? After much consideration, I went for a black Sharpie! (Photos not shown) Just apply several rounds of black marker until you get the desired color and the original doesn't show through!

 

Once everything is completely dry, remove tap and re-add the tassels.

All I was out was spray paint and sealer for a total cost of roughly $10! I am digging DIY projects! I feel like I'm transforming my closet, making it trendy without spending tons of money for something that won't be around long! Want to see how I styled them? Stay tuned.....

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!

 

 

 

 

 



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!