Checkered & Tied

Today’s style story features a stint over in the Boy’s Club by way of a classic Brooks Brothers stripe tie. I scored it some time ago from a thrift shop. While reorganizing my wardrobe (a continuous process) I came to realize how perfectly it synced up with a vintage Liz Claiborne vest that I scored at another thrift store:) I love happy realizations such as this one! Often, while reorganizing and pruning my wardrobe I come across items that complement one another well – items that I hadn’t previously considered wearing together. Those ‘surprises’ always encourage me to be more diligent about keeping my wardrobe space organized :)

The star of this look appears to be the shades, as I received so many unexpected compliments on them over the weekend! Perhaps I had forgotten how cute they were?! LOL! I think sometimes as lovers of style and fashion connoisseurs- WE often forget how great some of our acquisitions are. Like, getting dressed and being stylish becomes routine, a natural part of who we are and our lives - we may miss the opportunity to take note of/and relish in how fun an ensemble or statement piece really is!

That realization inspired me: Not only do I want to live purposefully in each moment, but I also want to relish more fully in the joy of all my style pieces more fully. Does that make sense? There are so many factors that contribute to being/feeling happiness in life- I aim to take ample advantage of each and every single one of them- including fashion!

Until next time Loves,

XO

Sunnies: Tildon| Earrings: Rocksbox/sign up for free| Tie: Brooks Brothers| White Tee: Ralph Lauren
Vest Liz Claiborne, thrifted| Wood Watch: c/o JORD| Skinny jeans: NYDJ| Suede pumps: Victoria's Secret Catalog 

Denim & A Tie

Is there a such thing as a wrong way to wear denim? How do you like to wear denim? I discussed in a previous post (click here) that more than a decade went by and I did not wear denim of any kind. That is, until, I stumbled into a pair that fit my curves like a dream…They just so happened to be white, and the same exact brand that I am wearing now.  For me, the key to wearing denim in a way that I truly enjoy involves fit and comfort.

Now I have a weakness for all white ensembles (examples here, and here), but on this day I switched up my game by opting for a blue denim shirt, along with a tie borrowed from my husband’s collection. You do know that I dabble in his collection as often as possible right?! That is one of the highlights of married life! LOL! Seriously, I do love rocking a tie. Don’t believe me? Have a look here, here, and here.

From my perspective, white denim is perfectly suitable for year round wear, as is any other piece of white clothing. I recently saw white paired with chocolate brown over at So What Twenty! and I thought “GENUIS”! If you feel a tad apprehensive about wearing white outside of it’s typical season, try pairing it with a darker color like blue, brown or black (another example here).

On over to you: Do you think that there is a wrong way to wear denim? What does your favorite denim look consist of?

Sunnies: Tod’s |Denim shirt: Thrifted |Tie: Nautica |White jeans: NYDJ (worn here) |Shoes: Victoria’s Secret Catalogue |Clutch: TJMaxx

School Days: High End to Low End in Tartan & Stripes

Today's outfit was inspired by the school uniforms worn back in my day. I had to wear one, and detested it because I felt like it stunted my creativity. Now I rock it my way, by choice. You know which ones I am referring to: 

That navy blazer and plaid skirt deal! 

I wholly embrace tartan, and have done so since it was called plain ole "plaid"! LOL! 

It seemed only logical that my tartan blazer should be mixed with stripes and bold color.

This outfit is a mix of so-called high end brands, and their more budget friendly counterparts. I am a thrifty gal myself, yet I prefer to shop a wide range of brands to sift out quality, well-made pieces. Sometimes I find them in Saks Fifth Avenue (on sale of course), and other times at local thrift shops. In my opinion, quality and durability out weigh 'trends'. The majority of the time, I buy classic pieces, that are intended to last many years. For the fun, less practical side of me, I also purchase pieces that are trendy and hip to stay current, and to add additional flair.

This is easy business attire, and was taken to evening chic status by adding a vintage clutch. 

Sunnies: Nordstrom

Blazer: Evan Picone, Vintage & thrifted (worn here)

Shirt: Finity, Saks Fifth Avenue

Tie: Yves Saint Laurent, thrifted

Pants: NYDJ (also seen here)

Baby Jane's: Nine West (another go here)

Handbag: Dooney & Bourke Milano Collection (seen all throughout the blog)

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Over to you, do you mix high and low end brands? Do you fancy tartan as much as I do?

Polka Dots, Faux Leather Leggings, and a Tie

Hello! I’m back from my vacay, settling into the daily grind. *o*

In line with my goal of pattern mixing, wearing more black and white combinations (like here and here) and my post a couple of weeks ago sporting a tie (see here), I came up with this assortment.

Once again, I really liked it in the mirror, but upon seeing it on film….well, honestly, it reminds me of a Dalmatian! LOL

 Despite that, I think I like it!

A side note about my faux leather leggings: I’m not sure if it is based this brand (INC), but I feel like there is not enough room in the rear area. Know what I mean??  O_o  For those of us with luggage in the trunk, we need GENEROUS give/flexibility  in the seat area! Every time I wear these, I’m always pulling them up if I have been sitting down.  =( 

I think this problem is non-existent with genuine leather leggings, because genuine leather stretches over time and with repeated wear.  

What has been your experience?

Tie: Grant Thomas

Necklace: Nordstrom Rack

Shirt: Kardashion Kollection, thrifted

Sweater: Calson

Ring: Indiska, Stockholm

Bangles: Assorted

Leather look leggings: INC

Sandals: Tildon

Handbag: Kate Spade

All Tied Up; Silk, Stripes & Tartan

Every now and again, I get in the mood to sport a tie. Today was one of those days. Fortunately, my husband is on hand to assist, not only with photography, but also with tying ties for me. J I like a big knot, so this one suits me just fine. I wanted to add more blue to the dominant rust colored combination, so I paired it with a statement necklace. The tartan contrast with the striped blouse is in sync with my goal of more pattern mixing (see here and here)

Why does silk wrinkle up so? I ironed this skirt not once, but twice, and yet it still seems like I just rolled out of bed...

I hate when I pose like this (last picture). I keep telling myself to never pose like this again, but somehow I keep doing it! It makes me look preggers, which would be fine- if I were preggers! I must remember to stand up straight and avoid slouching. I think one of my teachers used to tell me that on a daily basis..I digress. Happy HUMP Day!

Blouse: Rena Rowan, thrifted

Necklace: JCPenny

Tie: Neiman Marcus

Skirt: Ralph Lauren

Booties: Levity (also seen here and here)

Shoulder bag: Dooney & Bourke

P.S I'm participating in a Link Up for Personal Style Wednesdays with Whitney over at: http://whitneynicjames.com/personal-style-linkup-chunky-sweaters-thrifty-heels/