Classics Worth Wearing Again

If we were all being honest with ourselves, we might actually admit that people who incorporate at least one classic element into their outfit look substantially better than those who don’t. Classics are classics. They just are. When Hollywood was still glamorous and clothing was made for the woman to wear and not to wear her, everyone just looked incredible.

My number one classic piece that I love to wear (and would like to mainstream) is a hat. Not just any hat though, think Breakfast at Tiffany’s style hats. Sometimes rather big, but always elegant. This summer, I’ve been wearing a big black sunhat!

This brings me to my next classic: the French Twist. For whatever reason, the elegant up-do has been reserved for the elite and special occasions. I’m willing to bet if Kate Middleton started wearing her long locks in this style, it would be reborn as a go-to hairstyle.

Being a tall girl, I’ve learned what size heel is reasonable for me to wear and I always go back to the kitten heel. Forget stilettos, I can barely walk in those anyway! This heel is about 1″ thick and super easy to walk in while reducing the stress on your feet. No more ballet flats in your purse girls!

Bringing us back to the 1950s, I’d really love to see “house dresses” make a come back! These super cute dresses were made for the average house wife who had to run errands and keep up with her home. Usually they buttoned up the front and hit just below the knee. I have a peach one from Ralph Lauren and it just looks adorable. There’s nothing better than looking cute while getting things checked off your to-do list.

Finally, I’d love to see furs come back into style. No, not actual animal fur, I don’t want to kill any little creatures just to look good. However, the look of the fur can remain the same. I remember walking into my grandma’s closet and trying on some of her heirloom furs and seeing how classy they looked on me as a little girl.

What classics would you like to see come back in style? Leave me a comment!

 

 

First Photos with a Nikon D3300

It’s finally the weekend! Time for brunches, late nights, and my graduation! Saturday morning I’ll be receiving my diploma and throwing my graduation cap in the air! I can’t wait for this moment. The last four years of my life have been dedicated to becoming a better version of myself and filling this beautiful brain God gave me with knowledge, wisdom, and really great stories to tell.

As part of my graduation gift from my parents, they bought me a Nikon D3300 so I can take beautiful pictures to fill my blog with! I drug my wonderful photographer, William, out to the boardwalk near my house for a photoshoot. The pictures turned out amazing! I’m wearing a Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s dress and my necklace is Ann Taylor. Both items I got on clearance!

My heels are from Rampage. I’m a firm believer that the most basic shoe a girl should have in her closet is nude pumps or kitten heel. The Duchess of Cambridge never leaves home without them!

My watch was a beautiful birthday gift I got about a month ago. Kate Spade really outdid herself with this sparkly thing!

The sunset was really nice the other night and provided some great soft lighting to take pictures with. Lately, I’ve been wearing this bright red Nars lip stick everywhere and this was the perfect opportunity to show it off!

Let me know what you think of my outfit and the pictures! I’m so grateful for this camera and the memories I hope it will capture!

 

Midi Skirt Trend

Happy Tuesday everyone! This week is bound to be beautiful for many reasons but mainly because I graduate on Saturday. I can’t wait to walk across that stage and get my diploma. I guarantee I’ll cry tears of joy, after all, I cried enough tears of frustration writing all those papers. My parents and sister are the only ones that can come to my ceremony, I really wish my sweet grandmother could have been here for it but I know she’ll be there in spirit.

I caved to a major sale over the weekend at Brinabox.com. I’ve been eyeing their adorable midi skirts since last fall and they just went on sale for $23.99! I just couldn’t resist anymore, they’re too cute! I chose the blush version of this chic little skirt. It’s due to arrive tomorrow and I’m so excited to try it on and style it. It’s one of those skirts where you can really dress it up or down. I’m going to try and wear a cute tee shirt with it and then also try a printed blouse for a fancier look.

In other news, how adorable is the new little princess’ name? Charlotte is just the cutest name for a little girl! I’m not going to lie, the Duchess pretty much stole both of my favorite kid names (George and Charlotte) but she’s Kate Middleton so I’ll forgive her. I’d still consider using them someday because I’ve loved them since forever!

Have a lovely day and enjoy the sunshine!

The Difference Between Fashion and Style

I’ve never really had a clear definition of the difference between fashion and style. I thought to myself “aren’t they the same?” HA. No, silly girl, they are not the same! Everyone’s opinion on it will vary to some degree. However, fashion is what you buy, and style is how you wear it (I forget who said that, and so did Google apparently).

Since most designers are debuting their fall/winter lines at the moment, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to discuss this sometimes touchy subject. What the girls where on the catwalk is fashion, but what we do with it later becomes style.

I’ve always thought a lot more of people who prefer to develop their own style than to simply buy whatever is the current trend. For example, the latest trend is pantsuits. Everyone from Kim Kardashian to Nicole Richie have been spotted wearing these things. Quite honestly though, they aren’t remembered for having a specific style but only being on trend. Twenty years from now we’ll look back at their outfits and snicker at how goofy they look to us so many years later. People like the Duchess of Cambridge will be remembered for their style and elegance in the way they dress. I highly doubt anyone will be laughing at her outfits for at least 50 years.

Now I’ve said all this not to bash the designers and celebrities who wear their designs, but to remind the average person that following trends is sometimes costly, and more often than not, an outfit that your kids will make fun of you for later on. Trust me, I do this to my mom! Poor lady.

I’m going to suggest to you that instead of investing countless dollars in trendy pantsuits (though some are kinda cute) or in a mixed print romper, you might consider buying a few more staple items that you can pair with trendy accessories. Think hats, jewelry, shoes, and even nail polish. Sometimes this makes much more of a statement than an entire outfit that will most definitely be associated with this decade.

I’m going to end here with a little slideshow of some of the most stylish and classy ladies in fashion history (photos from Pinterest). Tomorrow be prepared for a checklist of staple items to have in your closet!

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Style Inspiration: Kate Middleton

What’s in the Duchess’ Closet?

The Duchess of Cambridge has become a style icon of our generation. People scrutinize every outfit she wears. Why? Because there hasn’t been one that doesn’t look amazing on her! She’s classy, sophisticated, stylish, and wears clothing that doesn’t go out of style. She’s becoming a ‘classic’ icon similar to Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly. Despite having a personal stylist and shopper, she has always had taste in clothing in before marrying Prince William. What influences her amazing wardrobe? More importantly, how can we dress in a similar way? I’ve found a few key pieces that the Duchess seems to go for time and again. 

1. Navy Blazer

The navy blazer is a classic and doesn’t go out of style. Not only that, it can be worn with many different outfits. It can be dressed up or dressed down. The possibilities are limitless. 

2. Fitted Jeans

Jeans are a staple in anyone’s wardrobe. But do we see a lot of denim in the Duchess’? Actually, we do. However, she has taken a trend and made it her own by adopting fitted, colored jeans into her wardrobe. This is her small nod to current trends mixed with her very classic style. 

3. Nude Heels 

Everyone knows her go-to shoe is a nude pump. It elongates the leg and matches everything. Her frequent trips touring the world require careful packing and planning so a shoe that works with everything really lightens the load.

4. A Cocktail Dress

Kate knows a good dress! We see her in dresses more often than anything else. Having a cocktail dress that can be used multiple times and is neutral in color is nice a addition to any closet. Each time you wear it change up the accessories for a fresh look! 

5. A Striped Shirt

She’s been wearing these since before marrying Prince William. They well with the navy blazer she loves so much and does a lot for the classic, preppy look she embodies. Stripes can be problematic for some people, but not for Kate. Her slender figure allows her to wear almost anything she wants to. 

6. A Button Up

Classic oxford button ups are just that- classic! They come back every season and people fall in love all over again. And apparently Kate does too! 

What are a few staples you’ve noticed she wears? Do you have any for yourself? Comment below!

-Liz