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!)

November 12, 2014

Little Black Leather Dress

by Laura Perkins

Dress: Zara  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar) — Dress: Zara || Cuff: Stella and Dot || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar)

Leather has been a hot trend this year so what better way to modernize your Little Black Dress than with a chic leather LBD. I recently found this faux leather dress at Zara. Doesn't it look real?! It's pretty thermal too! Might not have been my best idea for Florida weather a few weeks ago but I will definitely be getting a lot of wear out of this in New York. I think it will be my go-to for holiday parties. Just add some sparkly jewelry and I'm all set. I'm really loving short sleeve dresses right now. Not only are they appropriate for fall but they are very slimming for your arms (no workout required!). Plus they help me to feel less pale! I also like the fit and flare shape of this dress because I think it tones down the sexy leather vibe with a fun, girlie feel.

Styling tip: To accessorize a simple black dress, try statement heels or a bold jewelry piece like a cuff, chunky necklace or standout earrings.

September 27, 2014

The Weekender: Dressing for Fall When it Still Feels Like Summer

by Laura Perkins

Jacket: Urban Outfitters (old, similar)  ||  Tank Top: American Eagle  || Shorts: American Eagle  ||  Sandals: Madewell — Jacket: Urban Outfitters (old, similar) || Tank Top: American Eagle || Shorts: American Eagle || Sandals: Madewell

I don't know about you guys, but it's been getting into the 80's here in New York this week. Which I'm not complaining, it's been absolutely beautiful and I'm still holding on to the last few days of summer! (I'm a Florida girl at heart.) But when it's the end of September, you want to start wearing your fall wardrobe. Here's how to do it without sweating bullets in full on jeans and sweaters just yet. The key is to find one or two fall items, whether it's a jacket, ankle boots, hat or flannel shirt to give your look that touch of fall paired with pieces that still keep you cool. I put together this military jacket, which is perfect for this season, with distressed jean shorts for a casual weekend outfit. Style tip: I started wearing my jacket in a new way by rolling up the sleeves. You can also rock this look with boyfriend jeans and ankle boots when the temperatures drop a little more. I got my jacket maybe 5 years ago at Urban Outfitters but there are so many similar options in stores right now (including a variety of cute styles at Urban Outfitters). In fact, Old Navy has one at the moment for $39.94...now that's a good deal!