Button-Down Ode

I always have a tough time dressing down because I’m such a dress-up girl.  I love my heels, dresses and skirts.  This isn’t always practical and sometimes a girl just has to wear jeans. Other than throwing on jeans with a classic cotton white tee, I’m a huge fan of jeans with variations of comfortable button-downs.

These are some of my favorite button-downs for a casual but sheek day.

The Chambray:  Not only do these tops look awesome with white jeans, they look great paired with OTHER SHADES OF DENIM.  Just don’t forget to throw on a patterned or contrasting belt to divide all that blue!

(BDG Doublecloth Breezy Boyfriend Button-Down Shirt available @ UrbanOutfitters, $29.00)

The Plaid: Not just for rednecks anymore! These plaid shirts now come in a variety of fabrics and are great for year long wear.  They look awesome with skinnies and riding boots, paired with heels or with your favorite pair of denim jean shorts.

(BDG Doublecloth Breezy Boyfriend Button Down available @ Urban Outfitters, $32.00)

The Trendy: These button-downs are oh so fun but don’t spend a ton on one because what’s in this season but might be out the next!

(Denim Knot Shirt available @ Topshop.com, $36.00)

 

The Fancy: These button-downs usually feature a fabric other than cotton.  They are the perfect addition to jeans and heels.

(Alice + Olivia Brazil 70’s Collar Button Down in Leopard Print available @ Singer22.com, $253.00)

The Classic:  This shirt is timeless (well, until it starts to yellow.) Classic white shirts look great paired with any color denim.  Throw on with a scarf and sandals for a casual look or a skirt and heels for a fancier outtake.

(MICHEAL KORS Button Down Shirt available @ Michaelkors.com, $79.50)

Here’s to you button-down shirt.  Thanks for helping me feel comfortable in jeans.

XXoo



My Favorite Outfits For Under $100

So its been quite some time since I've done one of these posts and it may be because they are the trickiest to do.  I find it's very easy to find a TON of super expensive pieces to put together for an outfit when your budget is limitless.  However, when you have such a specific mind (like my own) and get ideas stuck in your head about things you have to have to put together an outfit, sometimes it becomes difficult to keep the cost reasonable.

Today's outfit is perfect for spring-time weather.  There are so many versatile pieces you'll be able to wear all of them for many months to come in many different ways!

Round Sunnies - $14.00

(Small Round Metal Sunglasses available @ UrbanOutfitters.com, $14.00)

White Blouse - $14.99

(Charter Club Blouse, Button Front Textured Bib available @ Macy’s, $14.99)

Multi-colored Scarf - $3.24

(Multi Print Chiffon Scarf available @ Scarf Heaven Shop on Ebay.com, $3.24)

Denim Shorts - $14.80

(Stitched Detail Denim Shorts available @ Forever21, $14.80)

Leather Pouch - $9.99

Ecote Leather Pouch available @ Urban Outfitters, $9.99)

Peep-Toe Flats - $34.00

(Kimchi Blue Laser Cut Peep-Toe Skimmer available @ Urban Outfitters, $34.00)

Total Outfit Cost = $91.02.  The memories you'll have wearing such a great outfit and all these items over and over again = Priceless.

XXoo

BLACK OUT!

Don’t worry.  I haven’t lost my love of black.  Actually, I did try to go buy some clothes in shades other than black recently and ended up still buying black.  (However, I did buy one pair of rust/brown shorts so hey that counts right?)  I’ve come to the conclusion as much as I love to stand out, I also love to be comfortable and true to myself and wearing black fulfills both of these things for me.  So here’s to you fellow lovers of black garments!

Here are some of my favorite things in black right now:

Bitchin' Blouses

(Rory Beca Trapeze Blouse available @ Singer22.com, $176.00)

Wicked Pleats

(BCBGMAXAZRIA Pleated Silk A-line Skirt available @ Saks.com, $128.00)

Lustful Lace

(Adia Kibur Black Lace Headband available @ Shopbop.com, $24.00)

Crazy Chiffon

(Lucca Couture Chiffon Scallop Short available @ Urban Outfitters $48.00)

Killer Kicks

(Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Suede Platform Sandal available @ Nordstrom, $265.00)

Do you ever find yourself gravitating towards one color? If so, what is it?

XXoo

The Urban Turban

While the turban has been popping up all over SS2011 runways, it was noticed and worn before it was styled onto some model's head this past fashion week.  Both Prada and Marie Claire made light of the turban in 2007 and long before, movie stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Gloria Swanson were wearing them in the 1950's.  (Vogue also styled a cover model in one in 1953.) 

Recently, celebrities such as Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss, Solange Knowles and Selma Hayek have all been spotted wearing turbans. 

Personally, I can't wait to try out an afforable version of the turban.  While this look might get stares from the less fashionable, I'll try anything once!  (Maybe I'll throw one on with some huge jeweled earrings and a silk robe and roam around my house holding a bottle of wine pretending I'm a recluse movie star.  Who knows.)

Here are some of my favorite turbans I've spotted for sale.

This turban would look fantastic paired with classic red lipstick.  Add a sleeveless black dress and some heeled booties for a modern twist.

I absolutely adore this Parisian chic turban.  I'd love to wear this with rolled trousers (Remember:I'm obsessed with trousers this season, I want to wear the with EVERYTHING.)and a tank (and caged heels of course) for a night out.  Plus, the price tag on this turban is SUPER affordable!  It also comes in navy and white for a more basic look.



(GLAMOROUS BLACK & GOLD TURBAN HAT HEAD COVER SUN CAP by Luxury Divas available @ Amazon.com, $17.99)  

This turban is the perfect way to add the leopard trend into your wardrobe.  It's not as brazen as the full headed turban and could be rocked with skinny jeans or leggings and flats.  (The powers that be tell me this one might be seen on my head in the future...)



(Brandi Leopard Print Turban Headband available @ Artfire.com, $26)

This last turban is probably the most basic, traditional style turban I've seen and also the most expensive.  While I don't think that many people will be spending money on a trend that could have you confused as a fortune teller or a Middle Easterner, I appreciate the ruching and fabric in this turban.  It would make for a great editorial piece.



(Carin Wester Marrekesh Turban available @ Urban Outfitters, $78)

What are your thoughts on the "Urban Turban"?  Would you be brave enough to wear one?

XXoo

(REVERSIBLE FASHION TURBAN by TWC available at the WigCompany.com, $25)