Outfit Idea: Layering to a Tee

Happy Monday, ladies!  The race begins yet again, and I am pretty sure that what you are going to wear is not at the top of your priority list.  Whether you are trying to keep yourself or your entire family organized, it just seems so much more difficult in the summer. 

Therefore, what better way to start the week than with an easy outfit idea?!  Let’s revisit the chic and easy tee.  Whether it is long sleeve or short, white, blue or black… the little tee should be one of your best friends.  Last time I wrote about the white tee being a great canvas for your statement jewelry.  Today, it’s all about layering with the tee.

One of the reasons I love clothing with clean, simple lines and really fairly basic structure, is that you can play with these pieces much more than ones with lots of frills and details.  I was playing around over the weekend, looking for something to wear on a cooler day… I did not want to wear another sweater and skinny jeans.

After some thought, I grabbed a navy long sleeve tee, my dusty blue ballerina dress, my ankle-wrap sandals and some trusty pearls… Don't laugh, I needed to shake things up a bit.  Don't you always hang your clothes from a tree?!

If my photographer wasn’t sick, I may have had a better shot for you.  Today, my closet will just have to do…

I felt very elegant considering I was just wearing a simple tee... easy summer dressing.

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                   - Allison

Between Seasons: Old Favorites with a Twist

Nothing squashes your creativity like your husband going out of town for 5 days... I am pooped!  I have been trying to sit down to put together a post, and cannot quite gather enough energy to accomplish this not particularly difficult task.  Not only cannot write a post, I have had an equally difficult time putting together some fun looks.

I guess we all get stuck in a rut at one time or another, but I think the extremely warm weather and the fact that I have not done any spring shopping might be part of the problem.  With the beginning of a new season, I need some fresh blood to get my creative juices flowing.

In the midst of all this, I had a bridal shower to attend on St. Patty's Day.  It was going to be a gorgeous day with a group of fab ladies and I had nothing to wear!  Normally I would have gone shopping for some sort of new piece... top, skirt, dress, etc.  However this time around there was no time.  As you can imagine, with feeling so drained, I was having a serious case of stylist's block!

After spending a good hour trying on various combinations, I finally pulled out an old friend.  A beautiful strapless dress (fitted bodice, straight skirt) with a print that I love!  My only issue was that I have a serious void in the jacket department.  I have yet to find a navy blazer that fits really well, and I don't have a brown leather jacket (which I have decided would solve all of my problems).

Back to my point, I layered a slub cotton ivory long sleeve tee and stuck that under my dress. I added my trusty brown leather belt and my new Madewell booties.  I kept the jewelry simple - gold hoops and an oversized cocktail ring.  All in all I felt pretty good.  I would have liked to wear something new, but when that is not possible it is always a good idea to fall back on a pieces that you love.  No matter what, at least you feel good when you wear one of your favorites.

Lesson learned:  When in doubt, reach for something you love and start to think outside the box.  A new twist on an old classic equals something completely original!

                                             

                                                                                                                             - Allison

Between Seasons: What to Wear?

With the sun shining, my windows open and a current temp of 64 degrees, I am having just as hard time writing this post as I did packing for a skiing trip last week.  The entire point of this post was to share how I dressed up some of my sweaters as I struggled to get back into "cold weather mode".  You might not need this advice today, but file it away for when the temp dips a bit.  

Anywho, last week I headed up to Tremblant (in Canada) with my hubs, the girls and friends for several days of skiing.  As far as the trip goes -  it was fabulous, the village - enchanting and the skiing - great.  I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new place to ski.  But, this really isn't about the skiing... it's about the clothes.

I always struggle with packing for a ski trip.  It isn't about to wear about when skiing, I feel like I have that covered (*thin wool sweaters are a great alternative to Under Armour type layers).  I really have issues with what to wear in the evenings.  I am a person who likes to dress up.  Given the choice of a skirt or jeans, I will always take the skirt.  However, this is not always the best option when you are dealing with freezing temps, icy walkways and carting the kids around.   

My ultimate goal is to mix up my super casual clothes with a couple of dressier pieces...  this time around I did luck out with the weather.  Canada was having warmer than normal weather as well.  It was still cold, but not freezing, therefore I have more freedom with what to pack!  

First up, I have this angora sweater from Club Monaco that I love!  It is warm, but not an overwhelming sweater.  It is 3/4 sleeves so I can stack bracelets, and it hits at the waist which allows me to wear it with skirts and jeans.  

This silk tank from J.Crew works perfectly as a layering piece with my sweater.  It will pair perfectly with skinny dark jeans and my Sorel boots.

For evening, I am planning on wearing my sweater with my "vintage" green skirt from Club Monaco.  It hits below the knees and will be perfect for a "rugged meets elegant" look.  

Besides my heavy duty snow boots, I am going to take my trusty Frye boots, and that's it... except for my flip flops (for the jacuzzi).  These boots will look great with the skirt as well as jeans.

My goal was to pack dressier, warmer sweaters.  I love this Club Monaco sweater otherwise known as my "sexy sweater".  It has a low back, metallic thread woven throughout and is great by itself or layered over a tank.  In colder weather, I thought a sequin tank would be perfect complement.

I can't forget my fur collar and a white v-neck tee.  When in doubt I can wear this combo with anything.

This slip skirt has been everywhere with me (even on my honeymoon!).  I have worn it with flip flops and heels.  It is a great piece to pack in case of an evening where you just don't feel like wearing jeans.  It would be perfect with my white tee, fur collar and boots.

Besides this I will take a heavy cardigan that I can belt and a sweater dress (*sweater dresses and tights are a great alternative to a sweater and leggings).  I don't need much jewelry... a bracelet, my watch a big cocktail ring and a pair of larger earrings... that's it!  My goal is to always have pieces that I can mix and match.  I like the ability to "play" with my clothes.  I don't usually plan every outfit ahead of time. 

The best part about these new combos is that they are not limited to ski country.  I can wear them now - especially with these in between temps.  Why not wear a silky skirt with rugged boots and a tee or sweater to run the girls around?  What's the point of having these great pieces if we are just letting them gather dust in the far corner of our closets!

Take advantage of the weather now to wear those heavy sweaters in a different way.  Pair with skirts, dresses, cropped pants or boyfriend jeans.  This is a great time to ditch the boots & jeans combo and pull out the flats.  Or, wear your boots with skirts and dresses and leave the tights at home.  Have a little fun with your clothes!

                                                                                                                                    - Allison

NYFW Inspires...

It all started with a stripe...

then a floral...

Earlier this week I wrote about Lesson 1 from the Fall Shows at Fashion Week.  Lots of layering ensues as well as a newfound obsession with shopping my closet.

The story behind the stripe - it is a t-neck sweater from Club Monaco that is really too tight and thin to be worn by itself. It was put away and forgotten about... until now.  The skirt is from J.Crew.  I love it, but don't wear it enough.  A new combo develops with the addition of a 3/4 length sleeve t-neck from the Gap.  I add my riding boots because I had to run the girls around... not a good day for heels.

Don't you love my award winning pics?!  I have to work on my photography... and my studio...

Now I am becoming overly obsessed with layering.  I pulled out my black dress with a ruffle (from J.Crew) that I love, but it is sleeveless...

Just add the striped t-neck and some boots... 

Two new looks inspired by my post on layering... yay!!!

                                            - Allison

Day to Night

What happens when you are sort of on vacation (a visit with my mom equals a mini-vacation... she lets me take naps and gets up with the girls!!!) and don't know what to do with yourself... this happens...

I definitely need to improve my photography skills, but my iphone always comes in handy in times of desperation!

So, the story behind these beautiful pics of mine is my day to night ensemble.  Riding boots by day, booties for a dinner date with good friends.  All that I need to add are some baubles and my Burberry No 17 (the most fabulous red lipstick).  Now this outfit isn't some stroke of genius, it is just that it is so easy to dress up or down.

I am completely obsessed with all of the painterly prints right now, and this Leifsdottir dress in particular makes me so happy!  Every time I put it on, I feel so pretty.  So, I have worn it about a million different ways to make me feel good in this cold and dreary weather.  Let's see I have worn it with my grey booties, my cowboy boots, my fur vest, my fur infinity scarf (courtesy of my BIL)... and now all black.

Anywho, I thought that I would demonstrate what I am always preaching about... making the most of what you have and layering.  I would have taken more beautiful pics of how I have worn my dress, but I am in Ohio and I packed lightly (sort of).  Therefore, you will just have to wait for another day!

                       - Allison

A Fab Find... perfect for layering!

I am very excited to share with you a new brand that you may or may not have heard of yet... Sooner than later, you will all be wearing one... I guarantee it!  They have all ready been seen on Elizabeth Hasselback on The View, Conan O'Brien and Shaq.  Gwyneth Paltrow even listed them on her GOOP website under holiday gift ideas!  Seriously exciting stuff for two very creative mom's from just outside of Boston.  They have been in business for less than a year... this is amazing!

Do I have your attention yet?  Since I am all about layering right now, I thought that this would be a perfect time to introduce you to Toph Daddy.  Toph Daddy designs supercomfy burn out tee's, thermals and hats that use area codes as art (not just for you... kids & dads too).  They put the area code on the front of the tee and then play with colors, quotes and symbols that are a part of that area code's culture.  For example, the 212 (NYC) tee uses "The City" on the back and the 617 (Boston) tee has "The Big Shamrock" on the back.  Seriously cute and fun!

Not only do the burn out tee's have that awesome "lived in" feel but they also look cute by themselves or layered with a sweater for an unexpected pop of color and wit.  The long sleeve, thermals or baseball tee's would be really cute as a layer when skiing, maybe even to yoga class or over your favorite skinny jeans and fur vest!  Even better, everything is very reasonably priced... it is all under $60!  Now, don't fear if you can't find an area code that you can relate to, they are working on personalizing more area codes as we speak.  But for now, pick your favorite city and enjoy!

There is one more thing that makes Toph Daddy so special... the founders, Becky & Melissa.  Not only have these two been friends for a long time, but they are so clever.  Along with coming up with the area codes, they have created this grass roots culture which really is part of the reason that this brand is so cool.  They work in "the cave" have "garage sales" literally in their own garages, and are always planning a trunk show or some other fun activity up in the Northeast.  Check them out on Facebook... if you send in a picture of yourself on vacay with your favorite area code on, you might be their Rockstar of the week!

                       - Allison

*photos courtesy of tophdaddy.com

The Importance of Layering

I recently got the chance to go skiing for the day without my children.  I was so excited!!!  I love skiing but rarely get a chance to go...  I had a fabulous day (no falls!), and then, of course, après skiing (always something to look forward to)... this is when I start to think about fashion, how can I not?

Skiing is one of the sports that people express themselves through what they are wearing on the mountain.  However, unless you get to ski frequently throughout the winter, or you have a very large disposable income, you are not really able to update your coat and pants every time you hit the slopes.  So, you make do with what you have.  The most important thing is to stay warm, and maybe try to wear the most flattering coat and pants possible, right?  I mean, my coat might be really old, and I did have to get new pants recently, but they aren't anything exciting... as long as I don't look like the abominable snowman, I will be okay!

Really, I would prefer to look cute when I am having my much deserved beer while listening to the band or sitting in front of the fire at the end of the day.  Alright, so how do I look cute, but I don't want to look like I am trying... effortless sporty chic!  Well, it is all in the layers!  So stop worrying about your coat and pants.  Focus in on what you are wearing underneath, and what will look good with your snow pants and a bit of lip gloss.

Ditch the standard turtleneck and heavy wool sweater and go with something more fun.  For starters, why not replace the fleece neck warmer with a little faux fur?  Why not layer a sailor stripe tee over your Under Armour, or find a striped sweater with low bulk and an flattering fit (sorry, I have sailor stripes on the brain!)???  Maybe you go with a v-neck sweater and top with a colorful scarf that makes your eyes pop?  Worried about being too cold?  Pair a fitted fleece jacket (for warmth) over a cute tee and then ditch the fleece when you are ready to hang out.

Really there wouldn't be much cost involved, most of these items are probably already in your closet.  If not, a little investment wouldn't be a loss.  Anyway of the above mentioned items could be worn on or off the mountain... that is what is so great about this!  Don't spend a ridiculous amount of money on the outer shell, worry about the layers beneath.

                 - Allison

*photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com, macys.com, jcrew.com & echodesign.com