Daily Outfit: Classics for a Special Evening

A couple of weekends ago I celebrated with friends the recent marriage of a bride 'n groom who had the pleasure of getting hitched in Ireland; they topped it off with a lovely wedding reception here in NY. It took place at a beach-side venue on Long Island where we were fortunate enough to be partying with a gorgeous ocean view!

For the wedding, I pulled out my washed silk cocktail dress. It's a classic piece that I rarely wear, but when I do I realize that it's worth hanging on to! I went retro with my sparkly gold maryjanes and tied it together with a vintage purse in a neutral color. To finish off the look I paired this deep blue dress with a multi-strand cabochon necklace that I save for special occasions. Can't forget the blazer to ward off any strong ocean breeze. It's always fun to dress up (and celebrate!) xoxo Becca

(Dress- Development by Erica Davies {about 5 years old, but this is similar} Necklace- Vintage similar, Handbag-Vintage similar, Cocktail Ring- Vintage similar, Shoes- Anthropologie similar, Blazer- Urban Outfitters)

Daily Outfit: Earth Tones

right in time for the cooler weather, i dug out my jersey scarves and extra layers so that i can look cool but not feel the cool.  as you know, i would much rather have weather in the 80's but, i realized that there are some things in my fall/winter wardrobe that i can't live without. 

1. my MF jersey scarves are life savers when the weather suddenly dips without warning.  They are also the perfect addition to complete an outfit.  this is the season that you will find one either on me or in my bag at all times.  it helps to have them in a bunch of colors but, i must admit, i live in the one above.  they are just so soft and comfy!!
2. my boots - i think i have more pairs of boots than i do flats or any other type of shoe in my collection. i love them low, high or anywhere in-between.  i would definitely miss wearing my boot collection if the weather was always warm.
3. the right coat- whether it's leather or wool, shearling or down, i can appreciate a great coat.  the cool weather makes me excited to pull out my collection.  in the colder seasons, the first thing people see are your coat so why not make a great first impression.  with all the fresh styles and colors, coats are definitely anything but boring!

... so while i am still not ecstatic about colder weather, i am glad that there are at least a few perks that i get to look forward to! xo Sesheta

( Bamboo Jersey Mobius and Chained to Copper Earrings (info on request) - MavenFresh, Copper bracelts - Tasha West, Leopard Leggings - H&M (similar), Taupe Tunic- Victoria Secrets (similar), Taupe Sweater - TJ Maxx (similar), Clog Booties - Swedish Hasbeens, Neon Peach Belt - J. Crew (similar), Bag - Linea Pelle (similar))

Daily Outfit: Remix

I'm remixing the original! This shirt-dress has made an appearance every autumn since I bought it. That's a good thing- I love a piece with sustainability and versatility. When you buy something in a recognizable print from a mass-market fashion retailer (Target was the source for this dress) you run the chance of being in the same place with the same thing on as someone else. That said, the key is to make it your own. 

The printed shirt-dress is your chameleon for cooler seasons. Take a cue from the many colors in the dress and layer underneath with a turtleneck or slip-dress; layer over with a jacket, blazer, or vest. Pull on a sweater and the dress becomes a skirt. Wear it open over another dress as a jacket. Rotating your choice of tights, jewelry, scarves and hairstyle will have you owning your look and saving some dough! Have a peek below for some current shirt-dress options...and let me know what look you are inspired to create! xoxo Becca

(Dress- Target, Denim Vest- J.Crew similar, Booties- Madewell similar, Necklace- Vintage, Bracelets- Anthropologie, Lips- Ilia Beauty Neon Angel)

Daily Outfit: Colorblock Relief

After an entire summer spent keeping my purse-strings pretty tight, (ahem, yes it's true) it was such a relief to give myself the OK to purchase one end-of-summer piece that could easily transition into fall. Voila...the sleeveless tunic blouse via H&M. I sized up to get that flattering blousy fit. Tucked into a skirt, belted over pants, or paired with leggings...this top is a staple for color-blocking style! The rich coral shade will be a crucial layering piece in my autumn wardrobe; keeping my leopard prints, bright maroon tones, and army greens in good company. Lots of ladies are coveting Equipment's line of silk blouses, but if you want to get the same look for less-  just try your local H&M. 

Did you dive into fall fashion head on, or are you slowly testing the waters? I'm still looking forward to unearthing all those goodies that were hidden away during the seasonal swap. I did start the season off right with a trip to the hair salon for a new 'do (last year's photos here...this year's coming soon!) Long overdue...my locks had not seen any special treatment since April. It's becoming a ritual of renewal for me. What's yours? xoxo Becca

(Jeans- Gap similar, Blouse- H&M similar, Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Studded Belt- J.Crew similar, Sandals- Dolce Vita, Necklaces- Anthropologie & Kenneth Cole)

Daily Outfit: Still Hanging On

i know, i know... we have already posted enough good-bye summer posts but, dang it, i'm not ready to let go yet! lol ...which explains these pics for my post today.  it was one of the hotter days of August and it was perfect for snapping pics in a new location surrounded by nature.  this dress is one of my summer favorites made by my girl and her Aunt.  it is actually a hand-me down from her closet but,  of course, in my closet it is brand new!  it actually has straps but it is so secure at the top that i made it an instant strapless.  it's so easy to throw this on and be ready for any event.  i added my white blazer (not seen here) to glam it up for work but i love that it shows the right amount of skin to still be sexy and demure.  i have been trying to convince my friend to start making clothing or, at the very least, make ME clothing!!!  maybe then she will be inspired to start a line! xo Sesheta

(Disco Hoops - MavenFresh, Dress - Mariatere, Wedges - Lucky Brand, Lips - Makeup Forever)

Daily Outfit: Gone Baby Gone

This is one of my favorite outfits of the entire summer...maybe it's the bold print, my fuss-free waves, the silhouette...or it could be that it was worn for a night spent with good friends at a beautiful wedding. All's I know is, this dress was the very first thing that caught my eye at Banana Republic, and although I continued shopping and tried on a few different styles I just couldn't let this one go. 

How do you rationalize leaving the store with two dresses when you're on a tight budget? Well you can hem 'n haw about it...put it on hold and take a breather (you may realize you don't want it after all)...or look for advice from your friend who graciously spent her time watching you try on said dresses. What about all of the above? When all else fails, consider the cost per wear. Take a peek at the price tag and then get real with yourself about its versatility. How many times will you actually wear this piece- weekly, monthly, or yearly? Is it work-appropriate and can it also transition into evening? Do you already have multiple events on the calendar that will call for a look like this one and can you change it up successfully by adding a blazer or different accessories? 

The summer's gone baby, gone. To me it was time well spent. And I'm taking the dress with me into fall! What was your favorite summer look? xoxo Becca

(Vintage Sequin Applique Hairclip- MavenFresh, Printed Silk Dress- Banana Republic similar, Necklace- Luanne's, Bracelet- Vintage, Kelin Sandals- ShoeMint, Antique Gold Clutch- Sample Sale)

Daily Outfit: Neon Animal

there is nothing better than fridays except maybe a friday off from work!! despite my desire to get up and out to do things on my day off, all i want to do is nothing! so far, mission accomplished lol. but i thought i would share this perfect friday outfit - ready for the office but playful enough to transition to a night on the town.  accented with a MF pearl cluster necklace and the outfit is complete.  

hope you have a great friday whatever you are doing, on the job, at the beach or on the couch like me! xo sesheta

(Pearl Pendant Necklace - MavenFresh, Neon Pink Tunic and Leopard print leggings - H&M, Color Block Blazer - Rachel Rachel Roy, Belt -  J. Crew)

Daily Outfit: Summer of Savers

At the beginning of the season, Sesheta hustled over to a favorite local thrift store...Savers! While searching the racks for some fabulous wardrobe staples, she found a pair of palazzo pants that clearly had my name all over them. What more could you ask for from a friend?
I've literally worn them countless times since; these pants are super comfortable with a versatile pattern that lets me mix and match to create many different outfit combinations. Today's look...neutral with pops of pink.

It's the summer of Savers!  xoxo Becca

(Pearl Pendant Necklace- MavenFresh, Lauren Conrad Pants- Savers similar, Tank similar & Jacket similar- Anthropologie, Lips- Ilia Beauty in Neon Angel, Sam Edelman Sandals- Bloomingdale's, La Mer Neon Watch-similar )

Daily Outfit: Silk Pleats and Flowers

...so, i finally found some (affordable) floral print denim that i liked!! thanks to H&M, i am able to join Becca in this fun trend.  though i was nervous about the cream background, the color combo of teal, pinks and yellows, made them irresistable!!  it also gave me an excuse to rock more neon but softened by my silk pleated blouse that i love (and hardly get to wear).  i'm so excited!! can't wait to wear these over and over again :) xo sesheta

(Peacock Fanfare earrings - MavenFresh, Silk Blouse - Laundry by Shelli Segal, Bandeau - American Apparel, Floral print jeans - H&M, Denim Jacket - Old Navy, Flats - Calvin Klein)

Daily Outfit: The Vintage Wrap Skirt

Everyone has at least one wardrobe piece that you've never worn, yet for some reason you can't let it go. You struggle with putting together an outfit that makes use of it, and end up pushing it to the back of your closet. Maybe you hold on to hope because it was such a good sale price, or it has sentimental value, or it was an on-trend impulse purchase that cost you a pretty penny. 

This vintage wrap skirt falls under the sentimental value category...it was once my grandmother's. I loved the pattern but wasn't sure about the fit and the style of it. So this simple little number kept getting taken out...and put back. I almost listed it in eBay a few times before talking myself out of it. Finally, I took the time to play around with a few different options that I already owned and poof- it was meant to be. The skirt needed a thick belt to define the waist and complement the colors within the print. Wooden wedges added to the ethnic vintage vibe of the skirt, and the most difficult choice was the most basic option- a fitted tank that offset the fullness of the skirt. My casual afternoon of leisure had me grabbing a denim jacket and hitting the road, looking laid-back and boho-chic!

(Skirt-Vintage, Tank- Shopbop, Belt- Anthropologie, Wedges- BCBG, Denim Jacket- J.Crew, Beaded Bracelet- Metal Monk, New Angle Sunglasses- Anthropologie)

P.S. What's your "questionable" wardrobe piece that has you stumped? The ladies of MavenFresh are up for the challenge...we would love to help you find a use for this piece and create outfit suggestions from your closet chaos! Ask the PFMs today!

Daily Outfit: Sun, Sky, and Sand

Look to nature for some color-pairing inspiration! I recently had myself a little week-long stay-cation at home. It was mostly spent hitting the beach and soaking up as much sun as possible. That's really all I need to re-energize and refresh...a bit of downtime to read, relax, and eat good food with good friends. These pics were taken prior...dressed in shades of the sun, sky, and sand I must have been subconsciously thinking about my upcoming walks along the shore and my soon-to-be vacation. I'm loving that this vintage classic of a skirt manages to stay timeless in a rich teal blue. With that, all it took was a burst of electric yellow and then all the details just came together.

PS Can't wait to share some snippets of my week off with you! xoxo Becca

(Crochet Flower Wrap worn as belt- MavenFresh, Skirt- Vintage similar, Tank- Old Navy, Sandals- Nine West, Denim Blazer- Anthropologie similar, Hat- Forever 21 similar, Bracelets- Anthro, J.Crew, & Vintage)