This or That: Faux Fur Vest

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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?

Popularity Contest

1. Topshop Crop Top / 2. Marc By Marc Jacobs Skirt / 3. Alexander Wang Romper / 4. Topshop Varsity Jacket / 5. Zara Faux Leather Shorts

When it comes to getting dressed in extreme weather temps, we all have those pieces that we automatically reach for--maybe even a few times in the same week. Today I decided to compile a collage of the pieces (or similar styles) in my closet that I tend to do this with.

1. Black Tank - Okay, this is by far the number one piece in wardrobe rotation at the moment. While not this exact style, my black Topshop tank has me having a tank top as one of my favorite pieces of clothing, when I never thought that would happen. It's perfectly tissue-thin, has a great higher neckline that's perfect for pairing with chunky necklaces, and basically feels like pajamas- if pajamas were black tank tops from Topshop.

2. Striped Skirt - Prints-wise lately, it's all about stripes in my closet. From t-shirts to dresses, these (usually horizontal) lines are everywhere. This Marc By Marc Jacobs skirt has a similar shape as my go-to striped Topshop skirt that is easily flattering, comfortable, and incredibly easy to dress up or down depending on the pieces added to it. Whether paired with matching stripes, florals, or whatever you had in mind, striped skirts have become my little black dress of skirts.

3. Black Romper - Talk about easy summer routine, rompers are a fast way to put an outfit together. Effortlessly chic (when styled and fit properly), incredibly comfortable, and great palettes for accessorizing, a classic black romper (this amazing one is Alexander Wang, while mine is from Bloomingdales Aqua line) is a summer go-to for obvious reasons.

4. Navy and Black Varsity Jacket - I know what you're thinking, jackets, in summer? I promise, though, I thought the same thing. However, for those of us that are in and out of office environments during the day, understand that it can easily cool-down once inside. My varsity jacket from Forever 21 (the one above is from Topshop) has always been the perfect "updated office cardigan" whether it was cold in the studio or the day turned drizzly, and instantly adds a sporty-chic quality to the rest of your look.

5. Faux Leather Shorts - These paper-bag waist Zara faux leather shorts may be runner up to the Topshop tank on this list. I mentioned to a friend earlier last week that these are the fashionistas version of Nike Shorts. Laugh all you want, but I swear it's true. While you may think to shy away from leathery fabrics during the summer months, just like our number four,  you may want to think again. The bagginess of these shorts are not only more flattering than your cutoffs, but keep the heavier material away from your body, as well. And, I have yet to find a top in my wardrobe that they don't work with.

What are the most popular pieces in your summer wardrobe right now? I'd love to hear.

Black Basics

//Tank: Topshop//Shorts: Zara//Ankle Boots: Target//Bag: Vintage//Necklace: Forever 21//Ring: H&M//Watch: Michael Kors//

When it comes to jeans and a t-shirt, I was never really that kind of girl. As much as I appreciate a crisp white shirt and perfectly worn-in denim, I have never really felt comfortable when I wear them together. When it comes to the denim and a t-shirt idea, throwing on these faux leather Zara shorts and my favorite worn-in tank is the closest I got to. Basics to me are about simplicity and with an all black palette, gold accessories, and full-on comfort, this felt just as basic as an easy jeans and a t-shirt look, but with a little more interest and style instead.

What is one of your favorite basics in your wardrobe?

Jungle Green

{ H&M jacket and tights, Forever 21 coat and dress, Michael Kors watch, Topshop shoes, Vintage bag, and Urban's hologram polish}

I have always felt that leopard and greens evoke a sense of instant luxury and polish. In combining a green suede moto jacket and faux leopard coat over an all black base of a pleated dress with tights and boots, the prints and colors of the jackets and carpet bag are able to have the attention that they strive for. Although first worried that the bag's pattern and the leopard's spots would not mesh pleasingly, I was pleasantly surprised how they managed to come off as that perfectly undone quality that I strive for. 

Style Smörgåsbord

{Forever 21 shirt, necklace, H &M fur sweater, HUE leggings, Target booties, and Urban Outfitters holographic nail polish}

I had been looking for a faux fur sweater or vest for a while, but didn't really want to settle with a simple brown or black style. This piece from H & M I fell in love with for it's, though bright teal in color, versatility. While definitely a recognizable and unique piece, there is much more that can be paired with a color faux fur like this than you would ordinarily expect. The oversized denim button-down and neon necklace work well with the bright of the sweater, while the black sleeves, leggings, and booties help to juxtapose the brightness with a sense of balance.

How would you style a bright colored faux fur?