ella moss | What Jenn Wore

Outfits: Must-Have Additions

January 22, 2015

You know when you purchase something and you immediately put it on, that it was money well-spent. In fact, that is my criteria for any new additions to my already vast wardrobe. I leave the tags on my new item, with the receipt tucked inside of a pocket or punctured over the hanger. If in 2 weeks I haven’t worn the item (ensuring, of course, that this is within the return period), then back it goes to the store.

When this sweater arrived, I knew this was a must-have piece that would get a lot of wear. Although it’s a bold print, it’s just the thing that can take my basic jeans and tee uniform up several notches. Easily worn as a light jacket or a sweater, both the Aztec pattern and the eyelash texture make it a truly unique and swoon-worthy addition.

What’s a piece you can’t live without? What item is currently elevating your style-game? Please leave a comment or any suggestions. As always, thanks for reading! ~Jenn

4-Way Friday: Accessory InVESTment

June 20, 2014

Have you ever heard of “4-Way Friday”? In addition to designing beautiful jewelry (which you often see me wearing), my good friend and fellow fashionista, Kirsty, writes a style blog. When we can coordinate, I have contributed to several posts in which we style the same piece, 4 ways. Both born shoppers, Kirsty and I have many of the same items (we often shop together and also trade pictures and links for inspiration). However, I would describe our personal styles as being very different. I love her “boho-chic” looks but can rarely pull them off with the finesse she does. Therefore, it’s always fun to see how the two of us will wear the same piece in different ways. For more of Kirsty’s style, check out her blog.

On her most recent visit to Seattle, Kirsty and I snagged a faux leather moto vest at a Dolce Vita sample sale. Imagine a large room in a 100-year-old building downtown filled with clothes, shoes and frantic bargain shoppers. The communal dressing room was so packed with women, we were scoring (and vying for) others rejects. A nightmare to some…a dream come true to shoppers like Kirsty and myself.

Below you will find us sporting our moto vest in 4 different looks. This vest is an excellent example of an accessory that can elevate the most basic of outfits. If you read my blog with regularity, you may notice my love for layering and accessorizing. Adding special pieces is an inexpensive and unique way to restyle to your wardrobe. Although wardrobe staples may take the lion’s share of your shopping budget, don’t overlook the importance of sparing some extra dollars for those unexpected items that will make your look your own.

Outfit #1: Classically Chic Moto

Kirsty contrasts the moto’s edginess with classic extras like the nude pumps, simple aviators and strands of silver and pearl beads. Then she adds a punch of color with the green earrings and clutch. An otherwise basic jeans and tee ensemble is taken to an entirely new level with the addition of accessories – worthy of a night out!

Vest (worn throughout): DV by Dolce Vita (similar)

Earrings: Lucia K. | Necklace: Lucia K. | Clutch: Hobo, Queen Anne Dispatch (different but amazing.)

T-shirt: Mango | Jeans: Bluelab (similar) | Shoes: Charles by Charles David, Nordstrom

Outfit #2: Sporty Moto

By adding style with the leather moto vest and pops of color with my sneakers and necklace, I create an outfit from an otherwise monochromatic (and boring) ensemble. Strip away all of the accessories, and I am simply wearing a pair of white jeans and a tee. I particularly like how the red sneakers add an unexpected sportiness to the outfit.

Jeans: J Brand | Tee: J.Crew

Necklace: Anthropologie | Sunglasses: H&M (similar)

Sneakers: Nike, Nordstrom

Bag: Forever 21 (similar)

Outfit #3: Boho Moto

Again, basic shorts and a tank paired with the leather vest and a scarf tied as a head band creates a totally unique look. I really love how the stripe in the scarf is echoed in the fun chevron print sandal; unifying the accessories and pulling the outfit together.

Shorts: Levis Vintage (similar) | Tank: Splendid (similar)

Shoes: Ella Moss (on sale!)

Scarf: Threads 4 Thought | Earrings: Lucia K.

Outfit #4: Dressy Moto

Wearing heels with this dress definitely makes the dress date-night material. However; by adding the vest and a strappy flat sandal, the dress becomes less va-va-voom and more cool. Top off the look with a scarf and a leopard clutch to add some color and pattern to an otherwise grey ensemble.

Dress: Monrow | Bracelets (worn throughout): Queen Anne Dispatch, Giles & Brother and Madewell

Clutch: Clare V | Shoes: Dolce Vita (sample sale find)

Earrings: Lucia K

Scarf: H&M (on sale!)

Leave a comment with your must-have accessory and let us know what you think about “4-Way Friday.” We’re always looking for interesting ideas for our next posts.

Thanks for reading! ~ Jenn & Kirsty

How To: Ode to Lounge Pants

April 25, 2014

I have a confession: I LOVE COMFORT. I admit it. I want to be as comfy as the next person but I am not about to sacrifice on style. Enter, the lounge pant – fashion’s most basic solution to comfort.

Now there are 3 things to keep in mind in order to ensure that you don’t look like you’re wearing your pajama pants (when, in fact, you are):

1) Shoes. Throw on a pair of flip flops and your pants are questionable. Instead, elevate your lounge pant with a structured shoe. A wide-leg pant begs for a wedge sandal, making your legs look miles long. A more narrow pant can be paired with nearly anything – an oxford, pointy-toe flat, gladiator sandal or even a heel for evening or work wear. Just stay away from tennis shoes…that can be confusing.

shirt (similar): Trouve | pants (similar): Joie | clutch (similar): Clare V | necklace (similar): J. Crew

2) Define your waist. Since the pants are loose, you need to show off your figure by defining your mid-section. Believe it or not, making slouch fashionable can be tricky! Therefore, add a belt, wear a more fitted or cropped top or tuck (the proverbial mullet-tuck continues to be my favorite).

Anthropologie (can’t you tell?): Pants | Tee | Belt | Scarf

3) Accessorize. Your outfit is always more complete when you add thoughtful personal touches. Accessories are never more important than when you’re getting away with such a comfortable pant! Add a necklace (or two), a scarf or a colorful bag. Your pajamas will never have looked so chic!