Dressing Up Jeans

 Faux Fur Jacket: MICHAEL by Michael Kors (similar); T-Neck: Ann Taylor (similar); 

Jeans: Loft (similar); Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (similar); Necklace: Stella & Dot; 

Shades: Prada

Yesterday was our book club meeting and I decided to go fancy. Okay, not really fancy, but I did go a little dressy. In the words of one of my friends, I know "how to dress up a pair of jeans." That's what I love about a good pair of dark jeans. You can make them casual or dressy with one piece like this faux fur jacket. And tis the season to wear faux fur!

 The Fur Jacket: Before and After

    

A stunning necklace also does the trick! How amazing is this piece? Want it? Well look no further! Shop the link and this can you be yours! (Actually, spend $50 and get this beauty half off!)

I love kicking off the week in style! And I hope your Monday is as stylin'!

Happy Monday, Fashionista's!

A Little Weekend Grunge

Flannel Shirt: Target (similar); Tee: Boden; Jeans: Loft (similar); Booties: Sole Society;

Necklace: Tiffany; Shades: Target; Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

I love dressing up, but I also love dressing down. Way down! Do you ever have one of those days where you just want a little grunge, but on the chic side? Well, that's this look for me! Sure, it's not lace and fur, but a little flannel, mixed prints, and fun booties dress up my grungy look! And it's perfect for these chillier fall days!

The Stripe Tee: Before and After

    

 

Here's to Friday and fun filled weekend! Hope it's a fabulous one, Fashionista's! I hope to be back in full form next week!

I'm Totally Clueless

 Sweater: Ann Taylor (similar); T-Neck: Ann Taylor (similar); Jeans: Loft (similar); 

Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (similar); Handbag: Burberry (gift); Necklaces: Stella & Dot

So here's what I know: 1) I wore this look last week. 2) I love this sweater! It's probably one of my favorites in my arsenal. (And I have a lot of sweaters.) You can take it in so many different style directions and it's so chic. And it always reminds me of something Rachel Zoe would wear!

Here's what I don't know. I haven't a clue what we did that day or what day it was! Apparently, we went someplace because I have makeup on. That's one clue. As for the rest, I'm clueless! How's that for a blog post! I'm just being real here.

 

The Sweater: Before and After

     

 

Hope your week is going stylishly! I've been a total slacker on the blog this week, but we've been super busy! Sometimes life just takes a front seat to other things!

The Unexpected

Sweater: Boden; T-Neck: Bitten by SJP; Jeans: Loft; Boots: Aquatalia; 

Handbag: Burberry (gift); Necklace: Stella & Dot; Hat: Sole Society

A couple of weekends ago, the three of us headed down to Crown Center so I could return the fabulous clothes to Halls that I borrowed for the styling series shoot. While there, we had lunch and took another tour of the miniature train exhibit that McKinley adores. I thought the bridge to the train  would be the perfect backdrop and I love that a train was chugging by during the shoot!

This was my look for the actual shoot! It was finally a cool enough day to wear layers. I wanted to be warm, but comfortable at the same time. This cardigan is a light weight wool and it was perfect for an entire day of work and play! I kept the styling fairly simple. A cream t-neck, jeans, and a hat that worked double duty where great neutrals. But my favorite part of this look are the boots! I love the unexpected pop of burgundy peaking out from under the denim!

 

 

I'm too tired to go on! Stayed up way too late rooting on my Royals who are now World Series Champions! Hope your Monday is as royal as mine!

Happy Monday!

The 70s Trend - Look Number Four

Today is the final look in my four part 70s styling series and I think I love it just as much as the first look. There is something about this blush top! And the shaggy vest. I would save the best for last, right? This look is completely on trend with the 70s fad for fall in that the key pieces are the flared leg jeans and textured vest. But it's still modern with the chic top and leopard print heels.

I kept the rest of the look simple. I really wanted the vest to speak for itself. A statement necklace and classic handbag is all the ensemble needed to feel complete. An easy look that anyone can wear. The top, vest, and jeans can all be purchased on The Bridge at Halls.

Vest: Blu Pepper; Top: 1. State; Jeans: Hudson

 

  

I don't mean to obsess, but I'm obsessed! Just look at the detail in this vest!

I have so enjoyed this styling series. Not only have I've loved talking about my favorite fashion era, but I've loved sharing styling tips with you. Just a few fashionable reminders. When wearing something as strong as the shaggy vest, keep the rest of the look fairly neutral. Prints should be minimal, like in look two. Jazz up a simple top like in looks one and four with fur or textures. And don't be afraid to play around with a piece like in look number three. A dress doesn't always have to be a dress. Wear over jeans for a tunic or tucked in to create a cute top. Fashion is all about taking risks at times.

Also, when I left Halls, I left with seven pieces. And with those seven pieces I gave you four looks. And I repeated several times. Two different vests appeared in two separate looks. Two pairs of denim in light and dark wash are key. The blush top was worn twice. You don't need an extensive wardrobe, only key pieces. And these seven items I would recommend for any woman's closet. And aside from the jeans, all the other pieces were under $100! Oh, and I have to mention, my favorite shaggy vest was under $50! Head to The Bridge at Halls and get shopping!

Happy Friday and an early Happy Halloween! 

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson Photography 

The 70s Trend - Look Number Three

During the 70s, there was time that women wore incredible short dresses. Almost micro-mini dresses. And they wore them with knee high boots or longer. So when I found this darling dress I couldn't wait to style it. Suede was another popular fabric from the 70s, but it's definitely not wallet or kid friendly! What's awesome about this dress is that it's micro-suede! And short! Just like the ones from the 70s!

Because Christina's 5'8", and has super long legs, I decided to go the tunic route. I really like it! Sure, she could totally pull of the micro-mini with tights and heels for winter, but I love playing around with pieces. That's what styling is all about, right? Finding new ways to wear things. For the dress, the key piece in this look, I loved the idea of wearing it over the light washed jeans. It gives it a more casual feel. And the faux fur vest adds a little texture and depth. I paired it all with the leopard print heels, snake skin bag, a hat, and a couple of statement jewels for a little pop. (Again, all accessories, shoes, and jewelry are my own.)

Dress: Bishop + Young; Vest: Jack; Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

 

I love an exposed zipper! It brings a little edge to a piece. And a little extra detail!

 

 This look has such a cool vibe. Definitely something I would wear for a day of shopping or brunching with the girls. Again, I would love it with bare legs and a sleek heel for night or tights and booties for a fun winter look. With a dress like this, the options are endless.

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson Photography

The 70s Trend - Look Number 2

Today's look targets the prints and textures synonymous with the 70s. Back then we had psychedelic prints. Today, we have classic prints like the Greek Key, the ever popular paisley, (and my personal favorite) the animal print.  Textures, like yesterday's fur vest, have been the most commonly styled textile, but shaggy, non-fur pieces are appearing on the scene. Or at least, our scene.

There are so many things I love about this look. The navy and burgundy work so well together, and when paired with super dark denim, it looks incredibly luxe! The print within the top could be considered a little psychedelic! The swirl effect, if looked at long enough, can start to play with your eye. Who says the 70s isn't alive and well in fashion? But what I truly love is the vest! I'm actually obsessed. Like ready to run back down to Halls and snatch it up before it's completely sold out! It's very similar to pom-pom trim. And the shag! I love how shaggy it is. I think it's the key piece to making this look totally 70s!

 Vest: Blu Pepper, Top: 1. State; Jeans: Hudson

Just take a closer look at the print and texture of the vest. Obsessed!

Because there is so much going with the print and vest, keep the rest of the look fairly simple. I like how the dark denim keeps it on the dressy side. All I really added was a natural heeled boot and statement necklace.

 

This is definitely a work appropriate look for someone in a more casual environment. You could definitely get away with it on casual Friday. There's nothing casual about it. If anything, it's so chic it can be worn on multiple occasions. For me, I would definitely wear this to lunch with friends, any happy hour event, or on date night.

The top, vest, and jeans can all be found at Halls The Bridge.

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson Photography