Style – Page 95

Covetable

November 20, 2014 by jessica 8 Comments

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We’re looking at going to Chicago this weekend for the Christkindlmarket and, judging by this week’s colorful Covetable post, my mood is becoming more cheerful now that the holidays are right around the corner. I’d love to prance through the season is those glittery Kate Spade pumps, but my pocketbook would prefer that I opt for the coordinating polish instead!

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I did splurge on the Cameo dress, which is backordered until December. I fell in love with it on Damsel in Dior back in September and was thrilled to see it part of Piperlime’s new arrivals. I used a 25% discount and a few reward coupons to bring the price down to the $130 mark. Let’s just hope that it fits!

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I’m obsessing over this bag, which shares my name. Must be fate! Really, though, I like it enough to make it my Tax Return Splurge this year if it’s still available in February (and if the price goes down a bit).

Wintergreen

November 17, 2014 by jessica 19 Comments

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]M[/dropcap]adison didn’t escape the snow for too long and the first accumulation of the season means one thing: a return to my winter uniform. You’ll find me wearing a sweater, skirt, tights, and a pair of Hunter boots almost exclusively until the first thaw. It’s an easy fallback and practical wellies keep my real shoes from being ruined by slush and salt. (You’ll want to wear a pair of thick hiking socks with them if you live in a cold climate because the rubber gets far too cold for just a pair of tights. I like this pair. They’re not the cutest, but they sure are warm.)

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DETAILS

Coat: J.Crew (this year’s version)
Sweater: Theory (similar)
Skirt: T by Alexander Wang (similar)
Sunglasses: Prada
Clutch: DVF
Tights: Calvin Klein
Necklace: Vintage
Boots: Hunter
Lips: Stila “Fiore”
Nails: Essie “Spaghetti Strap”

Currently Coveting

November 13, 2014 by jessica 13 Comments

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I’ve been striking out with my online purchases lately. This skirt was entirely too short to wear in public and this scarf turned out to be more of an olive green instead of the pretty heather grey I had hoped for. I still have this dress on its way to me and my fingers are crossed that it works out. Dave’s office Christmas party is quickly approaching and I need a pretty cocktail dress for the occasion. If it’s a bust, I’m thinking of ordering this. Nautical stripes aren’t your standard holiday fare, but it sure is cute.

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Can we also discuss how cute this leather wine tote is?! I’m not much of a wine drinker, but it could do double duty as a little picnic tote. No one needs to haul a giant basket with all of the fixin’s. A bottle of booze and a few snacks are all you really need. Alternatively, it’s a chic option for the farmers’ market if your shopping list only includes flowers and cheese.

Wardrobe Workhorses

November 11, 2014 by jessica 8 Comments

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]A[/dropcap]fter looking for my outfit posts this season, it has become painfully obvious that I have a few piece in my wardrobe that get a lot of use–and if they’re this prominent on that blog, I’d hate to admit how often I wear them the rest of the time! I suspect we all have pieces like that, though. They’re our favorites that we reach for when we proclaim there’s nothing to wear, pieces that still fit when we’re bloated, and staples that look great no matter how they’re styled. The following four items are my wardrobe workhorses:

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GREY SHIFT DRESS

I bought my grey shift dress from J.Crew around six years ago and it still makes the rounds, which you’ve probably noticed, given that I’ve worn it frequently on the blog this season. It’s a lightweight wool that doesn’t wrinkle and the loose shape fits no matter how much I’ve indulged.

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OVERSIZE CATEYE SUNGLASSES

Nothing hides tired eyes better than a pair of oversize sunglasses. A cateye shape lends the right amount of vintage charm.

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BLACK CROSSBODY SATCHEL

I’d bring a clutch everywhere if it were up to me, but there are plenty of times I need to carry more than what fits in the palm of my hand. That’s where my crossbody satchel comes in. It’s a manageable size, yet holds more than you’d expect (I carried our DSLR in it on our trip to Belgium). I’m fond of the water-resistant Saffiano leather.

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BLACK POINTED TOE FLATS

A simple black flat, devoid of embellishments mixes and matches with just about everything in my closet. A pointed toe elongates the leg and elevates the standard-issue ballet flat into an elegant, work-appropriate shoe that’s just as pretty on the weekend.

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SHOPPING TIPS

It’s almost impossible to predict which pieces will get the most love, but there are a few guidelines that increase the likelihood that your new purchases will become the items you reach for year after year:

Use your past purchases and your current wardrobe habits to guide new purchases. If you’re like me and you wear black pointed flats almost exclusively, try a pair in an unexpected color or pattern. Chances are that you’re smitten with the shape of the item and just a small change will update your look.
Plan your purchases. I say this all the time, but carefully considering your purchases ensures each piece has a place in your wardrobe and lifestyle. None of my wardrobe workhorses were impulse purchases.
Pick an item that’s versatile, but not boring. How many simple white shirts or basic black sweaters do you truly love? Probably not many. You’ll be more likely to get jazzed about an item that’s interesting. Even the smallest of details can pull at your heartstrings and make you fall in love with it each time you pull it out.

What are your wardrobe workhorses?

Playful Print

November 10, 2014 by jessica 16 Comments

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]T[/dropcap]his shirt makes me ridiculously happy and it’s not just because it matches my favorite pin. Paired with a short shift dress, it has the carefree ’60s vibe I’m fond of. And, what better way to embrace its playful side than at a nearby playground? Thankfully no children were around because one trip down the slide made me realize how short my skirt was and how cold plastic playground equipment could be!