Inspiration - T-Shirts and Fancy Skirts

Lately, I've been loving the combo of a t-shirt and a fancy skirt.  I'm especially loving graphic tees with a fashion related or French saying.  Many of the blog popular shirts are crazy expensive.  Try $225 for one t-shirt!  I know, INSANE.  I created a board on Pinterest titled "Style I Should Try".  I pin photos there of outfits I love and want to emulate.  My love of this fancy casual outfit has made me want to expand my skirt and t-shirt wardrobe.  I've been looking for some great skirts and I just made a run to Old Navy for some new tees. These ladies are my inspiration.

Check out the links to these ladies by clicking the photo above. 

All of the ladies above have such great style. Their basic idea was the same, a t-shirt and a fancy skirt but they all have an amazingly different take on the concept.  Everything from the fantastic, over the top, feather skirt and cool graphic tee of Blair from Atlantic - Pacific to the sweet, flowy maxi and simple gray tee of Allie from Wardrobe Oxygen.  I love that each of them took the same basic idea and gave it her own twist. A couple weeks ago I went to a beauty event at Nordstrom and wore one of my favorite sparkly skirts and my vintage AC/DC t-shirt. I got lots of compliments and it was a chic but comfy outfit for a busy day. My sequin skirt is begging for the same treatment.

Old Navy is the best place for basics, like t-shirts.  They're inexpensive and the perfect canvas for a graphic t-shirt DIY.  My DIY is in the works.  I can't wait to show you the final results.

Over the weekend I visited one of my favorite stores for bargains, Talbots Outlet.  The entire store was $17.99 or less!  I got an amazing black and bronze, brocade skirt for only $17.99. I can't wait to pair it with my DIY t-shirt. 

What do you think of  pairing a fancy skirt and t-shirt?
 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Fall 2012 Trends Under $150

It's no good to look at the Fall 2012 Runway Trends if you can't make them work in your real life or your real budget. I picked one item from each of the categories that I think would be a great purchase. Almost all of the items are under $100!

White - A winter white pea coat is a classic staple that you will be able to wear for years to come.  It will work with different styles and outfits.

Plaid - The bleached style of this plaid shirt makes it more current.  I love the colors and the ombre look with the bleach. You can wear the trend without any hint of lumber jack.

Graphic Prints - The painterly print of this dress makes it fun. The style and cut of the dress makes it work for all body types.  I can see it with a motorcycle jacket and flats for a casual day or with heels and a blazer for work.

Military - An anorak military style jacket will take you everywhere.  I love it with jeans and a tee or with a flirty dress (like the graphic print dress).

Brocade & Embroidery - There are lots of brocade options this season but I love the idea of a brocade party dress.  These resemble items that were shown at Ralph Lauren and are much more expensive.

Menswear - A classic pinstripe pant can be worn lots of ways. The cut of these pants is ultra flattering and the navy is less expected that black.

Bordeaux - A classic pump is a great addition.  The bordeaux (oxblood or wine) color makes it on trend.  They would look great with almost every item I've selected.  If heels aren't your thing, go for a ballet or pointed toe flat.

Leather - A leather pencil skirt takes the rock n' roll of leather and makes it work for everyone.  If you add a blazer and a blouse, you could wear it to the office.  Throw on a concert t-shirt and some high heel booties and you'll be ready to go out.

There are so many affordable options available.  Look at the trend and figure out ways to make it suit you. If you want to try out the trend, look for an inexpensive piece and try it out.  You could also hit up your local thrift store or clothing swap.   You can make a trend fit your personal style.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Brocade & Embroidery

Another installment in the Fall 2012 Runway Trend series, today we are focusing on the brocade and embroidery trend.  I've heard this trend referred to as brocade, embroidery and baroque.  No matter what you call it, the trend focuses on detailed stitched patterns and luxurious fabric. My favorite is the brocade skirt.  It's beautiful and versatile.  Dress it up with a blouse and heels or down with a t-shirt and flats. You can also carry the trend into jewelry with a statement necklace or a beautiful ring or cuff.

A pretty brocade dress will be timeless.  With a simple change of shoes and accessories, you will be able to update it for years to come.  A single brocade or embroidered piece can be the stand out of your entire outfit.  I own the Alexandria necklace by Stella & Dot (upper right corner).  I wear it constantly to work with my dress clothes and on the weekend with a t-shirt and jeans.  Every time I put it on, someone asks me about it.  You can even make your brocade piece look rock n' roll, just add that other fall trend, leather.

How will you be wearing this trend?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - My Favorites

It has to be all the talk of NY Fashion Week and my fond memories of back to school shopping that has me in the mood for fall fashion.  It's certainly not the weather here in the DC area.  It's super humid and supposed to be in the mid to high 80's all week. There is no sign of fall in sight.  This weekend I took a little trip to my favorite outlet, Talbots, in search of bargains.  I found two items that were on my list, a white blazer (originally $224 for $24.99!) and some fun ankle pants (mine are plaid).  I also snagged a fantastic silver sequin top.  It wasn't on my list but at $24 I couldn't pass it up. My shopping trip and the pile of September issue fashion mags on my coffee table inspired this post.

There are tons of trends on tap, as usual.  These are some of my favorites. I'm already embracing the military, white and plaid trends.  A leather skirt is on my list and I spied a brocade skirt at Talbots that I should have purchased but didn't.  I may have to go back for it.  Bordeaux is an easy trend to embrace.  Graphic prints can be done in with a single piece like a top, dress or skirt instead of an entire outfit.  A bit of menswear is fun, try a jacket, hat or some oxfords. You don't have to go full on Victor Victoria to wear this tread well.

This week, I'll be sharing my tips on how to fit these fall trends to your own personal style.