Outfit Idea: The Striped Silk Cami

I suppose it is inevitable.  I have realized that there is a point in time, unbeknownst to us, when we start to become our mothers.  Whether it is in looks, behavior, or style... it will happen.  The question is when???

Well, I have come to discover that this change might happen very early in life.  I would like to think that at 33, I am still fairly young.  I would have thought that at this age, I am still original and completely me.  However, I am not sure it that is really true...

After my mom's (aka Mimi's) recent visit, I have been questioning my originality quite a bit.  The long and short of it is that during a shopping trip to our favorite J.Crew (at the Garden State Plaza), the most unimaginable thing happened...

Let me preface this with the fact that Mimi and I were both looking for a cute top, but for completely different purposes... mine to wear with pants/shorts and hers was to wear with a pencil skirt to an upcoming bridal shower.

Mimi was busy trying on different tops, while I searched around the store for a blouse/cami that would be perfect to showcase a necklace or possibly a bunch of bracelets.  I was having a tough time finding  anything until I spied a very pretty soft white silk cami with light blue stripes... it was perfect.  I quickly found my size and headed to the fitting room.

I loved the top!  It was cute, flattering, the perfect length... all that you could ask for.  That's when Mimi noticed it.  I stepped out of the fitting room and her eyes lit up..."I love it, Allison!  What size it?  Can I try it on?"  "Sure", I replied.  It's my mom, what am I supposed to say?

Quickly Mimi tried on the tank, it looked good on her (but better on me!).  The moment she stepped out of the dressing room, I knew it was over.  I had lost my tank.  "This would be perfect with my skirt, and the sandals I was thinking about... "  Ugh... my mom stole the shirt right off my back!

Yes, I know that I look like my mom.  I laugh like her, I act like her, and now, apparently, I dress like her too.  It ended up that we both purchased the Striped Silk Cami that day.  However, we styled it in completely different ways...

Mimi chose to wear the striped cami with the aforementioned ivory pencil skirt, gold sandals, a very cool Cork Invitation Clutch from J.Crew as well as orange necklaces that she also purchased on our shopping trip.  With the help of my sister Meredith (Jack Thread's Stylist Extraordinaire) she sent me some fab pics of her ensemble...

I, on the other hand, wore mine a bit more casually... I added my "vintage" boyfriend jeans (also from J.Crew) and my blue suede shoes.  Since, I haven't updated my clutches in a bit, I had to grab my trusty animal print clutch, although, I would have preferred one like Mimi's...

What do you think?  The fun part is that there are many more ways to wear this cami... I would say we both made a great purchase.  It's destined to be a classic.


                                                                                                                       - Allison


*Photo courtesy of jcrew.com.

Outfit Idea: My Blue Suede Shoes Part 2

Well, my love affair with my blue suede shoes continues...  I was a thrown for a bit by the change in weather (it turned seasonably chilly!), but I managed to adapt.  I just kept to my blue/leopard/denim theme for the weekend.  This has been a great way to break into wearing bold color, but I look forward to having even more fun with my shoes as the temp continues to rise.

This look was for my sister-in-law's rockin' party Friday night.  Ken Downing was right when he told me I could wear this Rachel Zoe tuxedo jacket with anything!  I love this ensemble so much, I might have to wear it again to a birthday party this weekend.  Shhhh... don't tell!

Saturday night were headed for an elegant, but fun evening out.  My cheetah dress and bold shoe combo fit the mood perfectly!

This weekend I learned that I loved these shoes so much that I need to add another member to the family... a bright blue pair of skimmers!  I have found two cute pairs so far, but both seem to be sold out or on backorder... typical, right?!

These super cute flats with gold studs on the heel are 'Eternal' by Steven by Steve Madden.  

Next up, Madewell's Patent Sidewalk Skimmer... so hard to resist blue patent leather!

I hope to make this addition sooner than later.  I can just imagine the regret if I don't...

                                                                                                                       - Allison

*Photos courtesy of piperlime.com and madewell.com.

Outfit Idea: My Blue Suede Shoes

As an early birthday present to myself, I finally purchased my first pair of blue suede shoes!  Many of you know, I have a slight obsession with cobalt blue.  I have been dying for a pair of blue heels for some time now, but didn't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on something that (let's be honest) might just end up gathering dust in my closet.  The hunt has been on for an inexpensive, but cute pair of heels that I could test the waters with... 

What happened next must have been fate.  I happened on the most fabulous pair of pointy toe pumps on Nordstrom's website the other day.  Just in time for my birthday weekend!  And the best part, they were only $90!  I have decided to see how many ways I can wear my blue suede shoes this weekend.  Really, this is to prove to myself (and to you) how great a bright and colorful heels can be.  

Yes, I am in love.  The ALDO 'Fravel" Pump comes in a pink and orange too!

Here are my first two looks.  More to come after the weekend!

Dinner with the girls... stripes, jeans, and animal print make a fun combo.

Dinner with my hubby... demure polka dots, jean jacket, my beloved clutch and heels.

To be continued...

                                                                                                                                   - Allison

It's time to take the plunge... Animal Prints Abound!

I still remember buying my first pair of leopard print pumps.  It was right after my oldest daughter was born.  I was so tired of wearing the same clothes for months.  Even worse, I still couldn't fit into any of my pre-pregnancy favorites, so having a fun pump was the perfect accessory to freshen up my very tired wardrobe.  Since then, there has been no going back.  Leopard/cheetah print has now found its way into my closet in many various forms... pumps, flats, belts, scarves and even booties.  The only thing that I have yet to purchase in animal print is clothing... until now!

The leopard/cheetah print has become such a staple lately, that it is really considered a new neutral.  The next time you do some window shopping take a look... animal prints mixed with brights, florals, stripes, polka dots, you name it!  And, yes, my latest obsession has been revealed.  I can't seem to help myself, I am drawn to those darn spots... it is becoming quite a problem.  I have recently added a leopard print maxi cardigan, shift dress and a pair of skinny cropped pants.  Since my wardrobe is primarily solid, this has been a great way to mix it up.  I actually am quite surprised by all of the fun things you can do with this "wild" print.

To illustrate my point, you have to see Tibi's latest arrivals.  This Pre-Spring collection is made up of a fab cheetah print, navy & white stripes, and a navy & white polka dot pattern - a mix & match dream come true!  If I could buy all of this, I would.  Until then, I will dream...

Let me introduce you to the perfect cheetah print...

Picture the possibilities with this print.  You could be trendsetter, a streetsyle dream or super chic... you choose based on your mood.  An easy pairing for a trendsetter type look is a black or white top and bold flats or pumps.  This is easily one of my favorite looks!  I am loving the bright blue right now... it just seems really fresh.  Keep in mind any other bright color will look great red, pink, green...

These Jimmy Choo's or the Pour La Victoire flats would be perfect!

To get you noticed for you streetsyle, pair these pieces with a bright sweater - a great kick-around look for a carefree day.  I absolutely love the Tippi Sweater at J.Crew.  It is affordable, comes in a variety of colors and can be worn with anything.  A splurge-worthy sweater is the Cashmere Isabel Sweatshirt.  It would look great with anything, even over a shift.  Keep the shoes neutral, or pair with a color blocked sandal to really shake things up!

Then there is the more refined, ladylike approach to wearing the animal print... blazers, blouses, maybe a touch of sequins.  This look could be worn to the office, out to dinner or to an event.  I rocked this look last week... let's call it a "vintage" jacket, a black sequin tank, my cheetah print pants and pointy toe black patent pumps.  I loved it!  I felt chic and looked pretty darn good too!  Once again from J.Crew (sorry, I can't help myself), we have the Jubilee Jacket, the Hacking Jacket, the Talitha Blouse and the Sequin Cami. 

The most important thing to remember with the animal prints is to keep it simple.  Add color, add jewelry but just don't go overboard.  Pick and choose.  The color freshens up the look and keeps it fun, while the more neutral colors... classic black, ivory and white add a certain sophistication to the look.  Just relish the endless opportunities the animal print gives you!

Just hangin' with the Housewives... no big deal. :)

                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of tibi.com, jimmychoo.com, shopbop.com and jcrew.com.