Classics: The shirt dress

Shirt dress, Gap, similar here/Heels, Kate Spade Saturday, similar here

I wanted to get some decent photos of this classic shirt dress. I can't wait to wear it in the Fall with a sweater dress over it and/or boots. I have found shirt dresses are an easy work staple to throw on in the morning, and can be versatile in the accessories you choose to wear with them. The only downside is the ironing...but the pockets make up for it.

Vests: Masculine + Feminine

Tank, Old Navy, similar here/Cargo Vest, Francesca's/Skirt, Loft, similar here/Leopard ankle strap heels, Ross, similar here/bag, Anthropologie, similar here.


I have realized that my "go-to" signature look is definitely a t-shirt/tank and a high-waisted skirt. Its so comfortable and easy to make yourself look pulled together. It crosses over between being work-casual, and good for a day out with your friends shopping. I think this realization is a good reminder that if you have a fashion formula you constantly go back to, very your silhouettes, colors and patterns. If you have a uniform of trousers and a button-up, make sure that all of your trousers have different styles, fabrics, colors, etc... I think people make the mistake of loving a certain outfit style and just re-buying pieces that all look way too similar. Its okay to have a uniform, but it doesn't need to be the same style of pants Express pants in every color! Think about it!

Pattern Mixing: Stripes + Stripes

Tee, JC Penny, similar here/ Vest, Target, similar here/Skirt, H&M, similar here/ Shoes, Sole Society, similar here.

Here is pattern mixing at its easiest--and chances are, you already have a lot of striped pieces in your closet. I added the vest just to give the outfit a more professional feel for work, but it looks great alone, as well. A skirt and t-shirt are the easiest two pieces to experiment with--and then from there, you can try it with high-waisted shorts, blouses, sweaters, and trousers. Enjoy!

Basics + Trendy Accesorries

Blazer, Forever 21, similar here/t-shirt, Old Navy/ Pants, JC Penny, similar here/ Bow Heels, Paris Hilton, similar here/ Brooch, my grandmothers, similar here.

I am seeing a lot of things from the early-mid 2000's coming back: Pointy toe flats, maryjanes, polka dots, brooches and silk scarves. All of these trends, of course, are trends from decades ago that are reinvented every few years.There are neutral pieces you will always have in your closet (slacks, blazers and t-shirts) that always maintain a presence in wardrobes, and then there are pieces that come and go and have you saying "why did I get rid of that?" once they are popular again. For me, the repeat-trends I am most excited about have to be brooches, pointy-toe flats/kitten heels and silk scarves. So try taking a current trend that popular right now, and pairing it with simple classics in your closet. That is how these classics continue to stay classics--they're like a blank canvas for new accessories and clothing trends you pair with them. But think twice about the important pieces that you give away next time--is it vintage? (then it will most certainly come back). Is it a great fitting, great quality pieces you love? Keep it. As for neutrals, think slacks, blazers, tennis shoes, blue jeans, plain white t-shirts, sheath dresses, trench coats, and ballet flats. They are the foundation of your closet. Enjoy!

Sienna orange + any neutral

People HATE orange. They stay far far away from it. But why? This color falls under the jewel tone category, which are usually flattering colors on everyone. It's not as scary as it looks. It goes great with grey, brown, khaki, army green, navy and even white. Black can also work great, but I would advise to keep it from looking too-Halloween by pairing it with accessories that unite the two colors (leopard belt, camel/gold belt, or any accessories in an earthy tone etc...) or a black with a print.

Here are a few more blouses in the rust/sienna color that are totally WORTH trying. You will be glad you did when you realize how versatile of a color it is:

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_blouses&ProductID=2000184673&VariantID=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_blouses&ProductID=2000156775&VariantID=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_blouses&ProductID=2000080819&VariantID=

This one is mustard, same rules apply, and still a wonderful color:
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=top_blouses&ProductID=2000115526&VariantID=

Follow my @FashionFactorial Pinterest to see this color used in on my "Outfit Inspiration" Board.


Blouse, H&M, similar here/ Pants, MNG for Mango, similar here and here/ Slip-ons, Target, similar here/Watch, Fossil/Bangle, Target/Sunglasses, Betsy Johnson.

Bag + Flats: Colorful accessories

 

Shirt, Forever 21, similar here/Jeans, H&M, (distressed them myself), similar here/Lace-up flats, Ebay, similar here/Satin Clutch, vintage, similar here/Sunglasses, Charlotte Russe, similar here.


I definitely felt like Beetle Juice in this outfit--not saying that's a bad thing. Colorful accessories can really help reinvent your wardrobe. They can make plain, neutral clothing items more interesting. Neutrals are the perfect canvas for these bright accessories. Adding colorful accessories is also a good way to try something new that is not necessarily in your comfort zone. Adding a bag or a colorful pair of shoes is a lot less scary than buying bright yellow pants when everything you own is black. I definitely recommend adding bright belts and shoes to your wardrobe, I go crazy when I walk into someone's closet and they don't have any bright colored accessories. It makes for pretty boring outfits. If you are ever in doubt of what to wear with it, always start with black, white or grey (think black and white prints, grey sheath dress with a yellow belt, etc...The possibilities are endless. Happy shopping!

Surviving Summer: Key pieces imagined in a new way

Off the shoulder shirt, Francesca's, similar here and here/Midi cotton skirt, Forever 21, similar here/ Slip-ons, Target, similar here/ Hat, Nordstrom Rack, similar here.

I was tired of my summer clothes, so I have been trying to re-work a lot of my trendy summer pieces in a new way. I wanted to mix this off-the-shoulder top with something a little less feminine. Hopefully this inspires new ways of looking at your clothes to avoid paring them with the same pair of shorts or accessories etc... This outfit was an escape for me, it has a certain traveling-through-Europe vibe--I wish!

Half way between casual and fancy: Midi skirt + Bustier Camisole + Sandals

 

Midi Skirt, Charlotte Russe/ Bustier top, Aerie, similar here (I like this one, too)/ Sandals, Vince Camuto here and here/Bag, Coach.


This particular outfit seem very "day" to me. I actually wore it out for drinks in the evening, but I think with the sandals and handbag, it would be great for a brunch or day date instead. To make your outfit more of a nighttime look (aka fancier), try swapping sandals for wedges or heels, and switching to a clutch. I wanted to show how much versatility this Midi Skirt can have (see  my previous Instagram post with it when I wore it to work). Midi skirts should be the new pencil skirt!

Business-Comfortable: T-shirt dress +Tied button-up + Oxfords

Dress, Old Navy/Shirt, Old Navy, similar here/Oxford loafer, Dolce Vita, similar here


Mondays always seem to be the busiest day of the work week, and my motivation level for getting dressed in the morning is low. I always try to start of the week with a comfortable outfit. This easy cotton dress is a great dress to fall back on. It is versatile, and comfortable. Tying a shirt around your waist and adding some loafers or slip-ons keeps it a little more appropriate (although a business casual setting is a necessity to wear this dress). It can also be work under a crisp shirt dress or just a collared shirt. You can also try layering it with a blazer, sweater or vest to give new life. Happy Monday!

Eyelet and Lace: A staple for wedding season(s)

Pink is the new red, and lace/eyelet is the new textile of wedding season. This is actually a knock off of very expensive, beautiful dress by Self-portrait. I stalked it for months, but couldn't justify a $450 price tag. I found this one at Choies for $40 (it also comes in other colors), and was pleasantly surprised at the decent quality. Lace is great because it looks elegant, but can be very comfortable in warm weather. I wore this to a summer wedding in Hawaii and it was perfect (especially with the Plumeria Lei). Try adding a lace/eyelet dress to your wardrobe for an event like a wedding or holiday, they photograph so nicely! Dress, Choies/Shoes, Shoemint/Hat, Forever 21

Here are some of my favorites from Choies. Keep all accessories minimal, and be mindful of sheer panels. Lace and Sheerness can be your best friend (keep you from looking homely) or worst enemy (a.ka. slutty).

http://www.choies.com/product/pink-half-sleeve-crochet-lace-fishtail-dress_p48234

http://www.choies.com/product/wine-red-semi-sheer-crochet-lace-keyhole-back-midi-dress_p51789

http://www.choies.com/product/light-green-crochet-lace-scollap-trims-midi-skater-dress_p47917

http://www.choies.com/product/light-purple-double-v-neck-hollow-lace-sleeveelss-midi-dress_p44655

http://www.choies.com/product/blue-embroidery-floral-lace-dress_p36532

Eyelet and Leopard: Midi skirt + Tank + Sandals

Old Navy tank, similar here/ Midi Skirt, JC Penny, similar here/ Lace-up sandals, Old Navy, similar here/Sunglasses, Oliver Peoples

Midi skirts are a trend, but not one that has to be obnoxious. I think most of the midi skirt outfits we see out there are with a crop top, and that's a bit overdone by now. They can be more than that particular look, and they deserve a permanent stay in your closet. Here a few tips. Really, try one! Aren't you ready for a change from your pencil skirts?:

1) You are scared of the volume: try one with more of an A-line silhouette like this one, also, see my favorites below (Number three, specifically). If you feel weird with the length, start out by wearing it with a simple fitted tee and wedges.

2) You think you're too short to wear a midi-skirt. There has never been a better time for you! Buy a regular skirt, made for tall women, and ta-da its a midi skirt on you! Start with a simple one like this. If you still feel short, you won't once you wear it with wedges or heels (ESPECIALLY nude colored heels/wedges, they do wondrous things).

3) You think you're too old (I'm talking to my sisters specifically, here). Again, its not mandatory that you wear it with a crop top! Try it with a fitting sweater and classic heels, or a simple tank and sandals.

Here are some of my favorites:

1). http://www.chicwish.com/neutral-grey-belted-a-line-skirt.html

2).http://www.chicwish.com/glam-stripes-cutout-midi-skirt-in-black.html

3) http://www.asos.com/Monki/Monki-Button-Front-Midi-skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5452358&cid=12906&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black&totalstyles=264&gridsize=3

Blazer + Shirtdress + Sneakers

Shirtdresses are great because they can be worn so many ways. A blazer is already kind of a sporty accessory, so pairing it with sneakers seemed like a given. Its still appropriate for a business casual setting, but is most likely a change up from your normal work wardrobe. I did a little bit of pattern mixing with this vintage bag.

Dress, Forever 21, similar here/ Green Blazer, JC Penny-similar here (in blush pink)/ Sneakers, similar here/ Bag, vintage.

Thrifting finds

I thought it would be fun to put all of my thrifting finds to good use. I just found this Samsonite Pink luggage case for $5. It was easy to clean since it does not have any fabric inside the bag. It'll be perfect for a couple of days worth of outfits. I wanted a good traveling outfit where I could remove layers depending on the weather, and have comfortable walking shoes. Its definitely not an outfit for the wallflower, though.

Nintendo Duck Hunt shirt (vintage find)/Cutoff shorts-thrift store/ Silver Sam and Libby Birks/ Charger print blazer-vintage/Sunglasses, Charlotte Russe/Samsonite Travel Bag

Mixing up proportions

You want to try a crop top, but don't want to show your midriff? Here is a solution. Plus, sometimes its refreshing to see a change in the proportions of your daily t-shirt and jeans. With low-rise skinnies and long tunics being a large trend over the last few years, its nice to pull everything up again!

Button up shirt, New York and Co, similar here/ Crop top, Forever 21, similar here and here/ Jeans, AG Farrah/ Bag, Coach Bourough