From coffee to cocktails: cobalt blue jeans

I'm really loving the colored jeans and color blocking trend right now. So much that I have a pair of tomato red and cobalt blue jeans and considering a yellow/mustard pair. (By "considering", I mean, I've ordered it online and anxiously awaiting it's arrival.) I bought this lime green cardigan last season but didn't have much to wear with it. Now that I have my blue jeans, the two are forever married. Like a Kardashian.

Here's how I wore them one day from 'coffee-to-cocktails' (or desk-to-dinner, day-to-night, Garfield-to-Heathcliff...)

*Excuse the bad lighting in the photos. The colors are actually shockingly bright as seen in similar items listed below.

Get the look for less:
Colored jeans was 74.90, now 44.99 *great deal!

Look 1:
Cardigan several colors, was 19.99-22.99, now 16.08-20.69 *plus, buy one get one 50% for limited time
V-neck white, 4.80
Bracelets was 24.90, now 17.43
Desert boots 59.50

Look 2:
Turtleneck sweater silk/cashmere, was 49.50, now 39.50
Faux fur scarf, my DIY. Scarf without ribbon 39.50
Statement ring 21.82
Round toe heel 89.00 *free shipping both ways

Black and white

Halloween and pumpkin-picking evoke black and white stripes from my closet. Here, a striped sweater layered over a boys' gingham shirt with white jeans and a suede ankle boot freshen up the look. Wear the shirt hem sticking out from the sweater, untucked, with sleeves rolled up for a casual look, or button up to the neck for prepster cool. 

Bonus: everything listed is under $100, half of it under $40!

  

Click on the links to view or purchase:

boys gingham shirt 29.95 //  stripe sweater 34.94  //  structured satchel 38.00  // ankle boot 79.90  //  glasses 58

We're all in agreement that it's ok to wear white after Labor Day, right? Don't argue with me. You can. Because I said so. (I'm practicing my mom voice.) If you don't already have white jeans, then find some great deals on designer jeans at 40-60% off regular prices: here-99.99, here-77.00, here-79.00, cropped here-77.00. Sizes are limited because they're on sale, so check each link and you may get lucky to find yours.

How are you wearing white this fall/winter?

World Series style

The only 2 times I've watched the World Series is 1) when the Red Sox won in 2007 and 2) when Zoey Deschanel sang the National Anthem on Sunday. (How cute is she?) Needless to say, I'm not a big fan of sports --- but I am a big fan of styling outfits. I'm also a big fan of colored jeans this fall and currently obsessing over Minnetonka boots.

This look combines both for a casual look to watch the Texas Rangers take on the St. Louis Cardinals. (I just had to Google the teams. See, I told you I don't watch sports!) Wearing the team colors is a more subtle way to show your team spirit, rather than wearing the official-World-Series-licensed-tees. (Not that you'd even consider it, I mean, as if!! <--"Clueless")

Click the product links below to view or purchase:

Crochet sweater 128  //  Skinny cords 181 //  low boots 45  //  fringe boots 68

I'm torn between the two boots: I really want the tall fringe boots, but I'm thinking the low non-fringe will go back with more things. Honestly, with those prices, I could buy both and definitely get my money's worth.

Which pair do you like?

One vest: Two ways

For those of you that missed my guest post on Juggling in Heels, here it is again. (Yes, I thought it was good enough for a repost. That, and I've got nothing else for you today.) I've put together two looks touching on almost every one of my picks for fall trends: fur, color blocking, pleats, gold, and lady chic.

Click to view details or purchase:
fur vest 135 || cuff 150 || boots 199 || bag 54.89 || dress 64 || belt 34.50 || heels 175

Look 1: Casual weekend wear

• White v-neck tees are a basic wardrobe builder. You can wear them with skirts, jeans, under blazers...you name it. The key is a v-neck vs. a round neck. You want the V so it shows more skin and elongates you, especially if you're petite. The high round neck just visually cuts you off at your neck.
• Skinny jeans are also a must-have because they are the one pair of jeans that you can wear with any heel height. Buy them with a bit of stretch for comfort and I prefer an actual jean over a legging because it's more versatile.
• Riding boots in taupe are more unexpected than a cognac, brown, or black, though a cognac tall boot is an essential in the fall.
• Accessorize with a snakeskin cuff trimmed in gold and structured handbag.

Look 2: Date night

• Color blocking is all over the place this fall and not just limited to one piece. You can color block by wearing one solid color piece and pairing it back with another complimentary color. There are really no "rules" for picking colors. You can stick with shades of one color (like this dress) or you can pick two colors opposite each other on the color wheel (like blue and orange).
• When it doubt, belt it out! Wear the fur vest over the dress and belt it closed. It will give you back a waist and balance out a full, fluffy top. The vest and belt add dimension and interest to your look.
• To add a touch of lady chic, wear black suede t-strap heels and opaque tights if your legs need more coverage on cool nights.

Would you wear real or faux fur?
 

Crazy for camel

One of the hottest colors of the season isn't a color at all.  Camel is everywhere: in sweaters, sequins, pants, dresses and accessories.  To keep the tonal look from looking too drab, mix textures and add some sparkle.  Wear a sequin tank with menswear-inspired hounds-tooth shorts.  Or, if you feel like it's a little too much of a good thing, mix something camel with a charcoal or red piece. 

1. Sequin tank, Express $29.90

2. Camel faux suede top, XXI $27.80

3. Oversized top, XXI $27.80

4. Leather bracelet w/ chain, Lori's Shoes $36

5. Leather stud wrap bracelet, Lori's Shoes $19

6. Cuffed houndstooth shorts, XXI $19.80

7. Stretch corduroy, Victoria's Secret $39.50

8. Faux suede leggings, Arden B $28 

9. Clog, delia's $79.50

10. Suede platform wedge, Jeffrey Campbell $125

The "skinny" on The Skinny

News flash: YOU can wear skinny pants!  Yes, you.  In the back.  Wearing the boot cut jeans.  From college.  Remember that time in your life?  Well life didn't stop there.  And now it's time to catch up.

Below are a few tips on how you can finally get into a pair of skinnies without feeling like Pat Benatar.  (Though, if you did, it would almost be acceptable as 80's fashion has come back full circle.  That's another story.)

1. Keep proportions in mind.  Skinny legs mean a fuller top.  This doesn't mean you have to look like Sponge Bob Square Pants, just don't wear a tight top with a tight bottom or you will end up looking more like Peggy Bundy.
2. Wear a longer top that drapes to hide hips.  I hear the complaint that a woman can't wear skinny pants because her hips are too big.  Hide them under a long cardigan or tunic top.  Done.
3. Pick the right fabric.  Many designers have skinny pants in a double-knit/ponte or scuba fabric.  These are incredibly comfortable and perfect for running around all day or going out to a nice dinner with the simple change of shoes and accessories.  If you're new to the skinny leg look, avoid a thin cotton/nylon legging as these do not have the same amount of coverage to hide all the dips and dimples.
4. Create an illusion.  If you're uncomfortable with a full moon, find a pair with faux-pockets.  This gives the eye a visual break from all of the rear end real estate, but doesn't add the actual bulk of a pocket.
5. One (overused) word: Jeggings.  Jean leggings are now every where and a very comfortable alternative to skinny jeans.  Again, find a pair with faux-pockets if you want to feel more like you're wearing a pair of jeans.

Skinnies are a low-maintenance and easy addition to your wardrobe.  Unlike your wide leg or boot cut pants, the skinny pant can go back with any heel height (bunch it up at the ankle for a flat or wear it longer for a heel) or they can be worn tucked into boots.  There's no need to commit the hem to a particular shoe.

Now you have the perfect excuse to go out and buy a new pair of tall fall boots.  You're welcome.