Outfit Idea: Afternoon Delight

What to wear?  A very familiar question that we find ourselves asking constantly.  For me, it happens more when I am faced with daytime event.  They type of event that doesn't require a "business look", casual clothes won't work and something that I would wear out to dinner just doesn't seem appropriate.

These occasions always seem to pop up randomly, but definitely more so in the summer.  Bridal showers, lunches, afternoon birthday parties, bbq's... you would think I would be more prepared by now, but for some reason I always feel that I am lacking in this category.

My lack of daytime ensembles has put me in quite a pickle.  I am meeting with an author at Neiman Marcus tomorrow afternoon (more on that later!), and I want to look cute... chic.  But, obviously not like I tried too hard, and I would like to be a bit unique.

Sooo, it is time to think outside the box.  I am sure that I have the right pieces... I just need to put them together differently.  Well, at least I have nice weather on my side.

I am still on my shorts kick, so that might be a good option.  However, I have been wearing my yellow shorts on many occasions.  They might need a break this weekend.  Since I have been doing the brights a lot lately, what if I went with pastels...

  

I love this peach sweater from Club Monaco... especially the bow in the back.

Oh, and I love a good snake print to complement pastels...

Silver and pearls would be a good accent...

I think I like it...

So much so, I could swap the heels for sandals and wear it to run errands!

  

                                        - Allison

Outfit Idea: Dressing Up Shorts and more...

Hump day, already?  Where did the time go?  The past week had been such a whirlwind!  I was hoping to be able to share some experiences day-by-day, but after a visit from Mimi (AKA my very chic mom, Patty), an adventure in dressmaking, attending the most beautiful wedding ever and exploring the Fairfield, Westport, Southport area of Connecticut... I just didn't even have a chance to touch my computer for the last 5 days.  This might be a first for me...

To begin, last week I had promised an outfit idea for dressing up shorts.  I finally got the chance to do this on Friday night.  I attended a very fun get-together the night before the wedding.  The dress code was casual chic and the weather was really nice and fairly warm.  Shorts seemed to be the perfect answer to my usual what to wear dilemma.  I was ready for a fun night!

I was very excited about my look.  My only issue was that I bought my Zoe Karssen tee a little big to wear with skinny jeans.  I wish it were a bit tighter with shorts, but I'll live.  I brought my black boyfriend blazer in case I got chilly.  It was a fab evening!

Meanwhile, I decided to put some old fashion design skills to use... I was very excited about my dress, but it would have been better if I hadn't waited until the last minute!  More on that tomorrow...

And, to attend a wedding on the beach in Fairfield, CT with a very talented and creative bride at the helm is priceless!  A perfect day doesn't hurt either...

                                                                                                                                  - Allison

Trend Alert: The Short List

My new found obsession with shorts has led me to discover some really cute styles, but I am still searching for the perfectly affordable pair.  With that being said, there is a great trend out there that you may or may not be aware of... shorts for evening.  Now this isn't some colossal discovery of which I should be awarded some prestigious honor, rather just another option to switch up your look a bit.

Shorts are such a great alternative... comfortable, versatile and a great way to show off your gorgeous gams, but beware of a few important rules.

1.  Do not wear "mini" shorts unless you are in your twenties with a really well-toned lower half.  Remember, it is not sexy to show off your cheeks or pockets.  And, a 2" inseam is short.

2.  It is okay for shorts to be a little loose.  On the other end of the spectrum from buying your jeans a size too small due to stretch - shorts look much better with some wiggle room.  You might even want to try a size bigger than you usually wear, depending on the style...

3.  Have fun with different styles, but keep the fabric dressier for evening wear.  Silk, brocade, sequins are great for evening... wrinkly chino style shorts, not so much.

I found a few great pairs for inspiration...

Elizabeth & James' Striped Ozzy Shorts - the jogger style in silk is fun and flattering.

Cacharel Coral Striped Shorts - the retro feel, the fine knit and the stripe are so versatile and perfect.

Elizabeth & James again... I can't help myself.  The Katia Shorts flirty styling reminds me of a pair of '30's tap pants... sexy and cute.

I'm not to say "I told you so", but I did.  There are so many fabulous pairs of shorts available this season.  You must try at least one.  You won't be sorry.

                                                                                                                         - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com.

Outfit Idea: Neon Brights

Nothing beats the rainy day blues like a healthy dose of bright yellow.  I absolutely love this color, but it is so hard to find.  I recently found a fantastic of shorts in the most perfect shade of neon yellow/green, and now I can't stop wearing them.  Seriously, it is becoming a problem.

Besides the color, I have a new found obsession with shorts.  They really are perfect for running around town.  The only kicker is finding a pair that are not too short and not too long.  I can honestly say that it is next to impossible to find cute shorts with an inseam of 4 inches (my desired length) without spending a fortune.  When I discovered these Double Serge shorts at J.Crew, I had to have them ASAP.  Besides being perfect, they are a great weight and can be dressed up or down.  I'll prove it on Friday's post...

Back to my day look - I am off on an adventure in NYC this afternoon, so I thought that a chic shorts ensemble would be just right.  I added my denim shirt and my Viv's... I also love pointy toe flats with shorts.

I was ready to go and then it started raining... really hard.  I got soaked while picking my little one up at school... ugh!  

Goodbye cute flats.  Hello, wellies and pearls.  Oh well, I still love my neon shorts.

                                     

                                                                                                                                - Allison

*Photo courtesy of jcrew.com.