Fashion Styles Blog: Miss Selfridge

Showing posts with label Miss Selfridge. Show all posts

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Layering 101

(Click picture to shop)

With winter in full force (for most of us; we had a rather warm weekend), layers are of the utmost importance. To me, there is nothing more annoying than wearing a winter coat, so layering shirts is the best option.

Start with a thin blouse. Picking one with a print or an embellishment on the collar will look so cute peeking out from under the layers.
Add a chunky knit sweater on top, leaving the hem of the blouse peeking out of the bottom.
Add a bright blazer. (Make sure your sweater isn't too thick or you won't be able to put on the blazer.)

(Click here to shop)

If bright color in winter isn't your thing, opt for neutral layers. You can always finish off your look with small touches of color in your jewelry or handbag.

Start with a t-shirt that has a print or texture. It will add dimension to the layers.
Wrap a scarf around your neck and forgo the necklace. (Or if you really want to accessorize, pick a long necklace that will hit somewhere along the top of your rib cage area. It needs to hang far enough below the scarf.)
Add a studded button-up shirt and leave it unbuttoned.
Finish the look with a blazer and make sure that the scarf is centered.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Dressed Up and Down

(Click picture to shop)

In my post yesterday, I took a single blouse and styled it two different ways. In addition to that, I mentioned that I liked taking a dressy look and pairing an edgy jacket with it and doing the opposite with a casual look. I seem to be drawn to black and white a lot lately but I couldn't resist throwing in a bright red pump and slightly over-the-top red earrings for the dressed up look.

(Click here to shop)

These two looks may not share the same blouse but they are both great examples of how to add a polished vibe to a relaxed look, and take a dressy look down a level with a cargo-style jacket. Instead of wearing a sweatshirt with jeans (my frequent go-to option), try a pair of leather shorts. The studs on the loafers take this relaxed look up a few notches and the black blazer polishes the look off perfectly.

The dressed up version to the right can easily feel too girly so throwing on a parka with faux leather sleeves instantly takes this glam version down a bit.

Of course, not everything has to be in opposition. There are plenty of times when I want to wear a blazer with my dressy look, and my leather jacket with my ripped jeans. It all depends on my mood.

Have a great day!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

A Perfect Match

(Click picture to shop)

It has been a while since I have put together a few outfit sets. I ran across this v-neck long-sleeve shirt while browsing online and thought of how easy a simple piece could be incorporated into outfits. The possibilities are endless but I came up with a dressy version as well as a casual version. Of course the idea of a long sleeve t-shirt lends itself to casual wear but I think with the right pieces and accessories, it can work for the evening as well.

(Click here to shop)

One of the biggest challenges of styling clothing is taking a piece from winter to summer or vice versa. I know in the past there have been many articles of clothing in my closet that have only seen one season at a time. I think taking summer pieces and making them work for winter is the easy part. (Really, have you tried to make a winter parka work for summer?) By simply adding longer pants and a blazer, a top worn in the summer can be worn in the winter as well. Go check your closet - I bet you have several tops that can be thrown under a blazer or cardigan for a perfect look now.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Battle of the Styles

(Click picture for details)

Lately I have been evaluating my wardrobe. I have never been a t-shirt kind of girl. (You know, the regular t-shirts that most of us wear to the store, running, around the house, etc.) It isn't that I have anything against them, I just don't like the way they look on me. So I have been a 'cutesie' t-shirt kind of girl. (See below.)

(Click here for details)

These are the types of tops that I used to continually gravitate toward: basic silhouettes in solid colors. (Maybe a pattern here and there.) While I think that basic tops are a must in any wardrobe (see post here), I think it is important to have several statement pieces as well.

(Click here for details)

The more I think about it, I believe that embellished tops belong in every woman's wardrobe. I think it is fun to have a a few pieces that are a little over-the-top. It may be just a few sequins splashed across the shoulders like the Forever 21 tank pictured. Or perhaps it is a little lace. Of course, I am loving that pearl embellished t-shirt! The point is that your wardrobe should be made up of basic, classic pieces, but you should have some fun pieces as well. Don't think that you "can't do sequins" or "can't pull off lace." That is, of course, rubbish.

Have a great Tuesday!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Inspired By

(Click picture for details)

The floral trend is still going strong, as evidenced by the lovely top Emma Roberts wore. I love the feminine touch that a floral blouse brings to an ensemble. And an outfit with jeans? Doesn't get much better than that! I decided to put together two looks (a day and night) around the same sweet floral print blouse. While the snug fit of Emma's top is cute, I am loving the flow and ease of the top that I selected.

I hope you guys have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Peplum & Product Review

(Click picture for details)

I loved this little peplum t-shirt as soon as I saw it. It is a reasonable (only $20) way to jump into the peplum trend if you haven't yet done so. Sometimes I am hesitant to spend a lot of money on something trendy that won't be in style for a long time. This top won't break the bank, which I love. I also love that it can go from casual with a pair of shorts and sandals, to dressed up with a sequined skirt and heels. I may just have to order this top before they are all gone!

* Product Review *

image

Have you heard of the new Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 foundation? It is a foundation and serum that 'hydrates to improve skin tone and covers discolorations.' (Info according to Covergirl website.) I don't have any skin discolorations but I can tell you that I love this foundation! I haven't used a liquid foundation in years so I was hesitant to purchase this. (I have been using a mineral powder for my foundation because I was tired of heavy liquid foundations.) This foundation surprised me. It is not heavy or greasy or anything terrible associated with liquid foundations. I don't know if I have paid attention to its moisturizing properties but I still love this foundation. It goes on smoothly and gives my skin a nice even finish. It doesn't smell all that bad either!

I recently got a sample of Chanel foundation in the mail and I was so excited to try it. I figured if it was Chanel then it would feel like liquid gold going on my skin. And of course I would look fabulous beyond belief. I tried it and hated it. It was heavy and the smell was horrible! I washed my face and pulled out my trusty little tube of Covergirl.

If you are looking for a new foundation, try this one. Drugstore cosmetics have come a long way y'all!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Beach Bound

(Click picture for details)

I put together a few things that I think would be perfect for a trip to the beach. I love the idea of a bright patterned short and crop top to go over a bikini. Of course, in my perfect world I would wear this. I'm not that confident after having my second baby. (So funny how you bounce right back after the first baby but things aren't so quick to go back after the second!)

Of course, no beach trip would be complete without a few essentials for your relaxation time. Here are just a handful of things that I would bring to the beach.

A cute striped beach towel is a must.
Get a Kindle with a cute case and store numerous books for your trip. (Then you won't have to pack 3-4 paperbacks in your bag.)
Protect your lips from sun damage with a lip balm.
Don't forget to protect your hair! If floppy hats aren't your thing, use a spray to protect the scalp and your strands from sun damage.
Unwind a little with a glass of wine (at sunset) or a mixed drink (day). These handy little stakes go down in the sand right next to your chair so your drink is away from the sand.
Make sure you hydrate your body with plenty of water! Sitting out in the sun without drinking water is not good for your body! (Especially if you have had a cocktail. Make sure you replenish your fluids!)

Friday, June 8, 2012

Summer Destination: NYC

(Click picture for details)

Kira over at Rain or Shine is going to be traveling to New York this summer for a wedding. What a cool place to get married! I can only imagine how beautiful the wedding will be and how much fun she will have as she tours the city.

(Click here for details)

(Click here for details)

I know if I was going to New York, I would be hitting the pavement HARD. Flats are a must when you are playing the part of a tourist. Just make sure you break in your shoes before you go.

Have a fabulous weekend everyone, and have a blast in NYC Kira!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Summer Destination: Bahamas Bound

(Click here for details)

If you missed the first segment in my Summer Destination Series, you can find it here. What I am doing is taking your, my readers', summer destination spots and creating outfits inspired by them. Sharon over at The Tiny Heart is going to the Bahamas for her vacation soon (I know, don't be jealous), so I created several looks for her that I think would be perfect for a Bahamas vacation.

(Click here for details)

(Click here for details)

If you are interested in having a few looks put together that are inspired by your vacation (or dream vacation), email me! I'd love to hear from you.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Get the Look

(Click on picture for item details)

Did you know that super model Miranda Kerr was born in 1983? When I read that, I was very surprised. Not that she looks old by any means! I just can't believe that she is the same age as my baby sister. I don't know what it is, but the older I get, the more I deny that it is happening. When I was a kid, I wished that I would hurry and grow up, get married, etc. Now suddenly I am grown up and I wonder, "When did that happen?"

This post is really about Miranda Kerr's cool take on a t-shirt and jeans combo...not my coming to terms with aging. Perhaps it is her super long limbs that makes this simple outfit look so chic. Perhaps it is the combination of her sleek ballerina bun and bright red pumps that takes this outfit from basic to chic. Either way, she looks great and I thought I would put together an outfit that you can easily copy.

The first look (left) is the copy cat version of her look. The second look is inspired by her look but is color blocked and more appropriate for summer. Which look do you like?

Friday, April 27, 2012

Flowers Everywhere

(Click on photo for more information)

Floral prints are so very fresh, feminine, of-the-moment, and I simply cannot get enough of them. When I saw these two prints, I just knew that I had to create outfits around them.

I think that the first look would be very appropriate for the day. This is a great casual but stylish outfit that you could wear to lunch, shopping, or just running errands.

The maxi dress is something that can be dressed up or down. I chose to dress it up slightly, making it appropriate for a summer dinner date. In the past a clutch has usually been thought of as evening appropriate only. Although clutches are making their presence known as 'day' wear, I still like the idea of one to take to dinner. Since the jewelry is simple (but still elegant), I decided to use a shoe with a bit of excitement. The stones on the heels of these sandals add a bit of elegance.

When wanting to dress this maxi down, I would put on a pair of flats, cinch the waist with a skinny leather belt, add a bright blue cardigan, and finally, a leather crossbody bag.

I hope you guys have a fantastic Friday and weekend!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Lace Shorts

I've created two looks around a single pair of lace shorts (I'm obsessed with lace shorts right now) for two different moods. Do you ever let your mood in the morning determine what you will wear? Sometimes I want to look romantic and feminine, while other times I want to look cool and edgy. It just depends on how I feel.

I love both of these looks! But since I woke up today feeling funky then I think the second look will have to be my favorite.

I just created a facebook page for my blog (you can see it in the sidebar) so make sure you go and 'like' my page. Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

This With That

I have always liked the idea of pairing a feminine floral dress with an oversized cardigan. I think putting the two together creates a casual vibe that you might not get with the dress alone. Using pink accessories such as the shoes and cross-body bag add a touch of 'girly' to the look but still fit with the relaxed tone of the look.

This look is great for a weekend out shopping or lunch with your friends. It is stylish but comfortable enough to allow you to get what you need done. You can dress it up easily by removing the cardigan and adding some heels and a clutch.

I hope you guys have a great Wednesday!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Weekend Getaway - Part 2

When visiting a small coastal town, I think that sailing should be at the top of one's list. Sailing is a great way to spend a relaxing day (unless you are the one doing all of the work). You can pack a lunch, relax on the boat and just enjoy being on the water. My husband and I went sailing on our honeymoon. It was so much fun and I was finally able to kick back and relax. (That is until the wind caught one of the ropes and sent it flying into the back of my head. That woke me up.)

I loved this one-piece floral swimsuit as soon as I saw it. I am really starting to like one-piece swimsuits more and more lately. The floral print keeps this suit right on trend and the cover-up is equally as cute! I kept the jewelry simple. A pair of earrings is all you really need. I feel like bracelets and rings can just get in the way. (Especially if you are wanting a little sun. You don't want a cocktail ring or bangle tan line.)

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Casual Shorts

Casual Shorts by amyshaughnessy

I don't know about you, but for me, the weekend usually means dressing comfortably. Now just because you want to be comfortable doesn't mean that you can't look put-together and cute at the same time. These two looks have a 't-shirt and shorts' kind of feel but slightly elevated. Taking a basic striped shirt and pairing it with a scalloped-edge short keeps the first outfit feminine. Adding a bright pop of color with the earring is acknowledging the color trend without going overboard.

I love the second look (as much as I love the first). The pleated blouse can definitely be dressed up or down. Pairing it with a pair of floral shorts keeps the look casual. Of course, wearing flat shoes (with both looks) seems somewhat necessary for a busy girl on the go.

If I am going to be running errands, I usually do so on the weekends when I can go by myself. That means I am usually hitting up several places at once. I can definitely see myself wearing both of these looks. For once I cannot decide which look I like best!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Shorts 3 Ways

I don't know about you, but when I buy an article of clothing, I like options. Now, I don't always know right away what those different options will be, but that is part of the fun of shopping. You purchase a great piece and then bring it home to see how it will work in your closet.

I really liked these shorts and thought they would be fun to build a few outfits around. A pair of shorts has endless possibilities. The three looks I put together are definitely great for spring before the super hot weather sets in. For the two blazer options, just pair a basic t-shirt under them. Adding a blazer will break up the casual look and leave you looking crisp and polished. And in the summer? Ditch the blazers and throw on some statement jewelry (or a scarf if you don't live in Louisiana like I do) to dress the t-shirt up. As I said, the possibilities are endless.