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 4, 2014

Mixing Textures for Fall

by Laura Perkins

Dress: Zara  ||  Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson) — Dress: Zara || Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson)

Dress: Zara  ||  Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson)  ||  Jean Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar) — Dress: Zara || Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson) || Jean Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar)

Mixing textures is a really fun way to update your look. I am loving the combination of wool and leather for fall! The wool softens the edgier, dressy feel of leather. And I like how the sexier, fitted leather top contrasts with the girlie, bell shape of the bottom (which is super flattering ladies!). This is faux leather by the way but doesn't it look real!? (Another reason why I'm obsessed with Zara! This gem is only $79 which I think is a steal for the quality of the material). You'll also notice that I'm mixing textures with my heels which are a combination of leather and suede.

I wore this sleeveless dress in Florida which was appropriate for the warm weather but still felt perfect for fall with the color and fabric. Olive green is big this season and pairs really well with grey, brown and light denim. To brighten up the look, I added a hot pink lip which I think is a nice pop with the dress's darker shade. This is a great day-to-night dress taking you from the office to a hot date!

Styling Tip: For cooler temperatures, try layering with a jean jacket or a cropped grey sweater that hits right at the waistline.

October 21, 2014

It's All in the Ladylike Details

by Laura Perkins

Skirt: Madewell  ||  Shirt: Old Navy  ||  Hat: Urban Outfitters (old, similar) ||  Heels: Jessica Simpson (DSW) — Skirt: Madewell || Shirt: Old Navy || Hat: Urban Outfitters (old, similar) || Heels: Jessica Simpson (DSW)

Skirt: Madewell  ||  Shirt: Old Navy  ||  Hat: Urban Outfitters (old, similar) ||  Heels: Jessica Simpson (DSW)  || Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar) — Skirt: Madewell || Shirt: Old Navy || Hat: Urban Outfitters (old, similar) || Heels: Jessica Simpson (DSW) || Jacket: Abercrombie (old, similar)

When I'm dressing for fall, I like to add a few ladylike details. One of the biggest trends we're seeing this season is a floppy felt hat. The flowly structure gives you that girly look while still keeping your head warm during the inevitable cool weather. It's effortlessly chic plus it's perfect for a dirty hair day! (ie more time sleeping in!)

Layering is key for autumn and can add a feminine touch to any outfit. I like wearing a jean jacket over my shoulders because I think it's a really fun way to update your wardrobe and give you that classic, 1950's style. Of course when it's really cold, you do need to actually wear it! :)

Some of the other ladylike details I adore from this look are the perforated holes in a stripe pattern on my midi skirt and the cute words that read "Live, Love, Laugh" on my top. (Note: This shirt actually has navy stripes...don't be afraid to pair black with navy or plum and navy. And while mixing colors, textures and patterns might seem risky, it really can have a big payoff! My advice is keep it subtle; you can't go wrong.)

This ensemble was inspired by Bayleigh Bingham, a sweet girl I met while hosting my New York Fashion Week video for Loehmann's. Her street style was definitely one of my favorites and I seriously wanted to steal her hat! (see her full look in my Top 30 List). It made me want to take my summer midi skirt and transition it for fall with the right accessories. Fashion tip: Try wearing a sweater with your midi skirt to get even more wear out of it this season!