Sometimes life gives us bumps on the road. Unexpected turns. Ok, lets talk fashion terms: Sometimes your favorite top shrink, you loose an earring or break a heel. The difference is that when it comes to living a fashionable, savvy and chic life is that those things have little value when Real Life brings unexpected change. We can't control other people's choices, their actions or the consequences they bring. And when real life, real crisis comes along it can make things like having a blog or caring about fashion seem so worthless, pointless and of little value.
This last year has been the most difficult time of my life. A marriage on the rocks, a husband away most of the time and two small children to take care of. Now in the middle of divorce and there being so many changes in life, I find it hard to think it "necessary" to write on a blog and think it worth my time and energy.
What value does it bring? Well I have decided that the things that help me cope best with all the difficulties I am facing is when I do something creative: baking, crafting, or reading about fashion. So why not blog about it? We all need to be savvy, and now as a newly single mom trying to get my bearing on life, I have NO budget for clothes.....but I can still be creative with what I have. Maybe even more motivation to document and write about being Stylish, Savvy & Chic. Its about enjoying life where you are, being creative in your wardrobe and creating a chic home that reflects your personal style while working with a budget, or next to no budget. Sound like fun doesn't it? If nothing else, I hope that this will find a way to inspire others to do life well, and enjoy the small things in life along the way.
Stylish. Savvy. Chic
September 8, 2012
October 10, 2011
Everyday Style
Occasion: Womens Church Group
Denim stretch pencil skirt: Coverse for Target $19.99
Black Tectured Tights: Bannana Republic $10
Suede wedge slouch boots: Steve Madden, DSW (3 years ago)
Black top, Marshalls $12.99
Burgandy Tweed Blazer: Goodwill, $8
I was browsing through a recent issue of People Syle Watch and saw a picture of several celebrities wearing black tight with denim skirts. It had never occured to me to do this. I usually wear my denim skirt only as a summer skirt with sandals or wedges, but liked the way that it made the look more casual and relaxed. I wore this to a weekly womens meeting at my church. I loved the casual boots with the textured tights and denim skirt. I want to try this combination with a chunky sweater as well.
October 7, 2011
Fall Trend: Pleated Skirts & Dresses
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| JCREW |
Style trends inspired by the 70's are HUGE this fall. You may be noticing that everything from platform shoes, flared jeans, lady-like flowy blouses, dolman sleeves and capes are making a come back. Another trend I am seeing is pleated skirts, both long, midi length and short. But mostly in a midi ( or medium) length, landing just past the knee or about upper to mid-calf. I decided I wanted to give this particular trend a try. When wearing these 70's inspired looks, you have the option of going all out 70's or taking it to a modern look with modern edgy accessories.
A couple weeks ago I had an opportunity to talk with a Stylist from People's Style Watch Magazine at a Mall in Denver. I had a personal 15 minute consultation with her, and was able to ask her about this seasons fall trends. She also had a closet of clothes there to show me examples of the trends and outfits. I was really curious about this 70's style pleated skirt look and how to wear it in a modern stylish way, without looking like I was wearing a "grandma dress". I had recently gone to Goodwill and picked up a vintage dress, with a blousen top, elastic sinched waste and pleated skirt. The Stylist I spoke to gave me some great ideas for updating this dress to give it a modern edgy look. Here are the tips she gave me:
- She recommended tights ( textured are always great) and some rocking, edgy ankle boots.
- Never wear the belt that came with the dress--put a modern belt with it. She recommended one with metal details for a modern look.
- A chunky or multi-chain 5 or more layer necklace
- Layering a sweater over the top with the sleeve of the dress popping out at the bottom of the sweater sleeve. Chunky sweater knits and cable knits are also back in now.
So, here is my "new" dress, 100% polyester, I purchased at Goodwill for $4. I am really excited to wear this outfit, and will probably wear it to church this weekend. I still need to look for a couple other accessories, i.e. earrings and maybe a different necklace, but overall I like the looks and how they came together. Another thing I may change is removing the shoulder I would love to read your comments. This is definately stretching me in the area of style and trends, but it is also really fun to experiment with!
70's Style Dress: Goodwill, $4
Black Textured Tights: Bananna Republic, $10
Black Platform Ankle boots: Kelly & Katie, DSW $49
Stretch Belt with metal details: Apt. 9, Kohls $18
Multi-strand Necklace, Ny & Company
Bangle Bracelet, NY & Company
Black v-neck sweater: Banana Republic Outlet, $20
October 6, 2011
Style Inspiration
This morning as stepped out onto my porch I was met with a crisp fall morning and cool breeze. Fall is most definitely in the air and I am reminded why autumn is one of my favorite times of year. I love boots, blazers and well just about everything that has to do with fall fashion. I love the layers, being able to wear a sweater with a scarf and being able to still skip on the heavy coats. This is an outfit I put together that really speaks fall to me, and is therefore my fall Style Inspiration for today. Its a classic look that shouts fall in a stylish sophisticated way and is really versatile enough to take you from lunch with a friend to shopping, errands around town and weekend activities.
Keep in mind that a structured sweater like this is great, because you can wear it like you would a fitted blazer, it has the same function both as a layering piece and finishing piece to your outfit. I love it with the scarf because it ads pattern and interest. This outfit shows skinny jeans, but I realize skinny jeans are not for everyone. This outfit inspiration would also look great with a straight leg trouser jean or bootcut jean and with a short boot or bootie underneath. If you are 1-2 sizes larger on bottom you can do a skinny jean, if you are more than 2 sizes different, than a skinny jean may not be your best friend--consider a straight leg/trouser jean instead.
October 3, 2011
Fall Trend : Animal Print
One great way to add texture, pattern and interest to an outfit is Animal Print. Animal print continues to be a trend for fall this year and the great thing is you have lots of options when it comes to incorporating animal print into an outfit. I love the idea of an animal print shoe, scarf or hand bag, because it can be subtle or a statement piece depending on the color of the animal print and what you pair it with. I love wearing an animal print shoe because being that animal prints are neutrals ( browns, blacks and tans) they really can "go" with a lot. Another great way to add texture and interest to an outfit is with a purse, clutch or handbag. A snakeskin or croc ads texture. I have seen beautiful croc textured purses in jewel tones for fall that really stand out!
Have you added animal print accessories to your wardrobe this season? If so I would love to hear about your favorite animal print in your wardrobe or accessories and how you are wearing it!
September 13, 2011
Style Inspiration-Working Separates
Working Separates
- Texture: Tweeds and textured pants, skirts & jackets add interest to an outfit.
- Pattern: Subtle patterns such as hounds tooth, plaids, and herringbone can be treated as a neutral and worn with anything. Don't be afraid to mix patterns such as florals with herringbone, polka dots and plaid, etc. The idea is to have the same color scheme so they "go". Patterned scarves and blouses are a great way to mix patterns. I love to mix florals and animal prints-you can do this for a work outfit by having a floral scarf or blouse and animal print shoe or bag. But just keep the animal print to one or two pieces so you still keep a professional appearance.
- Sparkle: Statement necklaces and bold jewelry is great for professional wear and ads some sparkle to any outfit. You can also look for metallic tweeds or embellished blouses to wear under a jacket.
Floral Blouse: Alfani, Macy's $15
Pants: H&M $35
Shoes: DSW
Belt: NY & Company $15
Earrings: Absolute Chocolate diamond hoops, HSN, Birthday Present
Bracelet: Stretch pearl bracelet, birthday present
September 10, 2011
Fall Fashion Color Palette 2011
Last year much of the fall and winter colors were muted, grays, browns and earth tones--this fall is about pops of color while still staying in the deeper tones. The great thing about knowing what colors run through different seasons is really, they repeat themselves. You probably already have clothing for fall in these tones. I like what the Pantone Color Institute does in talking about the various color hues for fall and which colors also compliment them. Wear the colors that you love the most and compliment your skin tone.
I personally love the emberglow, phlox, cedar, teal, and coffee. These are colors that I already naturally gravitate towards. I can already think of several items I have from previous fall & winter seasons tucked away until colder weather sets in: A phlox (purple) sweater, deep teal belted cardigan/sweater coat, and lightweight drape neckline tops in emberglow and orchid rush. I am inspired by the discription below to try pairing different colors together and bring a fresh twist to these tops for fall. Already I have spotted scarves in retail stores incorporating multiple colors from this palette, which would be a great way to incorporate color & coordinate with pieces you already own.
Which colors are you most drawn to in this color palette?
FROM THE PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE
“Designers take a painterly approach to fall 2011 by artfully combining bright colors with staple neutrals, reminiscent of how an artist would construct a stunning work of art,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Much like a painter's masterpiece, there is a certain romance to this season's palette.”
Bamboo, a surprising fall hue, brings a warm, exotic flavor to the season. Like a filtered sunset on the waning days of fall, Bamboo is a standout yellow with a subtle green undertone. This dappled shade pairs dramatically with several of the top 10, including Phlox, Teal and Honeysuckle.
Radiant Emberglow, a traditional autumnal tone, emanates the warmth of a glowing fire – the perfect panacea to the crisp air of fall. Combine Emberglow with Coffee Liqueúr for a classic look, or with Honeysuckle for something a bit more retro. Add a spark with shoes or a handbag in Emberglow, or perhaps a patterned scarf combining purpled Phlox or Deep Teal.
Offering a sense of continuity from spring, dynamic Honeysuckle adds a bold punctuation point. This playful, reddish pink works with any other color in the palette, especially fall staples like Coffee Liqueúr and Nougat. To add some intensity, pair it with complementary Bamboo. Flirtatious and festive, Honeysuckle produces a healthy glow – great for cosmetics and holiday soirees.
Phlox, a magical, deep purple with a hint of mystery, is an outstanding statement when worn on its own. Add Phlox to this season's neutrals to create a bit of drama, or combine it with Cedar, Deep Teal or Coffee Liqueúr for something extraordinary. To add even more excitement, pair Phlox with Honeysuckle or Bamboo against a Cedar background – a combination inspired by Mother Nature.
Evoking the freshness of a cool mist in a dark forest, Cedar is a versatile, mid-tone neutral green. It is a natural with Deep Teal, and sophisticated and timeless with Phlox or Orchid Hush.
Deep Teal, a strong, blue-toned green, suggests ocean depths and the color of the sky as daylight descends into darkness. A great standard when used with Cedar, its color-wheel neighbor, Deep Teal is also a unique counterpoint to Honeysuckle.
Consumers continue to add stability to their wardrobes with neutrals.
Rich, decadent Coffee Liqueúr brings a sense of elegance to fall, and is a savory alternative to basic black.
A deliciously warm camel tan, Nougat is tastefully embellished by Phlox, Emberglow or Honeysuckle.
Orchid Hush, a unique tone of gray with complex orchid undertones, blends well with any other color in the palette.
Quarry, a reliable medium gray, remains, as always, a practical, dependable staple.
For over 17 years, Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season's most important color trends. This report previews the most prominent hues for fall 2011
September 9, 2011
Style Inspiration
Fall is all about layers, and layers really are a great way to navigate falls changing temperatures. Rather than grabbing your favorite hoodie, consider finding some new favorites: Structured Layers. Cardigans, jackets, blazers are great subsitutes for a hoodie or sweathirt, and are more polished and put together. Look for pieces that have darting, seeming and detailing that emphesizes the waste. If you carry weight in your mid-section, then a jacket really is your best friend. Look for jackets and blazers that come in with darting and seeming at the waste and flare out at the hip, this will camouflage your tummy area and give you a more curvy hourglass shape.
September 8, 2011
Everyday Style
Todays everyday style was inspired by a bit of 70's. I love the nude platform shoes I am wearing and I decided to go with a flowy blouse belted at the waste and a boot cut jean for a bit of flare. Remember when doing retro inspired looks to keep them modern at the same time and limit the retro looking pieces in your outfit to just a couple so you don't look "costumie". Just for fun I have included a photo first of how NOT to dress 70's unless you are intending to wear a costume!
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| Starsky & Hutch Movie Premiere, Warner Bros. Pictures. My days working in the Marketing Department, Warner Bros. |
Occasion: Women's Group at my Church
Jacket: Suede Jacket-Had Forever
Blouse: Alfani, Macy's $15
Jeans: Gap $20
Belt: H&M $6
Cuff Watch: Kohls, $12
Nude Platform Pumps: $30
Gold Feather Earrings: Forever 21, $4
Serving up Savvy Hospitality
I must admit ( and anyone who knows me, knows this) that I love a good cappuccino! We have a cappuccino machine at our house and I love to have friends in for a latte or cappucino, some homemade treats and of course good conversation. Sometimes its the little things that can make your time with a friend special. A nice glass, tea cup or coffee cup can turn simple into chic. You don't have to spend alot, in fact there are plenty of bargains out their to serve up some hospitality with style. My husband and I recently found these coffee cup & saucer sets at Goodwill for fifty cents a set! We picked up four sets for $2!
Coffee Cup & Saucer: Goodwill $2 for 4 sets
Fancy Spoon: World Market, $2
Table Cloth: Ross $10
Everyday Style
We have a had a little bit cooler temps here the last few days, and today was cool and overcast most of the day. This provided me a great opportunity to wear my new scarf. Scarves can provide interest to an outfit and act as a completer piece with tops and t-shirts. Look for florals and animal print scarves in lightweight material that can transition through the seasons. This outfit was perfect because I was comfortable enough to chase my children around the playground, but still looked polished and put together.
Occasion: Playgroup at the Park & Running Errands
Long Sleeve eggplant/deep purple top: $18, Ann Taylor
Scarf: $12.99, Target
Jeans: $23, Gap Outlet
Ecco Mary Jane Flats: $25, Ecco Outlet
September 7, 2011
Style Inspiration: Four Ways Wear a Blouse
Everyday Style
Now that fall is here and school has started we may be headed into fall, but don't pack away your sundresses just yet! Now is the time to transition them into fall and get a little more wear out of them. Especially if you have a bright sunny day, its percfectly ok to enjoy some bright colors in your clothes. This fall is all about bright pops of color! I plan on wearing this dress with leggings, boots and a chunky cardigan as the weather gets cooler.
Occasion: Church
Sundress: New York & Company $25
Shoes: Kelly & Katie, DSW $30
Earring: Absolute, HSN $22
Dress paired with a fitted jacket for slightly cooler weather.
Jacket: Kohls, gift
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