Style – Page 72

Painterly Plaid

November 2, 2015 by jessica 20 Comments

From what I saw on Instagram, many of you had a fun Halloween weekend! I donned my sleepy Holly Golightly costume at work on Friday (with longer shorts, so I wasn’t inappropriate) and was only marginally embarrassed to discover that my coworkers didn’t know who I was masquerading as. (Apparently they need to brush up on their knowledge of iconic American films.) Dave and I barely left the house on Halloween. We played Yoshi’s Woolly World, carved pumpkins, watched The Babadook, and ate too much holiday candy. I also watched the debut episode of Wicked City starring Ed Westwick. I couldn’t believe the reviews that poo-pooed anything starring Chuck Bass! But, it really is that bad. Maybe even worse. It doesn’t mean I won’t watch a few more episodes, though.

We had an unseasonably warm kickoff to November yesterday with temperatures in the 60s, giving me the excuse to wear this dress sans tights. It was an impulse purchase at Anthropologie a couple of weeks ago and I’ve already worn it four times since. It’s such an easy piece to throw on and feel pulled together instantly. In addition to loafers, I’ve worn it with cobalt flats (similar to these), boat shoes, and sneakers — and it looks great with all of them. In fact, I suspect this versatile dress will transition well into spring with sandals and a white tote bag. (C’mon, I can’t be the only one already yearning for warm weather!) It runs a full size large. I’m usually a size 8 and opted for the small.

Mod Squad

October 29, 2015 by jessica 10 Comments

I’m in love with the Lulu Guinness handbag I received from ASOS (and already wore in Monday’s post). As with any evening bag, there isn’t much room inside for anything other than the essentials: lipstick, breath mints, keys, and credit cards. It’s even a tight squeeze to get the iPhone 6s inside without the case. No matter. We usually have our phones out to Instagram and Snapchat anyway, right? While I’ve been wearing the quirky piece from Lulu Guinness’ “Tape Face” collection as a daytime accessory, you can bet it will be my go-to evening bag this holiday season. After all, a glittery conversation piece is a holiday must-have!

If you’re at all interested in the bag, it’s available on the ASOS website for $81, which I suspect is a mistake given that it’s $205 on the designer’s website. Order it now before ASOS discovers the discrepancy.

October Wardrobe Update

October 28, 2015 by jessica 18 Comments

OBSERVATIONS
So, I spent a lot of money this month…

::awkward silence::

Each time I stopped at Anthropologie, I left victorious with a $138 dress in my hands. And this, my friends, is why I don’t shop in person. Do I regret it, though? Not in the slightest. That said, I have my eye on a few big-ticket items that will require a more strategic savings plan: Nicholas Kirkwood flats (possibly in patent pink), a David Yurman crossover ring to wear everyday, a wide Hermes cuff in either gold or silver with white enamel, and a hot pink fur scarf (although, I love this amazing rainbow version). All very expensive and all items I’ll keep forever. (Yes, even the colorful fur.) But, in order to afford any of them, I need to stop shopping for the fast-fashion pieces that catch my eye. Thus, I’m embarking on “No Shop November.” That doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll be able to add any of these wish listed pieces to my wardrobe in December, but the retail detox will give me a chance to appreciate the items I already have and pad my savings account before the holidays.

PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

Zara strappy flats ($50): I know what I said about not buying cheap shoes, but these are the exception. They’re ridiculously comfortable and way too cute to pass up. Zara doesn’t sell shoes in a size 7, but the 7.5 fit fine.
Moth paned sweater tunic ($138): This tunic is so soft! I’ve worn it as a dress (here) and plan to wear it throughout fall with black tights.
DKNY “Blythe” hooded cape ($158): Yes, I bought this because Blair looked so cute in it last year. No, I don’t think I look as good as she does. Now that we cleared the air on that, I’m excited to have another cold-weather option for days that don’t warrant a real winter coat. I have narrow shoulders and went with the XS/S option.
Noir star ear climbers ($22.50): Admittedly, I purchased these because they were part of the Shopbop x Jem and the Holograms collection, but they’re really cute for the upcoming holiday season.
Maeve “Devery” shirtdress in blue plaid ($138): It’s evident I need to stay far away from Anthropologie. This is the second $138 dress I bought this month when I popped in for “just a quick look.” I don’t have photos of it on the blog yet, but you can see it in this Instagram. I first tried on a medium, but the shoulder seams were inching their way down my arms and there was a lot of extra room in the torso, so I opted for the small. It fits much better. In the stock images, you can actually see how much fabric is gathered at the back on the model.
H&M shirt (not pictured, $20): In addition to dresses, I prefer to wear loose tops with skirts or pants to the office. This one is a vintage-inspired blue floral print that’s fun to pair with a navy skirt.

GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration. I’m selective about the pieces I accept and will only work with companies I feel good about recommending.

Julie Vos Botticelli open bangle in sapphire blue
Julie Vos Botticelli ring in mother of pearl
Julie Vos Pegasus revolving pendant
Julie Vos Pegasus revolving ring in labradorite
Julie Vos Pegasus revolving cuff in labradorite
Maps by A.Jaffe sterling silver pendant
Uniqlo cashmere hat in grey
Uniqlo boucle scarf in navy plaid
ASOS pleated swing dress in polka dot print
ASOS bonded a-line skirt with contrast pockets
Lulu Guinness “Ellie” evening bag (c/o ASOS)
New Look “Geo” pendant (c/o ASOS)
Stella & Dot “Aida” tassel necklace

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Of course, with every successful shopping month, there are some misses:

Zara striped dress: So cute, but so short!
Zara printed dress: There’s quilting on the back that makes a really obnoxious swishing sound. It was also tiny. I ordered a medium, which is the same size as the Zara dress I bought in September, and I couldn’t even get it over my head! The fabric kind of reminded me of someone’s old dorm room tapestry.
ASOS a-line skirt: Unlined and ran small.
ASOS moonstone loafers: I’m disappointed these didn’t work out. They were absolutely adorable and the insole was nice and soft. However, they pinched my toes at the top and I knew I wouldn’t wear them because of it. I’m pretty sure polyurethane wouldn’t have stretched out and the larger size would have been too big.
J.Crew classic wool turtleneck: I ordered the small, which is my usual size in J.Crew sweaters. This one fit was a little too small. The knit was thin and I didn’t like it enough to order a size larger.
Calvin Klein “Karlia” ankle boot: These felt and looked cheap in person.

***
linking with Fran

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.

***
This post is in collaboration with ASOS.

Snapshot

October 22, 2015 by jessica 5 Comments

As many of you know, I’m an event planner for a local business magazine. Our biggest event of the year, a business-to-business expo, was held yesterday and I’m absolutely tuckered out. So much so that I’m heading to the office late, leaving early, and taking tomorrow off. I think I deserve it, considering I walked the equivalent of nine miles yesterday! I wore these Kate Spade shoes with a pair of loafer socks. My feet were certainly tired at the end of the day, but I didn’t have blisters and there’s no swelling today. It’s making me seriously consider another pair in metallic silver, magenta, or light gold.

And, speaking of recent purchases, I picked up these at the Shopbop Friends & Family sale: star ear climbers from the Jem and the Holograms collection and a “darling” trinket tray by Rosanna. I’m a bit disappointed that this rainbow fur scarf wasn’t available at the time. I’m kind of obsessed with it.