A Statement Piece

 

 

 

 

 Sunglasses: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Ear Cuff: Jennifer Lopez; Link Bracelets: Dana Buchman; Hammered Bangle: Unknown (gift); Watch: Guess; Top: Rock & Republic; Boyfriend Jeans: Gap; Studded Pumps: Aldo

I love to make a statement!

Whether it's a witty (sarcastic?) statement that comes out of my mouth on a daily (hourly?) basis or throwing on something eye catching. I was out shopping months ago and came across these boyfriend jeans from Gap. I love them. They have a different fit from my other boyfriend jeans and had no distressing, either. I tried them on once I was home and my boyfriend was not impressed.  He thought they were "too boyfriend." I told him I'd prove him wrong. I believe my statement was "Studded heels and a cute top. That's all you need and those boyfriend jeans will be transformed, you watch!"

On another outing, I came across this Rock & Republic top and saw the statement "So Over It." I loved it. It had perfect attitude and I knew it would be great with a low slung jean. I also spotted these cool Jennifer Lopez ear cuffs and figured, "Well, it's a statement piece." And off to the register I went.

As we all know, I love a pop of color (you know, something that draws the eye in). One of my perfect pair of heels for this reason alone is my cobalt blue studded/spiked heels from Aldo. Those heels are a statement in themselves.

Facial expressions are also a great statement. I'd be a horrible poker player. It is clearly evident what I am thinking and feeling by looking at my face at all times. But sometimes it is fun to hide your expression with a large pair of shades. I have Vera Wang to thank for this.

When I was shooting the pics for this blog, I was at a park and was consistently being passed by dog walkers and joggers alike. Some glanced over while others stared, neither of which bothered me. I had made a statement. And I think it was a pretty good one.

Liz

Coffee Shop Chic

 

 

 Aviators: Tahari; Earrings: Chico's; Velvet Blazer: Gap; Tee: Elie Tahari for Designation; Floral and Pearl Rings: LC Lauren Conrad; Other Gold and Midi Rings: Forever 21; Skinny Jeans: Old Navy; Handbag: New York & Company; Lace Up Peep Toe Booties: Rock & Republic

Here's a few things you should know about me. I love coffee. I can never have enough (ask my co-workers). I live in jeans and have an obsession with high heels. I always try to style my hair but it almost ALWAYS ends up in a messy bun or ponytail. Hmm, what else? Reality programs on Bravo are consistently recorded on my DVR and though I complain non-stop about getting stuck on levels of Candy Crush, it is still my go-to game.

I'm always on the go. I love to stay busy. I'm always doing something around my town house or running errands...or shopping. I love to be social. I always put thought into what I am wearing, but I try to not take too long to get ready or to pick out an outfit. Today I wanted to run out to a local coffee shop and immediately grabbed some heels and jeans and one of my favorite tees from the recent Elie Tahari for Designation line at Kohl's (FYI- This line was inspired by New York City and I seriously had to own a lot from this collection)! I am obsessed with the taxi print on this tee. It was too cold for just a tee shirt (Spring, didn't we have this discussion in my last blog post???) so I threw on a trusty black velvet blazer.

It was a cute outfit. Simple, with minimal accessories. I had my I Phone if anyone called (or if I just happened to have some lives on Candy Crush...) and a cup of coffee because, well, why not? I was able to sit down and relax and have a bite of biscotti and hang out with my boyfriend. That is, until I felt the need to get going and return home to work on this blog...and maybe catch up on some Real Housewives, too.

Liz

I Have Nothing To Wear

 

 

 

 

 

 Beanie: Forever 21; Tee: American Eagle Outfitters; Cardigan Sweater: Elie Tahari for Designation: Jeans: Old Navy; Ring: Juicy Couture; Ballet Flats: Rock & Republic

"I Have Nothing To Wear"

I love this tee shirt. I was out with my boyfriend shopping a while ago and came across this tee from American Eagle Outfitters and I said, "I have to buy this! It's so true!"

He looked at me like I was crazy.

Fashion is fun. I can't state that enough. What better tee shirt to showcase on a fashion blog than one with that statement?

Also, I was wanting a simple, casual look for this blog. Currently I am out of town, in Minnesota to be exact. And it's cold here! However, I took advantage of the "heat wave" today (30 degrees! Woo Hoo!) to throw on this fab Elie Tahari for Designation cardigan sweater over my tee and jeans.

I also decided to free my feet from wearing boots for weeks and slipping them into these fierce ballet flats from Rock & Republic (bought them a while ago...still love them)!

Other than combating the cold, I also have freezing winds to deal with. What better way to fight it than with braided hair and a black beanie from Forever 21? Perfect!

Sometimes my most favorite outfits (like this one) are the most simple: No bells and whistles (or sequins and gorgeous heels, for that matter).

Next time you are running errands or meeting a friend out for a bite to eat, remember that it doesn't need to take you a half hour to an hour to find the perfect outfit (believe me...it can happen)! Check the weather ~ that is ultra important. Being fashionable doesn't mean having to be too hot or too cold. Remember that layering is always easy (you can always add a layer or peel one off). Grab some of your favorite accessories. Throw your hair in a bun, scarf or hat if you are having a bad hair day (or combating brutal winds!) and jeans are always a great go-to, as they can be dressed up or down.

Voila!

You now have something to wear.

Liz

Move Over Tees, There's A New Blouse In Town...



 

 

 

 

 

 





Pumps: Guess; Jeggings: LC Lauren Conrad; Floral Top: Nicole by Nicole Miller; Suede Moto Jacket: Elie Tahari for Designation; Earrings: Unknown (gift); Handbag: BCBGeneration

I love tee shirts.

Have I mentioned this before?

A few months ago, as I was shopping my closet for another blog photo, I was completely astonished by the amount of tee shirts I have.

Graphic tees. Solid tees. Short sleeved. Long sleeved. Plain tees. Embellished tees. Neutral tones. Brightly colored. Designer tees. Off the rack.

You name it, I own it.

So it has been my mission to upgrade my tee shirt driven wardrobe. I have pushed past my fear of button down blouses (a fear many busty girls have - FYI : camisoles are your friend!) and I can proudly say that my closet is (slowly) being consumed by beautiful blouses.

I picked up this Nicole by Nicole Miller sleeveless button down at JC Penney (it's beautiful, form fitting AND was on sale...what's not to love?) and I knew immediately that I could wear it separate, with a blazer or with this fierce suede Elie Tahari for Designation black moto jacket.

Since another staple in my wardrobe is a skinny jean, this top was a perfect match. I love the low seam in the back of the top and how it falls from the back of the cropped jacket. The flow of the top balanced out the tightness of the jeans.

Next was my favorite part of dressing, my shoes, and picking out which worked best. I wanted a neutral heel, something simple, so I went with my Guess pumps. Every woman needs to have a pair of black patent leather pumps in her wardrobe (with whatever heel height makes her feel comfortable - most of my heels are 4 to 5 inch heels) that you can pair with a dress, slacks or jeans.

So I looked in the mirror, and felt this outfit was missing something. Another accessory, of course! I added my chartreuse BCBG box crossbody bag for fun and I was out the door.

Liz

Happy New Year





 



Sunglasses and Statement Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Earrings: Nicole by Nicole Miller; Sweater, Bangles, Rhinestone Rings and Midi Rings: Forever 21; Rose ring and Skirt: LC Lauren Conrad; Boots: Jennifer Lopez; Oversize clutch: Liz Claiborne



Happy New Year everyone! I love that word: New.

New experiences. New people to meet. New places to visit. New items in my closet....okay, maybe I'm going too far.

My New Year started with a trip out of state with the love of my life. So I've already checked off the new experiences, new people to meet and new places to visit right off the bat! Now, all I have to do is shop for new items for my closet...oh wait, am I off track again?

The New Year is exciting. I am open to new opportunities and where they lead me. I'm open to trying new things and push myself even more in life and business. I want this year to bring me loads and loads of happiness and well being. I would like to be more carefree and daring. I want to have fun. Plenty of fun.

This LC Lauren Conrad skirt is fun. I have been eyeing this at Kohl's for months now. It came in navy as well, but this shade of pink is to die for. So, I finally bought it (on sale - I love a new sale). The hi-low hem and the beautiful satin fabric are playful and feminine. The flow of this skirt is amazing. I didn't want to wait till Spring or Summer to wear it. So I opened up my closet and thought "Just throw on a warm black sweater and over the knee boots and you're good!"

And so I did. I love this new outfit. Though the boots could have toughened up the skirt, they played off the simple black sweater nicely. Add some new accessories like these great Forever 21 rings and bangles and this GORGEOUS Simply Vera multi-chain statement necklace and what you have is a new outfit that is eye catching, beautiful and absolutely carefree.

What better way to start off the New Year!

Liz

Summer Days Drifting Away...

Top Ten Things I Love About Summer Fashion:

1. Breaking out the Panama style hat that works with anything from dresses to tees.
2. Tank tops that layer perfectly over one another.
3. Matching my bright nail polish with my bright sandals.
4. Sun catching jewelry.
5. Shorts. Shorts. And more shorts.
6. Easy, breezy maxi dresses that are non-constricting.
7. Raffia everything: Sandals, floppy hats, tote bags, etc.
8. Sunglasses of all shapes, sizes and colors.
9. Endless options for bikinis and swimsuits.
10. Oversize wristlets that fit all my necessities: lip gloss, ID, credit card, gum, eyeliner, keys and a hair band.

I don't care if Fall is soon approaching. I will hold on to Summer (and it's many fashions) for as long as I can! Who's with me?!?!

Liz

 

 

 

 

Panama Hat: Gap; Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Tee: Rock & Republic; Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters; Bangle: Pier 1; Bracelet: Dana Buchman; Watch: Guess; Cocktail Ring and Espadrilles: Juicy Couture; Oversize Wristlet: Coach

Wrap Star

Here's a shocker. There is a difference between humans and mannequins. In my past visual merchandising/styling experience, I have dressed both humans and mannequins. Now there ARE some similarities. For example: Both want to look fabulous. Both have their own personality (though the mannequin's personality may be featured through their faces or poses and above all, clothing). Humans and mannequins want to look stylish and turn heads and humans and mannequins come in all shapes, sizes and hues.

Here's where they differ: If a mannequin is not cooperating (limbs falling off, getting stuck on the stand, ripping or stretching clothing or having paint flecks fall off), then you can (nonchalantly) hit them with their own arm. Humans tell you (most of the time) what they want. You have to come up with hundreds of ideas for mannequins...they don't talk, or think for that matter. Humans have limbs that move, which makes it easier to try on clothing. Mannequins either have arms that are bent or completely straight, and many times only one leg comes off, so you have to pick up the entire mannequin to put a pair of denim on the one attached leg. You do not have to pick up humans. They dress themselves. Mannequins (especially male ones) are HEAVY....and do not get me started on when they slam down on your toes and break them.

As much as I love my mannequins (work with them long enough, they sort of become your friends and family), I enjoy the interactions with humans more because there's always a great story behind buying an item, or they have the best advice on treating scratches on leather or how to distress your own denim. Many come into the store/boutique with the fiercest outfits you have ever seen and they absolutely love showing off their accessories.

As we all know, I love accessories; And no matter how many humans and mannequins I have dressed over the years, I have always struggled with the numerous ways to wear a scarf. There were two ways I would wear a scarf: the first being the usual wrapping around the neck once and having the ends hang down in the front and the second being to double up the scarf, wrap around the back of the neck and pull the ends through the loop. These looks are classic, but I always wanted to learn more.

Anytime one of these stylish humans, be it male or female, walked in to the store/boutique I was employed at during that time, and they had on a scarf, I had to ask how to do it. Needless to say, they were more than happy to oblige. I would now like to pass the torch to many of you out there who may want a new look for their scarves. I am so thankful for those who shared their secrets with me...the mannequins were never so kind.

 

Tee: Old Navy; Pashmina: Unknown (bought from street vendor in NYC)



Loop and Tuck -     1. Take your scarf or pashmina (the bigger the scarf, the fuller it will look) and

                                    place the middle of the scarf at the front of the neck and wrap around the neck

                                    so the ends hang down the back.

 

                                2. Take both ends and wrap them back around the neck to the front of the body

                                    and pull the ends through the loop.

 

                                3. Pull down to desired length.

 



Tee and Scarf: Old Navy

 

Faux Infinity -         1. Take a thin scarf and tie the ends together.

 

                                2. Place the scarf around your neck with the tie in the back and wrap around as 

                                    many times as desired (depending on the length of the scarf).

                             

                                3. Once wrapped around, make sure to cover the tie in the back with a layer

                                    of fabric from the scarf.

 

 Tee: Old Navy; Scarf: Gap

 

Half Bow -              1. Wrap the scarf around the back of your neck and when you bring the ends to

                                    the front, make sure one end is longer than the other.

 

                                2. Cross the longer end with the shorter one and pull up through the bottom,

                                     resulting in a loop.

 

                                3. While pulling on the loop, hold the front end in place, so that the half bow

                                     tightens.

 

                                4. Spread the bow out and make it look pretty.

 



Tee: Old Navy; Scarf: Gap

 

Double Knotted -    1. Take your scarf (I LOVED using an ombre scarf for this!) and wrap around the

                                    back of the neck and bring the ends forward.

 

                                2. Tie a knot halfway down each end, but leave one of the knots loose.

 

                                3. Take the end with the tight knot and slip it through the loose knot.

 

                                4. Make sure the knots are touching and the look is complete.



Tee: Old Navy; Scarf: Gap 

 

Muffler -                1. Take the end of a large square scarf and place it on your shoulder.

 

                              2. Bring up a corner from the other end and tie with the end placed on the

                                  shoulder.

 

                              3. Leave the loose end hanging to create the triangle look.

 

* Due to the placement of my hands, my scarf is moved up. When following these instructions, your scarf will drape more like a triangle.



Tee: Old Navy; Scarf: Gap

Classic -                 1. Take your scarf and place the middle of the scarf at the front of the neck and 
                                   wrap around the neck so the ends hang down the back.

                               2. Take both ends and wrap them back around the neck to the front of the body.
                               3. Loosen the loop at the neck to desired length.

Tee and Infinity Scarf: Old Navy

 

Infinity Scarf -         1. Take your infinity scarf and place around your neck, making sure the seam is

                                     in the back.

 

                                2. Wrap around the neck till you reach your desired look. Wrap once more for a 

                                    long look such as this. Wrap more if you are looking for a shorter look.

 



A Charmed Life

I have two charm bracelets. The first one is mine. It was a gift for my 30th birthday from my parents, which I absolutely adore. It is a sterling silver link bracelet from Tiffany's and currently houses one charm: a heart with Tiffany's address etched across it.

My second charm bracelet is not mine, though it was given to me as a gift by my Aunt Skip. My aunt, who has been gone since 2005, was actually my great-great aunt. She was fantastic, full of energy and so much fun. I could hang out with her for hours and listen to her stories.

I was visiting my grandparents in Florida one summer and when my aunt came over, she gave me a small white box and inside it, was the most fabulous charm bracelet I have ever seen.

It's been a while and thinking back, I wish I would have written down all the stories that came with the bracelet. It's hard for me to remember a lot of them, but then again, the charms basically speak for themselves. I take this bracelet out of my jewelry armoire from time to time (I should wear it, but the two EXTREMELY SHARP steeples on the St. Patrick's Cathedral charm bring about anxiety against my delicate wrist!) and I run my fingers over each charm, inspecting them and remembering (imagining?) the story for each one.

To an outsider, this charm bracelet could be perceived as quite random, but to have known my aunt, this bracelet speaks of her travels, experiences, personality and life in general. The bracelet is comprised of the following charms: an old fashioned water pump, comedy/tragedy mask, Empire State Building, push lawn mower (which really rolls), sleigh, New York skyline, love letter, toilet bowl (the lid raises up), St. Patrick's Cathedral, Chicago Water Tower, scissors (they open and close), bells, horse drawn carriage, Scottie dog, Statue of Liberty, United Nations Building and a passport case (that slides open).

I treasure this gift from my aunt. She could have given her charm bracelet to anyone (remember, she was actually my great-great aunt) and she presented it to me. Very few gifts in my life can ever touch me as much as this one does and I can only hope to build my own charm bracelet with such panache as she did.

Tear Drop Earrings: Unknown (gift); Necklace: Ann Taylor; Sweatshirt: Old Navy; Charm Bracelet: Unknown (gift); Silver Hammered Bangle: Unknown (gift); Silver Link Bracelet: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Cocktail Ring: Unknown (gift); Oversize Clutch: Liz Claiborne; Moto Jeans: Gap; Peep Toe Lace Up Pumps: Rock & Republic 

 

Cocktail Ring: Unknown (gift); Necklace: Ann Taylor; Sweatshirt: Old Navy; Moto Jeans: Gap; Peep Toe Lace Up Pumps: Rock & Republic

 

Charm Bracelet: Unknown (gift) 

 

Necklace: Ann Taylor; Sweatshirt: Old Navy 

 

 

 Moto Jeans: Gap; Peep Toe Lace Up Pumps: Rock & Republic

 

 Necklace: Ann Taylor; Sweatshirt: Old Navy; Charm Bracelet: Unknown (gift); Silver Hammered Bangle: Unknown (gift); Silver Link Bracelet: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Cocktail Ring: Unknown (gift); Oversize Clutch: Liz Claiborne; Moto Jeans: Gap 

 

 Cocktail Ring: Unknown (gift); Sweatshirt: Old Navy; Moto Jeans: Gap, Peep Toe Lace Up Pumps: Rock & Republic