Daily Outfit: Sparkly Self

Stepping on the heels of my last post...I just had to dress myself in sequins to match the upbeat sparkly mood I've been in lately. Sparkles in the daytime? Yes...do it...it's fun! I love to mix up a girly piece like this drapey sequin top with a pair of boyfriend jeans for contrast. The oxford flats are perfect for running around and as a bonus they bring a pop of bright color into the outfit. Add a blazer for the office and then transition this look easily into evening with a pair of pumps or some seriously high heeled sandals. Happy Monday everyone! xoxo Becca

(Flash Cluster Earrings- MavenFresh, Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans- eBay, Twinkle & Gleam Pullover- Anthropologie, Fuschia Oxfords- Gap, Watch- Marc Jacobs, Cocktail Ring- The Indigo Pearl)

Daily Outfit: I'm On A Boat

How fun is this blazer? I found this 4 years ago in a heap of designer samples that I was selling off for a friend and decided to keep it for myself. The quirky sailboat print had me instantly smitten. Ever since, I happily break it out as soon as the weather turns warm.

 Now let's talk colored denim: I've been searching high and low for the perfect shade of red pants that could take me through summer, and found these at Madewell. Colorpop...what's in a name anyway? Ha! It wasn't easy to find a rich bright red with a hint of coral, but a girl knows what she wants- and I was on a mission. 

Two favorite pieces in one outfit!

PS don't forget to enter to win a pair of earrings in our giveaway!

(Sailboat Blazer- sample sale, Tee- Urban Outfitters, Skinny Skinny Colorpop Jeans-Madewell, Boots- Nine West, Cuff- Flea Market)

Daily Outfit: I Saw Red

Are we sick of hearing about "pops of color" yet? I tried to think of another phrase, but nothing really covers it like that one...let's go with "color burst" for today. After lots of searching, I found the perfect go-to top for a color burst this Spring. Besides looking at the classically chic Equipment blouses (but yes- they are pricey) it wasn't easy for me to find an affordable loose-fit silk blouse that met my criteria; I'm curvy and I love button-down blousy tops, but they don't always flatter my shape. There can be issues with pulling or gaping to consider, and I want to achieve that drapey shape without the blouse overwhelming me. The Blythe Blouse is perfection in bright red, and now I want one in every color...especially the neon versions!

This look is more "business" than what I usually go for, but I made it my own with a couple of  unexpected accents- my leopard booties, a full top-knot, and an oversized bloom. 

 I have a couple of tips when styling a this type of blouse...if you are petite and curvy like me, the structured blazer is a key piece. It will tame the drapey fit, ensuring that it doesn't engulf your frame and make you look bigger than you are. Also try tucking a loose blouse into fitted high-rise jeans or a pencil skirt. Totally flattering!

(Blythe Blouse- J.Crew, Cartonnier Blazer- Anthropologie, Silence & Noise High-Rise Jeans- Urban Outfitters, Lips-Urban Decay Super-Saturated Lip Color in Punch Drunk, Thai Rose Headband in Nude- MavenFresh, Leopard Booties- Nordstrom)

Daily Outfit: She Dreams in Paint Color

Sesheta & I recently had a chat about a little-known thought process I use every once in a while to pick out an outfit... I think in paint color. It's the designer in me. I have a total obsession with Benjamin Moore paint; sometimes I can look at a paint color on the wall and identify it by swatch name. And my favorite part of designing a room is picking out the color scheme.

Here's how it translates into my wardrobe: I constantly get inspired by color combos I've seen all around me. It could be the colors from a decorative box that a candle came in, a magazine article with a fantastic photo of a newly designed living room...and an idea for an outfit is born. Sometimes (like this time) I don't even know exactly where the vision comes from. A combination of color swatches came to mind organically...and I went into my closet to see if this vision could be turned into an outfit.  

Did you ever go shopping and think to yourself, oooh I totally needed a dress in that color. But then you arrive home with it and you can't remember why you thought it was a must-have. Luckily, not the case with my newly purchased H&M tie-neck tunic dress. Navy is such a classic color, there are many ways to mix it up (I love that it can also be worn as a top.) If I had to break this look down into paint swatches, I'd go with Admiral Blue, Blue Spa, and Citron, with neutral brown accents. This would make for a really lovely color combo in a bedroom. Hmmmmmm.

(Cardigan- Arden B, Tie-Neck Dress- H&M, Tights- Urban Outfitters, Boots- Zara, Silver Bracelet- Vintage, Cowrie Bracelet- MavenFresh, Stud Watch- Marc Jacobs)

Daily Outfit: Orange You Glad...Spring is in the Air?

Yes, the title of this post is a little bit cliched. I prefer the classic punchline "I didn't say banana." I think of this silly knock-knock joke anytime I wear orange, which isn't too often (whew, right?) But why save the bright colors for when warm weather arrives? We know that spring style is all about color (cue the neon!) and I just can't wait. A burst of bright orange was exactly what I needed to punch up my look. I love how the different prints and tones of brown paired with tangerine and khaki made for such freshness! Finished off with the classic denim jacket. 


This was a weirdly warm day and I was so happy to finally not be shivering while taking pics in the setting sun. Higher temps to come, as tomorrow might actually hit 60 here...yay!

(Denim Jacket- J.Crew similar here, BB Dakota Leopard Blouse and Level 99 Skinny Jeans- Milk & Honey, Corona Fedora- Anthropologie, High Heel Booties- Zara)  

Mani Pedi: Sally Hansen Wishnets

Yep I'm still on the Sally Hansen Salon Effects bandwagon, and I wanted to show off this mani from a couple of weeks ago... it was an unusually inexpensive find. Why? Because these little pretties were released for Halloween and considered limited edition. I did a double take...I was already a big fan of the popular Misbehaved design, and these are a more festive version (see how I wore them here.) I didn't get any "spooky" vibes off them even after wearing them for a week. So- if you can find them on sale like I did ($3.99 at Duane Reade) lucky you, and enjoy! Wishnets are a poppy red with a black fishnet overlay; perfect for a bright pop of color on your nails. And the long-lasting results of the Salon Effects strips keeps me coming back for more.

P.S. Mondays can be flat-out difficult. Sometimes a little motivation and inspiration is all it takes to push you on through...if you haven't read Sesheta's post- do it. Hope it does the same for you as it did for me!

PFM Obsession: J.Crew 2012 Brights

Who saw the latest J.Crew catalog, raise your hands!!! Last night I was eagerly looking though the pages of January 2012, and I noticed something right away- pops of bright color were everywhere! I don't know if it's because we recently experienced our first days of cold bleak winter weather or if it's just that I am attracted to colorful things like a bee is to honey... but my current wardrobe is not exciting me as much as these goodies are. Don't get me wrong, getting dressed can be really fun when the temps drop... I love being able to layer it up with lots of different combinations. But ooooh... these pops of color are just so pretty! So let's daydream about colorful flats, polka dots and rolled toothpick jeans in vivid shades. It makes me wish Spring was here, pronto. Till then, why not just bring some brightness into our winter wardrobes?!!

1. Bubble Necklace 2. Blythe Blouse 3. Tillary Purse 4. Lucca Suede Sandals 5. Cafe Capri 6. Toothpick Jean 7. Cece Leather Ballet Flats 8. Polka Dot Popover

Daily Outfit: An Ode to Mimi

 

 

 

 

   My grandmother Mimi is one special lady. Not only is she loving, beautiful, refined, and brilliant, she was one heck of a fashionista in her day! It makes perfect sense that I have such an obsession with fashion. And did I mention that we happen to be the same size?! This dress came straight from the wondrous vintage collection of Mimi. I love playing with color and couldn't wait to create a color-blocked look (or ensemble, as Mimi would say with a French accent) with subtly printed tights and leopard...and more leopard!

Now at 91 years old Mimi doesn't always remember what she ate for breakfast, but you better believe that she keeps 4 closets in her house organized by season and type. I have cherished memories of days spent playing dress-up in her closet when I was young, and it seems that things haven't changed much! I'm fortunate that she is so eager to share not only her wardrobe, but her stories and memories with me. She's definitely my own personal style icon.

Mimi in 1947, (4 months pregnant with my mom) alongside my handsome grandpa. Everytime I see this picture I admire the way she has her tie-waist blouse layered effortlessly over her dress. Notice how she's holding her gloves with her clutch and has a flower in her hair (so chic!)

Enjoy the holidays and be sure to spend some quality time with your loved ones!!! We'll be back on Monday!

xoxo Becca

(Tangerine Dress- Vintage, Turtleneck- J.Crew, Leopard Belt- Anthropologie, Patterned Tights- Spanx, Leopard Booties- Aldo, Pineapple Drops- MavenFresh)

PFM Obsession: Charlotte Taylor

    I am all for quirky prints done up in bold color combinations... so I was immediately taken by the brilliant Charlotte Taylor. She's a British designer with an exclusive collection that you may have seen recently while browsing around your local Anthropologie.

Her standout piece has to be the seafoam silk maxi dress covered in a bold red fire ant print. I know it sounds a bit odd, and maybe even slightly disturbing. But who am I kidding, I find the print totally charming! Isn't that what fashion is all about...taking risks and "making it work" (thank you Tim Gunn). The uniquely cut Dromedary Dress has a camel print done up in a thrilling pink and orange color combo. As for the Stilt Striders Skirt...you had me at flamingos. Those leggy pink birds on a rich blue background would go with about 5 pieces that I already have in my wardrobe.

I spent an afternoon browsing her other beautiful designs and playing the short video of her Spring Summer 2012 collection. I am in love with the various mismatched shapes, colors, and prints. The model is uncoventional in the best way with her bright red orange pout and gangly arms n' legs...how appropriately deeee-lightful! 

PS Sometimes you just have to take the plunge and try on something that's out of your comfort zone. You may be surprised to find yourself smitten. I am hoping to see lots more of Charlotte Taylor's collection available in the U.S. real soon.

(LINKS: Anthropologie and Charlotte Taylor Ltd.)

Daily Outfit: The Trapeze Dress Goes Mod

Sixties fashion belonged to London, England. And now it's coming back in a big way...have you noticed all the braids, thigh-highs, floppy hats, and geometric patterns that are in the recent trend reports? Who better to lead the way in the Mod fashion trend than British designer Orla Kiely; this dress from one of her previous collections is still such a favorite of mine. Color plays a big role in defining the Mod look, and bright bold patterns are key. Layering my royal purple swing coat on top seemed like the perfect addition! I love that this trapeze dress can be worn loosely or belted for a more waist-defining look. The rest of the details just came together. I was channeling the 60's with braided hair, feather earrings, and bright orange-red lipstick to pop with my dress...but it was too cold for thigh-highs! The final accents were my fab mod inspired ankle boots from Zara (on sale). It's a Mod World!

Oh...yeah...I did up my nails in a houndstooth pattern, black and white seems to work with everything. Check It Out here (pun intended!)

(Orla Kiely Trapeze Dress- Sample Sale, MP Cotton Tights- eBay, High Heel Ankle Boots- Zara, Coat- J.Crew, Feather Fancy Earrings- MavenFresh, Lips- Urban Decay Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Punch Drunk)

Daily Outfit: Anthro-Klepto

Let me explain, I didn't actually steal anything from my beloved store. I only stole a look.

This maxi skirt has always done right by me in warm weather. The real challenge was if it could be styled up for these cooler days and still look fresh. So I'll admit it, I was very inspired by the look that Anthropologie put together...and then I copied it! My personal touch was brought in with my much-loved Frye boots. Their warm butterscotch leather just screams autumn, and they play well with my chambray shirt. It's kind of a western-boho medley. I finished off the look with bright pink lipstick to set off the saturated pinks in the skirt and in my Elliptical Earrings...fun, yay!

Happy Friday everyone!

(Ancient Myths Skirt- Anthropologie, Essential Tunic- Anthropologie, Frye Boots- Shopbop, Canvas Army Belt- Thrifted, Elliptical Earrings- MavenFresh, Lips- Makeup Forever #37)