Styling Your Staples: {The Pencil Skirt}

There are a handful of basics that every woman should have in her wardrobe. The pencil skirt is definitely high up there. The universally flattering piece is incredibly versatile. Don’t believe me? Well I’ve got proof!

The lovely ladies behind The Refined Woman, a fabulous personal style blog co-created by Apartment 34′s own resident photographer Emily Scott, asked if I’d join six other blogger-extraordinaires to share our spin on the pencil skirt. I immediately jumped at the chance. I mean, I can never turn down a good styling challenge. Plus, I was dying to see how everyone would approach the task!RefinedHowTo (1)

I definitely think there’s something for everyone in the options below. They’re all SO different!

pencilskirt3apartment342CaseyWiegand.PencilSkirt2 EmtheGem.PencilSkirt2HilaryRushford.DeanStreetSociety.PencilSkirt2KatHarris.PencilSkirt2  SaraBacon.GlitterandGrace.PencilSkirt2TheEffortlessChic.PencilSkirt.2

I love how every lady put her personal spin on the classic shape. From the variety of color palettes and materials {I spy lace, cotton and leather in there} to accessories that range from statement necklaces to pumps, belts, cardigans and hats, these ladies are proof positive that the pencil skirt is going to work overtime for you this season!

As for me, I was going for a more Monday Work Wear appropriate ensemble with my moody-blues look. My navy and black pencil skirt cut a sleek, architectural line that let me play with bigger proportions on top.

A big fan of layers, I tossed my favorite denim shirt on under the newest addition to my spring wardrobe – a kimono sleeved silk blouse in chambray blue. I love the pop of detail a collared shirt gives. I added my metallic gold bomber over my shoulders to break up the monotone color palette and feel a little more spring-like.

pencilskirtfinal3getthelookthepencilskirtlook2shop:  top // clutch // necklace // wedges // bomber jacket //  illesteva sunnies // skirt

What do you think? Do you have a favorite take on the pencil skirt style? Are you ready to rock yours all season long? After seeing all these great options I can’t wait to see how many different ways I can figure out how to wear mine.

Be sure to check back next month when this group will tackle our next assignment: styling the classic oxford shirt!

original photography for apartment 34 by chris perez

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Happy {Make Your Mark} Weekend

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Hey ya’ll, I’m Austin-bound this weekend and couldn’t be more excited about it. As I’ve shared previously, I work with Mark and Graham and this weekend we’re taking our show on the road. I can’t wait to see how Texan-tastemakers make their mark. {and you can follow the fun – just track #makeyourmarkTX on Instagram and Twitter!}

I’ve thought a lot about making your mark lately, but in a way that goes far beyond monogramming. What mark do you leave on the world? On your friends and family? With your work? It seems like making your mark is almost fundamental to our existence. We’re all seeking to be heard in some way, shape or form right?

I would hope that Apartment 34 is making a chic mark on the world – elevating what’s beautiful, interesting and unique to serve as a bit of a counter to the mundane, often arduous, sometimes tedious parts of life. I like to think that I’m also making a mark on the Apartment 34 team. Helping these amazing women chase our passions in lock step, imparting the few nuggets of wisdom I’ve managed to pick up along the way.

And I’m hope I’m making a mark on you – one that brings a smile, an idea or a spark of inspiration to your day. There are many people in the world making their mark in very big ways. Curing diseases, helping the hurt, giving someone without a roof over head a home. But all acts, big and small, have an impact on someone. So even if you only make one person’s day a bit better, you mark won’t soon be forgotten.

Here are a few other things that certainly made a mark on me this week.

~ Some have told me I remind them of Jenna Lyons. If only I could have her office – I’m dying over this 360 degree view

~ My Joss and Main sale is all about his and hers design. I love this example of his. I want to move right in!

~I’m obsessed with the new Domaine Home. Especially this home tour. They are killing it!

~ I shared my top five decorating tips here

~ And also considered how, if I had my wedding to do all over again, I’d redesign it here

I do hope you have a fabulous weekend. Don’t forget – if you want to snag something fabulous to spruce up your space, my Joss and Main Curators Collection ends tomorrow!! So get your shop on while you still can.

And for all you Austin experts out there, please send your recommendations my way!

image via here 

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Friday Fave {9}: My Must-Haves

I won’t lie. I’m having a major dilemma. I want to buy everything in my Joss and Main sale. Is that terrible? I’m seriously sitting on my credit card right now. If these pieces don’t sell out by tonight I have a feeling a huge stack of boxes is going to show up on my doorstep come Monday.
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Will you do me a favor by stealing a few of these pieces off my wishlist? The husband will also be grateful! You can pick up one or all seven of these seriously stunning pieces right here.

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