Sparkle + Shine

/ Forever 21 button-up / Topshop shorts (old) / Primark sandals / BaubleBar necklace / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman ring / 

I love my denim cut-offs as much as the next girl, but when it comes to shorts I have a special soft for dressier options. I got these minty brocade ones from Topshop a few summers ago and while I typically pair them with a simple t-shirt to dress them down, I decided to dress them up instead with prim pieces in the form of a crisp button-up (all the way!), sparkly new necklace, and favorite heeled sandals.

What are your favorite style of shorts? Dressy or Casual?

Fancy Pants

//Jacket: Ecote from Urban Outfitters// Tank, Pants, Shoes, and Ring: H&M// Necklace: Vendor in Austin, TX// Bag: Target// Watch: Michael Kors//

That's right, everyone...fancy pants. I found these pants at H&M a while ago in the clearance section (also $10!) and decided to give them a try. While I'm not particularly fond of jeans and regular styles of basic pants so much, when it comes to a more stylized and well, pretty versions, I'm all aboard. The colors on these brocade-like pants remind me of summer and autumn, and while the sun was still out, on a slightly cooler day, they provided the perfect focal point for an outfit that took me to a spontaneous matinee show performance.

A to Z: Pants

If you know me, or have been following for a while, you know that pants are not in my regular outfit rotations. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't appreciate a perfect fitting pair of jeans, we all know how hard those are to find, or a polka dotted pair every once in a while, but at the moment, they are a work--or style-- in progress. While I've never really been a fan of the colored denim craze that's been present for a while now, I do have a soft spot for pants in intricate patterns, fabric applications, and textiles.

Obviously I am a sucker for a good pattern mix. Though pairing florals with an almost angular thought-bubble pattern might seem like a long shot for a great pair of prints, these MSGM pants would go just as great with a simple white t-shirt and statement necklace, as they would making a statement themselves. 

Following the theme of working in a similar color palette as I had been trying out the past few months, this style works amazingly by combining these teal taffeta Asos cropped pants with a navy velvet button-down. I've noticed that when it comes to pants, I still like to maintain that put-together and polished factor instead of the idea that throwing on a pair of pants is simple and a go-to. Dressier pants, like the ones above, definitely are a pair that could work just as well with a chambray oxford as they would with a tuxedo jacket and stilettos. 

Our last pant pairing for today is a textile that I actually am fondest of when it is applied to pants and shorts--brocade. Aside from the obvious eye-catching appeal that brocade brings, there is also something about the hand of the fabric and feeling the different threads that makes me appreciate the beauty of the design. Again, with the intricateness of the pattern, design, and often colors, brocade pants work the best with toned down tops and accessories as seen above.

When it comes to pants, which do you prefer?

Tuesday Shoesday

As feminine and classic as I usually am, quite often I find myself interested in and wishing to try out pieces and styles that are a little unlike me. Anything in a brocade fabric is always beautiful to me--the way that the metallic threads shine and the way that it adds a bit of luxury to whatever it is sewn to. These Kenzo zip-front boots are a pair that while typically not my go-to style, are definitely a pair that I would love to try out. This pair is from Kenzo's pre-fall 2012 collection that was filled with an abundance of rich and deep colors (burgundy, mustard, navy blues) scattered with bits and pieces of pattern mixing and a few prints. While at first, this pair of boots may seem unpractical for their abilities to easily pair with a daily wardrobe, I am already dreaming up ways in which they can be the showstopper of the outfit throughout the fall and winter seasons. 

Would you attempt brocade boots?

Basic & Brocade

{Topshop T-shirt and shorts, Steve Madden wedges, and Michael Kors}

I am usually not a shorts person. I always feel that they look weird on my legs and un-finished when I wear them. However, when they lean towards the dressier side, they are usually more in my liking. When I saw this brocade pair, the gold and sea foam color create the perfect combination and in getting them a size larger, have that relaxed fit that adds comfort, too. Since they are such as statement style, I paired them with a nubby basic T-shirt, gold accessories to match, and some fun chunky wedges so that it wasn't too dainty and gold.