The Basics

jeans (NYDJ c/o), blazer (Zara see similar HERE 30% OFF), blouse (Loft, see similar HERE), belt (J.Crew), cuff (Morton James), flats (Zara), ring (Lagos, Anna Beck), bag (Elaine Turner c/o see similar HERE), shades (Gucci)

Sometimes a look doesn't need much muss or fuss.  Sometimes, rather, all you need is a good combo of basics with just one little element of interest (ie:  a Python bag).  A black blazer, pair of denim, ballets, and a striped blouse all combine to make this look an easy go to for a slew of occasions.  We all probably have fallen into the trap of too many accessories, prints, or even color--hell, I know I have--when sometimes, simple basics can make just as big an impact.  

Y'all have a great rest of the week---I'm headed to Dallas for the RewardStyle Conference and hells bells--packing for this sucker is No Friggin' Joke--no J O K E.  Find me on Instagram if you'd like to follow along my Dallas rendezvous---make it a good one!
PS:  If in Lexington, Bourbon & Boweties will be having a trunk show at Adele (see ad on my sidebar for deets)--they're the perf accessory for DERBY (or really anything else for that matter)!  Make sure to swing on in this Friday!  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

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

Faux Real

 

skirt (Tinley Road, Piperlime), shirts (HM c/o, J.Crew chambray), vest (J.Crew), crossbody (Elaine Turner c/o), booties (Belle by Sigerson Morrison, SIMILAR), necklace (Sheer Addiction Jewelry c/o), shades (Gucci), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), watch (Michael Kors)

So here’s a few of the many beautiful things about leather.  First of all, it is everywhere this Fall—I mean EVERYWHERE!  Whether it’s piped on pants, trimmed on T-shirts, or the sleeve of your new favorite jacket, you’re going to be hard pressed to avoid this fabulous detailing on your fall wardrobe.  Secondly, it comes in an array of different shapes.  Long gone are the days when leather only complemented pants or jackets.  Nowadays, she pretty much makes a splash on all articles of clothing.  Think skirts (mini, maxi, & midi), dresses, blouses, t-shirts, and vests. Here’s another bonus for Team Leather---she is a CLASSIC!  I still have a cognac BCBG Max Azria leather pencil skirt sitting in my closet (and I wear it more importantly) from post college when I worked there.  So we’re talking about “X” years ago and I still get regular usage out of it (you didn’t think I was really going to divulge my age now did you)!!  Classic is a goodie because if you’re going to invest the money in an authentic leather gem, you better be sure you’re going to be able to wear that lovely for years to come.  But here’s the kicker, if you DON’T want to break the bank, we’ve got FAUX.  Case in point, check out the vegan cognac A-Line skirt I’m sporting.  Now I will admit, I can tell the difference between the real stuff and the faux; however, it isn’t terribly obvious and wouldn’t deter me from wearing it.  Faux is all the rage anyhow, so who gives a hoot if it allows you to maybe try a piece that you couldn’t otherwise afford.
Have y'all remembered to enter the Favery Giveaway?  It's a goodin' so make sure to enter--alright gang, make it a good one---I've got one helluva drive for work today--deliver me!  

Ring My Bell

jeans (Marc Allison Jeans), blouse (HM c/o), belt (J.Crew), heels (Shoemint c/o ON SALE), crossbody (Elaine Turner c/o), watch (Michael Kors), shades (Ray Ban), necklace (Wild Butterfly Boutique c/o), bracelets (J.Crew), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

 Kid you not, gang, these Marc Allison Bells are my current faves.  Serious love affair going on with their fit and flattering bell cut. Since the jeans are a statement all their own, I kept her pretty simple and streamlined with a men's button down shirt.  And I'm quite excited that Marc Allison Jeans is gifting a pair to an s + s reader!  The lucky winner is going to L O V E these bad boys--seriously!
Alright gang, apologies for the late afternoon post---was a busy gal earlier today.  Entry rules are stated below using Rafflecopter.  Make it a good one!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem