Winter Accessories!

How much do you love being able to dress up your outfit with fall or winter accessories. These are accessories that can express your style and not empty your wallets. Some of my favorites include knit hats that a friend of mines makes for me. I dress up the hat with a brooch or hair pin as pictured. The pictured hair pin is from Anthropologie and the brooch is from Express. The hats go great with a super casual outfit.

Fall/Winter Boots:

What I love most about the Fall & Winter is being able to throw on a sweater and skinny pants/jeans to go out to dinner or a to a local bar. This look does require some accessorizing to still look like you put in a little effort. While shopping recently I came across these boots and thought….FUN!

Shoes of course are the perfect way to dress up any outfit. Add some jewelry and a FAB clutch to this and you will look like you spent quite some time figuring out your outfit.

How I like to where it: I paired the pictured boots with skinny black pants, H&M Crew neck sweater, statement necklace, and Chanel bag.

Fall Look...Grey Flannel Heels!

HOT THIS FALL…Gray Flannel boots, pumps, and heels. I fell in love with this style while looking through a Nordstrom Catalog! It was one of those items that I did not want to start the fall season without. This look is great to wear with short dresses and black opaque tights, jeans, skinny pants, ANYTHING.

The ones I decided on are from the Lauren Conrad Collection (another girl with great style). It can also be found at Nordstrom and Nemians                                                                                                                                                    

Fall Look- faux fur

Faux Fur has been a splurge of mine for the past two fall seasons. I love my Faux Fur pieces and am so happy to see that it will still be in style this fall. Celeb stylist Rachel Zoe is the one who inspired me to have fun with this piece. It was actually part of my New Years Eve the last 2 years (different ones of course)!

How I like to where it:

I have two FAV ways of wearing this piece….

-Look# 1 -I pair it skinny black pants, fitted long sleeve black blouse, and ankle boots.

-Look #2- Super Wide Leg Jeans, black tee, and stiletto boots.

A stylish clutch and cocktail ring are great accessories for both the looks.

Where to get it:

Rachel Zoe collection at Nemians, Shopbop.com, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Other styles can be found at Nordstrom and local boutiques.

Fall Nail Color

I LOVE LOVE LOVE fall nail colors. Last fall I was in love with Chanel-Pat on the Black, MAC –Nightfall, and OPI Siberian Nights.This fall I have a new FAV that I came across in Harpers Bazar and Rachel Zoe of course mentioned this one in the Zoe Report. I just had to run out and get this the same weekend!   Chanel – Peridot



Fall Looks – #1 Floral Print

Yes it is still 100+degrees in Dallas but I am ready to start shopping and planning my fall wardrobe so I thought why not start writing about all the fall must haves.

As noted in the Spring and Summer floral and denim were huge. Well still trendy, this fall season is a great time to mix both. I thought I’d share my 2 favorite ways of wearing the floral dress come fall.

-Paring a floral dress with a denim jacket. Try some cute long boots or oxfords with this look.

-Pairing a floral dress with black opaque tights, J Crew long cardigan, scarf,  with ankle boots. THIS IS MY FAV LOOK!

As you hear me say over and over have fun with an outfit. Fall is the best time to express your personal style.

Stay tuned for more fall ideas.

Rules of Style at 30!

This piece is a little different than my usual blogs. It is inspired by my two best friends… well I like to refer to them as my ladies!

We’ve been like sisters for over 10 years now and this year we had the privilege of celebrating the big 30 together. During our recent visits together and as we celebrated our birthdays I could not help but notice all the things I admire about these ladies. How lucky was I to have women of great confidence and style in my life. These ladies define their own sense of style and man they do it well! Do they follow trends…yes…but only if it looks good on them! Do they rock every outfit they wear….YES!

What stands out to me is how over the years our taste and style have changed. At this young age of 30 we finally put it all together...Rule #1…..Only wear outfits that you feel confident in.

Here are some other rules of style we follow at 30:

- Have a favorite designer or two or three ;)

- Have a favorite boutique to shop at and keep it as your secret

- Never underestimate the Little Black Dress (LDB)

- Only follow trends that suit your style

- Splurge on an outfit for a great night out

- Splurge on shoes especially fall/winter boots

- Bargain shop for those pieces you know won’t last for more than a season –Never pay full price for trends!

- Have plenty of dresses in your closet

- Dig through your closet and put an unexpected outfit together and wear it with confidence

-                                               - Your “lounging clothes” should rock even when just sitting home on a Weekend (Forever 21 and Victoria SecretPink Collection are my FAVS for this)

- Accessories can make or break an outfit

- Have an investment bag and don’t feel guilty about how much you spend on it (-Nina Garcia)

These ladies definitely represent “fabulous at 30”. I am so lucky to have two ladies in my life with great style!

Bold Gold Jewelry!

 I received a fabulous gold necklace for my 30^th birthday which started me thinking about what a fashion statement Bold Gold Jewelry pieces make. I have always been a fan of fun gold jewelry to dress up outfits but I used to be more careful when pairing an outfit with accessories. When I initially got this piece of jewelry I went through my closet to scan all the different outfits I can pair this necklace with. Then as I really took a look at the piece I was actually motivated to think outside the box. Pairing bold pieces with the unexpected!

How I wear it:

Recently in the middle of the week we decided to go out to dinner at a spot I did not want wear a super causal outfit to nor did I feel like dressing up(it had been a long work day)…so…I thought great time to pull out my new favorite necklace! I put on a casual tank with my black drawstring cargo pants and black heels then accessorized it up (my fav quote from SATC)!!!!

What a difference accessories make to an outfit!

Try a gold piece of your choice and see how fun it can be. We see it on celebs all the time so why not!

Where to get it from:  Mines was from a boutique in Dallas (Talulah Belle), Nordstrom (great selection), EPIC (one of my fav spots to get great jewelry), your favorite boutique.

Hot Sandals!

I would have never considered myself as a fan of sandals…well not until this summer. During my vacation this year I could not help but notice how the right pair of sandals made a girl in casual outfit look like she had spent hours putting the outfit together. Sandals had become the “wow” accessory in my book! Last summer I invested in a pair of high heel sandals (which I love and still wear lots) but upon my return from vacation I was on a mission to find that perfect pair of sandals that suite my personal style. I refused to spend too much on it…this girl rather spend the money on her love of winter boots;)

So….Mission accomplished! Not only did I find the right pair of sandals but also found some jewel flip flops that can add flair to an outfit. I noticed that gladiator sandals still hold high priority but it really is about what your style is.

Where to get it:  You can get these sandals anywhere including Target, LOFT, J Crew…the list is endless. Trust me…just go to your favorite spot to buy shoes and you will find one in your style.

Seen on: Bridget Moynahan, Jessica Alba, Olivia Palmero, Nicole Richie…I think this list can go on forever!

How I wear it: These sandals will rock with your favorite summer dress!!! My favorite way to wear the pictured sandals is with distressed denim shorts and a baggy v-Neck shirt. I add some gold jewelry to the outfit as well. I also wear it with harem pants and my romper. The high heeled sandals are super fun to wear with harem pants and casual tanks…add a scarf to make it more fun!

Scarves…the year round accessory!

A thought which crossed my mind during my vacation was how much I love wearing my spring/summer scarves and what great statement piece scarves make to a casual layback outfit. Scarves are a souvenir I look for no matter where I am visiting. I LOVE going to local boutiques and making this fun purchase.

Confirmed by my favorite celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe “scarves are a year round accessory”!!!!

What does matter is the kind of scarf you do wear. You don’t want to wear a fall or winter scarf in the spring nor would you wear a spring scarf in the winter! Material is key here! Have fun with color & patterns when dressing up your casual outfits. Silk and sheer are great materials for summer scarves. With animal print so hot still, this is a great way to incorporate the look without being too bold. Bright colors (pictured) are a great way to go!

Don’t forget to add bracelets and some wedges!

Harem Pants….beyond comfy pants!

During my last two trips to Europe one thing I noticed and admired was how European women expressed their individual style. It’s one thing to buy a trendy piece but it’s how you express your own style with it that makes people turn in awe. Women in Italy, Spain and Greece do an amazing job with this and I just love it!

A hot trend right now in Europe and has slowly been making its way to the U.S. are harem pants. It’s so trendy and the perfect piece to express your style that I had to rush out and get my own pair. Stylish women in Europe wore these pants in so many different ways. There were those who kept it casual with a baggy v-neck shirt and gladiator sandals, some wore it with amazing accessories that you did not notice what shirt they were wearing just their accessories,  then there were those paired it with the most fabulous heels and one piece of accessory that just stood out (my personal favorite). There were even those who paired the pants with a fitted blazer. No matter if and how you decide to pull of this look just keep one thing in mind…express your own style!

Seen on: Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Fergie

Where to get it: Forever 21, Zara, Alice + Olivia - carries similar sytle which I just love!

Travel Essentials!

With spring and summer vacations upon us and while doing my own packing the idea of “the must haves” got me thinking. Of course we want to look fab no matter what part of the world we travel to. Here are some of the essentials I thought I could not go without this season while traveling.

-          Maxi Dress & Maxi skirt – Both hot this season and great on ALL body types

    -    Bathing Suits – My favorite spot for this is Target

         - Cover-ups – My favorite one this season was purchased from J. Crew (pictured)

- Fedora

               - Fun Jewelry

          - Romper – They are all over. I love the fit and they are super comfortable

- Wedges

                     - Summer dresses - remember FLORAL PRINTS are hot this season!

- A light sweater for breezy nights

                                                                                                                                               Bon Voyage!

                                                                     

Spring Nail Polish!

I am a huge fan of fall nail colors and have the hardest time transitioning away from it come Spring. Last week at the nail salon the owner was actually quite impressed with my choice of nail color. Being a regular there she knows how much I love my dark fall and winter colors and how difficult it was for me to let go of the dark and come into light! I did have to do some research to see what catches my eye and best suites me. Some may not consider my picks the best for Spring or Summer but for a girl who loves her OPI –Siberian Nights, MAC-Nightfall, and of course Chanel – Black Satin...these picks will have to carry me through during the Spring. And yes ladies Nail Polish is a GREAT accessory!

-   OPI – Oh…To be @5 Again 

     OPI – Dusk over Cario

     Chanel – Lilac Sky

Denim Shorts…Make a huge comeback!

I’m sure you’ve seen denim shorts in every fashion magazine this season. They are huge this spring and summer season. Even celebrity stylists like Rachel Zoe are on board. Not just any denim short though! The hot and trendy denim shorts are the “distressed pair”. If you are like me you probably threw out any pair that you owned in the past…not to worry…you can get a pair at no cost. My money saving tip is to go through all your jeans and find a pair you can bare to depart with as “jeans” take it to your tailor and turn them into cute distressed shorts...this is what I did. I did take a picture with me to let her know exactly how I wanted it to look.

How to wear it: Of course anyone can throw on a t-shirt or tank with the denim shorts and call it a day BUT come on ladies have some fun with these shorts….STYLE IT UP! Bring out the Fashionista in you! Pictured is just one way I like to wear the shorts. I wear it with sequence top and the pictured heels. I do love it when I get a chance to wear my military jacket (another trendy piece for Spring) with the outfit. Also if weather permits…you can pair it with a cute top, a fitted blazer, and heels or espadrilles.

Seen On: Vanessa Hudgens, Megan Fox, Nicole Richie, Giselle Bundchen

Where to get it: Your own closet (go here 1^st), True Religion, J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom…it’s all over

Dressy Shorts

Ever wonder how to turn a Spring or Summer outfit to go from day to night? The perfect piece for this is dressy shorts. They are cute, comfortable, and again as you may hear me say about many pieces…you can express your personnel style with this piece. Dressy shorts are the perfect piece to wear with a t-shirt or tank during the day with comfy shoes then throw on a stylish blouse and jewelry     for an evening out.

How I wear it: Pictured. First of all let me share my trick to save money. I personally like my shorts shorter (not TOO short) vs the Bermuda style. After spending way too much on just one pair I decided to go into my closet and take my bermudas which were all bought at full price in the past 2 years and I knew I did not want to wear those any longer to my tailor(I HEART my tailor…she’s amazing!). She was able to tailor the shorts to fit my current style preference. The pictured pinstripe shorts were Bermudas originally.

I like to pair it with one of my J Crew Boyfriend Sweaters on a brezzy day/not so hot day with wedges. I also pair it with ballet flats and V-Neck tee, this allows you to wear some fun accessories with the outfit. For the evening out I wear a pair of heels and one of my favorite blouses. Of course you MUST accessorize up this outfit for the evening.

Seen on: Gossip Girl, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lauren Conrad, Olivia Palermo…tired of me mentioning her name…I just love her style!

Where to get: Intermix, Alice & Olivia (great stuff!), Express J. Crew, Banana Republic, & Nordstrom

Maxi Skirt

Though I love the maxi dress and wear the same one at least a few times during the summer, I think I have fallen more in love with the Maxi Skirt. The Maxi Skirt is very popular this Spring and is way more versatile then the maxi dress. The maxi skirt can be worn to express your style. I have seen this skirt at so many stores from EXPRESS to my favorite boutiques and the celebs are stylin in these skirts in so many fun ways. It comes in many styles from solid to floral print (hot this spring) and it’s perfect for Spring layering.

How I wear it: Pictured. I pair it with one of my J. Crew tanks (J. Crew tanks can be found in my closet in just about every color…I just love the fit), a light/fun spring scarf, and wedges. If I don’t wear the scarf I wear my fedora hat with the outfit. I like wearing my denim jacket with it if weather permits. Do layer it with your denim jacket or other light jacket but NOT a cardigan. When I wear any sort of scarf I skip on big necklaces instead I wear fun bracelets and maybe even a big watch. This is a skirt you can wear your favorite wedges with or with your havaianas. Point is take this skirt and have fun with it!

Seen on: Nichole Richie, Jessica Alba, Lauren Conrad, Olivia Palermo

Where to get it: Urban Outfitters, Gap, Express, Nordstrom

Aviators

Let’s be honest ladies, sunglasses are not just for protecting your eyes from the bright sun…it’s a FASHION STATEMENT! Most of us are guilty (I am) of wearing a pair even when it’s not needed. Everyone one of us has our favorite style and pair but this weekend I was reminded of how FAB the Aviators are.

I had the pleasure of spending the entire weekend with my two best girlfriends. We spent a lot of fun time out in the sun so one of the ladies borrowed my aviators… I could not help but think how fabulous they looked on her. I tried my best to convince her to buy a pair…I hope she does.

Aviators were invented in 1936 and yes it was the classic Ray-Ban and still today they are the most popular aviators out there. Aviators can range in price from $20 - $300. Because I like to have a variety of sunglasses to pick from I did not spend too much on mines. I got my aviators a couple of years ago from Anthropologie for less than $30 and it is still one of my favorite pairs next to my Marc Jacobs of course

Where to get a pair: Anthropologie, Michael Kors, Juicy Couture, Chanel

Seen on: Jennifer Aniston, Megan Fox, Sandra Bullock, Victoria Beckham, Emmy Rossum, Heidi Klum...the list is endless

"The Weekend Pant"

Yes I am guilty of splurging on the latest trends but I have slowly learned over the years there are certain trends that are worth getting from a bargain spot! One of my favorite items from the J. Crew Spring 2011 catalog was what they referred to as the “weekend pant”. I so badly wanted these pants but I could not get myself to pay $68 for it. One of my fav bargain spots is of course TARGET, so I was ecstatic to find a VERY VERY similar pair of the “weekend pant” at Target for way less! I am a huge fan of any pant that is comfortable and that you can make look cute! These pants are perfect for a Saturday to run errands, go to the farmers market in, have breakfast with a girlfriend, and even go to the movies in. The straight/skinny fit with the cuff bottoms makes these pants super easy to pair different shoes with.  You can wear your favorite pair of ballet flats with it or your converse tennis shoes if you prefer.  These are defiantly pants you can “accessorize up” as Carrie Bradshaw would say!

Seen on:  Similar looks seen on Jessica Alba,  Jenna Lyons (Creative Director for J. Crew).

How I wear it: Pictured Above. I wear it with a J. Crew V-Neck Tee and denim jacket (if weather permits). I have worn it with ballet flats during the day then with the pictured heels when going out for dinner at a neighborhood spot. Now you don’t want to where these pants to a Saturday night dinner in the city (BIG NO!). I also wear my J. Crew leather bracelets with a gold watch… (pictured on last week’s blog)… just to accessorize it up. I just love any outfit you can”accessorize up” with your favorite pieces.

Where to get it: J. Crew, Juicy Couture (my FAV spot to get sweats), or Target

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/jcrewweekend/PRDOVR~41231/99102311562/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~weekend%20pant/41231.jsp

 

The FUN accessory…Bracelets!

During my mission to find a different way to wear the gold watch I discovered how versatile my favorite fall, winter, and spring accessory was. Pictured here are leather bracelets and crystal bracelets/cuffs all from J. Crew. This fun accessory can be worn with casual attire or on a night out.

Where to get it:  J Crew, Nordstrom, Tory Burch, Forever 21

Seen on: Similar looks seen on Blake Lively & Jessica Alba (I adore her style)

How I wear it: I like to mix these leather bracelets with the crystal bracelets and where it on the same wrist as the watch. I also mix it up and wear it without a watch. I love wearing it with a super casual outfit (jeans or shorts with a favorite Tee) just to give the casual outfit that that dramatic twist. Be careful what shoes you where when doing this though; you do not want to pull off this look while wearing your tennis shoes. I also wear it on a night out as well with dresses and skirts. With summer around the corner it would be fun to where the bright leather bracelets (try yellow or orange ones) with your favorite maxi dress. You may be a little “I don’t know” about mixing leather with the crystal but I think it’s totally fun and catches the eye. My point is ladies…take your favorite bracelets and don’t be afraid to mix it up just have fun with it.

Also check out these links to see it with an outfit… http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/catalogjcrewcomexclusives/sweaters/PRDOVR~39449/39449.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/lookswelove.jsp

The Oxford

One of my current favorite trends is the “oxford shoe”. The last couple of months I keep coming across these shoes in spring catalogs, Vogue (yes I am an avid Vogue reader), and all the stores I enjoy shopping at. My hubby is not a fan of these shoes on me but I love it enough to own it in black and brown. These shoes are super cute and yes it is comfortable! My opinion – it’s a trend worth your money.

Where to get these shoes: J Crew (my fav spot), Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters (has super cute ones), Bakers, DSW.
Seen on: Gossip Girl (My Fav Show), Sienna Miller, and Olivia Palermo (a girl with style).
How I like to wear it: 
I love pairing these with shorts, short skirts, boyfriend jeans, and skinny cargos. Depending on the weather I pair it with one of my skinny cargos and one of my J Crew  v-neck tees. Also, if there is still a nice breeze  outside and a light jacket or sweater is needed I wear it with shorts or skinny cargos, a vintage tee, and my FAVORITE fall and spring piece…a  J Crew cardigan.