Friday I'm in Love
Some wonderful shoe eye-candy to hold you over for this wonderful three-day weekend. Fingers crossed that it won't rain here in L.A. See you next week!
The Bold Shoulder aka It Was Acceptable in the 80s
When I first heard that the 80s trends were coming back, I was understandably horrified. Those of us who went through it the first time have a secret box of photos showcasing the absolute worst of those trends! I'm talking Bedazzled acid washed jean jackets, Aqua-netted side ponytails with BIG bangs (aka mall hair), high-top Reeboks, preferably in red. But there were also some cute trends that this time around are more tailored, more feminine, and more flattering.
I love the bold shoulder look. Whether it's an embellishment, padding, or ruching, the bold shoulder is a great way to ease into the 80s trend. You can go as subtle or as big as you want. Here are some subtle options:
This dress has more of an epaulet of sequins that just hints at the trend. Perfect for us girls who don't want to be too over the top.
This blouse is a subtle venture into 80s shoulders. I love how feminine it is with buttons down the back. I would wear this with a slightly higher rise jean or draped shorts.
This dress is available in black or cream and I am loving both. The cream has an 80s and 60s vibe, it's all in the accessories.
Part boyfriend blazer, part power suit. My favorite thing about this jacket is that it's slightly shrunken without being tight.
I'm in love with this one. This jacket looks cute with denim shorts (as they styled it) but I think it would go well over a black dress. Gotta love versatility!
This dress is cute but the overall look is a little...familiar. Be careful of how you style a dress like this. Or be prepared for people to stop you in the street to ask if you were in a certain music video:
I love the bold shoulder look. Whether it's an embellishment, padding, or ruching, the bold shoulder is a great way to ease into the 80s trend. You can go as subtle or as big as you want. Here are some subtle options:
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What I'm Ordering
Every time I go on a J Crew diet, they somehow reel me back in. This week was a double whammy - I received the June catalog with a discount code for 20% off (finally some recognition for the money I spend there!) and now a summer sale. What am I ordering?
First, I have to say that if you don't own the Mackenzie wool jacket, you should snap it up. It's super cute on, lightweight for spring and summer, and only $60! I bought mine for $90 and I think it was a bargain then.
First, I have to say that if you don't own the Mackenzie wool jacket, you should snap it up. It's super cute on, lightweight for spring and summer, and only $60! I bought mine for $90 and I think it was a bargain then.
This bright v-neck is a perfect pairing for my vintage zebra skirt.
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Of course I have to go for the giant gingham top I talked about yesterday. I might go up a size on this as suggested.
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After having read some IRL reviews online, I am totally head over heels for this skirt. As previously mentioned, I'm loving the draped look and always love a skirt with pockets.
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How cute is this?! Easy summer style and a smocked panel on the back (perfect for some curve definition).
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Why oh why are you not in my size?! Anyway, it's marked down to $60 from $188!
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I own this in the purple color (no longer available) and I'm going back for another. It's gorgeous and unique and super soft. Love!
What's in your shopping bag today?
Too lazy to choose an outfit day
We all have those days. You wake up and look in the closet and although it's packed with blouses, skirts, pants, sweaters, etc. you just have nothing to wear. This sentiment if often met with eye-rolls in my house. Some days you just want an outfit that's easy, uncomplicated, looks effortless and is comfortable.
I'll put this out there right now - I do not wear sweatpants or pajamas in public. EVER. Even when I have the flu I can get jeans on. So my idea of the perfect casual weekend or lazy day outfit is an oversized button-up shirt with skinny jeans. Effortless yes, and also classically chic. Right this second my favorite version of the button-up is in buffalo plaid or oversized gingham. Gives a little visual interest.
J. Crew's giant gingham print shirt is on sale for $50 and works well with black jeans. For added color, carry a mustard colored handbag or wear green sandals. You could also pair this with a ditzy floral print skirt.
This Norma Kamali for Walmart blouse is only $11! Love the light blue color.
For us girls that need a little pink in our life, AE's version has you covered. It's also available in purple and green colorways.
I'll put this out there right now - I do not wear sweatpants or pajamas in public. EVER. Even when I have the flu I can get jeans on. So my idea of the perfect casual weekend or lazy day outfit is an oversized button-up shirt with skinny jeans. Effortless yes, and also classically chic. Right this second my favorite version of the button-up is in buffalo plaid or oversized gingham. Gives a little visual interest.
J. Crew's giant gingham print shirt is on sale for $50 and works well with black jeans. For added color, carry a mustard colored handbag or wear green sandals. You could also pair this with a ditzy floral print skirt. |
For something a little brighter, go with this version from Splendid (also on sale for under $50). The voile fabric is lightweight and perfect for summer.
This Norma Kamali for Walmart blouse is only $11! Love the light blue color. |
I never thought I'd say this...
I am loving the draped shorts trend. I remember wearing culottes back in the day and I cringed at first when they came back around. Now the trend is morphing into some kind of tap pant/culotte hybrid and the more I see them the more I think I need a pair for my own closet.
These Tibi ruffle shorts are feminine and versatile. I'd wear these with a tank top and sandals during the day and at night I'd pair them with a poof-sleeve blouse and sky-high heels. At $240 they aren't the cheapest pair you can buy but how can you argue with silk crepe de chine?
These shorts have a similar look to the Tibi pair but at a much friendlier price. Personally, I'm not crazy about shelling out $70 for polyester, but these are still very cute.
Must...have...these...shorts...SOLD OUT?! To the mall, post haste!
Yes, these are polyester but they are under $50 so I can live with it.
Last but not least, a denim option. How cute are these? At $30 they are even cuter!
What are your thoughts on draped shorts? Hard to wear or hard to pass up?
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These Tibi ruffle shorts are feminine and versatile. I'd wear these with a tank top and sandals during the day and at night I'd pair them with a poof-sleeve blouse and sky-high heels. At $240 they aren't the cheapest pair you can buy but how can you argue with silk crepe de chine?
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These shorts have a similar look to the Tibi pair but at a much friendlier price. Personally, I'm not crazy about shelling out $70 for polyester, but these are still very cute.
Must...have...these...shorts...SOLD OUT?! To the mall, post haste!
Yes, these are polyester but they are under $50 so I can live with it.
Last but not least, a denim option. How cute are these? At $30 they are even cuter!
What are your thoughts on draped shorts? Hard to wear or hard to pass up?
Touch of Greige
Brown grey, grey beige, purple grey, suede grey. Most recently seen on the runway painted on immaculately manicured nails. Today's want of the day is greige polish!
Arguably the one that started the craze, Chanel Le Vernis in Particuliere.
And it may be the only Chanel I can afford!
That's more like it - style on a budget. Best part is I can buy it at CVS!
OPI Over The Taupe, 0.5 OZ
In my experience, OPI nail polishes are high quality and last longer than drugstore polish. On Amazon this color is under $3!
Last but not least, a lighter option for those of us who like to dip our toe in the pool. And it's from American Apparel no less, who knew?
And it may be the only Chanel I can afford!
That's more like it - style on a budget. Best part is I can buy it at CVS!
OPI Over The Taupe, 0.5 OZIn my experience, OPI nail polishes are high quality and last longer than drugstore polish. On Amazon this color is under $3!
Last but not least, a lighter option for those of us who like to dip our toe in the pool. And it's from American Apparel no less, who knew?
I'm in love...
...and how could I not be? Just look at these Marais shoes. Reminiscent of Charles Jourdan with the conical kitten heel. Bold cobalt blue suede. All Elvis references aside, these shoes are insanely beautiful. Want.
Trends on a Budget
With Forever 21 stores popping up like dandelions everywhere, it's become increasingly easy to keep with trends without spending your whole paycheck. I always like to have options because sometimes I want a bit of a toned-down version of a trend. You know, neon nail polish instead of neon Hammer pants. Here are my picks for the latest trends under $50 a pop.
Here is a collection of the latest in shoes. Look for peep-toe booties and variations on a summer staple, the gladiator sandal. Those red gladiator sandals feature studs, another trend.
I used to tease my husband for an old family portrait where everyone in his family is wearing a chambray shirt. Now when I wear mine he teases me. Hey, fashion comes and goes. Next year I'll probably tease this post but whatever! I love the look of the Charlotte Russe boyfriend chambray shirt over skinny black jeans. Chic!
The tribal trend is extremely easy to wear because you can take it as far as you want. Wear a tribal print dress or if you just want a touch of pattern go with a handbag or tribal-inspired shoe (only $20!).
Don't get hung up on going head to toe trendy. One trendy piece compliments the basics you already have!
Here is a collection of the latest in shoes. Look for peep-toe booties and variations on a summer staple, the gladiator sandal. Those red gladiator sandals feature studs, another trend.
I used to tease my husband for an old family portrait where everyone in his family is wearing a chambray shirt. Now when I wear mine he teases me. Hey, fashion comes and goes. Next year I'll probably tease this post but whatever! I love the look of the Charlotte Russe boyfriend chambray shirt over skinny black jeans. Chic!
The tribal trend is extremely easy to wear because you can take it as far as you want. Wear a tribal print dress or if you just want a touch of pattern go with a handbag or tribal-inspired shoe (only $20!).
Don't get hung up on going head to toe trendy. One trendy piece compliments the basics you already have!
Want of the Day
Today's want of the day is a chic neutral leather leather handbag. I don't usually buy trendy handbags, so I'm looking for something that will last beyond this season. I already have a J. Crew bag in black that I adore. Here are my picks for great handbags for any budget:
Priced around $100, this budget-conscious bag from Asos has a cross body strap. Sometimes you need your hands free (I am referring to shopping of course). 
Covet. This See by Chloe bag has attitude and lots of pockets (I carry a lot of stuff). I'm saving my pennies.
This pieced Melie Bianco bag is constructed from synthetic material and it's BIG! Have you ever noticed that the bigger the bag, the more you'll carry?
Lastly, this hobo has a clean, classic design that works well with patterned outfits.
You can never have two many handbags right? Yes, I'll keep telling myself that!
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Covet. This See by Chloe bag has attitude and lots of pockets (I carry a lot of stuff). I'm saving my pennies. |
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You can never have two many handbags right? Yes, I'll keep telling myself that!
Elevated Basics
At a party over the weekend, a friend said to me that you can't have style without lots of money. I couldn't disagree more. I didn't ask her whether she was talking about wearing the latest trends or having great personal style, however either can be had on a budget.
The secret to great personal style is sourcing great basics that are unique. Instead of a cardigan, why not one with a ruffled neck? Instead of the plain black pencil skirt, try one with a high waist. Every piece you own should be special and reflect you. Here are some basics with a twist that heighten your style, give you distinction, and are available at great price points.
A neutral staple becomes a little something extra with asymmetrical ruffles.
Use a trendy patterned dress to break up the monotony of your work wardrobe. And it's only $25! They have my size, I need this dress!
Even your basic t-shirt should have some detailing that sets it apart. Ruching at the neckline adds interest.
These are just a few ideas for basics with a twist. Tomorrow we'll look at trends on a budget. You don't have to wear labels to look great!
The secret to great personal style is sourcing great basics that are unique. Instead of a cardigan, why not one with a ruffled neck? Instead of the plain black pencil skirt, try one with a high waist. Every piece you own should be special and reflect you. Here are some basics with a twist that heighten your style, give you distinction, and are available at great price points.
A neutral staple becomes a little something extra with asymmetrical ruffles.
Use a trendy patterned dress to break up the monotony of your work wardrobe. And it's only $25! They have my size, I need this dress!
Even your basic t-shirt should have some detailing that sets it apart. Ruching at the neckline adds interest.
These are just a few ideas for basics with a twist. Tomorrow we'll look at trends on a budget. You don't have to wear labels to look great!
