Busy bees

Sometimes the effort of finding an entirely new outfit for another function can be too much work.  We're busy with life and if we have a great look can we use that basic idea again and again??

YES.

Here I'm showing the basic concepts of an outfit but with a simple change of the denim, shoes, belt and bag you can go from date night to shopping.

Option 1 is date night.  Dark denim (AG, Angelina) and black heels paired with the grey muscle tank and belt make this outfit sexy and sultry.  The green bag and turquoise necklace add pops of color.

Option 2 is the same idea but we're replacing the dark denim for lighter (Hudson Signature) denim and swapping the black heels for a platform clog. Lastly, we remove the belt (though the gray belt would work in either outfit) and including a thicker belt with a fun embellishment.

Option 1:

Gray muscle tank (Free People); Dark denim (AG, Angelina); Black heels (Aldo); Gray belt (Free People); Green clutch (South Moon Under); Chunk turquoise necklace (Gem Garden); Miscellaneous silver bracelets

Option 2:

Gray muscle tank (Free People); Denim (Hudson, Signature); Platform clogs (Ralph Lauren); Belt (Vintage); Chunky turquoise necklace (Gem Garden); Miscellaneous silver cuff bracelets

Style on!

A man on a bicycle

Is there someone who has you completely awe-inspired by his/her humble spirit and kindness towards others that you just want to learn from them? 

My answer is yes.  Bill Cunningham.  His modesty and sincerity are such a rarity.  What he has brought to the industry is the perspective of style from the every-woman.  His pictures show the interpretation of trends from runway to street.  He's not interested in clothing that will only work on a model - his interest lies in how women of individual size and figure can create the look.

In 2008 he was awarded Officier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture.  His acceptance speech was simple and true:

"It's as true today as it ever was.  He who seeks beauty will find it."

Dot-to-dot

This season it's all about the bottoms.  Stripes, floral, polka dots - oh my!  But all this fun on the bottom can be a little overwhelming and some of the prices tags might seem frightening if you're only going to wear that piece once.  I'm here to tell you that these bottoms can be very, very versitle.  You probably have more options hidden in your closet than you even know! 

Below you will find 3 very different looks all using the same AG Polka Dot Ankle Stevies (Anthropologie).  I wanted to show that you can do so much more with these pants than a simple white shirt (though that's also a cute option!).

Option 1 is pretty simple and basic.  A sheer, neutral blouse with nude heels works for Happy Hour or a night with friends. 

Option 2 is a little more interesting with the mixing of stripes and dots!  This cotton shirt is playful and works for a Casual Friday or brunch with girlfriends.

Option 3 is also a bit more daring because we're mixing florals with the dots.  Yes, this totally works!  Paired with flats, this is great for a weekend of errands.

Option 1:

Sheer brown blouse (Free People); Collection of gold bangles and Nixon watch; Nude, platform heels (Lucky Brand)

Option 2:

Striped top (Anthropologie); Collection of gold bangles and Nixon watch; Nude, platform heels (Lucky Brand)

Option 3:

Silk floral blouse (Anthropologie); Collection of gold bangles and Nixon watch; Gold ballet flats (Steve Madden)

Play around with textures, prints and accessories. Style on!

In love with layers

Nothing says warm weather than tons of bracelets and rings. The heat and the stickiness that humidity can bring means I just can't do necklaces without wanting to rip them off me. Enter.... layers of bracelets and rings.

Style on!

Spring. Love.

A fashion love affair

To mix or not to mix

Both images are from Free People's Blog 25. The mix of printed bottoms for spring makes me exited. I've always loved mixing patterns and textures but here they are showing the pattern bottom with a plain white t-shirt. The story is still compelling and after a winter of mixed patterns and prints, the simply complicated message here is intriguing. It makes you want to keep looking for more. 

To mix or not to mix?  The answer is that depending on the mood - depending on the day.  You can do what you love.

Style on!

Muse

It's not a secret that if I could choose the time period in which I grew up it would be the 70s... all the way... but I would also like to be Jane Birkin's best friend.  She exudes effortless beauty and is my style icon.