fashion formula / summer wear

I have to confess that as much as I love summer I really dislike dressing for the season. I'd rather be poolside in a swimsuit for the three hottest months of the year than wearing any kind of "big girl clothes", as my daughter calls them. However, since we all have responsibilities other than sunbathing, I have created a fashion formula outfit that follows the rules while still allowing for a little summer fun.

 

Basic:  These yellow shorts are surprisingly neutral in the world of colored bottoms. They keep everything looking simple and tidy, but they could also become an interest piece in a different outfit. Isn't versatility fabulous?

Interest:  Chambray is everywhere this year. This shirt becomes the interest piece because of the texture it creates when layered over a white tank, along with the pockets and buttons. It is lightweight and would look super sexy with the arms rolled up to quarter-sleeve length.  

Completer:  I love that a simple skinny belt can play the role of completer and pull all the pieces together. In shorts or any other summer outfit, this fellah is the perfect completer piece - it doesn't add any bulk or warmth and it gives your casual shorts a look that's a bit more pulled together.

Accessories:  Pairing a solid outfit with a patterned shoe and bag will help it to stand out. And a well-placed splash or two of color never hurt anyone. Ever.

This outfit is a great way to create a seasonal look that breaks away from the traditional t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops look. C'mon...we all do it. But it sure is fun to mix it up every once in a while. 

fashion formula / grey + coral

I've seen grey all over the place lately. (I'm looking at you, Pinterest.) It's a complimentary color and, when using the right shade, it can make just about anything look soft and pretty. I love grey and yellow together for home decor (remember this?) but for apparel I'm more drawn toward grey and coral. There is something so crisp and feminine about the combination. Using the fashion formula I've created a springtime-appropriate outfit using the visually appealing color combo.

Basic:  If you're a mother or a pet owner or just likely to spill your lunch all over your lap, white pants are a risk. But what a beautiful risk they are! This pair of cropped trouser pants is the cleanest of clean slates to build an outfit on and around.

Interest:  I loved this top the moment I saw it. Just the perfect amount of flow and the texture and gathering at the neckline is flattering on any body type.

Completer:  Spring is my favorite time of year for cardigans. Nothing else can bring dimension and completion to an outfit like a cardigan. Buttoned up, unbuttoned, belted or not. Forget diamonds - this article of clothing should be every girl's best friend!

Accessories:  Isn't this bag lovely? It would only take me a lifetime of scrimping and saving to be able to purchase it. Still, I'm sure there are perfectly good substitutions down the road at Target. And the patterned flats add a wonderful little pop of interest at the other end of the white pants.

The great thing about this outfit and most others that use the formula is that each piece is so easy to transition to other outfits and seasons. Couldn't you picture that cardi over a floral sundress or the top paired with black skinny jeans? Cute.

fashion formula / red jeans

I've received a lot of positive feedback from the Fashion Formula post I did a while back, so I thought it would be fun to turn it into a regular feature on my blog. I will show outfits that use the formula and give a better idea of how to use the pieces in everyday wear. I hope you enjoy!

Right now I'm on a big colored jeans kick. I have yet to buy a pair for myself, but I do spend plenty of time perusing the wide array of choices. I often wonder, though, how I would incorporate such a bold statement piece into the rest of my wardrobe. Here's an idea I came up with using the oh-so popular red jeans.

 Let's break it down:


Basic: Kind of embarrassing that the basic piece is missing from the picture, but I'm still figuring Polyvore out. I think there are actually a few different solid colors that you could wear as the basic piece that would still look good, but white or grey would be my top choices.

Interest: The red on these jeans are a little loud, but that's what the interest piece (color, pattern, texture, or shine) is about! When you keep the rest of the pieces simple and in neutral colors, the outfit comes off as clean and put-together rather than obnoxious.

Completer: A cardigan should be any girl's go-to completer piece. This horizontal stripe on the cardigan gives added interest but doesn't overpower the complete look. The scarf can also be considered a completer piece - especially since the colors in the scarf help balance out the red in the pants.

Accessories: This outfit is fun and casual so I think it's alright that we add a tad more color and pop. Plus, I have a weakness for just a tiny bit of teal and red together.


Alright - now who wants to take me shopping? Are those boots not to die for?!

watch this

I've been on a watch kick lately, though I haven't worn one in years. However, I'm growing tired of using my cell phone (not even a smart phone...gasp!) to tell time. I dig and dig through my bag, look at the time, get distracted by something and within seconds have forgotten what time it is. This leads to digging through the bag yet again and the cycle is never ending.

I love, love, love bracelets. They're easily my favorite accessory. And I'm especially fond of the wrap watch trend that seems to be happening right now. It's like a watch and bracelet all in one! But my most beloved recent find is the white Imogene leather watch from Fossil. There's just something about it. See it below, along with a few other beauties I've stumbled upon.

Imogene White by Fossil  /  Diesel Silicone in purple  /  Angel Multi Strand by Tokyo Bay

La Mer Wrap Watch in Tobacco+Gold  /  Printed Dial in Bird by Sprout  /  Flight Pewter by Fossil

the fashion formula

Let me preface this post with a sincere confession that I don't know much about fashion or clothes or style. Everything I know has been learned through others via TV, magazines, and totally stylish friends. I do not claim to be an expert. I simply find this information fun and quite helpful as I rummage through my closet each morning and I hope others will enjoy it as well.

This formula I'm about to share with you, which I've dubbed "The Fashion Formula", I learned from my many hours of watching What Not To Wear. It's a favorite show of mine and has taught me much about how to dress for my age, my body type, and my lifestyle. And this formula, my friends, is golden. You won't believe how easy it will make your life, from getting dressed every day to shopping for clothes to picking out accessories.  

Let's break it down. Your outfit* should consist of three main pieces: a basic piece, which is something solid and simple and an everyday staple. The second piece is an interest piece, which includes something with color, pattern, texture and/or shine. The third piece is the completer piece, which finishes the look off. A jacket or cardigan are the typical go-tos, but a belt (skinny or wide) do the trick as well. I even think in some cases a long necklace could serve as a completer piece, especially when wearing a warm weather outfit and layers are out of the question.

And of course the accessories are the fun little extras that make the outfit really you.

I've found a few examples to show you how each piece tranlates into an actual ensemble.

This outfit is by Garnet Hill. It's simple, sleek, and the horse is a nice look too. :) The pattern on this blouse is the interest, but the ruffles on the jacket are a welcome addition as well.

This ensemble is by Forever21. There really isn't much to it. The colors are neutral and the silhouette is simple. But it works because it has all the pieces that pull everything together.

This oufit from H&M kills me! (That skirt is less than $15. What?! Get me to their nearest store!) You'll see that this outfit doesn't really have accessories, as most outfits shown through online retailers don't. You add the accessories when you get home. Some sparkly earrings or a shiny black bangle would look nice here, I think.

This outfit from Gap doesn't really show the entire look, but I wanted to make a point that sometimes pieces can have multiple purposes. The pattern on this top serves as the interest, while the cinching at the waist serves as a completer look, instead of maybe a belt that could be worn if the top had more flow. But you could still add a cardi to this and give it a more well-rounded look.

So there you have it. The formula at work!

*A few additional thoughts...

-I can promise you that my outfits don't always include every piece. I consider it a lucky and magical day when they do. It usually only happens on date night or for outings with some girlfriends. When I'm spending the day being Mommy, I'm all about the jeans and t-shirts.

-When you can't put all the pieces together, the most important part is that the fit is right. If you're wearing clothes that are too big or small for you, nothing else that you add to it will work like it should.

-Dresses are a whole different story. Don't ask me what you need when you're wearing a dress. Actually, you can ask me and I'll tell you to wear tights and boots with everything, because I'm in love with that look. But I'm sure Stacey and Clinton would disagree.

-When all else fails, wear what feels best for you. Be comfortable in your clothes and be comfortable in your own skin! After all, you're never fully dressed without a smile.

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the new girl

Forget who was crowned the newest American Idol last night. Let's talk about how excited I got after watching the commercials for The New Girl starring Zooey Deschanel during the finale.

My husband always laughs at me whenever we watch a Zooey movie. I love her. She might be my fashion icon. I could watch (500) Days of Summer every single day just to soak up a little style inspiration.

If only I could pull off wearing bows in my hair without looking like a delusional woman-child.

I'm so excited to check out this new show. Zooey? Awesome. Comedy? Awesome. Oh, and that super cute deputy from season one of Veronica Mars? Double awesome.