Chunky and Chic Sweaters on the Cheap

In the September issue of InStyle, there was an awesome piece about luxe sweaters and incorporating them into your wardrobe for Fall. I loved all of them, but they were just a tad out of my budget. 

So I went on a quick hunt for some fun alternatives after being inspired by the colors, textures, and flexibility of this type of piece. Pair this comfy duds with mini-skirts, tuck them into a pencil skirt, or just keep it casual in jeans or leather leggings (yes, please!). Add you favorite simple accessories and your go-to and you'll be ready for Fall in a snap!

Enjoy these finds!

Metallic and Leather Animal print

$75.94

Aztec Eye Patterned Sweater

$59.07

 

Structured Tiger Knit Sweater

$60.75

Sheer-sleeved White Sweatshirt

$39.95

  

Foil Landscape Sweatshirt

$69.00

Fall for Glam Party

To put a new twist on the traditional girls night out/cocktail party, my friend Kaite and her friend Allie hosted a Fall for Glam party. All of the guests brought fun Fall appetizers and drinks. I brought my styling chops and pulled together a few Fall outfits from Allie's closet. I paired each outfit with jewelry from Stella & Dot pieces provided by Kathleen Wolney!

I love this kind of party because the hostess gets some fun ideas to spice up her wardrobe, and the guests get to see Fall outfits before the season turns. 

 

I pulled a few work and casual outfits from Allie's wardrobe and here are the pics:

For a day to night work outfit, I paired a zebra print inspired pencil skirt with a black striped tee. For a bold statement against the black and white, I combined it with the Peacock Necklace that has bold blue hues and for an unexpected pop of gold, the Eden and Gilded Arrow bracelets. I love mixing metals and these all complemented each other so perfectly.

I was immediately drawn to this pair of chunky heels in Allie's closet. I had to include them in one of the outfits, and found a funky printed blouse to pair with black jeans, and this awesome chain and beaded necklace called the Tessa Fringe necklace from Stella & Dot.

For a fun Sunday shopping or lunch with friends, I selected a chevron print blouse, colorful scarf, and dark denim with cute black flats that have a surprise zipper up the back. Jewels from Stella & Dot included two bangles and Twila drop earrings that were clean and simple. The blouse and scarf do all of the talking so the jewelry should be understated and complementary.

Finally, I pulled a sundress from Allie's closet and styled it for Fall. This is a great trick that helps you extend those lovely summer pieces for another season. I wrapped it up in a millitary styled jacked and paired it with this awesome metallic tote that is perfectly named How Does She Do It.

(apparently I lost this pic!)

It was a beautiful day on a downtown rooftop and all of the guests looked lovely! I almost wore a very similar dress to Misha's navy and white striped wrap dress (Nordstrom). After talking more to her I found out that her dress can convert into a maxi-skirt, and the straps can be twisted and tied in multiple ways. Misha did a great job of keeping it simple with an awesome pair of red leather wedges that she found at a boutique in Las Vegas.

There were skirts, shorts, wedges and flats, and I loved it all!

Stella & Dot's latest jewels really impressed me! I love the vintage inspired pieces, and ended up picking out a intricately woven ring called the Haven ring, and another piece that is an arrow wrapped around my finger.

Thanks to the glam team! It was a great party and I can't wait to do it again. Want to host a party? Contact me!

White Hot Winter

I'm probably going to ruffle many feathers when I say that I do not agree with the rule "no white after labor day". There is a way to do it and it involves creamy and non-bleached whites that will be less abrasive in the cold winter months.

My sister, Elise, and I are lucky to be spending the holidays in Florida. A light jacket is all we need to be comfortable in the perfect holiday weather, and Elise pulled off this look flawlessley. What I love about Elise's outfit is that we had two places to be in one night and by simply changing her shoes, she made the look appropriate for each destination.

Lace is all over the racks this winter, and this flesh tone crop top flattered her so well next to black crop jeans, a white blazer and her pick of black shoes.

For our Uncle's 60th birthday party, she went with studded black flats. Then for our friend's house party, she threw on sky-high snake-skin heels. Not to mention, Elise's hair was perfectly wavy with adorable pearl pins to keep her hair out of her face.

Elise's outfit head to toe: White blazer from H&M, nude lace crop-top from H&M, black jeans from PacSun, black flats from the resale shop Crossroads Trading Co., and snake-skin heels from ALDO.

Personal Styling: Sparkle for Susan

The holiday season is everywhere you turn and one thing we haven't missed this year is all that glitters and sparkles. I love all of it and was taken by a beautiful sequin sweater in Susan's closet.

Susan and I spent a few hours together one Sunday afternoon pulling together fun outfits for nights out on the town. As part of the personal styling session, Susan asked that I help put together a look to go with a new gold jacket she purchased.

Since the jacket is a bold color and has a broad color and great detail, I chose neutral pieces to compliment the look. The sequin's on the sweater have a greenish hue in the light and sparkle just enough without being too loud against the jacket.

Black riding pants and leather boots keep Susan looking polished. Simple gold stud earrings are the perfect accent to this snappy ensemble.

 

Susan's outfit head to toe: Ann Taylor LOFT gold jacket, vintage sequin top, J.Crew black riding pants, and black leather boots by Ralph Lauren.  

Season's greetings!

Little Bit of Edge

I've been hoping to write a blog post about my fellow co-worker, Kirsten Chan, whom I've noticed always has the best accessories. Not to mention, adorable style too.

I caught Kirsten's tweet the other day that said she had on a gorgeous necklace, so I requested that she stop by my desk so I could check it out. Not only was it a kick-ass necklace, but her whole outfit rocked, so I had to blog about it.

Let's start with the necklace.

I love the rough around the edges chain-link metal that hold the three pendants, but the best part of this necklace has to be the back! It wraps from Kirstens neck, over her shoulders and dangles down the back. When she showed me this detail I just about fell out of my chair. What a fun surprise detail!

Kirsten paired the necklace with matching brushed metal cuffs and a ring. Her earrings are horseshoe studs  decorated with little crystals.

I love what Kirsten did with the rest of her outfit. Since this necklace is such a show stopper, she kept the rest of her outfit simple. Her pleated dress, and simple cardigan don't detract from the necklace and keep her outfit work-appropriate.

 

And it gets better...Kirsten's tights have the slightest pattern. The navy pattern contrasts well with her black and gray pieces without being too bright and distracting. And the booties keep her look modern and sassy.

Kirsten's outfit head to toe: black cardigan from French Connection, dress from Korea (the country, sorry friends), tights from the Calvin Klein Outlet, boots from Akira, necklace from Urban Outfitters, bracelets and rings from Cold Picnic and earrings from Trillium.

Thanks to Ian for the photos, Kirsten for being a model, and Nia at Guzzardo's floral shop  for letting us use her store front as our set!