Inevitably, I don't always find myself wearing prints or patterns. I guess I'm more of a minimalist based on the clothes hanging in my closet and can find bold prints sometimes daunting. That is until I saw this dress and striped shawl. However, when I first saw the two, I had no plans to wear together. I actually wore the shawl here and it was then that I realized it might compliment the dress (that and my latest obsession with Gossip Girl might have inspired me).
I admit, pattern mixing can be intimidating. But I've found a few tips that have helped me a long the way.
1. First Things First
Pick one thing at a time. It helps to find one statement piece, then lay other options around it to see what is the best accent. Colors, Textures and Scale all play a part in finding the right accent piece and laying the options out helps you see how well they compliment each other.
2. Seeing Stripes
When all else fails, start with stripes. A great piece of fashion advice that I heard years ago, was to treat stripes as a neutral. Meaning, don't be afraid to pair it with leopard, florals, or other geometric prints. This is a great place to start for those who are intimidated by patterns. ...
Dressing for a Holiday Party
Looking for a festive ensemble to wear this holiday season? Leave it to Nordstrom to have your back with a variety of holiday dresses, sequined tops and patterned skirts perfect to wear to any party.
In my book, this is the most exciting time of the year. There's just something special about decorating the tree, hanging lights, and spending quality time with family. This year, Austin and I are looking forward to hosting our first ever Christmas party in our new home. We have been frantically working on finishing our home makeover, and while it's taken (much) longer than anticipated, we are so close to being done. Though, our party is a few weeks away and I have already started searching for a festive frock to wear that evening.
I'm not always a "red" person, but I made an exception when I saw this scalloped lace dress. I love the details and it's definitely holiday appropriate. To complete the look, I paired it with my bow tie blouse and favorite nude pumps.
If you're looking for something festive, but not as dressy, I suggest these Slim Jacquard Pants or this faux fur sweater vest. Both are versatile and easily something you could transition into a work or evening look.
If you have any ...
Oversized Sunglasses
While we tend to think of Summer as a time to invest in a new pair of sunglasses, I couldn't help but search for a new pair just in time for Fall. Sunglasses have always been a favorite accessory of mine and I recently set out to find a new pair in a brown/burgundy tone.
Having a round face myself, I find the best shapes to lean towards are those with rectangular lenses; this offers structure and will refine your look. I found these frames by Chloe at Nordstrom and I couldn't pass up the color and oversized fit. After reading reviews, they seem to be appropriate for most face shapes. I also saw this version for under $100 and they had a very similar fit & frame style.
Sunglasses can be a great investment, especially if you opt for a classic pair, rather than something super trendy. I've had my ray-bans for 3 years and the aviator frame is still going strong. Another pair that I often hear great things about is this Cat Eye frame from Tory Burch. I love the beige tortoise color!
Which frame style do you love the most? I have these on my Christmas list, but would love to hear your picks.
Thanks for reading! ...
Buffalo Plaid with Charming Charlie
I love to wear plaid year round, but there's something about Buffalo Plaid that is perfect for Fall. While the traditional red is festive (and a crowd favorite), I'm always a sucker for neutrals. I just love the versatility of this beige and black scarf. It's my ideal color palette, cozy and not too busy.
I usually prefer larger checks when it comes to accessories or coats, and I have loved sporting this cozy plaid scarf from Charming Charlie around town. It’s the perfect little layer to throw on for casual outings and now that the weather has finally cooled down, it's always on hand!
If you are looking to stock up on a few fall accessories or holiday gifts, you're in luck! Charming Charlie has just launched their Smile, Sparkle and Shine program where you & a friend have the opportunity to win a box of goodies. Each week, Charming Charlie will select 5 pairs of friends to receive a gift box full of gorgeous products designed to make them Smile, Sparkle & Shine!
Enter to win by following these steps:
1) Style yourself with your favorites from Charming Charlie.
2) Post to Facebook, Instagram or ...
The Layered Sweater
A few weeks ago, I wore this layered sweater during our girls weekend in Denver. At the time, it was too warm to wear in Dallas, so I was excited to have the opportunity to sport this top while in Colorado.
This layered look is a go-to for me during the fall. You may have noticed that I love oversized sweaters or tops and this one takes the cake with the built in layered hem!
A few of you asked about the details from our trip to Denver, so I wanted to be sure and tell you guys about our favorite places. My favorite place for brunch was Snooze. We went to the location near Union Station and really liked walking around the building while we waited for our table. The omelets and pancakes were amazing! We had the best time here. I highly recommend checking it out. If you're looking for a unique lunch experience be sure to check out Avanti. Think indoor food trucks, with a cozy, vintage atmosphere. The rooftop bar was pretty also pretty neat and gave us a great view. For dinner, we loved eating at Linger (tip: make reservations). The food was delicious and perfect for sharing. If you're in the mood for a sweet treat be sure to hit up Little Man Ice Cream. Even if it is freezing outside, it's still worth ...
Cozy Essentials
Each November, I always look forward to pulling out some of my favorite Fall & Winter basics. They typically consist of shirts for layering, oversized sweaters, and warm boots. I tend to look for pieces that can be worn with a variety of textures and colors, but also look nice worn alone. Living in Dallas, doesn't require too many cold weather accessories, but I do love a soft pair of Ugg® Australia Boots.
Ever since my senior year of high school, I have worn Ugg® Boots during the winter months. Yes, many years ago but they are still going strong in my book. Whether I'm cozy at home or on the go, I love to pair Ugg® Boots with leggings and an oversized sweater.
I am really excited to share with you the new Slim Collection. It's very similar to the classic boot we all know and love, but tailored to a more feminine fit. I personally love this new design and find them just as cozy and comfortable as before. Major bonus, they are pretreated making them water and stain resistant. I can't wait to wear these to Colorado next month.
Thanks for reading! xx
The Essentials Collection With Zady
For every season there are a handful of key wardrobe pieces that can make your world go around. Some are basic finds while others can make more of a statement. Finding your signature pieces can be somewhat of trial and error but to help guide you, Zady has just launched their Essentials Collection.
You may remember Zady from my post here, and if not, I am excited to introduce you to this amazing brand. Zady is an online boutique featuring unique products hand made by artisans from all over the world. Their primary focus is to be able to provide quality and sustainable products that will last. You know, the button down shirt you can wear year round, or a timeless wool coat for the winter. As for me, this classic sweater is perfect for this time of year. Whether its layered or worn alone, it's a great investment piece that will last year after year.
Being someone who loves wardrobe staples, The Essentials Collection is my favorite yet. I've worn their .02 T-Shirt for months now, and am impressed with how it holds up wash after wash. I recently got their
The Striped Cape
It's no secret I love a good cape. They are perfect for this time of year, and not to mention so soft and comfortable. Whether it’s a cozy addition to season staples or something you're still considering, you’ll be surprised at how versatile the cape can be in your daily mix.
You've seen me where variations of capes throughout the season, but I think I have found my favorite. This Burgundy Striped Cape from ILY Couture (now 20% off with code everything) is perfect for Fall. I've worn this cape on many occasions, and really you can't go wrong. Throw on skinny jeans, your favorite sweater, boots and you're good to go. If you're looking for neutrals, I also love this Camel Striped Cape or Diamond Cape.
PS: Have you entered my holiday giveaway? Winners will be announced Friday. Best of luck!
Classic Skinny Jeans
I'll be the first to admit that I am extremely picky when it comes to denim (and I'm willing to bet some you would agree). Not only do I pay close attention to the fit, but I now look for quality over quantity. I've never been one who needed a plethora of jeans. I tend to find 3 or 4 that I really love and rotate those week after week.
Lately, I have been looking at brands like AG, Current Elliot and J Brand. I've worn AG for years, but recently started trying newer brands like Current Elliot and J Brand. Nordstrom has a wide assortment of all brands and styles, but I found this classic skinny fit by AG to be the perfect match. The soft blue wash is a great color for just about anything. I also love how they are tight around the ankles (perfect for booties) and keep a snug fit throughout the day.
I also love this pair of distressed skinny jeans. The gently worn in wash and subtle tears really make for the perfect pair. I wear them all the time and they are one of the best fitting jeans I own. While the price tag is a little high, they really make up for it with the quality ...
Goodnight Macaroon Flash Sale
Today's Sale Alert is one of my favorites. Just in time for the holidays, Goodnight Macaroon is hosting 50% off some of my favorite cozy sweaters and jackets. For the next 24 hours you can score all of these at a great price. I tried to include sizing and details about each piece, but please feel free to comment or email if you have any questions!
Scroll through to see my top 5 favorites
Colorblock Knit Cape // Over The Knee Boots (more sizes here) // Denim // Watch // Y-Necklace // Initial Necklace // Hat // Lipstick "Cruella"
This "one size fits all" cape is a great addition to my fall and winter wardrobe. I love the colors and have found that it is really easy to wear. It's warm, soft and I am very pleased with the quality.
Cashmere V Neck Sweater // White Blouse //