The Mashup

look 1:  jacket (Gap, love this Blk/White Version), blouse (Joie), jeans (dl1961), flats (Jeffrey Campbell dig this pair), crossbody (Elaine Turner c/o), shades (Ray Ban), cuff (unknown), watch (Cartier), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

look 2:  sweatshirt (Thread Social), shorts (Asos, sold out), chambray (J.Crew 25% off with code SHOPNOW), bag (Linea Pelle c/o), flats (Ann Taylor old, want THESE), bangles (Bourbon & Boweties c/o Adele of Lexington), shades (Gucci)

look 3:  sweater (J.Crew--ADORE this baseball version 25% off), jeans (7FAM), heels (Pour La Victoire), bag (Michael Kors), watch (Michael Kors)

Just a little fashion mashup of some easy casual looks--nothing terribly fancy--which is what I like about them.  With the exception of the navy Joie Lace Top, the majority of these looks are using items already in the closet (ie:  Striped Jacket, Striped Shorts, & White Jeans).  Oh and if you haven't already guessed, I'm one of those who believe you absolutely can wear white after Labor Day (it's the Floridian in me)---just remember to mix fall/wintry textures in with the whites!  Alright gang, cheers to a fab week--make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Floral Gets Vintage

dress (vintage, Street Scene, Lexington ), necklace (Adele of Lexington), shoes (Zara), bag (Michael Kors), cuff (unknown), ring (Lagos), watch (Cartier), shades (Ray Ban), ring (Anna Beck)

Note to self:  When you're attempting to do a 21 Day NO Shopping Spree don't go to the damn mall!  Granted it was to help my gal, KT, pick out some threads for an upcoming project that I'm all too excited to share with you all--but nonetheless, I think there are claw marks in J.Crew from her having to tear me outta there!  

But enough of the inevitable cave on my personal challenge, onto the vintage goodness. A few posts ago, I spoke of my Baseball Vintage Find & my day vintage shopping with oh so fabulous Suzy.  Seriously, she is one of those women you are immediately drawn to, could listen to for hours, cultured & traveled out the wazoo, would totally pillage to get a hold of her closet, should be intimidated by and yet she's beyond down to earth & feel like she's been your friend for ages.  She's downright fab in all the right ways!  I developed my crush upon her accidentally introducing s + s on camera as, "Seersucker + SaddleBAGS,"  how could I not instantly love this woman?  It was she who spotted the frock above, and with an amazing seamstress, I envisioned what the dress could be (a slightly edgy June Cleaver don't you think).  And there it is---why I reclaimed my love of vintage.  It calls for a vision and creativity.  It allows you to make a piece all your own---totally one of a kind.  Not to mention the thrill of the hunt is so fun, and I would be remiss if I didn't tell you this frock was under $20 (thank you Street Scene).  How do you all feel about vintage--into it, not so much?  Would love to hear--I hope to have a little video of our day here in the next few weeks!  Alright, gang, make it a good one & have a fantastic weekend!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Red Stems

   

dress (J.Crew extra 40% off), tights (Target--only $5), shoes (Plenty by Tracy Reese), necklaces (old as dirt, no clue--2 layered acrylic necklaces), bracelets (J.Crew & Stella & Dot), ring (David Yurman), shades (Gucci), watch (Cartier)

For all of you 9 to 5 gals like myself, this is the Perfect Dress for your day gig!  She also fits the bill for a ladies' lunch, meet the parents, church, or a daytime shower.  Toss her on with some tights or sans such once the weather warms, and you have an easy, yet polished, rig (it's quite comfy, too).  Make it a good one, gang!

PS:  if the Dress is not avail in your size online, call your local store & they'll do a store search to find it for you.  I do this all the time for items that aren't avail in my size online--works like a charm!

PPS:  the necklaces I'm wearing are old as dirt...disliked individually, but once I doubled the acrylics, all old was new again and they're back in rotation!  Lesson here, don't forget about your old pieces, just try to sport them in a new way!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Burgundy goes Basic

  

flats (Luxury Rebel, Piperlime), jeans (Express BOGO 50% off how cute are THESE), sweater (Old Navy only $29), shirt (J.Crew), watch (Cartier), bag (Burberry), shades (Gucci), bracelets (J.Crew & Voce)

I may be committing  a Major No-No in this post....Metal Mixing!  I remember reading an article interviewing Rachel Zoe (whom I adore) where she firmly stated, "do not EVER mix your metals."  Alas, here I post, all gold hardware on the bag, watch, ring, bracelets and.....Silver Flats!!!  But you know what, there's another wise gal in this fashion world I've always admired & looked to for fashion advice--one of my best gal pals, Brooke, who works for a pretty amazing fashion designer in NYC and She metal mixes and  always look ridiculously fabulous...therefore, I say MIX!  Here's the other thing, I am quite detail oriented when it comes to my rigs, but there's a point where I have to cut myself off otherwise I'd drive myself completely insane trying to align all the metallic stars.  So for those of you who see this as a major metallic clash, my deepest apologies--I just can't help myself!  Hells Bells, we can mix stripes & polka dots, but we can't mix metals--just doesn't add up in my book!  Put this to rest for me, gang...Metal Mixing, is it a Do or a Don't?

Make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Trail Blazin'

blazers (J.Crew & Aqua, Bloomies--under $60), dress (DVF), belt (Patricia Fields old), shoes (Tracy Reese), clutches (Kate Spade & JJ Winters), ring (Kendra Scott similar), bracelets (J.Crew & Stella & Dot), shades (Gucci), ring (David Yurman), watch (Cartier)

This rig(s) is the direct result of all winter sheaths, shifts, tweeds, suits being at the dry cleaner and having to get a little creative with my summer frocks.  I opted to wear the black blazer for my work meeting, but I still can't decide which is my preference--what's your vote?  Point of this little post is we shall not forget about our spring/summer pieces that may appear at first glance off limits.  Toss on some tights (maybe in a fun shade like red or blue), blazers, turtlenecks underneath, and you my dears will have a perfectly suited winter rig.  Make it a good one, gang!  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Nets & Nanette

 dress (Nanette Lepore, AJs Casuals, Lexington or non-Kentuckians Here), coat (Banana Republic, similar below), belt (Gap),  tights (Commando or affordable options at Target), shoes (Charles Jourdan), tote (Gucci) ring (Lagos), watch (Cartier), shades (colors in optiCS)

If I was to describe this ensemble to you without having seen it, you may be quite alarmed or think I'm turning tricks downtown.  Lace, fishnets, cherry red--sounds um, tacky--yes?  Well hardly, as this little Nanette Lepore number is about as darling as darling gets--thank you AJs Casuals!  Add a subtly patterned tight & a classic red coat, and you've got yourself a pretty timeless look.  Speaking of timeless, I am in the market for a new black tote.  Granted, I love this Gucci as it has stood the test of time...but I'm getting a little antsy and well frankly, I've been a pretty good gal this year, Santa!  I am open to any suggestions--currently pondering the lovelies below (as well as some lovely red coat options for y'all).  Also, take a gander at my current craves located to the left.  Finally...big thanks for all of your sweet comments regarding My Brood's Video....Make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Stripe the Camo

peplum & jacket (J.Crew),  pants (Gap), heels (Matt Bernson), necklace (Stella & Dot), watch (Cartier), ring (David Yurman), bracelets (Stella & Dot and Asos), shades (Ray Ban)

Have a fun little print mix for you all heading into a very exciting weekend!  My guy and I are en route to Chicago to celebrate the nuptials of my oldest and dearest pal, Tiff.  She was my very first friend I made in Mrs. Prokop's kindergarten class and now here we are many, many years later...truly such a fun and special weekend ahead!  Follow me on Instagram to keep in touch with the weekend's festivities.  Y'all make it a good one!  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

The Remix

jeans (Paige), sweater (Banana Republic), peter pan (Piperlime, Tinley Road or THIS adorable option), flats (Belle by Sigerson Morrison LOVE these), tote (Gucci), watch (Cartier), ring (Lagos), shades (colors in optiCS), bracelet (Stella & Dot), necklace (J.Crew)

 

Remixing & repurposing is one of my favorite things to do not only with my interiors, but my wardrobe, too.  Do you all recall my Peter & Pearls post?  Well, I've been clocking this J.Crew top for quite a bit; however, I just hadn't gotten around to snagging it.  With a minimal amount of creativity I just layered a grey crewneck sweater over the peter pan blouse and voila---a lovely alternative!  Similarly, my Weekender post highlights my favorite Paige Polka Dot Jeans with a more laid back, casual vibe...can't wait to sport them with my Hunter Wellies, too!  Y'all make it a good one--enjoy your weekend!
PS:  How gorg are Lexington's fall leaves---love!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem