Chic & Ornery

It's Friday - grey, cool, with the "Perfect Storm" heading our way.  Due to this, I'm feeling a bit feisty today... beware.

If I could pick out the perfect look to fit my mood, this would be it.  First, a pair of coated denim skinny jeans.  A must have this season, and totally worth the investment.  I have been eyeing the J Brand Coated Stretch Jeans - however, I am hoping to buy them a wee bit bigger to avoid the legging look.  I'll let you know how that goes...

     

I would add the Free People "City is a Jungle" Cardigan (I love this one!).  

For layering I would add a bohemian touch...

FP One Poison Pintuck Slip

And finish it with fabulous pair of very wearable booties.

Belle by Sigerson Morrison 'Charis' Boot

For a quick change later this evening, I would add a sequin tank and peep toe booties.  Done and done.

Now I need to hit the mall...

                                                                                                                              - Allison

*Photos courtesy of nordstrom.com and freepeople.com.

Outfit Idea: The Peplum Takes Manhattan

After researching fab peplum looks for my post last week, I had to take this trend out for my own test drive.  I bought the Anthro Ponte Peplum Tank, and I love it.  I had the perfect plan for this super cute top...

Since we were headed into the city to watch the Bengals vs Jets (I am an Ohio girl) preseason game and down to the village, I didn't want to look too ladylike.  I had to add a bit of edge.  I mixed my snakeskin pumps, my Tory Burch skinny jeans with a distressed metallic touch...

I loved my look, but I was missing something... I added a mixed metal necklace.  It always comes in handy when my ensemble becomes a little too nice.

My Sis and I hanging out for the game.  By the way, those shrunken cardis that you have hung onto over the years are perfect for layering over your peplum.  I used a very old Jackie cardigan.

We headed down memory lane in the village.  A stop at the Peculier Pub.

Then a stop at Kenny's Castaways...

Nothing like a little a Steel Dragon... a la Marky Mark in Rockstar.  I felt like this was right out of the movie.

All in all a fun night.  My peplum was perfect.  I am off to find more versions of this must have trend.

                                               - Allison

Outfit Idea: Wear now, Wear later

Maxi dresses and I... we're like peanut butter & jelly.  Inseparable.  When it comes to a style that is versatile, chic and elegant, I immediately think of the maxi.  Not just for dressing up, they are a great "go to" for everyday as well.

Lately, I have begun to think about transitioning into fall (hard to believe, right!), but it will be here before you know it.  This has led me to debating which are the best styles to purchase now to get the most bang for my buck (i.e. wear now, wear later).  After much deliberation, I have put the maxi at the top of my list.

With that being said, there are obviously some maxis that are not conducive for transition while others are perfect.  This also depends on your lifestyle.  I decided to google some images for layering maxis and found several to use for inspiration...  Whether you are working in the city or carting kids around in your suburban all day, there is a style for you.

My ideal wardrobe would be a closet full of gorgeous floor grazing maxis.  However, that is not always the best choice for mobility or layering.  And, there are many beautiful maxis out there, so it makes these decisions all very difficult.  

My advice is to start simple.  As always, you should start with the basics and build from there... therefore, no fuss dresses are the best way to start.  I found a fab Rachel Pally dress at Shopbop that was styled for a "wear now, wear later" story.  Love, love, love these looks.  It is great for inspiration.

This is perfect for a night out.

This is a great look for the weekend.

And, for the Fall... love!

Plus, maxis are much more comfy than jeans!

                                                                                                                                  - Allison

*Photos courtesy of google and shopbop.com.