Quit Slackin'

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The Flounce Skirt

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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?

Leopard is a neutral.

Okay, yep!  I agree.

Jessica Alba: Serious Style Envy

Let's get this straight, Jessica Alba is no novice in the fashion world.  She's got an incredible sense of style and has a body to kill.  The reason I love this look so much is her play on texture and pattern.  The rouge lip and sassy leopard print bag seal the deal on this casual yet chic ensemble.  You, too, can recreate this look with minimal effort.  Better yet, you may already have some of these essentials stowed away in your closet!

This is what you'll need:
1. A leopard/animal print over-sized clutch
2. A soft, plaid button down shirt (long or short sleeve)
3. A pair of high-waisted, dark wash denim skinny jeans
4. A tube of luxurious mauve lip rouge
5. A studded black or polka dot black belt
6. A pair of gem colored pointed toe pumps

Throw your hair up in a fuss-free bun and... your done!

What do you love most about this look?

Military Chic: Camo on the Streets!

I adore the military camo jacket, don't you?  Its just a perfect jacket for fall weather.

Here's a few of my favorite styling techniques:
one: Mixing patterns - camo, plaid and leopard
two: Casual approach w/ flats
three: Rough & tough - camo w/ leather
four: Neon accent for some cool flair

I love this fun, laid-back utilitarian style.  Perfect for the weekend, after hours, drinks with friends or running errands. There seems to be a whole variety of different styles of camo jackets available in stores right now but I think my favorite style is one that hits just below the mid-thigh area. I recommend looking for a jacket that allows for some cinching around the waist to appear more structured; unless you love the tomboy/boyfriend slouchy look (which is totally cool, too)!  I would, however, avoid any cropped-jacket styles just to remain on-trend.

These three styles are to die for (all priced under $150):
JCPenney, BCBGeneration, Anthropologie

Are you ready to mix some military chic into your fall wardrobe?

Take Time

Read a book.  Call an old friend.  Go thrifting.  Make a craft.  Visit a pumpkin patch.  Light a candle.  Take a walk with no direction in mind.  Bake some tasty confections.  Listen to your most favorite music.  Paint a picture.  Dance.  Brew some tea.  Paint your nails.  Rearrange your furniture.  Buy a new pair of boots for the season.

Whatever you do, make your soul happy this weekend!  

There is no better time than 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

Be Gracious

Be gracious.  Be thoughtful.  Be kind. 

J.Crew Spring 2014 Collection

Read full article here at GlitterGuide

Alright, I know what you're thinking.  Does Rachel get paid to write about J.Crew and J.Crew exclusively... because... she doesn't write about anything else?  No, I am not getting paid for my J.Crew praise but I simply can't help myself!  Some other day I'll write about other topics.  But today, the topic of discussion is the J.Crew Spring 2014 line which debuted last week at NYFW.

I'm seeing some common themes: juxtaposition between fancy flair and comfy casual.  Yes, this is not a new fashion concept but J.Crew has the look down so well it hurts.  I love the harmony between the soft lines in the cotton fabrics coupled with the crisp look of the structured/textured garments. I'm noticing floods of blue, blue and more blue. Oh ...and a splash of coral?  Chunky, flashy and over the top gem stone earrings are still on the books and let's not forget about a fierce and fem heel.

What do you love most about this collection?