Tweedy Bird

My latest pick up at J. Crew was a definite winner! Because of its color and style, this is a perfect transitional fall piece. If any of you are like me, we are all protesting to pull out our thermal winter sweaters until we absolutely have to. We must soak up every last remnant of summer. I guess you could say I struggle with change. This change in season calls for tricky styling options. By combining this tweed material with a t-shirt, you are left with a perfect transitional fall piece. Well done J. Crew! The rich, warm colors mirror the beautiful shades of leaves that are beginning to fall. So cozy and inviting (and oh-so-Carrie Bradshaw for matching her clothing to her surroundings). This fall I am really loving the deep burgundy and wine colors. Pair with gold accessories and you have the perfect combination. Again, versatility is important here. I love how this can be paired with jeans for a casual remix. I paired mine with pointed patent leather kitten heels. For something even more casual, pair with loafers or flats. The inner prepster comes alive. For a night in the city or a day in the office, mix with a pleated skirt. The options are endless, be creative.

And there you have it fellow bloggers. A change in season calls for reinvention. Mix it up, keep things fresh, try new things.

Until next time,
Natalie

Shirt: J. Crew Pants: Silver Jeans (old) Shoes: Michael Kors (similar here) Bag: old Watch: Michael Kors Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Back to School, Back to Organization

Summer is finally coming to an end and some of us may need to get organized for fall, myself included. For me, one of the hardest things to store is jewelry. A girl can never have too much, although space can be limited. This makes it tricky. Necklaces get tangled, lost, and forgotten about. Same goes with bracelets, rings, earrings, and pretty much any other accessory. So I began researching how other bloggers creatively organize their jewels and voila! Storing jewelry has turned into a work of art. Here's how.

1. Find an open space in your room, be it a desk, dresser, side table, anything. This is the canvas of your masterpiece. Well, and your storage space.
2. Now this is the fun part. Scavange around the house for vintage bowls. If your house is anything like mine, these bowls will be found in your storage room in the basement. Don't worry, they will seem ugly standing alone. Mine were candy dishes from the 1980's and my great-grandmother's paper clip holders. Just wait until you put your jewelry in them.
3. Begin piling bangles in a tall vase. Normal bracelets can go in a bowl. A dish can be used to place miscellaneous earrings on. It is so much easier than having to hang them on an earring holder.
4. I found a tiny bowl to place lipsticks in. This is super convenient when you are rushing out the door. All colors are easily displayed.
5. Find a vintage tray to place perfume bottles on. The look of a beautiful perfume bottle is so sophisticated. And who says rings have to be hidden? Scatter miscellaneous rings on the tray. So chic!
6. Hang necklaces from decorative hooks. I hung some of my favorites from my mirror. They take the place of paintings on a wall.

And there you have it, a convenient, inexpensive, and pretty way of organizing your jewelry. Play around with it and make it your own. The more original it is, the more fun you'll have with it. Eclectic is cool.

Until next time,
Natalie

Oldies but Goodies

Sometimes the greatest outfit can come from a shirt you wore five years ago. Okay, okay. If the shirt looks like you may have been through a time warp, then no, it may be time to give the shirt to Goodwill. Although, occasionally you come across a gem of a shirt you forgot you ever had. Mix and match old pieces of your wardrobe and, voila! You have just created a brand new outfit without even hitting the mall. This is great for many reasons. First off, it keeps your wardrobe fresh, new, and unexpected. Putting outfits together can be fun if it's treated like a puzzle. Experiment with different pieces. They may not always fit together, but when they do, it's the ultimate victory. Also, experimenting with old pieces can be a huge money saver. Go through your closet to find new, hidden items. You will feel as if you are getting something new without spending the money. Score! With the change of the season, experiment with your style. Fashion is a game worth playing.

Until next time,
Natalie

Stripey

Loving this dress that I found at the infamous Tarjay Boutique. Okay, Target. This steal of a dress couldn't be more perfect for the final days of summer. What exactly do I like about this Plain Jane dress you ask? Well, really what don't I like about it? It's a great transitional piece from the dog days of summer to the brisk days of autumn. Throw this dress on with sandals, an oversized hat, and a leather tote for a summery, comfortable vibe. As the leaves begin to change, pair these timeless stripes with camel colors and voila, instant chic! There is nothing better than a dress that can be worn year round in Minne-snow-ta. I love that it mixes relaxation with professionalism. Effortless and oh so Coco Chanel. All in all, this dress is timeless and classy, well deserving of earning a hanger in your closet. This dress just gave you a reason to not dread your next grocery run at Target.

Find it here.

Printed Pants

Top: Nordstrom (similar here) Pants: J. Crew (similar here) Necklace: Nordstrom Watch: Michael Kors Earrings: Juicy Couture (similar here) Belt: Forever 21 (similar here) Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar here) Bag: American Eagle (old) Shoes: J. Crew (similar here)

Summer Must Haves

It's summer and let's face it, sometimes you just aren't in the mood to get put together in the morning. You end up staring at your closet, finally settling for the outfit you wore last week. Uh-oh, looks like you hit rock bottom. I have put together 8 staple items that will keep your wardrobe looking refreshed without a constant shopping spree. These items are a must if you feel your closet is getting just a little too drab. By switching out a few items here and there, you will never have to worry about repeat outfits ever again. Phew!  

1. Bright colored shorts. By adding a pop of color to your outfit, you can leave the rest of your outfit simple while still looking chic. This will allow you to substitute boring denim for something fun, summery, and bright. I love a longer length for the versatility of casual or professional. I found my pair at the Gap.

2. Denim shirt. A denim shirt is always a good idea. It can be worn so many different ways, it is practically ten shirts in one. Wear tucked in, tucked out, unbuttoned, tied at the waist, pop the collar for a preppy vibe, scrunch the sleeves, the list goes on and on. Denim is a timeless piece that can make any outfit look casual, yet sophisticated. Stock up on colored shorts to pair your denim shirt with. Wham! Hundreds of outfit opportunities at your fingertips. I found my shirt at Banana Republic.

3. Leather flip-flops. These timeless shoes keep your outfit casual but make it seem as if you are trying a wee bit harder than just a rubber pair. (Save those for when you get a pedi.) I love how these pair have a cheetah print strap. This adds spunk while keeping it simple, allowing them to become your go-to pair of summer shoes. I found my pair at J. Crew. (similar here)

4. Skinny leather belt. Again, the possibilities are endless with this item. Cinch at the waist with a casual sundress or draping cardigan. Knot for added architecture to any outfit or just simply wear it like any old belt. Leather will go with anything. I found mine at Forever 21. (similar here)

5. Over-sized bag. This bag is perfect for the beach, running errands, shopping, and can fit just about anything in it. Mary Poppins anyone? (On a second thought, no miniature dogs allowed in the bag. Paris Hilton=not chic.) The gold color is chic and classic, while the woven texture keeps the mood casual. Love it. I got mine as a gift. (similar here)

6. Woven hat. All girls need a hat for the summer. Having a bad hair day? Throw it on. I like that this hat is big, but not over the top. Another great plus? You will be following safety precautions by protecting your scalp from intense UVs. The tan with gold flecks will go with any summer outfit and add just enough pizazz for you to make a statement. I found mine at Gap. (similar here)

7. Tortoiseshell watch. A watch like this is timeless and perfect for any outfit. Great for accessorizing but even better for promptness. I got mine at Nordstrom. (similar here)

8. Piles of jewelry. Here's where the fun part comes in. By leaving the top and bottom simple, have fun with accessories. Pile on bright jewelry and gold chains. The more the better. Find at any jewelry store. (Charming Charlie's, Forever 21, Icing, etc.)

And there you have it. Eight simple items that will refresh your wardrobe, while never going out of style. Look good, feel good my friends.

Until next time,

Natalie   

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Dress: J. Crew Jacket: Old Navy (similar here) Scarf: Abercrombie and Fitch (similar here) Boots: Hunter Watch: Michael Kors Bracelets: old