.:Striped:.

// Sweater:  Target // Skirt:  Loft (old; want this one so much!) // Heels:  Nordstrom // Handbag:   Tory Burch (sold out; smaller identical version here) //

Stripes are always one of my favorites.  I adore how they give an outfit some easy visual appeal.  In this outfit, I chose to combine two prints that are my mainstays, stripes and leopard.  They work well together because they are opposites.  Leopard is a loose print while stripes are a more structured print.  Thus, they don't compete with one another.  I also chose to keep the rest of the color palette soft in order to create some visual stability.  

Hope you're all doing well.  We are 12 days from the end of the school year here in first grade land and I've come down with a horrible sinus infection/laryngitis.  Four prescriptions later, I was told by the doctor tonight to stay home for two days from work but there is no way that I'm leaving my kiddos in the midst of testing and goodbyes.   I will prevail! 

Hope your week is going well!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Pink & Grey:.

// Jacket: BB Dakota (similar) // Sweater: Banana Republic // Denim: AG (similar for less) // Flats: Valentino (less expensive here) // Handbag:  Tory Burch (sold out; smaller identical version here) //

Hi Everyone! I have been in the process of  hunting down a pair of gray denim for months.  I have no idea why they have been so difficult for me to find, but they were.  Then, I happened upon these.  They fit like a glove.  They are one of my current favorite pieces in my wardrobe and cannot wait to pair them with springtime brights super soon! I was browsing online for a cost effective version for all of you and happened upon the above linked pair that is only $33!!!! Girls, if you don't have gray denim you need to purchase them ASAP!  I wish I had seen them before I purchased mine (not that I don't love my AG pair) as Gap denim always fits so well for me!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Color Pop:.

//Sweater:  Target (old; love this) // Tee:  Victoria's Secret // Denim:  Gap // Heels:  Nordstrom //

To me, fashion is what is offered to us four times a year.  Style is how we make it ours/what we do with it.  Now, I firmly believe that good style is the combination of high and low end.  Here's my philosophy on it:

.:The High End:.

All of your items do not have to be expensive to make a quality outfit.  In fact, I don't think they should be at all.  I do think that one should invest in a few high end items that will last the test of time and to help take outfits to the next level.  For me, my investments typically are in my shoes and handbags.  These pieces are so flexible in that they can be worn more often and applied to more outfits with greater ease than say a sweater or shirt can.  I really love to add one investment piece to every outfit in order to make the whole outfit appear better quality as a whole. In this case, my handbag and brooch help to elevate this otherwise very affordable outfit to a new standard.  However, investment piece DOES NOT mean that it has to be a handbag that costs thousands! An investment piece can be any item that screams quality.  For example, a leather solid colored, basic tote in cognac or black, like those from J.Crew, Madewell, or Banana are excellent examples of a terrific investment handbag that adds some "expensive feeling" to an outfit.

.:The Low End:.

I believe that your low end pieces should also reflect quality.  By that I mean, look for well constructed fabrics.  These can be found at every price point.  This outfit is made up of a Target sweater and Gap denim.  Neither of which is by any means designer.  However, that does not mean that they are not valuable.  My trick to finding good affordable pieces is to look at the fabric.  I try to find thick knits, pants with a good solid wash, and shirts that have a good fit.  The bottom line is that when something is made of good looking fabric AND it fits you well (a tailor is an excellent resource to help with this), you've got a style home run. My favorite places to find hidden gems are Old Navy (watch fabric here…I try to avoid sheer, thin fabrics and look for ones that look a little more well constructed), Forever 21 (you're going to have to do a little digging, but I promise it's worth it), Kohls (I love the Vera Wang label…and there's always a sale), and the good old Tar-jay (Target) for those essentials like basic tees and tanks.

Remember, next time your styling your outfit, it does not all have to be designer to be a stunning look.  In just adding one "investment (whether $100 or $1000) piece" to an outfit will really heighten your look!

Hope this added some mid-week inspiration!

Xoxo,

A

.:Pops of Yellow:.

//Shirt:  J.Crew // Pants:  Gap // Shoes:  Nordstrom (on mega sale!!!) // Handbag:  Rebecca Minkoff //  Hat:  Target // Necklace:  I Crave Jewels //

I completely believe that classic shapes in fresh new prints and colors make some of the best outfits.  The skinny pants and basic chambray are utter classics.  They will transcend time.  However, in adding fun colors (like the necklace and bag) and interesting shoes, the outfit is able to have a modern flair.  These little elements create just enough interest to make it have some specialness to it.  In the morning, when I'm running late, these are the easiest type of outfits to pull together.  In that I mean, those that are classic in nature by have one of two pops of color (through a bag, necklace, or shoes) to bring it to life.

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Gold Stripe:.

//Shirt:  J.Crew // Skirt:  J.Crew // Pumps: Nordstrom //

There's something so crisp and refreshing about the combination of gold and white.  They are utterly classic.  Both colors have such a neutral tone that they can easily be combined with any bright hue of your choosing.  The gold and white combo automatically seems to add a hint of sophistication and flair to an otherwise basic outfit.  

Hope your week has started off well!

xoxo,

Abbie