November 15, 2015

One Long Vest: Six Ways

This fall I have been completely obsessed with my long vest (or sleeveless trench, long waistcoat, whatever you want to call it) from Zara. I'll admit though that when I bought it, I wasn't exactly sure how to wear it. With jeans? With a dress? Long sleeves underneath? At home, I tried so many different variations and I quickly realized that I liked them all. And it even doubles as a dress! This might be one of the most versatile layering pieces I own and has now become a wardrobe stable. It instantly updates any look and the loose fit is really flattering too! It draws your eye to your waist giving you a long and lean silhouette. There's definitely a cool girl factor to this statement waistcoat. Not sure if you're like me, but sometimes I think to myself, I'm not cool enough to pull this off. Well I promise you that you are! It feels very effortless. It's like getting to wear your favorite jacket indoors! My recommendation is to opt for a solid neutral (like beige, camel, grey, black or military green) to pair it with more outfits in your closet. So if you're looking for a key piece this fall to in-vest in (pun intended! See what I did there! Hah) then I suggest the long vest. Lately I've been eyeing all these winter sleeveless coats. Which officially makes the long vest a year-round must-have! Here are a few inspirations on how to wear it!

Long Vest: Zara  || Boots: Nina Originals — Long Vest: Zara || Boots: Nina Originals

Long Vest: Zara  || Heels: Pikolinos (in black) — Long Vest: Zara || Heels: Pikolinos (in black)

Long Vest: Zara  || Pencil Skirt: Urban Outfitters (old, shop similar) || Crop Top: American Apparel || Heels: Pikolinos (in black) — Long Vest: Zara || Pencil Skirt: Urban Outfitters (old, shop similar) || Crop Top: American Apparel || Heels: Pikolinos (in black)

Jeans: Zara (These might just be the best jeans I've ever owned. And they are only $49!! They look and feel like $200 jeans!) *Key to finding good jeans at Zara - look for the ones hanging on a hanger and go up a size.

Long Vest: Zara  || Jeans: Zara  ||  Heels: DSW: Guess (old, shop similar)  || Lace Peplum Top: BCBG (old, shop similar) — Long Vest: Zara || Jeans: Zara || Heels: DSW: Guess (old, shop similar) || Lace Peplum Top: BCBG (old, shop similar)

Long Vest: Zara  || Jeans: Zara  || Lace Sweater: American Eagle (sharing a secret - I'm wearing this sweater backwards! old, shop similar) ||  Heels: Nina Originals — Long Vest: Zara || Jeans: Zara || Lace Sweater: American Eagle (sharing a secret - I'm wearing this sweater backwards! old, shop similar) || Heels: Nina Originals

Long Vest: Zara  || Coated Jeans: Madewell || Silk Top (it's a dress that I tucked in!): Urban Outfitters (old, shop similar) ||  Heels: Nina Originals — Long Vest: Zara || Coated Jeans: Madewell || Silk Top (it's a dress that I tucked in!): Urban Outfitters (old, shop similar) || Heels: Nina Originals

Patchwork Mules: Nina Originals (how cute are these?! I love them! My very first pair of mules!)

August 22, 2015

Trend to Try: Two Piece Matching Set

by Laura Perkins

Two piece matching set: Zara ||  Wedges: Aldo (old) similar style at Steve Madden  || Lace Earrings: Stella and Dot — Two piece matching set: Zara || Wedges: Aldo (old) similar style at Steve Madden || Lace Earrings: Stella and Dot

I love the matching set trend (or separates or co-ord set...wow there are a lot of different names for this one!...or two! Hah! Get it?! #iamadork). Whether you're getting matchy matchy with a skirt, shorts or pants to coordinate with your top, it's such a fun trend to try. I recommend finding a twin ensemble that shows just a silver of skin at your waist with your bottoms being more conservative (ie full or pencil midi skirt or high waisted shorts or wide leg pants. Nothing too tight or too short). If you want to be fully covered up though, this is still a really great style for you with so many matching combos out there with longer tops. And there are really no rules, you can rock a two piece set that tucks in or maybe it's a boxy top. It doesn't have to be a crop! The good news is, whenever this trend goes out of style (although I think it's here to stay for a while, fingers crossed!), you can always wear these pieces as separates!

When searching for your complete set, I say go for a bold, colorful print to really make this look standout! I call this one my African print which is so different than anything I own but I think that's why I love it so much. At first I thought, am I too white to pull this off?...but then the longer I wore it, the more comfortable I felt and have received so many compliments on this pattern. So ladies, don't be scared to try something new. You just might surprise yourself!

We can all be inspired by Taylor Swift's many matching sets but if you want to see some more co-ord separates that I personally love, check out my Pinterest page for some Fashion Inspiration!

August 3, 2015

My One Year Anniversary!

by Laura Perkins

Skirt: Zara ||  Crop Top: American Apparel  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot   || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  || Shoes: Jessica Simpson (old)  || Sunglasses: Anthr… — Skirt: Zara || Crop Top: American Apparel || Cuff: Stella and Dot || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels || Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory || Shoes: Jessica Simpson (old) || Sunglasses: Anthropologie

You guys! It's officially been 1 year since I started my blog! I can't believe it. I'm so grateful for all of you who have encouraged and supported me through this journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Wow, a lot has changed in a year. And some things have stayed the same...like I still love to rock a midi skirt and crop top! :) So I thought why not celebrate my first birthday with one of my favorite looks!?

You know, you really can't go wrong with black and white. It will always be a classic look. To give this timeless combo a modern twist, opt for bold prints like graphics or florals. And try a crop top! Come on! It's about time! Like I said on my very first blog post, you just need to show a sliver of skin. And if done right, you can wear this look to work or church! (Yes, I said it!) So I found this midi skirt at Zara a few months back and immediately fell in love with the design. I thought it looked like a piece of art. This might sound like a no-brainer but make sure you really love a print before you try it on or buy it. The more you love the design, the more wear you'll get out of it. And when you're looking for a crop top, try one that is a basic color, fitted, and cut with a higher neck (that way you're really not showing too much skin and it will go with every high waisted skirt you own!). P.S. This American Apparel one I'm wearing is still online!

It looks like this midi skirt is only available in stores at the moment but have no fear because I've included a few similar options from Anthropologie below. Oh Anthro, you have so many most gorgeous skirts! Hey, a girl can day dream...

July 19, 2015

Swim Cover Ups: Kimono Style

by Laura Perkins

I am so excited to share this post with you guys! I found these gorgeous kimono style swim cover up's at Target. And guess what?! They are still in stores and online! I had the hardest time deciding between the two of them that I ended up buying them both! I just couldn't resist! It was like picking a favorite child! The coral flamingo print immediately caught my eye as a Florida native. I liked the bold color and fun tropical pattern. Super cute! My husband's pick was actually the turquoise palm print which is also so pretty. Beautiful colors. I like that they have that luxury beach cover up feel but for any amazing price! It's so easy to throw in your bag for a weekend getaway or a day by the pool. Sometimes I even rock them at home for a little staycation! They are incredibly comfortable and the way it hangs is just so flattering. These seriously are the perfect cover ups!