fall fashion 2015 – the Spiff

fall, Fashion, Videos, wbir, west town mall

Leaves, Layers and a New Bag

November 4, 2015 2 Comments

the loft, layered top, layered necklaces, vera bradley bag, fall fashion, fall style, fashion blogger, knoxville fashion blogger, fall ootd, old navy jeans, target leopard flats, skinny jeans, leopard flats — Top: Loft / Ring & Jeans: Old Navy / Necklaces: Forever21 / Bag: Vera

The thing about writing a blog about beauty/fashion is people can sometimes see that you’re not taking your own advice and hold you to it.

All of the examples that immediately came to mind to prove my point are pretty lame. Although there was that one time I left the house wearing leggings and my top didn’t cover my butt.*

*That’s a joke. That never has nor ever will happen. I’m not an animal.

I take a big gulp of my own advice when it comes to carrying a bag I’m proud of and am confident in to translate my style to the world. Not to mention it was my birthday this past week, sooooo ;)
If you need a little more convincing that it’s time to update your rotation of bags read here, or watch the video below for some really gorgeous fall options.

fall, Fashion, west town mall

Plaid Got a Makeover

October 21, 2015 No Comments

My son has pooped in a JCPenney three times now. I don’t know if it’s because he doesn’t like the place, or because he’s so relaxed.
Yesterday while the lady in the checkout line was oohing and aahing over him, he’s lying in the stroller straining. 

I’m just glad he got it all out because I was in a rush to put together an outfit. It was during that rush that I became thankful for two things…
One: I’m thankful he’s a good shopper and able to sleep while mommy drives his stroller like a bumper car (I’m still getting used to it).
Two: I’m thankful for plaid.

Sure the right kind of animal print makes me salivate and of course stripes are always a safe bet, but I was craving something new. Something fall-like but without the country feel (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

I needed a great pattern and I was pleasantly surprised to find that plaid has been given a makeover. Everywhere I turned there was an updated version of what can sometimes be a homely pattern. Whether it was incorporating new colors like the purple pictured above from Tommy Hilfiger or the orange and gray from Banana Republic, or by going bolder and wider with the stripes like Express has done, or maybe it was how The Limited printed it on a softer, flowy fabric – all of those upgrades made the pattern more appealing to a city gal like myself.

I tried with all my might to not title this post, “Mad for Plaid” but I have to say, the 21st century versions of this classic pattern and all the pattern mixing possibilities it brings with it, makes it hard not to go a little mad for a lot of plaid. ;)

Pick up any of these great options at West Town Mall!

Fashion, west town mall

The One Pattern You Need for Fall

October 12, 2015 No Comments

Looking at the right kind of leopard pattern sets off fireworks in my brain.

You know what I mean by the “right kind”? There’s a rich looking leopard and then there’s the craft store leopard – it’s usually a teeny tiny pattern and really cheap looking.

The Limited – now they’ve stocked up on the right kind of leopard. Theirs is made up of richly toned browns, black and beige’s, all of which come together to form the only pattern in the world that could be considered a neutral.

If you don’t believe me, buy that skinny leopard bracelet and see just how many outfits it will go with. I own it, so I already know the answer is ONE THOUSAND! It’s cool too because it’s got a fur-like texture which makes the bracelet even more visually appealing.

That skinny leopard belt will help accent your tiny waist with a basic black A-line dress, or bring a little danger to a blue striped button down and jeans. The pants will jazz up all those black, white, cream, pink, red, or royal blue tops you have.

The leopard clutch, well, I mean…come on. It instantaneously dials up the glamour quotient.

And that leopard sweater can go from a white t-shirt/black skirt/tights/boots combo to white t-shirt/skinnies/booties and then back to brown slacks/white button down and gold heels all within milliseconds. Just think of the range that thing has!

If you can’t already tell, leopard can go for miles in your closet and The Limited has it in some really beautiful options (on sale, even!). Get in to The Limited in West Town Mall to see just how right I am!

Fashion, west town mall

High Heels and Bold Stripes

October 5, 2015 No Comments

Hello high heels!

One thing you don’t really have use for immediately after having a baby are high heels. Somehow going from the bedroom to the living room for those 6 weeks never called for fancy footwear.

But I was very happy to put them back on several weeks ago and start gaining back that feeling of fancy. Although my feet had a lot to say about it afterwards and revolted hard core (“Where are the slippers we’ve been living in!?”)

This past Thursday I got to get all fancied up to co-emcee a fashion show with Katie Roach at West Town Mall. The show helped to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I knew the outfit was going to have to include pink. I picked up this blouse at JCPenney (they’ve also got a leopard version I’ve got my eye on) and tucked it into my black and white stripe steal from Ross.

I didn’t actually steal it, of course, but all they required for me to take it home was $10 (there’s a similar one here).

And let’s all be thankful it’s tights season!! Even if you don’t wear them, you can be thankful I’m using them to cover up my white legs ;)

Finally, I threw a little pattern mixing in there by adding a leopard belt. It’s a small detail that really makes the outfit unique, pick up a skinny patterned belt for yourself and try it with your next striped outfit.

I had such a blast commentating on the fashion show which showcased looks from all over the mall modeled by breast cancer survivors!

For more about what’s going on this month around town visit KomenKnoxville.Org and for more on my thoughts about going back to work with a baby click here!