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: Hothouse Weakness

Being the avid Anthropologie shopper that I am, certain products just seem to stick with me. I'm talking years after they are no longer available. I have a weakness for their colorful bedding...specifically several versions of a cotton quilt named Hothouse that I mulled over endlessly, but never actually made it home with one. They were vibrant and colorful with a patchwork mix of bold flowers and tiled prints...totally swoon-worthy. Now here I am looking over these photos taken last week on a hot day near a brightly colored flowerbed; I'm dressed in a tomato red/peony pink ensemble with diamond-print shorts and flower in hair...makes sense that the Hothouse collection immediately comes to mind. Ooh I can't help but think that I missed the boat on those Anthro quilts. Nah, there's always a next time.

(Thai Rosette Headband- MavenFresh, Shorts- Anthropologie, Bop Basics Tee- Shopbop, Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Cat Eye Risky Sunglasses- Urban Outfitters, Sandals- Sam Edelman, Bauble Bracelet- Metal Monk, Watch- Marc Jacobs) 

PFM Styling: New Sunnies c/o Urban Outfitters

rocking my Dazed and Confused sunglasses!

i have realized that i really love a good pair of sunglasses.  in fact, i love them so much that i actually have more pairs than one person can really wear at one time, lol.  the other thing that i've noticed about my collection is that they range from expensive to cheap.  if they flatter your face, it really doesn't matter if they are $5 or $500.  

while perusing the mall with Becca, i dragged her to Urban Outfitters because i was on a hunt for a pair of cute, cheap sunnies that i could wear for whenever.  though i have a pair that i love and have been wearing, i didn't want to wear them to the beach and get them scratched.  at Urban, we were happily surprised by all the cute trendy frames available at no more than $16!! i had a hard time choosing between three different frames and the pair above were the winner (and they look fab with our new hoops- score!!).  i got the Ray-Ban look without the price tag! yay!  though i had only intended on wearing these to the beach, i switched out my more expensive pair for these and have been rocking them ever since!  love it! :) xo sesheta

p.s. i am also having fun playing with the photo editor Pic Stitch.  stay tuned for more photo collages! :)

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: Boy Jean Dreams

I'm bringing you another outfit post today due to a happy coincidence. You already know how much we love to check out Eat Sleep Denim for the latest in denim style, the detailed reviews, and the pure inspiration. When I peeked at today's post that was all about the ways to style up a pair of boyfriend jeans, I had to give the fab Taylor Davies a big 'ol (imaginary) high-five. Yes...there are many ways to mix it up in boy jeans. One of her favorite combinations (and obviously mine too) is to pair them with a drapey tee, a structured blazer, and a pair of heels. Again I have to agree with Taylor...after having a serious ankle surgery, I am not that girl who will be rocking a pair of sky-high heels. But give me a pair of vintage-style suede pumps with a low retro heel and I will work them like there's no tomorrow. There's still plenty of time to daydream about wearing my distressed boy jeans in warm weather with a wedge sandal...because as I've come to learn, wedges are essential for the girl who doesn't do stilettos.

(Current Elliot Boyfriend Jeans- eBay, Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Tee- Urban Outfitters, Shoes- Urban Outfitters, Cowrie Shell Bracelet- MavenFresh, Necklace- Luanne's)

PFM Obsession: We Heart Vanilla Star!

Sesheta in the Gray Leopard = swag

Becca rockin' her Tan Leopards!

Becca: It's an obsession, realized! Today marks the first time that Sesheta & I intentionally wore them same item at the same time- usually it's just a happy coincidence! For good reason...we probed, pondered, and then purchased. Leopard print jeans have become a must-have item (click here to play catch up) and I've gotta say that this tan print by Vanilla Star is definitely one of my favorites. The compliments have been flowing all day...who doesn't love hearing that their derriere is looking fantastic in a new pair of jeans? True story.

 The tan print goes with so much that it was almost too easy for a look to come together. I went for a bold burst of fluorescent yellow color up top and my ladylike vintage-style pumps at the bottom. A classic black silk blazer immediately makes things more dressy and put-together...a good thing since these leopard beauties were making their debut today at work. The glam MF Black Mamba necklace fell right into place in my color story. These jeans will be a staple in my weekly rotation for sure. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on the gray version too, especially after photographing Sesheta rocking them!

sesheta:  my turn!!! when Becca  posted about her newest obsession, i went straight to the Target site and clicked purchase.  just like that i was obsessed too!  (needless to say, this is not the first, or last item, that we both share in our wardrobe lol.)  animal print skinnies at a suuuuper reasonable price?  how could you say no???!!! 


well, as soon as i got them, they just screamed rocker chic to me and that was the inspiration for my styling -   a leather jacket, doc martens and, of course, neon!!  i love the combination of my neon yellow top with the range of blues in my MF Tribal Fringe earrings (stay tuned for the "Fresh out of the Workshop" post featuring these babies).  the gray color is the perfect neutral backdrop for all my neon fantasies... i have already rocked these hotties a few different times and i am head over heels.  i know that Becca wants a pair like mine and i sure wouldn't mind finding a pair like hers... time to stalk ebay!! lol

(On Becca: Leopard Print Skinny Denim in Tan - Vanilla Star for Target, Silk Blazer & Bracelet- J.Crew, Tee- Zara, Kitten Heels- Urban Outfitters, Black Mamba Necklace- MavenFresh, Nails- Essie Go Overboard
On Sesheta: Leopard Print Skinny Denim in Gray - Vanilla Star for Target, Leather Moto Jacket - Rachel Rachel Roy, Neon Burnout Tee - OSFM via Loehmanns,  Electric Blue tank - unbranded, Boots - Dr. Martens, Jersey Mobius in Gray and Tribal Fringe earrings - MavenFresh )

Ask The PFMs: Shorts 'N Tights

I was so glad to get this question from Tanya S. for a couple of reasons; I'm a connoisseur of tights. Or at least a collector. And... I love pairing them with shorts for the cooler months. Let the styling begin! Tanya S. asked the PFMs:

"I would like to try the 'shorts with tights' look, either for fall or the end of winter/beginning of spring when it's still a little cold. I'm looking for tights that are thinner than leggings, but thicker than pantyhose. I don't want snags! The waistband is sometimes an issue for me- I don't want that muffin top look that happens when the band is digging in! "

No one likes muffin top, so let's start rounding up some options! I know sometimes it seems like the only solution to avoid this problem would be to wear leggings (gotta love how Rachel Pally spoiled us with her fabulous no-pinch wide band leggings seen here.) But we can  find tights that are super comfortable, look great with shorts, and don't snag easily or pinch your waist.

Here are some combos begging to be worn this season...why wait until winter is ending, just go for it now! Happy shopping and enjoy!

Combo #1. My go-to tights are Spanx Tight-End Tights. Let's pair them with these autumn neutral shorts, a striped tee, and a tweed blazer for a preppy laid back look. The Tight-Ends are matte, they don't snag, and you will get two looks in one if you choose a reversible pair. I've found that they don't pinch at the waist; in fact they hold you in, make you look fab and they are comfy enough to wear all day. I've even layered two pairs at once for extra warmth and opaqueness (no kidding.) They come in solids and subtle patterns. Take a look on eBay and Rue La La for competitive pricing. (Cailey Cord Shorts- J.Crew)

Combo #2. Look no further than Urban Outfitters or Free People for a great selection of patterned and textured tights; and here's a perk- you can read other buyer's reviews before purchasing! Dots are fun, rib-knits are essential for a winter look, and pictured above- spice things up with a lacey pattern. Add a thick cable knit sweater, your fave pair of denim cutoffs, menswear-inspired loafers and you are good to go! (J Brand Denim shorts- Tobi)

Combo #3. Next up- Hue. They come in so many colors and they are opaque without being too thick. You can try a monochromatic technique (seen here in this post) or mix black tweed and electric blue for a bold shorts n tights pairing with lots more contrast. Have fun and make the tights your focal point! You can also find Hue tights at most department stores. And you may just catch me rocking this look with a blouse like this! (Wintertide Shorts- Anthropologie)

Combo #4. MP Tights can be hard to find, but again eBay is the first place I try. These are soft and last a long time. I also like that they are cotton but have a wooly texture to them that makes them cool-weather appropriate. They actually sell similar ones at Forever 21, for $6.80 they might be worth a shot. I'm dying to pair mine with some feminine high-waisted leather shorts and a lacey top. It's a match made in winter heaven! (Mink Pink Shorts- Threadsence)

  

Hope this helps! Does anyone else have some recommendations for their fave tights?

xoxo Becca

Hot out of the Workshop: Lush Loops Collar

 

 

A collar can be a total fashion statement, a finishing detail, or a just a lovely addition to keep you warm. This one is all of the above! Introducing our latest creation, the Lush Loops Collar. It has a touch of vintage charm that we love so much. Crocheted by hand to appear a little bit furry, and a little bit fleecy, this could be your favorite accessory for the season. We're going to layer it over brightly colored wool coats, shrunken denim jackets and maybe even a dress or two. The collar is available in our etsy shop; be sure to order yours now for shipping in time for the holidays!

A few weeks ago I was browsing the sale section at the Gap and spotted this speckled tweed jacket in a rich cobalt blue. I knew immediately it would be the perfect compliment for my then work-in-progress collar. The jacket's rounded neckline ensured that Lush Loops would be the focus of the outfit. A friend of mine actually thought that that the collar was attached...that's what I call a successful pairing! Rich colors, lush collars, and a variety of layers- it's how to do ladylike the modern way! 

 (Wool Tweed Jacket- Gap {$10}, Top- Anthropologie, Silence & Noise Jeans- Urban Outfitters, High Heel Ankle Boots- Zara, Rain Drop Earrings & Lush Loops Collar- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Lemon Lime

wellies are the best!!

although it was a particularly dreary and wet day, you wouldn't be able to tell by my super sunny outfit lol.  i really love the color combo; shading is just sooo cool!! i can't say what prompted me to put this on but, subconsciously, it must have been because i was going to battle torrential rain pour on my way to work.  never fear - that's what an awesome pair of wellies are for!! i can't help but feel invincible as i step in - not around - puddles!  i'm just like my youngest, who always asks me if it's ok to jump in the puddles.  (if you haven't tried it, you must!)  ...so i guess with my internal sunshine going and my invincible rain boots, it didn't matter what was going on outside; i was bright and dry! :)

(Lemon yellow cardigan - H&M, Lime Tee - TJ Maxx, Lemon yellow ruffle tank - Urban Outfitters, Black skinnies - J Brand, Aubergine Wellies - Hunter, Amazon Light As a Feather earrings and Crochet Flower Wraps (worn as a belt) - MavenFresh)

Ask The PFMs: Happy Holidays, Old-Man Style

Welcome to our first installment of Ask the PFMs...yay! Let's bring everyone up to speed. Jeanmarie tells us that she would like to find an "old man" sweater to give her fiancé for Christmas. And she wants to know where the heck to find one. We are here to help! But first things first- we told the lovely Jean to immediately stop googling "old man sweater"...you are likely to find some creepy results, none of which will be what you are looking for.  

After finding out more specific details, Sesheta and I were on the hunt. Jeanmarie wants to find a cardigan style, solid color, preferably on the thick cozy side. Pockets would be a plus, and it must be new; not thrifted or vintage. Christmas themed sweaters are not an option! Being that we are in holiday mode right now, the Internet is the first place to look. There are some amazing deals going on online, so let's take advantage. Plus this is a gift; you don't have to try it on yourself, so just let your fingers do the walking. I narrowed it down to 3 different sites; UO for their vintage hipster vibe, J.Crew for their classic selection, and Revolve for their eclectic mix of designer labels.

Here's a round-up of our hand-picked faves...they range from the traditional oatmeal cable cardigan to the ever popular elbow-patch cardigan. But they all say "Grandpa" in the best possible way.

Also, a few PFM Tips:
30% off at J.Crew- code is GIFTS

20% off at Urban Outfitters- code is TAKEITOFF

15% off at Revolve Clothing- code is TULIP

Do you need styling suggestions, trend tips, or help picking out that holiday gift? We would love to give you some answers so let's hear it!!!

1. J.Crew Donegal Wool Cable Cardigan, 2. Pendleton The Portland Collection Grandpa Cardigan, 3. Z. Brand Double Breasted Cardigan, 4. J.Crew Wool Cashmere Cable Cardigan, 5. Farah The Aspinall Zip Shawl Cardigan Sweater, 6. Marshall Artist Shawl Cardigan 

Daily Outfit: Fur and Floral, Please

When I spotted this faux fur vest on eBay, it was love at first sight. Since then it's become my winter staple. Funny thing is that it's actually from Forever 21, but it never did catch my eye in-store. I paired it with this tie-neck vintage floral dress for a soft ladylike look that was a little bit 70's inspired. When I first got my hands on this dress it had an awkward below-knee length. I thought it would be much more flattering if the dress was shorter. A few minutes on the sewing machine and voila- it's a perfect length for me that does not take away from that vintage quirkiness which I adore. And it was an opportunity to rock my plum tights- yay!

Sometimes a touch of floral and fur is the way to go.

(Forever 21 Fur Vest- eBay, Vintage Floral Tie-Neck Dress- Maven ReFreshed, Skinny Studded Belt- Target, Purple Tights- Urban Outfitters, Headband- Anthropologie, Gold Twigs & Berries Earrings- MavenFresh, High Heel Ankle Boots- Zara)

Daily Outfit: Cozy Up

The weather was cold, rainy and blustery. So the look was comfortable, cozy, and easy. Times like these make me throw on a pair of leggings (Rachel Pally makes the most soft, comfy printed versions), and mix it up with a slouchy tunic and a cozy knit cardigan. This tiered tunic dress was a great find in the lounge/sleepwear section on sale...who's to say you can't wear your pajamas to work? There are a few pieces in my wardrobe that you may see and think hmmm that looks very familiar. That's because being the fashion mavens that we are, Sesheta and I often end up with duplicate purchases. Sometimes we are conscious of it, but lots of times it just happens. Fashion fate! We both own these leggings in several different prints; it's all about feeling comfortable and fabulous!

(Rachel Pally Leggings- Shopbop, Cardigan- Urban Outfitters, Tunic- Anthropologie, Skinny Studded Belt- J.Crew, Clog Booties- Madewell)