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

Frugal Fashion Friday - Transition Pieces

One of the best way to make you fashion dollar go further is to purchase pieces that can be worn in multiple seasons. Using some of your summer pieces in fall and some of your fall pieces in late summer can help you through that time that is both warm and cool.  I've pulled together a collection of pieces that I already own (or own similar items).  Using pieces like these with some basics can help to transition you to fall.



Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

This faux leather peplum top is one of new favorite pieces. I can wear it with these plum jeans on the weekend or with dress pants and a boucle jacket to the office. Add the silver oxfords or the cage booties, a great bag and a statement necklace to finish the outfit.

This embellished sweatshirt stands alone. Wear it with the plum jeans, cage booties, and cap on the weekends or throw it on with a simple solid skirt for the weekdays. It's lightweight enough to wear now in a chilly office or later when there is a chill in the air. This necklace from Stella and Dot can be worn five different ways. It won't over conflict with the embellishment on the sweatshirt.

Easy pieces like these can be worn multiple ways and in lots of weather. Making your dollar go further. 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Styling Your Sale Buys

End of season sale purchases are only bargains if you can get some wear out of them in the current season and transition them to the next season. I believe that most wardrobe pieces should be multi-seasonal. All of the pieces I chose for the post last Friday can do multi-season duty. Here is how I would style some of those pieces.



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By combining the shorts with a leather trim blouse, you give them edge. Add some heels, statement jewelry and a bright bag for a fun outfit for going out.

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Your cropped pants get some polish with a buttoned denim shirt, a jacket and a lady like bag. Add a statement necklace, designer shades and some sneakers to top off the outfit for weekend errands.

Click on the items above for buying information.

 

A short sleeve cashmere sweater and a jacket add warmth to the summer skirt. A few accessories, including some versatile nude pumps make this outfit work for the office.

All of the jewelry and the fun coral bag styled with these outfits are by Stella and Dot.

Enter to win the $50 Stella and Dot gift card that I'm giving away!  Just click here to enter!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Making the Most of Seasonal Sales

The stores are full of sales right now. They are clearing out their spring and summer items to make room for fall and winter. It's the perfect time to grab items that you can wear now but also transition to fall. Two of my favorite stores for sales and items are Talbots and Nordstrom.  They both carry clothing in all size ranges and items that appeal to all styles and ages. I could have filled pages and pages with items I'd love to own but here are just a few of my favorites.

 

I've been in love with these House of Harlow 1961 Chelsea sunglasses for ages. It's rare to find them on sale. Nordstrom just posted this color for $91. This flowy blouse is light enough for a summer evening but edgy with the added faux leather collar and cuffs. Wear it now with some shorts or later with pants. I had to throw in this awesome skull wrap bracelet. I love them, no matter the season. I rarely wear shorts, except for cut offs at the beach. I would consider wearing these longer Bermuda shorts and they'd even look cute when the weather begins to cool, with a blazer. Converse are seasonless and this edgier version with studs is great. I've been looking for a neutral tote. This Michael Kors design is sophisticated and versatile. Full skirts are flattering on all body types. I would wear this one with a graphic tee now and with a pretty sweater later. These printed pants will transition well from summer to fall. Just change up the topper and your shoes. You can also dress them up or down. There are so many ways to transition items from summer to fall. With just a change in the pieces you pair the item with, you can take it from warm weather to cool weather.

If you order, make sure to save even more by using a site like ebates.com. Ebates will pay you a cash % for each of your purchases. Just go to ebates before you shop, create an account and a select that retailer.  Also, search for free shipping or discount codes for your shopping by goggling the store name and discount code or free shipping.

Have you been eyeing any fun items during all of the sales?

Let the Accessories Speak

I love wearing outfits with flair but there are times when simple is best. Letting the accessories speak for you can be key. That's what I did with this ensemble. I was really feeling the asian influence of my Mint Blossom Bracelet from JewelMint. I longed for a mandarin collar jacket or shirt that would work with it at the office but I don't own either. I threw on the shoes which are a bit chinoiserie.

Jacket - Lane Bryant icon, Shirt - Target, Pants - Lane Bryant,
Shoes - Beverly Feldman via Saks Off 5th, Bracelet - JewelMint, Ring - JewelMint

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.

Summer Dress Recycle

Fall is here and the shift in temps from cool in the morning to warm during the day, brings challenges. I also have yet to tackle the massive closet rotation of summer to winter. I'm forced to find options to use my summer duds as fall duds. My summer maxi dresses are getting the fall treatment with sweaters, jackets, and either boots or tights.

photo credit: redcarpet-fashionawards.com (top photo)

Across the Pond

European women always seem to have an amazing sense of effortless style.  Fashions in Europe are most times also a little ahead of what we see and what is available in U.S. stores.  Thank goodness for the internet. Some great European sites and stores (affordable stores) now have U.S. sites.  One of my favorites is asos.  I’ve mentioned them in previous posts.  Their trend setting items and fashion finds are great.  Another reason I adore this site is that in addition to women’s sizes, they also offer, petite, maternity and plus sizes (as well as men's)! 

They are offering FREE SHIPPING both ways to U.S. customers!  It’s almost unheard of to get free international shipping. The only, even slightly negative thing I’ve found is that it can take a little longer to get your order than through a stateside company. Items must go through customs. Just go to http://us.asos.com/ to find some fashion forward finds and great deals.

I’ve gotten some great items lately…

                   Biker Maxi Dress                                 Dip Dyed Tank                          

$28                                                       $10

I'm looking forward to wearing both of these as transitional pieces.  I can wear the dress into fall and winter with tights, boots, and a sweater.  I'll wear the tank over long sleeve tops.





Brogues
$50





Desert Boots
$38

With a little suede spray, these shoes will be great year round.



Hinged Metal Armour Ring
$16

Of course I had to get a little jewelry. I've seen knuckle rings on lots of fashionistas and had to get one for myself.

Take a little shopping time and go to asos. You won't be sorry. There are lots of great deals in their clearance section.