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.

Simple as this: Jeans & a White Tee

What is more chic than a pair of jeans & a white tee?  Tough question.  I absolutely love this look.  This styling technique gives you a chance to forgo statement accessories and go back to the basics.

Why?

Throw on a pair of heels and you are prepped for hitting the town in style.  Throw on a blazer or your favorite jacket of the season and you quickly look polished with minimal effort.  Grab a colorful or embellished clutch and you're out the door.  Done, done... done.

And, let's be honest here, who doesn't own a pair of jeans and a white shirt?  I think a button down oxford shirt or a classic white t-shirt look equally as phenomenal.  I have no preference between the two.  This look is the complete opposite of fussy--so don't try too hard, just keep it simple!  

Last topic of discussion, do you follow the "no white after Labor Day" rule or do you throw that rule out the window and wear what you please?  I feel slightly conflicted by said "rule"; however, I believe the choice is up to you.  If you feel confident in wearing lighter colors in the fall/winter--go right on ahead!  It's personal choice.  Chances are, I'll probably be wearing white, too.

Above; from L to R
1.  Some fresh French flair
2.  Paris Fashion Week Spring '14 - Street Style
3.  Olivia Palermo

Zara

Seattlites prepare for impact: Zara is to open at Westlake Center by the end of the year, and hopefully before the holiday season! Leave it to SeattleMet to update us with the latest and greatest, the news has been confirmed--Zara will open before the end of the year and the store will include fashions for men, women and children. Zara's styles are chic, contemporary, fashionable and affordable. Think: a few levels up from H&M (described as a "Spanish fast-fashion line").

On top of their generally affordable prices, they also have revolving sales (semi-annuals, end of season, etc.) that make for some outrageous deals. Wait, have I mentioned they have e-commerce opps on their website? Oh dear heavens.  So, shopping in your pajamas, on your couch, in your living room, is also very acceptable.  So do it!

In anticipation of the grand store opening, I have been doing some shameless (slightly obsessive) browsing of the Zara website.  I can't get over their selection of fun and funky blazers and trousers--not to mention their handbags.  Wowzers.  

Here's a few of my favorites:

1. Polka dot blouse

2. Printed trouser

3. Basic wide-striped sweater

4. Statement pinstripe blazer

5. Tribal print Fall jacket

H&M Roll Call

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Fall is at our back door (dear God, say it isn't so!) and these new H&M pieces will help you transition from summer to fall with ease.  Plus, who can possibly say no to screen-printed kitties on a tank top?  What do you think of this summer to fall line-up?  I think it's pretty fab!  

The list:
1. A funky, statement blazer
2. Some vintage inspired sunnies
3. Rock-solid studs
4. Sexy, metallic sandals
5. A tank packing some major sass
6. A gold, under-stated bracelet
7. A utilitarian and roomy bag
8. Distressed boyfriend blue jeans

What's better?  All items shown above are less than $40 dollars a piece!  Visit an H&M store location near you to pick up these super cute essentials online with H&M's new e-commerce capabilities!  Amazing...

Blazer

Blazers; there's nothing more simple and polished then a tailored jacket.  The thing I love most about a blazer is you get maximum polish for minimum effort (i.e. when you are scrambling to get ready in the morning for work).  Also, blazers come in all sorts of textures (light cotton, lined-wool), styles (cropped, boyfriend), colors (black, light blue, . . pink) and weights (summer vs. winter weights). 

Anyway, I was out shopping with my fashionista friend (Ms. Meghan Bas) last weekend we unearthed some pretty serious blazers during our excursion. 

The first find we found was a closeout deal from Ann Taylor Loft.  The blazer is exquisitely made of black wool/tweed with faint white speckles with an applique that runs along the bottom hem and breast flaps.  This blazer was a quaint $24 plus tax and I am certain I'm going to get a lot of use out of it!

I also managed to snag a fun and fabulous bright pink blazer from H&M!  This blazer will transition into Spring very well and I am looking forward to wearing this bold new style. 

Get wild, be crazy.  Buy a fabulous jacket and rock it!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

So it is the day after Thanksgiving and all I can think about is left-over turkey, pumpkin pie, Christmas music, and of course, CLOTHING FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

I don't sound too excited, do I?

I have made a concept board of my ideal holiday party or work-wear outfit (I tend to get a little festive with my holiday dress at work, too!).  I used a few trendy pieces to pull the whole outfit together.  I especially like the sequin and beaded jacket--way too fun!  What do you think?

All of these pieces shown above can be found at Piperlime.com.