chic style in a sensible manner

Thursday, August 28, 2014

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

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Avocado Chicken Salad


Do yourself a favor and make this salad for dinner. It's simple and so healthy. Plus it's gluten free (if you're into that ;)).  I served it with heirloom tomatoes. Yum!


Avocado Chicken Salad
2 c. chicken, cooked & chopped
2/3 avocados, medium
1/2 c. cilantro, fresh
1/4 green onion, finely sliced
2 T. lime juice, freshly squeezed
3/4 T. light mayo (to bind)
1 t. salt

Mix the chicken, avocado, cilantro, and green onion in a bowl. Mix the lime juice and mayo in the measuring cup. Pour over the chicken mixture and stir. Add salt to taste.

recipe first seen on Kalyn's Kitchen.


Emmy's Best Dressed

Tonight's Emmy Awards featured some gorgeous gowns but these are some of my favorites: classic with a twist.

Claire Danes in Givenchy, Allison Williams in Giambattista Valli, and Behati Prinsloo in Prada.

Continuing the red theme for the evening, Uzo Aduba rocked this Christian Siriano creation. It fits her like a glove. How elegant.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Monday Fun Day

Yes, I know it's actually Sunday Fun Day but I'm keeping it positive.


Bring it, Monday.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

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.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Look of the Day: Pleated Midi Skirt

                                                                                   

Thinking about transitioning my wardrobe to Fall clothes is so exciting.  I just hope the weather cooperates with my plan! I love the midi-skirt and sweater look. It's so ladylike and elegant, a riff on our grandmother's staple wardrobe pieces.

This midi-skirt outfit is an example of a good way to transition your summer looks into Fall. Pair a pretty midi-skirt with a light sweater and summer sandals. Love it.


The Look for Less:
Asos Sweater and Pleated Midi-Skirt, $57.16 $42.87

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Tuesday Dance Break: Taylor Swift


As a dear friend of mine once said, it's so fun to have daughters so I have an excuse to listen to Taylor Swift. My girls love her and it is a blast to geek out and have dance parties to her pop songs and weepy ballads. 

We're going to be Shaking It Off all over the house when my girls hear this today.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Saving Money at Target

There are several easy ways to save money at Target. First and foremost, get a Target Red Debit Card . It links to your bank account and operates just like your bank debit card. You get 5% off of every transaction. It's like getting a senior citizen discount everyday! There is nothing more pleasing than swiping your red card at the end of the transaction and watching your total drop. You also get free shipping and 5% off everything Target online.

***You can also link your Red Card to a local school and the school, in turn gets a percentage of what you spend through Target's Take Charge of Education program. ***

Next, download the Cartwheel App onto your smartphone.
 This app has tons of Target coupons and discounts only available on the app.  I recommend checking what is discounted before you go in the store as inside the Target wifi seems to block adding savings categories inside. I have left my cart before and gone outside when found something I wanted and needed to load the discount. You can select up to 10 discount offers on the app at a time. These discounts are on top of your 5% Red Card savings. 


When checking out, they scan the app's bar code on your phone to get your additional savings.

If you are willing to do some homework, Target will price match any current and local competitors price on a product you find cheaper at another store. This can be worth the effort if you are shopping for big ticket items.

Check out the Clearance items on end caps, the apparel department, and electronics. If someone brings back electronics that the store does not stock, they automatically get marked down and put on clearance. I have picked up all sorts of gems in the electronic clearance section like iPad stands and speakers.

It took me while to figure out the clearance labels, but this picture is pretty handy:

I'm not a serious "couponer" but I love a good deal. Happy Targeting!






Friday, August 15, 2014

What Style Icon are You?


Take the quiz here from WhoWhatWear.com. 

I love a quiz. It takes me back to Seventeen Magazine in middle school. This one's a bit simplified but fun. I got Bridget Bardot. I'll take it. Who did you get?

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Fashion tbt

                                                                image via Rue Des Archives

British actress Charlotte Rampling in London Heathrow, 1970. 

*The real question is: 44 years later what isn't relevant about this outfit? *

This is what I love about fashion! It's all back in style: over the knee boots, little black dress, and cropped jacket are all just as fitting today as they were then. 

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Getting Folksy

Anyone else feeling the folksy vibe going on in the fashion world?
 One of the biggest trends this year has been embroidery.  I'm using the term trend, but embroidery is obviously a timeless craft. Embroidery, in all it's forms has been cross-culturally fashionable throughout the ages. Trend wise, embroidered looks will continue into Fall. The look evokes a tribal feel.  It is also a throwback to the Bohemian looks of the 70s and early 80s.

Valentino Resort 2015

Naeem Khan Resort 2015




For Fall, try embroidered pieces in darker colors or pair lighter items in your closet with a dark blazer. In order to avoid looking like you have just left Floydfrest/Bonaroo/Burning Man, pair individual pieces with tailored items from your closet (i.e. a flowing top with tailored cigarette pants). Consider menswear and solids foils to balance out the folksy look.  It's all about the mix.

Little White Lies embroidered gray dress on Asos.

I love the embroidered coats and coat dresses featured on the runways for Fall. If you do not want to invest in a big piece, as always, consider accessories.

Valentino 2014



Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2014
RTW Collection

Runway to Real Life:

Anthropologie Noyo Tee, $78.
*great with black skinnies and boots for Fall*

Free People Embroidered Fable Dress, $168.

Anthropologie Tunic
I am in love with this outfit!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Monday, August 11, 2014

Rainy Day Chic

I'm preparing to build an arc. Seriously, this rain has to end!!  

Generally, I love rain and picture my day inside going something like this:

But really, it ends up as a jacked up version of this:

So if you are as desperate as I am to beat cabin fever and get outside, here is some outfit inspiration:
A striped t-shirt dress is always sharp with wellies.

 These two are obviously colder weather looks...




Love the flowing summer dress with a long cardigan. Keep using those Summer dresses into Fall!


L.L. Bean Duck Boots, the perennial preppy favorite, are always a winner for any kind of wet weather. I still have mine from middle school (complete with my high school boyfriend's name written underneath). But I still love them and they are guaranteed for life!!.





Recently companies have come out with rain flats that are adorable. Plus they are a little cooler than wellies on balmy days. I found a pair of Hunters for $15. on clearance.  Keep a look out for these!






Melissa Dilut Leopard Flats
$75.

For a more budget friendly option, check out these OKA-b Rain Flats, $45..

Monday, August 4, 2014

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.