Foolproof Outfit Combo: Simple Tee + Maxi Skirt

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One of my favorite ways to wear a maxi skirt is with a simple tee shirt. I prefer a shirt that’s fairly fitted so I can tuck it in if desired. This particular maxi is meant to sit high on the waist and looks best with a crop top or “tucked in” polished vibe. The simple tee makes for a clean silhouette and allows the skirt to really shine.  The tee itself is easy to dress up with a sparkling statement necklace.  I opted for complementary accessories for an overall tonal effect.  This is an easy chic daytime look, that you can also carry into the night depending on the venue.

Get The Look

Tee Shirt: H&M (old, similar here) / Maxi Skirt: Painted Threads (same skirt, different print) / Heels: Scene by ShoeDazzle (old, similar here) / Necklace & Bracelet: Ann Taylor (old, similar here & here) / Handbag: Nicole Miller (unavailable, similar here)

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Foolproof Outfit Combo: Crop Top + Full Skirt + Heels

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Some outfit combinations are “foolproof” – i.e. the styling has been tried and tested time and again the look simply works.  I love this kind of outfit, even though the combo itself is nothing new, because you know it’s going to look good, and you can still put your own spin on it with the details.  I’m going to start posting these foolproof combos on a regular basis, and decided to start with a current fave.  The crop top/full skirt combo popped up a while back, and I’ve LOVED it ever since first spotting the look.  In fact, I remember styling a very similar look for myself as a pre-teen in the late 90’s, for my middle school graduation party!!  It was a giant midi length tutu skirt (in black) with a baby pink cropped tank and cardigan.  I remember my mother did not like the outfit, but I thought it was awesome, and definitely unique in my small suburban town.  Anyway, the look has been going strong, but I wouldn’t say it’s played out just yet.  Midi skirts and crop tops are still trending, and I’m not surprised because it’s easy to make these pieces work for you.  The key with a big, full midi skirt is to make sure it sits high on your waist at the narrowest part (typically above your belly button).  That way the skirt ensures waist emphasis and flares out from there, creating a nice curvaceous line for your lower body.  Equally as important, your crop top will not actually bare that much skin, because the skirt has you covered 😉 You don’t want more than a few inches of skin peeking out, and certainly not your belly button…Noooo low slung skirts with drop tops okay?!?  That’s not the modern (or decent) way to rock this silhouette. I always recommend topping off this look with heels (unless you’re super tall) because otherwise the midi skirt can stunt you, and of course heels are the more sexy, feminine choice.  Avoid an oversized bag with this look and stick to something ladylike and demure, like a mini bag or a minaudière.

Get The Look

Crop Top (bralette): VS Pink / Midi Skirt: H&M / Heels: Izabella Rue by ShoeDazzle / Bag: ALDO / Sunglasses: Toyshades / Earrings: Forever 21 / Necklaces: Vintage

Photography by Jessica Kircher  

Trend To Try: Sporty Chic

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Working as a professional stylist, I live eat breath fashion, so of course I keep on top of trends.  I do not believe style should be defined by trends, but I do think it’s important to know what’s “in”, whether you’re going to try it or not.  I think the best way to embrace a trend is to make it your own, rather than wearing it the way you see everyone else wearing it.  Athletic inspired style is one of those looks that’s been trending for a while, and it’s especially popular now in the spring season.  I like the cute but relaxed feel of a sporty ensemble, and think it’s a down-to-earth, relatable look.  Here I styled a slouchy athletic tee with a leather trim skater skirt.  For many people, this outfit might have been great with “fashion sneakers”, but that’s one component of the look you would NOT see me wearing.  As previously mentioned, I’m super short, and sneakers do nothing for me…I will literally only wear them if I’m running or hiking and have no choice.  So instead, I went for some fun wedge sandals that have a bit of a sporty vibe.  That’s what I mean about making an outfit your own – do what works for you and your body!

Get The Look 

Top & Skirt: Banana Republic /  Shoes: GX by Gwen Stefani / Bag: Kate Spade / Necklaces: BaubleBar & JewelMint

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Ladylike With An Edge

I’m a big fan of feminine, ladylike style.  I think there’s something very sexy about  embracing womanhood and dressing to show it off.  That being said, I’m not personally super girly.  I love a curve hugging peplum or a big full princess skirt, but I can’t go all out fem because it doesn’t suit me.  I’m a little bit more rock and roll, so there has to be some edgy element to my look for it to feel right.  If I had styled this outfit with single-sole pumps and a delicate necklace, it would look more traditional, and possibly more “on trend”.  But if there’s one thing I really don’t believe in, it’s dressing to look like everyone else.  I’d much rather go off trend and wear something that complements my unique personality.

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I absolutely adore these mega platforms with the black flame detail.  First of all, I’m super short, and shortie looooves her platforms.  Plus these are just bad ass aren’t they?!  They’re Scene by ShoeDazzle so I got them for a phenomenal price.  My tote on the other hand, by Ted Baker, is the epitome of ladylike.  I like the way the two pieces complement and contrast at the same time.  The slim fit black pants are by Ann Taylor.  Ann Taylor makes good quality, great fitting pants and I swear by them because almost every style comes in petite, so I don’t even need a tailor!  (They also come in long lengths for taller gals.)  The hot pink peplum was an H&M sale score.  I’m obsessed with the color and generally like peplums for the curve accentuating effect.  The amazing Swarovski crystal necklace was my very first BaubleBar purchase (years ago) but it remains one of my favorite necklaces to this day and people often comment on it.  The one point I’d like to make about this look, is that the easiest way to wear a voluminous peplum top is to balance out the proportions with something slim down below, like skinny jeans or a pencil skirt.  Don’t go for full and full, because it’s a lot harder to pull off (unless you have the proportions just right).  So there you have it, some outfit inspiration for the day.  Happy Saturday everyone!!  Xo

 

“I Got My Red Dress On Tonight”

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I scooped up this little red dress at H&M just before the holidays last year.  I fell in love with the silhouette, especially the asymmetrical hem that’s cut higher on the sides and longer in the back.  It’s fun and flirty and feels like the right kind of dress to go dancing in!  It’s also the perfect dress for a Valentine’s date night.  I added a black patent belt for additional waist emphasis and kept the other accessories to a minimum.  I absolutely adore the shoes – metallic gold film strip heels by Paper Fox by ShoeDazzle…could they be any cuter?!  I finished off this look with a classic quilted bag, for an outfit that’s equal parts chic and sexy.  How do you plan to get wrapped up in red this Valentine’s Day?  Share with me in the comments ❤ ❤ ❤