Beat the Winter Blues: Adding Color to Escape the Cold

While browsing through Instagram and my favorite stores this week, I noticed one thing they all had in common: everyone is ready for spring. Every shop window and online photo is filled with bathing suits, shorts and rompers. Every email I get is for the unveiling of the new spring/summer collection and the date it's going on sale. Seeing all this  made me giddy for warmer weather and almost made me forget it was 10 degrees outside. Side note to the fashion world: it's still freezing, please do not stop selling sweaters and jeans and gorgeous coats for at least three more months.

 The second I wake up in the morning, I am already dreading walking out the door and bearing the cold weather and I know I am not alone in this. However, as much fun as it is to moan and complain about the cold, instead lets just try and embrace it while we can and find a way to beat these terrible winter blues. Aside from going to happy hours to warm us from the inside out, try adding bright pops of colors to your wardrobe on top of  your usual black and neutral tones. True, this won't make the cold any warmer, but it will remind you of a warmer time and adding a bright color can help brighten your mood.

Whether it's a bag, flats, or even just a gorgeous bra, try incorporating a dash of color into your wardrobe tomorrow and see if it helps you add a bit of sunshine into your day.



Here are some great additions to add to your daily wardrobe that will give your outfit some vibrancy:

1. Wolverine Josette Oxford

2. Purple Cable Knit Sweater

3. Madewell Pink Bralette 

4.  Choie's Peach Coat

5. Vintage Laser Cut Purse

6. Mango Dress (also in red!)

7. A Day in Your Shoes Flat in Rouge

8. Bigsby Pom Pom Beanie

9. Lydell NYC Floral Stud Earrings

10. Sole Society Stud Earrings

11. Plaid Scarf

12. Uniqlo Striped Oxford

13. Blue Crossbody Bag




I hope these items have given you an idea of how you would like to add some color into your winter wardrobe. What do you think of adding a bold color to your wardrobe? Which piece is your favorite? Let me know in the comments? Please let me know if you want more options or if something is sold out, I am happy to help you hunt down more colorful items! Happy shopping!

Fall Outfit Inspiration

Fall is finally here to stay. Nice cool days with chillier nights. Time to search the always amazing tumblr for some fashion inspiration. Are you on tumblr? You should be, everyone cool is on tumblr now. Tumblr has vast amonts of photos that you can scroll through easily, and save to your own dashboard. I found this gorgeous outfit from Paris fashion week while browsing, (check out my tumblr for fashion inspiration: ellewhoshops.tumblr.com) and decided I needed to recreate this look.







Photo Credit: Tumblr





This outfit is the epitome of layering to perfection. A button up below a cable knit, below a stunning forest green coat. Navy blue and black is one of my favorite color combinations, and this outfit shows why. The navy sweater compliments all the black in the pants, shoes, and shirt below it. It also adds a nice touch of color once the coat is taken off. Peter Pan collars are adorable, there is no way around it. They add a touch of femininity to the androgynous button down shirt. While green is not my favorite color, the rich color of it in this blazer boyfriend coat is gorgeous. This style of coat is flattering on everyone, and you can throw it on over anything, and it will make your outfit look sharper, and instantly more pulled together. Last year, I snagged an Anne Klein, oversized boyfriend coat with leather accents. I throw it on over everything and I instantly feel more stylish and like I deserve to strut down the street. Want to recreate this look and look chic walking down the street? Find out how to recreate this perfect fall look below.
Sidenote: I am not putting where to find black jeans and ankle boots, you should already own them, and if you don't, shame on you!Also, I have previously posted links to some great options for them in other posts!


Make this look yours:


Top :

++ Jack Wills Atherlow Shirt $29

++ Gap Peter Pan Oxford Shirt $22

++ The Style Shirt from Asos $42


Sweater :

( I know, I know $50 is a lot for a sweater! Always check out Nordstrom Rack or Marshall's for better sweater deals)

++ Gap Cable Knit $50

++ Lands End Sweater $ 48

++ Mango Cable Sweater $ 60

++ H&M Pattern Sweater $ 30


Jacket : 

( Do not fear people who do not like green,  I have included other color options here.)


++ Dorothy Perkins Grey Checked Coat $95

++ New Look Black Wool Coat $ 85

++ Only Borg Boyfriend Coat $ 113

++ Taylor Burgundy Boyfriend Coat $ 112

++ H&M Oversized Pea Coat



 I hope you find something good in these links! Please let me know if you want more or if something sells out. Do you like the boyfriend coat look? Would you wear it? Let me know in the comments!

Office Chic: Steal Her Look

Stalking celebrity style is outrageously fun, but for 99.9% of us, absolutely unattainable. However, the best part is finding pieces that can recreate the look for way less. Here is the always hilarious Emma Stone on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. How nice does she look?! Don't you want to wear this outfit out as soon as possible?

Source: Tom and Lorenzo

 This look is perfect for work (maybe add tights if the skirt is too short), brunch, happy hour, date night, etc. It's completely versatile and charming, while not being too boring or unoriginal. I am a huge fan of the skirt and sweater look ( as seen in my recent Look of the Day post), it looks adorable and can also hide any flaws you think you might be seeing in the mirror that day. The skirt that Emma is wearing is perfect. It's a lightly flared, plaid scuba skirt and looks great on her. Scuba skirts are marvelous. They look great on any figure, come in various lengths, and are available at numerous stores this season. The (potentially) cropped sweater she is wearing tucked in to the skirt looks fantastic, and the pop of red in her heels adds a nice touch of color to her monochrome look. This outfit looks great with the heels, but if you're not a heel person, it would look equally chic with some leather ankle boots or comfortable ballet flats for work. I personally haven't worn black nail polish since my high school days, when I thought I was cool and wore band shirts and denim minis (cringe!), but seeing it on Emma makes me want to try it out as an adult. Emma is wearing minimal accessories, however you can always spruce up this look with a fun statement necklace or an arm of bracelets. 

Want to dress like Emma and be the most stylish person in your office? Find out how to recreate this look below!

Skirt//   1  = 2 = 3 =  4 =  5 =  6 =  7 =  8 

Sweater// 1 = 2 = 3 = 4 = 5 = 6

Shoes//  1 = 2 = 3 = 4

What do you think of Emma Stone's look? Would you dare to bare in a scuba skirt? Let me know in the comments!

Luxe Essentials

Being a woman is difficult. Aside from having to birth children and remembering to shave our legs, the fashion world is constanly changing on us. There are  always new crazes people veer to and rules about what you should or shouldn't wear ( although, I think it's important to never follow and always break the rules). How's a girl to keep up?! The best way to try and get a handle and feel confident in your wardobe, is to make sure you have some wonderful luxe essentials. It's true, clothes, shoes and everything else you need can be expensive but if you make sure to spend the appropriate amount of money on a few great quality items, they will last you a long while. Even though these are luxe, all of these essentials are under $250!



Here are four absolutely indispensable items worthy of your hard-earned money:



1. Leather Jacket

Leather jackets ( or vegan leather!) are fantastic . They add an edge to any and every outfit and can be thrown atop anything. I have had my leather jacket for five years now  and it has gotten even better with age. The black leather has withstood everything I've deemed to put it through over the years, and I'm sure once you  indulge in a nice one it will do the same. There are many options these days: hooded, quilted, bike, navy, black ,white but whatever you choose make sure you truly love it so you can wear it in perfectly and have it for years.

Here are some options to get you shopping:

From top left: 1--2--3--4--5





2. Heels

Whether it's a classic black pump or strappy heels almost too gorgeous to wear, it's imperative you have a perfect , (somewhat)comfortable pair of heels you can always rely on to complete any outfit. The brands I love to treat myself to are Sam Edelman and Dolce Vita. I can always rely on them to come out with superior quality, stylish, leather heels or wedges all for a great price. Sidenote: I am usually lucky enough to find these brands at nordstrom rack or on amazon on sale! There are two essential rules you need to know before investing in a fabulous new pair of shoes. First and foremost is to make sure you will wear them a lot and can integrate them smoothly into your wardrobe. Secondly ( and most importantly) you must know how to walk in them. Practice walking around in your room if need be. There is nothing worse than seeing someone walking like a teetering drunk because they do not know how to properly walk in heels.

2

1

                                   

  

3

4

3. Jeans

I am a self proclaimed jean whore. I absolutely love treating myself to a great new pair of jeans. There 100% is a difference between premium denim and jeans from American Eagle, and if you don't know the difference fork over about $165 and trust me, you will not regret it. Premium, well-made denim, conforms to your body and molds itself to you for a flattering, comfortable fit. As previously stated in this blog, my favorite brand is rag & bone. They fit my body like  a glove. Every season, they come out with new washes but my favorite are their classics. The high-rise in heritage which is a dark inky blue and in coal. I cannot recommend them enough. I also wear and love 7 for all mankind and J Brand jeans. Before investing in a pair (they are pricey!) go try on a lot of brands at a department store like Bloomingdales, to find a brand and wash you truly love.



Here are some of my personal recommendations to get you started. I own and love all of these jeans:

rag&bone coal

rag&bone heritage

7 for all mankind the Skinny in Rinsed Indigo

J Brand mid-rise Dark Vintage

4. The Perfect Bag

Whether it's a cross-body, satchel or backpack, owning a great bag is imperative to your everyday life. What else will you carry your stuff in?! Carrying your wallet, phone, etc adds up to a lot of things you need so having a functional, and great looking bag is essential. I wear a purse whenever I go anywhere and if you do the same , it's worth spending a little more to have the right size and quality bag that you love and will use frequently.

Topshop Holdall

Cambridge Satchel in Mint

Banana Republic Statement Saddle Bag

Vince Camuto Janet Bag

What are your luxe essentials? Let me know in the comments! 

Celebrity Street Style Edition: The Best of the Best (Part One)

We all know celebrities have a lot of help on the red carpet. From stylists to hair to makeup, everything is done for them. What I love is seeing what they wear on the street. What they (hopefully) manage to put together themselves because that is what shows their true style. One of my absolute favorite street style stars is the fantastic Emma Stone. She's hilarious, a great actress and knows how to dress,what's not to like?! 

Her effortless style is evident the second she walks out the door. She tends to be seen in mainly jeans and they are more often than not rag&bone. My guilty pleasure is treating myself to a pair of these amazing jeans so I understand why Emma lives in them(in these photos she can be seen in the Kensington , Midnight , Swamis and the Heritage washes). The Heritage is my absolute favorite pair of jeans and I have yet to see them look bad on anyone(nor do I think I will). Despite the higher price tag, they never stretch out,lose their color and they make your legs and butt look fantastic. They are made of the best quality materials and completely worth the money. I took my favorite pairs when I lived in Asia and they withstood every kind of test in the humidity. 

Emma's street style is simple but classy. She combines a few key pieces with a gorgeous statement piece like a jacket or some quirky shoes for a chic look. She always looks well put together and her look is something you can easily emulate. It's all about knowing how to put your pieces together for a stylish look. Here are her style staples:

-great jeans
-ankle boots
-flats
-a statement blazer/jacket/coat ( worth spending a bit more for a nice one that will last)
- comfy cardigan
- a good button up
- great bag
- tee's
- comfy sweater
-oxfords


Here are some of my favorite looks of Emma's  and below find out how you can steal her style:

Where to find those can't live without them jeans:

1. rag & bone in Swamis

2. rag & bone in Midnight

3. rag &  bone in Kensington

4. rag & bone in Heritage ( a must have!)

Here are some style essentials to get you the perfect street look:

Mink Pink cardigan

Finders Keepers Daydreamers Top

Buttoned Cardigan

Pink Lotus white top

VILA knitted sweater

Peter Pan collar top

Mango jacket

River Island Tartan jacket

Report Simka flats

Tan suede booties

Topshop Oxfords

Melie Bianco brown purse

Green crossbody purse

Happy styling! What do you think of Emma's style? Who's your favorite celeb street style star? Let me know in the comments. Also, please let me know if something has sold out and I will find you a similar item. Stay tuned for the next edition of Celebrity Street Style coming soon!

What to Wear This Fall: Three Staple Items

Fall is coming upon us quicker than I realized. Soon it will be time to do away with shorts and summer dresses and bring out our jeans and sweaters. However, trying to sort through our summer wardrobes and slowly integrate our fall wardrobe back in can be daunting. Three key items to have during the fall are: ankle boots,a well-tailored blazer and a great fitting pencil skirt. These three things can be worn again and again and will never go out of style. Below I have found you different options for each and as usual, none are over $100.

Ankle boots are fantastic and the most versatile fall shoe. They go with jeans, dresses and on the occasional warm day, shorts. Right now, I am loving Chelsea boots and boots with buckles. Here I have given you options for both. There are also wedge (unbelievably comfortable) and heel booties for a Friday night. Whether you like a wedge, flat or heeled boot, all are comfortable and can be worn with endless outfits. This fall, try a color other than black or dark brown (although black will always be my favorite!) such as dove grey, taupe or cognac.

Seychelles

Sam Edelman

BC Footwear

Seychelles ankle cowgirl boots

Exull black bootie

Brown lace up boots

Missguided buckle booties

Missguided zipper ankle boots

Buckle booties

River Island black bootie boots

Black bootie

River Island wedge ankle booties

Black bootie boots

A blazer is a crucial wardrobe item. Do you want to transition a summer dress to fall? Blazer. Keep warm on the subway? Blazer. Perfectly pull together your outfit? Blazer. Want a great statement piece? You guessed it, blazer. Putting on a blazer instantly changes your look. Wearing a blazer can make you look a touch edgier, classier ,dressier all depending on what kind it is. Everyone should own at the very least, a black blazer. However, this fall try to mix it up with jewel tones like sapphire blue and emerald. Or add a printed blazer or a fun one with zippers to your wardrobe.

Mango satin jacket

Black jacket

Chicnova Fashion slim fit blazer

Cameo Rose black jacket

Chicnova Fashion green jacket

Chicnova Fashion blue jacket

Red jacket

I am not terribly fond of skirts on me however, I make an exception for a great fitted pencil skirt. They come in so many patters, fabrics and colors it's hard to find one that doesn't look good on you. Pencil skirts look great with heels or booties which makes them perfect for fall. It can be a bit chilly in fall so the added length will help keep you a tad warm. They look great with a sweater or a shirt and blazer. For fall, try a fun patterned  pencil skirt or one made of unexpected material. The above lace John Zack and black and white River Island skirts are perfection!

Uttam Boutique

Mid length skirt

Miss Selfridge

Miss Selfridge

Warehouse

John Zack

River Island

River Island

Cameo Rose

Mango





These three pieces will benefit your fall wardrobe and give you something to build on. Happy shopping!