Most of the time I try to prepare my outfits for work on Sunday. Every Sunday after church I stand in front of my closet thinking…hmmm what am I going to wear this week? Well I manage to put together 4 looks for Monday-Thursday. Since Fridays are casual I throw on a pair of jeans and top and call it a day. So I usually start with the outfit basics like a dress, pants, top or whatever. I never think about my accessories.

Well fashion guru Lloyd Boston says it’s easier to “dress from small to big.” Meaning start with your accessories and build from their. He says “Start with the littlest detail that you’ll wear and build up to the big pieces for a totally unexpected look. An earring can inspire a total ensemble. Select a  small iece that has a story, some character, a history, and unique details to pull from. “

I never thought about UBD (understanding by design-backwards design) for clothing. If anything I would start with the shoes that I would want to wear, but never the accessories. So ladies (and gents) for that unexpected look start styling from the littlest detail.

Here is an ensemble that I built using this tip. I started with the layered necklace and went from there.

 

This Sunday the New England Patriots and New York Giants will go head to head for the greatest title in football, Super Bowl Champions. This exciting sporting event will be watched in sports bars and homes in front of 52″ flat screens. I’m sure many of you have been invited to at least one super bowl party, even if it is at your neighbor’s house across the hall. So just in case you need a little help on finding the perfect outfit, I created three looks for you. Keep the sweat pants in the closet, they won’t be needed. Check them out…

 

I wanted to create looks that are fashionable and chic, but not over the top. You do not want to be in a sports bar in 5 inch heels, unless that is your everyday attire of course. The men probably won’t be paying attention to your outfit anyway, but still you should always look your best.

Stick with casual pieces like skinny jeans, cardigans, or simple pull-over sweaters. As far as the footwear is concerned, I would rock a military style combat boot, riding boot, or wedge boot. Stilettos and platforms can be left in the closet for vday.

Which look will you try to recreate?

Thanksgiving is this coming Thursday and of course we could not leave you hanging when it comes to looking fly on this festive day. Whether you are just hanging with family and friends, or if you are going to meet your new boo’s family we have you covered. Check out a few outfits that we put together that are definitely stylish and turkey friendly.

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

 



Miss Selfridge sleeved dress
£35 – missselfridge.com


H m cardigan
£25 – hm.com


Aldo boots
$84 – aldoshoes.com


ASOS oversized leather clutch
$108 – asos.com


TopShop collar necklace
£17 – topshop.com


Vince Camuto stone earrings
$38 – zappos.com

This look features a loose fitting dress to hide the bulge once you’ve indulged in all sorts of tasty treats like apple pie and sweet potato pie. The colors are perfect for this occasion. I added the cardigan because if you get a little warm you can take it off, rather than a a poll-over sweater. With tons of people in the house, you are bound to get hot.

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

 



TopShop lace shirt
$70 – topshop.com


Brown cardigan
$60 – generalpants.com.au


Faux leather skirt
$70 – topshop.com


BCBG Max Azria leather boots
$98 – bcbg.com


H M genuine leather handbag
£7.49 – hm.com


Drop earrings
$45 – maxandchloe.com


H M metal bangle
£6.99 – hm.com

This look mixes textures. You have lace, a wool blend skirt, and a printed cape. The lace adds a touch of femininity and the booties with the printed fly away cardigan add a touch of edge.

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

 



Short sleeve leather shirt
$100 – topshop.com


Tweed pants
$85 – topshop.com


Leather boots
$85 – dsw.com


Studded leather handbag
$225 – asos.com


Gypsy SOULE sparkle jewelry
$28 – zappos.com


Monsoon gold jewelry
£30 – monsoon.co.uk


Illamasqua Lipstick
$28 – asos.com

This look is great if you want an alternative to jeans and a t-shirt. The leather like t-shirt and paper bag pants paired with leather and suede booties scream luxe. If you are tired of the standard t-shirt and jeans for casual, this will definitely add some sophistication to your look.

What To Wear Tips

  • Wear something that allows you to breathe. We usually eat a ridiculous amount of food this day so you want to wear things that will camouflage the tummy. Peasant tops, flowy blouses, tunics- are all great choices
  • Leggings are always appropriate for this day, especially if you are in the kitchen or are part of the clean up crew. Pair with some riding boots or just a flat boot and you will look downtown chic.
  • Just because you will be in the house with the fam does not mean that you have to look like you are lounging. Put on a full face and some great jewelry and the food won’t be the only thing your family is talking about!

So if you are on the East Coast anywhere from South Carolina to New York you have/are experiencing a taste of Hurricane Irene (I can’t believe she has a twitter). So this storm has inspired this post. Here are some must haves during the midst of a storm.

Rain Boots

  1. Kamik Women’s Heather Rain Boot $55 via DSW
  2. Steve Madden Women’s Tsunamii Rain Boot $60 via DSW
  3. Dav Fashion Vine Western Rain Boot $40 via DSW
  4. Chooka Noir Rain Boot $60 Via DSW
  5. Kate Spade New York “Randi Too” Rain Boot $150 via Nordstrom
  6. J. Crew Weatherby Rain Boots $80
  7. Bakers Matte Solid Knee-High Rain Boots $50
  8. Hunter Original Waterproof Rainboots $125 via Piperlime

I love these Missoni Rain Boots, but not the price lol ($225)

  1. Fulton London Scene Kensington  Umbrella $31
  2. Leopard Bow Walker Umbrella $40 via TopShop
  3. Floral Print Walker Umbrella $44 via TopShop
  4. Kate Spade Umbrella $75

Patagonia Women’s Larissa Jacket $100 on sale also available in Tan

Yesterday the hi was 73 degrees. Yes it was 73 degrees in NYC in August. Fall is actually coming faster than I expected. I am ready, but at the same time I am not. Here is a jacket from TopShop that I LOVE!

It is a paisley cape bed jacket. I love the kimono style and the multi colors. The pattern is bold, but not overwhelming. This jacket can be worn with dresses, skirts, jeans, trousers, work pants, shorts, the possibilities are endless. Since the primary color is black so it will go with just about anything. It is a great alternative to a traditional cardigan as well. I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this jacket in September and October. I just ordered these boots that would go perfect with this jacket also.

The Paisley Cape Bed Jacket retails for $80 and can be purchased here