Building A Wardrobe: Cardigans

Yesterday I started my Building A Wardrobe Series by sharing with you Essential Blazers and Jackets, and for the second day of the series I'll be sharing with you my thoughts on cardigan essentials.  Cardigans are great for laying and can be worn both to dress an outfit up, as well as easily worn with a casual outfit as well.  Here are my tips for building essential cardigans into your wardrobe:

• Must have colors include black, gray, and tan.  In my experience, it's worth it to by quality pieces, as you will probably wear these the most.  There are a lot of inexpensive options out there, say at Target or Old Navy, however, they inexpensive options don't seem to last or wear as well and pill much sooner.  I've been most happy with the quality of cardigans I've purchased from Loft, Banana Republic, The Limited, and J.Crew.
• Consider the type of cardigan that fits your style best.  Traditional lengths will probably be the most versatile, but I love a good boyfriend cardigan and think they can be dressed up for worn casually depending on how you chose to style them. 
• When purchasing, pay attention to how to wash the item, if it's dry clean only, it will limited how often you can wear the piece. I've used Dryel, and in-home dry cleaning product, for over a decade and have been happy with the results, however I still spend the money to get pieces professionally dry cleaned at least once a year and this definitely adds to the overall cost of owning a piece of clothing.
• I've also included some additional options for you to consider purchasing.  These include purchasing a few cardigans in bright colors, as well as a leopard or other print option.  In my opinion you won't wear these as often, so purchasing a less expensive option, like this or this makes sense to me.
• Regardless of what you chose to buy, wash these pieces inside out to help protect the them in the washer.

Here's a visual of my recommendations for cardigan purchases:

tan cardigan /gray cardigan  / black cardigan /  mustard cardigan / bright cardigan /  leopard cardigan 

Today I'm wearing a bright cardigan, which is a fun addition to any outfit. It helps define my shape and pull the overall look together too.

I'm crazy about today's combo. I score this skirt for $4, new with tags, from thredUP (use this link to get $10 off your first order). I wasn't sure about a top, but tried the polka dots and love it.  I might freeze today with bare legs, but this just didn't look right with tights.  Hurry up, spring!

Building A Wardrobe: Blazers and Jackets

I'm really excited to be starting a new series today that will focus on helping you to build a wardrobe full of pieces you'll not only love, but that will be timeless and versatile.  Today I'm starting with one of my favorite things: blazer and jackets.  The thing I love about them is there ability to be worn both for work wear as well was weekend wear.  They can be the perfect touch to finish off any look, so today I'm showing you pieces I feel are essential, as well as a few pieces to add once the essential pieces are in place.

On my list of essential blazers and jackets are a classic black and navy blazer, as well as a denim jacket. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing these pieces:

•  When buying these pieces definitely pay attention to quality, as they pieces can be utilized frequently and worn for years to come.  I purchased my black blazer at H&M for a very fair price to replace one I used for nearly a decade from The Limited.  My navy blazer is probably my favorite piece in my wardrobe and although I found it on sale at Loft, it definitely would have been worth the full price. 
•  Also, pay attention to how to wash it, if it's dry clean only I pass on the piece.  Look for one that can be washed normally, as this will help you to utilize it more.
• The quality of a denim jacket, in my opinion, doesn't vary much from store to store, so buying an inexpensive option shouldn't impact how it wears much.

After you have these essential pieces in your wardrobe, then you can begin to add on additional options, like the ones I've listed below. The additional options I'm loving are a striped blazer, a mixed media moto jacket, and a bright blazer.  Unlike the pieces above which are truly wardrobe staples, these pieces can be the "show piece to any look," that is, the piece of clothing that takes your outfit from cute to perfection.  Right now I'm on the look out for a mixed media jacket.  I recently tried one on at TJ Maxx I loved, but it was dry clean only, so I passed.  These pieces should definitely be added over time, and when the price is right. 

Here's a visual of all the pieces I've listed above to help you out:

  LOFT black blazer / LOFT navy blazer  / Gap denim jacket  /LOFT stripe blazer / LOFT mixed media jacket / bright blazer

Today I'm wearing one of the additional options I've listed above, a bright colored blazer. Adding a blazer dresses up any look, and the bright color is such fun too!

This dress I scored from thredUP (use link for $10 off) has to be hands down one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I thought it would be fun to pair it with teal today for work.  I also adore that it has pockets in the front, it's such a fun touch!

What to Wear With Orange

For the last day of my series I'll be sharing my tips on how to wear orange. On the first day I shared with you how to wear wine, and on the second day I shared with you how to wear mustard, and of the three I think orange can be the trickiest to wear.  Here are my tips on what to wear it with:

• Neutral tones are an awesome pairing for orange, though I think warm tones like tans and browns are best.  I would recommend steering clear of pairing orange and black, for fear of looking like you're dressed for Halloween.  
• The second way to wear orange is with complimentary colors and you might be surprised at all the colors that work to pair it with. I love orange with different shades of blue, but it can also be great with army green and wine.

Today I chose to pair orange with a combination of neutral and complimentary colors. I love the neutral cardigan and navy skirt with this fun top and I think it's a perfect look for fall. Make sure to check out my collage at the end of the post for some additional ways to wear orange.

Here's a chart for you all to help you see what to pair orange with:

I've really enjoyed writing this series.  Would you all like to see it continue in the future?  If so, what colors would you like to see me focus on?  I'm started a new series next Wednesday that I think you guys will love, so stay tuned for that too!

Here are some more detailed pictures of today's outfit:

Cardigan: Loft $5 (thrifted) similar

Top: Arc and Co. $6 (via Plato's Closet) pretty option

Skirt: Loft $30  same

Belt: $1.5

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade 

Shoes: Fergalicious $15 similar

Here are some other ways to wear orange: 

Look 1 / Look 2 / Look 3 / Look 4

What to Wear With Mustard

Today is my second day of my mini-series focused on styling colors.  Yesterday I shared my tips for styling wine and today I'm focusing on another hot color for fall, mustard.  My boyfriend cardigan is quickly becoming one of my favorite things in my closet and I was excited to style it today for a nice casual look.  When it comes to styling mustard here are some tips for what colors to wear it with:

• Wear mustard with another shade of yellow for a monochromatic look.
• Although mustard is a warm color, it can easily be worn with both warm and cool neutrals.  Mustard and gray is an awesome color combo, but mustard with browns and blacks is also great.
• Lastly, wear it with a complimentary color like navy or teal.  Today I chose to wear it with navy, which is one of my favorite color combos.  I added my skinny jeans, then cuffed them (I love this!) and added my booties.  This outfit is not only comfortable, but perfect for all your fall activities (Pumpkin Patch anyone?) 

Make sure to check out my collage at the end of the post for some additional ways to wear mustard and here's a chart to help you see what to wear with mustard:

Here are some more detailed pictures of my outfit for today:

Cardigan: Target $12 same / Target Coupons

Top: Loft $30 similar

Jeans: Old Navy $19 similar

Belt: $1.5

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade 

Booties: $29 (ebay) same on Amazon

Here are some other ways to wear mustard:

Look 1 / Look 2 / Look 3 / Look 4

Make sure to stop back tomorrow to see the third post in this color series. : )

Linking up with:

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

What I Wore to Work Link-up

What to Wear With Wine

This week I thought it would be fun to do a mini-series focused on color.  I recently joined a fashion page on Facebook where women post their OOTDs.  It's a great group with a lot of stylish women, but one of the things I see people post often is a picture, then the question: "Do these go together?" Another common question I see is: "What color goes with this?" This prompted my mini-series.  I thought I'd pick three color that are big this fall and try to help give some direction as to what to wear with them.

Today I'm focusing on wine, burgundy, ox blood....whatever you call it, it is definitely a great color for fall.  The problem can be deciding what colors look best with it.  I came up with some different colors which I think pair nicely with wine.  

• The first is another shade of the color for a monochromatic look; this is also a big trend this fall, and definitely one worth giving a try.  
• The second is to pair it with neutral colors, either a combination of warm tones, like browns and chocolates, or cool tones like grays and blacks.  I chose to pair it with cool tones today (mainly because I wanted to wear my Phoenix Pendant again.  
• The third is with a complimentary color like mustard or navy.  I'm a big fan of both of these combinations too. (Look below for examples of these color combos).

To help out you visual learners (like myself) here's a handy little chart for you to reference:

Here are some more detailed pictures of today's outfit:

Cardigan: Old Navy $3 (thrifted) similar

Top: JC Penney $1 (thrifted) similar

Skirt: Express $30 same

Necklace: Stella and Dot Phoenix Pendant 

belt: $12 Target same 

Bracelets:  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade Stella and Dot

Shoes: Bandilino $30 similar / DSW Coupons

Here are some other ways to wear wine: 

 Look 1/ Look 2 / Look 3 / Look 4

Come back tomorrow to see what color I'll be styling next. : )

Linking up with:
What I Wore Wednesday
Get Your Pretty On

Blush and Black

I recently wore this look to church and love everything about it. I seriously never would have guessed when I picked this dress up on the clearance rack last winter I'd get so much use out of this dress. I've also decided that shawl cardigans are amazing. You've seen me wear this one a number of times, but seriously, it's perfection. I added my Phoenix Pendant and felt like a million bucks. 

Cardigan: Banana Republic $7 (thrifted with tags) similar

Dress: Target $12 similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot  Phoenix Pendant

belt: $12 Target same 

Bracelets:  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade Stella and Dot

Shoes: Bandilino $30 similar / DSW Coupons

Chelsea and Ginny Take On: Fall

Today Chelsea and I are taking on Fall. One of the biggest trends for fall is Leopard print. After buying this polka dot top I knew I needed this leopard one from the same line too.  Today I decided to show you how to style this top for both the workday and weekend.   

My workday look is my favorite go-to combination: a  blazer, a blouse, and a pencil skirt.  I feel comfortable all day and always feel so put together.  

Blazer: H&M $25 similar /H&M Coupons

Blouse: $19 Target same / Target Coupons

Skirt: $16 Target this year's version 

belt: $12 Target same 

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets:  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade Stella and Dot

Heels: Bandalino $30 similar

My weekend look is inspired by Tara and encompasses my favorite pieces for fall. Boots: check. Cozy cardigan: check. Leopard print: check. 

Cardigan: Ann Taylor $5 (thrifted with tags) similar

Top: Target $17  same 

Jeans: Old Navy $19 similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot 

Bracelets: Stella and Dot  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade 

Boots: Aerosoles $47 similar

Now to my lovely sister, Chelsea, at Whatcha Makin' Now: She has made another amazing dessert perfect for your fall get together.  Just look at these amazing caramel apple cupcakes!  Make sure to stop by Whatcha Makin' Now to get the details on this great recipe!