My Style: A Carrie Bradshaw Moment

Anthropologie Necklace // J.Crew Turtleneck // Shabby Apple Skirt {Splurge} // Steve Madden Heels

This is what I wore last week to the first event for the #DSMFABB.  When Anthro debuted their Alexandra Grecco Tulle Skirt a few short weeks ago, I swooned and swooned and than swooned some more. I think it played a little too much into the ballerina in me. It wasn't available online for purchase and the price tag was just out of my reach. After a quick search, I came across a similar {read less expensive} version from Shabby Apple and, just my luck, there was one left in my size {read fate}. Add to cart. Boom. Mine all mine.

 I can tell this baby's cost per wear is going down by the second. I've already worn it twice in one week (stay tuned later this week to see how I remixed it}.  And one thing I've learned from twirling around in this creation is that every woman should invest in a tulle party skirt because every woman out there deserves a Carrie Bradshaw moment.

 

Have you ever had a Carrie Bradshaw moment? Do tell!

Wedge Sneaker

While there are some shoe trends I will never support {flatforms}, I can say that I 100% support the wedge sneaker fad that every fashionista and/or celebrity has been spotted wearing. With a hidden wedge lift, these sneakers work great with skinny jeans, dresses, & maxi skirts. To switch things up, swap out the laces with different colors! 

{images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Her Way // My Way: Denim Vest

Denim Vest // J.Crew Eyelet Dress // Steve Madden Bag // ALDO Tigner Wedges // Michael Kors Watch // Vintage Sunnies

The perfect summer uniform, wouldn't you agree?

high-waisted & cropped

Warmer temperatures have me wishing for a mini-vacation to some place sunny {I have heard San Diego is sunny and 70 more often then not?!} I can't wait to pull out my fedora and find a pair of high-waisted coral shorts. And this clutch? What is not to love - I'm itching to buy it, but trying to cut back on my shopping habit - maybe someone wants to buy it for me for my birthday next month??

Fedora // Floral Clutch // High-Waisted Shorts {similar} // Cropped Sweater // Flats // Knotted Earrings

hi-low

There's something about a pleated skirt that I have always loved. Flirty, fun and simply meant to be twirled in. I love pairing neutrals with a pop of color.  I would wear this outfit with a top knot, a hint of blush and a pink lip! How would you wear it?

Pleated Skirt // Slouchy Tank // Floral Clutch // Neon Heels // Earrings {larger version}

reader question: chic on a shoestring budget

Q: I need to update my wardrobe, however; I have one major problem, I have no money! I'm in my second year of law school and have a very limited budget.  My coveted sweats aren't acceptable any more! I would love to invest in versatile pieces for a very affordable price that I can pair with jeans but still be able to dress up.  I want to look classy and conservative jumping between classes and my internship.  I need your help!

A: When upgrading your wardrobe, on a budget, it is important to focus on investing in versatile key pieces that can be easily mixed and matched with one another.  With jeans being acceptable to wear to class and your internship, don't be afraid to invest in at least one pair of dark washed jeans that can be easily dressed up.  Key layering pieces could include a boyfriend or structured blazer, a chambray button up, a striped shirt, and a structured blouse.  A faux-leather skirt or shirt dresses help keep your wardrobe chic and versatile.  


Using basic pieces, I've created three looks below that would transition great from meetings to internships to class.  {All items used to create these outfits were for under $75.}    

If you are interested in spending a little bit more for an investment piece, a tip I've picked up through perusing many personal style blogs, is to try and create at least three different outfits with the article of clothing in question. This helps to ensure that you will wear shirt/dress/skirt/pants/shoes more than once and it won't end up in the back of your closet. 


The outfits below utilize a great structured silk blouse from J.Crew for $98.  You can dress it down to go to class with a pair of dark skinnies and brown boots, pair it with a faux-leather skirt and flats for your internship, then spice things up a bit with color blocking for a night out. {All items used to create these outfits were for under $125.}

Skinny cargo pants are very versatile for the graduate student.  I picked mine up at Gap on major sale {see here}.  Do not be afraid to hit the clearance section of stores like J.Crew, Old Navy, Gap.  These stores offer great basic pieces that once on clearance you can hardly say no to!


Once again, following the rule of three, can be mixed and match to dress up or down even these lovely cargos.  {All items used to create this set were under $115 (minus some of the jewelry).}

Set 1 {similar}

Outfit #1: Chambray Top, Faux Leather Skirt, Black Heels

Outfit #2: Shirtdress, Flats

Outfit #3: Striped T, Denim Flares, Toms, Rumba Watch

Set 2 {similar}

Outfit #1: Silk Blouse, Skinny Jeans, Boots

Outfit #2: Silk Blouse, Faux Leather Skirt, Leopard Flats

Outfit #3: Silk Blouse, Colored Denim

Set 3 {similar}

Outfit #1: Silk Blouse, Cargo Skinnies, Flats

Outfit #2: Tee, Cargo Skinnies, Wedges

Outfit #3: Silk Blouse, Cargo Skinnies, Ankle Boots

Have a question about how to style that skirt you just found buried in the deep abyss of your closet? Need help finding that perfect dress for an event? Can't find the "right" shoe to match your outfit? I can help! Email me at thebrunetteone@live.com!

menswear: layering

button-up // sweater // denim // boots // watch // wallet

Most men I know have two types of shirts that take up the most closet space. T-shirts & button-ups.  If you are looking to shake things up a bit with your wardrobe, whether it be to work or for a night out, sweaters are a great option. Layering may not be for every man, but when done right, creates a classic, put-together look.  Start with a sweater, something in the same color palette (see here) or stick with something neutral.  Make sure the material is breathable and something you can move in, as layering often brings on the heat.  If you are feeling risky, move a bit further out of your comfort zone with leather boots and a blazer to complete your look! 

Dress Colorfully

Look 1: Blouse, Denim Jeggings, Gold Cuff, Leopard Blazer, Nude Pumps

Look 2: Blouse, Pencil Skirt, Leopard Belt, Two-Tone Pumps

Look 3: Blouse, Earrings, Boyfriend Jeans, Leopard Flats

I recently purchased three blouses from tobi at an INCREDIBLE price {get yours here} after coveting this J.Crew blouse {three for a little over the price of one, talk about a steal}.  This is how I plan to style each of these blouses once they arrive upon my door step.  Three looks for three occasions - a night out, the office, and a casual weekend look.

sequins & chambray

Last night I pinned this sequin number from Lilly's Style and knew instantly I had to recreate it - and for once I had all the pieces hanging in my closet.  This outfit is a bit out of my comfort zone, I normally wouldn't layer such a statement piece over a chambray top, but that's what is amazing about the blogging world, seeing similar items that I own, put together in different ways on other style blogs - I loved how it looked on Lilly & knew that I should take the risk myself! 

{her way -- my way}

 {Mint LA Boutique Blazer, Old Navy Sequin Tank {similar}, Chambray Button-Up {similar}, Black Pants, Boots}

70s Bliss

A few weeks ago, I found the perfect wide leg jean.  The Hudson Woodstock.

I wore them Friday with a lovely mustard sweater and striped shirt inspired by this little number.

I wore them Saturday with a floral tank and light denim jean jacket inspired by this look.

Both days I wore them with these.

Can't wait to rock these looks next.

 

via

How would you style your wide leg jeans?