The Midi

Get out your razor, there's still time to show off those gorgeous gams this winter! What I'm talking about is the midi skirt. Midi = mid length. I'm loving the classic silhouette of this length, don't you? It is very 50s, young Audrey Hepburn; sophisticated and chic. Vogue even claimed it the new hemline for Spring 2014.  

So, go simple on top and let the hemline do all the talking. Dig around for a clutch that will make a statement and throw on a pair of  understated black pumps.  It is critical that the midi hemline be paired with a heel (sorry, you've got to leave your flats at home!). Go easy on the jewelry unless you intend to really glam things up.  I would suggest some crystal drop earrings.

All of the above styles can be found at ASOS. All of which, by the way, are under $100/each.

From L // R

Sequin midi skirt

Leather midi skirt

Lace maxi skirt

What are your thoughts on this midi-length skirt? Please, share your thoughts.

Let's Misbehave

Via

It's Thursday and time to have some fun and maybe even misbehave a bit.  The weekend is upon us, do you have any plans?

Here's a few ideas to get the weekend activity wheels turning:

1. Test run that pumpkin pie recipe for Thanksgiving. Hey, you can never have enough pie, right!?  Perfection takes practice, by golly!

2. Buy some metallic nail polish and paint those pretty nails of yours

3. Find yourself at a local used bookstore and splurge on a few paperbacks. There is nothing better than getting lost in a literary adventure from the comfort of your own home.

4. Take out your planner, call an old friend and get crackin' on your holiday social calendar; the season will come and go sooner than you know it--make sure you spend it with those you cherish most. 

5. Do something outside; fresh air is never a bad thing.

6. On another note, if you haven't seen the newest major motion picture of The Great Gatsby by Baz Luhrman, you really ought to.  *This is in reference to the picture above, a scene from the movie.

Wherever your weekend takes you, I hope you find a way to misbehave a bit before the week starts all over, again…

Tortoise: Making a Statement!

I’ve always been a fan of tortoise.  How about you?  There is something classic about it that just draws me in. Personally, I would pair the oversized bracelet with either the earrings or the statement necklace—but never all three pieces together!  I could see the tortoise paired with an LBD and some sassy heels or more buttoned up with a blazer at the office. As for the rhinestones, they're just fun.  I can’t resist!

These styles are on sale at ILY Couture—but only for a limited time!  Click here to purchase now.

A Way to Start Your Day

All hail early risers... (or wannabes)!  You know what they say, “the early bird gets the worm,” so, why not make the best of your day and get up early with the other movers and shakers?  I’m sure you’ve heard the countless studies linking early risers to health and success—so, why argue statistics?  Just roll with it!  There are never enough hours in the day but if you start early, you find the ability to accomplish more than you've ever known!

Okay, off my soap box.  I get up around 6am every workday, whether I feel like it or not.  Luckily, my boyfriend rises at just about the time (if not earlier), so there is some motivation to get up and get moving.  I make myself a piping hot cup of coffee, knock off small chores around house… relax on the couch, admire the awakening city skyline and bust out my laptop for a good read.  I always look forward to my morning reading routine.  Without coffee, none of this would happen before 8am, I ensure you.

I read all sorts of material: fashion blogs, trending news, career oriented articles, industry/trade publications … pretty much anything that will capture my attention early in the morning (it really varies day to day)!  

Just this week, I signed up for theSkimm, after reading a write-up about the company in Fast Company.  TheSkimm delivers news to your email inbox every morning condensing major headlines into a manageable one-page brief.   TheSkimm entered the marketplace aiming to create a better news experience for busy professionals, particularly millennial women.  I guess I fit that demo!

Note: theSkimm isn’t for all.  Some might even find the one-page daily news feed non-educational, lacking of substance or even just downright “unprofessional”.  I admit the tone of the content is written in non-formal, millennial-speak; but, I love the creativity and voice of the editorial.  TheSkimm is exactly what they proclaim: they do the reading (across subject and party lines) and break the news down with fresh editorial content.  It’s kind of like having your best friend fill you in on current events over coffee.

Save those extra zzz’s for the weekend.  Get up early and subscribe to theSkimm! 

Quit Slackin'

Image Source

The Flounce Skirt

Image source

When talking skirts, there are many styles which come to mind: a-line, mid length, pencil, peplum, maxi, pleated, bubble...etc. Add one to the list!  

The flounce skirt is a perfect blend of flirtatious and buttoned up all at the same time.  This skirt is a great transition piece from work wear to out on the town, or even a special event! 

The best part about replicating this look is playing around with the perfect graphic tee.  Want a super casual look?  Wear a kitty on your chest!  Looking to wear to the office?  A plain colored black, white or grey tee will do the trick.  This look is professional with a laid-back casual kick.

My guess is that the flounce skirt will only grow in popularity and would be a great investment piece for essentially any occasion!  

Ann Taylor has hit the mark with the flounce skirt.  Which look do you love most?

From // L to R //

Tweed, $85
Jacquard; $70
Graphic $85

Quintessentially Plaid

Here's a few of my favorite plaid pieces at the moment:

1. Target Merona Plaid Blazer; $35

2. Burberry Brit Perfume; $64

3. Old Navy Plaid Scarf; $17

4. JCrew Factory Classic Button Down Shirt; $45

Plaid is hot on the scene right now and I loving every second of it.  Plaid is equal parts prep and punk and I am blown away by its versatility.

Months ago, this pattern could have been coined “dowdy or stuffy” or “something found only in your grandma’s closet”... not the current banter of… “this is so chic, gotta have it!”  

Plaid is easy enough to wear as an accessory (think: scarf, iPhone case, etc.) or you can go all out with a bold jacket or pant. 

I would start with a scarf and build out from there.  A scarf is a low-cost option for testing the trend without having to spend an arm and a leg.  My advice when picking out plaid: think Burberry, think London, think uber-classic and uber-chic.  Perhaps try to stay away from colors other than the originals: red, navy, hunter green, beige, black.. etc. (you get the picture!)--the point is to keep this look classic.

What are your thoughts?  Are you amped for plaid this season or do you think the pattern should remain in granny's closet?