Sweet with an Edge

Jacket: MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar); Top: Ann Taylor (on sale); Jeans: LOFT (similar);

Boots: Halogen via Nordstrom (similar); Handbag: BCBGenerations (similar);

 Earrings: Gorjana; Sunnies: Tom Ford; Lip Color: NARS Shanghai Express

Have I told you how much I love my leather moto jacket? Well, I do! It truly is an easy piece to style because it goes with everything! When planning my look, I knew I wanted to wear black and white paired with the jacket, but I wasn't sure what to wear with it. I ran several scenarios through my head and landed on the Peter Pan collar top. A little bit of sweet with a little bit of edge. Skinnies with tall boots complete the look.

I wanted to keep my accessories minimal, since the jacket is such a focal point, so I went with a simple pair of dangles and cigar band ring. And speaking of accessories, I'm constantly stating that jackets, outwear and handbags are an extension of your look, however I rarely seem to show them. I am going to try to make a more concerted effort to do so. I mean, if I'm going to preach it I should follow through! Instead of carrying my standard black handbag, I pulled out my purple one. I love this bag! And it really compliments the look with the leather and chain effects!

I am really trying to amp the wow factor by playing around with darker lip colors. As we transition from winter to spring, I will start to lighten up the color but still go for something that's bold. I've never really been a lipstick girl. If I wore any, it was for special occasions or a night out. And, I found I would only apply it once and forget about it. It really does add a little something to your every day look. 

 

The Top: Before and After

If you are thinking about investing in a motorcycle jacket, now is the time to do it! As stores start to transition to spring/summer, sales are abundant. And, they rarely go out of style so go for it! You have my permission!

Happy Friday!

Python and Leather

Jacket: Ann Taylor (similar); Denim Shirt: J.Crew Factory (similar); Skirt: J.Crew (gift);

Boots: Nine West (similar); Tights: Target; Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar): Earrings: DIY;

Sunnies: Prada (gift); Lip Color: MAC Dark Side

I have been thinking long and hard about how to wear this skirt again. I'm intimidated by the print as I don't want anything to compete. I know mixing prints is a huge trend, however I fear it! As I look back on how I wore the skirt before, this really isn't much different. However, I like the way the denim dresses down the skirt and I think the leather jacket brings it all together! Add a chunky necklace and dark lips for a little sass!

You can get miles out of a denim button down. Definitely invest in one! They are great for layering or worn on their own. See posts 1, 2, 3, 4 for other ways I've worn mine!

 

  

 

The Skirt: Before and After 

How I Styled It - DIY Embellished Sweatshirt

Sweatshirt: Target; T-Shirt: Target; Jeans: LOFT; 

Tennies: Converse One Star via Target (various colors);

 Sunnies: Kate Spade via Rue La La

If you read yesterday's post then you know I made this sweatshirt! Okay, I didn't make the actual sweatshirt, but I did create (and apply) the pattern on the shoulders. A new trend in fashion is the embellished shoulder sweatshirt. A little 80s, in retrospect, and it might be a huge reason why I've gravitated toward them. My original inspiration is now sold out but it resembles this one from ASOS (also no longer available). See, the trend is that big!!

I decided to go with a peach sweatshirt because it's a great neutral. I got this one at Target. Again, a little 80s in cut but still stylish! And comfy! To keep the look laid back, I added my beloved boyfriend jeans and Converse sneakers. I don't consider these true tennis shoes as I would never wear them to the gym. A great substitute for flats! I love this low key look!

So what do you think? Have I convinced you to try the trend? And, would you just buy a sweatshirt or take the time to make your own? Personally, I can't wait to wear it all spring long!

DIY- Embellished Shoulder Sweatshirt

Embellished shoulder sweatshirts are a big trend right now and super cute! And, a trend I can get behind. It's a stylish sweatshirt that I can wear on the weekend and not feel like I'm wearing gym wear while running errands. As I started pricing them, the one I liked that is, was a little more than I wanted to spend on a sweatshirt. So I decided to make my own! 

The original piece that inspired me is now sold out, because the trend is so cute, but I found two others that are just as darling. The gray one is from ASOS (no longer available) and the beige one is MNG for Mango at JCPenney.

It took me forever to find the right sweatshirt but I found it! At Target! How I love Target! I went with a peach color because I have so many gray tops. And, I thought it would be a good neutral. I was right! Then I started shopping for my embellishments. I've scoured the craft stores and stumbled on some clearance items from Michael's. I was finally set! Here is what you will need:

Sweatshirt

Embellishements

Craft Glue for Fabric

Scissors 

Once you have what you need, lay out your pattern on the shoulder. Follow the directions on the craft glue on how they recommend use. For this particular one, it stated to apply the glue directly to the fabric and then add embellishment. What was even better is that these were stickers as well so I have a double reinforcement! 

  

After completing one shoulder, move on to the next. The end result looks like this!

I am so happy with the finished product. It wasn't hard at all, just a little time consuming. When all was said and done, I spent $30. I came in under the cost of the above sweatshirts and I love that it's my own design. Would you make your own? 

Want to see how I wore it? Tune in tomorrow!

Fashion, 1968 and Rachel Zoe

This weekend the revival of HAIR is coming to town and I am so excited! I've seen the movie, but there is just something about live theater! HAIR, written in the time of the late 1960s at the height of the Vietnam War, is about hippies protesting the war while living among "free love", in short. Aside from the iconic songs in the show, what I'm most excited about it is the costumes! This is a style that I love and identify with the most!

I've been thinking about what to wear, in an homage to the show, but I want to keep it chic. Do I go mod or hippie? I don't want to look like a walking billboard or that I'm wearing a costume. I don't want to go casual as I am a full believer that when you attend the theater you attend in style! So, how do I incorporate 2013 clothing into something dressy/BOHO chic?

When talking to my mom about what she wore in 1968, her response was "I owned a lot of shift dresses, skirts and sweater sets. I had a long sleeved, black, pinstripe dress with leather collar and cuffs with self-belt." She made the transition to bell bottoms, jumpsuits and tall boots around l969 or '70. An enviable closet that I would love to have today! My mom was so chic!

For a modern take on the late 60s/early 70s, I am also inspired by Rachel Zoe and her amazing way of creating BOHO looks that are always on trend, always sophisticated and can be worn day or night. Here are just a few of my favorites.

 So, how do I recreate these looks with pieces from my closet? And, how can I make them work for the show on Saturday? (I should mention that we have matinee tickets which makes a difference in how dressy I will go.) It's all about finding the right piece, layering and adding the perfect accessories. From the photos above my must-haves are: a maxi dress, wide-leg jeans, a tailored jacket and amazing accessories.

I'm thinking I will try to recreate the maxi dress with leather jacket. I have some to chose from and here's how I've worn them. 

 

I'm also thinking of working in the jumpsuit below. Add a black t-neck over the top to create a two-piece look and add leather jacket for layers.

A look back on how I wore it in Vegas.

 

What are your thoughts in dressing for this occasion? Would you match your attire to meet the theme? Is BOHO a continued fashion statement or one that ended in an era long ago? Let's chat!

Happy Monday!

Images one and two from Babble.com.

Image three from Posh 24.

Image four from The Huffington Post.

Party Dress

Coat: Land's End (old); Dress: Kate Spade (gift); Cardigan: J.Crew (similar);

Shades: Kate Spade via Rue La La; Shoes: Manolo Blahnik (gift); Tights: Target;

Gloves: Gift; Earring: DIY; Lip Color: NARS Shangai Express

What is it about a new haircut? For this girl, it brought about a change in attitude. A little sass! And it prompted a look that was a little party girl! Okay, a sophisticated party girl, but that's okay. I'm older, wiser and so ready to take on a change! But first, let's talk about this dress!

I wore it on New Year's Eve and paired it with a darling orange cardigan. I loved the vibrant color against the black and white. This time around I went for color in my tights! I am not one to wear colored tights, but I really wanted to be playful in my "party dress"! I so wish you could see the contrast (see photo below). I'm taking the colored tights in baby steps. Maybe next time....red! WOAH!

 

 

 

Oh how I love a dress with pockets! Why doesn't EVERY dress come with them? A fashion necessity, right?

Remember how I said I wish you could see the contrast? Well, if I could have used my original background, you can! The wind was crazy and my hair was all over head/face. We had to move around the corner, but you can at least get a glimpse.

 

Now, let's talk about that change I mentioned earlier. I'm constantly trying to find my voice in the blogging world. What do I bring to the table that is different than other personal style blogs? What would you keep coming back for more? What is going to keep me focused on making this a better blog? And, what is going to bring more attention to my blog? Lots of things to consider over this way. I'm playing around with a few things on paper, and in my head, so look for more details to come. 

Happy Friday!