The Navy Vest

A navy vest is a great work-horse piece for your wardrobe nine months of the year.  It is the perfect layering piece: pairing well with denim, gray, white, khaki, pink, red, green, brown and even black. Here are a few examples of easy ways to pair a navy (or dark) vest with other basics you have.

/ J. Crew Navy Vest / or this

Love the pairing of the navy and black hounds-tooth.♥

Stylist Tips: Pairing Jeans & Shoes

It still amazes me that so many different styles of denim

 are simultaneously in style. There is truly something for

 every body type and preference. However, all these choices

 can be confusing. Here's a little stylist cheat sheet:

 Obviously, you can mix many of these shoes with different
 styles of jeans. This just shows you some sure bets.

Polka Dot Tights

Polka Dots are one of my "things." This season I have found a great way to express myself on the cheap and compliment the dresses and skirts I already have in my closet.

Generally, patterned tights are an inexpensive way to up the ante. Check out these beauties:

Anthropologie Speckled Dot Tights

$29.50

Don't you just love this picture?

Loft Dot Tights

$16.50, 

40% off sitewide with code FESTIVE

Look of the Day: Cyber Monday

Sometimes you are just having a tunic kind of day. This is all I could manufacture out of my closet this morning. After all, it was a day of computer work and carpools. I have had a similar chambray tunic from J.Crew for years. It is fabulous as a cover-up in the summer and equally useful in the winter layered over slim tops. Just roll up the sleeves so the under-layer peeks out.

Tory Burch neck tie Tunic
$160 - theoutnet.com

Uniqlo t shirt
$20 - uniqlo.com

Black Leggings

The North Face clothing: 20% off today!
thenorthface.com

TOMS shoes
toms.com

Nail polish
marcjacobs.com

What to Wear To Thanksgiving

So if you know our families you know we dress up. Here is a similar look to what I plan to wear to an Oyster Roast, Thanksgiving lunch (and dinner) for that matter. One Thanksgiving meal in a day is for quitters! Wish me luck. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I am so thankful for all my family and friends as well as the joy of being together for the holidays.

Loft Sheath Dress
loft.com

Express Black Tights
express.com

Sam Edelman Black Booties
 - harveynichols.com

J Crew Pearl Necklace
jcrew.com

Spice Kit
surlatable.com

Look of the Day

                                                            as seen on a diary of a lovely

Shop your closet! Create an ensemble with this color combination as your guide. The combination of a basic sweater, jeans, and leather accessories is both fresh and classic.

Black(ish) top + Denim + Leather Accessories

Easy Halloween Costume

Halloween is a very busy day for Moms and teachers. But it's more exciting if you get into the spirit. This look is a version of what I wear every year to my kid's school Halloween parties. The kids love it and it takes so little effort.  The tights are the main attraction and they set me back $4. a few years ago. I love the opportunity to go about my errands in this sort of ensemble. Halloween is so much fun!

 This year my youngest has requested that I switch it up so if I can manufacture another easy costume I will put it up. I'm leaning towards Scarecrow because I already have all the makings of the costume in my closet less the hay to stuff in my overalls. 

Happy Halloween!

Look of the Day

Here is another great template outfit for the colder months. A day dress is always a good idea! You can wear the look as shown or mix it up using the same colors...

If dresses are not your thing, try a gray sweater, black pants, and brown leather knee high boots or flats. Denim would be a smashing addition in a jean jacket or skinnies. Mix it up!

3 Easy Fall Outfits

Here are 3 easy transition outfits with simple pieces you probably already have in your closet.  Mix your favorite summer pieces with fall wardrobe staples. Because, let's face it: it's still really hot outside if you live in the south.

flowing white blouse + rolled skinnies + neutral shoes

+ patterned dark clutch

loose sweater + khaki shorts + animal print flats

black shorts romper (or black shorts & black top!) + animal print flats

+ khaki scarf + black shopper

Look of the Day: Transition

Summer to Fall

Getting dressed as the weather vacillates from cold in the morning to hot in the afternoon back to cool in the evening can be tricky for the savviest of fashionistas. Try pulling light weight darker pieces from your wardrobe and layering them for versatility. 

Look of the Day

Casual Saturday 

Loose Bohemian Top + Rolled Boyfriend Jeans + Big Shopper + Sunnies=

Chic Weekend Slouch

The perfect look for shopping, errands,  and lunch with friends.

Look of the Day: Staying Neutral

 Outfit Formula:

White Tee + Gray Skinnies + Leather Sandals & Bag

Choose 3 neutrals in your closet and mix them up. You are guaranteed chic results.

Look of the Day

This casual street style caught my eye. How do you wear these athletically inspired striped tops? Try mixing them with super feminine pieces. This look is adorable. I love the boxy top with the flowing skirt and bright necklace. The black leather jacket and clutch add some edge. The heels are a fun addition, but I think I would wear a wedge for height and comfort.

Look of the Day

Sunday Fun Day

Here is an easy weekend outfit for reading the paper or browsing the shops. I'll bet each one of you already have these elements in your closet.  Plus, this ensemble will translate well into Fall. 

Happy Weekend!

Look of the Day

Stylist Tip: Creating sensible yet stylish outfits for the workplace can be particularly challenging when the temperature and humidity soars. Sometimes it's best not over-think your choices. In a pinch go with neutrals and keep your color palette simple to beat the heat. Black and Khaki are perfect for any office setting and translate well to post work events.

Khaki + Black + Natural Elements

Seeing Spots

Stella McCartney NY Fashion Week

Polka Dots 

are just as relevant today as ever.

There are so many ways to wear this look year-round. Polka dots are simultaneously playful and sophisticated when worn the right way. To keep the look chic and not too girlish pair polka dots with sophisticated accessories like fierce black heels, leather jackets, leopard prints, and man-sized watches.

 Try these looks:

I need these jeans!!!

TBT: Life Magazine 1969

Throw Back Thursday

This photo is from a LIFE Magazine pictorial spread on fashion in High School.  Love it.  You cannot understand the future if you do not know the past. Fashion is no exception. So much pictured here is still happening in fashion: mod dresses, straight hair, long layered necklaces, and patterned tights. 

So much has changed, but so much remains the same.

White + Tan: Easy Summer Outfit

Interior Design as muse...

Summer Outfit Inspiration: Keep it simple

white + tan

What is more fresh and clean than crisp white? The leather elements keep it earthy and grounded. Add some gold accessories and you are ready to roll.