Showing posts with label black and white. Show all posts
Showing posts with label black and white. Show all posts

Monday, November 10, 2014

affordable fall trends

On Friday night I was lucky enough to attend the first Fashion X Dallas runway show.  The show ran Thursday through Saturday but unfortunately my schedule only allowed me one night.  However, one night was more than enough to see multiple talented designers and enjoy Dallas fashion and nightlife.  

I choose to wear simple black and white... I mean really, it's my go-to.  I'm obsessed with high contrast and will just always love the combo.  It actually wasn't until after putting this outfit together than I realized how many fall trends it touched on, so I'd love to share my though process behind this look and a few really affordable ways to factor in some of these trends this season! 
 While on a hunt for faux leather leggings (another huge trend this fall... faux leather accents on clothing, great faux leather jackets and pants, even shorts and skirts), I found faux suede leggings from a Moto collection by Rock & Republic at Kohls.  Yeah I know, shocker!! I was shopping at Kohls! ;-)

They weren't exactly what I was looking for... they were better!  I love how soft they are and I love the seaming and interesting mix of fabrics.  The front is faux suede and the sides have mixed in accents of scuba-like material.  So these leggings are definitely stretchy and easy to pull on.  The seaming, especially across the knees, gives a great motorcycle pants feel without going over the top butch.

You may have noticed an abundance of faux leather (or real leather) "Moto" or motorcycle jackets this season.  And yes, this is a HUGE trend!  Especially when you take an edgy piece like that and mix it with a flirty skirt or lace or a feminine top.  But if you're not willing to invest in a jacket, which often times can be a pricier item, you should consider other ways to rock the Moto trend.  Enter, these leggings!  They are on sale right now at Kohls ($25 y'all!!!), and you know they always have extra coupons, so hurry and shop these FAUX SUEDE LEGGINGS HERE!

Obviously this outfit covers the black and white trend.  But what else?  Menswear for women.  It's really big this fall and honestly, it's really easy to achieve.  Who doesn't have a pair of black pants in their wardrobe?  Whether it's leggings like mine, or simply black dress pants, every women has (or should have) a black pant go-to.  Beyond that, all it takes is a simple white shirt and a tuxedo-inspired jacket.  I love this white blouse because, well first of all, it was on clearance.  Second, it's super simple and flowy and comfortable to wear.  I also love the zipper accent in the front as well as the pocket, giving it an edgier look.  (Have you noticed exposed zippers are everywhere?)

My tuxedo jacket is actually from a few season's ago.  It is LC Lauren Conrad from Kohls.  Since I can't link the exact jacket, I've rounded up a few similar looks below! Keep reading!  If you're not wanting to purchase a new tuxedo jacket, here's a few affordable ideas!...  check out upscale resale/ consignment shops and even thrift stores, shop garage sales and estate sales, pull a black blazer from a suit you already own, raid your boyfriend's/ husband's/ dad's/ brother's/ neighbor's/ friend's closet and borrow from them! ... it doesn't matter if it's oversized or a little boxy, that's another trend right now (I bet your mom or maybe even you have a shoulder-pad blazer in the back of their/ your closet.  Just make sure you pair it with more fitted and feminine items!  And don't forget, keeping the makeup and hair really fresh and girly will help balance any hard edges of the outfit.  I opted for a few soft curls accenting my straight hair and made sure to accessorize with lots of sparkle and big jewels.
 Here's my camera shy hubby... totally didn't want to pose with me until I made him... that's why I'm alone in the first pic ;-)  Such a good sport... you don't often see Marine Scout Snipers at fashion events!

The clutch and booties are other must-have items for fall!  Short black booties can be paired with so many items!  I love them with these leggings and since my booties (old, Issac Mizrahi) happen to also be faux suede, my leg-line was continued the entire length of my leg, which is a great trick to look a little taller/ more slender.  I'm also obsessed with pairing short booties with dresses, skirts and shorts this season, as you can clearly see on my Instagram feed!  I've tagged some super cute booties below!
 Working on my dreams!!

I loved the leggings so much, I decided to remix them again over the weekend.  Sunday saw my purple sweater, the leggings and my peep toes.  It's been a nice fall days of actual fall weather here in DFW!  Oh, there's that clutch again!
tuxedo inspired black and white




{Click the thumbnails below to shop these items!}

Saturday, September 20, 2014

using summer clearance to your advantage

Hey there!  Hope your weekend is fabulous so far!  What's everyone up to?!

Today I wanted to share a favorite date night outfit of mine, since it is Saturday and many of you may be headed out with your significant others!  Or even if you're headed out with your girls, this outfit is so cute and affordable!

I know we're transitioning into fall fashion, but here in Texas, it's still super humid and hot!  We are cooling down a little bit, but less coverage is still a necessity.  And what's great about that is Texas girls (and all warmer weather areas) can take advantage of sales and clearances at the end of summer!  You don't have to wait until next year when you may or may not love what you just bought!  Snag a deal and wear it now... the weather has not and will not be changing for awhile y'all :-)  

I have to say, shopping at the end of summer/ back to school time is one of the greatest tips I can give any fashionista!  Stores everywhere, online and in person, are still clearing out inventory in huge clearance form.  I did a little shopping about a month ago and that's when I snagged two fantastic deals!

This striped black & white shirt from H&M was $11!  As always, I was drawn to the black and white items on the clearance rack and this top caught my eye as extremely versatile.  It's lightweight so it can be easily layered and the three-quarter length sleeves help it to transition into fall.  I love how it looks with this girly skirt, but I have also paired it with denim shorts and boyfriend jeans and love that look as well!  I'm not finding this exact shirt on their website, but I've linked multiple very similar looks below!
This floral mini skirt was an amazing find from Windsor!  I popped into their store in the Grapevine Mills Mall for a quick look at their sale racks and was so happy when I found this!!  I love the floral print and honestly, I don't think I actually own a single other mini skirt so I thought I'd add this one to my closet! Best thing about it was the price!! Less than $7! 
I've been using this clutch a lot lately!  It's from a few years ago when I took one of my trips to NYC to visit my girlfriend Kelly.  We shopped some of the sidewalk sales and wandered through Chinatown at one point... and somewhere along the way I picked up this clutch.  It was actually buried in my closet until I recently rediscovered it.  I love the texture (it's not just printed on there, it's actual texture) and I love the size.  Sometimes I'm really not great with clutches because I'm a big bag girl and can't fit all of my things in some of those tiny bags out there!  But this one easily fits a wallet, my phone, business cards and my makeup essentials! 

I'm sort of having an obsession with pairing brown and black accessories together lately!  My shoes also have a similar texture as the bag.  I love being able to continue the peep toe for awhile here in Texas.  Have you noticed lately that Ox Blood Red is like THE nail color of the season??  I'm seeing it everywhere on the fashion bloggers I follow.  My pedi is a couple weeks old now but who knew I'd be right on trend with my pick?  When I saw the name of this polish color, I knew I absolutely had to use it!  It's perfect for any southern girl!  Keep scrolling... all links are at the bottom! 
I love the sparkle of these earrings!  With shades of light blue and gold, I thought they were a beautiful addition to this girly outfit.  They were a gift to me last Christmas and they're from TJ Maxx
B&W Striped Top similar HERE HERE HERE HERE & HERE // 

Hope y'all have a beautiful and blessed weekend!

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

black & white & checkered all over

I recently purchased this Romeo & Juliet Couture black and white checkered skirt at Last Call Neiman Marcus during our blogger event!  It's so lightweight, flow-y and comfortable!  I paired it with this cute black and blue LC Lauren Conrad blouse and simple black accessories! {details & links below}
 Great news!! The skirt is on clearance and you can snag it for even cheaper than I did!! Last Call Neiman Marcus is SUCH an amazing place to score designer steals! Shop the skirt HERE! Hurry, I'm sure it won't last long and you can't ask for a better price!! 

The blouse wasn't purchased that long ago but I'm not seeing it online so here's a few similar LC Lauren Conrad pieces: Navy Lace Chiffon Blouse // Blue Lace Chiffon Blouse  Both lace blouse options are also on clearance!  

My necklace is from Forever 21 // Clutch is Daisy Fuentes {old} (p.s. love her!)  // Shoes are Moda from DSW {old} {shop similar here}

Friday, June 20, 2014

summer trends from Last Call Neiman Marcus & Grapevine Mills

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a fabulous blogger event hosted by Grapevine Mills Mall and Last Call Neiman Marcus!  After cocktails and fabulous hors d'oeuvres from Cozymel's, we were treated to a mini fashion show highlighting the 2014 summer trends.  

Soooo, what's super HOT?  Keep scrolling...
{Boyfriend Jeans/Distressed denim}
There's nothing easier than throwing on a comfy pair of jeans and a white T or tank... throw on some super cute, feminine heels and a statement jacket and you're good to go!
Is anyone else OBSESSED with this jacket??!
{Maxi dresses & flowing skirts + PINK}
Long flowing dresses, bright pink and floral patterns are huge this summer!  I love this easy breezy style because there's nothing more simple than one piece head to toe!  Keep your accessories and shoes simple and metallic and you can easily go from day to night.
{Black & White}
Always easy, and the possibilities are endless.  Black and white allows you to mix and match patterns for maximum impact.  
{Wedge shoes}
Big, small, colorful, black & white, patterned... it doesn't matter.  Wedges are huge for summer and can I just say thank you because they're SO comfy!
{Sportswear}
We're seeing fashionable sportswear everywhere!  Check out this ultra chic dress and killer sneakers!
{More black & white}
{Patterns & Chunky Heels}
Tomorrow marks the first official day of summer!! I have to say, this summer's trends are some of my favorite all-time looks.  I have always and will always be obsessed with Black and White.  I think it's so classy and I love the contrast.  As you can see, there are many ways to play with this trend.  Mixing patterns and textures is the way to go.

And as bold as black and white is, don't forget to go bold with your color and patterns too!  Hot pink is a must and when it comes to patterns, the bigger and crazier the better!  Don't be scared to mix your patterns... this trend doesn't always last long but it's SO fun so take advantage of it!  Enjoy being girly this summer and cover yourself in florals and fun, flirty patterns.  Be colorful and be BOLD.

HUGE thank you to Last Call Neiman Marcus and Grapevine Mills Mall for hosting us at this fabulous event, and for even giving us a gift card to spend!!  I was honored to be your guest and had a blast! 
 So what did I buy?? Well, I surprisingly limited myself to only two purchases... but they're both FABULOUS!  Of course I took full advantage of the black and white trend!  Stay tuned to see how I style these beauties!
Happy Summer y'all!