american apparel | What Jenn Wore

Outfits: Wide-Leg Cropped Pants

May 13, 2015

Hard to believe that I’m putting this in print, but lately I’ve grown tired of my jeans. While certainly a tried and true staple, sometimes I just need…a little more sophistication? Enter these wide-leg, cropped pants. A nod to the cropped trend yet not as dramatic as a true culoutte (which I’m also loving). Sophisticated yet trendy, I can get behind that!

These are the same pants featured in last Friday’s post about key peices for spring. A Nordstrom’s brand, they are an excellent value. And such a versatile pant, I bought two pairs…expect to see them in future posts!

Finally, a note on shoes. As mentioned previously, you need some height to elongate your legs when wearing wide-leg pants. Wide-legs (particularly cropped), can give the appearance of a short, wider leg-line. Therefore, a heel or wedge will not only make your legs appear longer but, also flatter your ankles peeking out from the bottom of your pants.

Thanks for reading! As always, all comments and questions welcome. ~Jenn

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy for “What I Wore Wednesday”…check it out!

Outfits: Black for Spring??

April 1, 2015

P1110238 Spring time means warmer weather, longer days, and blooming plants. I’m the first to admit that I am ready to discard my wool layers, as I have already shipped off my outerwear for their annual dry cleaning; readying them for storage. Truth-be-told, I have refused to wear a coat for the past several weeks (sometimes against my better judgement!). And while I welcome spring’s lighter-weight fabrics and breezy silhouettes, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to discard your blacks and greys in favor of summer brights and Easter egg pastels.

As already established on this blog, black is a wardrobe constant for me. I always feel chic, urban, and confident in black (what would I do without my black skinnies??). Pairing black with crisp white is an easy way of wearing a dark color in a more “spring-like” way…and what could be more spring than a nautical stripe?! Also, lighter fabrics and carefree cuts (such as this laser-cut midi skirt) show more skin and play up a warmer-weather trend while still in a dark neutral.

Finally, a word about the crop top. You may be thinking, “Me?! NEVER.” The trick is to pair this smaller top with a high-waisted bottom. And…you’re in luck! High-waisted cuts are all the rage this spring. If you’re wearing a more fitted top (as I am here), balance the proportion with a fuller bottom, such as a high-waisted flare jean or a pair of wide leg trousers or culottes. Take a cue from Taylor Swift and ensure that the waist of the pant or skirt covers your belly button – that way you’ll feel just as confident that there are no inappropriate photos of you floating around the Internet!

Rest assured I’m back on the blog – I took a brief break last week to get caught-up on my day job. Thanks for reading my latest inspiration! What’s inspiring you for spring? Please leave any comment or questions. ~Jenn

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