statement necklaces

Here’s How You Put Together an Important Outfit

November 13, 2014 No Comments

When a close friend asks you to help with something you already love to do, it’s a win/win…win/win/win.

Which is why I was super excited to help my good friend (and former bridesmaid) Carly, put together a very important outfit for a presentation she was giving at UT.

I wanted to share with you how we put together what she wore, because I know (first hand) that when you’ve got an important event to get dressed for, it can sometimes send you into a brain-blocked stupor.

Here are steps you can take to put together an important look…

1. Know your perimeters.

It is so much easier when you have perimeters when putting together an outfit. In Carly’s case, her outfit had to be something business casual and couldn’t include jeans. If yours aren’t as clear cut (Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t usually have a dress code) then start with the weather or what it is you’ll be doing and let those factors narrow down the field.

2. Pick one thing you really want to wear.

Having a starting point is really truly going to help you form an outfit. Carly knew she wanted to wear boots because they’re dressy but comfortable for standing (which is smart), so we started with her favorite boots and built out from there. When you’re stuck dazed and confused in your closet, make a point to pick just one piece that you really want to show off.

It could be shoes, or a necklace, or even a certain comfortable tank. Regardless, it’s going to help your indecision by starting with one piece you’re absolutely sure about.

3. Shop at a store you know.

There is no more hopeful feeling than that of pulling open the doors of a TJMaxx. Because in that moment you don’t know what they have (even if you were there yesterday), but that feeling that they may have exactly what you’re looking for is inescapable. Which is so great, but when you’re in a time crunch you need to go somewhere else.

We started at JCPenney because it’s a place I know has a consistent selection of basics. And sure enough, they came through.

We first picked up a cable knit sweater. It was a color consistent with what Carly typically wears and it was on sale so – win! While there, she found a great deal on some skinny pants that would go perfectly with her boots – win/win!

4. Stop and style.

After we found the basics of what she was going to wear, it was time to stop and look at everything so we could figure out how to style it. The sweater alone was pretty, but over a button down it would pop even more. And I knew we could add a little sparkle with a great necklace at her collar.

Take a moment to stop and figure out what else the outfit could use as it really helps direct the rest of your shopping trip. Without that, you’re just wandering aimlessly not sure of what you’re looking for. This way you have a plan.

If you look at what you have and are still not sure, maybe do a search on Pinterest to get a feel for how to style it.

5. Go to a few more stores.

After roaming the mall for a great button down, we ended up finding the perfect one back at JCP. But I’m really glad we did look in other stores, because it confirmed that this was the perfect outfit. Sometimes I’ll do this just for the peace of mind that there’s nothing “better” out there.

Finally, be sure to consciously ease off the pressure in your mind. I typed that sentence for myself, because I’m so guilty of letting the pressure build. The problem with letting that happen is after a while nothing is good enough.

Focus on what you’re going to feel good in and remember that it’s never as big of a deal as you think.

In the end, Carly looked so beautiful, so her and so perfect for what she was doing. AND she did such an amazing job. I am so proud to call her my friend!

fall fashion, Fashion

Easiest/Cutest Outfit on the Planet

October 2, 2014 1 Comment

That moment when the bed is a pile of clothes that just don’t work, the clock is ticking down super fast and there’s no outfit satisfaction in sight… I hate those mornings.

Part of me is screaming, “Look at the time! You’ve got to go!” While the other half knows that if I don’t settle on an outfit that I can be happy with, the whole day will be miserable.

That’s why I love combinations like this…

A blazer, t-shirt, statement necklace, heels and jeans is an outfit saver – day or night.

Why? Because it’s the perfect blend of casual and dressy, which means it all balances out to create a very chic look that works in all kinds of situations.

On the one hand, you’ve got an easy t-shirt and jeans combination. It looks effortless and it’s comfortable. To achieve this all you have to do is stock up on a good pair of jeans and lots of comfortable t-shirts. Easy enough.

On the other hand, you’ve got the blazer, heels and a statement necklace. We all know how far a great blazer will go, and statement necklaces are a cheap/fun thing to stock up on. That leaves the heels which in most cases could be a simple black pump (which you should own, young lady), or you can go crazy and do a patterned pump like I did.

Put it all together and boom. You are ready for anything my friend. And daaang don’t you look good.

If you don’t like blazers, you can substitute a cardigan for an extra .99 cents (paid to “TheSpiff.com”).

This outfit also works if you are superwoman and need to change quickly in a tight space. Or if you’re just someone who went to Dollywood after church and didn’t want to pack a complete change of clothes. Swap out the heels for tennis shoes, remove the blazer and the necklace and boom. You are ready for running anywhere my friend.

I’m going to stock up on variations of all these things, so I’ve got cute outfits to throw on all autumn long.

fall, Fashion

Four Fall Trends and How to Rock Them (Inexpesively)

September 5, 2014 No Comments

The Limited isn’t so aptly named if it’s meant to describe the number of quality pieces you have to choose from in their store – because that number is unlimited (do you get it?).

For a while they’ve been on the short list (or limited list, ha!) of places I go when shopping for a special event. I love their quality jewelry that’s also affordable (not to mention GORGeous), and they’re always running great sales.

When I was asked this week to do a segment on how to update your wardrobe with on trend pieces for fall without spending a ton of money – The Limited was the first place to pop in my head.

Here are some fall trends and the pieces that will help you rock them, all from The Limited in West Town Mall…

Animal Print

A great way to get your fall wardrobe looking very 2014, is to stock up on animal print. Patterns like this python print are not only going to look on trend, but they’re also going to add pizzazz to your basics. Wear this one with some swingy necklaces, or have it peeking out under a sweater for a great layered look. Or pair it with these fabulous orange slacks! The wide-leg kind is what you’ll start seeing a lot of, so get you some.

Leather

All of my thoughts on leather (and this cardigan) can be found here. Let’s just say they’re good thoughts…along the lines of…get in my closet.

Looking for an easy way to cheaply modernize some of your classic pieces like a white button up and blazer? Add a statement necklace. I especially love the look when the white shirt is buttoned up all the way with the necklace over it, like beautiful brush strokes on a white canvas.

The Jardigan or Cracket

When you combine the structure of a jacket with the casualness of a cardigan, you get the jardigan or cracket (haha “cracket” makes me giggle). The Limited’s version (far left) with the shoulder detailing is oh so perfect to swing you smartly into fall.

By the way, the proper way to wear a cardigan is by buttoning only the three middle buttons. Not the ones on top, or bottom, just the three in the middle.

The Limited has some exciting things coming up. Later in September they’re going to be featuring an entire collection inspired by the show Scandal. Stay tuned for more details on that.

Meanwhile get your sassy self in there! They’re located in the Men’s Belk wing of West Town Mall, right across from Brookestone!

accessories, Fashion

How to Get Accessories Just Right

September 4, 2014 No Comments

Accessories can be a lot like your spouse – total joy inducing one moment, so frustrating you want to throw something (0r someone) across the room the next (but at the end of the day you love them so much)!

Don’t throw anything (or anyone) across the room. Instead, keep reading…

The questions I get asked the most are about styling. Accessorizing is really one of the most important concepts to grasp when it comes to fashion, because you can have a gorgeous outfit but if you don’t style it right, the beauty of it can get visually lost.

By “visually lost” I mean you’ve put on too much jewelry. The edit I want to most often make is to take jewelry away. If you’ve ever asked yourself if something is “too much,” take it off. It’s better to err on the side of wearing too little, rather than too much.

Pictured is a great example of what I’m talking about…

On the left I’m wearing a necklace and dangle earrings. This necklace does not belong with this outfit because the top of the jacket is competing for attention in that same space. Now if the jacket folded out like a blazer, then this necklace would be acceptable. But I don’t want to deal with competing visuals in that space, so I need to take the necklace off. If I had changed jackets and kept the necklace, I would have paired it with simple stud earrings.

Why? Because the necklace is really pretty and the more jewelry I add to myself the less any of it (or ME for that matter) is going to get noticed.

These earrings would technically work with this outfit, but I changed to these slim triangle ones because I love how they have a mix of silver and gold going. Plus they add more edginess to the whole look.

I have seen these rules broken before, and watched even celebrities wear strong statement necklaces with equally huge earrings. And sometimes people can pull it off! But in my book, less is always more. You don’t want to tire yourself out (we all know a heavy necklace and/or earrings gets old after a while) and I don’t want to look overrun.

Let your beauty shine the brightest, and make accessories just the tastefully added icing. (Print THAT on wood and hang it in your bathroom).

accessories, Fashion, forever21, statement necklace

These Necklaces Are Appropriate for Your Age

July 29, 2014 No Comments

I went with that title, because I didn’t want you to sigh, run, scream or cry when you read these necklaces all came from Forever21.

Whether you get overwhelmed, frustrated, feeling too old, too young or just start to salivate when you walk in there, they’ve got good deals on jewelry so it’s worth the trip.

I’ve picked out five statement necklaces that can really jazz up a simple outfit (at any age) and they’re all under $15 (yeah you read that right).

1. Clustered Marsquis Bib Necklace: This is such a pretty and simple piece that would add such a huge dose of lovely to a simple tank and cardigan.

2. Bold Color Blocked Beaded Necklace: If you have trouble adding color to your wardrobe, try doing so with a bold necklace like this one. Throw it on with gray, black, white, or if you’re feeling adventurous – red!

3. Faux Gem Collar Necklace: This necklace makes me think of a stylist I met at J. Crew. This lady is one spiffy dresser, rocking such creative/stylish looks and gray hair. When I saw this it made me think of her and how she would probably pair this piece over a button up shirt and polka dot sweater. It would be so glam!

4. Cascading Leaves Bib Necklace: All you need with this gold number is a black shirt and some boyfriend jeans. Saturday night out? Done.

5. Must-Have Lariat Necklace: “Must-Have” is in the title for a reason. This necklace can be worn all kinds of ways, all of which would make you look so sophisticated and cool (for less than $10).

PS: If you buy one and it doesn’t fit, add gold or silver safety pins in the back!