“Here’s to Getting Dressed, Going Out More”
Happy New Year! May it be a Peaceful, Prosperous, Fulfilling & Abundant one for us all! In addition to all of these, may it also be the year we dress up and go out more! Whether you’re the type to shop for a new look for every occasion, prefer to shop your current wardrobe, or a mixture of the two, we are show casing looks all 2024! One thing I love about the cooler months, is that we get to layer! If you’re in the Midwest like me, we’re even fortunate enough to experience spring and summer temperatures in the winter. While I love to shop, over the last year, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed mixing the old with the new, transitioning summer pieces to winter by layering, or combining pieces from different seasons. The main goal is to have a solid foundation that allows you to stay ready for just about any occasion. Also keep in mind, buying pieces you can wear just about anywhere. Examples of anywhere pieces, and an easy way to add a little razzle dazzle to any look would be “boyfriend blazers”. Boyfriend blazers are extremely versatile and can be worn to the office, date night, or as a dress for special occasions. Colored heels and tights are also a must and can easily take a simple look to the next level. If you know me, then you know I am a Boot girl. To rock those miniskirts in the winter months, simply add a pair of tights or a pair of your favorite boots and voila, you have winter looks you can easily put together with pieces you already have. Dressing up and getting out more doesn’t have to be expensive or induce anxiety when it’s time to figure out what to wear. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to take inventory of what you currently have and find ways to add pieces here and there without breaking the bank. Think about places you frequent (coffee shops, restaurants, bars, clubs), and think about new places you’d like to go (festivals, museums, networking events), and then picture how you’d like to show up for each type of event. What looks are you your most comfortable and confident self in? How can you step outside of the box this year and make statements with simple and chic pieces? Whatever your taste, budget or wardrobe choices, let’s make 2024 the year we show it off!
Stone Woven Foldover Waist Skater Skirt: www.prettylittlething.com
White Long Sleeve Pocket Detail Shirt Dress: www.prettylittlegthing.com
Faux Leather Croc Knee High Boots: www.nastygal.com
Red Blazer Dress: www.h&m.us.com
Red Suede Pump: www.nordstromrack.com
Tan Mock Neck Bodysuit: www.h&m.us.com
Army Fatigue Mini: www.akira.com
Orange Mini Tote: www.nastygal.com
Make it stand out
Black Mock Neck Bodysuit: www.h&m.us.com
Black Pleated Miniskirt: www.wmnswear.com
Emerald Faux Leather Boot: www.amazon.com
Tassled Clutch www.nastygal.com
Happy New Year
“Buy less, choose well, and do it yourself”
~Vivienne Westood
Spring Foward…..In Style
“Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is” - Jessica Harrelson. Who does not love adding new pieces to their wardrobe as we transition from season to season?! I do not mind! But what is even better than adding new pieces, is bringing your existing pieces to life, with a pop of color, accessories that make a statement, and removing some of those layers worn in the colder months. Spring creates a perfect balance, in terms of weather, which allows you to easily incorporate some of your favorite fall and winter pieces, with some of your lighter pieces for spring. Those denim jeans you paired with your heavy winter coats and sweaters, you can now pair with a simple and chic top, and strappy heels or sandals. Those boots you wore over jeans or tights in the cooler months, you can now pair with denim shorts or a cute mini dress or skirt, to show a little skin. A few of my favorite pieces for the season so far, are cropped cardigans that have texture and create an effortless flirty look, distressed denim, strappy heels, colorful/playful accessories, and a statement boot is necessary for me in any season. One of tricks to being able to easily transition my closet from season to season is buying pieces that are versatile, can be worn in various settings and excellent quality to ensure I am getting my money’s worth. Cardigans, whether cropped or standard length, can go from the office (over a button up blouse), to an outing with friends, or date night paired with denim and heels or sandals. When it comes to jeans, while I love a distressed look, I know a holey jean does not accommodate every situation, so do not forget to keep a couple of pairs that create a stylish look without exposing skin (you know for those in office days or after work events). Another thing I’m loving this season, is copping fun and unique bags. I am usually a black bag that’s versatile type of girl, but the swap out game is getting better and better. I find a nice bag can elevate even the simplest outfit. Finally on my list of faves is adding color to my shoe collection. Again, I am usually a practical girl, thinking about what I can wear both in and outside of the office, but lately, my ‘girls just want to have fun,” side has allowed me to add colors and styles that take my simple looks up a notch. With spring comes many occasions and events that could send you into panic mode the minute you receive an invite. But like the lyric say, “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready!” Add a pop of color, mix textures, and combine the old with the new, and no doubt you will tackle spring like a pro!
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference
Corset Top: Missguided.co.uk
Tall Mid Blue Wash Long Leg Straight Jeans: www.prettylittlethings.com
Gianni Binni Suttin Mutlicolor Leather Wrap Up Sandal
“Always dress well, but keep it simple.”
Knitted Marl Slouchy Cardigan: www.nastygal.com
Tall Mid Blue Wash Rippled Straight Jeans: www.prettylittlethings.com
Mongolian Wool Chain Shoulder Bag: www.nastygal.com
“Only great minds can afford simple style.”
Solid Button Up with V Neck Dress: www.shein.com
Vivianly Stiletto Knee High Boot: www.amazon.com
Weave Pu Shoulder Bag:www.nastygal.com
“Style is always in fashion.”
Knitted Marl Slouchy Cardigan: www.nastygal.com
Ripped Straight Leg Mom Jeans: www.nastygal.com
Shoes: Gianni Bini
Bag: H&M
Hair: @hairbyeerie (IG)
www.experienceeerie.com
“Good Things Come in Twos”
What’s better than one closet essential? Two! A good two-piece set that is! No matter the occasion, this is a closet staple that gives new meaning to “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready!” The two-piece set, also known as Co-ord, is an outfit made from matching colors, prints, or fabrics. While matching sets are no new trend, making its first appearance in the 70s, the trend has evolved, with major brands, such as Juicy Couture, Skims and Boohoo, monopolizing various styles that cater to their target market. The versatility of this particular trend allows you to be casually cute, or sexy and chic with little to no effort. If you’re anything like me, an abundance of options can easily overwhelm even the most seasoned shopper. With that being said, let’s narrow it down to ensure your closet has you ready for whatever event comes your way. As much as I love dressing up, there’s nothing like a casual look, that’s still stylish, and can quickly transition to chic. For me, a flared pant with matching mock turtleneck, paired with a cute pair of heeled mules does the trick! Now, of course, you can easily swap heeled mules, for a classic flat sandal, and still accomplish an effortlessly, chic look. Aside from style, don’t be afraid to play around with different textures, colors, and fabric. I tend to gravitate towards pieces that I can transition into different seasons, simply by adjusting accessories. For a flirty, and flowy look, I grabbed this beautiful drop shoulder, crop blouse with matching pants, in a gorgeous emerald, green color, and paired it with a cow print mule, and fringe clutch. Whether it’s a date night with bae, girls’ night or a solo night on the town, this one is sure to turn heads. As much as I love all of the stylish pant sets, the classic skirt and matching sweaters are my absolute favorites. I happened upon this lovely plaid blue number while browsing the mall and paired it with a pair of thigh high Jeffrey Campbell boots and a beret for an “Emily in Paris” inspired night out. Because a lady needs options, I added this elegant striped black and white pencil skirt, with matching crop set to my co-ord collection, and paired with a yellow, jacquard pump, and dainty black bag. Needless to say, ladies, we could go on and on about how to mix and match, and play around with this timeless trend. In a nutshell, two is certainly better than one!
Make it stand out
“Green is the new black.”
Drop Shoulder Green Crop Blouse & Pants - www.shein.com
Cow Print Mule - www.egoshoes.com
“Black and white; a timeless classic.”
Striped Print Crop Top & Pencil Skirt - www.shein.com
Jacquard Heel - www.asos.com
“J’aime ton style.”
Crop sweater & Skirt Set - www.shopakira.com
Thigh High Boot - jeffreycampbellshoes.com
“Chic happens.”
Mock Neck Crop Top & Flared Leg Pants - www.shein.com
Pink Heeled Mule - www.missguided.com
“It’s All About the Denim Baby”
Distressed, Straight Leg, Boot Cut, High Waist, Skinny, Flared, we are not lacking when it comes to our choice of denim. Dating as far back as the 1890s, when Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis, created the first pair, denims jeans are a wardrobe staple that is sure to keep you ready for any season! With so many options, it is hard to figure out which pair you must have in your closet. So, allow let me give you a few of my favorites/must haves. So, I am not sure if it is a matter of me crossing the thirty threshold, or one cup of coffee too many, but the day when “Mom Jeans” are in has arrived. Not only are mom jeans versatile and classic, but they are also super comfortable. So do yourself a favor ladies, buy the jeans. Another one of my favorites are Boyfriend Jeans (because who does not love “borrowing” boyfriend’s clothes?!), However in this case, these jeans do not actually belong to the boyfriend, but corresponds to men’s jeans, with a slouchy, more relaxed fit. Straight-leg jeans are the go-to for the unflashy minimalist look. Whether it is a quick outing to run errands, or an afternoon with the girls, you cannot go wrong with a simple, straight leg jean, paired with your cutest heels or flats. We could go on about denim for days, but you get the gist! What better way to kick off the new year in style, than snagging some pair of your favorite denim to get that closet 2023 ready! And do not forget to share some of your favorites in the comments! Until next time, Keep it Simply Stylish!
“In the right denim, a girl can conquer the world.” - Razelle T
Missguided Distressed denim (www.asos.com)
“Denim is a love that never fades.” - Elio Fiorrucci
Distressed Boyfriend Denim (www.ae.com)
“Nothing is more alluring to a man than a woman who looks good in her jeans.” - Nina Garcia
Missguided Mom Jean ~ (www.asos.com)
“Made for Walking!”
And we are back for the next installment of our “Staple Pieces” series!! It is all about the Boots honey! Tall, short, thigh high, platforms, we are here for them all! Aside from the fact that the right boot can take a look to the next level, I absolutely love that you can wear them year-round, depending on the weather. One of my favorite ways to wear a nice pair of boots is with a cute pair of denim shorts in the summer and spring and I like to pair them with a fitted pair of denim or blazers in the winter or fall. Now for my girls who haven’t reached the level of needing to contact Shoes Anonymous like me, you can never go wrong with having your go to pair of black boots. Because the style options are endless, I always recommend choosing things that are practical based on your lifestyle and also versatile. Because I work in a corporate environment, when I shop, I like to choose things that I allow me to easily transition from the office to life outside of the office. Comfort is another factor that has to be considered when shopping for your staple pair of boots. It doesn’t hurt to have a nice, heeled boot to dress up and a flat or platform boot for the times you want to be more casual and comfier. I know Nancy Sinatra says they were made for walking but trust me all boots are not created equal! I’m featuring some of my favorite styles below courtesy of Ego Offical (www.egoshoes.com), Jeffrey Campbell (www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com), H&M, and Nine West. Here’s to walking into 2022 in style!
“Life is short, Buy the Boots!”
Steve Madden thigh high Boots
Jeffey Campbell thigh highs
H&M Platform Boots
“The Little Black Dress”
First and foremost, Happy New Year! Now that we’ve decluttered, washed, gotten ourselves organized, what better time to assess what we have in our closets! We are kicking off the new year with “Staple Pieces!” Staple pieces are those key pieces that make or break a look, and also the pieces that accommodate just about any occasion! You see the title, our first staple piece is one of my absolute favorites, the little black dress (if you know me you know black is my favorite color). The little black dress has been around for decades and it’s a piece that every woman should have! We can thank Coco Chanel for the original little black dress (American Vogue 1926). The idea behind the little dress was something that was not only fashionable, but also affordable. Your little black dress, despite the cost, is something you can slip on and feel like a million bucks. Coco Chanel intended for the little black dress to be versatile, long lasting, affordable and accessible to everyone. The good news is you can find a little black dress just about ANY where. Whether you are shopping at Zara and H&M or Saks and Nieman Marcus, the options are endless. How about a girl’s night out (which is where I donned the little black dress I’m featuring :-). Dinner date solo or with somebody’s handsome son, a “Little Black Dress,” themed girls’ night, or your favorite play/concert, trust me, that black dress is the one! Here’s to a very Happy and Stylish New Year!
Erker’s 1879
Erker’s was founded in Saint Louis, MO in 1879 by A.P. Erker. It is a family owned company, that uses the past to build their future. When you think fine eyewear, Erker’s has been at the top of the list for over 140 years. Although Erker’s began and is headquarted in St. Louis, MO the company has expanded with locations all across the world. Their top collections include: “The Goggles,” “The Ferris Wheel,” “The Microphone,” and “The Lion.” I had the pleasure of collaborating with Erkers along with photographer & STL Creative Emily Johnson for a fun and funky shoot that highlights not only this top of the line eyewear, but also highlighted a few of St. Louis’ favorite landmarks against a beautiful Fall backdrop. If you’re looking for great eyewear for any occasion and every season, checkout Erker’s!
Website: www.erkers1879.com
Photo Credit: Emily Johnson @emilyjohnsonstl
“In the Midst of the Madness”
First and foremost, thank you guys for visiting my site! So sorry for the delay in blog post and new content! As you all know, I am new to the blogging world and I am open to any ideas you all may have in terms of the type of content you would like to see. I think the title of this blog pretty much sums up our current state, and the fact that we are all pretty much just trying to stay afloat amid everything that is going on right now. As if the pandemic was not enough, we are bombarded with so much bad news, violent videos and images in the media and you cannot log onto social media without being confronted with hateful messages. I don’t know about you all, but I feel so deflated and discouraged some days. I would like to hear from you my subscribers. What are some things you do to keep your spirits high and get to a peaceful space with so much going on? For me, I have gotten back to running 3-4 times a week. I also pick up the phone and talk to my friends and family more often and finally, ice cream and good movie does the trick. I am sending love and positive vibes to you all and I am looking forward to getting to know you and sharing more of me with each of you. Here’s to our journey together in the midst of the madness!