In.Vest.Ment Piece.

As we transition into the summer season, we're all looking to update our wardrobes; for some it may be on a much larger scale but for most, we  just want a few key pieces to refresh our favorite basics. Either way, for all of us, what we need this season is a denim vest. The key to our summer layering needs, paired over a t-shirt, a maxi dress or a cute jumpsuit, the denim vest will be your best friend taking every look from cute to chic. This one here is a temporary fix until I find my staple vest, I actually cut the sleeves off my old Express denim jacket (here yeah, I meant old) because it was getting too small! Don't be afraid to do the same, that's what refreshing your wardrobe is all about!

Madewell Tee here, Express Denim Vest similar, Jen's Pirate Booty Skirt here, Seychelles Sandals here, Alex & Ani Bracelets here and here, Merona for Target Bag here

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Tomboy Chic.

Got a lesson in layering from the closet of a twelve year old boy yesterday. What I'm loving right now is using a boxy, button down as a top layer or cardigan. A nice lightweight piece is perfect for topping off a look, you get a layered effect, but are still feeling comfortable and not restricted. Took this look old school but rolling my sleeves to my elbows and showing off the full sleeves underneath. Keeping things masculine I could not forget my boyfriend jeans.

Bailey 44 Top here, Free People Button Down similar, Express Boyfriend Jean here,

Seychelles Boots here, H&M Tote similar, BCBGeneration Sunnies similar,

Urban Outfitters Watch similar, Alex & Ani Bracelets here and here



If I Were at NYFW.

Today starts the excitement that is New York Fashion Week, though I'm not sure how excited attendees are about braving Lincoln Center in the miserable cold. I'm sure being among the elite that get to see upcoming Fall fashion first makes it all worth while. Here is my fashion week inspired look for the day, I'm sure if I was actually in NYC I would have a couple more layers but you get the idea.





Free People Sweater similar, Old Navy Parka similar, Dittos Jeans here, Nine West Boots similar, Tahari Necklace here, Forever 21 Bangles here and here, Nine West Bag similar

Jack-et of all Trades.

It's been pretty evident over the past couple years I'm a fan of layering, that last added layer is usually what perfects any look. I think jackets add a lot of versatility to any wardrobe, with their help you can mix and match just a handful of basics, rotating your outer layers to create different looks.  My favorite piece right now is this Tinley Road jacket from Piperlime; It's warm but light enough to easily wear long sleeves/sweaters underneath. I really love the mixture of textures, fleece interior, twill inspired exterior and faux-leather sleeves. What more can you want, I basically have three jackets in one!

Tinley Road Jacket similar, Gap Top similar, Old Navy Jeans here, Seychelles Boots here, 

Bauble Bar Necklace here

Take it Easy.

Sometimes the holiday season can make us crazy, but just remember to enjoy the time spent with friends and family, and calmly and happily ring in the new year. In the words of Jac Vanek, 'Take It Easy.'



Element x Jac Vanek Slacker Sweater here, Dittos Jeans here, Old Navy Anorak here, Seychelles Boots here, Aerie Scarf similar



Not So Ugly Sweater.

In honor of National Ugly Christmas Sweater day, I thought we should take a moment to reflect on the this joyous day. What started as a joke a few years back to bring some lighthearted and immature fun to the holidays, where everyone was scrounging up all of Grandma's old holiday sweaters and hitting thrift stores across town to attend parties with friends and mock one another. With vintage inspired pieces becoming such a trend in recent seasons, I'm starting to find more holiday sweaters making their way to current stores and becoming, well, much less ugly. For instance I'm loving this Free People Rudolph Sweater, it has just the right blend of holiday spirit, but keeps to the perfect palette of colors and maintains such a versatile silhouette. You won't see this baby at any Ugly Sweater parties!

Free People Cardigan here, Rails LA Denim Shirt here, Black Swan Clothing Dress here, Seychelles boots here, Brightly Twisted Scarf similar, Elise M. Wrap Belt similar

Attention Shoppers.

Holiday shopping is among us, this weekend being the biggest push of the season. As you're bouncing from store to store you may start to feel your feet hurt, or perhaps you're too hot, or maybe you're just sick of trying things on. To ensure your shopping experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, follow these simple guidelines.

- Your main layer should be a piece you can easily take on and off when 

trying on clothes = flannel

 

- Obviously wear comfortable shoes, ones you can walk in for long periods of time and get on and off easily = zipper ankle boots (avoid laces)

 

- Versatile bottoms are key for trying on boots as well as seeing an array of different tops and sweaters = skinny jeans

 

-You're going to be running around all day, make sure you have an easy layer for changing temperatures from hot to cold = vest

- Simple accessories, you want less pieces hanging off your body, especially if other layers will be coming on and off all day = watch, this way you stay on top of your perfectly executed schedule


Rails Flannel here, Irene's Story faux fur vest similar, Sneak Peek Skinny Jean similar, Seychelles Ankle Boot here, Urban Outfitters watch here, 1773 Fedora similar

Mixed Knits.

Chunky knits are an obvious choice when establishing our fall wardrobes. They work so well because layered together they add definition to an outfit even when it's a simple.Here is the perfect on the go look, featuring an open knit sweater, chunky snood and faux fur tote. These are all basic cool weather essentials that keep us comfortable and warm during bitter days. Mix these basics together and you have a complete, textured look.



Irene's Story Sweater, Old Navy Snood, Sneak Peek Denim, Kelsi Dagger New York Tote, Express Cuff, Qupid Ankle Boots, Fleur de Lis Ring



Skirt It Up.

Fall is the best season for skirt wearing, they're the perfect base for layering looks. Pencil skirts are great because their fitted silhouette makes them balance out with oversized, chunky layers on top. Paired with sweaters, jackets, tights, or boots, you can make a skirt work for any occasion. Take a printed skirt and make it your focal point by pairing it with lots of basics.

Free People Cowl Sweater, Thrifted Loft Skirt, Banana Republic Handbag, Old Navy Cocktail Ring, Seychelles Boots



Fur Real.

A faux fur vest is always a great alternative from a leather jacket for layering during the cooler seasons.

Irene's Story Vest, Michael Stars Chiffon Tee, Lucky Brand Print Skinnies, Report Aydin Booties, Old Navy Necklace, J Fein Designs Ring

Trick or Tree-ter.

The past two days in SoCal have actually made it feel a little more like fall, and Halloween. I honestly can't believe we are on the brink of November and this is technically Halloween weekend; where did the month ago? Yesterday amongst the gloom and chill I was channeling my inner blase Daria, with a modern twist. Complete with this By Zoe tote, the perfect trick-or-treat bag.

=

Irene's Story Sweater, Mossimo for Target Dress, MIA Combat Boots, Wet Seal Necklace, Warby Parker Mallory Specs, By Zoe Reusable Tote

Poppin' Colors

A very simple lesson in layering: When looking to add that finishing piece, a jacket or a sweater perhaps, pick something with a splash of color. Yes your basic jackets are good, black leather, cropped denim, tan cardigan, but a solid colored piece will refresh your entire look.

 

 Target Printed Dress, Old Navy Linen Blazer, Nine West Ankle Boots, Shopbevel Chain Necklace, Forever 21 Bangle, Urban Outfitters Ring