May 11, 2017

The "New" Denim Top

Denim is having a moment. And I kind of can't get enough of it. I'm not just talking about jeans (although cropped wide leg and vintage hi rise, I see you!...and am currently crushing), but denim tops, skirts, jumpsuits, jackets and dresses have been a huge trend this spring that I'm really into. I will say that I'm still on the hunt for a denim dress. (Whenever I see one, I instantly think of my mom who always loved them and would make me try one on whenever she took me shopping as a teenager. Or she wouldn't buy me anything! Hah. That was her rule. And a pretty great one, thinking back on it. Emmy, if you're reading this one day, I will probably do the same thing to you! Lol). Call it the late 90's comeback, but denim is actually really cute. I'm a fan. Today, however, I wanted to focus on denim tops. I'm sure we all have a button up chambray shirt from many years ago that became a closet staple but that's not what I'm referring to. What I'm calling the "new" denim top can be any shade of denim (I'm really digging the medium washes right now which have that 70's vibe) and you can try it in many fun styles like off the shoulder, ruffles, embroidery, bell sleeves or knotted details (like what I'm wearing in these pics). Rock your denim with some low block heels and you've got that cool girl look. Denim goes with almost anything. If you're really adventurous, try denim on denim! Hey, it's a thing! I am so sorry to say that this top is unfortunately out of stock at Madewell but here are some super chic denim options available at Madewell, Anthropologie and J.Crew (three of my favorite stores).

Top: Madewell (old, similar)  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke — Top: Madewell (old, similar) || Black Jeans: American Eagle || Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

November 29, 2015

Long Overalls: Wardrobe Staple

by Laura Perkins

Overalls: Madewell ||  Shoes: Pikolinos (old, similar amazing styles online)  || Tee: Madewell (old, similar styles) — Overalls: Madewell || Shoes: Pikolinos (old, similar amazing styles online) || Tee: Madewell (old, similar styles)

I have been a fan of overalls since I was a kid, and then again when I was in high school (when the style was to wear them very baggy) and now - there's finally a pair that my mom would approve of (read: they are actually flattering!). Long skinny overalls. And this pair from Madewell is by far the best ones on the market. Even PopSugar agrees with me. They are skinny enough to show off your figure (who knew overalls could be sexy?) while stretchy enough to be lounge-worthy. These will easily become one of your favorite items in your closet. And you can wear them all year long whether you're pairing them with a tank top and sandals or a sweater and ankle boots and all the layers in between. You can dress them up with a feminine lace top and heels or go for a casual weekend look with a comfy tee underneath. Definitely effortless chic or as I like to say: cool girl style. I also like the ripped denim details for an updated look. Oh, these black skinnies are pretty adorable too. The cost per wear on these overalls is amazing and absolutely worth the investment. I'm jealous because now you all can get them (and everything else at Madewell) for 25% off with the after Thanksgiving Day sales. I love that the code is CALMDOWN. Haha! :) Happy Shopping everyone! xx

March 14, 2015

Gatsby, What Gatsby?

by Laura Perkins

Dress: Madewell (no longer available but here are similar options)  || Shoes: DSW (old)  || Necklace: Adorned (my jewelry collection) — Dress: M adewell (no longer available but here are similar options) || Shoes: DSW (old) || Necklace: Adorned (my jewelry collection)

I don't know about you, but I love 1920's style. It was such an exciting time in fashion. Whenever I watch Downton Abbey or The Great Gatsby, I'm just in awe of how beautiful everything was back then. I even had a Gatsby themed birthday party two years ago! It was the best!! I think it can be tough though sometimes to pull off a 1920's look for everyday without feeling like you're in a costume. But when I found this dress at Madewell at one of their crazy, too good to be true, you're practically losing money by not buying it sales (read $29 from the original $200+ price!!), I almost fell over! And I'm so sorry to tell you that it is no longer online but I have linked to their other gorgeous dresses that are on sale right now (woo hoo!!), a lot of which have the similar dropped waistline (the signature silhouette of the era). I like that this dress is still so modern with the sheer details and polka dot/stripe pattern. And the rich teal color is so chic! I'll admit that sometimes I question if shift dresses or dropped waistlines are flattering on me but I think it's fun to change things up and not always have dresses fitted at the waist. Plus I think it's nice to be able to hide your curves with a looser silhouette. No one will know when you have that extra slice of pizza! And you can show your feminine figure through your arms and legs instead. Leave the rest a mystery! It also just makes me smile to think this dropped waistline style was created for women to kick their heels up and dance! I sometimes think I was born in the wrong decade and would have done well in the 1920's! Especially since the boyish figure was so popular back then! Hah! Yay, Women's Movement!

Styling tip: When you're wearing black tights (sadly us northerners might still have to for the next few weeks until it warms up more), I think it looks nice to offset with colored heels. Black shoes with black tights can sometimes blend together. So if you're wearing a colored dress, try grey heels or ankle boots to make them pop!

November 17, 2014

Mad for Plaid (One Plaid Shirt Three Ways!)

by Laura Perkins

Plaid Shirt: Zara  ||  Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar  ||  Shoes: Zara (old, similar)  || Crossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters) — Plaid Shirt: Zara || Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar || Shoes: Zara (old, similar) || Crossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  ||  Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar || Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters) — Plaid Shirt: Zara || Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar || Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

Plaid is a fall wardrobe staple. Whether it's a plaid shirt, dress, pants, scarf, jacket, purse or heels, I can't get enough of it this season! Most of us have a plaid shirt in our closet but finding new ways to wear it keeps your style fresh. This first look is probably my favorite. I love pairing plaid with a leather skirt (or pants). As you know, I'm a big fan of a dressy/casual ensemble. The leather dresses up the plaid or the plaid dresses down the leather (however you want to look at it!). I usually wear cute flats with this skirt (unless I have tights underneath) otherwise it's a little short since I'm 5'8" (it's all about balance, ladies!).

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar) — Plaid Shirt: Zara || Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair* || Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters) || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

For a more casual chic look, try a plaid shirt with ripped skinny jeans. I cut these black skinnies myself (see my DIY Distressed Jeans post for ideas). I paired this outfit with suede ankle boots. Styling Tip: To update your look, try rolling or cuffing the bottom of your skinny jeans with ankle boots, showing just a sliver of skin.

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)&nbs… — Plaid Shirt: Zara || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar) || Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair* || Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters) || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

For colder weather (let's face it, winter's coming!), opt for a crewneck sweater over your plaid shirt. The key is you want the plaid to still show at the bottom. So either find a shirt that runs longer (like this Zara one) or wear a shorter sweater over it. You can also try a cropped sweater which would be super cute! And don't be afraid of a sweater that has texture like this J.Crew one. To dress up this look, you can add a statement bib necklace or fun heels. Or for a little funk, you could pair this with a sleek, floppy hat.