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Polka Party

January 23, 2017 by jessica 8 Comments

Madison’s unseasonably warm temperatures seem well-deserved after the ice storms we had early last week that turned the city into a skating rink. My car is parked outside at the top of a slight incline, and I’d have enough momentum to shuffle halfway to my Jetta before sliding back to my starting point. Over and over and over again. It took a dozen attempts before I could grab the door handle and pull myself forward! I’m thrilled I won’t have to contend with that this Monday morning, but I’m even more excited to finally break out my first purchase of 2017: a polka dot Diane von Furstenberg dress. (Any year that starts with a pretty designer frock is destined to be a fantastic one, right?) It’s longer than what I usually wear, so I prefer to go sans tights with heels to give it a little oomph (which may be code for “sex appeal,” but that’s an adjective I don’t actually use for myself). It also looks adorable with sandals, but we’ll have to wait a few months for that!

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Linking Up: Still Being Molly, Pink Sole, More Pieces of Me, Style Nudge, Claire Justine

Grey Daze

December 5, 2016 by jessica 14 Comments

When you live in an area that experiences true winter weather, I don’t think it’s terribly overindulgent to own a wardrobe of coats to beat the frigid temperatures. After all, you’ll be reaching for one just about every day from November through March! Wearing the same coat day in and day out would become boring awfully fast!

In additon to a goes-with-everything black peacoat (which I recently purchased in mint, too), a brightly colored cocoon coat, a practical and flattering parka (that I’m still on the hunt for), my ideal coat collection includes a sophisticated day-to-night number like this gorgeous coat from Garnet Hill. The belted, wrap shape is effortlessly elegant while the faux fur collar makes for an eye-catching statement that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s versatile, too. It elevates a pair of jeans, looks great with work garments, and complements cocktail dresses.

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Linking Up: Still Being Molly + Lipgloss and Crayons, Pink Sole, More Pieces of Me, Fizz and Frosting, Style Nudge, Claire Justine

Grey Day

January 25, 2016 by jessica 20 Comments

I know I shouldn’t complain about the weather here in Wisconsin after the East Coast was pummeled with snow over the weekend, but I’m tired of subzero temperatures and overcast days. To combat my dismal mood, I’ve been daydreaming about our April trip and — of course — what I’ll pack. It looks like Copenhagen’s average April temperature is 43 degrees, which is basically the start of summer to a Wisconsinite. A new dress or two that I can wear a couple of times on the trip are in order. This tunic dress looks like a comfortable option for exploring the city paired with loafers (love these in silver). If money wasn’t an object, I’d definitely bring along this DVF dress. I’ve had it on my wish list for a couple of months now, desperately waiting for it go on major sale.

5 Style Lessons

October 26, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

Even though class has been in session for a few weeks, I’m still get a twinge of envy when I pass grade schools on my daily commute. I suspect many of you were like me on the first day of school, anxious to debut the outfit you so meticulously curated and artfully convinced your parents to purchase. It was an opportunity reinvent yourself. Grade school days may be long gone, but it doesn’t mean we can’t benefit from fashion lessons learned over the years (and a few new purchases from ASOS’ stylish back-to-school selection).

#1 Buy inexpensive pieces in neutral colors.
I’m all about a good bargain piece on two conditions: it’s well made and it’s relatively neutral. Bright colors, garish patterns, and extra embellishments make inexpensive items look, well, cheap. It’s much harder to tell that an item is from a fast fashion store when you pick out a solid neutral color or a classic pattern. Need proof? Sharon Stone’s Gap shirt on the red carpet. She could have selected a shirt from any design house, but opted for a budget buy from Gap and managed to look like a million bucks.

#2 Life is too short to wear cheap shoes.
Wearing non-breathable, blister-inducing polyurethane, and hobbling around with no arch support isn’t fun and I don’t know why women do it to themselves. And, even if you find a pair that’s comfortable, it’s not long until they wear out. Spending money on quality shoes is always worth it.

#3 Mix old with new.
Overhauling your wardrobe each season may be tempting, but you’re doing yourself a disservice. A wardrobe should be a collection of items that tell a story and remind you of special moments and experiences. Wearing old items lends authenticity to your outfit and makes you look less like a fashion victim. Besides, there’s a bit of satisfaction telling someone that an item has been in your collection for years and, no, they can’t find it at a store.

#4 Accessories make the outfit.
An outfit without accessories is like a cake without frosting. What’s the point? Kidding aside, accessories make an outfit your own and add personality to an otherwise banal ensemble.

#5 Wear what you love, even if it means taking a risk.
Forget rules about wearing things to suit your body type or choosing age-appropriate duds. Clothing should be fun! Throw caution to the wind and buy a silhouette you’ve been itching to try or go for the bold accessory (like this glittery handbag). For the last two years, I was convinced that midi-length skirts weren’t for me. The full, a-line options cut me off at the widest part of my calf and made me look considerably heavier. So, I was a little nervous about ordering this midi-length dress. But, I love it. There’s a ton of material that helps the dress hang straight down, which is more flattering on me than the poufy skirts I was trying.

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This post is in collaboration with ASOS.