Style – Page 39

Watercolor

September 18, 2017 by jessica 5 Comments

I’m pretty sure this top was part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July, but it wasn’t until it landed in the regular sale section that it caught my eye. I have been spending so much time looking for affordable loose blouses that I can wear with jeans this fall, and happily this one fit the bill. I love the little details from the bell sleeves to the ruffles to the seaming at the waist — all of which make the blouse feel more special than its inexpensive price tag.

Fall Wardrobe Planning

September 11, 2017 by jessica 2 Comments

I’m trying to get better at planning my seasonal wardrobes so that my purchases are less impulsive and more deliberate. This is largely due to the move and realizing just how many clothes I had while I was unpacking! But I also realized just how many items I no longer wear because they were impulsive purchases and weren’t quite right to begin with. I’ve been slowly purging pieces that I don’t wear and packing away the “maybes” in a box in the basement, which has helped me pinpoint the items I’d love to add to my wardrobe this year to fill gaps in my collection. Additionally, keeping myself on track with a list will help ensure that I spend money on high-quality pieces I’ll wear well beyond this season.

Here’s what I’m looking for this fall:

Seasonal colors: I look best in warm, rich autumnal hues and it’s time to finally start embracing that. I’ve already purchased this sweater and I just love this dress. Neither are pictured above, however.
Drop earrings bedecked with balls: I can’t get enough of ball earrings! I just purchased this black pair for my fall wardrobe and I’m crazy about the brass version from Jenny Bird.
Camel-colored coat: I just love how pretty a classic camel-colored coat looks on other people. It’s a versatile color that goes with everything, and won’t show lint as easily as black! I like this coat from J.Crew Factory. I actually own the emerald-green version of the coat that was available at J.Crew a few years ago and I still wear it throughout winter. I’m hoping that the Factory version has the double zipper because I need the extra room at my hips. Has anyone tried it? If money wasn’t an issue, I’d try this coat instead. This coat is also pretty fun with the unexpected pink fur trim.
Printed long-sleeve dress: If I could pick any dress to own and wear all season, this would be it. However, I’m not spending that much no matter how dreamy it is. I’d like to find a dress with similar elements: printed design, figure-flattering seam at the waist, flouncy skirt, long sleeves, and v-neck with a tie.
Denim mini skirt: I have so many dresses in my wardrobe, but not many separates which sometimes makes getting dressed difficult. I decided to purchase a denim mini because of how versatile it is during transitional weather.
Loafers: I’m the worst at practical footwear when it’s chilly outside. I’ve finally decided to try something more sensible than ballet flats and opted for these loafers. I absolutely love how they look with jeans and dresses, but beyond that, they’re so comfortable. There’s enough room to wear a loafer sock with them as the temperature dips. Plus, they seem like they’ll be perfect for traipsing around London in the spring!
Chic pumps: I’m not one to wear heels, but I keep finding myself opening a browser tab to peek at these. The black textured version looks perfectly versatile for work.
Classic bag: I’m a long way off from buying the Gucci bag I’m crushing on, but I’m keeping it on every seasonal wish list until I finally get my hands on it! I’ve been setting aside $25 per paycheck and some blog earnings in a separate savings account in order to slowly save up for it. It’ll take awhile, but I wanted to set aside an amount that I won’t notice is missing. Going in debt for a handbag isn’t worth it!
Flowy blouses: Whenever I have a “nothing-to-wear” day, I typically reach for jeans and a loose blouse. However, I only have two blouses that I sort of like. I just purchased this one, which is adorable in person (runs large), but I’d like to add a few more. This one has such pretty details and would look cute with jeans or dress pants, and this black one would be cute under a sleeveless shift dress.

I’d love to know what’s on your wish list!

Sweater Weather

September 6, 2017 by jessica 1 Comment

This time of year is my style sweet spot. There are few things I love more than being able to wear a lightweight sweater with a mini skirt or a pair of shorts, and this sweater that Garnet Hill sent over is just perfect for the transitional weather. It’s a breathable linen-cotton blend that offers just enough warmth for breezy days without being too warm when the weather heats up in the afternoon. Labor Day in Madison was on the chilly side, which made this the perfect ensemble for running errands and meandering around our new neighborhood. (I picked up this amazing brass ram on our outing. Anthro has a similar one.) The sweater runs a big large, so size down if you want a more fitted look.

Wardrobe Update: August 2017

August 31, 2017 by jessica 3 Comments

I can’t believe that tomorrow is September 1! Summer just flew by and while I’m not mentally prepared for fall, it seems my wardrobe is starting to veer that way! I’ve been wish listing darker colors and classic wardrobe staples, which started this month with a sweater in the prettiest pumpkin hue and a denim mini skirt. Unsurprisingly, most of my purchases lately have been for the house. West Elm has an incredible Labor Day sale this weekend with tiered discounts based on how much you spend. I seized the opportunity to finally order this bar cabinet. I’ve wanted it for months and I can’t wait to finally own it! I added in a few additional items (this quirky lamp, new stockings for Christmas, and a vintage-inspired garland) to reach the 25% discount threshold.

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here. I round the prices to the nearest dollar amount and reflect any discounts I applied.

Ann Taylor ‘Gretel’ suede sandals in brown toffee ($48; worn here): So comfortable right out of the box! I’ve been itching for these all summer and I finally ordered them with a discount. Zero breaking in period necessary and look more expensive than they are. They run true to size, but you’ll want to go up a half size if you’re typically in between. I’m tempted to buy the black pair to keep on hand for next year.
Old Navy jersey swing dress in black and white stripe ($12): I rarely buy anything from Old Navy, but I came across this dress when I was looking for an inexpensive knit dress that was just as comfortable as pajamas and that I could throw on for impromptu walks around the neighborhood. It’s a swing shape, so it fits true to size in the bust and is forgiving in the midsection and hips.
Who What Wear varsity bomber jacket ($40; not pictured above): This is so not my usual style, but there was something about it that I loved enough to add to a recent Target order — and I’m so happy I did! The fabric and quality are great and the price point is perfect for a trendy piece. I can’t wait for the temperature to cool so that I can wear it with a casual LBD and sneakers. It runs true to size.
J.Crew relaxed boatneck sweater in spice ($44): The color of this sweater is perfect for fall! As with most J.Crew sweaters, it runs on the large side. I went with a small. However, if you want the slouchy fit the model has, go with your regular size. (My rule of thumb is that if J.Crew offers a top in a XXX-Small, then I should size down.)
J.Crew zip-front denim skirt ($60): This denim mini skirt is just the cutest! Honestly, I purchased it to wear with the aforementioned sweater and these loafers when I, hopefully, purchase them next month.

GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration.

Garnet Hill linen-cotton crewneck sweater in ecru: This is perfect for cooler summer and early-fall days!
LOFT floral tiered dress (worn here): I collaborated with Wikibuy to highlight their discount search tools and I was able to select an item from one of the sites they featured so that I could try the site myself. I had tried on this dress in person and already knew I was head-over-heels for it! It’s such a fun dress and runs true to size.
Bauble Bar ‘Criselda’ drop earrings in turquoise: I actually won these from a giveaway that Grace hosted on her Instagram recently. They’re so pretty in person and they’re incredibly lightweight for all-day wear. I love them so much that I’m planning to snag the black pair soon!

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

Old Navy tie-shoulder swing dress: This is really cute, but the shoulder ties felt too juvenile in person. If you’re in your early- to mid-20s, go for it! It’s well made for an Old Navy piece and it’s even lined. It runs a size large.
Banana Republic machine-washable merino boyfriend v-neck sweater in medium gray heather: I’ve actually been on the lookout for a slightly slouchy grey v-neck sweater for a couple of years now. With a few discount codes, the price of this one was too good to pass up! Unfortunately, the fit ended up being sloppy rather than relaxed, so the hunt is still on! Let me know if you know of any options I should try. I’d like to go with either merino or cashmere.
Who What Wear bow sleeve sweater: I liked this sweater in theory, but the neckline was too high and the sweater was on the sheer side.
Mossimo ruffle wrap dress: I thought this would be cute for end-of-summer evenings with a simple pair of sandals, but the quality wasn’t that great. It runs small.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

Definitely a pair of black drop earrings.
These loafers in dark chestnut. They look so comfortable!
I’ve already ordered this dress to try.
These make me want to start wearing heels again. I’m into the black textured leather option.

SHOP IT

The Coveted

August 29, 2017 by jessica 5 Comments

I absolutely fell in love with this dress after mentioning it in Saturday’s “Weekend Reading.” There’s just something about that cheeky monkey print that captured my fancy and, well, my money. I placed an order for it the next morning and I can’t wait for it to arrive so that I can try it in person. The key to pulling it off will be keeping the rest of the outfit sophisticated so that I’m not veering into crazy old lady territory. 😉 It also comes in emerald and black for those of you who don’t want to rock regal apes!