Dress Up

Lately I have been coveting everything quilted. From about to start a jacket in my flat pattern class with quilted leather sleeves, to classic purses with their plush quilted sections, fashion with quilted qualities seems like a little bit of extra craftsmanship went into them, even if that is not actually the case. Being a fan of fabrics with a great texture, you can understand that quilted garments are up my alley. This week's dress has just enough quilting that the piece as a whole still maintains a shape. Keeping the quilting to the front and back torso of the dress, plain sweatshirt-style sleeves, and black detailing on the shoulders, this dress is definitely a more fun and updated version of a sweater dress with more interesting qualities, but just as much comfort.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Bright + Metallic

    Forever 21 sweater and necklace//Topshop vest//Christian Siriano skirt//Michael Kors watch//and Steve Madden shoes

Pencil skirts are one of those basic styles that every girl should have in her closet. This Christian Siriano pencil skirt, however, is anything but basic. With the metallic gold and silver threads that run through it and perfect length, only minimal jewelry is required because is is decorative in itself. In pairing a few key but simple pieces like my bright fuchsia sweater and a faux leather vest for a little warmth with the look, the skirt is still the main focus, while working with the rest of the outfit, as well. 

Oxblood

{H&M sweater, Vintage bag, KATE heels, Rodarte + Opening Ceremony skirt, Forever 21 necklace, and Michael Kors watch}

A pencil skirt and sweater seems like a classic go-to style for almost any occassion. When I saw this piece from the Tibi fall 2012 collection, something about the ordinary skirt and sweater combination that seemed so simple before, suddenly made me want to go on a hunt for an amazing leather version and to attempt at more monochromatic looks, as well. This Rodarte + Opening ceremony paneled slit skirt is really special. The fact that it's a pencil skirt, but that it has slits that go up a little higher than usual, make it not only a unique piece, but one that is also fun to wear. In an almost monochromatic sweater and skirt pairing--though the skirt is more oxblood and the sweater more burgundy-- I added simple gold jewelry, a patterned bag, and leopard heels to add a bit more interest. 

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?

A to Z: Knits

{A few great knits from Cacharel, Paco Robanne, and Rodarte}

Throughout my middle and high school years, knitting as an activity drifted in and out of entertaining. This week in my textiles class we discussed the practice of knitting and crocheting, and I realized how much of an art a great knit really is. While we all appreciate our oversized knits for their warmth and comfort-chic appeal, it is all of the different styles and applications of knits that can be found that is so amazing. From the polished sort of stone-blue look from Cacharel to the incredible open-knit Rodarte dress, knits are a great way to be able to alter an outfit and an interesting play on varieties of textures.

1, 2, 3, 4

Fluorescent Elements

{Forever 21 sweater,  H&M pants, Target heels,  Necklace from Dillard's}

Lately, I feel that the way that an outfit can work best is with simple and basic pieces but with amazing accessories. By using a bright fuchsia sweater and basic black pants as the base, and adding a neon green statement necklace and leopard print wedges, this otherwise simple outfit is now a lesson in mixing brights with patterns. While the traditional suit style has seemed to be fairly distant from the need to be in our wardrobes for a while now, this is an outfit--or style-- that I feel could work well for a creative office setting or even an interview, as well.

I arrived back in Syracuse last night to finish off the rest of the first semester, so look forward to starting off tomorrow with our regular school line-up starting with tomorrow's "Tuesday Shoesday" post. 

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break!

Feeling Batty

{H&M Sweater, Forever 21 Skirt, Vintage Bag, Steve Madden Shoes, Essie's "Mojito Madness" Polish}

While novelty sweaters often featuring animals have been popular lately, I wasn't really a fan of the ones with cats, rabbits, or deer. However, this sweater featuring an upside-down bat, was one that had a personality to it that was quirky and unique without being cutesy. And, when paired with a pleather pleated skirt and vintage carpet bag, this festive novelty sweater doesn't have to just be reserved for Halloween, as it brings an unexpected twist to any outfit. 

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.}

A to Z: Family

One of my new favorite parts about October is family weekend. While most of the time that I am at school, the fact that I'm not with family is not really an issue. I am surrounded by a large amount of assignments, projects, daily deadlines and groups of friends. However, being from Texas and going to school in upstate New York, it is much harder for me to go home and visit than it is for friends from Pennsylvania, NYC, or Massachusetts. When my dad, sister, and mom came up this pack weekend, I made sure to get all work done the previous week, and we enjoyed a very fall themed time going apple picking, sharing Pumpkin Spice Lattes and buying a few too many sweaters.

Dress Up

{This week's pick}

While there is a slight nip in the air here in Upstate NY now, it is not quite the time to bring out those heavier coats and durable boots. When it comes to sweaters, I am every bit their biggest fan. However, in the form of a dress, the outfit is not only complete, but also has that same built-in comfort factor that a sweater brings, as well. This week's pick is a 10 Crosby Derek Lam sweater dress that has sections of the sleeve blocked in black leather. While this dress is on the pricier side, it's luxe leather detailing and combination of harder elements brought to a classic piece, it is a style and design that certainly ranks high on my list.