It's Handled! Olivia Pope Inspired Look Book

I am such a huge fan of the tv show Scandal and insanely inspired by Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, whom I also love! Olivia Pope is such a strong, powerful and beautiful Black woman, how could I not be inspired by her style. Quintessential chic, with clean lines, neutral color palette and simple accessories, she is also sophisticated, confident and classic. She doesn't need to turn to gimmicks, tricks or illusions to look stylish. Her clothes are understated but by no means boring; she dresses so her personality can shine through. You look at Olivia Pope and say "Wow! She's good at her job."

Anywho, enough of my love affair with Olivia :-) on to the look book. I have been wanting to do an Olivia Pope inspired look book for the longest but something about this season has really been inspiring my everyday looks, for the office especially and now that it's Fall, fueling my love of coats (click here for my Coat of Arms post). An exciting find is The Scandal Collection by The Limited. Where The Limited has pieces seen in Scandal episodes available for purchase! I mean how perfect is that? Click here for a video from Kerry Washington about the inspiration behind the collection.

I put together three looks (it was hard to choose only three!), that I feel embody the spirit of Olivia and incorporate my own style. By the way I used the same H&M black slacks in each look (similar here), proof of how to extend your wardrobe with basic/classic pieces.

First thing's first! Olivia will ALWAYS have a banging coat or jacket! The color palette is restricted to camel and black, but I've created visual interest with the lines and collar of the coat and zipper detail on the sweater. Olivia enjoys a relaxed fit to her more causal pieces.

Click below to read full post...

Coat of Arms

This is a post I have been wanting to write forever...it's all about COATS!! I view coats as another extension of my personality as much as I do with my clothes. My best friend says I'm ridiculous with the amount of coats I have, but I prefer to think of it as a passion lol. I mean there are so many styles/fabrics out there: pea coats, trench coats, puffer coats, bombers, capes, wool, leather, cashmere...okay maybe I do have slight problem BUT I love the way coats and jackets can compliment, and sometimes make, your outfit. You can even throw a belt over them...whew and as much as I love belts (you'll come to see this about me), the possibilities are endless.

Below I've selected a few coats (this was VERY difficult) that I feel every woman should have in their closet. Okay maybe not EVERY one of the nine I've selected but you get the idea...there are a few staples that should be included in any well-armed stylista's arsenal.

1. The Trench Coat: The trench coat is definitely a staple coat that every woman should own. It's classic, polished and sophisticated and comes in many shapes and patterns. I have selected both a patterned trench and thin puffer trench. (Patterned Trench: Macy's, Puffer Trench: Steve Madden)

2. The Winter White: Nothing is hotter than a nice crisp white coat. I'm definitely getting my "Olivia Pope" on here. Albeit nothing in my closet can hold a candle to that white Burberry number Kerry Washington wore in the season 3 premiere of Scandal but I still feel like a gladiator in my own right ;-)

3. The Pea Coat: There's just something so classic about a pea coat. Men and women alike can, and should, rock this slimming option for outerwear.

4. The Dress Coat: You'll need something dressy for those fancy occasions. I've styled this coat with the plum fur stole I received for Christmas for a little added glamor. (H&M)

5. The Lumberjack: I have no idea why I selected this coat lol There's just something about it I love. It's a cross between a pea coat and fur. I like the subtle tartan print and zipper details. (DKNY)

6. The Bomber: This urban chic option should be the in the wardrobe of any self-respecting city girl. It's edgy and instantly ups the cool factor of the wearer. 

7. The Leather Jacket: A leather jacket is a must have investment piece. It goes with absolutely everything,  applies major style points and is quite possibly the definition of cool and edgy. (H&M)

8. The Colored Crop Coat: I'm a big advocate for color in my outfits and surprisingly only have one colored coat in my collection (Shameful! Everyone should have at least two). This cute crop jacket has a cropped hemline as well as three quarter length sleeves and it's pink...I mean could it be any more girly?