Not Just for the Hippies...

There are two things that you may or may not know about me - I adore maxi dresses and I am always cold.  This slight obsession of mine has left me a closet full of dresses and not much else.  I still don't own the essential pair of white jeans, but I have the perfect maxi to wear to the playground, to a concert... even for an elegant evening out.

My biggest problem - what to wear on top.  Unfortunately I don't wear my maxis as much as I should because I am always cold and seriously lacking in the cute topper department.  Yes, I can wear my jean jacket.  Yes, I can wear my shrunken navy blazer or a colorful cardi.  But, I would like to step it up.  I want to give my dresses a little more style and personality.

What I have found is that it might not be as hard as I thought...

Take a peek at my new favorite ensemble...  this dress is from Zara.  I absolutely love it, but it is a wee bit sheer (hence the $90 price tag).

Zara Long Printed Dress

It's perfect for a dinner or possibly a wedding, and I have the perfect jacket...

A&F Libby Jacket

Yes, this is from Abercrombie & Fitch.  This is what happens when both your sister and sister-in-law work for the company.   I have visited the store much more often lately... Anywho, this jacket is super cute and very lightweight.

I am also newly obsessed with this jacket from Zara.  I do not own it, but I would like to...  I love the shape of the jacket and the casual feel would be perfect to dress down a more formal maxi.

Zara Studded Jacket with Pockets

I would wear it with a voluminous maxi to give it more shape - just like this dress from J.Crew.  Yards and yards of silk... the drape is amazing.

J. Crew Silk Maxidress

And speaking of structure, this coat from Club Monaco is gorgeous.  

Club Monaco Erica Jacket

I would pair this with a long slim-fitting maxi.  I love the idea of mixing this chic and sophisticated jacket with a boho tie-dye dress...

Young Fabulous & Broke Aphrodite Maxi

The only thing maxis don't go with... rain.  Too bad it is pouring today.

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                              - Allison               

*Photos courtesy of zara.com, abercrombie.com, jcrew.com, clubmonaco.com and shopbop.com.

Outfit Idea: Sweet & Sassy

Around this time every year, the heat starts to get me.  I find myself going through my cooler weather clothes and daydreaming about cool breezes and 50 degree temps.  I don't know why I torture myself...  We still have many very hot and humid days left this summer, so I would be much better off incorporating some of my long lost friends into looks that I can wear now versus coming up with ideas for October.

I have been missing my very best friends... my blue suede shoes.  In the height of summer, I just don't  have a need for them.  It's all about flip flops all of the time.  Therefore, I decided putting together a summer look for night out would be just what I needed.  

Since I'm daydreaming, I am going to include this beauty from J. Crew that I have been crushing on for several months... the Flower Lattice Necklace.  

I love all of the colors used in this necklace.  The use of the cobalt blue and the turquoise gave me an idea... teal and cobalt blue.  I have a sneaking suspicion that this will be big this fall.  I found this Diesel tank (on sale).  A good canvas for the necklace...

Now for a pair of cute shorts... lace shorts are a style that I have wanted to purchase, just never did.  These Sam & Lavi Addison Lace Shorts at Madewell would be perfect!

Perfect!  Just need a bag...  since this ensemble is all about color, why not?  My favorite "go to" clutch just happens to come in pink.  The Clare Vivier Fold Over Clutch...

Now I just need to buy it...

                                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of jcrew.com, madewell.com, shopbop.com and ssense.com.

Outfit Idea: A Weekend at the Cape

I live for our weekend getaways to Cape Cod in the summer.  There is nothing quite like the sense of peace that I find at the Cape.  I love the cool Cape breeze, the picturesque views and, of course, it is the perfect place to let my inner prep shine.

Long days on the beach, sailing, the Kennedy's... it couldn't be more stereotypical, right?!  And, I love it!  Packing for the Cape is always very fun.  I love putting together new combo's that just don't seem quite right at home.  Although, packing can be somewhat challenging due to the crazy Cape weather (rain one minute, sun the next, a cool fog rolling in an hour later), I have learned that layering is the key.

This past weekend I tested myself.  I put together a weekend wardrobe to get me through 3 days and 3 nights.  However, I cannot plan every outfit because i like to have options.  Therefore, I pack several separate pieces that can be endlessly mix and matched.  I stuck to a navy, white and chartreuse color theme, and it proved to be very successful!

1. Cotton Dress - does double duty - out to dinner one night, on the boat the next day.
2. Denim Shirt - worn with shorts or pants, also great as an extra layer over my swimsuit.
3. Shorts - worn day or night depending on the temp.
4. Essential White Pants - can be worn with anything.
5. Lightweight Scarf - wear it over my suit or on a chilly evening.
6. Essential White Tank - perfect canvas for my statement necklace or over my suit.
7. Open Weave Sweater - a much needed layering piece.
8 Statement Necklace - the perfect finishing touch.
9. Sequin Tank - a fun piece for an adult night out.
10. Aviators - my sunnies of choice for the Cape (until my hubby crushed them at the beach).
12. Swimsuit - duh!
13. Hat - a must have for the beach.

The only items not included in my pic... a denim jacket, neutral sandals and the essential flip flop.  That's it.  Done and done.

 As I sit here with the breeze blowing through my hair, I am starting to think that these pieces will work well for five nights too.  They better.  My three night weekend just turned into five...

                                                                                                                         - 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.

Outfit Idea: Dreaming of Chartreuse

I have a bit of an obsession (okay, I have many obsessions), but this one is more dire.  I would say it is on par with my love of blue suede shoes, which equates to a fairly serious problem.  Now that you literally dying with anticipation, I will share it with you... I am a chartreuseaholic.

I can't help myself.  I always find myself drawn to this color... it doesn't matter where, and Pinterest is not helping!

I love it for parties...

I love it in kitchens...

I love it for shoes (although this is more of the green version - I prefer more yellow)...

I love it in fashion... 

And, I love it on me.

You can just imagine my delight when I found that J. Crew's Bubble Necklace was available in a "lemon lime".  I can't wait to wear this many different ways, but my most favorite is keeping it simple with white.

                                       - Allison

*Photos courtesy of pinterest.com.

Fab Find: Tons of Treasures

Well, it's not rocket science, but I think that I have discovered the best formula for looking good in this oppressive heat. Curious???

Let me start by saying that I came to this realization while packing for my week at the Cape.  I was guaranteed a week of fabulously warm and sunny weather last week (very rare!), and wanted to pack as light as possible.  I started thinking about the days... really just needed swimsuits and coverups, maybe a pair of shorts or two.  Much more important was what I was going to wear in the evenings.  We had several adult nights planned, and this was my chance to get all dolled up... well, as dolled up as you can get in a casual sort of way!

After much hemming and hawing, I came up with a solution.... lots of accessories and simple dressing.  The only problem is the accessory part can be tricky.  Technically, you can get away with wearing the same pants, dress, or top multiple times with different accessories.  But, accessories can get pricey.  Especially if you favor J.Crew, Alexis Bittar, Giles & Brother, etc.  Purchasing one of these pieces takes as much thought and investment as a nice dress.  Therefore it can take years to build a fab collection.

I was stuck on this one for a bit.  Usually I prefer quality over quantity, until I stepped in my local accessories store... Tons of Treasures.  If you are familiar with Wyckoff, NJ, you have probably been to this gem before.  For a very specific reason (Grace, 6 and Emma, 4), I don't frequent too many small stores.  Therefore I have missed out on this new addition to my town.

My new "discovery" is a small boutique that is chock full of bags, scarves, jewelry for women and girls.  It really is full of treasures!  What I love is that the accessories are inexpensive, but don't scream "I bought this for $9.99!".   You get exceptional quality for very little investment, and I am pretty certain that there really isn't any way to beat that.

Entering Tons of Treasures gives a woman the same feeling that a child has entering a candy store... a surge of excitement, a sense of awe at the selection and a the promise that you will find a unearth a fabulous jewel that will just be the perfect touch for that dress you wanted to wear Saturday night!

If you are in and around Wyckoff you must check out Tons of Treasures.  If not, scour out a fun accessories place close to you.  Don't just run to your local Forever 21, you will get much more personality and quality from an individually owned store in town.  Go find something fun to dress up that simple tank dress for a whole new look this weekend!

             
                                                                                                                   - Allison

Beat the Heat: It's all about the Fabric!

It certainly didn't take very long, did it?  Summer has begun, and coming in right on its heels is the oppressive heat.  I know that in my neck of the woods, where it is humid and hot, all cares about fashion go right out the window at about 90 degrees and above.  It isn't a surprise due to the fact that you feel like you are walking around in a wet blanket and dripping with sweat all of the time.

Unfortunately there isn't much you can do to beat the heat. If you are lucky enough to be by a pool, ocean or have very strong air conditioning, it's not so bad.  For everyone else, I have one little secret that might help keeping you look good... washable silk.

I have come to discover that washable silk becomes your best friend during a heat wave.  It is light, airy, doesn't cling and can get wet... no worries.  Technically, the garments may not be 100% silk.  Sometimes you might find a cotton/silk combo or possibly modal/silk, etc... it doesn't matter.  The key is that there is a silky smoothness to the fabric that keeps it from being clingy... such as a cotton tank might feel when you start to get hot and a little sweaty.

I realized this a few years back when I purchased a sundress at J.Crew.  Not for the material, but because it was on sale, pretty and had a loose fit (I had just had a baby).  I soon discovered that this was one of my best purchases ever... the breeze blows right through it, it doesn't stick to me and if I get it wet, it dries quickly.  I have come to depend on this dress every summer, and when I am finished wearing it, I throw it in the wash.

Once I discovered the beauty of this fabric, I am always on the lookout for new pieces.  Unfortunately I haven't been able to find too many, but J.Crew usually seems to have a few...

The Silk Cami - in other words, your new best friend.  This went to Disney me last year and was a life saver.  I would have one if every color if I could, however, they always sell out quickly.

The Silk Ruffle Cami is a new addition at J.Crew, but serves the same purpose.  Its a bit more professional looking, and could take you from the office (layered) and then out on the town (add earrings, ditch the outer layer).

I am in love with this Silk Stripe Maxi Dress.  Perfect as a beach cover up or for just looking cool while hanging out.

I have recently discovered that Boden makes quite a few lighter weight, silk blend pieces. They are on the more conservative side, but perfect for those heading into the office everyday.  One of my favorites from Boden is the Glamorous Maxi.  Shhh... it's on sale!

There is really no easy way to look good when you are sweating buckets (just sayin'), but at least washable silk can help!

  

                                                                                                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of jcrew.com and bodenusa.com.