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rocking my stripes

7/26/2013

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I knew that I wanted to wear something bold to BlogHer '13 since today was the Style Mini Conference and I am a fashion blogger. I went all out and embraced my favorite trend (stripes) with my current favorite color palette (navy/white/citrine) and created my own version of a suit. It  takes a lot of confidence to wear an outfit that broadcasts "look at me!" but the risk was worth it when I repeatedly had complete strangers stop me to compliment me on my look. Here's how to rock your own bold ensemble:

1. Choose pieces with simple lines and a classic silhouette. If your pattern and/or color is main focus of your outfit, then you don't want to muddle that story with extra elements.

2. Neutrals are your friend if you're doing head-to-toe pattern. The majority of the stripes are navy and white (both classic and easy neutrals) which helps to ground the outfit in something familiar.

3. Limit your accent colors. I played up the citrine from the skirt and carried it through both the shirt and the necklace. Three colors total is a good rule of thumb--more than that often feels cluttered and it can be hard to find four or more colors that truly coordinate well together.
But most importantly, I could feel great in these clothes as a set because each individual piece was within my comfort zone and was comfortable to wear. That also means that I can take each part of this outfit and wear it many other ways in settings that might not be suited to a stripe-on-stripe look. It's a lot easier to try something outside the box when you don't have to commit to always doing it that way. What fun color palettes or patterns have you experimented with this season?
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vote for my BlogHer outfit

7/21/2013

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I am very excited because BlogHer '13 is this upcoming weekend here in Chicago! I have been getting myself organized for the conference and, as a style blogger, a big part of that is choosing my outfits! I have my first two outfits picked out, but am turning to you to help me choose my third outfit.
Outfit #1: Blue & Orange
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Outfit #2: Patterned Pinks
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Outfit #3: Gray Meets Chambray
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The dress and both skirts are made out of ponte, my favorite fabric, so all three of these outfits will be equally comfortable (and I will throw a cardigan into my bag in case the a/c in the convention center gets a bit too chilly).

Outfit #1: I accessorized a blue ponte sheath dress with a white, orange & navy printed belt and a neon orange necklace.

Outfit #2: I tucked in a 3/4 sleeve tee into a printed ponte skirt and added a matching belt and a multi-chain necklace with strands of a thin ribbon of the same berry pink.

Outfit #3: I layered a chambray shirt over a taupe lace cami and tucked it into a grey ponte skirt. I finished with a wide, brown leather belt and a green bauble necklace.

Vote for your favorite outfit using the poll on the right! Whichever outfit gets the most votes by the end of the day on Thursday will be my outfit for the final day of BlogHer '13!
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summer woes

7/18/2013

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Summer is easily my least favorite time of year. I know that is an unpopular view and I can practically hear the gasps from through the computer screen, but all the bright colors and fun, fruity drinks in the world can't make up for the fact that it is hot all the time. Chicago got a late start on the unbearable weather this year so I am only just beginning to truly endure the misery, but I know that many of you have been living with this for several months now. I find it to extremely difficult to be motivated to wear anything remotely stylish when the thermometer shows anything above eighty degrees. As much as I want to look chic, I mostly end up just being a sweaty mess.

A major issue is that I love layering. I am already drooling over the thought of cozy, patterned cardigans and contrasting scarves even though fall is most definitely still out of reach. Summer doesn't lend itself well to many-pieced ensembles and so many of us (unless we are lucky enough to be in near constant air conditioning) find ourselves unhappy with our unstyled shorts and tees. A few days ago I tried to dress up my outfit without an additional layer and wore a large, sparkly necklace. Unfortunately, the base of the necklace is a thick metal chain and after about 20 minutes of sitting in the sun, the metal got so hot that it began to burn my neck. Not practical or stylish.

Since there are still weeks left of this unfortunate weather, I have compiled a collection of easy pieces that create visual interest without adding the physical weight:
When you are choosing a top to pair simply with your favorite neutral shorts or crops, opt for a fun woven shell instead of a knit tee. I love that this top has some fun detailing and a great pattern. Plus it will be a great transitional piece for fall--just layer it under a suit or pair with a skirt and cardigan for an easy and polished work ensemble.

If your outfit still feels sloppy or unfinished, tuck in your top and add a skinny belt through your belt loops. Summer is the season that I am most glad that I have an extensive belt collection because it helps my outfits feel a bit more like me without all the extra layers. A little extra polish goes a long way to making you look chic no matter what the heat index is.
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Ann Taylor Dotted Ruffle Front Top $68
Looking to add an accessory? Try adding a colorful bracelet that picks up the colors from the top. It creates some pizzazz without adding layers. It's hot out so keep everything light and simple.
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Banana Republic Butterfly Bangle Set $35
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LOFT Colorblocked Elastic Waist Dress $79.50
The absolute easiest remedy to a hot day fashion crisis is a great, flow-y dress. I love an easy, grab-and-go piece that requires zero thought and this definitely fits the bill. Both of these dresses have a defined waist so you get a great hourglass shape, but with plenty of room and stretch in the skirt for ease of movement all day long.
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Lands' End Enamel Colorblock Bracelet $13
For the dress on the right, add a brightly contrasting belt to further define the waist and add a clean line to balance the soft edges of the silhouette.
Layer on bangles for extra color and slip into a sandal and you'll be set to rock even the stickiest days in style. Bracelets not your style? Choose a lightweight necklace to make a big statement, but don't feel bad about stashing it in your purse when the temps rise.
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Target Silver Irregular Necklace $25
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Gap Printed V-Neck Dress $59.95
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Ann Taylor Sorbet Woven Skinny Belt $27
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Banana Republic Milly Collection Circle Embroidered Skirt $69.99
When a tee is all you can bear to wear, choose a fun print for your bottom half. I love a great floral or geometric print, especially paired against a brightly contrasting color, like the citrine shirt paired with the orange floral shorts.
Add a skinny belt or play up a color from the pattern in a colorful bracelet (or three!). Don't be afraid of adding an extra splash of color.
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Target Crystal Stretch Bracelet $13
When the weather outside gets unbearable, keep your cool and look chic with elevated tops, flirty dresses and great patterns on your skirts and shorts. Don't underestimate the power of belts and bracelets when trying to add polish without layers and remember that the most important thing is to be comfortable in your clothes, no matter the heat.
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Land's End Canvas 5" Paisley Poplin Short $24.99
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a boldly floral skirt

7/14/2013

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A great floral pencil skirt is the perfect summer piece because it is colorful, confident, and oh-so-easy to wear. The best part of a structured pencil skirt is that it can transition flawlessly between work and play.
Jane had this great skirt in her closet (with the tags still on!) because she thought it would only be appropriate as a dress up piece for a night out and with all the amazing pieces in her wardrobe, she hadn't filtered it into the rotation yet.

Pairing it simply with a coral tank and a contrasting belt makes it more appropriate for a day running around in flip flops. It is light and breezy for even the hottest of summer days and is chic enough that you will be prepared for any last minute invites to lunch or happy hour. For a cooler day (or when you know you will be blasted by air conditioning), add a long open cardigan underneath the belt. Since an open cardigan generally has soft edges, it feels less buttoned up than a cardigan with buttons which makes it the perfect layering piece for a casual day.
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Of course, not every day can be spent drinking mojitos on the patio and sometimes you need to be able to do a quick costume change. I love that this outfit can be completely transformed just by adding a tailored blazer and a necklace. Slip into a pair of heels to finish your style update and you will be ready to wow.

Many women shy away from boldly patterned skirts, but have few qualms about wearing an equally bold dress. Although it is a lot of emphasis on your lower half, remember that by breaking up the pattern you better have the ability to define your body. The eye is drawn to the border of solid and pattern and with the addition of the belt, you are able to accentuate the small of your waist. While an all-over pattern is fantastic for helping the eye glide over trouble areas, a partial pattern just on the bottom helps to create an hourglass shape by embracing and highlighting your curves. Just make sure to tuck in your top so that all of the emphasis is on the waist. By tucking your top, you also ensure that your legs look as long as possible which leads to a fantastic silhouette.
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Don't be afraid to play up the minor colors in the palette to create a stunning combination. While it would be easy to gravitate towards an orange or pink belt with this skirt, I love adding the pop of green because it feels so deliberate. It is the type of touch that makes your outfit seem thought out because it is not most people's first instinct.

In many friend groups, women shop in similar stores because of either a limitation in access or a similarity in style so it is important to give your outfit an extra punch that makes it memorable instead of just another skirt that your friend passed by on the sale rack. Try something bold and your confidence will make your outfit a winner.
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style challenges

7/12/2013

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Getting dressed in the morning (or in the evening for a costume change) can be a frustrating and nerve-wracking experience, especially if you aren't confident in your personal style. Most of us have created a formula for our work wear and even if we don't always love that formula, it creates a predictability that allows us to get out of the house on time. The rest of the time we are on our own, often going to places or events without a strictly defined dress code and it can be overwhelming to choose something that is both appropriate and feels like you.

Since I work in retail and what I wear on a daily basis is heavily influenced by whatever colors, silhouettes and trends are available in store, most of my non-work outfits grow out of the desire to wear a particular old favorite that is not "in" in the store, but is cute and seasonally appropriate. But when I have an actual event to go to, that slapdash approach doesn't cut it- I want something that feels more deliberate. I have two events coming up--the BlogHer'13 conference here in Chicago in two weeks and a wedding in August--that will require a handful of outfits that are event appropriate, reflective of my personal style and, of course, comfortable enough to spend the entire day in. This can seem like a tall order, so here are my tips for choosing outfits that fit your personality, not just your body:

1. Be honest with your comfort level. This includes both physical comfort and emotional comfort. For example, I won't wear skirts that are shorter than ~1/2 inch above my knee and I strongly dislike vents in the back of my dresses and skirts. I find short skirts and dresses with vents very stylish on other people, but since I know that I will spend the whole evening adjusting, it makes more sense for me to wear something that I feel truly confident in. Many women also feel pressured to wear very high heels to "dress-up" events because we associate stilettos with glamour, but if your feet are hurting within an hour, then it will be difficult to enjoy yourself and you won't feel very glamourous. Instead look for a lower heel, a less precarious wedge or a truly snazzy flat. Maybe you wouldn't be caught dead in a dress or skirt most of the time, but feel like you have to wear one for a special event. If Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz can wear pantsuits on the red carpet, then there is no reason for you to drive yourself crazy to wear a dress so that you match the other female guests. If you feel comfortable and confident, then you will look 100x more fabulous than if you forced yourself into the status quo- don't be afraid to be you!

2. Every dress code has a spectrum. Aim for the middle and you'll be dressed on point. Since this is my first year going to the BlogHer conference, I've spent a lot of time reading other people's blogs to answer the million little questions I have racing about in my head. Of course, as a style blogger I am thinking a lot about what to wear so I turned to the blogosphere to get a sense of the BlogHer dress code and it seems like it is anything goes. Some women show up in jeans and some show up in their best interview suits! While this is an extreme example, you will see a spectrum at pretty much any event (with the probable exception of a black tie soiree).

The wedding I am going to in August is in the afternoon and the ceremony will be outside. I can almost guarantee that I will see a range of dresses there, from little cocktail numbers with a hint of sparkle to structured sundresses. My goal is to find a happy medium; when your outfit falls right in the middle of the spectrum, you end up looking like you nailed a difficult dress code. While my outfit is not yet finalized (I promise pictures when it is), my dress will be a colored/patterned knee-length number in a satiny fabric and a little bit of swing in the skirt that is paired with metallic pumps or wedges (but not sandals!) and sparkly earrings and bracelet(s). The dressy parts of my outfit are the accessories and the satiny fabric but they are balanced by the color & pattern of the fabric and the extra swing to the skirt. If I wanted to dress this down, all I would have to do is swap the pump for a flat sandal and skip the flashy jewelry.

3. Accessorize it in a way that is uniquely you. I always worry that I will show up to an event wearing the same dress or outfit as someone else, possibly because that is exactly what happened at my junior prom! This is why it is so important to accessorize and also to dig through your own closet looking for an old gem. Lots of guests want or feel that they need a new dress for every wedding they attend, but if everyone is buying their dress in the couple months preceding a wedding, then everyone is shopping from the same small pool. Choosing something old not only saves you money, but also frees you from the current selections and trends.

The best way to ensure that your look is completely you is to accessorize it. I have definitely fallen into the trap of thinking that my dress was so fabulous that it didn't need anything else and then later feeling liking my outfit was unfinished. Add a colored, skinny belt around the waist, layer on the bracelets, choose fabulous shoes, anything that will make your look feel like you. After all, it's not about showing off the dress (that's what catalog models are for), it's about showing off you!

What other style challenges do you face when dressing outside of your normal formula?
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