Outfit Idea: The Fitted Blazer and Simple Dress

As my dress obsession continues, so does my undying love for Smythe blazers.  A dress is easy, pretty and always looks great.  A well-cut blazer (such as Smythe) is a perfect way to give a simple shift some shape as well as make it appropriate for daytime wear (ie. the office, meetings, or luncheons).  What better way to start a Monday than to give you some inspiration for new looks to get you through the week, right?!

The best part about it being springtime is the abundance of bright and fun patterns and prints.  This is the time to play with patterned dresses and jackets.  Take two great pieces that are perfect on their own and combine them for a fab new look.  I love the versatility of a simple dress, and it is equally fun to take a cool jacket and find a bunch of different ways to wear it.  Who wants to let such fabulous pieces gather dust?

This DKNY Agnes Floral Slip Dress is ideal for a warm sunny day or night...

But mixing stripes and florals is always fresh and fun.  This dress would be even better with the chic Smythe Striped Peak-Lapel Blazer.  This blazer rocks!  It would look just as cool with jeans or shorts.

Leifsdottir's Ombre Quince Dress caught my eye... I am not sure why, but I am obsessed.  I would have to wear a long strand of pearls with it!

Or maybe the blood orange Smythe Shawl Collar Blazer - a bold color would be right on trend.

This 3.1 Phillip Lim String Strap Dress is gorgeous.  You could wear it to a wedding or with sandals...

The Smythe Contrast Collar Blazer would make it look even better.  Oh là là!

Not only are these pieces equally fabulous on their own or together, they will look good with a variety of shoes.  Chunky heels, sexy heels, platforms, skimmers, flat sandals... you name it.  There are so many options... the simple dress and blazer is versatility at it's best.

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                              - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com, anthropologie.com and neimanmarcus.com.

Outfit Idea: The Striped "Sweatshirt"

On a quick sprint through J. Crew last week, I grabbed one of my best purchases to date... the black & ivory striped "Back-Zip Long Sleeve Pullover".

The stripe caught my eye immediately.  Outfit ideas went zipping through my head, and I realized that I must have this top.  There is something about this color combo that adds an instant chicness to any ensemble, plus it goes with everything.  The sweatshirt material and styling is pretty cool too.  Something a bit different and fun, while the slim fit and zipper in the back dress it up.

I immediately wore it out to dinner with jeans and my blue suede shoes... from last week's post.

I turned around (the next day... shhh!) and wore it with my boyfriend jeans and a pair of tortoiseshell peep toe pumps.  Then I threw it on to run errands with skinny jeans and leopard print flats.  It is just so easy to work with... and very comfortable.  I have also discovered that you really don't have to accessorize much with this top.  Simple jewelry (maybe one bold piece) is the best way to go.

As far as new ideas, I am hoping to add a pair of green ankle length jeans to my wardrobe soon... they will be perfect with my striped sweatshirt and flats or heels.  The Toothpick Jean from J. Crew (where else?!) would be perfect!

This sweatshirt would also be great with black pants, shorts or over a swimsuit.  I am also contemplating wearing it with my "fancy pants"...  I'll accessorize with black patent pointy toe pumps and an oversized clutch.

Perfect for a night out, don't you think?

                                                                                                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of jcrew.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

My Favorite Combination... so far...

While attempting my holiday challenge over the last couple of weeks (which turned out great!), I ended up putting together a look that I love.  We were going out for our annual Christmas adult family dinner (i.e. the perfect excuse to get dressed up) and I had nothing to wear.  Every year I look forward to this dinner, not only because it is fun, but it is a reason to get a fab new outfit!  I would have liked to purchase one of the zillion dresses that was sold out or backordered until February (which I have already complained about), but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.  So, I had to shop my closet.

When forced to make your creative juices flow, it really is amazing what you can come up with.  I have been very proud and excited about some of my new combinations lately.  I guess it is really all about rediscovering an older piece of clothing that fits really well.... and then you start to fall in love all over again.

I started with this amazing Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress.  I absolutely love this dress, but rarely get to wear it.  It fits like a dream and is very comfortable, but it is hemmed to wear with heels (not so practical with kids).  I am thinking that I should start fooling around with some sort of double-stick tape, and just maybe I could temporarily hem it to wear with all of my flat booties...

Once I had the dress picked out, I needed a topper.  I honestly would have loved to just wear my fur neckwarmer, but since I was going to dinner, live in the 'burbs and I get cold very easily, something didn't feel quite right.  I found several sweaters and jackets that would be good for different occasions, but by far the best was my black hacking jacket from J.Crew.  I love this blazer.  It fits so well and can be worn with anything!

Next up, shoes.  I had been dying to wear my animal print booties, but it just didn't feel right with the blazer.  Then, I caught sight of my leopard print clutch and thought that would be the most perfect bag to finish off my look.  However, if I used this clutch, I would need a black shoe.  I realized that my black bootie selection needs some improvement.  *Note-to-self - pointy toe, hidden platform black booties are a must have.*  So, I was back to the drawing board.  I could go with pumps, but I felt a little weird wearing pumps with a long maxi.  It just doesn't feel very "new" for a less formal event.  I stewed for a few minutes and finally decided to pull out my platform snakeskin pumps.  I figured that I could get by with a pump if I am mixing prints and it has a noticeable platform... I think it worked.

I didn't wear much jewelry... just some "go to" oversized crystal earrings from J.Crew and my beloved Alexis Bittar cocktail ring (I should probably put that on my Obsessions page).  For a bag I went to me always handy Rachel Zoe QVC black patent clutch.  By the way, this one of my best purchases... ever!  I use it all of the time and it looks great!

The result...

I felt very regal and polished... a bit like Kate Middleton!  Now I just have to work on my poses. 

                                               - Allison