Monday Chic: Black and Gold

If there was an outfit category for “judging a fashion show and then going to get groceries on a Saturday night” then this is it. On Saturday, I spent most of the day with fellow judges for the VMFA Teen Stylin program. Having worn heels the week before, I knew I wanted something a little more comfortable, but still chic for the longer day and that would hold up for a late night grocery run afterwards (there is nothing worse than grocery shopping in heels). All black seems to be a default for a lot of things: it’s easy to wear, it looks chic, and is very simple to pull off. Here, I opted for flat boots as heels were not an option and built up the outfit from there focusing on all black and one major gold accessory.

Outfit details:

top – H&M / skirt – vintage from B-Sides / tights – Target / boots – Atrex / coat – H&M / scarf – thrifted / ring – vintage / necklace – vintage from my grandmother

 

 

Friday Chic: The Art of Not Dressing

I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s just too much to add that pop of color or layer of bling for a simple day of work, errands, or whatever you have on your schedule. A client said this to me once and I know I looked back at her, incredulous, thinking, “But it’s so easy to just add a scarf, a big chunky necklace or something to funk up your outfit!” Since then, I have found myself reverting to super simple looks with almost no accessories and have found that a look can be chic without being overwrought. I have found though, that textures, layers and colors are key. For the simplest of ways to build a minimalist look start with a basic color of your choice (here it was grey). Determine your bottoms based on what you need to accomplish that day (for me it was needing to be warm and functional – so jeans and black boots). A coat was necessary (hello 30 degrees in Richmond), so this black moto came out, giving me added texture and visual interest. I have on zero jewelry except for my wedding rings and it’s a rather freeing feeling. The key is to not take your look to seriously – reach for your go-to pieces that you already have and build from there. 

Outfit details:

sweater – thrifted / jacket – H&M / jeans – H&M / boots – Atrex

Monday Chic: Black, Black, White

Happy Monday! I have to say, despite the near constant rain, I had a fantastic weekend. Saturday was spent being lazy, doing some cleaning and attending the soft opening of Carena’s, an amazing Caribbean food spot. Sunday was making this recipe, church and then the gym where I am happy to report I am taking up swimming again and managed to complete a whole 1500 (swimmers- don’t laugh, it’s been at least 5 years since I’ve been in the pool). The rest of the afternoon was spent doing a mini-shopping spree at Ashby and Clementine, two amazing resell and consignment stores in Richmond. The lovely Larissa was there and we got to chat about fashion, blogging and coffee while I was waiting to sell my items.  I’ll feature a full post later, but for now you can check out the haul on instagram (chicstripes). But note – I checked off three items on my “closet needs” list: jeans (white and boyfriend) and black ankle boots. Having that list is SO helpful! I wore this outfit last Friday as a quick and easy way to look polished and stay comfortable. I found the scarf in my closet edit and it’s one that still hasn’t worn out its welcome.

What did you do this weekend? Check any items off your wardrobe shopping list?

Outfit details:

top – H&M / tank – H&M / blazer – H&M from Ashby / jeans – H&M / boots – Atrex / cuff – Barry Kieselstein-Cord from Baggio / scarf – I have no idea…. it’s old

Friday Chic: Cashmere Winter

Another outfit from last week after we survived our snow storm. This one is full of more layers, only this time it’s a cashmere button down and a sporty vest. One of my favorite things about shopping 2nd hand is the ability to purchase quality pieces for an amazing price. This cashmere piece is a Richard Grand for Bergdorf Goodman from Baggio Consignment and I will readily admit that it’s the first cashmere piece I’ve owned. It feels so luxurious that I even wear it around the house in my pjs. Cashmere for lounging? It’s the ultimate luxury, afforded by shopping 2nd hand 1st!

Any cashmere in your life?

Outfit details:

button down – Richard Grand / vest – thrifted / jeans – H&M / boots – Atrex / earrings – Stella and Dot / tank – J. Crew

Wednesday Chic: White Layer

It seems like the snow has abated, for now. But for the past several weeks, we’ve gotten nothing but snow days, or so it’s seemed. If anything, the weather has made me keenly aware that I love cozy, casual layers. And that I need a good snow boot (I’m looking at these from L.L. Bean).

Anyone else ready for spring?

Outfit details:

button down – J. Crew / sweater – Armani Exchange, thrifted / necklace – thrifted / jeans – H&M / boots – Atrex / earrings – Clothes Mentor Short pump

Midweek Chic: On Set

This past weekened I worked on an advertising campaign for Baggio Consignment. The campaign is titled #WhoIsBaggio and features Richmond women (our first few will be bloggers) doing what they would normally do, but doing it all in clothes from Baggio (dresses, jeans, bags, watches, jewelry, boots, flats, heels – you name, we style it).  I love this campaign because it shows how easy it is to invest in a few quality pieces of clothing that will last ages, look beautiful, and don’t have to be saved for special occasisions. One of the first things I learned at the first School of Style class is that while on set (or any styling project), you need to look like you know fashion, but you also need to be practical. Watch any major stylist on a shoot and their shoes are flat, not a heel in sight. I took that approach here pairing beat up jeans with an easy t-shirt and jacket and added just a bit of fashion with my Kieselstein-Cord cuff.

The first campaign photos will be released late February/early March. Like the Baggio facebook page to make sure you see it first! You can also check out behind the scenes photos on my Instagram (using the hash tag #whoisbaggio of course!).

Outfit details:

t-shirt – thrifted / jacket – thrifted / jeans – H&M / boots – Atrex / ring – the Nest / cuff – Barry Kieselstein-Cord from Baggio Consignment