Archives for October 2014

Friday Favorites: Leather Detailing

October 31, 2014

I love leather…surprised?! Leather’s rich texture is a great way of creating a lux look and, with so many faux options available, you don’t have to spend a fortune doing it. If you’re not prepared to fully embrace leather, clothing with leather detailing is an excellent way to start (like a gateway drug). Leather trim can also be a subtle way of introducing some edge into your wardrobe; for example, with your 9-5 look. Leather details read “cool sophisticate”, not “which way to Sturgis?”

Sweater: Joie
Blazer: Rag & Bone
Dress: Piperlime
Tank: Anthropologie
Pants: J.Crew

What would you like to see for a “Friday Favorite”? This post was inspired by a reader (as was last week’s sweatshirt post). Please leave a comment – I appreciate the inspiration!

Thanks for reading and enjoy the weekend. Happy Halloween! ~Jenn

Outfits: Leather Leggings {A Wardrobe Staple}

October 29, 2014

Leather leggings, a closet staple you may ask? This is my second winter obsessing over these comfort pants that are totally rock n’ roll (definitely not your standard-issue yoga pant). True cow, vegan leather, pleather, or “leather-like”…whatever your preference and price point, there is a pair out there for you. For example, the sheered pair featured in this post are surprisingly flattering and so easy to wear. These leggings dress up your usual tee and cardi or, when paired with a heeled bootie and a sleek top, can even make an appearance after hours. Keep reading for a “Legging 101” below.

Leggings are surprisingly easy to wear (and I’m not talking gym-class “easy to wear”). Below are three simple things to keep in mind when sporting a pair of leggings:

Contrast the proportions of your outfit. The leggings will cling to your body, so be sure that you wear a loose shirt or long sweater on top to balance your proportions. If you read my blog with regularity, you know that I am ordinarily a huge fan of tucking..when wearing a pair of legging, DON’T TUCK.
Layer. Leggings are a great foundation; pair them with a sweater, coat and/or boots to add interest to your look.
Dress leggings up. Be mindful that your look doesn’t read too casual (unless you really are just coming from the gym). Instead, be sure to add dressy extras like the finishing touches in this look (pearl earrings, polished booties and a croc-embossed clutch).

All of the clothes featured in this post can be found at Queen Anne Dispatch. This is my favorite local boutique for everything from special occasion dresses to greeting cards, from one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry to thoughtful hostess gifts. If you are in the Seattle area, you must make your way in to check out their uniquely curated selection. And, next Friday, November 7th, they are hosting a Friends & Family event from 6-10pm featuring a live DJ, drinks and small bites…and 20% off the entire store! Be sure to stop in and shop with me next week.

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn

Friday Favorites: Confessions of a Sweatshirt Addict

October 24, 2014

A friend recently confessed to me her addiction to sweatshirts. She can’t get enough (I have a healthy collection too)! Below you will find several of our favorites picks:

Wildfox | Chaser | Monrow | J.Crew | Treasure & Bond

Please don’t relegate your sweatshirt to the gym. A sweatshirt is like your favorite sweater only cooler, because it’s more laid-back. An ideal layering piece; wear over a button down shirt (like the J.Crew sweatshirt above) and pair with your favorite slim trousers and oxfords for a modern take on the schoolboy look. Pair a polished version, like the Treasure & Bond piece, with a pencil skirt and peep-toe booties for a cool yet sophisticated 9-5 look. Or, wear a slouchy version over a colorful bra, then add classic skinny jeans and heels for a date-night look.

How are you wearing your favorite sweatshirt? What are your picks? Please leave a comment. Thanks for reading and enjoy the weekend! ~Jenn (and Jamie)

How To: Tips & Tricks for Hi/Lo Dressing

October 23, 2014

How can you look like a million bucks without spending it?

Step 1. Browse high-end, purchase at a discount. As I’ve said before with regards to shopping discount retailers (such as Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls), know your brands. This can also be true when purchasing less expensive items. Know which higher-end brands and items you appreciate then search for similar, yet budget-conscience pieces. Below are a few examples of similar, less expensive items and their near-identical, higher-priced counterparts.

American Apparel Medium Clutch

Clare V Supreme Foldover Clutch

American Apparel | Clare V

Dolce Vita Haelyn Bootie

Rag & Bone Harlow Bootie

Dolce Vita | Rag & Bone

Top Shop Faux Leather Legging

J Brand Cropped Leather Legging

Topshop | J Brand

Step 2. Invest in wardrobe staples, but buy inexpensive accessories and trend items. Staples can include classic blazers, timeless denim, and sturdy shoes. These are typically items that you will wear on repeat; therefore, it may be worth spending money on pieces that will withstand a lot of wear and the test of time. Accessories and trend items, such as stylish jewelry, of-the-moment scarves, or that tribal-print cape you’ve been eyeing, can easily be found at less expensive, quick-to-market retailers such as Forever 21, Baublebar, Zara, H&M, and Topshop (to name a few).

Investment Pieces:

Cole Haan Riding Boot

DVF Cashmere Sweater

Helmut Lang Wool Blazer

J Brand Skinny Jeans

Cole Haan | Diane von Furstenberg | Helmut Lang | J Brand

Budget-Friendly Accessories & Trend Items:

Forever 21 Mixed Tribal Cardigan

Zara Checkered Scarf

Topshop Distressed Jean

BP Layered Necklace

Forever 21 | Zara | Topshop | Nordstrom BP

Step 3. Mix it up. When paired with a slouchy cashmere sweater, who would know that your “vegan leather” leggings are from BP? As long as you create a lux look, others will be impressed by your stylish ensemble (and your shopping savvy). When complimented on your outfit, simply smile and reply “thank you.”

What are your favorite places to shop? Tell me your investment-worthy pieces and/or budget-friendly finds? Please be sure to leave a comment. And, thanks for reading! ~Jenn

Outfits: Grey Dress Triad

October 21, 2014

This is a story of three friends who trade texts and photos with outfit ideas, dinner plans, and parenting struggles. And, these three friends also share a common love for a grey jersey dress.

Now, mind you, we don’t share the dress – we each have our own dress. And we each have very unique styles, which makes this post all the more fun! Keep reading to learn how each woman has styled her dress based on her own aesthetic and fashion favorites.

Kirsty
Personal style: eclectic, boho, comfortable
Fashion favorites: lace, slouchy necklines, great shoes, mixed metals, vintage jewelry, toe cleavage, hats, red lipstick, and big hair
Fashion rules to live by: “I love the juxtaposition in personal style: fancy & laid-back, edgy & girly, moto with lace. These contrasts are what create your own look.”

Kirsty pairs her ruched dress with a contrasting tough-gal, moto vest with varying textures; adding interest and making her look unique. Just when you might expect a moto bootie, Kirsty then adds a lace-up pump – a perfect combination of sweet and tough. To top off her neutral outfit, she adds just a hint of color with her aqua earrings…her personal design. And don’t forget the red lip!

Vest: Zara (similar, similar)
Heels: Sam Edelman
Earrings: Lucia K (Kirsty’s jewelry)
Lips: MAC Kiss Me Quick

Jacqueline
Personal style: classic, preppy with an eye towards current trends
Fashion favorites: stripes, navy, patent leather, skinny jeans, pattern-mixing, all things nautical
Fashion rules to live by: “An updated purse or shoe can make any staple piece look current.”

True to her personal style, Jacqueline adds a little edge to her otherwise lady-like ensemble. The structured bag has studs and the peep-toe booties are a fun trend to try instead of a tried-and-true pump. Finally, she then adds a twist to a classic navy jacket and scarf combo with a leather moto-style jacket, and a leopard and skull patterned scarf.

Jacket: GAP, last year (similar, similar)
Booties: Halogen
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff
Scarf: Alexander McQueen

Jenn
Personal style: edgy, sophisticated yet casual
Fashion favorites: denim, suede, zipper detailing, leopard, studs, leather accents, layered accessories, black and grey, texture
Fashion rules to live by: “When it comes to accessorizing, the more the better! Accessories make an outfit unique and bring a look together.”

In an effort to create a casual look, Jenn pairs her jersey dress with wedge sneakers, a plaid flannel shirt, and a baseball hat. To keep the ensemble from being too sloppy, she then adds a structured, mini cross-body bag and layered, delicate necklaces. This look says she’s ready to tailgate…in style.

Shirt: Treasure & Bond (similar)
Hat: Madewell
Purse: Milly
Sneakers: Splendid
Glasses: MICHAEL Michael Kors
Necklaces: Nordstrom

Let us know what you think of our post – please leave a comment. Thanks for reading! ~Kirsty, Jacqueline & Jenn

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