Saturday, July 28, 2012

Going Out Attire

Last Saturday I had a fun night out with two very fun ladies!  We had all been in the mood for some serious dancing and fun, so we dolled ourselves up and set out for in out dancing shoes.  While we were out, I found myself observing what all the other women were wearing.  Some great...some horrible!  So I decided what better than to write a blog about it.

One thing I always notice is that each city has its own style.  The big thing around here is jeans and a cute top with some killer heels.  Its my usual go-to for going out.  New York is much more exciting with all the new trends.  And Vegas is all short skirts, sequins, and slutty.  However, while out in Royal Oak, I did notice a bit of the Vegas Slut look going on.  There were some way too tight dresses and way too short skirts.  I am all about taking a risk, but lets keep it classy ladies.

Here is a real quick 'What Not to Wear' - (we actually saw quite a few looks like this!)




While I was scrolling though some pictures, I found this one from 2008 when all my college roomies and I went to Chicago for the weekend.  The first night we went out, we took this picture.  Talk about a 'going out uniform!' We all ended up wearing black tops and jeans...but we all looked hot!




Here are some fun looks that I have found for going out!

I recently bought something similar to this shirt on ebay for the fall and I am so excited about it!  This tank is so cool and funky.  Its from Nordstrom for $58. You can pair it with some colored or patterned denim to really take the rock look up a notch (like in the photo below).  Or, you can pair it with some blue skinny jeans for a less intense look.  It would also be great for day time with skinny jeans, a blazer and motorcycle boots. Plus, who doesn't love a tiger!



Now if you are the more girly type and like to go out in dresses...try a LWD (little white dress) to switch it up from the usual LBD.  I love BCBG dresses, but they can get expensive.  Macy's has a great selection of the BCBGeneration line, which is more funky than the original BCBG line.  And you can almost always get them on sale and use a coupon for great deals.  Lord and Taylor always has these on their clearance racks too so you can score these at great prices.  I found this dress at Macy's for $53.99 right now.  It usually sells for $128!  Its from the BCBGeneration line.  Spice up the girly feel with some chunky heels for a total look!




Another really fun idea for going out is the jumpsuit.  A few years ago while out shopping, I picked one up to try on and all my girlfriends were like "uh no!"  But once I tried it on, everyone loved it!  They are so flattering...if you get the right fit.  They have fitted ones and flowy ones.  ASOS has a ton of different styles at a range of prices.  I have owned both the jersey jumpsuit and a fitted one.  And I love them both!  Its so easy for a night out, just throw it on and add some platforms and you are ready to go.  No coordinating necessary!  This one from ASOS is so cool and rocks a few trends all at once...wide leg pants and cutouts all in one jumpsuit.  The only accessory you need here is a cool pair of earrings.  And maybe a brightly colored clutch.




And it can't be a going out blog without some awesome shoes!  Here are just a few pairs...

Jessica Simpson on Piperlime for $89.  Love the sequins!


Kelsi Dagger on Piperlime for $79.  Cap toes are huge for the fall too.


Guess on Endless.com for $47.50.  I own these in brown snakeskin and LOVE them!




Happy dancing if you hit the clubs!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Slim-Cut Trousers

I was feeling pretty blah last week.  Everywhere I looked, I saw super cute outfits and I have been so boring.  I think I have a case of closet envy because I have been on a thrifty shopping freeze.  Its been great for the bank account, but sad for me when I see things I want!  So I decided that #1, this blog is going to be colorful and bright.  But also #2, I am going to make it something that can work for summer and easily transition into fall.  Therefore, saving money!  Well...after you shop first :-)

I saw an article recently for slim-cut pants vs wide leg trousers.  While I am all about wide leg pants, I was really drawn to the slim cut pants more.  This is the picture that really sucked me in...its from the Milly Spring 2012 Collection.




These exact pants were on sale at Neiman Marcus for $87...but it says no longer available now :-(  I found a similar pair, without the high waist, at J. Crew for $90.  They only come in aqua or black tho.




I also found a pair with the high waist, which is going to be big this fall, from ASOS.  They are bright blue (or black if you prefer) and only $36.45.  The other great thing about ASOS is that they also have ASOS CURVE for those who have some curves and don't think super skinny pants would look great.  They also have a petite line and a maternity line.




For the shirt, you can really wear a ton of different styles.  You can go simple and do a white button down dress shirt...roll the cuffs up and half tuck it in for a more relaxed, modern feel.  You can also do a tank top...plain like the above picture.  Or you can go with a patterned one like this one by Ark & Co. for $47.99.  I also love the tie neck on this blouse!  You can look for one that has the same color as your pants, or you can color block like this red blouse with the above blue pants!  This is great for summer...and then when it gets cooler out, add a matching red cardigan.  Or really dress it up with a blazer!




And for a look similar to the Milly runway look, try a printed blouse.  There are some great options on ebay, but you have to have some time to browse and know your size.  I love ebay but not everyone does.  I had alot of luck on ASOS too with the prints.  I love this paisley print and I think it goes with a few different color pants and is only $58.  The department stores had a few styles but most of them are over $100.  They have a ton to choose from if this it too loud for you!




I think the most important accessory here is the sunglasses.  My favorite place to shop for these is TJ Maxx and Marshalls.  They always have a ton of options.   Make sure you get some that are a little bit retro to complete the look.  I think its very cool that her bag matches the pants, but I don't think that is necessary.  And for shoes...the best shoe for skinny trousers is always the pointy toe pump.  Try to pick a color that is represented in your ensemble for a cohesive look.

Here is hoping that this week I am better inspired by my own clothes!  Girls night on Wed so that should be fun to pick out clothes for! Stay tuned...

Monday, July 9, 2012

Neon...Big or Small

Well, sadly the Fourth of July has passed, which means summer is in full swing.  And that means color should be a staple in your wardrobe by now.  And by color, I mean brights!  Enter...the neon trend!!!  The reason I love adding neon is how easy it is to do.  You can go full on with tops and pants, or subtle with a fun shoe or bag.  Here are a few of my favorites and some ideas on how to work em.

I have been wanting to get a pair of neon skinny jeans since spring and just have't spring for them yet.  But most of them are on sale right now so this may be the perfect time!  I love this picture of Jessica Alba in pink skinnies.  The vest and studded flats are the coolest way to tone down a neon color.



I found a great deal at Guess for only $58.80 right now.  They come in pink, yellow, and orange.



And here is another picture of her with the same vest and flats, but a more subtle way to wear neon.



Here is a fun, soft neon tee from Gap for $22.  The look above can be worked with any neon color combo.



Another perfect way to wear neon is bags. There are so many styles out there right now.  A big one this season is satchels.  I love the whole look here on Alessandra Ambrosio.  The look is so easy and laid back, but the bag adds just the right amount of funk.  (P.S. I love the braided hair and how it adds to the look.)



Her bag is by the Cambridge Satchel Company, found on shopbop.com for $155.  Here it is in pink neon.


I found this one on Lulu's for $41...and couldn't resist the color combo :-)  Go Blue (in neon) !



Last, but never least...neon shoes! This part was easy. And it might be the easiest way to wear neon.  White tee + skinny jeans + neon pumps = AMAZING! I love these pumps by BCBGeneration found at Nordstrom for $88.95.  The come in yellow, orange, and pink.



If you would rather go with a flat, try these sandals by DV by Dolce Vita from Piperlime. The neon pink are on sale for $44.99.



And just because of my recent fall getting off a boat...some neon boat shoes!  You can be on trend and save your legs from some injury all at the same time!  These Sperry's are on sale on Piperlime for $89.99.

Happy July everyone!!!