My thoughts on the Royal Wedding

Blame it on too much Disney and Barbie dolls (Thanks, Mom!), but my hibernating little girl princess fantasy came to life this morning. I'll gladly admit that I teared up when the new Duchess of Cambridge exited the Rolls Royce at Westminster Abbey.  The neckline, the lace, the veil, the train, the tiara...I have no words for it. It has become my all time favorite bridal look, over my previous faves, including Grace Kelly, Gwen Stefani, Jessica Simpson, and Carrie Bradshaw's Vivienne Westwood. It put every other wedding dress to shame. Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen and, of course, Catherine Middleton, hit the proverbial nail on the head or hit the ball out of the park and however else you can say that it was, well...simply perfect.

Now, I am not one to put the horse before the cart and say what I would have worn if I were a princess bride - don't want to get ahead of myself or jinx the possibility. I will; however, venture a guess on what I would have worn if I were one of the 1,900 attendees at the wedding. The wedding invitations stated "Uniform, Morning Coat or Lounge Suit," which only gave the gentlemen an idea of what to wear. From the pictures of the monarchs, celebrities, and family & friends of the bride and groom, the women were to wear suits or dresses with jackets and hats or fascinators and show minimal skin. Some did it well, I'm talking to you...Princess Marie Chantal (shown in gray), Victoria Beckham, Princess Letizia, and my pick of Best Dressed, Lady Frederick Windsor (shown in navy). 

DO

 

While others, like Joss Stone, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson (shown in too bright and too much blue), Miriam Gonzalez (shown with the red flower), and Princess Eugenie, could have used some of the new Duchess's classic guidance.

DON'T 

 With these do's & don'ts to go from, I would definitely top my pixie cut with a fab lil (or big) fascinator rather than a hat to show that I do, actually have hair. Due to my current obsession with feather earrings, it seems to be a natural progression to also adorn my head with feathers, such as Frances Osbourne's choice below.

Question: how fabulous would the teal confection above have looked with Prince Harry's on again girlfriend's Chelsea Davy's outfit? I think it's the pick that fits my personal style, except for her blah headpiece. C'mon girl...you're in the big leagues!

I hope that each of you enjoyed the day's festivities as much as I did. Cheers!

Bright copper kettles...

It seems only appropriate that the favorite thing post with "copper" in the title would feature something in that color family. Therefore, I give you my third favorite thing: slim red jeans.

Blending in, be damned! I love color and brights, as anyone who knows me is aware of, so this color and cut are perfect for me and those who are like minded. Although I do not recommend wearing these on the humid, 90 degree days of summer, for right now, these pants are the cat's pajamas, so to speak. Usually, when one thinks of red, the natural neutral is black, right? Not anymore, my friends. Think of lightening up this hearty hue with beige, white, cognac, navy, pastels of any color, or olive green. It's all about making it day appropriate. As for getting the fit right, keep it slim and ankle length (no boot cut or flare) and if you come upon a twill material, that's good too! Top off the outfit with some cognac or tan accessories and you're out the door! Find your own red jeans here, here, or here.

Adapting style from...Lake Bell

Another resource for great outfit inspirations is at People.com in the Style section entitled "Last Night's Look: Hit or Miss." I check it out daily and some of the photos are beyond bad or incredibly boring and uninspiring; however, the majority leave me with mouth gaping wide in admiration! Take Lake Bell's stunning combination of color in a streamlined pencil skirt and turtleneck. The simplicity is ingenious. Sometimes, less is certainly more. How are we mere mortals, who lack the resources of a personal shopper or unlimited bank accounts, supposed to obtain a look this fab? It's elementary, my dear Watsons ;)

First, get a hunter or olive green turtleneck or crewneck in a jersey knit, not wool. Be sure that it's fitted. This color was hard to find right now, probably because it's is reserved for the fall/winter months, which is what makes the pairing even more inspired! This one by Three Dots is available at zappos.com for $40.

 Second, a yellow pencil skirt. I saw one at New York & Company last month, but they are no longer available on the website (boo hoo)! If you're near one of the stores, take a peak in for it. Otherwise, this one is from Anthropologie in tweed for $148. Personally, I think it's worth the moo-lah.

Third, get some sort of fancy shoe in cognac...be it a bootie, wedge, or chunky pump. Just make it substantial, nothing dainty. I die for these Vince Camuto booties on piperlime.com for $80 that will make the transition to spring a beautiful thing - just think of how long your legs will look in these!

Lastly,  a purple clutch to complete this color wheel. I love the idea of bright colored clutches in place of the blah black that most of us immediately turn to. This gem is available at ebags.com (my new favorite site) for $50.

Now although these items are mainly above $50, it does make the outfit a bit pricier; however, they will each bring so much to the existing pieces in your wardrobe. When you are focusing so much on the line of a piece, which this ensemble requires, I definitely recommend the investment into some higher quality items. Happy imitating and adapting :)

Adapting Style from...Emmy Rossum

Every day, I receive an email from InStyle with the "Look of the Day." It's great inspiration that is timely, fancy or casual, and easy to copy. Case in point - Emmy Rossum attending something that celebrities attend with a fabulous transition outfit. The idea of wearing your pretty, colorful, and patterned summer dresses now is a possibility, my friends. The incorporation of grounding black and the pop of a colorful shoe makes me swoon! How can you recreate this fab look for just a little bit of dough? Here's how...

First, purchase one of these cute lil dresses from Forever 21, all are under $23.

Second, purchase a cropped black blazer, also from Forever 21 for under $30.

Third, get some Hue brand opaque black tights at a department store. I recommend these because they last long and are really dark, rather than pseudo black, despite being a bit more expensive (at $15) rather than $8 for the Target brand. You will thank me when you can wear them for two or more seasons rather than having to replace them after three wears!

Lastly, get some bright heels that pull from one of the many colors in your frock...teal, red, pink, blue, or purple. These two beauties are from Target for $30!

Lessons learned by today's post? Being fashionable does not cost a lot of money...YAY! This entire outfit is roughly $100 and each piece can be worn in numerous ways. I think I'll wear this exact outfit on Saturday night! Happy imitating and adapting :)

Mile High Thigh Highs

If I said the words "thigh high" to you...what would you think? Something along the line of street corners and Pretty Woman? Up until this season, I would have to; however, the thigh highs that the "it" girls are wearing are not fishnets with skin tight shirts and skirts. They're opaque, thick, and in solid neutral colors.

A trend like this takes commitment...you just have to go for it in place of those tights! If you have the pieces, and there are certain pieces that are necessary, it puts a great pep in your step for spring! It's not for the faint of heart, no, but it's surprisingly, blatantly, and demurely sexy all in one... when paired with the right ensemble. 

Your mission, should you chose to accept it, is to follow these rules:

1. Show the hint of skin between the top of the sock and the bottom of the skirt...
think at least two hands above your knee; 

2. Keep it loose...evening shorts, A-line skirts, and casual dresses in flowy fabrics, like a shirt dress or unstructured shift with a silky button down, boyfriend blazer, or cardigan;

3. Accessorize... with a necklace, ring, bracelet, and earrings topped off with a cross body bag;

4. Wear the right shoes...ankle boots, lace up or caged booties, oxford pumps, or mary janes;

5. Choose black or gray. Although Carrie Bradshaw could pull of red argyle in SATC, she is, well... Carrie Bradshaw, and she, my friends, can do anything. However, I do prefer this more neutral choice in thigh highs.

My good friend, Rob, clapped, literally clapped, when I came out from getting ready recently wearing black ankle boots, gray mini skirt, loose red tank, boyfriend blazer, and black thigh highs. I'd say that's cause for another try with this trend! Find 'em for yourself at American Apparel.

And whiskers on kittens...

For the second installment of my favorite things, of which I am unsure how many there will be, I am going to feature another staple for the season: the straw fedora.

I've owned one by Eugenia Kim when she designed a line for Target last spring. Eugenia Kim is the one and only line that celebs, and those who can spend $300 on a hat, turn to. I hope she does another collaboration, as the collection was roughly sold at 10% of their normal prices; however, if she doesn't there are many other varieties. Recently, on a jaunt through Wicker Park, I found a hat store called Goorin Brothers. It's like the mecca for straw fedoras, in addition to carrying every other type of hat you could think of. There were so many different colors and brim widths with varieties of ribbon detailing or weaving.  Now, if you're like me and have a...larger than most head...it's either men's hats or a no go, right? No one size fits all at this store..the hats are not entirely gender specific and based upon the actual size of your head - brilliant! But, since most of you are probably of normal cranial circumference, there are many more varieties at just about any store. I like this one from Urban Outfitters at only $24! You better believe that mine will be accompanying me on every beach day, outdoor music concert, street festival, and afternoon picnic I engage in.

Spring Jacket Bonanza

It seems as though Chicago spoke too soon in welcoming the warm weather. At this time, the temperatures go up and down, with no consistency, and the rain will likely come sideways on occasion! With all that uncertainty, a girl has to be prepared on what to put on over the shirts, skirts, dresses, and bare skin that shouldn't be exposed to these elements just yet. Much like my post on spring shoes, jackets are just as easy to over indulge in. They're all so cute after puffers and wool and every one you see has some use, right? Even that knock-off Chanel tweed with grommets could be used gloriously as could the madras blazer; however, in honor of my commitment to maintaining a sense (if only a little one) of penny pinching, I will give you four jackets that are wise and versatile investments.

The Utility Jacket

As you can see, it has the ability to be dressed up or down and if I do say so myself, olive is an AH-mazing neutral. I do not know what my spring and fall would be without mine. The varieties can be belted, which I think looks best when a contrasting leather one in black or brown is used, or can be worn casually open. Just about every store that I've gone into recently has had one type or another. This Gap version is a perfect color, shape, and price at $65!

 Jean Jacket

The newlywed Reese Witherspoon has done exactly what should be done with a jean jacket, which is to transition your summer dresses from out of hiding! I remember being made fun of, or we'll say, jested at, by some boys in college about wearing a jean jacket and I have to say it had no effect on my continued wear or opinion of them. In fact, the same Old Navy model I had then is the one I have now...take that! Treat yours like its two legged cousin and wear it with anything and everything, just stick with the classic shape and color...not too dark or too light.

Sleeveless Trench

In the words of the notorious RZ, "I die" for this trend. I don't know about any of you, but regardless of the need for a coat during rain, it's still humid and I get hot with a traditional coat. Therefore, this has answered my perspiration prayers. Another kicker? It easily transitions into a dress too. Oh, what fun it is to give the typical trench an update! This stunner is from Urban Outfitters for $79.

Cropped Leather Jacket

Leather? In warmer weather? Yes, indeed it can be done, especially when it's faux. On top of a floral skirt or dress it adds something unexpected to the look. It also keeps your from giving in entirely to the navy, white, and khaki brigade that spring usually brings. Use this option to fight it my edgy princesses...and cheaply at that. Apostrophe at Sears has one for $40.

Enjoy these staples and don't forget to share any of your new spring jacket purchases!

Raindrops on roses...

I think I'm going to start a new series about my favorite things. Although you are all aware of those "I can't live without this" items from the fall and winter, I will break up the spring items throughout the coming months as I am unsure of what items, new or old, that I will repeatedly turn to in times of low motivation and inspiration. I will feature the things that have quite literally changed my life already, as well as new pieces that most definitely will have an effect on infusing beauty into my wardrobe. My hope is that sharing these finds will instill the same sort of passion and appreciation in each of you.

In honor of the inaugural post of this series, if I had to pick one item of my apparel and/or accessories that has outlasted fashion and wear besides some raggedy, but may I add comfortable t-shirts, it is my turquoise necklace. The beauty I have is one strand and can be looped once. It's just simply perfect. It adds edge, color, and texture to simply everything! As seen on Megan Fox, it even spring-ifies the LBD.

The important things to consider before purchasing one is to confirm that the stones are actually real turquoise! Even though it may be appealing to only spend $15 on rows of this glorious hue, colored plastic will fade and chip. Yes, you are going to spend upwards of $40 or more depending on the weight and amount of this stone in the neckace, but I can promise that it is worth your investment. Case in point, this turquoise necklace at Overstock, has gotten many positive reviews and looks great!

Do you have your own version of it? Share!

The Skinny on Skinny Belts

If I could write a sonnet, like Romeo did to Juliet, it would be dedicated to belts! I have infinite love for these strands of leather, canvas, rope, and metal joined by buckles, clasps, toggles, and buttons. They have elevated many of my outfits from "blah" to "daaaaaaamn" and given women with curves the chance to show 'em, and those without, to make it look like they have 'em. Although I believe in the necessity of wide and skinny belts, I think that skinny is the easier to pull off and will be the most appropriate for the coming months. You can easily get away with purchasing four options, although I'm pretty sure I have about twenty...don't judge.

1. A bright color...teal, orange, coral, pink, yellow, red, blue, purple.

 2. Black and brown - feel free to add some interest with studs, patent, or weaved.

3. A textured print, like snakeskin, leopard, or braided.

The skinny belt will draw the eye to your waist, the tiniest part, and also, define your waist when layering with cardigans, blazers, or scarves. When you are buying a skinny belt, be sure that you can wear it at your waist and on your hips. The extra length can be looped around!

If the Shoe Fits (What to Put on Your Feet for Spring)

If you're anything like me, which if you're reading this then you probably are, you are anxiously awaiting the time to get a pedi and show off your toes, or at least carefully apply some sunless tanner and put your gams out there without being restricted by tights or boots! Personally, I find myself easily overwhelmed (and overspent) when it comes to a new season of shoe shopping. Let's face it, after a drab winter, any wedge, peep toe, or sandal in color or print with cutouts and details is fair game. I'm sure we've all bought an insanely cute pair of shoes, brought them home with the best intentions of wearing them with a sparkly mini dress or when we go to the pool at a resort or on a cruise. Alas, without a sparkly mini dress or any plans to visit a resort or go on a cruise, we are then left wondering, "What the heck do I wear these with?!" Then, they sit in our closets until they're sold in a garage sale or given to a friend or family member. It's a sad but all too true tale. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of outfits you will be wearing through these warmer months.  I think we can easily classify some categories of bottoms and determine a few different options of appropriate footwear dependent on your personal style. 

1. Wide Leg/Flared Jean

Be it jeans or even chinos, ensure that you have a substantial shoe to weigh down the magnitude of this style. Therefore, a platform with a thick or wedge heel is necessary...think wood platforms. Keep the stilettos, kitten heels, slides, slingbacks, or strappy styles in the closet! Also, make sure that your pants are long enough...they should graze the floor. My choice for this season are at by Frye for $115 at Zappos.com.

 

Or these below are from Target for $18.

2. Knee Length Pencil Skirt

This notoriously versatile and flattering piece is an essential in your work day wardrobe. When completing the look with this skirt style, keep it streamlined and form fitting with a peep toe. Of course, it's perfectly acceptable to wear those black pumps; however, that option would keep you in the fall and winter mindset. Even if your skirt is black, to update it to the spring and summer, it's necessary to invest in a pair of nude peep toes to leave your options of colors and patterns endless and most importantly, make your legs look miles long! These Nine West beauties are $79 and available at Zappos.com.

3. Shorts 

Each of you know shorts. The three to five inch inseam variety in jean or chino are the weekend warriors of warm weather. You will wear them with tunics, tanks, button downs, sports tees, bikinis, etc. Now, I am a huge fan of flip flops, especially Havaianas, but would it be such a stretch of the imagination to bring some East Coast sailing style into the mix with Sperry Top Siders? They immediately prep up an outfit and infuse your spirit with thoughts of sea side living. I have to say that without a doubt, they are the Uggs of summer due to their comfort, sustainability, and color options. I've seen them everywhere from Famous Footwear to department stores for around $80.

4. A-Line Skirt

The many varieties of this shape in skirts and dresses have been resurrected in prints, solids, and stripes ranging from mid thigh to knee and down to mid calf, especially this season. Regardless of the option you intend to rock, the shoe should always be the same - an espadrille! Although they began as a flat soled shoe created in Catalonia int he 14th century (thank you, Wiki), the one worth your investment in is a strappy, heeled wedge. The pair below are by Steve Madden and available at Piperlime.com for $80 and are a dead ringer for the uber popular (but expensive) Stuart Weitzmans.  

Or these below are at Target for $25 and getting solid reviews for comfort.

 5. Maxi Skirt

As featured previously, the long length in skirts and dresses is more "in" than...well, anything else this season, in my opinion. In order to own this reincarnation of a carefree flower child look, you need to keep your feet flat on the ground, literally, with gladiator sandals. They need to be strappy, detailed, colorful, animal print, beaded, or metallic. Maybe all at once! Go for more with these since they will most likely be worn with a solid skirt that will need a pop of something. I have a pair of Sam Edelmans from a couple years ago in leopard print with beading detail and they have gone with everything (even prints) and have definitely worn well. Try this option by the designer for $100 on Zappos.com. You will not be disappointed!

6. Slim Cropped Pants

After all those rules and regulations, I have some good news. The cigarette pants, as it's also known, goes with any of the shoes we've discussed! Keep the length at or just above your ankle and you're good to go with a wooded platform, nude peep toe, Sperry Top Sider, espadrille, or gladiator sandal.

Happy Shoe Hunting!

Say Hello, Wave Good-Bye

Today is Cubs opening day at Wrigley Field - go Cubs go! For many in the Windy City, this means the beginning of a season of hope that maybe, just maybe, the Chicago Cubs will crush that curse and surprise all their fans with a winning season. The start of baseball season signals the unofficial start of spring. Even though the official start is March 20, we Chicagoans have still been waiting to retire our winter coats, gloves, and boots. For me, this time of year will be welcomed with a heavy heart. There were some amazing pieces in my closet that made my fall and winter a study in the power of fashion over the mind, body, and spirit...and the onset of seasonal affective disorder. I would like to take this opportunity to pay homage to these items in the hopes that you may be able to locate them in the clearance sales and so I can give them one last flight of glory.

First, I give you the Club Monaco faux fur vest.  It literally changed my life. I was able to wear it with anything and everything...button downs of white, plaid, or chambray, turtlenecks, graphic print shift dresses, bright long sleeve tees, thin sweaters and combined with skinny or flare jeans, solid short skirts, patterned pencil skirts, and bootcut corduroy, skinny cargo, and harem pants. Under a winter wool jacket or green army jacket, it created extra warmth and visual appeal around the neckline. 

Second, we have the Nine West over the knee flat suede black boots. I bought them at the outlet in Aurora, but also saw them at the Halsted location store in mid March. They were featured in my post, "What to wear NOW." Whether it was with jeans, leggings, or tights these puppies added a certain casual chicness. I especially liked that they were loose and featured a tie top. Although the below picture is not the exact boots that I own, you get the idea.

Third, a colorful, graphic, silk, loose fitting tank. I found mine in a boutique in Auburn, GA. The colors are vivid and include turquoise, yellow, gray, red, blue, green, black, white, and orange. I know that it sounds like a Chicago Style hot dog; however, it's stunning and with all the colors, it's easy to match it with anything! I wore it under blazers, over turtlenecks, belted or loose, with jeans, leggings, and skirts of all shapes and sizes. I know I will continue to wear it in the spring and cooler summer days, but it brought such life to my winter wardrobe, I had to include it. If you come upon something similar...invest!

Fourth, my Michael Kors gold boyfriend watch and Kenneth Jay Lane gemstone ring, which seem like one item to me since I have yet to wear one without the other. They were gifts from two very different, but equally important men in my life I think they speak for themselves in their versatility and beauty.

Fifth, my J.Crew wool mini skirt in mustard. I bought it at the outlet in Aurora. If you haven't gone, make plans to go ASAP! It was featured in my post "Mixing Brights! Go boldly where you have yet to go..." I've worn it with blue, red, black, brown, navy, purple, and gray...and all the patterns and textures in between. The short length and a-line fit are the best features. Talk about a new neutral! I also found many uses for a long sleeve tee and boyfriend cardigan, both in this hue.

Sixth, another J.Crew outlet find, a sequined crewneck sweatshirt. The genius combination of fancy and comfortable in one piece. It really spoke for itself when worn with anything, so I kept it minimal with jeggings and leggings with boots or Converse All Stars; however, it also held it's own belted with a black pencil skirt and pumps and over a button down with gray corduroys!

Finally, I will end with the chambray shirt. The denim on denim trend steamrolled its way into Fall of 2010 and isn't going away. It has taken the place of the white button down and become as as easy as jeans themselves. Whether you pair it with a lace or sequined skirt, a sweater or blazer, corduroys or cargos, or dark denim and boots, it's all appropriate. Much like the aforementioned tank, I will continue to wear this through the coming months; however, it will no longer fulfill the role of the quintessential layering piece.

Well, there you have it folks. My tried and true of the fall and winter...faux fur vest, over the knee flat boots, colorful silk tank, gold watch & ring, mustard skirt, sequined sweatshirt, and chambray shirt. Bring on the spring and summer for all new staples!