October 23, 2014

21 Fall Essentials...


Now that it is officially fall, and it's getting colder, I figured it was time to share my favorite things that are trending this fall - and that will make sure your closet has everything that you'll need to be stylish in the coming colder months. Most of these pieces are staples and will last the test of fashion time. Here's a quick guide to the post:





1.) Military Jacket: This is the number one piece that you need for your fall wardrobe. It can be girly or edgy, and everything in between - so it is adaptable for everyone's style! It is also usually lightweight so it can be useful in the transition months but can also be thrown on top of a thick sweater. There are some styles that are more Parka-ish and a heavier material, you can even find some with fur hoods on them. So look through a lot and find the style that you like. I got mind from Nordstrom's B.P. department last year and I absolutely love it. (P.S. If you had to pick one of these from the list to buy, get a military jacket. You'll be glad you did.) See how I styled mine in this post!

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 | Vest 1

2.) Fur Vest: I have been searching for the perfect fur vest for a while, and I have found some great ones. But the one in the picture below is my favorite, but by the time I got around to purchasing it, it was sold out! So I am keeping an eye on it until it (fingers crossed) restocked. But anyways, faux fur vests are a way to spice up your wardrobe and keep yourself looking chic in the coming cold months. So look into getting one, wether you want to invest in an expensive one, or get a shorter lasting cheaper one - I have links to both!

Brown 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 (Favorite) • 6 | White 1 • 2 (Photo Credit: Southern Curls & Pearls)

3.) Puffer Vest: This is one my favorites. The puffer vest is an awesome piece that keeps you warm and is also beautifully preppy - but can also be edgy like the camo one I've linked. You can also belt it and give it a different look.  They come in so many styles from so many different stores, but the ones that I have found are the best quality are from J.Crew Factory.


12 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 (PC: SC&P)


4.) Leather Jacket:  This is an obvious must for the fall and winter months. Leather jackets are sexy and warm. And they can also be paired with many different types of outfits. I bought both of my brown ones at the Nordstrom Sale last year and this year, and I love love love them. One is a darker brown and the other is a cognac. I have been wearing the lighter cognac since it has only been chilly the past few weeks, but when winter is in full swing I see myself pulling out the dark brown Via Spiga more often. Like the fur vests, this piece can be an investment piece. My cognac jacket was $40 while my dark espresso one was more around the $150 range. So I expect the darker one to last me much longer than the cheaper one - you can absolutely tell a difference in the material and how it was constructed between the price points, so I would suggest (as I always will) to try to find your more expensive pieces in the store so you can make sure that what you are investing in is worth it and you will actually wear it.



Black 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 | Brown 1 • 2 • 3 (PC: SC&P)

5.) Gingham Shirt: An essential because of it's versatility. This print can be worn as a casual or more formal piece. Here I paired my gingham shirt dress with leggings for a casual everyday outfit. Gingham is a classic, but kind of fell through the fashion cracks for a few years and is really just resurfacing as a staple for your wardrobe.


 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 


6.) Plaid + Buffalo Check Button Up: You can never have enough plaid, buffalo, and flannel shirts. Period. So grab the cute ones before they sell out, which they do incredibly fast! I am currently pining for this red buffalo check drop waist dress at Old Navy, but I couldn't find it in the store when I was there so I got an awesome slouchy sweater (but it would be a great Christmas present *cough cough*).


Plaid 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 | Buffalo Check 1234 • 5 (PC: SC&P)

7.) Chambray Top: Not much to say about this one. Chambray is one of the most versatile fabrics out there. And there are multiple colors and styles that they come in, but all of them have a comfortable and sophisticated look to them. Find one that you can fall back on and include in your outfit rotation! See how I styled my chambray top in this post!

1 • 2 • 3


8.) Slouchy Sweater: This past year, I have really tried to transition out of my high school style (which was atrocious) and into a more sophisticated and age appropriate wardrobe that reflects my personality. And in that process, I got rid of ALOT of my clothes. Actually, almost everything but the basic staples of a wardrobe. And so as fall began to roll around last week, I found my sweater collection, well, non-existent. So I am on the constant lookout for great slouchy sweaters. And you should be too! Slouchy sweaters can be comfy and casual AND chic! So you get the best of both worlds. 



1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 (PC: SC&P)

9.) Pea Coat: The Pea Coat is one of my favorite things about winter. Last Christmas my parents got me the queen of all pea coats from J.Crew - a white coat, with dark navy ribbing and black leather buttons. And it was on sale for half off so woot woot! I wear my pea coats almost constantly as I do with my boots. BUT pea coats can be an investment. And in my opinion, you can tell the difference between a well made coat and one from Wal-Mart. As well you should! But making that investment might be a matter of timing, so I will keep you updated when nice ones go on sale so you can "pounce".

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 (PC: Pinterest)


10.) Aztec Sweater/Poncho: This piece is a new found love for me. The Aztec Sweater. It is a piece that can be a great show stopper in your wardrobe, but is also something that is wearable every day. Not everyone has this kind of a piece in their closet, so you will definitely stand out! I love edgy things and this poncho is one that catches my eye - and hopefully is something that you can add to your closet to mix things up!


  
123 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 (PC: SC&P)

11.) Riding Boots: Boots will always be a staple of winter. I actually struggle to NOT wear boots every single day when it's cold out. But it's good to have a few different styles of boots in your closet. I have a pair of riding boots, thigh high highs, heeled boots, and of course short cowboy boots. But the bad thing is - they're all BROWN! So I am searching for a good pair of black riding boots, and I'm thinking a quilted look would be great. - See how I styled these awesome riding boots in this post!


1234 • 5 • 6


12.) Rain Boots: A good pair of rain boots is great - wether you are using them for fashion or practical reasons. In the South, you may use them once for the snow, but those that live in the colder parts of the world, you should look into a good pair of Hunters that will last you a long time and hold up to harsher conditions. I have been pining for a pair of red Hunters for so long. And one day, they will be mine. (Update: I got them for christmas *insert cheesing smily face emoticon*)



1 2 • 3 • 45 • 6789 • 10 • 11 (PC: SC&P)

13.) Cheetah Print Shoes: The great Jenna Lyons says, "As far as I'm concerned, leopard is a neutral." #truth #nothingelsetoknow 


Flats 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 | Pumps 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 (PC: SC&P)

14.) Neutral Bootie: First off, I am in loveee with these booties. (They would be another great Christmas present *ehemm*). The beauty of a neutral bootie is that it can go with everything. From casual to formal, a bootie is the way to go. 

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 (PC: SC&P)

15.) L.L. Bean Duck Boots: I. Love. These. Boots. They're preppy and practical and perfect. From doing outdoor activities to running errands, these are boots that will be your go-to boot throughout the cold season. And not to mention that they are a great price for the amount of time that they will last for you - as in years. They are a little pricey (about $100, but I'm a college student), but like I said, they last SO long. LL Bean is great about making products to last. So keep your eye on the ones you want, and when they go on sale, make the investment. You won't regret it!




Boots (PC: Pinterest)

16.) Jeggings:  n. jeg·gings (/ˈjeÉ¡iNGz/)- tight-fitting stretch pants for women, styled to resemble a pair of denim jeans. So in case you were wondering, jeggings are just really stretchy jeans that are tapered all the way down to your ankles. And this makes it perfect to pair them with your ankle boots (see this post on how to style your ankle boots). But for fall, these babies are a life saver, because you can throw them on and look super stylish. So if you don't have some (or maybe you just need some different colors, like me), go grab a pair!


Gap (Legging Jean) 1234  | Old Navy: 1234

17.) Leather Leggings: Pleather (or faux leather) is so trendy this fall and looks super chic. Most people think they might not be able to pull this trend off - but bear with me. Full leather leggings are not for every one, I get that. But you can incorporate leather into your leggings. My favorite is a pair that is half pleather (on the outside of your leg) and a stretchy material on the inner half. This style of leather leggings can work on any body type because it does not stick to every inch of your leg and breaks up the slicky and clingy look that the leather creates.  


1 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 (PC: SC&P)

18.) Colored Jeans: Every girl needs a few pair of colored jeans in their closet. It breaks up the monotony of regular denim (which I have a tendency to wear more often than not) and you can still keep your legs warm. I have linked several colors down below, so make sure to check them all out. Old Navy and Gap have a great tall and long sizes for you long legged women like me!


1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 6 • 7 • 8910 (PC: Old Navy)


19.) Plaid Scarf: Plain and simple - you need a plaid scarf to pair with a neutral outfit. I am constantly watching What Not To Wear, and keeping up with Stacey and Clinton, and they are always talking about having "outfit formulas" that you can fall back on. This would constitute as a formula --> Skinny jean + Neutral blouse + Plaid scarf + Neutral Bootie = Instant Casual Chic "go-run-errands" Outfit. Work on your formulas and figure out what looks good on you. My advise is to write them down, so that when you have an "off day," you have something that you know looks good on you and that you are comfortable in. (And the last scarf on the top row is just awesomeee - Target version is $17!)




(Pictured Above) Top Row: 1234
Middle Row: 56 78
Bottom Row: 9101112
 (Other Cuties): 12 • 3 • 4 

20.) Nude + Dark Nail Polish: It's fall and it's time to break out those deep red, plum, navy, and nude nail polishes to "polish" off your look! (haha, see what I did there;) These three are my current favorites. The "Every Month is Oktoberfest" looks almost pinkish here, but in reality it is a very deep purple (it looks black from far away) with an iridescent red to it. So I would suggest going to an Ulta, Sephora, or Target to pick out your polishes so that you can see what they look like in person. But you absolutely need to get some dark hues & nude colored polishes! A good nude color will go a long way.

21.) Deep Red Lips: No explanation needed. Every beautiful one of you should have a red color that works for you. And it's different for everyone. So do some research, and then go to a department store like Nordstrom, or Dillard's and they will direct you to some colors and will help you find the right one - then you can see if there are any cheaper options. Just be careful about going too cheap. The difference between a $20 stick and a $5 stick is incredible and you will definitely be able to see the difference.



October 20, 2014

Gingham Shirt Dress


Today's post includes this awesome gingham shirt dress that I got last fall at Gap. I was originally looking for a gingham shirt, but when I found the shirt dress on the Clearance rack for $10, I could not pass it up. And when I bought my thigh high boots, I new they would go great together. But it was kind of baggy, so I decided to tie it together with a skinny brown belt. And now that it's colder weather, you'll start to see girls pull out their leggings and wearing them as pants. Well, here's my rule: if your shirt doesn't cover your butt, you need to wear regular pants. But that's just me. OH! And I died my hair dark! I love going dark in the winter because I get so white my natural auburn hair washes me out - so I'm dark for the rest of the winter!

 Gingham Shirt Dress: Gap 123456 | Leggings: American Eagle 12 • 3 | Belt: American Eagle 12 | Boots: Urban OG 123 | Purse: Steve Madden 123 | Necklace: Mindy Mae's Market | Bracelet: Benevolent Jewels | Earrings: 1234 (<--FAV) | 
Nail Polish: OPI "Every Month Is Oktoberfest" (LOVEEE)





October 13, 2014

Fall Sales Round-Up



Columbus Day is upon us! And that means great fall sales are happening. So I've rounded up all the best ones I can find so you can have a quick guide to great deals. Let me know if you find any others and I'll add them to my list!
1.) LL Bean: 10% off
2.) Piperlime: 25% off


3.) Les Nouvelles – 30% off final sale pieces – Code FINAL30



4.) Express – 40% off sweaters and 30% off all outerwear – ends soon!
5.) J. Crew: 30% off full price and 40% off sale

6.) Gap – This one ends soon but get 40% off with code NEWOUTFIT


7.) Banana Republic: 40% off



8.) Old Navy: up to 50% off
9.) ASOS – up to 50% off sale!
10.) Loft – 50% off
11.) Saks Off 5th – Several sales, up to 70% off!



October 6, 2014

Cozy Military


So today was the first cold morning in Atlanta! I woke up and checked the weather, and it was a chilly 50º - perfect for my first boots and scarf post! I typically hate being cold, but my love for scarves, boots, and peacoats sometimes overpowers that.  This look is one that I have been waiting to blogg about for a while because it involves my favorite military jacket and favorite maroon scarf (which I knitted - by myself!). 


So, first things first, if you don't have a military jacket or vest, you NEED to invest in one. I got mine last year at Nordstrom, and it a great decision. It literally can be styled with almost everything - from girly to grundy to business casual. Secondly, if you're pretty tall like me (5'8") then you're probably searching for jeans that are long enough for you. Well, the best place to find them - Gap. They have tall and long sizes, which differ a little, but they are perfect, so I'll link some up for you gals. 



Let's talk about this awesome purse. Cognac is very in (as it will always be) because it is so versatile and perfect for the fall months (or any month). But, it's hard to be a college girl in such an expensive purse world. So, let's talk about some options other than the big purse brands (e.g. Coach, Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch, etc.) So this beautiful bag is from Target. I got it on the 30% off sale rack, but also used Target's Cartwheel app and go it for an extra 20% off, so this purse ended up going from $60 to $30. And just because it only original cost $60, doesn't mean that it is crappily (is that a word?) made. Yes, it's not going to last me years like my Coach's and Dooney & Bourkes have, but that's not the point. For the few years that your paying to go to school (or whenever), you're looking for ways to look chichi but still stay without breaking your wallet. So, Target is a great option - along with Lulu's and Nordstrom (if you narrow the price range - they have a great selection). And P.S. If you don't have Target's "Carthwheel" App, you seriously need to download it because it has great deals every single day that you wouldn't normally get just by browsing in the store.



So has anyone gotten into the double pearl earring trend? Well, I bought my first pair last week and my verdict is . . . they are awesome! I thought they were stupid at first, but needless to say, they grew on me. A lot. Now I find myself reaching for the double pears rather than my single ones as I get ready in the morning. They just add that extra "umph" to your every day outfits. Mine are from Target for $8 - and were so worth it.


Jacket: Nordstrom 1 • 23 • 45 • 6 (Vest)| Shirt: Gap 1 • 2 • 3| Jeans: Gap 12 | Scarf: Me! 12 | Boots: Aldo 123 | 
Purse: Target | Earrings: Target 12 • 34 | Nail Polish: OPI "Tickle My France-y"














October 1, 2014

How to Cuff Your Jeans: A Simple Guide to Get You Started

Let me start this off by saying: there is no "wrong" or "right" way to cuff your jeans. This guides is simply that, a guide; to get you started if you're looking for advice on how to cuff your jeans. And the graphics are for easy reference if someone finds this post useful to them. So don't be offended and don't think I'm putting you in a box - I'm just trying to help someone out as if they were in my shoes three years ago!

It is officially getting colder! Maybe not this week in Georgia, but next week is looking promising. But for all of you lucky ones that are enjoying the nice crisp fall weather, you might find yourself dusting off your cute fall booties. And to some people, that may be a daunting task. Because while you have these amazing shoes, you never wear them because you don't know how! You might even find yourself falling in love with a pair of booties in the store and then not getting them only because you have no idea how to style them. Well, this post is here to (hopefully) help you! I'll show you a few ways you can wear those cute shoes with your favorite pair of jeans.



The first time I wore a pair of jeans with ankle boots, I struggled with the right way to cuff my jeans. Now, even after a few years of owning booties, I still struggle with it and have to take time to make sure that they don't look stupid when I do. One thing that was difficult was finding the right kind of jean. Try to get the jeans that are like leggings - "jeggings" - or tight all the way to your ankle. It is easier to roll and cuff them when they are tight and don't leave you with a baggy cuff. Loose jeans will make your leg appear larger around your ankles and calves. But no fear, I have linked many jeggings throughout the post. I have found that the American Eagle jeggings are the best, so there are many of those. In this post, I want to cover several styles of ankle boots - tall ankle boots, ankle boots with a little dip in the front, and some that are a normal ankle height. 


 1. Straight Cut Booties + Ripped Denim
These booties are taller than the average ankle bootie, where the top of it sits just above the ankle. Now these booties are some that you can wear with most any type of jean - skinnies, flared, and boot cut. In these pictures I have only paired them with the skinnies because it is my favorite style. But any of the principles can be applied to any kind of cut. 

First of all, you really don't want to pull your jeans over your shoes. The wider cut jeans, such as flared and a wide boot cut are the exceptions to this, since you want them to come over the boot and almost touch the floor. It covers up your cute shoes!


Next, do not tuck them into the boot. This creates a stumpy look because there is no break in the line of the leg at the ankle. Also, it makes your jeans look way to long for your legs, which is the opposite of what we are trying to accomplish. So, no tucking for this style of boot. I see a lot of bloggers who do this, and I think to myself, "This outfit is so cute, but it would be even cuter if they had just that tiny detail of a cuff."



On this next one, it's kind of tricky. Because my jeans are so long, when I rolled them up once just enough so you could see that piece of skin, the roll was way too high. BUT, if you roll it up to the correct place and it's 2/3 of the length of my roll, then you are good to go. In the very last picture of the post is an example of how long the roll should be.



Ahh, so much better. Here I double rolled mine because my jeans are extra long, so one cuff wasn't enough. But for the most part, you want to cuff it enough so that you can see that tiny bit of skin, which breaks up the leg line and creates an elongated leg - which every girl wants. So keep that roll high enough to see that sliver of skin, but not to high because this boot is already at the top of your ankle, and any higher would most likely make your legs shorter - which no girl wants.

Jeans: American Eagle 1 • 2 • 3 | Booties: Nordstrom 1 • 2 



2. Peep Toe & Chunky Heel + Dark Wash
Again, don't do this - covering up your gorgeous shoes is not something that you should get into the habit of doing - unless the jeans are long and flared. 


 With this bootie, that has a little dip in the front, you don't want too much skin showing on the sides, so cuff your jeans accordingly. As always, we are trying to achieve the elongated leg look while still being stylish. This double cuff shows more skin than just the single and is a great option for a more playful look.



This is a great example of how simply cuffing your jeans once, makes the bootie trend a breeze. The cuff is not too long and it hits right at the top of the boot. This is how I wear my jeans with these booties. (P.S. The chunky heel is a great addition to your closet if you don't already have some)

Jeans: Gap 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 | Heels: LOFT 1 • 2






 3. Neutral Wedge + Light Wash
While these shoes are not my favorite out of the three, these are the best illustration of how to effectively cuff your jeans with ankle boots.


This boot sits right on the ankle, so it looks great with just a normal one roll cuff. Some skin is wanted with just the one roll, but its not paramount that you nee to see it from the side view, as you can see in the below picture. One little cuff is the way I wear them most often because it gives off a casual and easy-going vibe. The lighter section of the cuff provides a great contrast at the hem, breaking up the shoes and jeans and showing those beautiful ankles!



Here is a double roll that shows more skin than most of the other cuffs.This can be either a casual look that can be paired with an oversized sweater or can be dressed up with a great blouse and a boyfriend blazer.


I LOVE this next cuff. It's simple and just looks a little bit more stylish to me. It's and easy and simple one roll, but comes up higher than the others. Even though you may think this would make your legs appear to be shorter, it actually achieves the elongating effect that you want and at the same time looks super chic. 

Jeans: Gap 1 • 2| Wedges: Target 12 • 3 • 4


As I mentioned before, most people struggle with this concept. But it will only get easier with practice and repetition. And don't be afraid to experiment! If you like a way that I didn't, then rock it. This is just more of a guideline for people who don't know where to start. I didn't cover a lot of way to wear jeans and ankle boots, so let me know how you wear your ankle boots. And happy cuffing!

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