My 2013 Game Changers (Clothing & Accessories)

If you will be shopping either online or in store on the day after Christmas, might I suggest a few things to pick up? These eight items have most certainly changed my game and will continue the most often grabbed from my closet.

1. Men's Blazer : The "borrowed from the boys" trend continues and oversized 

overcoats are a must-have to cover up the layers.

2. Coated Jeans : With a sheen that's as much glam as it is casual, these will replace your 

distressed boyfriend jeans when it gets to cold to where anything with holes. 

3. Jean Vest : Much like the chambray of the yesteryear, this is a way to add texture 

without bulk, especially under your winter jackets and blazers.

4. Knuckle Rings : These slim bands are the key to a minimalistic look

5. Chunky Gold Chain Necklace : A fail safe face brightener and "wear with anything" 

length, you probably need a back-up in case of fading from overwear!

6. Metallic Tee : A key layering piece, especially with it's loose fit, is a great way to highlight
your gold accessories and is flattering over tight jeans or tucked into a full skirt.
7. Cropped Tank : In navy, this top fits perfect atop high waisted bottoms and has
become the most versatile piece in my collection for any season.
8. Tulle Skirt : Despite making such a statement, this gem can achieve many different looks,
like edgy with combat boots and a jean jacket or "meet the parents" prim
with a black turtleneck and kitten heels.

What were your game changers? 

Because I Must Wear Flats

It's no secret I'm a heels girl; however, I recently broke my fibula and tibia simply by stepping off the sidewalk in these beloved platforms. Therefore, I'm using crutches or a knee scooter until I can bear weight on my right foot (date to be determined) and have to accept that it will be a very long time until I'm wearing anything higher than 1.5 inches off the ground. Since flats account for only 25% of my entire collection, I need to expand my selection.

Before my injury, wearing flats was more of a necessity to commute to work. I would put on my Tom's for the train ride and lovingly placing my heels in my work tote to change into immediately upon entering the office. I have already begun to realize that my extra long wide leg trousers and below the knee pencil skirts will have to move to the back of my closet in favor of full mini and midiskirts, ankle pants, and maxi dresses, but I'm ready for the challenge...and some rewards points from my favorite shoe stores!

These are the five styles I will be wearing and buying in the next few months:

:: Metallic Pointy Toe ::
Despite not having the leg lengthening effects of a stiletto, the pointy toe will at least help rather than hinder in the flattering department, unlike the rounded toe sometimes can (especially for those of us with large feet).
:: Over the Knee Boot ::

Whether in suede, leather, or mixed materials, this type will keep you warm and stylish and maintain a clean line with every skirt you own or over your skinny jeans and leggings

:: Jewel Tone Oxfords ::

The borrowed from the boys look continues from crisp shirts and tweed to below the ankle and in burgundy, teal, or mustard, the colors will compliment all autumnal hues.

:: Patterned Loafers ::

Print mixers raise your hand, because these are for you! Leopard, plaid, polka dot, zebra, or tribal prints will be a great way to add texture and interest to the bottom half of your outfit.

:: Calf Hair d'Orsay ::

This material is the "it" girl of shoes - just don't wear it in the snow/rain - and for those who have multiple black flats, this is a new spin on an old favorite.

The New Mullet

While I love the concept of high-low fashion, I'm getting a bit tired of using the phrase. The mixing of casual and fancy pieces can be done in numerous ways and I've done my fare share of (trying to) rock this trend. Historically, it's been popular to wear your casual item on the bottom (i.e. jean cut offs or boyfriend jeans) and the fancy, be it sequins, beading, or a statement necklace on top. However, recently, I've been more drawn to having my statement piece on the bottom with jacquard pants, a mini skirt, or metallic pumps and pairing it with an understated striped tee or a jean jacket (see here, here, and here). I consider it an outfit mullet - business on top, party on the bottom. 

Can you get on board with rocking a mullet?

Recreate my look:

Princess Vera sweater (similar), Liz Claiborne tee, Worthington jacquard pants (similar), vintage scarf (similar) and clutch (similar here and here), Sam Edelman pumps (similar)

Fall Cravings (Episode 2)

A few more favorite things for fall...

Men's cardigan :: oversized and textured is a must to add coziness to your weekend uniform of skinnies and a tee

D'Orsay pump :: these are the perfect color and amount of toe cleavage for all those cropped trousers 

Graphic gold cuff :: imagine this over a thin sweater with a blazer on your shoulders and a pencil skirt

Leather pleated skirt :: mid-length is key for delaying the every day necessity of wearing tights

Navy leather jacket :: give your black moto jacket a rest for this one that's just as versatile yet unexpected

Gray jeans :: shading and edgy details make these jeans so much more interesting than your dark blue ones

Clockwise from top left: Koto Boucle Cardigan $89; Rebecca Minkoff Abel $295; Forever 21 Geo Cutout Cuff $5.80; Zara Coated Pleated Skirt $79.90; Tinley Road Vegan Leather Moto Jacket $149; STS Blue Moto Skinny Jeans $34.80

That Dress for Girl's Night

Let's give it up for that dress!

1. You can wear it on it's own - it's just that cute, interesting, and flattering; 

2. You can wear it with some casual layers - to make it autumn and errand appropriate. 

3. And lastly, you can wear it for a night out with your favorite ladies. 

This is the occasion to mix up patterns & colors and wear your highest heels with that extra accessory, be it a second cuff, silk scarf, or chandelier earrings. If I were a guest attending my own bachelorette party (which is happening in two short weeks), I would wear this exact outfit. However, since I am the VIP, my attire needs to be a bit more dramatic and Carrie-esque, so I'm bringing out the tulle!

Recreate my look:

Joe Fresh dress, Mink Pink tee (similar), vintage scarf (find one here), gold cuff, Steve Madden sandals (similar), Stella & Dot earrings, neon clutch

Fall Cravings (Episode 1)

These are some of my favorite things for fall...at least for this week.

1. Drop-waist flare skirt in any color, but an amazing coppery green will be your new neutral.

2. Jacquard cropped pants in any number of metallic prints will be perfect against casual chambray.

3. Open-toe ankle booties, especially in the of-the-moment colors of black with navy and paired with tights. 

4. Atypical plaid shirt in anything but cotton and especially mixed with floral - so, 90s throwback.

5. Leather baseball cap to cover up your bed head for weekend brunch and to add edge to literally everything.

Clockwise from top left: Club Monaco Felicia Skirt, ASOS Abstract Jacquard Pant, Louise et Cie Olivia bootie, ZARA crossover shirt, Urban Outfitters Leather Baseball Cap 

Jazz Age

Drop waist? Check. Long necklace? Check. Chin length, wavy bob? Check. Beading and pleats? Check. Statement lip? Check. I've got all the fashion elements of being a heroine in a remake of The Great Gatsby or The Sun Also Rises, except my love life is much more stable. 

Recreate my look:

Beaded tank (similar here and here), MNG blazer (similar), metallic skirt, gold pumps, gold cuff, Stella & Dot charm necklace, bejeweled button earrings, Stella & Dot clutch, Nars Schiap lipstick

Run DMC

Oh ya know, just rockin' my new Run DMC gold chain.

White jeans, leopard loafers, Minkpink tee (similar here and here), Halogen purse (similar here and here), vintage scarf (similar here and here), gold chain necklace, vintage belt (similar)

A Casual Date

On our weekly weekday date night, I like to walk the line between casual and fancy. I don't want my man to not feel like I didn't dress up for the occasion, but I don't want to be making a spectacle out of a diner or hole in the wall bar wearing stilettos and sparkles (especially if our date ends with a long walk and frozen yogurt). I try to wear one amazing piece, like a metallic skirt, and tone it down with weathered booties.

Xhiliration jacket (similar), XXI jean vest, i jeans by Buffalo skirt, Steve Madden booties (similar), gold spike ring, Kohl's snakeskin bangle (similar)

Two Ways To Wear...

...a plaid blazer!

First, we have the edgy way. A jean vest and leather jeans call to mind the Nirvana era while a metallic tee and leopard loafers keep me from looking like Courtney Love.

Plaid blazer (similar here or here), Minkpink tee (similar here and here), XXI jean vest, Rock & Republic jeans (similar), Steve Madden leopard loafers (similar), Stella & Dot necklace

Second, we have the preppy way. A silk scarf, wide leg trousers, and bow topped pumps topped with a peacoat make it look like I just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren store. 

Plaid blazer (similar here or here), Gap sweater (similar), ASOS trousers, vintage scarf (similar), J. Crew peacoat, Audrey Brooke bow pumps, J.Crew leopard belt (similar)

Which way do you prefer?

Spring Uniform

It's hard to believe (given the current weather), but couple weeks ago, it was sunny and 60 degrees. Therefore, I broke out what is sure to be my spring uniform - a jean jacket and some combination of cobalt, red/orange, and mint.

Old Navy jean jacket, Gap sweater, Old Navy skirt (similar and cheap), Hue tights, Audrey Brooke pumps, mint bubble necklace, XXI earrings

Canadian Tuxedo

I love a Canadian tuxedo, and worn with the right pieces, it can be chic. I can see some of you scoffing at this very idea and I understand. We all remember the denim catastrophe that was JT and Britney at the AMAs in 2001, right? As far as rules to live by when wearing denim on denim, here they are: 1. Pick jean pieces different in color - light for one and dark for the other; 2. Wear a tweed, tuxedo, or black blazer, or even a fur vest to top off the shirt and incorporate another texture; 3. Toss on some jewelry since the last thing you want is a minimalistic look; and, 4. Keep one (or both) of your jean pieces loose. Even though today of all days is a day to be American, try it out and bring a lil bit of our northern neighbors into your street style at some point this season.

Have you guys been to Kohl's lately? I definitely have and man, oh man, you should go! I have an exclusive 10% for my readers on their website using code TENBLOG until December 23rd (can be used with other coupons & promotions). Might I suggest purchasing these, this, or this? 

Jack BB Dakota fur vest, Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's blazer, I Heart Ronson chambray shirt, Mavi Serena jeans, Sam Edelman pumps, Stella & Dot necklace, Indigenous beanie, Charming Charlie clutch, Revlon's Blackberry lipstick

Varsity Reds

Surprisingly, I was never a football player, but I did have many friends who were during high school (including my now bf). When "Varsity Blues" came out in 1999, my hometown felt a great deal like West Canaan, TX. No, we didn't have Jon Voight as varsity's head coach, our teachers didn't moonlight as strippers, and no one named Billy Bob drove around with a potbelly pig; however, the team did do whatever they wanted (with little consequence) and Friday's in the fall were always spent at McCracken Field, whether you had any connection to a player. I feel like this type of outfit, in our school colors of black & orange, certainly fits the bill for attending a home game. Well, maybe flats instead of stilettos...you know how dangerous traversing that stadium seating can be!

Princess Vera cardigan, XXI peplum tee and plaid shirt, Gap boyfriend jeans, J.Crew belt & purse, Sam Edelman pumps, BCBG sunnies