Inspiration - Jeans and Heels

I've been in love with the look of jeans and heels for some time now. The beauty of this look is that you can so easily change it up and make it your own. Dress it up or dress it down. The coolest part is that when you throw on some heels (high or kitten) and add a great accessory or two it elevates your jeans and gives them new life.

 

 

photo credits: WhoWhatWear.com, Lovely-Pepa.com

Jeans, heels and a dressy jacket is one of my all time favorite looks. Those distressed jeans that you used to throw on with your ratty sneaks are now more sophisticated with some great heels and a jacket. Bonus, they are still just as comfy.

photo credit: afterDRK.com, devonrachel.com


A biker or a baseball jacket also make great additions to this simple look.

photo credits: walkinwonderland.com, thecourtneykerr.com, trini-g.com, thecourtneykerr.com


Sometimes simple is best. A graphic sweatshirt, a baseball shirt, a simple white button down, or even a Texas tuxedo all seem a little more special with the addition of a pair of heels.



You don't have to don sky high heels. Pick the height you like best and go for it. I gravitate more toward lower heels these days but any heel will do. I tend to prefer a simple, pointed toe pump but just Google "jeans and heels" and you'll find lots of additional inspiration.

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Biker (Moto) Jackets

I am obsessed and love biker/moto jackets. Specifically, I'm obsessed with purchasing a new biker jacket, in leather. You can see evidence of my biker jacket love here and here. In fact, as many of you know, I wore my fave jacket when leaving our wedding. I grabbed my great faux leather moto jacket (pictured below) at Target quite a few years ago. It's held up amazingly well. I wear it constantly. But after all of that love it's looking a tad worn in a few places and even worse, it's getting too big. I've lost and am still losing some weight and my beloved jacket is beginning to look baggy and a bit frumpy. I'm not asking for sympathy, after all a new jacket is in my future. Maybe someone else will grab it from Goodwill, when I donate it, and love it as much as I have.


Leaving our wedding reception.

I've found quite a few that I like but I'm still looking for the perfect option. There are so many great faux leather options out there but this time I really want to invest in a leather version. I know I will wear it and love it and I will get my money's worth. The versatility of this jacket is endless and I adore its ability to toughen up a pretty outfit (like a wedding dress).

I also love biker jackets for their simplicity. Pair them with sweaters, jeans and boots or a t-shirt, jeans and heels. Any combination will work. The only limit is your stylish imagination.

 

 

Celebrities like Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Keri Russell love biker jackets as much as I do. They are constantly photographed wearing this classic style. Of course Victoria's Jacket is Balenciaga and she's wearing it with a Birkin. Kate's jacket is YSL. She usually wears hers with a t-shirt and jeans. I'm not sure who designed Keri's jacket but I love that she's wearing it with a plain white t-shirt and some distressed jeans. I already own every piece of this chic outfit. Now all I need is a new jacket!

 

Do you own a biker jacket?

photo credits (top to bottom): Harper's Bazaar, Stockholm Street Style, Rue Magazine, modelsjam.com, getty images, unknown photog, getty images

Inspiration - Fall Denim Styling

I've always been a jeans girl. I love denim and I'm loving that it's not just for casual wear anymore. I love dressing up denim and making it look sophisticated. I spent some time over the weekend, looking for lots of denim inspiration. I found some great options to style a the fall trends I told you about last week, this time with denim.

 

Cape and Denim

Denim and Fur (I prefer faux.)

I have to confess, I might love this red fur coat more than I love the whole look but isn't it fantastic?!

Denim and Leopard

Denim and a Wrap Coat



 

A few more for inspiration...

Denim, Booties, and a Skull

Denim and Tweed

Inspiration - White Transition

We are still in the heat of summer but all of the stores are having summer sales to make way for fall merchandise. This started me thinking about items I'm wearing often, now and how I can wear them into the fall.  My white jeans and white blazer have become staples this summer. I don't subscribe to "the fashion rule" of no white after labor day. You know me, I'm a rule breaker. These ladies are great inspiration for wearing my jeans and blazer into the fall.

You could use these same cues to transition a white skirt or dress.

photo credits (from top to bottom): eat sleep denim, Lady Lazlo, eat sleep denim, Grasie Mercedes, The Versastyle

Classics "I Want" List

One of my favorite Pinterest boards is my "I Want" board.  It contains those items I spy when virtual "window shopping" online that I would like to have. Some are affordable and some are pipe dreams. There are tons of trendy items I'd like to have. Some I buy, like these boots. In reality I have lots of clothes and I need to pair down and clean out my closet. I'm planning a massive closet purge soon. My style is eclectic but there are items that I consider classics or basics that will be used and worn for years and years to come. Here's my current classics "I WANT" list.



Click on the pictures above for buying information.

• Nude or Tan Top Handle Tote - The color needs to be muted, more nude than brown. I want the top handles to be short so it's easy to carry down at my side or in the crook of my arm. It also must have a long strap for hands free ease as well as internal pocket(s) for organization. This one from Zara fits all my criteria.

• Chunky Gold Chain Necklace - I have tons of silver necklaces but I don't have many in gold. I like this one from BaubleBar but I'd prefer a single, thick chain that I can wear multiple ways.

• Full Skirt - This circle skirt from ModCloth is the right length and the right amount of fabric, at the right price.

• Nude or Tan Chunky Heel Sandal - I need a neutral sandal like this one that I can dress up or down. It can go to the office or out to dinner. This pair from ALDO is simple but still has interesting detail.

• White Jeans - I own a pair of white cropped pants but I'd love to have a pair of white jeans. I want them to be a narrow cut or skinny but they can't be tight.  The trick to making white pants look good on us curvy girls is fit.  If they are too tight or pull in the wrong place, they'll be terribly unflattering.

• Printed Pants - I'm sure these paisley pants don't seem like a classic.  But I love printed pants and I'm sure I will be wearing them for several seasons or more.  I own four pairs and I wear them constantly. They have become my go to pants this spring and I wore them all winter too. I think I need to hit the Talbots Outlet soon. Three of my four pairs came from there and they were all great bargains.

Do you have a classics list?

A Leg Up on a Colorful Spring

This spring, one of my must haves is a pair of colored jeans.  I'd like them in several colors and styles but I'd settle for one stand out pair that is a great color and fits well. Pants aren't my friend. Finding ones that fit my apple shape is a challenge.  I know that even my well proportioned friends have a tough time finding pants. I'm leaning toward a pair of  Not Your Daughter's Jeans.  If I'm lucky, I will find a pair at Nordstrom Rack sometime soon.  If not, I think I'll have to break down and splurge on a pair.  There are so many options available, that I went searching for a few favorites.  I've found them in all sizes and colors.

Just click on the picture above to view where to buy these jeans.  Many of them are sold in more than the color you see here.

Do you already own a pair of colored jeans?  If not, are they on your list for spring?

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#5)

"I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes."

- Yves Saint Laurent

 

Many years ago jeans were just for casual days and working around the house.  They are now part of many occasions and events.  They can be dressed up or down.  Nothing is a comforting or comfortable as a great pair of jeans. They are equally easy and chic. 

Great  street style

Love this denim look from Ashley of Ring My Bell

Kate Bosworth sporting denim and a tuxedo jacket

Spring Picks for the Budget Girl (part 1)

Can you smell it? That is the smell of smoke coming out of the ears of fashion editors as they list their top picks for Spring. They'll be sure to give you a list of extraordinarily beautiful and outrageously expensive items you can't afford. Or at least most of us can't afford.

I love my family for many reasons but especially because they always supply me with great ideas for posts (thanks Marissa!). Here are my top picks for the warmer months. I'm so excited that it's getting warmer! These items will take you into summer and can be mixed and matched.

In order to prevent this post from becoming a Russian novel, I'm going to split it up. The bold items below are contained in this post. I'll follow up with other posts for the additional items.

TOP SPRING PICKS
1. a solid color flowy maxi skirt
2. wide leg jeans
3. anything 70's inspired
4. biker jacket (leather or faux leather, whatever fits your budget)
5. a sheer sweater (for layering)
6. neutrals in pale tans or blushes (pants or skirt)
7. a Breton striped top
8. bold color tops and bottoms (vary this depending on your life)
9. a pair of neutral booties that can be dressed up or down, heel height is a preference
10. white pants, skirt, or dress
EXTRAS
1. cat eye sunglasses
2. big bangle bracelets
3. anything rose gold
4. obi belts or wide sashes
5. colorful scarves
6. lady like bags


To view the buying information for the options, click on the picture. It will take you to a site where you can click on each item and get the details.

In the next post, I'll help you find more options for Spring. We'll also explore mixing and matching your new Spring items.

29 Palms

Admittedly, I'm a jeans girl on the weekends. I LOVE jeans. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE them! I really enjoy dressing up but jeans are one of my first loves. Things have changed over the years and jeans are acceptable in many places, which I am thrilled about. I really like a pair of jeans with a tuxedo jacket and heels. Even though it's Saturday, I decided that my last two 30 for 30 outfits shouldn't include jeans. This easy skirt fit the bill for comfy weekend wear.

Cashmere T - Liz Claiborne, Skirt - thrifted, Boots - asos, Belt - Lane Bryant,
Earings - Marshalls, Necklace - Self-Made, Bracelet - Craft Show, Ring - Marshalls

I should have kept my sunglasses on. I'm going to need extra eye cream tonight from all of the squinting in these pictures.

There is still a bit of a chill in the air so I threw on this jeans jacket (see I got them into the outfit) and scarf. The jacket isn't part of 30 for 30 but it's exempt because it's outer wear.

Jeans and a T Plus...

Recently a friend commented that she usually works from home in just jeans and a tee and she said it would be nice to dress up sometimes. That comment gave me the idea for this post (thanks Kris!). When I work from home I usually dress the same way. Getting dolled up isn't always practical day to day. I knew I could start with just jeans and a simple gray t-shirt and create several different outfits by just adding a few pieces.

A work at home woman or mom might need to go to an appointment or a meeting during the day. Maybe it's a working lunch, a meeting at your child's school or a medical appointment. Starting with basic dark wash jeans and a gray v neck t-shirt, I added a tweed jacket, some pearls, a watch, and some coordinating kitten heels.

For a night out or just dinner with your sweetie, add a tuxedo jacket or satin jacket, cool heels and some sparkly jewelry. If you don't want to wear heels, try a pretty pair of flats.

Running errands doesn't have to mean boring or sloppy. By adding a few classic touches, a trench coat, colorful flats, a pendant necklace, a timeless timepiece, and some simple studs, your jeans and tee become polished.

You can take these outfits and make them your own. Use what you have in your own closet. Your jeans and favorite tee can be the basics for a fantastic outfit. They are an easy uniform for home and can quickly transition with your changing day.