White Hot II

/ H&M sweater + skirt / Sunnies from NYC street vendor / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman ring / Topshop purse / Fur Pouf from London trimming store / Primark platforms /

As much as I love an all white look, I love using white as a starting point for colors, too. Here, I mixed a favorite bright white sweater (love the sleeves!) with a cream colored old lace skirt from H&M. Working within a similar color palette is something that I like to play around with often, but not so much when it comes to neutrals. I love how this look started out simple and focused on the light colors and more on the shapes of the skirt and the sweaters' sleeves, and soon turned into a sort of Lula-esque floral and pink moment. That's probably one of the main ideas that I love about getting dressed-- you can have an idea in mind of who you want to be that day or of how you want to dress, and quickly, the pieces sort of combine themselves into your end point where you may have never even thought you'd end up. Does that ever happen to any of you?

Dress Up

This week I have noticed that each post has been featured around either a black garment (or accessory) or home decor that includes black. I don' t know about you all, but I go through phases where I'm really into color and prints or I'll wear nothing but black for a couple of weeks. This week was one of those darker colored ones which was probably seen through the darker colored pieces featured. I realized this while pulling this week's Dress Up feature, Lulu*s 'Play it by Panier' black dress. When they say that little black dresses are a classic and a must-have in any woman's wardrobe, I love how I can always find a new style of them. This week's dress sold it for me with the side paniers. I had been familiar with paniers from seeing them featured in skirts and dresses in more recent collections and learning about them in fashion history, but seeing them at a reasonable price point and right now, got me excited for yet another little black dress, yet again. The wide-set paniers against the form-fitted bodice, lower neckline, and flirty length all work harmoniously to create a prefect LBD that is certainly unique and looks excuisitely crafted. For some reason all I want to do is put one on with matte red lipstick and stroll the streets of Paris. A girl can dream.

Also, I can't stop thinking how amazing it would look in a luxurious cream, as well.

What do you think about this week's LBD? Would you try paniers? I'd love to know.

Home Improvement

 / Photo from The Life Styled /

As much as I love color, I have a special place for neutrals, as well. However, even with neutrals I can shift between both ones with texture and prints and ones that are super monochromatic and solid. This week's Home Improvement post features a living room setting that has a glamorous feel using neutrals of gold, blacks, creams, and whites, but playing up the lack of color with glitter, polka dots, chevron, and fur throws. The light colored couch, walls, and table keep the room light and airy and allow the accent pillows to provide the perfect amount of pop and interest to the space. Can't you totally picture sitting here reading stacks of magazines and chatting with girlfriends?

What do you think of printed and textured neutrals in this week's room?

PS-How amazing is that gold pillow?

This or That: Faux Fur Vest

 / 1 / 2 /

It's funny how fashions are different in different parts of the country. Being from Texas, winter wardrobes in the South are what fall wardrobes are on the East coast and in the North. My winter-y outerwear when I am at home consists of sweaters probably until February. Here on the East coast now, one of the cooler-weather staples (that comes much earlier than February over here) is the classic faux (or sometimes real) fur vests. While real fur is not really me, I'm all about the faux fur pieces, and have been vying for one ever since my Freshman year fall when they started to be seen around campus. When it came to these faux fur vests, like most of my fashion choices, I am really particular in their appearance. Some of my qualifications include length ( to about the bottom of where my fingers fall), roominess (big enough to layer sweaters), and authenticity (has to look like the real thing). H&M had some great choices this fall and I was narrowing it down between the two in the image above. When I put on the black one, however, the material was so fluffy and cozy and the length was long enough for my liking. I'm already picturing it with a crystal belt and playing with different textures.

Do you have a fur vest (real or faux)? Which is your favorite from the above choices?

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. Zara Heels / 2. GoJane Heels / 3. River Island Boots / 4. Boohoo Boots / 5. Alexander Wang Flats

Although my toes are still painted a crisp white, this Labor Day weekend slowly ended yet another summer, and the same question of wearing white shoes after labor day presents itself. While there are certainly winter whites that can be a fresh alternative to dark colors in the upcoming months, there isn't much like a true bright white. When it comes to these bright whites, my personal rule is that sporting them until it is chill enough that you need to grab your coat is acceptable. Today, I chose five pairs of fabulous white footwear ranging in shades, brightness, texture, and style to fill your footwear fancy. Lately I have been really obsessed with the style on the Zara pair (1) where the front cap comes up a little higher than usual on the foot. They are a bit awkward, and I find that intriguing and unique.

Will you wear white shoes after labor day? I hope everyone had a great long weekend! 

Which is your favorite pair from the assortment above?

Ooh La La

/ H&M sweater and clutch / Necessary Clothing crop top / Bebe top / Zara shorts / Sam Edelman heels / Michael Kors watch / Brandy Melville ring / Forever 21 "Ooh La La" necklace / Illamasqua polish

When starting with a classic black and cream color palette, mixing textures, patterns, and fit is key. With the delicate top and faux leather shorts both being on the shorter side length-wise, a light-weight cardigan that acts as a half silky blazer and half nubby knit is the ideal addition to pull the look together. And, while you might feel the need to accessorize, as I did, having a few statement pieces will work, but make sure that only one of them, in this case my snakeskin clutch stands out-even if the necklace is doing the talking-ha. 

How would you accessorize a black and cream look?

Cream

{J.Crew trench, Urban top, H&M skirt, Sam Edelman heels, and Michael Kors watch}

Though there is snow on the ground at Syracuse, spring clothes, styles, and colors are already on my mind. While it was slightly warmer than usual at home in Houston last week, I took an all neutral and light approach to dressing in full-on cream and ivories. Though this outfit is monochromatic, I played up the unique textures in the sheer knit top and the scale-like quality on these Sam Edelman heels. 

Do you dress monochromatically? Which color is your favorite to work with?

A to Z: Lace

To me, lace is one of those fabrics that regardless of what color it is in, or what it is applied to, always exudes a sort of femininity. In a way, with all of the varieties, each lace has a personality that is different and makes each garment feel special. While lace used to be more associated with bridal gowns and creams and whites, more recently, it can be found in every color from neutral to neon (see above).

Do you have a favorite color or style of lace? I absolutely love the cream colored dress in the image. While it is definitely a more subtle version in comparison to the chartreuse all-over lace on the right, I love the way that it appears so soft and ethereal and then is paired with a bright poppy colored bag.

1, 2, 3, 4

A to Z: Ivory

With the first sight of snow flurries today, and being on "I" for our A to Z features, what perfect timing to discuss a favorite of mine--winter whites. While there are still traditionalists that remain true to the "no white after Labor Day" rule, I find that winter whites can often be just as comforting and cozy as their warmer colored counterparts. In the cold and often dreary months here, in seas of black puff coats and snow boots, these creamy shades also provide an ideal base to add to wintery colors. Personally, I love chunky cream colored sweaters. And, when paired with navy, forest or army green, or burgundy's, I often find that these colors work best. Below are some ladies that have left me feeling inspired about incorporating winter whites into my winter wardrobe this new season.

{mixing a chunky fisherman-syle pullover with a delicate pleated maxi in a brighter white}

{A classic cream-colored toggle coat with warmer toned khaki pants}

{An example from Michael Kors in combining colors (orange pants) and textures (furry scarf) with the cream sweater}

{For more formal occasions, winter white works as well even if you are not attending a wedding. This Lyn Devon all-out cream color-scheme works well by providing a contrast in textures and the fit of the garments.}

Cutouts + Cream

{Madewell top, Forever 21 leotard, Necessary Clothing belt, Zara skirt, Michael Kors watch, and Steve Madden shoes}

Though I am dress person by nature, I have really been into separate pieces lately. I love the way that there are so many options to pair different skirts and tops (like here) and the opportunity to play with textures, various patterns, and shapes. With this cut-out lace top, it is easy to alter it slightly by pairing with a colored tank top or simple blank bandeau for the braver type. The flowy miniskirt keeps this look summery and is finished off with a neon belt for a bit of interest to an otherwise neutral composition.