How to Wear Velvet During the Day

cardigan // velvet tank (on sale!) // jeans // mules // purse // lipstick (color: blush basin)

We have those trends we see, love and then think that it's just never going to see the light of day (outside of our closets). Raise your hand, if velvet fits into that? Yup! Well, it just doesn't seem appropriate for anything that isn't a fancy holiday party. It was slim pickings I would be going to any fancy party this year, so I made it my mission to not let that stop me. The things that motivated are questionable-I know. But the chances of something being able to be worn casually means it will A) get worn more and B) read A again. 

So here are a few tips to making velvet work for day time:

1. Don't invest too much money. Velvet is one of those fabrics that doesn't work all year long, so find a quality piece that's budget-friendly. This tank is under $35 and this tee is just $38. The quality for price on these cannot be beat! 

2. Try a color besides your typical holiday colors. Velvet in blush is less flashy due to it's soft hue (and I'm obsessed). The eye just notices another texture to your look, rather than the type of fabric.

3. Pair it will your basics. Grab a cozy cardigan or moto jacket and jeans=outfit complete! 

How do you feel about velvet worn casually?

How to Embrace Neutrals

top (size xs) // jeans // jacket (on sale) // purse (love this) // hat // sunglasses // espadrilles

 Style changes. Style evolves just like we do. We get new opportunities in life and that tends to change our closets, too. My last year of college I had this fun internship with Bloomingdales helping in their studio services department. It meant this color obsessed girl, who didn't own a single black piece of clothing, was going to have to get past that. All you could wear was black-head to toe. At that time, I never imagined loving black and anything neutral to be honest. To me neutrals we're fun, it was as if you were just giving up on your outfit. And let's be real-I had way more time back then. But from then to now, I learned there is a way for neutrals to be fun and exciting. It's all about styling and getting new perspective. Here are my tips to make neutrals easy to shop for:

1. Start small: Find a print in neutrals (like this top) that will work longer than say a bold neon print. It'll mix in a lot easier, too.
2. Look for details: With different shapes and cuts, neutrals can have edge to them and keep their longevity while making a statement.
3. Put on blinders: Let's be real! It's hard to not get distracted by something shiny while shopping. Intentionally go neutral shopping to stores that are known for basics.

Thank you for linking up with us! It means so much! Our picks are Jessica from Not Jess Fashion and Alina from Alina Ermilova!

An InLinkz Link-up

7 Neckerchief Scarves (that aren't western looking)

You guys ever since wearing this outfit I've become obsessed with neckerchief scarves! By the way, I just learned the official term in the process and thought I'd share (now go tell your friends!). The main reason I shied away from them is because they all looked western and parading around like a cowgirl wasn't my idea of cute. Clearly that all changed when I found a neckerchief scarf that was not red or paisley. Turns out, there's plenty of options and I pulled together my favorite 7 in case you also don't want to look like a cowgirl.

3 Ways to Knot your Belt

You know what happens when you walk into your favorite boutique? You walk out of there with something you never were looking for like this belt. No regrets! But that left me searching for ways to make it look even better. Yes, I know this is double wrap style, but these really easy ways to knot will work on a regular belt that might be a little long. So give one of these tries to amp up your look!

The Shoe Swap

 While I love the ease of the weekend, some weekends are just full of places to be, people to see, and things to-do (hello Tar-jay!). Even though I love to play dress-up, sometimes that's just not possible and there's only time for one outfit for the day. Here's where the shoe swap comes in!

With the sneaker trend happening, it's clear that it's fashionable to look stylish and comfortable. These leopard sneakers are my go to for errands and look great with skirts and dresses. But later I had to hop on over to something a little fancier...

It was time for a nice weekend brunch and I wanted to step it up literally. Bringing another pair of shoes is just way easier than a whole outfit and a simple style trick!

Hope you have a great Monday! xo

Outfit Deets:

Jacket: Forever 21 (old, similar)

Skirt: H&M (old, similar)

Sneakers: Report

Sandals: Lulu's (only $28)

Link up on Monday Remix, Manic Monday

3 Ways to Style A Bomber Jacket

With Spring around the corner, I love adding some new pieces to my closet that I know can work for so many occasions and with pieces I already own. A bomber jacket fits this to a T! This white bomber is fresh for Spring and is great textured fabric that gives it more structure. 

chambray / skirt similar / booties

A pencil skirt and button down is always a great combination for work and topping your look with a bomber jacket is a nice alternative to a blazer. Depending on your work dress code, you can stick with the chambray or a traditional button down.

sweatshirt / jeans / wedges

Since a bomber jacket has a sporty chic vibe putting it with boyfriend jeans just seems right, but your favorite jeans definitely works. Playing up the shoes and accessories is key to making this weekend ensemble look casually polished.

dress similar  / wedges / sneakers

Surprise! I just couldn't keep this a night look. Okay, so maybe I just wanted to wear these leopard 

sneakers (can you blame me?). Either way a LBD can be transformed with bomber jacket and a quick switch of shoes can take your look from night or day or vice versa. 

Can you see a bomber jacket making it's way to your closet?

Linkup on Random Wednesday

Black & Blue

Well, well it's Monday. You sure did come too soon. Hopefully, many of you are enjoying the holiday. This weekend was a busy one for me and wish I had a weekend after the weekend for a little R&R. If you follow along my Instagram, you may have seen that I attended The School Of Style's  two day seminar and more importantly my love for these black flats(my new shoe BFF). This was my outfit for the first day and of course came together after outfit A, B, and possibly C didn't work out. I just really wanted to wear these shoes if we're being honest. I'm not the only one who bases their outfits around shoes, riiight?

And I can't even tell you how much I learned about the styling business this weekend! My head is exploding in a very good way. But if you're interested in learning about styling I highly recommend checking out The School of Style. There really isn't anything like it!

Cheers to a new week!

Outfit Deets:

Jacket: Forever 21 (similar)

Shirt: H&M (similar)

Dress: Zara (similar)

Flats: Forever 21 (not online)

Link up with Lauren and Lipstick and Crayons

Remix Matching Separates

With fashion constantly evolving and new trends popping out, it's a love hate relationship to be honest. Some trends I'm immediately on board and others have me scratching my head like this. When matching separates started to make it into stores last year, my initial thought was 'alright fashion industry, you are trying to get me to buy something that was once sewed together but now you cut it into two and my wallet will not be fooled!' But then I kept seeing matching separates and really cute printed ones (ahem, hello florals). This light bulb went off right when this set was available on Hautelook and suddenly I saw the potential in separates. I mean a girl is allowed to change her mind, am I right? Or was it just perfect timing? I know you've seen me wear the skirt and top separately and very recently, but I am totally in love with them and now I wanted to show you how easy it is to remix matching separates.

Link up with Lauren
Here are some of my favorite matching separates:

3 Essential Jackets

 One of the best pieces in my closet are hands down a jacket that can take my outfit to the next level, you know that 'look everyone I really put a lot of thought into this but I didn't. It's the jacket.' These 3 essential jackets are key to finishing the look and what I constantly reach for and can take even a basic outfit to a whole new look like the one I'm wearing.

The moto jacket is perfect anytime of year and really adds some edge. Take a girly dress and make it  ready for a night out with a moto jacket. Pair it with something structured like trousers or a pencil skirt to make those pieces less formal. It just gives an outfit an unexpected twist that is so effortless.

The utility jacket is a great neutral that adds a little masculinity in the best ways. It's a great way to dress something down like sequins. Just like the moto jacket, it pairs well with girly pieces like skirts, dresses, and even lace.

Who doesn't love a punch of color? I know I love a good dose of color and a colored blazer/jacket really brightens up any outfit and mood. Whether you're wearing a tee and jeans or an LBD, a colored blazer will give new life and give that polished look.

So the next time you're stumped in front of your closet, grab a jacket! Hope this helps you get more use out of your closet!