3/100: a classic outfit idea with a twist.

This photo was really pretty, but really tough to translate. The vibrant colors of the flowers are what catches my attention at first glance and, the primary reason I snapped the shot. Then, after cruising Topshop for reasons other than this blog post (!!), I found the perfect orange midi skirt to design an outfit around.

I loved the texture and bright color, wanting to keep as the focal point of the look. Adding pastels helped accomplish that, opting for a crop top to modernize the silhouette. The deep purple sandals rounded out the outfit - making it perfect summer outfit that can go from day to night with a smoky eye.

necklace / crop top / sandal / midi skirt / clutch

tip: Pair a bright, warm color with a paler, cool one to keep the look from being too much. Balance the outfit with accessories that mix vibrant and subdued hues. And finally, head to the opposite side of the color wheel to make sure the look has enough contrast.

interior inspiration: mixed pattern outfit.

It was really fun to browse all sorts of interior spaces in hopes of finding inspiration for an outfit. One of the big "aha" moments I had was with pattern mixing. I'm a huge fan of mixing patterns regardless, but with outfits I've been more hesitant to take risks because of the smaller canvas size. Using an interior space as inspiration gave me the direction I needed to pull something together that is cohesive yet visually interesting. 

Oh - and this just in - totally fine to mix brown and black. 

tip: Keep pattern styles similar to each other when mixing. It will help tie all of the fabrics together without having to match the color palettes exactly to each other. 

interior / clutch / bracelet / sandal / blouse / skirt

outfit idea: violet tulip blouses and cutoffs.

In my exploration of Pantone's 2014 colors of the year, I've started to notice my initial need to pair these colors with something brighter. With this look, I decided to experiment with mixing casual and dressy components. The way to make it work was to find a shoe that blends the two together. And for some reason, this was a teal wedge. Can't explain why but if it ain't broke...

tip: Keep makeup natural when using bold colored accessories.

alexa chung / sandal / sunglasses / midi ring / blouse / shorts / bag

trend alert: crop tops and skirts five ways.

I've been in love with the crop top trend for a while now and am so glad it's here to stay this year. Asos has by far the best selection - so much so I couldn't choose just one look. 

The key to pulling them off is remembering to stay a bit modest, especially for women 30 years and older. This means no belly button ladies - I mean it. 

tip: Use a crop top to sex up the hard-to-make-work midi skirt.

look 1: top / skirt / shoes look 2: top / skirt / shoes look 3: top / skirt / shoes

look 4: top / skirt / shoes look 5: top / skirt / shoes

outfit idea: combat boots and blouses.

I am on an all time, combat boot high. I wear them often. I wear them always. They go with skirts, shorts, jeans, leggings, dresses... It's the perfect accessory to make any outfit more casual and approachable. L. O. V. E.

necklace / blouse / combat boots / jeans / cardigan

golden globes outfit inspiration: cap sleeves 3 ways

The Golden Globes fashion was off the chain this year. Out of all the gorgeous silhouettes, colors and styles, what I was most inspired by the cap sleeve trend. Unlike the previous years, 2014 feels like the year of the bicep and I couldn't be more excited. Be sure to keep up on those arm dips, ladies!

 

julianna margulies

blouse / midi skirt / solange knowles / leather tote / watch / bracelets / booties

julie bowen

blouse / rihanna / bag / pencil skirt / heels

elisabeth moss

dress / clutch / biana balti / necklace / heels