Monday Work Wear: {How to Layer Your Blueprints}

Fashion

Sometimes we get so caught up at looking at inspiration that we forget to take note at what our favorite trend-setting brands are forecasting for the season. Case in point: Steven Alan’s Spring collection. It’s all about simply chic layering with a few, key, wardrobe staples. We quickly noticed some reoccurring themes happening throughout their lookbook {appropriately named Blueprints!}.

Our notes prove that you don’t need a closet crammed full of options to look on-trend and stunning this season!

> Staple Sandal. No need to have 7, 5 or even 3 different pair of strappy sandals. You’ll only end up wracking up your credit card and wearing the same, favorite pair over and over again, anyways. Instead of shooting for the Imelda Marcos fences, invest in a classic, black gladiator heel that looks trendy and sophisticated with dresses, short suits and casual-wear!

> Carrying It Criss Cross. Remember one thing: cross over bags are your friend this season. A small purse carrying just the essentials won’t just simplify your outfit, it will simplify your life- no more being boggled down with the stresses of a big tote. For a casual look, cross your cute bag over a flirty dresses, switch shoulders, drape it over one side…either way you cross it, you’re sure to look effortlessly chic with such a simple staple!

> Coat Power. When you think of a coat, you often think of Winter, right? Wrong! Lighter coats are the blueprints to layering all year long. Tie a cropped chambray jacket over a chambray shirt for a cool denim on denim look, layer a crisp, cream car coat over a flowy shirt dress and whatever you do, never underestimate the power of a khaki trench– it’s Spring’s “it” coat!

get your shop on:

> cropped car coat

> trench coat

> color-block dress

> shirtdress

> sandal

> purse

> cuffed pant

If you don’t own any of these classic blueprint pieces, we promise you’ll get serious use out of it, layering up for Spring and all the way up until Fall!

MMW: A Greece-Inspired Spring Look

Fashion

Greetings from Greece my dears! I thought I’d give you a little peek into where I’m hanging out this week – the San Giorgio Design Hotel on Mykonos is currently my home away from home – and one I might possibly never leave {follow along on Instagram for real time updates btw}!

While I would gladly spend this entire week lounging in one of these gorgeous rooms or by the San Giorgio pool, I am eager to get out and explore the island today! What does one wear when planning to wander narrow cobblestone streets and spend the afternoon relaxing at ocean-side cafes? I whipped up a little look that I would gladly sport here in Greece and once I’m back in the States {hello perfect wine country getaway outfit}.

get your shop on: wendy nicol hat // rag & bone scarf // band of outsiders dress // jerome dreyfus backpack // illesteva sunnies // k jacques sandals

So even if you’re not heading to a far flung destination anytime soon, put on a look like this some warm sunny day and you just might feel like you’re on a mini-vacation!

images via the san giorgio hotel

Monday Work Wear: {Slip-On or Slip-Off?}

Fashion

Happy Monday, dears! This weekend was jam packed with adventures in Dallas: lunch dates, exploring downtown, catching up with friends and the inevitable, running through airports. While I’ve always been a die-hard heels advocate, certain body parts are starting to creak and cry for comfort! So, in attempts to look chic while still feeling comfortable while traveling, {as I was bound to run into the most fashionable bloggers as we all returned from a conference!} I slipped my feet into the trendy slip-on sneaker!

We’ve seen this trend everywhere. It certainly came on quickly! All of a sudden fashionistas were ditching last season’s running shoe trend for the old school skater slip-ons. From studded or quilted to metallic-toes and floral prints, the designs on these trendy sneaks keep on comin’! I bought a perforated white pair by Tory Burch that are most definitely on their way to Greece with me!

But the revamped, let’s be real, Van’s design, still has me unsure of their fashion prowess. So we come to you, our trusty readers. All opinions from last week’s mules debate were taken into consideration and it looks like the backless shoes are, indeed, back! It’s now time to weigh this second foot trend. To slip-on or slip-off?!

get your shop on: 1 Vince // 2 Miu Miu // 3 Jcrew // 4 Lavnin // 5 Vince // 6 Joie

Cast your vote! Have you gone for the “It” shoe of the season or are you holding out on this wildfire trend?

image 1 & 2 via French Voguettes // 3 via Fashionvibe // 4 via Could I Have That

MWW: New Spins on 5 Spring Must-Haves

Fashion

It’s time to spring clean your closet my dears! Luckily, this task is our type of cleaning- it doesn’t involve a dust pan or a broom. In fact, it’s more of a clearing out than a clean. You simply need to chuck what you no longer have use for and rediscover some of the basics that were probably hiding under your winter coats.

We’ve gathered five new takes on the wardrobe essentials that you’re going to want to rock this season – and we suspect you won’t even have to buy something new {unless you really want to of course}!

We’re not quite sure why we ever thought spring was a bit of a boring fashion season! It’s a transitional time to experiment and have a little fun by playing off of past season’s essentials a bit. We’re taking cues from Heist, a beautifully curated online shop that brings the slightest edge to classic styles- exactly what we’re craving in a pretty and pastel dominated time of year.

Out with a classic white oxford! Instead go a little girly and a lot sexy with a white lace button up. Treat it like a basic and pair it with everything – but we’re particularly smitten with the idea of toughening it up with a pair of camo cargos!

Patch up those holes in last season’s boyfriend jeans. Be ahead of the trend and instead of wearing the denim in your closet with the most holes, buy a pair with funky patchwork! By summertime, everyone will be rockin’ em.

Gone are the days that spring is only about happy, soft colors! Keep black in your regular rotation with a dolman-style, boat neck sweater. The loose and flowy shape breaks black’s hard edge. Add a light neutral coat to brighten the look even more.

Go organic! An organic cotton scarf in a gorgeous, muted tone {loving this ruby taupe color!} doesn’t look like much, but the texture will seriously make your outfit. This one has a sweet lace edge!

Black-ish is the new black. A transitional season means that things don’t have to be perfect- you can say goodbye to the crispness of winter with a worn in and faded boot– we love this must-have “black-ish” color!

Who says every season requires a whole new wardrobe. Don’t you love the idea of shopping your own closet? We can’t wait to reinvent our old standbys with this set of refreshed styles for our essentials! What about you?!

images via Heist

MWW: Your Statement Coat for All Seasons

Fashion

I firmly believe coats hold secret fashion powers. At least that’s what I tell myself as my coat collection grows! They certainly fall close to the tippy top of my Worth It list. Just take a look at the transformative abilities for yourself…

A statement-making coat has the brilliant ability to perk up even the most basic of outfits. From a pair of jeans to a simple shift, a coat with a little wow factor is the perfect way to dress up without all the fuss {my fave!}. Just let your coat do all the talking!

Of course, there are endless options when it comes to a great spring coat. Pastels, prints, or a classic trench…any one of these would do. But if I had to choose just one, I have my sights set on this fun twist on trench by ACNE.

get your shop on // ACNE coat

It has everything a spring coat needs to my opinion: a bold silouhette {drop-shoulders, double breasted}, playful details {oversized straps on the sleeves and a drawstring hem} and a light, happy spring color to help brighten your day!

I think this coat would go on heavy rotation well after spring ends. And remember a great coat will last you season after season. That’s why they invented a closet specially for them!

images via le catch, pinterest, and leeoliverla.com

MWW: {The Canadian Tuxedo}

Fashion

If I had to cop to a daily uniform, it would definitely be denim. I’ve battled a jeans addiction for many years – the numbers of pairs in my closet are too numerous to admit in public. But, if like me, you reach for your favorite pair of blues everyday, rejoice! Jeans are no longer just an easy sartorial way out. These days they can be a style statement in and of themselves!

Once mocked, wearing denim on denim {aka the Canadian Tuxedo} is the look du jour. With so many jeans styles available now, you can mix and match to your heart’s content! Have you noticed how every denim trend that’s ever been en vogue is on the shelves all at the same time right now? I had those zipped jeans above in fifth grade. Patched were cool circa ninth grade I think. In high school I wore my denim super oversized {complete with Vans & a Stussy t-shirt!}, always light wash. Then I went through the boot cut phase, into the wide-legged period, before it became the skinny, into the boy-friend and onto the distressed! Phew.

Today you have a jeans candy-store to pick from with a different flavor to enjoy for every day of the week – and I, for one, am loving it!

I would totally rock any of these all-denim looks to work. I realize I’m in a creative industry, but I love how these jeans are looking super fashion forward, yet still sophisticated! I would feel completely professional wearing any of these options to a client meeting. The keys to making your jeans just dressy enough still apply:

> Wear heels. This is must. {I’m currently stalking these}

> Keep the silhouette relatively tailored. Too baggy or boyfriend-like and you’re going to look sloppy.

> Add a few business-like accessories. A chic tote {splurge or steal}, maybe a unique blazer {in navy of course!} and voila – you’re set!

What do you say friends?! Are you ready to rock an all denim look??

get your shop on: 1// 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

images via Closed

MMW: {Mango Does it Again}

Fashion

Every season it surprises me that Mango doesn’t seem to get the recognition it deserves. It’s the store in the mall that is completely under the radar, overtaken by crazy-filled shoppers in Zara and H&M. It seems to just get swallowed up by trendier and larger recognized brands like J.Crew and Madewell. But it is certainly not a brand to ignore. They have great basic pieces at such an affordable price point and when they put out lookbooks like this, there’s no denying this line’s got serious style!

First of all, the whole team is obsessed with this black and white editorial. It’s really difficult to shoot in fashion in black and white. How do you make the clothes pop? But Mango has managed to take something so basic and make it look simply stunning and we want it all! The cropped tailoring of a blazer, the slouchy menswear fit of a trouser and the architectural lines of that blouse are sartorial perfection.

Here are a few of the pieces I’m dying to get my hands on!

get your shop on: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Stocking up on basics is always a good idea. You can never have too many soft sweaters {love this one!} for layering or nicely fitting black pants at the ready. It’s the simplest way to look sophisticated at a moment’s notice.

It also doesn’t hurt to add some interest to classic pieces with some neutral accessories. They might not be that flashy, but they are far from boring!!

get your shop on: sunnies // cuff // heels // bra // bag // necklace // belt

We’re ob-sessed with this black metal cuff and leather necklace– a nice change from gold jewelry. And have you noticed, backbacks are back?! This gorgeous one would be perfect for traveling. And these color-blocked heels? You’ll never guess how affordable they are- they look like a million bucks!

So, now that we want each and every one of these accessories to pair with Mango’s simple silhouettes, you have to spill: which piece is calling your name for Spring?!

images via Mango

Monday Work Wear: {Spring Forward Looks}

Fashion

The times have changed- literally! Gone is that extra hour in the morning that we loved so much {did it take you a full week to recover too?!!}. Also gone are the days that warmer weather required wearing brighter colors. Neutrals made a huge splash in resort collections this year and convinced us that black can be a warm-weather color, and we couldn’t be more excited!

get your shop on: pants // top // jacket // sunnies // sandals

We’ve been obsessing over The Line– a new site that has set the bar for a unique shopping experience {you actually make an appointment and shop their NYC store that is completely set up and styled like an actual lived-in apartment!}- and have been dying to share it with you. Their curated pieces are quintessential- timeless and refined. And they have this white and black thing down to a tee.

get your shop on: bag // sweater // sunnies // shorts // tank // shoes

Who’s ready to really delve into this white and black color palette, even for spring? We know we are. So sorry pastels, but we’re going to pass this year!

images via The Line

MWW: {Spring’s Simple Silhouette}

Fashion

Spring is right around the corner which means it’s that time of year: time to refresh your wardrobe for the new season! Luckily for us, a lot of our fall and winter pieces are going to make the cut this year. We’re pretty excited about the move away from overly-cutesy florals and flirty shapes; Spring is welcoming a simpler silhouette this season. We’re calling it “the new basic” {as this fab T Magazine essay validates} and we’re quite happy about it!

Nude, white, black and grey basics are the starting point for Spring this year, so there is no need to push the pieces you layered up with in winter to the back of the closet. Button ups, wide leg trousers, silk blouses and cinched jogging pants are all game in this transition to warmer weather. That means no rush to short skirts or daisy dukes. Hallelujah!

We’re loving this new Need Supply line as it is full of these well made and well tailored wardrobe staples. Certainly there is still a fun flair to the looks like leather trimmings and silk palazzo style shorts. Our favorite by far is this amazing white tunic-style blouse with the open back! Need that – ASAP!

The best thing about working with a simple silhouette is getting to play around with accessories. Our advice to keep your look smart and clean is to have fun, but remember to keep your additions paired down. An orangey-camel colored cross over bag is perfect with any white outfit. Cool nail colors like grey and dark green are going to bring some much needed edge to the neutrals. And a simple stacked heel or dainty gold bracelet will make everything subtly sexy!

get your shop on: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

These pieces are getting us SO excited for Spring. Fall has always been a favorite season just because of all the luscious layering that can be had, but with all of these drool-worthy basics, it looks like Spring might finally be a season to look forward to, too!

How about you? Are you into the return of this simply-chic style?

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