Wardrobe Inspiration: Day at the Office

Day at the Office by oceangirl15 featuring red shoes

The one thing I miss the most about working in an office setting is the professional wardrobe I got to wear. There’s nothing better than walking into work looking and feeling like a successful lady. In DC, I could walk to work everyday and sported flats until I got to the office. I traded those in for heels. As Victoria Beckham said “I can’t concentrate in flats.”

I was inspired by yellow and navy today because I think they are good transition colors between summer and autumn. The pop of red in the heel adds that hint of fall while the bright yellow reminds us of summer. I absolutely adore these nautical accessories too!

A few tips for new ladies to the professional scene:

1. Raid discount stores

Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, and a few others have designer brands on mark down here. I’ve found the majority of my skirts and tops for work at these places. Just a little hint, go straight for clearance and look through it then hit the full price racks.

2. Shop often

I go to my favorite stores at least once a week to shop. Some of you may wonder how I afford that. Well, it’s simple really- I don’t always buy anything. The reason I shop so often is so that I can find full price items that I like and check back every week to see how far in price it has dropped. If I feel that the price has been marked down enough, then I will purchase it.

3. Take advantage of New York & Company

Every so often they do a promotion that gives you something like $50 off if you spend $125 or more in the store. Whenever I get these in the mail, I am sure to use them for things I need in my wardrobe such as a suit (blazer and skirt) or a little black dress.

4. Pick neutrals and then add color

In a previous post I discussed neutrals and utilizing them to expand your wardrobe. Invest in them! Pick quality items such as pants, blazers, and skirts that will last awhile. To add the color you want I recommend being careful with what you buy and the cost. Many colors and styles go out of style overnight so splurging on a teal business suit is not the best idea. However, buying a teal top to go underneath a neutral suit is fine.

Hopefully this gives you all a fair look into saving money and looking professional as well as a little outfit inspiration. Enjoy!

Miss Fabulous- Wearing Pink Today!

Miss Fabulous by oceangirl15 featuring patent leather handbags

Pink with Envy

I saw this dress browsing through Polyvore and I had to create a set for it. I love the uniqueness of it! I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Not to mention I also was looking for an excuse to include these shoes! They’re a Valentino creation I think but I know Torrid made a knock off version of them for much cheaper. Enjoy!

~Liz

Cute Finds: Summer Romper!

I had a fabulous fashion find at Marshall’s today! I’ve been obsessed with finding a romper for the summer that’s light weight and also flattering. Another requirement was the price- it had to be under $15. I know, that’s a tough budget for some people but I can usually find things at great prices if I shop around enough. I was thrilled when I found this adorable romper! The label is Amber Blue (not sure what this company is but they make a cute romper!) Comment below with accessory and shoe suggestions!

~Liz

Romper Love!

Feelin Cute!

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

 

 

 

7 Things You Need for Spring

Spring Has Sprung!

Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, trees are getting their color back, and temperatures are rising. What’s not to love about spring? But just like with any new season, we have to update our wardrobes and do some ‘spring’ cleaning. Out with the old and in with the new? Not always the truth. Here are 7 items you need for your spring wardrobe that are reintroduced every year!

1. Pearl earrings

This is so obvious I won’t say anything other than its a classic that should be in every lady’s jewelry box

2. Light weight cardigan

Cardigans work with pretty much everything. I wear them year round and they’ve never failed me. Buy one or two in fun, spring colors. I like to wear them with white or gray camis underneath paired with either a skirt for work or dark wash denim jeans for the weekend. They can also be tied around your shoulders for a classic, preppy look. The one in the photo is from J Crew Factory for $20. 

3. Audrey Sunnies

The sunglasses Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s have become a classic and will stay a classic. Find a pair in a tortoise shell frame or in a rich brown color (Ann Taylor Loft is where I bought mine). From the beach to running errands, these sunnies will make you an instant classic.

4. Eyelet sundress

Last year and this year I’ve seen many stores carrying this cute staple. Find one in black or white that compliments your figure. For example, I have more of an hourglass shape so I would buy one with a v-neck top and skirt seaming that hits just above the hip to flatter my narrowest point. 

5. Sunhat

Perfectly paired with your sundress, find a semi-floppy sunhat in a neutral color (or pink if you’re bold). I found mine at the boardwalk in Virginia Beach but I have since seen even cuter, cheaper ones at places like Ross and Marshall’s. It doesn’t have to be expensive to look nice! Last year, I  went to the Kentucky Derby and wore a fascinator style hat (very small, and was attached to a head band) that I only paid $25 for. Some ladies at the Derby paid in excess of $800 for their hats. 

6. White pants or capris

White simply goes with everything. It never goes out of style. Lately, I’ve seen Pinterest explode with white pants and shorts! Old Navy and Banana Republic have them in stock at most store for pretty reasonable prices. I’ll be hitting the BR outlet for even cheaper prices!  

7. Dotted something 

Buy something with medium sized dots on it. Preferably a top that can be paired with everything from shorts to skirts. Every spring little dots pop up in the stores and charm us like the year before. A white base with navy or pink dot patterns on it looks adorable! 

Bonus: A cute little thing to take with you around town: the new Vera Bradley tumblers!

Comment, like, and share! ❤

-Liz