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

Just in time for weekend inspiration, I’ve decided to start a regular post on my favorite outfits for under $100.  This isn’t always easy but with so many online shopping search sites like Shopstyle.com, Instyle.com and TheFind.com just to name a few, looking for specific things in a specific price range has gotten MUCH easier.  Most of the time if you try hard enough (or know how to use Google) you can find free shipping and discount codes to be used on many online retailers.  (I haven’t paid for shipping in months!) 

It’s not always easy to fit running to a mall into your everyday schedule.  I love online shopping bc frankly, I can do it anywhere and not interrupt my regular schedule.  (I HATE breaking routine.) (Slightly OCD, maybe.)  Another bonus – there are so many online retailers you’ll never be left feeling generic!  98% of the time, this is my preferred way to find the perfect pieces for my weekend ensembles.

Here is this week’s favorite outfit for under $100.00.

I think we already know that I’m slightly obsessed with lace up booties this season.  Paired with a slightly slouchy ankle sock, this is a great look to rock before it gets too cold!

(Oxford Shoe available @ Alloy, $32.90)



I’m really into vintage shopping.  (Lately I’ve been discovering some great online vintage sites, easier than thrifting.) It’s a guaranteed way to not look like the person standing next to you.  One of my biggest pet peeves is noticing someone in the same thing as me.  Vintage is almost a sure fire way to NOT have this happen. 

(Vintage Navy Leopard Mini Dress available @ Shopramonwest.com, $49)

 

These ankle socks are a great buy bc they come with a black pair and a cream colored pair.  Personally, I’d wear the cream ones with this outfit but the black ones are great to have for anything else! (I’ll be incorporating them into another favorite outfit for under $100.)

(Ankle Sock Duo available @ Charlotte Russe, $7.50)

Etsy.com has slowly become one of my favorite websites to browse.  Known for featuring homemade versions of almost anything you can think up, Etsy is a great place to find original pieces and not break the bank.  (I mean how great is this vintage clutch? ONLY $8!! $8!!)

(Fall Brown Vintage Clutch by Post BedlamVintage available @ Etsy.com, $8)

Total outfit cost - $97.40

 

What are some of your favorite tips for putting together a stylish yet affordable outfit?

 

Until Monday,

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)