Stripes. Dots. Wellies.

I was ecstatic when I saw rain in the forecast this week.  Rain means one simple thing to me:  I get to bring out my HUNTER wellies! By combining a simple print mix of stripes and polka dots, I left some room for some color to be added through the necklaces and wellies.  Rainy days are quickly becoming my favorite as it gives me a reason to unleash my inner child and wear the brightest boots I can find! By the way, could these ruffled boot socks be any cuter?!

// Trench:  Loft (similar) // Necklaces:  J.Crew (old) // Sweater:  J.Crew (similar) // Boot Socks:  c /o Mindy Mae's Market // Wellies:  Hunter //

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

Abbie

The Fashion Formula

Borrowed from:  Jodie Noted

I came across this fashion formula on Pinterest and was amused by the truth that it holds.  I found that even though I was unaware of this "formula" for many years, most of my favorite outfits that I've created all have these pieces in them.  This seems like it would be absolutely wonderful for days when you don't want to think of an outfit but want to simply grab one from each category mentioned above. 

Happy Styling!

xoxo,

A

How to Print Mix

One of my favorite ways to make my outfits interesting is by print mixing.  Honestly, most of the time I pick a piece of clothing to start with and hold it up to everything in my closet until I find something that it pops with.  However, some ways to guarantee a fast easy mix is by taking into account a few suggestions:

*Mix prints that have a color that repeats in both pieces.  For example, if you choose a navy striped sweater, pair it with a white shirt with navy polka dots.  By choosing a color that is echoed in both, you guarantee a cohesive look.
*Combine structured prints (example: stripes) with loose prints (like florals, polka dots, etc).
*Combine big prints with small prints.  For example, combine a large striped sweater with a thin striped button up.
*Leopard is a neutral.  It goes with anything and everything.  

Why These Outfits Work:

Here are some examples of how I have mixed prints in my own wardrobe in the last few months:

(almost every combination is J.Crew)

This works because the color pattern of the navy and white shirt is echoed in the skirt's navy dots.  Also, the anchor print on the blouse is small in juxtaposition to the larger dots on the skirt.

The color pattern of the sweater's navy hearts is mimicked in the polka dot popover's navy dots.  

The blazer's structured stripes are easily mixed with the smaller whimsical print of the dot shirt.  In addition, the blazer has a bolder print than the shirt.  Finally, the color pattern of black and white is mimicked in both.

The color patterns of the plaid shirt and skirt echo one another.  Furthermore, the structured nature of the plaid shirt is balanced with the loose polka dot print of the skirt.

The vest and shirt echo the same color pattern and balance one another with the combination of structured and loose prints.

Leopard is a neutral and works well with many prints. 

The sweater and shirt both use the same color palette.

 The combination of the vest, sweater, and shirt work well together because they all have the same black color echoed throughout.  Furthermore, there is a balance of loose (sweater) and structured prints (vest and shirt).

Happy Print Mixing!

xoxo,

A

Tough Meets Girly

This outfit in  a sense describes my style:  a mix of tough meets girly.  I absolutely love taking a boyish piece (like the button up shown here) and combining it with something glittery and very glam (the necklaces and flats).  The result is often unexpected and unique.

//Shirt:  J.Crew (old; loving this one and similar) // Necklaces:  J.crew (old; similar) // Belt:  LV // Jeans:  Hudson // Shoes:  Valentino//

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

A

Insta-Lately

Here are a few of my recent outfits via Instagram:

Two of my favorites in my closet:  Valentino Flats & LV Delightful MM

It's looking like spring here.  The weather here has been in the low 80s.  

//Necklace: J. Crew (there are tons on eBay)// Cardigan: Loft (old)// Jeans:  Seven for All Mankind // Flats:  Tory Burch//

//Shirt:  Banana Republic (on mega sale!) // Jeans:  Hudson // Shoes:  Valentino // Belt:  LV//

This scarf has been difficult for me to not wear everyday.  I am in love with it.  

//Scarf:  Zara (sold out online) // Sweater:  J.Crew Factory // Jeans:  Hudson // Shoes:  Tory Burch//

Love a good print!

//Shirt:  J.Crew (on Mega Sale!) // Necklace:  J.Crew (old) // Jeans:  Hudson // Belt:  LV // Shoes:  Tory Burch//

Necklaces:  J.Crew (similar) // Shirt:  Victoria's Secret // Cardigan:  Banana Republic (similar) // Pants:  Gap (old) // Shoes:  Tory Burch // Handbag:  LV Delightful MM // Necklaces: J.Crew (similar)//

Layering makes me happy.

//Shoes:  Tory Burch (old)// Pants:  Gap // Chambray:  J.Crew Factory // Bow Sweatshirt:  J.Crew // Jacket:  Burberry//

Getting back into running this week.  I'm hoping to complete a half marathon this year!

//Shoes:  Nike (loving these) // Pants:  Lululemon // Tank: Lululemon // Pullover:  Target // Headphones:  Beats//

Simplicity always works.

//Necklace:  Banana Republic (old) // Shirt:  Victoria's Secret // Cardigan: Banana Republic (similar)//  Jeans:  Seven for All Mankind // Shoes: Tory Burch//

It got a lot colder here today.  Crossing my fingers this means boot season is back on!

//Sweater:  Loft (sold out online but may be available in stores) // Shirt:  Target // Pleather Leggings:  Express // Shoes:  Steve Madden (similar)// Purse:  LV Delightful MM // Necklace:  J. Crew (similar)//

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

Abbie

How To: Necklace Layering

//Necklaces:  Jcrew (old), J.Crew Factory//


One of my favorite ways to take an outfit from plain to perfect quickly is to wear two to four statement necklaces together.  They become the focal point of your outfit.   While I have my standard bracelet stack and studs that I seem to never deviate from, necklaces are where I like to have fun and mix it up on a steady basis.  Jewelry can be looked at as a completer piece that elevates the style of your outfit.

Tips for Perfect Statement Necklace Combinations:

1.  Find a necklace that goes with everything.  

This is your smaller, simpler statement necklace.  For me, its this one from J.Crew Factory.  It literally goes with any other necklace that I have on hand.

2.  Pair a smaller statement necklace with a larger one. 

3.  Combine like colors.  

If you are wearing a crystal necklace, it is easiest to pair with something else that has crystals in it.  If you happen to have two blue necklaces, pair them together.

4.  Make it look like its just one piece (not the 2 or 3 you may have stacked together).  

My all time favorite necklace pairings, match in such a way that it looks as though it is just one necklace that you are wearing.  These are the ones that you can adjust the length of the necklaces and they line up together perfectly.  These are also the necklaces that have like shapes and colors.

5.  Have fun with it.  

There is no secret formula for finding necklace combinations that work well together.  The easiest (and most fun) way to figure out what works and what doesn't is by taking the statement necklaces that you already have and combining them together by playing dress up.

Necklace Layering in my Closet:

//Jacket:  Old Navy (similar) // Sweater:  J. Crew Factory // Necklaces:  J.Crew

//Necklaces:  J. Crew (old)//

//Jacket:  Old Navy (similar)// Sweater:  J. Crew (old)// Honeybee Necklace:  Emerald Bling// Mint Necklace:  Mindy Mae's Market//

 //Necklaces: J. Crew//

//Chambray:  J.Crew Factory// Necklaces:  J.Crew, J.Crew Factory//

//Necklaces:  J.Crew (old)//

//Necklaces:  J.Crew (old), J.Crew (similar)//

//Necklaces:  J.Crew, c /o Mindy Mae's Market//

//Fur:  Banana Republic (old)// Necklaces:  J.Crew (old), J.Crew//

Happy Styling!

xoxo,

Abbie

Signature Style

We have pieces in our closet that totally encapsulate who we are in terms of fashion.  Pieces that scream our name.  Pieces that we have become one with.  Pieces we can be recognized by.  These are your signature pieces.  Here are a few of my signatures:

Watch & Bracelet Stack :  

This is my main signature.  These are the 4 pieces that I feel are the most "me" of anything that I own. I will be honest:  No matter what the outfit, from super dressy to completely casual, 99% of the time, you can find me wearing this exact bracelet/watch stack combination.  I treasure every single piece of this stack. It's been a work in progress for almost 12 years.

The Tiffany Heart Tag Bracelet was a 16th birthday gift from my parents that I've worn on a daily basis for almost 12 years.  This was the piece that started my love affair with the store.

The Tiffany Heart Lock bracelet was a birthday gift from my future H last year.

The Tiffany Bead bracelet was a valentine's day gift from my future H one of the first valentines days we celebrated together about 5 years ago.

The Michele Signature Deco Diamond, Diamond Dial watch is probably the most cherished item that I have in my wardrobe.  I saved for this baby…it's been worth every penny.  This is a piece that I am positive I will still be wearing and loving 20 years from now.

Necklace Layering:

On any given day, you can most certainly catch me wearing a good statement necklace (or three) paired together in order to add visual interest to any outfit.  In case you are interested, a "How To" post of necklace layering is currently in the works.

 //Necklaces: J.Crew (old); J. Crew Factory//

Leopard Flats: 

 As far as I'm concerned, leopard is a neutral.  It literally matches everything.  I have to stop myself from wearing these babies every single day.
//Steve Madden Flats (similar)//

Print Mixing:

For me, mixing different prints is like an art project.  There's nothing better than an outfit with visual interest created through adding & combining different textures and prints.  A future post on how to print mix will be happening in the near future.
 //Scarf:  Zara (sold out) // Vest:  J.Crew (sold out) // Striped Shirt:  Loft //
//Pleather Leggings:  Express // Flats:  Steve Madden //

Bows:

I'm a sucker for anything and everything with bows.  On an almost daily basis you can find something on me that has bows on it. They add a girly appeal to any outfit.
//Tory Burch Aimee // Tory Burch Azalea // Kate Spade Audrina//

Signature Style is about finding the things that make you smile.  They're the things that make you feel empowered when wearing and make you feel the most like you.  

Happy Styling!

xoxo,

Abbie

Ultimate Shoe Coveting

It's no secret that I love shoes…probably more than any person should.  Shoes always fit and are oftentimes, what I center many of my outfits around.  That said, my collection is by no means the biggest, but it is quite extensive.  For me, bad days often equate to buying shoes.  Furthermore, good days equate to fancy footwear purchases...I mean, a girl has to celebrate!  They are by far my favorite thing to buy. Below is a snapshot of my ever-growing collection.  What can I say? Shoes have my heart!

With shoes being my ultimate weakness, it should come as no surprise that I have an ever present wish list of dream shoes racked away in my brain at any given time.

This month, I was able to get ahold these sweet babies that have been on my covet list for a long long time:

Valentino Rockstud Flats in poudre

The Ultimate Covet List:

These are the shoes that have stolen my heart and someday will (cross my fingers) make their way into my closet.

 //Valentino Flats // Valentino Rockstud Pumps // 

//Christian Louboutin So Kate // Christian Louboutin Pigalle//

 //Chanel Flats//

Do you girls have shoe mania like I do? What's on your covet list?

Thanks for reading!

xoxoxo,

Abbie