fashion

Fancy Fête

Lovely Lace

lovely lace
lovely lace
lovely lace
lovely lace
lovely lace
lovely lace
lovely lace
lovely lace
lovely lace

Nothing says femininity like delicate lace. When I saw this dress during my visit to Valley Forge, I thought how much I liked the midi length and the long sleeves for the chilly winter weather. Add in the lace and floral pattern and you have one knock out of a dress. I wanted to stick with the green/teal color to create a monochromatic look and chose suede heels, a vintage beaded clutch, and replica emerald jewelry of Jackie Kennedy's. I tend to lean toward suede heels in the winter because of the heavier fabric and how it feels dressier. This teal dress from H&M is sold out in this color, but still available in a creamy nude. I also adore how little skin this dress shows, but still flatters my figure in its shift form.

Posh at the Party

Holiday Soiree

posh at the party
posh at the party
posh at the party
posh at the party
posh at the party
posh at the party
posh at the party
posh at the party
posh at the party
posh at the party
posh at the party

This is one of my most favorite dresses that I own. You cannot get anymore 1950s looking than this. As soon as the holiday season comes around, I whip out this dress from Modcloth and start planning all of the parties I'll be wearing it too. The fit and flare style flatters all figures and the bright pop of red brightens the black and white satin and velvet of the dress. I wanted to wear my hair up to revel the beautiful deep V-shape in the back. A ballerina bun feels fun and elegant, but any up-do will look fantastic. This is the absolute perfect holiday dress for me and I feel at my most glamorous in it. It embodies everything I adore about a dress and with the red accents, it feels oh so very Christmas-y. This dress, which is sold out in the black and white, but is still available in Teal or a silver and black skirt, can be worn to any number of occasions from a formal holiday party, cocktails with friends, a holiday work party, or even an elegant date night out.

Holiday Glamour

Red and Gold

holiday glamour
holiday glamour
holiday glamour
holiday glamour
holiday glamour
holiday glamour
holiday glamour
holiday glamour
holiday glamour

There's something so festive and energizing about red during the winter and holiday season. It's one of my go to's when choosing an outfit, especially a party one. The eye-catching color and sparkly sequins are sure to get you noticed and stand out from the crowd. Of course, using a bright red lipstick felt appropriate. I read that heat signifying shades, like bright red, hot pink, orange, and yellow trigger energy levels. Wearing a lipstick, shirt, or dress in those shades during the winter keeps you feeling cheery and excited when feeling down from the dreary weather. I used gold as the neutral color, which pairs so well with red, in all of my accessories. A nice little vintage feather hat feels ever so classy without feeling too over the top.

Lady Like

Tulle

tulle
tulle
tulle
tulle
tulle
tulle
tulle
tulle
tulle
tulle
tulle
tulle

Sigh, this is the skirt dreams are made of, well mine are at least. I have such a love for tulle skirts, especially ones that make me feel like a ballerina. While the skirt is very feminine, the other parts of the outfit are neutral, which balance each other out giving a nice lady like effect. I choose black as my neutral here and opted for a blush tone with the heels instead of black. It blends nicely with the skirt and also gives the illusion of longer legs. This is a perfect holiday outfit might I add. Glam, yet understated and completely lovely.

Put a Bow On It

Sequins

put a bow on it
put a bow on it
put a bow on it
put a bow on it
put a bow on it
put a bow on it

Add a little extra charm to any ensemble by putting a bow on it. This pink LC sweater with a gold sequined bow on it looks feminine and feels soft and cozy. Just the perfect thing to cuddle up in on a chilly autumn day. Plus it adds just the right amount amount of cheeriness to any environment. The pink sequined flats and pink sequined purse tie right in to the happy relaxed feel of the outfit. Finally the blue midi skirt. I love pairing blue and pink and especially love the midi length for chillier days. During this time of year, when the outdoors start looking drab, I like to add anything fun or whimsical into my wardrobe. Bright colors especially help brighten the day during the "winter blues." Even though winter technically is not here yet, it sure feels and looks like it outside.

Black & White Plaid

Thanksgiving Look #3

plaid
plaid
plaid
plaid
plaid
plaid
plaid
plaid
plaid
plaid

I have to say I am a little more than obsessed with this outfit. The pattern and textures are what get me. The bag and top both have a quilted texture and the fit and flare skirt has a plaid pattern, always in style and chic. The flippiness of the skirt feels fun and gives swishy movement every time you walk. To top off the look, a black riding cap. I'm such a fan of hats, I wish women and men alike would wear them more often. This ensemble looks fresh and yet has such a classic feel to it, which makes it perfect for my Thanksgiving look number three. This look has a minimal feel to it, but packs a big punch with its feminine details like the quilting and plaid. A fail safe with the black and white combo, this is sure to be a winning look during the holiday season.

Sweater Dress

Thanksgiving Look #2

layers
layers
sweater dress
sweater dress
bow details
sweater dress

Another look I love for Thanksgiving is a sweater dress in colors that remind me of the season. This LC dress being a wine color with accessories of leopard print heels from Nine West, an oxblood colored satchel from Lulu's, and a bronze colored belt from New York and Company. All the colors have a warm and cozy feel to them which is perfect for a Thanksgiving get together. Is the weather a bit cooler where you live? Simply throw on a crop sweater on top of the dress to add the extra layer of warmth.

Thanksgiving Inspirtation

Stripes

stripes
stripes
stripes
stripes
stripes

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I find myself getting more excited than ever for the upcoming holiday season. With that comes social gatherings with friends and family alike that are always filled with laughter, reminiscing, and great conversations. To me, the holiday season is one of the best times of the year. I anxiously await it and the dazzling style that comes with it. Once the holidays hit, I like to bring out pieces that incorporate embellishments into them, whether it be actually on the piece or added with some jewelry. This dress from Modcloth reminds me of Thanksgiving with its black and tan stripes. Easy and comfortable for a big family gathering or a smaller intimate one. Add on some statement jewelry to add that little bit of sparkle. The leopard heels from Nine West feel perfect and add a nice pop to the outfit. Finish with a clutch, this embellished one from my mom, in black.  

On a side note, I did a "no makeup" look with this dress. Basically, a look of highlights and contours with subtle mascara and a nude lip. Taylor Swift recently did a magazine cover doing the no makeup look and I thought, why not try it? While I definitely love my go-to, this was a nice change of pace and felt fresh. 

Neutral Hues

Light Tones

neutral tones
neutral tones
neutral tones
neutral tones
neutral tones
neutral tones
neutral tones
neutral tones

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Last week's post about shades of gray used the same LC quilted skirt as shown here. I'm so in love with the circle design, quilted texture, and light gray color. As I said before, I'm definitely falling for lighter tones right now in the neutral department. The Elle turtleneck has a nice heavy weight to it, perfect for the chilly Fall and Winter days. The camel coat, one of two that I own, compliments every outfit, no matter the color, texture, or design. That's the great thing about camel, it goes with virtually everything, and looks incredibly elegant while wearing it.

Black Tie

Tuxedo Style

black tie
black tie
black tie
black tie
black tie
black tie

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As soon as I laid my eyes on this LC Lauren Conrad dress, I knew I had to have it. First off anything with bows is an absolute must. Add in the tuxedo twist and I'm sold. It's having a little menswear infused into a very lady like ensemble. Perfect for a night out on the town. My bow bag from Forever 21 matches perfectly with the tuxedo theme. Any bag with a black bow on it with will fit the bill. The beret style hat, white with a black bow on it from Modcloth, seems as if it were made especially for the dress. Not only does this outfit have a menswear feel to it, but also a Parisian look too. Anything French in my book is solid gold. Speaking of, I accompanied the outfit with gold jewelry, and finished off with a pair of LC black high heels adorned with a gold bow on them.

Shades of Gray

Monochromatic

shades of gray
shades of gray
shades of gray
shades of gray
shades of gray
shades of gray
shades of gray
shades of gray
shades of gray

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Lately I've been loving all things in light neutral shades. My favorite a creamy winter white, but who can resist a palate of light gray? You can mix and match this monochromatic look as long as everything stays in the same color family. No one piece of this outfit competes for attention, but rather all blends together to create a beautiful and soft feel. The LC Lauren Conrad quilted skirt flares out perfectly with its circle design and the eye lash sweater feels so soft and comfy. I could stay cuddled up in it for days. The Elle textured sweater almost perfectly matches the other shades of gray in the outfit. I picked out a silver shoulder bag and a darker shade of silver sparkle for my flats with a decorative broach on them. These flats, from DSW, are perfect for the holiday season. Anything that sparkles instantly has that glistening holiday cheer feeling to it.

The Crop Top

Praline Paradise

crop top
crop top
crop top
crop top

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Crop tops have been everywhere this year from Spring to Summer and now into Fall and Winter, the shrunken top is here to stay, at least for a little while longer. I'm not typically one for trends, I like to stay tried and true to the lady like classics, but I did want to give this style a trip around the block to see what all the hype is about. Personally, I am not a mid-riff shower, so I wanted to pair the LC Lauren Conrad sweater with a higher waisted pant. The praline color blended perfectly with the leopard pants I had. This was a look I wore around the house while tending to some cleaning. This sweater would also look great tucked into a skirt

Bundle Up

There's a chill in the air

vest
vest
vest
vest
vest

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Happy November everyone! Where has this year gone?? Time seems to fly by and with that the cooler weather season is coming upon us. Now that we are officially in November, I think it is the perfect time to start thinking about those cozy little accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats. Not that I particularly look forward to it, but it is best to be prepared. One look I love is a bright red anything with creamy winter white. Here I bundled up in a  Woolrich red puffer vest and accessorized it with a winter white sweater from Banana Republic, hat, gloves, and a circle scarf all from Mark. LC Lauren Conrad riding boots finish off the relaxed look with some creamy white boot socks.

Celadon Green

Grace Kelly, Tippi Hedren, and Edith Head

vintage green
vintage green
vintage green
vintage green
vintage green
vintage green
vintage green
vintage green
twisted bun
vintage green
vintage green
vintage green
vintage green
vintage green
vintage green

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It need not be said how much I truly adore this vintage inspired outfit. My heart expands two sizes just thinking about it. The look started with the skirt from Modcloth. As soon as I saw the skirt I knew I had to have it. Grace Kelly and Tippi Hedren instantly came to my mind from the wonderful creations of Edith Head while working with Alfred Hitchcock. The skirt is a sea-glass green soft wool blend with a matching belt. This midi style screams 1950s and is quite the eye catcher. To compliment the look I had in mind, I choose a chiffon green blouse with pearls attached from LC Lauren Conrad. The pearls add just the right amount of sophistication and glamor to the outfit. The jewelry was all about gold and pearls to keep the vintage vibe and also to replicate the specific image I had in my mind of the two leading ladies who inspired this look. To finish off the outfit, nude heels from LC and a brown top handle hand bag, which reminded me of Miss Hedren's ensemble. On a side note, what a beautiful Fall day it was to capture this lovely outfit. The air was warm and the leaves seemed to glow in the golden sunshine. Who's with me in not wanting Fall to end!

Hitchcock’s very own Edna Mode, Edith Head, created the green suit. It’s based on her own design for Grace Kelly as Lisa Fremont in Rear Window (1954) – a celadon green I-line suit worn with white halterneck blouse. The Rear Window fabric is completely different, shantung silk instead of wool, and the ensemble is comprised of a two piece jacket and skirt instead of a dress and jacket. The similarities come from Head’s insistence on simplicity; like The Birds’ suit it ages so well because there is little to date it. Hedren’s suit is shorter and boxier than Kelly’s, superficially ‘Chanel like’, though in fact most resembles couturier Digby Morton’s early work (circa 1950s), except in a less luxuriant fabric
— Clothes On Film

Sparkle and Shine

Getting Ready for the Holidays

sparkle and shine
sparkle and shine
sparkle and shine
sparkle and shine
sparkle and shine
sparkle and shine
sparkle and shine

I adore anything that has sparkle or shine to it. The luxe detail brings one thing to mind for me, the holiday season, which is getting closer as we speak. Excited yet? I know I sure am. The outfit is perfect for any upcoming holiday events and will be sure to get you noticed. I went for a neutral gray palette with some silver sparkles and metallic shoes. Silver belles anyone? The gorgeous chiffon skirt, which you may notice is the same one from my Mint To Be post, only in a different color. The luxe sparkly sweater and metallic shoes lend that holiday vibe that I am so looking forward to. The I Love Lucy clutch was a gift from my grandmother when she visited the I Love Lucy museum a few years back. She loves the show, as do I, and this was the perfect gift.

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Snake Charmer

And Cigarette Pants

Like everything in fashion your clothes must always give you the feeling that they are very easy to wear
— Christian Dior
snake charmer
snake charmer
snake charmer
snake charmer
snake charmer
snake charmer
snake charmer

As Dior said, your clothes must always give the feeling that they are very easy to wear. This outfit, comprised of a cable knit sweater, cigarette pants, fawn heels, and a cinched snake belt are extremely comfortable and easy to wear. A fantastic office outfit I might add. Cigarette pants, or slim-fit pants, are my essential go-to fit. Nothing else looks good on me except these. The tight fit of the straight leg and opening at the bottom compliment my figure since my hips are on the narrower side. These are great for anyone with a "boyish" figure meaning your waist and hips are generally close in size. Now for the details of the outfit. The sweater has lace inserts toward the top that lend to the prettiest lady like effect. The gold snake belt simply dazzles against any color and helps liven up any outfit. It's a fun detail to add interest and keep the waist line visible. It can also be used as a regular pant belt or ever as a necklace or bracelet. The versatility make it worth its weight in gold. I love the green clutch with gold accents and how its a nice day time size to carry all a woman's essentials in.

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Layering

And a little hat action too

layers
hats and layers
fall hats
layers
fall hats

Cool mornings and warm afternoons mean one thing, layering. My go to layering look is a buttons down, light sweater, and either skirt or blue jeans. Here I opted for a skirt while the weather is still nice. Black bow heels and an oxblood bag tie the Fall colors all together. Want to try something new? Try a hat! I'm all for vintage hats and love how this one has that vintage feel to it. I also wanted to keep my waist visible so I threw on a pretty bronze colored belt. This look would be great for an informal Thanksgiving dinner.

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Hounds Tooth

Check Mate

houndstooth
houndstooth
houndstooth
houndstooth
houndstooth
houndstooth

Fall is my favorite season and I simply cannot say that enough it seems. I love to throw on a light weight sweater with a skirt and stroll around town while getting my errands done. A favorite pattern of mine to break out once Fall hits is hounds tooth, characterized by a broken check pattern, usually in black and white. There is nothing more chic than classic black and white. You cannot go wrong with it. Throw on some black heels with a black hand bag and you're good to go. Both my shoes and bag have a bow on them. A nice little detail to keep things girly.

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Black and Tan

Cozy Chic

fall outfit
fall outfit

On a warm Fall afternoon, I cozied up in a tan plaid scarf and my LC Lauren Conrad blazer. I'm also completely in love with my new LC riding boots, perfect for the Fall and Winter months. If you live in the North Eastern part of the country, then you know how important a good pair of boots are! I love the black and white stripe look for an ever fabulously chic look. A classic that will never go out of style. Toss on some black pants and you're good to go!

fall outfit
fall outfit

Mint To Be

Fall Pastels

Individuality will be always one of the conditions of real elegance. Try to understand well what is your personality and never forget that individuality does not mean eccentricity.No elegant woman follows fashion slavishly.
— Christian Dior
fall pastels

One thing about Fall fashion that never fails is the darkening of the colors. There is good reason for this, but why not lighten up a bit? I love pastel colors year round and how they brighten the sea of dark fabrics. I truly fell in love with this outfit and how it stands out from the crowd. I would describe my style as romantic, feminine, and vintage. This certainly feels very romantic and feminine to me with the creamy white chiffon skirt and the mint green sweater. The cuteness of the deer print makes me smile. I matched the fawn heels with the image of the deer. The shoes blend in with the lightness of the coloring. I wanted to keep an airy feeling about the outfit and went with an taupe envelope quilted clutch with bow detailing.

fall pastels
fall pastels
fall pastels
fall pastels
fall pastels
fall pastels

Enjoying one of the loveliest times of the year.

“Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile."  William Cullen Bryant