OOTD: Formal Aquestrian?

Happy Thursday Islers! Quick Outfit of the Day...

Besides having an AWESOME hair day, I'm loving today's aquestrian inspired look. There's ALSO something formal about it with a subtle nod to the "tuxedo inspired" pants from H&M. A peplum top is ALWAYS flattering and polished in my book, and I love this blazer version. I just tugged up the sleeves and flipped up the collar...which is how I wear 99% of my blazers. This is a little trick for all my tall women out there. Blazers/Jackets rarely fit my arms all the way to the wrists (a sleeve 1-2 inches short of the wrist gives the appearance that your blazer/jacket is too small) so I usually roll them up my forearms, which happens to look coolier and edgier anyway so SCORE! And of course it wouldn't be ME without a belt ;-)

Although not pictured here, I DID wear riding boots while commuting into work, so I literally felt like all I needed was a bag of carrots and a stead named Morning Star lol.

I kept my accessories simple with my fav black booties and a few silver/black bangles, but added a little pop of color with this goregous bracelet from H&M.

Pants: H&M, Blazer: Old, Booties: Bakers, Bracelets & Bangles: H&M

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?

Ootd: Make Me Blush

Hi Islers!

What makes you smile? Is it clothes? Your favorite sweet treat? A kiss from someone special? For me a smile, and the ensuing blush, immediately comes from a well fitting outfit...and how appropriate that today's outfit of choice incorporates the color blush! I feel most confident when my outfit is tailored to perfection and my blazer and favorite Joe Fresh cords do just the that. These rose gold and pink pumps elongate my legs and make my 5'7" frame appear nice and lean (I love a good wardrobe trick) :-D

If you've read any of my previous posts you will know that I LOOOVE rose gold accessories. This stack of wrist candy goes perfectly with the blazer and shoes; and although "matchy matchy" is frowned upon in fashion, in my opinion it's perfectly acceptable on the style front (perhaps not in a head to toe color, to be on the safe side lol). Just make sure you incorporate enough balance (texture, proportion, etc.) in the outfit so not to overwhelm. 

"The rules of fashion don't apply to style." -- Maya Gatewood

Ciao guys!

Blazer: New York & Company; Blouse: H&M; Cords: Joe Fresh; Pumps: Thrifted (Anne Klein); Chain: H&M; Watch: JewelMint; Pink & Rose Gold Cuff: JewelMint; Gold Cuff: Ralph Lauren; Affirmation Bracelet: Strawberry (NYC)

Ootd: The Game Changer. The Blazer.

Sometimes I find myself reaching for those simple and basic pieces that I don't have to think about (Ootd: Tried and True) but I'm not a boring person so I still wanted to incorporate some element to make me smile and my outfit pop. Blazers are a great way to bring visual interest to an otherwise "plain" outfit. I have had this blazer in my closet now for about 3 years and have probably only worn it twice, so how fortuitous that this nautical number was within arms reach this morning waiting to spruce up my black slacks and navy blouse.

I have always LOVED navy and black together and combine the two colors regularly. It's chic, totally office appropriate and slims without being covered in head-to-toe black. The white in the blazer makes my outfit pop and the navy trim ties in my navy blouse. Then, of course, I had to throw on my gold chunky wrist candy and decided to add my new addition from JewelMint. Initially I paired my navy peep-toe pumps but it was a bit too cold in the office and my pedi is not exactly on point lol :-/ so my go to Nine West black pumps complete the look.

You don't have to be a fashionista dressed to the nines to look stylish. You can wear a basic top and jeans and throw on a signature piece like a blazer, red pumps, bright belt or stack lots of necklaces. You'll look polished with little effort...score!

Ciao for now!
Maya

Slacks: H&M, Navy Blouse: Forever 21, Necklace: JewelMint, Pumps: Nine West

Monochromatic Mix

Hi Islers and Happy New Year!


I love the mixed prints and patterns trend we've been seeing everywhere and I can't wait to start incorporating it into my looks but I'm still a bit shy to step out in something THAT different. Here is a stylspiration of what I eventually want to work myself up to lol

Don't these look amazing!!!

But for now I thought I'd go slow by keeping to a monochromatic color palette. This is one of the safest ways to test the waters of any new look or trend. By sticking within the same hues or values, you can mix and create visual interest without the risk of looking like your house was on fire and you layered on everything in your closet ;-)

Today I am feeling gray and not in a bad way ;-) So, I paired these FABULOUS heavy linen patterned pants with a graph-checkered button down and blazer. The look is finished with pumps and simple accessories.

Pants: Joe Fresh, Shirt: J. Crew (thrifted), Blazer: Banana Republic, Shoes: Nine West, Necklace: JewelMint

Stylspiration

Hi stylislers! Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving, I know I did ;0)

I wanted to talk a little about what I call tylspiration. Stylspiration are the things, people and places that inspire your style choices.

I've mentioned in an earlier post that Michelle Obama is one of my style icons. I find I have a lot in common with her aesthetic and I follow her as well as other style bloggers for inspiration and admiration. Amidst the MANY sources from which I glean stylspiration, are the style quiz and a lookbook of outfit ideas that is based on my likes. The style quiz allows you to hone in on your style and put a name to your aesthetic (Boho Chic, Trendy, Classic, etc.). Below is an example of my style quiz from JewelMint.com which is one of my fav accessory retailers. The lookbook is a book of ideas that I separated into categories (dinner, work, jewelry, outwear, etc.). The book is a way to get ideas if I'm in a slump or need to find something quickly for work or date night...cause hey sometimes I don't have time to do all that I do in a day AND generate the brain power to assemble an outfit too lol

What are some of your stylspirations? Maybe creating a book for visual reference or subscribing to style sheets on Facebook will aid your search. What, who and wherever your stylspirations come from remember to take those little gems and make them your own!

A select few style blogs I follow are:
Mrs. O 
Northern Lights - Southern Belles 
Naturally Fashionable 
Moments of Style 

 

Menswear Inspired

Happy Friday!! 

Menswear inspired looks are something we consistently see on the runways and will be another big trend this fall. In my opinion it's a trend that's here to stay (so I guess that doesn't make it a trend anymore). Today I've styled a menswear inspired look that will keep you looking cool and effortless. 

This look is really all about the vest, which I actually "borrowed" from my dad some years back (hehehe). I've paired it with simple fitted trousers and heels, but you could easily wear this look with loafers for a more relaxed look; and of course the studs give me a little bit of edge. I've accessorized with my favorite chunky necklace, a cuff, favorite chevron ring and over-sized watch.

I love menswear inspired looks because it just gives off this easy, cool and effortless vibe. A couple of tips when wearing the trend:

• Keep it tailored. You want something that's fitted to your figure. Remember this is menswear “inspired”. You don’t want to lose those curves that will make this trend pop!

• Stick with the classics. Oxfords, vests, ties and blazers. You want pieces that are clearly identified as menswear in order to get your props for putting together such a dope outfit.

• Keep it simple. Men are very basic and practical dressers. Go for statement pieces like your shoes, hat or leather belt and keep the jewelry/accessories simple.

• Have fun.  So you don’t want to come away looking stuffy or like you left the set of Mad Men (although I think that would be pretty cool). So have fun with your makeup or rock super feminine hair.

Vest: My dad's, Trousers: H&M, Pumps: Nine West, Cuff, Necklace & Watch: JewelMint, Ring: H&M

Cozy AND Cute

Baby it's cold outside!! Time for gloves scarfs and tights. It can be a challenge to dress appropriately during the winter months and still be stylish, but just keep a few things in mind while putting your looks together and you'll stay cozy AND cute:

 

1. Texture: the fall/winter months are perfect for mixing textures. When else can you get away with combining wool, cashmere, leather and fur? Create visual interest by mixing it up!

 

2. Layer up: layer a collared button down under a cardigan and throw a blazer on top; put on a long sleeved v-neck and wear your sheaths all year long.

3. Outerwear extension: coats, capes and jackets are the first, and sometimes only, thing people see. Don't just throw on any old thing, consider what you put on over your outfit, as an extension of your outfit. Don't be afraid to accessorize your outerwear too! Pin a blingy broach on the lapel or throw a belt on...yes a belt!

4. Give 'Em the Boot: boots are essential to any fall/winter wardrobe. There are many varieties to choose from...booties, knee boots, over-the-knee boots, ankle boots, uggs. 

Of course go for function and practicality also...don't be COLD tryna be CUTE lol With these few tips in mind you can be COZY and CUTE!

Sweater: H&M, Skirt: Forever21, Studs: H&M, Booties: Bakers (correction in previous posts), Necklace: H&M