Trouser Style Jeans: In or Out?

L   //   R

What is your attitude toward a trouser style jean?  Yay or nay?  I own a couple of pairs of trouser style jeans (which I love!) but haven't worn much recently.  They've sadly fallen by the wayside to my skinny jeans.  Question being, are trouser style/wide leg jeans in or out of style?  I really love both outfits pictured above and have a hard time ruling out the style all in all.

What are your thoughts?  I'm thinking... in.

Here are a couple of styles to consider.  As always: the darker the hue the better, the less embellishment, the better:

1.  7 for All Mankind - Georgia High Waist Flare
2. David Kahn - Wide Leg Stretch Trouser (I own these)

Color Inspiration: Yellow

How cheerful is the color yellow, anyway?  I am feeling inspired.  How about you?  Oh, and I'll take two of those Prada bags pictured above.

Here's to sunshine and happiness my friends.  

From L to R // T to B:
Art // Emily Rickard
Wisdom // Walt Whitman
Flowers // Sunflowers
Dress // Lisa Perry
Earrings // Elizabeth Cole
Bag // Prada

xo

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

Find me on Pinterest

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...

A Little Slice of Heaven

Question: Definition of heaven on Earth?  

Answer: J.Crew Factory online

Below is a good representation of what I'm going ga-ga over at the moment. Granted, space is limited so these are just a few of my favorites.

Also, why just browse when you can get 30% off using the code "SPREE" at checkout.  Hurry fast!  Promo ends soon.

1.  FACTORY RIPSTOP UTILITY JACKET; $98
2. STRAIGHT AND NARROW JEAN; $74.50
3. FACTORY NEON CRYSTAL FAN NECKLACE; $44.50
4. FACTORY PRINTED TEAGAN RUFFLE POPOVER; $64.50
5. FACTORY PRINTED PHONE CASE FOR IPHONE 5; $14.50
6. FACTORY VERO CLUTCH; $68
7. FACTORY EMERY FLATS; $68

[Emerald] Green with Envy

The announcement last month of Pantone’s 2013 color of the year made me very happy.  What’s the color, you ask?  Emerald green. 

Emerald green is rich, powerful and incredibly elegant.  Whether you are incorporating the color into your home or adding a fun pop of color to your existing wardrobe; emerald green does not fall short of absolutely stunning!

Let me share with you a few gems that I've scoped out via Pinterest that I am green with envy of.  Ha. Ha.

1. A great statement jacket

2. Adding charm to a dinner party
3. A splash of color on your arm
4. A beautiful pair of earrings
5. Some studded-out kicks
6. A little bit of romance

Everyday Fashion for the New Year

Well, the New Year's hoopla has come and gone and I’m just starting to detox from my sugar-coma over the holidays.  The New Year can be a very exciting time: a time for improvement, personal reflection and goal setting.  For me, one thing remains the same with the turn of the New Year; my unrelenting love and enthusiasm for a kick-ass fashion blog.  With that being said, I wanted to highlight and personally introduce you to one my favorite fashion blogs/bloggers.

Who? J’s EverydayFashion

What is J’s appeal?  J boasts on her website that she is not “an authority on fashion” and that she is “just an average girl”, her motto being “if I can do it, you can do it, too!”  She states her sense of style is completely self-taught.  J’s background is in communications and corporate marketing and she capitalized on her blogging business after being laid off a job in 2010.  J considers herself to be a type-A and non-creative sort; however, she is a classical painter in her spare time.  A jack of all trades!

What sets J’s Everyday Fashion apart from the endless fashion bloggers?  J’s blog is unique because her entry technique is quite simple.  She uses style inspiration from fashion bloggers, street style bloggers, advertisements, and celebrities.  J essentially re-creates the look using her own wardrobe (coupled with other sponsored items) and she admits she’s a bargain hound.  Bonus: J almost always posts exactly what she is wearing and the origin which it came from (i.e. brand, price, location bought) and sometimes she even posts a direct link where to find the identical or similar item (point, click, buy concept—I totally love).

How often does J post entries?  J’s Everyday Fashion delivers new looks, every day.  I always look forward to her interpretation of a super trendy style. I follower her page on Facebook and I’m delightfully fed new styles every day.  J is committed to serving her loyal fans and her content is always fun, fresh with an emphasis on being thrifty.

J’s Everyday Fashion isn't a high-fashion, couture blog with a bunch of bells and whistles.  J showcases fashionable street wear on a budget and I love her willingness to be creative and try something new.

Jump on the J’s Everyday Fashion bandwagon and have some fun creating new and exciting styles for the New Year!

Holey Moley

Ripped Jeans, GlitterGirl

Many may say, “why in the world would you buy a pair of jeans with holes in them?!” My answer to you: fashion, duh!  How to wear ripped jeans with a little class?  Boyfriend style!   

The boyfriend style jean is a relaxed-fit jean that flatters most if the pant fits correctly.  You will want to make sure that the jean is snug enough around the waist, toosh and thigh to ensure that you don’t create a saggy-baggy-booty.  However, pay special attention that the jean doesn’t fit too tight—you want to appear relaxed!  You may also want to consider a boyfriend jean with a higher-rise; a higher rise jean is generally more flattering, anyway.  As color goes, you can get pretty creative with this.  I like both darker-hued blue jeans as well as light distressed blue jeans. 

Remember, the point of this style is to be relaxed; hence the tattered look.  However, make sure you don’t have gaping holes in (suspicious) places and pay special attention to making the outfit appear feminine.  A simple way to make ripped boyfriend jeans appear feminine is to pair with floral, pastel or stripes on top.  A flowy, long-sleeve blouse would be a complimentary option, too.   

Add a blazer and you are ready for weather elements.  Accessorize up or down but make sure you are wearing some fabulous footwear.  I would suggest a bootie or pump over a wedge—or flats if you feel most comfortable doing so.   

Remember, wearing ripped jeans shouldn’t be for the workplace but rather for social outings such as lunch with girlfriends, a day outing in public, a coffee date or running errands. However, if your work allows you to show up to work with holes in your jeans—more power to ya!

Before you “trash” this style, see if it is a style that works for you!  You may have just found a fancy substitute for your go-to weekend yoga pants. . .

Tango Red: Calvin Klein Confession

Calvin Klein Jeans; $36

A fun and funky trend that will make springtime just that much more enjoyable this year—the ever-so-popular colored skinny jean craze.

In fact, after much debate and agony over what color to finally make a purchase (will it be mint, fuchsia, electric blue... tangerine), I selected a pair of Tango Red Calvin Klein skinny jeans.  If the color "Tango Red" doesn’t sell itself, I'm not sure what will.

Why did I choose the Calvin Klein Tango Red skinny jean? 

Fact: Calvin Klein makes a slamming skinny jean.  No exaggeration.  If I haven’t already confessed my eternal love for my current and first pair of Calvin Klein skinny jeans, I will right now.  I own the most fantastic pair of skinny jeans on the planet and I purchased them from Ross for $30.  Okay, I said it.  Best purchase of my life.  These jeans stand neck and neck with all the cupcakes and puppies in the world, combined. 

Benefits: Calvin Klein skinnies are figure flattering, they cover your rear, they keep their shape through-and-through and are the most versatile pant in my closet (alongside my 7 for All Mankind Ginger Jeans).  I wear my existing Calvin Klein skinnies at least two times a week and I make no excuse for the frequency they are worn. 

Rational: If I purchase the same style jean but in another color, I will be faced with no disappointment.  We’ll see!  I purchased these Tango Red’s from 6pm.com this afternoon and I can’t wait for their arrival.  Oh, did I also mention Calvin Klein jeans can usually always be found on sale and range from $30- $70 per pair, not too shabby, eh?

I am anticipating that these jeans will be too hot to handle and I'm ready to rock them with a little spicy attitude. 

Springtime, you will be my muse and Tango Red, I’m counting on you to deliver the goods!

Bootie

Kendi, rocking the nude bootie!

The bootie, oh the bootie!  The bootie is a shoe you can’t go wrong with.  It's a versatile, stylish and comfortable alternative to a pump or a knee-high boot. 

Here's some reason's why the bootie is simply the best:

1.  No need to fuss with knee-high boots if you sport thick calves or muscular legs. Go ahead and give your legs some breathing room while still sustaining the appearance of wearing a boot. 

2.  You can wear booties with trousers, bootleg or flair style jeans or pants; however, the skinny jean looks best.  Try rolling up the cuff of the jean to create a fun and fresh look!  Exposing ankle is sexy, right?

3.  Unlike flats, the booties traditionally have a modest to high-heel, most baring just a modest heel.  Anytime I can get away with wearing a heel, I will.  I am odd in the fact that I cannot stand flats and the bootie is a fabulous alternative to pulling off a casual but put-together look. 

4.  Comfortable.  Every pair of bootie that I have owned has been extremely comfortable.  When a shoe is comfortable you wear it and that is a good investment.

5.  Cross-seasonal.  Don’t know if I just made that term up but what I’m saying is that you can honestly wear the bootie year-round if you style correctly.  Winter; with skinnies and an oversized sweater.  Spring; with a maxi skirt and cotton tee.  Summer; with boyfriend jeans and a flirty tank.  Fall; with tights and a blazer.

6.  Can be dressed casual or fashionably chic.  Fun colors?  Sign me up.  Pointy or almond toe?  Work appropriate.  Check, check and check.

The most conflicting issue of all. . .  which to choose?  With such variety in style and selection I would recommend buying a nude or neutral pair first.  Nude is chic and will elongate the look of your legs (and will go with just about…anything).  If you feel inclined; buy in multiples!  Once you find the perfect pair, see if it comes it different colors. 

What is your favorite way to style the bootie?

Report; $99

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!

Color Blocking

GlitterGirl

Color blocking: a styling trend that used to be fashion/styling "no-no" is now taking front and center stage.  And thank God, right?  How cute are both of these Spring 2012 outfits from J Crew? 

How to: pair like-colors from head to toe.  And, feel free to incorporate other colors! Color blocking doesn't necessarily mean using all mono-color schemes; you can combine colors into blocking patterns, too.

Main objective: have boatloads of fun and don't be afraid to go wild and crazy.  The bolder you go, the more your outfit will make sense. Start subtle; but daring is always exciting, right?

Start time: NOW!  Let your inner-eccentric take charge and be creative.

GlitterGirl

Do you have any color-blocking success stories?  Please post!

Winter Brights!

Going West Blog

Atlantic Pacific Blog

Winter brights. . .not blues!  I don't know if it's the warm weather most of the country has been experiencing (including Flagstaff, AZ); but, I just can't wait for all the spring fashion trends!  Fifty plus degrees outside means I can wear skirts without tights, right?

I am getting really excited for pastels to make their grand appearance in the spring fashion scene.  I am a little nervous sporting the trend because I don't think I've worn light pink, canary yellow or baby blue for approximately a decade or so.  I'm looking forward bringing pastel hues back into my wardrobe and having a little fun with it! 

I am getting starry eyed looking at all of the fantastic turquoise, bright corals and flashy electric blues hitting the scene as of recent. Including, neon!  I do enjoy integrating playful and unexpected bits of color into my winter wardrobe.

Bring on the brights and the sunshine.  I'm ready for you, sweet Springtime!

Blogger Spotlight: Corporette

Super-Fantastic-Blogger-Spotlight: Corporette.com

Okay, so technically the blog, Corporette, is written by a stylish lawyer.  But, the content of the blog is relevant for all young and aspiring professionals. Corporette covers topics related to career advancement, personal achievement and style.  The variety of subjects addressed within the blog makes for fun and interesting point of views.

Whether it be money management, to-die-for shopping splurges, budget friendly fashion, fantastic products, organizational tips or career advice--Corporette has you covered.

Check it out!

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.  

Airborne

Tis the season... for traveling!

It is ritual that I always over pack.  Use the diagram above to thoughfully plan what to pack for your next holiday expedition.  What an abundance of possibilities!  Minimalism, please be my friend this holiday season!

Trendsetting: Fur

Fur Vest // $19.95    Sweater // $9.95

Okay, I am freaking out over the new "Winter Collection" by H&M, that has been introduced today.  Common theme: fur, fur and more delectable.. fur!  Faux fur, that is.  Fur vests and scarves, polished leather jackets, cozy and roomy sweaters are definitely putting me in the mood for a change of season!  Too much fun.

Brand Junkie

I'm a brand junkie, guilty as charged.  

I admit it, I can be a serious sucker for brand name or designer clothing. Thankfully, 6pm.com can help me sustain my brand-name buying addiction.  

From outerwear brands such as Patagonia and Merrell to designer shoe brands such as Vince Camuto and Miss Sixty, you simply can't go wrong.  With savings up to 80% MSRP, you'll be in discount designer-wear heaven!

Vince Camuto, Kira $67.99

Vince Camuto, Kolby $32.90

Vince Camuto, Cassandra $59.10

BONUS:  My favorite and admired feature of this website is the "video description" tab on nearly each product sold.  So, you get the see the product featured on film and worn on a model/sales person before you make the purchase.  You are even delivered a pretty convincing sales pitch!  A cool and innovative way to sell online product if you ask me.

Browse the site.  I promise you will not be disappointed.