Americana Trend to Try: Wide Leg Denim Jumpsuit and Bandana Scarves

by Laura Perkins


Denim Jumpsuit: Anthropologie (now available on Poshmark and Ebay) ||  Bandana Scarf: Madewell (in Vintage Gold) ||  Low Block Heels: Target

Denim Jumpsuit: Anthropologie (now available on Poshmark and Ebay) ||  Bandana Scarf: Madewell (in Vintage Gold) ||  Low Block Heels: Target

Denim Jumpsuit: Anthropologie (now available on Poshmark and Ebay) ||  Bandana Scarf: Madewell (in Vintage Gold) ||  Low Block Heels: Target

Denim Jumpsuit: Anthropologie (now available on Poshmark and Ebay) ||  Bandana Scarf: Madewell (in Vintage Gold) ||  Low Block Heels: Target

Denim Jumpsuit: Anthropologie (now available on Poshmark and Ebay) ||  Bandana Scarf: Madewell (in Vintage Gold) ||  Low Block Heels: Target

Denim Jumpsuit: Anthropologie (now available on Poshmark and Ebay) ||  Bandana Scarf: Madewell (in Vintage Gold) ||  Low Block Heels: Target

Hey guys! I wanted to share this outfit I wore during New York Fashion Week for one of the shows I attended. I apologize for the delay (it's been a bit of a difficult month with some family stuff going on. But God is good and getting us through it. Will maybe share more about all of that at another time.) In the meantime, appreciate your prayers.

When I was deciding what to wear to NYFW, I was feeling very Americana (a big trend we've been seeing on the runways - think denim on denim, bandanas, a little western/cowgirl, all-American looks). So last spring, I fell in love with this wide leg cropped denim jumpsuit I saw in the Anthropologie catalog (when my obsession with all things denim started) but thought it was a little pricey for my budget. Whenever I'd go in to check the sale rack, I always kept a look out to see if this jumpsuit would magically appear. Well one day in early September, it did!! It was the only one left (and in my size! yippee!). I was so excited to try it on. I had been looking for some hi rise wide leg cropped jeans for awhile now but hadn't found any that I really loved...until this jumpsuit. And it was 75% off during Labor Day weekend!! Woo hoo! I felt like this would be a really fun and different piece for my closet. I wasn't sure how much I'd get to wear it immediately with the season ending but it's been surprisingly warm in NYC this month so I've actually gotten a few good wears out of it. And will definitely be rocking it next spring/summer. So I'd say I'm pretty proud of this purchase! While I don't see this jumpsuit online anymore at Anthro, fear not b/c it is available on Poshmark and Ebay for a discounted price. Also - here are some cute jumpsuits that Anthro does have available in stores and online. They also have some super cute hi rise wide leg jeans at Anthro right now; this style looks almost identical to the Americana wash (which I love!!) and looks like a very similar fit to my jumpsuit. The key for styling a hi rise wide leg pant is to wear a fitted blouse (or crop top) to show off your waist. While the top of my jumpsuit is flowy, I think the reason it works is because it cuts off right at my waist, giving the illusion of a smaller waist.

Another trend I would definitely recommend trying is a bandana scarf. I bought this one from Madewell in two colors (mustard yellow or "Vintage Gold" and a faded red or "Spiced Rose."). You can wear them all different ways (I like to tie them in my hair whether it's down or up...even better for a bad hair day and I instantly feel cuter!) or wrap them around my neck (once or twice to change up the look). You can also tie them on your purse. It's such a cheap way to add a lot of style to your outfit. They're only $9.99! At first I wasn't sure if I could pull it off around my neck, but now I love it! I know I say this a lot, but whenever you feel like you can't pull something off, just give it a try! You never know how great it might look on you. Same thing with this jumpsuit! Be bold guys, take risks! It pays off. :)

Jewelry Style - These threader earrings are some of my favorite statement earrings from Madewell (only $28) and have become my go-to choice even for everyday outfits. You can change the length since it threads through your ear and instantly gives you that rocker chic look.


One Shirt, Two Ways: Turn Off the Shoulder Into One Shoulder

by Laura Perkins


Who doesn't love being able to take one outfit and wear it two different ways?! More bang for your buck, right? Well I was excited when I realized I could take this basic, white off the shoulder shirt (which is so cute by the way and perfect to pair with just about anything) and easily turn it into a one shoulder blouse (the latest craze). Trust me - no one would ever know it wasn't originally intended to be that way (you can't see the arm hole). And you can do it with most off the shoulder shirts. The key is the style needs to be flowy/ruffley. If it's a fitted top it wouldn't work. And unfortunately you can't do it the other way around (ie you can't take a one shoulder shirt and turn it into an off the shoulder look). But you'd be surprised how many off the shoulder shirts and dresses you have in your closet that you can turn into one shoulder. Try it out! Some people say one shoulder is the new off the shoulder (if only I would have kept so many of my one shoulder tops circa 2000 - 2002) but you know what - I'm still a pretty big fan of off the shoulder so it's not going anywhere in my book. :)

Styling tip: This shirt is a little long so I like to do the front tuck. It shows off your waist to make it extra flattering and very chic. I'm also wearing high waisted jeans so a front tuck allows you to see the hi rise style. Finish the look with a great pair of low block heels (you guys know I'm obsessed).

Top: J. Crew Factory(old, similar)  || Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: J. Crew Factory(old, similar)  || Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: J. Crew Factory(old, similar) || Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: J. Crew Factory(old, similar) || Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: J. Crew Factory(old, similar)  || Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: J. Crew Factory(old, similar)  || Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: J. Crew Factory(old, similar)  || Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: J. Crew Factory(old, similar)  || Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target


Ruffles, Meet Stripes

by Laura Perkins


Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Ruffles have been one of my favorite trends this year. The wavy frill adds such a playful and feminine detail to everything. I just love it. And stripes will forever be a summer staple. Combine the two with a peek-a-boo floral print and you have a winner. You've probably noticed that I'm all about the low block heel lately. They're so practical but also very much in style. In keeping with the stripe theme, I'm completing this look with these amazing Marion Parke mary jane's.

Below is another ruffle top that will instantly update your basic white tee style. I have gotten so many compliments on this shirt and you guys, it's from Target! Pretty sure I paid less than $20 for it. If you haven't checked out their Who What Wear section, you need to. Everything is so stinkin cute and super affordable. These shoes are from Target too!! And they have been my go-to this spring. Target's shoe section has really stepped it up lately (no pun intended! hah). I'm currently crushing on these. (insert heart eye emoji)

So if you don't own anything with ruffles, you need to give it a try. Just trust me. There are so many different styles - big, small, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, ]single or layered, on the top or the bottom....I could go on and on. I haven't met a ruffle I didn't like. :) There really is a ruffle for everyone. I think oversized ruffles are so chic but you might like a subtle ruffle....either way they are really fun so I recommend giving them a shot! :) Style tip: the larger the ruffle, the more it acts as an accessory so you might not need much jewelry.

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target


The "New" Denim Top

by Laura Perkins


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

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

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

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