Virtual Shopping - French and Fashion Tees

I've been loving all of the fun graphic tees available lately. The shirts with French phrases or fashion nods have been the ones I am draw to. Somehow it's super easy to dress up a t-shirt when France or fashion is involved.

Click on the items above to view buying information.

Just add heels and a statement necklace and your fun t-shirt is ready to play dress up.



Click items above for buying information.

How to Wear a Vintage Rock T-Shirt

Lucky for me I saved many of my old concert t-shirts. I have some dating back to my earliest concert days.  One of my favorites is my U2 t-shirt from 1985.  I also have t-shirts from Duran Duran, AC/DC, and others. I frankly wished I'd saved more of them. If you didn't save your favorite concert t-shirt or you weren't even alive when the band was still together, you're in luck. There are reproductions everywhere.  But please, if you decide to wear a band's t-shirt (repro or original) at least know the band and their music. If you're wearing a Ramones t-shirt and you don't know who Joey Ramone is and have never heard the songs  "Blitzkrieg Bop" or "Rock n' Roll High School", I will insist that you wear another shirt. Don't disrespect the band (the Ramones or any band). Better yet, get a rock education and buy their songs on iTunes.  Rock tees are more than just fashion. That's the music lover in me talking.

There is so much great street style for inspiration.

I love the way that people are styling rock tees in all sorts of outfits.  They aren't just for jeans and sneakers anymore. A couple of ideas for styling your favorite rock t-shirt.

Add a tuxedo jacket to your favorite pair of printed jeans. Grab a fancy clutch and some shiny or sparkly shoes. I love my mirror, silver oxfords. You could also do heels. And you're ready for an evening out.

I love the contrast of the rock t-shirt with girlie pieces.  Adding strappy heels, a flowy skirt and a ladylike bag is a cool change for your casual t-shirt.

How do you wear your favorite concert t-shirt?

Keep an eye out, a few blogger friends and I are going to do a concert tee styling day soon.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Easy Holiday Party Staples

It's really hard for me to believe that next week is Thanksgiving.  The year seems to have flown by and the Holidays are upon us.  That means Holiday parties and events for work, family and friends. There is a party or event happening almost every weekend from Thanksgiving through New Years.  I love Holiday parties, getting together with friends and dressing up.  At lots of these occasions I will see the same faces.  It sounds a bit Hollywood but I don't want to show up in the same outfit twice. Even more important, I want to feel stylish, confident, and at ease. There are also those impromtu and last minute events where I'll need a quick outfit that will look great.

Over the years I've come up with some strategies for these events. I've bought some stand by items that have served me well and they are my go to party items. I feel polished and confident in them and they are easy to mix and match with great tops and accessories to create an easy to throw together party outfit.

My Go To Party Items

• Tuxedo Jacket - They are available in all sizes, styles and price points. You can wear it with a skirt or a pair of jeans and look polished.
• White Dress Shirt - Pair it with your tuxedo jacke or your satin skirt, ala Sharon Stone (see below).
• Great Tee - A simple, well fitting t shirt in a neutral color can dress down your maxi skirt or be a blank canvas for your tuxedo jacket and statement necklace.
• Stand Out Shoes - Choose a pair that fit your personal style, taste and comfort level. I have a pair of heels and a pair of flats, I choose based on my mood and need for comfort.
• Statement Necklaces - I have several but if you only want one, pick a version that suits your personality.  You can wear it to a party or to dress up your jeans and tee.
• Satin Maxi Skirt - I love my satin maxi skirt. I have worn it so many times to different events and it's my go to for evening weddings. If satin isn't your style, try chiffon, or silk.

I found all of the items listed above at a bargain.  By checking department store outlets like Saks Off 5th and Nordstrom Rack, I scored the satin skirt ($40) and tuxedo jacket (Gianfranco Ferre, $60) for a steal. I also own a men's tuxedo jacket that I bought at Goodwill for $6. My white dress shirt is a no iron shirt. It makes it easy to wash and care for. A t shirt with stretch in a fabric like Tencel or Modal will keep its shape and drape beautifully.  I used to select party shoes just for their looks but after suffering through many parties in pain, I've changed my way of thinking.  I now own a few pairs that look great but feel great as well. I even own a pair of party shoes that are flats. Statement Necklaces can be found in every price point.  Check out discount retailers like Target and Kohl's for amazing bargains.  A satin or dressy maxi skirt can be your go to for many fancy events and parties.  I've worn my to fundraising dinners as well as evening weddings.  It's a simple palette that can be dressed up or down. In searching the web I found them in every color (mine is black) at bridal retailers for less than $50!

I mix and match my tuxedo jacket with jeans, skinny pants, and skirts.  I've worn the skirt with a white dress shirt, t shirt, chiffon blouse and more.  Pairing them with a statement necklace, stand out shoes and a fun bag can take these basic staples to the next level.

Many celebs have mastered the art of amazing party outfits.  My favorites are those that mix the fancy with the simple. Here are a few of my favorites.

Sharon Stone in her GAP t shirt
at the 1996 Academy Awards

Sharon Stone wearing
her husband's white dress shirt and a Vera Wang skirt
at the 1998 Academy Awards 

Olivia Palermo wearing a tuxedo jacket, flats and cigarette pants

Basic go to pieces are the key for me when dressing for parties.  It takes the stress out of deciding what to wear or buying a new outfit every time.  New outfits are fun but my budget doesn't always allow for that extra purchase, especially during the holidays.

Tuxedo Jacket, $10 Sequin Skirt, Bargain Stand Out Shoes (Details Here)

T Shirt and Statement Necklace
(also wearing my satin maxi skirt, not pictured)

What's your go to party ensemble?

Easy Weekend with Flair ala JewelMint

When I was younger I would haul ridiculously large suitcases with me for weekend getaways.  I'd take a ton of clothes and only wear a few items. Years of travelling, hauling my own suitcase and TSA restrictions have turned me into a traveller that can pack for a weekend in a small carry-on bag. That means easy to pack items, double duty clothes and accessories to spice up my looks.

You all know my love and obsession with JewelMint. I love their jewelry. Every month I have to decide how many of the new pieces I can afford.  When my friends at JewelMint offered me the chance to choose three of their amazing pieces to style for a weekend trip, I jumped at the chance. Inspired by the Egyptian influences in some of the July pieces, I picked a ring, earrings and a necklace.  The pieces I chose were the Scarab ring, Isis earrings, and the Farrah necklace.  One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is a vintage scarab bracelet given to me by my dad and the Scarab ring is a modern take on that bracelet.

When choosing the items to style, I wanted pieces that could be worn together or separately and I love the possibilities in the Farrah necklace.  I styled three looks using all three pieces. Since I received my new jewelry I've worn them toether but I've also worn these stand out pieces alone at various times. 

For a day time look I paired a simple white tee with a flowy skirt, scarf and sandals. The JewelMint pieces compliment the look and give a little bit of an Egyptian touch.

Tee - Old Navy, Skirt - Lane Bryant, Scarf - Goodwill, Sandals - Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's



Combining a halter style tankini, a sarong and the JewelMint pieces, I created a chic look for a pool party or the beach. I decided to wear the Farrah necklace as a bracelet to give the look a bit of a different flair.



Takini - Target, Sarong - Beach shop in Key West





Farrah Necklace as a bracelet, Scarab Ring - c/o JewelMint



  

Inspired by the caftans of Morocco I chose a comfortable maxi dress for an evening look. I added some strappy wedges and the JewelMint pieces but tied the Farrah necklace as a bit of a choker.

Farrah Necklace as a choker

I have a special offer for you my dear readers.  Do you love these JewelMint pieces or want to see more? Compliments of my friends at JewelMint, they are offering you 50% off of your first piece of JewelMint jewelry, for one week only! 

You'll take a quick style quiz and then you'll get personalized recommendations from JewelMint stylists. They have great new pieces each month. Every piece of jewelry is just $29.99 which includes beautiful packaging and free shipping.

Click on the link and when you check out, just enter the code below.

http://jmnt.co/q0Od8i

RealGirlRunway50

Code expires: 8/25/2011

Using easy to pack pieces and great jewelry, I created three outfits for a weekend trip.  The beauty is that some items can be changed up depending on your plans. How do you pack for a weekend getaway?

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.