Plaid Prep

The goods:
• plaid shirt, my grandmother's (also love this classic)
• skinny navy cords from J.Crew (also loving these Lauren Conrad ones!)
• heels from Zara (these kitten heel sling backs are perfect for spring)
• bag by Michael Kors
• vintage pearls
 

Often times the easiest pieces make casual, chic ensembles. This plaid shirt was uncovered from my grandmother's closet – I paired it here with my super soft cords from J.Crew. Now, normally that combo doesn't scream style ... but add high heels and pearls and I'm comfy and current. This shirt is also a great casual counterpart to a slim pencil skirt ... add that (and now that it's warm, a bit of tanning lotion to these white gams) and this look is a plaid professional look.

Transition Layers

The goods:
• silk dress from Calypso (similar one available here)
• jacket and boots from Zara (also love this one)
• gifted clutch
 

So it's not spring yet, but I also refuse to wear my heavy coats anymore, which means it's time to layer up. This thin silk dress will be perfect come summer, with wedges and a jean jacket, or on the beach with sandals and a statement necklace ... but until then I'm throwing some thick tights underneath and my leather jacket over it for this in-between weather.

Spring Fling

It's finally here – a week where the low temps aren't in the chilling teens or even 20's – and this means tucking that monstrous puffy coat in the back of the closet and sporting some lighter layers. I must say one of my favorite items is the spring coat ...  when it's cool enough to still need an outer layer, but also a chance to get more creative than your typical black winter one. Below are some pieces I would love to don on these "warmer" days ... 

1: pastel faux leather jacket
2: tan twill hooded coat
3: suede fringe jacket
4: cream shearling biker jacket
5: green wool coat
6: fur and leather trim vest

Winter Weather Wear

The goods:
• faux fur vest from the Target/Neimans collab
• trousers by Catherine Malandrino
• earrings from H&M
• Prada clutch
 

Dressing for events in winter can be tricky, you want to dress up but dodging slush puddles and slick ice can really throw a wrench in your stylish plan (not to mention the chilly weather). Last weekend I sported theses pants, which are long enough to cover my substantial ankle boots, and paired it with this cozy black fur vest – the look was winter weather friendly but still polished. Luckily, the temps are rising so weather proofing our looks may soon be over!

Business Attire Required

The goods:
• sweater from Gap
• jacket from French Connection
• trousers by Catherine Malandrino
• Gucci bag
 

It's been a while since I attended an event with a "business attire" dress code, but I wasn't about to don a boring skirt suit. I've been waiting to wear these black wide-leg trousers and this was the perfect time. I paired them with this graphic white and black jacket, which is a nice departure from the classic blazer, but still business appropriate. And for color? Well, camel is a color right? (according to my closet it is).

Cut Short

The goods:
• crop top from Zara
• skirt from H&M
• ankle boots from DSW 

I wore this crop top over a shirt in this post, because I'm not about to go all bare bellied. Well another fix for this flesh-baring fashion trend is pairing it with a high waisted skirt. Either an aline like this one or a slim pencil skirt, the high waist gives just a peek of skin – without going all 1980's crop top style. 

Black/White

The goods:
• top from Club Monaco
• jeans from Henry & Belle
• ankle boots from DSW
• gifted j.crew clutch 

No matter how many pretty pieces are hanging in a store, I always gravitate toward a crisp black and white palette. I snagged this top at the post holiday sales at Club Monaco (and easily could've gone home with half that shop!). And as if my good friend knows my love for black and white, she gave me this amazing leather pouch. I love this for holding valuables as a clutch, important papers and notes for meetings, or small electronic for travel – a perfect accessory. 

Load of Crop

The goods:
• chambray shirt from Forever21
• cropped sweater and pumps from Zara
• coated jeans from Aqua 

Crop tops are one of those trends that I'd normally scoff at (or just be jealous that I can't pull one off – I'm not about to bear this belly!). I like the idea because the bottom of a crop top highlights the slimmest part, right at the natural waist. Well with a little creativity, I realized I can incorporate this mini garment and still be my modest self. Since this tight little sweater doesn't allow for a bulky layer underneath, it's the perfect opportunity to don my sleeveless summer blouses. I will continue to figure out other ways to use this little gem.

Winter Blues

The goods:
• dress from Anthropologie
• HUE tights
• studded belt from ASOS
• ankle boots from Zara 

After spending the last few weeks wrapped in thick sweaters and enough knit blankets to keep even a hint of a chill out, dressing up for dinner last weekend was a welcome change. Just because I wanted to spruce up a little, doesn't mean I wanted any fuss. I scored this silk dress from the sale racks at Anthropologie for $40 – I was instantly drawn to the loose, flowy fit, but I love how just adding a belt defines the waist and evening ready. And you can't beat an evening look that includes my trusty leggings.  

Glittery Gear

The goods:
• black dress and ankle booties from Zara
• tights by HUE
• jacket from Côte a Côte, Paris 

Tis the season to wear a little sparkle! I picked up this gold and black jacket at a little shop in Paris with holiday parties in mind. The structured shoulder pads and golden threads are a perfect addition to a simple LBD and black tights. It would be equally as festive with a blouse and skinny jeans for a less formal affair, or dress up a comfy maxi on Christmas day.

Also adorable are this black cropped tweed jacket and this great gold piece.

Keepin' it Cozy

The goods:
• jacket (from my mom's closet)
• leggings from Nordstrom Rack
• sweater dress (underneath) by Elizabeth and James
• ankle boots from Zara
• Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Cherry
 

Whoa! It's been too long since I've done an outfit post. Now, I practice what I preach, so don't worry, I'm not wearing leggings as pants, there's a short sweater dress under there. And since the snow hasn't hit, but it's too chilly for my classic trench, I've been sporting this wool jacket which I snagged from my mom (she relied on this pretty plaid number in college ... and my sisters and I did the same).

I mentioned my love for plaid pieces for autumn before, but I also love these vintage pieces similar to mine – this button down coat, this mini cape, and this pretty plaid cape.

Très Bien Ensemble

All of the lovely ladies overseas wear the easiest ensembles, comprised of clean classics that are comfortable, but still polished and pretty. I've been inspired and living in my new oversized white button down and slim black pants – with either ballet flats or black ankle booties depending on my plans. One of my fave things I layer on is Huile Prodigieuse – a super moisturizing oil with a subtle but heavenly scent that I picked up from the pharmacie in Paris (but also available here). I finish my look with my trench and my new navy leather tote from Printemps (an adorable similar one below) and I'm ready for my day. 

One and Done

The goods:
• button down shirt from Gap
• short-alls from American Apparel
• nude wedges from Nine West 
• brass bangles from IGWT, Winifred Grace

I've been spotting short-alls a lot lately – mostly in denim – and wasn't sure how I felt about them. Then I remembered this black pair by American Apparel which have been hiding in my closet for years. The black makes them feel a little more sophisticated, and paired with a black shirt, they make for an interesting layered look, instead of a contrasting piece. A perfect segue into fun fall layering. 

A Dash of Sequins

The goods:
• top from French Connection, available here
• sequin skirt from Forever21, similar one here
• patent sling backs from Zara
• DIY necklace
• bangles from Winifred Grace, IGWT
 

For a night out last week, Steve and I decided to do it up a little more than usual, so I took this sequin mini out of hiding. I kept the look simple with a black cap sleeved tee and a nude heel. I also kept the jewelry to a minimum with this long simple gold bar necklace (more on that tomorrow) and my gold bangles. A simple look, but souped up with a little sparkle.   

In the Buff

The goods:
• chambray shirt from Forever21
• skirt from BCBG
• shoes from Lori's Shoes
• vintage silver chain necklace 

One of my favorite pieces is also one of the trickiest ... this nude bandage skirt. But this skin-tight number is surprisingly versatile – it works with a cropped blouse and heels, or can go cozy casual with a tunic sweater and boots. You can find a similar one here, then snag a knit piece like this (pair with black tights and ankle booties and you're set for fall!)