Sweater Weather

Around this time of year in the States, we are greeted by brisk morning temperatures, considerably less hours of daylight, and in some parts- practically no sunshine at all. Leaves fall off of the trees, flowers slowly wither, and expectations of rain and or snow are in the forecast.

For style lovers however, only one thing is crystal clear: It’s officially Sweater Weather!!!
{Insert happy dance emoticon}

I live in a part of the country that is generally mild year round, so Sweater Weather season is even more celebratory than normal. Warm weather 90% of the year can actually become tiring (I wouldn’t believe that if I hadn’t experienced it), the excitement of a genuine cool down is undeniable.

Since I am gal that practically lives in dresses, sweater dresses are my preferred ammunition. I’ve been showcasing how one of my go-to brands, Eliza J. can meet all of your style needs  (see here) and Sweater Weather is no exception!

This beaut of a blue is cable knit, ribbed, and a-line= A winning formula in my book. Comfortably worn to the office, out to dinner with friends, and even jazzy enough for a dressier event- total versatility. I simply love the cut and the drape of the knit. Ok, let’s face it: The color alone is tantalizing!

Blue is MY FAVORITE COLOR see a few examples here, here, and here.

Sweater dresses can be worn practically anywhere, dressed up or dressed down, layered or not- either way you’ve made the style mark! I decided to go monochrome with this look, only deviating slightly with a splash of citron (Check out my friend JewelryFetishGirl).

Now it's your turn Loves, do share your favorite thing about Sweater Weather!

Sunnies: Tod’s| Necklace: @JewelryFetishGirl (IG)| Dress: Eliza J. (gifted)|Socks: Nordstrom| Pumps: Vince Camuto (also worn here)| Handbag: En Cuir

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

Graphically Joi

Hey there Style Lovers! How are you? I'm doing ok, or shall I say: 'hanging in there'.

Today I’m sharing a fab straight-cut, graphic print dress with you.

I tend not to gravitate to straight-cut dresses because oftentimes it can be challenging for me to find a fit that I am personally comfortable with.

A common problem: 

The top portion is overwhelmingly too big, while the bottom portion cuts off my circulation in the hip/thigh area.

Suggested solution:

I purchased this dress in a larger size, and found myself surprisingly quite satisfied with the fit! It could be taken in a bit in a spot or two, but I simply decided not to bother with it.

I’ve styled it in numerous ways, for this go round I kept it very simple.

When I wear navy & white it’s so hard for me to resist wearing a red lip! Do you feel the same way?

Well, with a red lip, one must carry a red handbag- right?! LOL! I thought so, after all, I like to follow all the 'rules' =)

This look is very practical and easily transitions from business to pleasure =)

Now in my opinion, my natural colored leather peep-toe booties go with everything. I look forward to any excuse to take them out on the town. Imagine this: They’re comfortable, I can walk for several hours in them with no issues = winning!

Have a great day Beauties, I appreciate you for stopping by and commenting below ;)

Xx

Sunnies: Tod’s

Earrings & bracelet: Kenneth Cole

Dress: Adrianna Papell

Tote: Dooney & Bourke

Booties: Steve Madden

30PlusStyle: The $30 Challenge

The #30PlusStyle Collaboration is back, and this time we are bargainista focused! The aim of this post was to put together a look for our readers that was purchased for about 30 bucks, USD (accessories not included). 

If you've been following this blog, you know that I love a good deal. Yet, this post was a challenge for me. Why? Well, I had difficulty in picking a look that I felt would resonate with readers. Being a lover of vintage style, I decided to go with one of my classic dresses and a few simple accessories. 
Less can be more =)

From personal experience, I know that stylish, quality clothing does not have to cost an excessive amount. 
Because I am primarily a brick and mortar shopper, here's a quick rundown of some options for the bargainista inclined. 

Every major department store has designated times throughout the year to reduce their inventory significantly to make way for new merchandise. When merchandise doesn't move at major retailers, it often ends up at bargain stores such as Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth, Lord & Taylor outlet, Dillards outlet, TJMaxx, Marshalls, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory and so on. These stores too also mark merchandise down even further in an effort to make room for new stock. 

And then of course there are a few outlet mall stores that actually sale merchandise from their flagship stores. 
Sometimes the selection can be limited, as a number of retailers have begun making specific items to be sold at their outlet locations.

Finally, there is the thrift store and vintage boutique option. Going this route may cause for additional patience, as well as some prior knowledge of brand name clothing and attention to quality stitching. This is where I come to life! Although I shop sales just about everywhere, high end to low end, thrift store shopping has become a hobby, and I enjoy it ;)

Here's the rundown on what I'm wearing:

Sunnies: Tod's 
Pinstripe dress: Vintage, thrifted $5.00
Belt: Banana Republic, thrifted $4.00
Booties: Steve Madden, DSW $20.00
Handbag: Coach

All in all, with some effort, clothing that aligns with your personal style can certainly be obtained at a bargain! What's your favorite way to score a bargain?!

P.S. 
--> Don't forget to check out all the #30PlusStyle beauties:
www.thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com
www.grownandcurvywoman.com
www.mode-plus.com
www.prettypluspep.blogspot.com
www.pumpsandstudz.blogspot.com