June 22, 2015

Trend to Try: Wide Leg Pants

Top and Bottom Set: Zara  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels — Top and Bottom Set: Zara || Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

One of my favorite trends this spring/summer has been wide leg pants. For any of you skeptics out there, I know what you're thinking - how could that much extra material be flattering? Well I promise these voluminous trousers are cuter on than you may think. So put your skinny jeans to the side (come on, it's been over a decade!) and opt for a wide leg pant. Just trust me! They're very Katharine Hepburn, effortlessly chic! And not to mention, very comfortable! (it's like you're wearing pajamas!). There are so many fun styles out there but my first recommendation is to just try on a bunch until you find the perfect fit for you. I personally like the higher waist because I think they're the most slimming. In fact, my one rule would be you need to show off your waist in these pants, don't cover it up. So try tucking in your shirt or styling with a crop top, either one that shows a sliver of skin or hits right at the waist, like this matching printed top I found at Zara. Maybe it's because these pictures were taken on a surprise trip my husband planned for our anniversary with a night stay at the gorgeous Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, RI, but for some reason whenever I where this outfit I can't help but feel a little old hollywood glam!

Shoe tip: Opt for a chunky platform, block heel or wedges with your wide leg pants for a modern look that elongates your legs.

April 27, 2015

Menswear Meets Bali Style

by Laura Perkins

Top: Go Fish ||  Trouser Pants: Zara (old, similar)  ||  Shoes: Latigo (light grey)  || Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique (old, similar)  ||  Bracelet: Stella and Dot (gold)  || Lipstick: Mac (So Chaud) — Top: Go Fish || Trouser Pants: Zara (old, similar) || Shoes: Latigo (light grey) || Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique (old, similar) || Bracelet: Stella and Dot (gold) || Lipstick: Mac (So Chaud)

Two weeks ago I had a desk side appointment with an editor at Vogue and I honestly did not know what to wear. I mean, seriously - what do you wear to Vogue?! (no pressure!!) I wanted something that looked professional yet had that cool, editor-chic vibe. After taking a good look through my closet and daydreaming for a second that I was Cher in Clueless with an outfit choosing computer program and revolving rack, I finally made my selection. I decided to go with this menswear inspired look of navy drawstring trousers paired with a bright tropical top. This gorgeous batik blouse is very special to me and is from this amazing store called Go Fish (available online and in Go Fish stores in GA, FL, SC, and VA). It's handmade in Bali using a really fascinating batik hand-dying process which actually takes 60-75 days to create each design and then dried in the sun (how cool is that?!)! The vibrancy of the colors are then dictated by how sunny or cloudy it is that day. Mine must have dried on a very sunny day in Indonesia because the color is so bold, making me feel like it represents spring that much more! :) The other fun thing about this top is that it's short in the front and longer in the back. You can wear it in all sorts of cute ways but here's a little styling secret to give you that polished yet laid back look - try a front tuck, especially if your pants are a little higher waisted. I think it's very flattering, especially with these trousers because it shows off the drawstring and leather waistband detail. I finished the look with a statement necklace, layers of bracelets and watch and my new 70's vibe Latigo clogs (btw, these are crazy on sale at Anthropologie right now!). These oxford style, wooden block heels are perfect with trouser pants. The Vogue editor even said she loved my shoes! (Yes!! I might have freaked out a little on the inside when that happened!!). And that's when my imaginary virtual Cher closet said "My work here is done."

September 15, 2014

NYFW Day 1, 2 and 3 OOTD

by Laura Perkins

Razorback Tank: American Apparel  ||  Trouser Pants: Zara  ||  Pointed Toe Flats: Zara  ||  Bag: Michael Kors  ||  Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique — Razorback Tank: American Apparel || Trouser Pants: Zara || Pointed Toe Flats: Zara || Bag: Michael Kors || Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique

NYFW Day 1. You guys know I'm a big fan of pairing something dressy with a piece that's casual. I think it gives a little edge to a feminine style. For this outfit, I dressed down these trouser pants and fancy statement necklace with an everyday cotton tank and ankle strap pointed toe flats. I'm obsessed with these shoes, by the way. They make my feet happy but still give that polished put-together look. I also wear this necklace all the time! Ebay Fashion even photographed me in it for their New York Fashion Week Shop Street Style! The key to finding a great statement necklace is to look for one that is neutral enough to wear with multiple outfits and one that can take you into each season.

Tank Top: Tanked (from Parts and Labour Boutique in Austin, TX)  ||  Skirt: Madewell  ||  Heels: Aldo  ||  Bag: Michael Kors  || Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Earrings: Anzie — Tank Top: Tanked (from P arts and Labour Boutique in Austin, TX) || Skirt: Madewell || Heels: Aldo || Bag: Michael Kors || Cuff: Stella and Dot || Earrings: Anzie

NYFW Day 2: Something I love about New York Fashion Week is you can be a little more daring with your outfit choices. So I decided to be bold with my color and patterns for this look. If you couldn't tell from my previous posts, I really like pairing graphic tees with a dressy midi skirt (spoiler alert: there's more to come!). For this day, I thought I'd change it up and do a fitted pencil skirt that goes below my knee with a high slit (very popular trend right now). It's girlie sophisticated meets rocker chic! Since leopard is considered a neutral, I can get away with wearing these heels and not looking like I got dressed in the dark! And my lipstick color is Chaud by Mac (new fav with a bright orange tint) which matches the heart in my Austin shirt! Man, you'd think I was from Texas, I love this shirt so much! I chose to tie this tank into a crop top (it was 90 degrees that day!) but you could also opt for a more conservative style and tuck it in.

T-shirt: Old Navy  ||  Skirt: Anthropologie  ||  Shoes: DSW (Jessica Simpson)  ||  Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique — T-shirt: Old Navy || Skirt: Anthropologie || Shoes: DSW (Jessica Simpson) || Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique

NYFW Day 3: For this look, I wanted to have fun mix and matching patterns, textures and colors. I went with a lace green pencil skirt paired with a graphic t-shirt. It was another scorcher of a day so I tied the tee into a crop top (but I would totally tuck this in for a more modest, business style). I was so excited about these shoes I got on clearance at DSW (woo hoo!) and liked how the tan leather tied in with the tortoise shell necklace. I opted for a pop of color with a plum crossbody bag (my favorite type of purse right now!). Since the bag is so small, I think this added color works really well. Some people might say I should have matched my lipstick to my plum bag but you know what, I'm all about breaking the rules. :)

August 1, 2014

How to Wear A Crop Top

by Laura Perkins

One of my favorite trends this year has definitely been the crop top. I'm not sure if it's because I went to high school during the Britney Spears era or I'm just a Florida girl at heart. Either way, I hope this trend stays around for a while. A lot of my friends will tell me that a crop top is not for them or that they can't pull it off, but I strongly disagree. If a pregnant Kerry Washington can do it, anyone can! The key is proportions. If you're going to wear a crop top, I recommend higher waisted bottoms so you are only showing a silver of skin (in the most flattering area - your natural waist). For a crop top look that is feminine without coming across too scandalous, pair with a full midi skirt or trouser pants. The proportion in length and looseness keeps it classy yet modern. And bonus - it makes your waist look teeny-tiny! Here are a few ways I've worn a crop top.

Top: American Apparel, Skirt: H&M, Purse: Michal Kors

Top: American Apparel, Skirt: Zara, Shoes: Aldo Necklace: Go Fish — **Top**: American Apparel, **Skirt**: Zara, **Shoes:** Aldo Necklace: Go Fish

Top: Urban Outfitters Pants: Zara Shoes: Aldo Necklace: Go Fish — **Top**: Urban Outfitters **Pants:** Zara **Shoes:** Aldo **Necklace:** Go Fish