Jeggings, All Dressed Up In The Cold

Jeggings: Old Navy; Top: Forever 21; Cardi: Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls; Bracelet and Monogram Necklace: Bauble Bar; Statement Necklace: J Crew; Wedges: BCBG; Clutch: Vintage Colombetti (aka this belonged to my super stylish Grandma)

What happens when you’re going to a celebration dinner and the windchill is 4 degrees and you may have to walk 6 blocks to the restaurant? You pull together a ladylike jeans outfit because a dress is just completely out of the question.

I decided to go as demure as possible with the details of this outfit to dress it up a bit. Notice the flat simple clutch, sweater buttoned at the collar, and necklace over said collar.

I went with low wedges instead of boots to keep with the ladylike vibe I had going. Aesthetically, I think this was a good choice. Practically speaking though, my feet were freezing. (Note to self: invest in some peds.)

How are you all dealing with trying to look cute in this cold? It’s so hard! I just want to wear sweater dresses with leggings and Uggs all the time.

Stay warm!

xo,
Elle

Sequin Geek Chic

Ahh.. Just your everyday New Year’s Eve dilemma–to sequin or not to sequin??

New Year’s Eve is by far the sparkliest holiday of the year, and I was super stoked when I found this tres chic Calvin Klein black sequinned sheath for 23 dollars in late December (side note, not to gloat, but isn’t that the most awesome bargain?!). But, alas, two major problems interferred with my glorious bedazzled outfit:

1: Sequins hurt. Holy moley, my inner arms are on fire, Batman!

2: My plans were dinner with the bf. An eight o clock ressie at a casual restaurant doesnt exactly scream sequin and sparkles. I am all about overdressing, but this would have been ridiculous.

Determined to go into 2013 in style, I compromised by geek chic-ing up my super fancy dress. Add one whimsically patterned sweater (several seasons old and no more than twenty bucks), black tights, and my go to knee high boots, and suddenly my cocktail party attire had a casual dinner feel. I added a stretchy black belt over the whole thing to tie it together and pulled my hair up in a high bun. I loved the way it looked and I felt extra fancy without looking out of place. Not to mention the sweater protected my arms from a bloody sequin massacre. Win, win, win!

M

Clothes: Dress, Calvin Klein via TJ Maxx; Sweater, Forever 21; Boots, Steve Madden; Tights, Target; Blingy J. Crew Inspired Bracelet, Groop Dealz; Belt, Old

Hawaiian … Pastels???

Hello my lovelies!

I found out one day last week that we were having a Hawaiian themed day at work for casual Friday. There are not many trends or looks that I rule out, but I draw the line at Hawaiian shirts or coconut bras. No and no. Instead of the company suggested Don Ho-like button downs (who comes up with these things?), I opted for a more subtle sheer pastel floral top that had been hanging out in my closet with tags on it for months. I accessories with some simple flat sandals and green and blue J. Crew necklaces. And sunglasses on my head, since it was Hawaiian day, obvi.

My awesome coworker happened upon that gorgeous little vintage broach and gave it to me that day. (An “L” for Elle, get it?) It went perfectly on my necklaces! I think I have a new favorite piece that I’m going to wear a million different ways.

What would your Hawaiian interpretation have been?

xo,
Elle

Summer Peacock (and How I Stage My Outfits)

A few notes about this outfit:

1. I LOVE this AA dress, but it is so short that it is downright indecent, hence the leggings.

2. I’ve decided to overdo the topknot this summer since it’s a cute look and so cool and comfy. Expect to see it a lot.

3. I’m not what you would call cheap (in fact, some may say I have a spending problem), but $150 for this necklace is RIDONK. I do not feel bad about picking up cheap copies from eBay.

Now, let’s chat about outfit prep for a mo, shall we? Before bedtime, I lay out an outfit like you see above. It makes mornings INFINITELY easier. I get to sleep for an extra 15 minutes, and don’t rip my closet apart frenetically trying to piece an outfit together before my coffee has had a chance to kick in. Everyone wins!

Do you guys prep the night before? Or do you fly by the seat of your outfit pants each morning?

xo,
Elle