Archives for November 2014

BLACK Friday Favorites

November 27, 2014

The deals are aplenty this Black Friday. In fact, it was difficult to narrow down my selection, with many stores even starting their sales earlier this week. Thus, in the spirit of “Friday Favorites,” I chose five of my favorite retailers that are hosting fabulous sales right now (act fast, these deals expire soon!)

Online sites can be overwhelming with many brands and items such as apparel, shoes, handbags, and accessories to choose from. In order to sort through the chaos, a few simple rules to live-by when shopping online:

Shop a retailer you trust. Criteria may include free and easy shipping and returns. And, remember my golden rule: NO final sale.
Start with a list (this can include items for yourself as well!) Especially during the holiday season, shopping can seem frenetic. Be as specific as possible, but at least have in mind who and/or what occasion you are buying for.
Use the search function to sort. I usually sort by designer/brand, or (at minimum) size, item, color and/or material. For example, you know you want to buy your aunt a cashmere sweater; sort by “sweaters”, “medium”, then “cashmere”.
Shop around. With the increasing popularity of Black Friday sales, retailers are competing for your business – you are in a position to get the very best deal.

Shopbop: Up to 25% off your order with code GOBIG14 (expires Monday, December 1st at 11:59pm PST). This is one of my go-to sites offering many trend and designer brands with 3-day free shipping and easy returns. With few restrictions, this sale can’t be missed!

Equipment Cecile V Neck Cashmere Sweater

Equipment Cashmere Sweater | Gorjana Crescent Earrings | Rag & Bone Harrow Booties

Piperlime: 25% off site-wide with code THANKFUL25 (expires November 29th at 11:59pm PST…act fast!) Offering a diverse selection of both affordable and luxury items, Piperlime is another favorite online destination. Always free shipping and returns, just beware of final sale!

Sabine Sequin Skirt | Hunter Short Boot | Loeffler Randall Clutch

Aritzia: The entire site (and store) is on sale, up to 60% off! One of my favorite retailers for unique, quality pieces; Aritzia rarely offers sale prices so this is a great opportunity to get a deal! In fact, I have been eyeing the fur vest below and finally made my move with the reduced price…an early Christmas to me!

Wilfred Chatou Vest | TNA Plaid Shirt | Wilfred Mosaic Scarf

Madewell: 25% off your entire purchase with code GIFTON (expires November 30th at 11:59pm PST). J.Crew’s sister brand offers edgier, more youthful styles for the urban fashionista on your list. (To note: J.Crew is also offering 30% off full-price merchandise).

Plaid Estate Coat | Transport Tote | Cuff Bracelet

Nordstrom: A huge selection of sale merchandise with new reductions up to 60% off. *Special Deal* Shop in-store for an additional 20% off already marked-down items (Friday only).

Tory Burch Riding Boot | Vince Leather Jacket | Faux Fur Scarf

I wrote this special edition Friday Favorites from my childhood bedroom; home for the holiday. A total flashback to my high school days procrastinating doing homework, while chatting on the phone (a land line, no less – with no call waiting). I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by friends and family. I look forward to continuing to share in your holiday preparations. Throughout the month of December, please be sure to check back for gift-buying guides, party attire suggestions and simple tips for entertaining.

Happy Thanksgiving! With much love, Jenn

Friday Favorites: Burgundy Pump Face-Off

November 21, 2014

Ever wonder what a stylist does with her free time? Road test the latest trends in an effort to bring you the very best of the best, of course. Some might call it a shopping obsession; I prefer to consider it “professional development.”

In this spirit, this week’s “Friday Favorites” is dedicated to my latest market research. Take this season’s must-have color then add the of-the-moment shoe shape, and a match is made in heaven in the form of the Burgundy d’Orsay Pump. Pairing beautifully with all of winter’s favorite neutrals (black, grey, navy, ivory, and camel), the burgundy pump is the red heel’s sophisticated cousin. So deep and rich, I finally could no longer resist (because we all know I have a go-to red pump, as seen here and here). And in suede and/or pony hair, the texture and color combo are destined to make this shoe your new favorite as well.

1) Banana Republic: This is the shoe that started it all. I waited (and waited) for a sale coupon, until finally I was rewarded with 40% off! Awesome price aside, this shoe is a beauty (as seen here). Surprisingly comfortable for a high heel; the cut of the shoe is gorgeous. More ruby than a true burgundy, I was concerned that the color was too similar to my red pair. However, this shoe was definitely my runner-up.

2) Halogen: The price on this bad-boy cannot be beat (currently on sale!). And the pony hair is absolutely to die for. With a lower heel and a more subtle d’Orsay shape, this shoe can take you from conference room to happy hour. Unfortunately, for those with a narrow foot (such as myself), the toe box was a bit wide.

3) French Connection: I thought this one was going to be a keeper for sure, given the addition of the studs (which I am a total sucker for). However, the heel height makes these not as comfortable; in fact, their lack of comfort was the reason these were returned. Awesome aesthetic, but comfort cannot be compromised.

4) Vince: This shoe was by far the highest in quality (and price – although on sale!), the craftsmanship is reflected in the beautiful shape. A lower heel, these had comfort potential; however, the true two piece shape of the d’Orsay led to slippage on my heel (with blistering potential). Therefore, back they went!

5) Sam Edelman: A fan favorite, I have outfitted several clients in these pumps. The rich suede is the deepest color, and the leather detailing in the back make these a unique twist on a classic shoe. A sizeable heel at 4″, these are surprisingly comfortable. A great shoe at a great value.

6) Trouve: I initially stumbled upon these beauties when helping a friend shop for booties. At the time, I was demonstrating fiscal responsibility (a momentary lapse). As I began my hunt, I was reminded of them. In particular, I love the combo of pony hair and suede. They are surprisingly comfortable, probably due to their unique heel shape, which has a vintage vibe. So different than my other red model, I feel justified in keeping these. Next up, pairing them with my favorite blush-colored cashmere sweater!

Left: Trouve | Center: Vince | Right: Banana Republic

I hope you have enjoyed my reviews and find your own perfect “burgundy pump” – whatever that may actually be. At minimum, you can’t deny my dedication to my craft!

Happy Friday and thanks for reading! ~Jenn

Outfits: Dressy Sweats

November 19, 2014

Dressy sweats…an oxymoron? I can’t get enough (apparently, I’ve dedicated numerous posts to comfort chic, loungewear, and casual attire). But really, no…honestly, I wore this ensemble out to a fabulous dinner at a nice restaurant, followed by a pit stop at the molten chocolate cake bar (yes, such a thing exists here in Seattle: Hot Cakes). I had not a care in the world – no tight jeans or restrictive skirt, just total comfort. And, the trouser sweat (and I didn’t make up that name either) is so easy to dress up! Simply add a polished shoe and a structured jacket to offset the casual nature of the pant. As always, be sure to tuck your blouse or wear a more fitted top in order to define your waist and contrast your looser bottom half.

Get a load of these shoes! Burgundy, pony hair…and suede, a match made in heaven! I road tested no less than 5 pairs of burgundy d’Orsay pumps to find the perfect ones – I consider it “market research.”

#InstaSTYLE

November 18, 2014

Are you on Instagram? You know…the extremely addicting, photo-based social media app available on your handheld? If you aren’t following me for daily outfit details, style inspiration, and silly antics…what are you waiting for?? Below I’ve provided a brief recap of what I’ve been sharing on Instagram of late (shopping details included). Follow along @lovin_styling for more of the fun!

{Outfit Details Above} Coat: Madewell (similar) | Sequin Top: Rachel Zoe (similar) | Jeans: Gap | Oxfords: J.Crew | Handbag: See by Chloe

Leopard Love

J.Crew Oxfords

Clare V. Clutch

Oxfords: J. Crew (sale!) | Clutch: Clare V.

The Uniform

Sweater: DVF | Boots: Stuart Weitzman | Handbag: See by Chloe

Mad for Plaid (and Fur)

Plaid & Fur

Layered Plaid

{Look 1} Shirt: Aritzia | Jacket: Zara | Tee: Aritzia | Jeans: J Brand

{Look 2} Jacket: Topshop | Jeans: Zara | Fur Snood: Queen Anne Dispatch

Shoe Confessions

Grey Booties

Burgundy Shoe Face-Off

{Look 1} Booties: Tory Burch (similar) | Jeans: SOLD

{Look 2} Left: Vince | Right: Banana Republic

And, some scenic views along the way…thanks for reading! ~Jenn

Friday Favorites: In The Navy

November 14, 2014

Move over black, here comes a color more flattering on the complexion yet just as versatile, and even as slimming…enter navy blue. Seen on everything from evening wear (demonstrated above on the beautiful Sandra Bullock) to leather jackets and handbags, this rich hue is making a huge splash this winter. My favorite color, navy is more becoming against the skin; less harsh than black or gray, it can illuminate your complexion rather than washing it out. And, just like any other neutral color (read: black, grey, taupe, etc), navy can be paired with most any color…even black. Such a chic combination, “fashion rules” be damned!