FLWR PWR: Denim Edition

Embroidered denim. Not a new concept, but certainly one that hasn’t been around for a hot minute. Until these past couple of seasons. And let me tell you: I love it. Last spring I was doing the usual online shopping, when I stumbled upon a couple of styles of embroidered jeans on Nordstrom’s website. I was immediately excited that this was gonna be the next big thing. I love denim. Like I don’t know how many pairs of jeans is acceptable to own, but I might own more than that. But at some point, they begin to look somewhat alike. You’ve got your dark washes and light washes, high waisted and low rise, skinny and boyfriend fit. But embroidery is something that makes jeans stand out; it definitely adds a a little something-something that makes them unique and exciting.

Looking at the various styles, I immediately knew I wanted a pair, but I knew that the likelihood of wearing ones with bright colors and bold designs was a little beyond me. I very much wanted to get behind the trend, but in a way that I knew I could pull off. I knew that I would be able to style pairs with more muted embroidery because you can match more with them (gotta start off lowkey, you know?). And realistically, any embroidery at all is a bigger risk than no embroidery. So, as I’ve accumulated pairs of embroidered jeans, I’ve opted for styles that still have all over embroidery, but in more solid colors and simpler patterns than other styles out there. And you know what? I love them just as much as I expected.

Because embroidered jeans are still a clear and exciting trend coming in to Spring ’18, I thought that I would share with you two of the pairs that I own, as well as links to new pairs you can invest in yourself. Take it from me, embroidered jeans come in all washes, making them perfect for year-round wear. I have had the most success finding pairs at Nordstrom and Anthropologie, and those are probably the places I will continue to pick up pairs in the future, just because I really enjoy the quality of their denim. But, nonetheless, I’ve included styles that fall under different price ranges, because in the end, we should all invest in a pair (or three if you’re like me).

First up, we have my first pair, which I received as a birthday gift (thanks Mom), but are from Nordstrom and they are actually Madewell denim.

These light wash jeans are better suited for spring and summer in my opinion, so I usually let them hibernate during the winter months. They don’t have much stretch to them, so that makes them a little bit different than many of my other pairs from Madewell, but they are not uncomfortable by any means. I like how the embroidery makes them look kind of vintage with the light wash, and while they are easy to style with a plain white t-shirt like I have, they really can go with a lot of different colors.

I purchased my second pair over the summer from Anthropologie, and let me tell you: these are the softest pair of jeans that I own.

I love the unfinished hem, and they have a bit of a boyfriend fit to them. I actually really enjoy the navy embroidery because it makes them match with more, and the embroidery on these is kept solely on the front. Because they have a darker wash and a darker embroidery, I do wear these year-round, because I feel like they can still be pulled off in the winter months.

While both of these styles are no longer available for purchase, I have rounded up a couple of different styles that you can invest in for this coming season. In addition to the pictures, I’ll include a link to the website where you can purchase them, just in case this post has inspired you to make an impulse purchase! (Ps the first two pairs are really calling to me, so I might make an impulse purchase of my own if we’re being honest)

Anthropologie: $158:

Pilcro Embroidered High-Rise Cropped Bootcut Jeans

Anthropologie: $158

Pilcro Embroidered Mid-Rise Slim Straight Jeans

Nordstrom/Topshop: $110

Jamie Embroidered Ankle Skinny Jeans

Express: $88

High Waisted Floral Embroidery Girlfriend Jeans

Asos: $48

New Look Tall Embroidered Skinny Jean

Old Navy: $35

Mid-Rise Floral-Embroidered Rockstar Jeans for Women

Forever 21: $32.90

Distressed Embroidered Straight-Leg Jeans

And lastly, I just wanted to show you these adorable little girl’s embroidered jeans that are even offered in Toddler sizes (so cute!!!!!!)

Nordstrom/Peek: $58

Taylor Embroidered Skinny Jeans

As spring begins to spring, for lack of a better term, you will definitely begin to break out new denim that can be styled with bright colors, and what better way to express yourself a little more than with fun, embroidered jeans. Looking further ahead, embroidered denim shorts are also sure to be in style this season, so you can always invest in those as well for when the weather really heats up! I hope that I’ve inspired you to try one of my personal favorite trends, and I encourage you to embrace the inner flower power that is the theme of many embroidered styles!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

 

2017: Year of the Shoe

Disclaimer: I bought a lot of shoes in 2017. Like, a lot. And I watched Sex and the City, so that maybe didn’t help.

We all have those trends that we swear we will never try. We see them on celebrities or on the runways of Fashion Week, and think “I would never wear that.” And chances are you won’t, because the price is way more than you could afford. But the trend slowly trickles down the fashion pipeline to be adapted by designers who are more affordable in price. And as you see the trends appear more and more frequently in different stores as tone-downed adaptations of the originals, the trend starts to grow on you. And you finally decided to bite the bullet and jump on the trend bandwagon. Because honestly, if you can’t beat it, buy it.

Other times, we have trends we fall in love with right away. We see them, and immediately know that that is what we need in our closet. It might be a color, silhouette, or fabric. But whatever it is, it sparks our interest. And even if it’s bold, we feel as though it was made for us. While I will 100% admit to needing some time to let trends grow on me, I would like to think that for the most part, I see trends, and fully recognize the fact that that’s where the fashion train is headed, and I need to jump on board. This is especially the case with shoes. Now, I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I collect shoes, because that would entail me never wearing them. But, ask anyone who knows me, and they will probably tell you that I have more shoes than any normal person needs. But, as a true Carrie/Charlotte (if you know, you know), I don’t think it’s possible to have too many pairs of shoes.

For me, one of the 2017 trends that I had very mixed emotions about was furry shoes. Between the furry slides and sneakers, I felt unsure. But then, as I was exposed to them more and more, the sneakers with the furry pom poms began to grow on me. When I began to try on different pairs and seriously consider copping myself a pair, I was still hesitant; not because I didn’t want to like them, but because there was just something I didn’t like. I slowly realized that on some styles, the pom poms were too large in relation to the actual shoe. As I was about to put the dream to rest and accept that perhaps the fur-less shoe life was the life for me, I found the perfect pair. They were as toned down as any furry sneaker can be. They were fun, furry, and fashionable.

Shoes: Steve Madden

Top: Anthropologie

Jeans: J Crew

If furry shoes were something that I was hesitant to try on, mules were the complete opposite. Between mules and slides, I was fully ready to embrace the trend. However, when I talk slides, I mean the loafer style ones. Mules became the perfect shoe for summer and fall, and could be worn with almost anything. I fell in love with these blush suede loafers that were part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The color is neutral enough that it goes with a lot, but is still in the blush family. The bow detailing on top also literally wraps up the perfect pair of loafers in a nice little bow. Overall, this trend was one I needed no convincing to take on, and neither should you.

Shoes: Louise et Cie

Sweater: Madewell

Jeans: FRAME

Lastly, I learned that sometimes you need to make your own trends. I don’t know if it’s exactly possible to single-handedly bring slingbacks back, but they kind of have their years where they fly under the radar of the shoe world. That is, until you find a totally cute pair in a beautiful color. The moment I saw these, I knew I needed them. It wasn’t necessarily because slingbacks were all the rage. It was because of the color. And the chunky heel helped. And the fact that Sam Edelman can do no wrong in my eyes. Sometimes you just have a feeling about something. With boys, with conversations, and definitely with shopping. And I just had a feeling that if I didn’t buy these shoes, I would have the opposite of buyer’s remorse: not-buyer’s remorse (not my most original work, I know).

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Top: J Crew

Jeans: Joe’s Jeans

Looking back on the year, I cannot say that I regret buying fun shoes. In fact, I don’t think I will ever say that. Unless they don’t fit, but that’s a different case. Sometimes, you have to find your thing that makes you, you, and for me, that’s shoes. As with all fashion, they’re a great way to express yourself and present who you are to the world. 2017 truly was a great year, full of new experiences and adventures, new friendships, new discoveries, and new shoes. Here’s to 2018 being even bigger and better!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Gingham Girl

There are two things that are certain in fashion: there will always be fads that come and go, and there will always be the classics that stay. So I guess I’m saying that change isn’t the only constant, although it is a certainty. Classics include the obvious, such as the LBD, the white button up, and dark wash jeans. But when it comes to classics, we aren’t confined to just silhouettes. Sure, there are the “it” colors and “it” patterns each season, but there are some patterns we can always rely on. Among those? Stripes, florals, and my personal favorite: gingham.

In the realization that I will shortly be entering the business world, I’ve been making the effort to invest in pencil skirts and blazers. Upon finding a pink gingham pencil skirt at J. Crew that I was absolutely in love with, I was concerned that maybe it wasn’t the most practical style (fun fact, I actually don’t own a simple black pencil skirt). However, I was quickly reassured by my mother that she has had a gingham pencil skirt for years that she still wears, and that it was a skirt that could be cute AND classic.

It’s not often that I sit and think through the items hanging in my closet(s), but I realized that I do, in fact, have a healthy obsession with gingham, and that it’s been around for a while. I’ll also admit that during the past couple of months, it has gotten increasingly stronger. In working on this blog post, I was enticed to online shop, which I am so often inclined to do. Scrolling through Anthropologie’s website, I found numerous gingham dresses that I so badly wanted to buy. But then, I stopped myself. Because I already have an adorable gingham dress, and that dress is the star of this post.

This past summer, I spent a week in New York City for my merchandising internship. In making every effort to visit my favorite parts of the city in a short period of time, I spent one evening alone in SoHo and the West Village, my absolute favorite spots. Every time I’m in New York, I always visit the Madewell store in SoHo. Perhaps it’s because it was the first Madewell I ever visited, or perhaps its because they have nearly an entire floor of sale. Regardless, I always make it there. I wasn’t there for anything in particular, although I did walk away with a new jean jacket that is absolutely perfect. But as I was walking downstairs back to the main level, I saw an adorable gingham dress on a mannequin; suddenly, I knew what I would be purchasing.

Dress:

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The pattern isn’t the only thing that I love about this Madewell dress. The fabric is super lightweight, the silhouette is very flattering, I love the drop waist, and the ruffles on the cap sleeves and bottom are adorable. This dress is super versatile, which I love. It can easily be dressed up or dressed down, it all depends on how you style it. It’s also great because it can easily transition between seasons. It’s light enough to wear comfortably in the hot summer months, but it also looks great with a jean jacket thrown over it in the fall. Suffice to say, I am very glad that I made my usual visit to SoHo that week.

Shoes:

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Sometimes, being matchy matchy doesn’t work; sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing. But honestly in this case, I think it works. These sandals are from Anthropologie, and I bought them this summer during the midst of my shoe shopping frenzy. I just thought the gingham was too adorable to pass up, and they can really go with so many different things. The can go with nearly any color because they are black and white, and they are also just super cute and summery. Plus, they were a great price, so I basically had to buy them.

Accessories:

These tassel earrings are from Primp, my favorite boutique in Minnesota. I have collected a couple of different pairs of tassel earrings during the past year, two of which are from Bauble Bar. While they might not be an everyday style, these black ones are lightweight enough and small enough that they can be worn a little more casually than some. The fact that they are black and gold also makes them more versatile, as the other pairs that I own are light pink and mint green.

While I’ll accept the fact that bold patterns are not for everyone, nor are they appropriate for every occasion, it is fun to break out a ~fun and flirty~ print every once in a while. For me, I’m always into bold patterns; I love me a good solid color, but I always will feel the need to dress it up a little bit with something more fun. Gingham is one of those tried and true patterns that will never go out of style, so investing in a piece with a gingham pattern is definitely worth your while. Now, whether or not you turn your gingham into a whole ensemble like I did is totally your call, but as a gingham girl myself, I will always be down!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Sayonara Summer

“And summer’s lease hath all too short a date”. Same Shakespeare, same. Like William, I believe that summer flies by too fast. The break from school goes by in the blink of an eye. So too, does the warm weather that allows for carefree fashion. While wearing a dress is almost always easier than bottoms and a top (I mean, it is just one piece of clothing after all), it is especially easy to slip a sundress on and call it a day during the summer. You look like you tried without putting much effort into it at all. And don’t get me started on how much easier it is to go out in the summer (bars + parkas = no bueno). So in an ode to summer, here’s one last summer style that will soon have to be put to rest until next year.

Nothing says summer more than bright colors and floral prints. With this outfit, you have the perfect mixture of both. I fell in love with the shoes last spring, because I love pink and I love Sam Edelman, so it was a bit of a no brainer. They are the perfect pop of color that surprisingly go with a lot of different things. They look great paired with blues, white, blacks, and obviously items with the same exact color in them. I actually bought the dress separately from the shoes simply because I thought it was adorable and also very ~fun and flirty~. It wasn’t until I got home and was hanging the dress in my closet that I realized the shoes matched perfectly. So obviously, I felt like a very accomplished and put together shopper.

Dress:

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This is certainly not your everyday dress. But let me tell you, it is so cute for that special summer occasion where you can wear something that is a little scandy but still very cute. The dress is Free People, and the vibrant colors are what originally caught my eye. Upon trying it on, I was a little unsure of the deep cut in front, but I have other Free People dresses that are cut similarly and I love them, so I figured, why not? It might not be the perfect dress for women who are more blessed in the chest area, but for those of us on the IBTC, it works pretty nicely! I also love the open back with the different straps. You can’t quite tell from the picture, but the thicker straps are made of a thicker mesh-like material that is a super cute detail with the patten of the dress. All in all, this dress is great for a summer night on the town!

Shoes:

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If I had to pick the pair of shoes in my closet that was my “spirit shoe”, if you will, it would 100% be these ones. These Sam Edelman beauties are simply my favorite. The color is everything, and they are so comfortable (chunky heels are a gift from the gods). I bought these for an event last spring as a pop of color to go with a black dress, and I have been amazed at how versatile they are! It made me so happy when I realized that they matched this dress perfectly! It’s somewhat of a unique color, and you can only wear so much of it at once; so the side panels of the dress and the shoes go perfectly with one another without being overbearing.

Accessories:

I bought these Kendra Scott earrings at the same time as I got the heels, and they are such a beautiful color. These are the Alex earrings in magenta. I love the classic Kendra Danielle silhouette, but these are a fun little twist on the classic. The color is so vibrant, but can really go with almost anything as a fun little pop of color that is more lowkey than the heels. I also love that they are gold, as gold is definitely my go-to metal, so they match with a lot of my cuffs and bangles.

It feels so wrong saying bye to summer when it is still nearly 80 degrees everyday in the Midwest, but I know that fall weather is just around the corner. While I might miss wearing fun, bright dresses like this one, sweater weather season is always an exciting time of year. Plus, knowing that you have a dress this fun hanging in your closet is always a good thing to look forward to for spring break and summer! So even as we tuck away our cutest sundresses and trade them in for sweaters, let’s give summer one last thank you for being a beautiful time of year with even more beautiful clothing options. Thanks for the memories summer 2017, you will be dearly missed!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Back in black (and white)

To begin, I want to apologize for my brief hiatus. It has been a crazy busy couple of weeks, but thank goodness for Thanksgiving break! Not only has it allowed me to regain some of my sanity, but it has also allowed me to refocus my energies on my blog. To get back in the swing of things, I wanted to jump back in with an outfit that is perfect for the fall and winter! I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have more events to dress up for during the holiday season. Although it might not be sparkly enough for New Years, it really is a great outfit for the more casual gatherings that you might have throughout November and December.

Considering that the weather is now in the 30’s, I clearly took these outfit pictures when the weather was a little bit warmer. Despite this, I still believe that this outfit is great for family or friend gatherings this season. What’s really great is that it can be worn for a variety of events, whether you’re going out or staying in. While I might switch out the heels for a pair of leather or suede booties, you really can never go wrong with sleek black jeans and a cute flowy top. Keep reading for more details!

Top:

This black and white top is from Anthropologie, and it has been perfect for the fall. I absolutely fell in love with the bold pattern and the bell sleeves. This top is great because it can be paired with almost any kind of bottoms; while it looks great with black skinny jeans, it can also look cute tucked in to a skirt or a different wash of denim. One smaller detail that is adorable is the stitching that lines the neck (see a close up photo down below). Overall, this shirt is so fun to wear because of the big sleeves, and it is also super soft and flattering, which is always a bonus.

Jeans:

Surprisingly enough, I didn’t own black jeans before this year. Upon buying these High Rise Lookout jeans from J Crew, I realized what a great addition they make to my closet. These jeans are high waisted and skinny, but they are also super comfortable and flattering. I love J Crew denim, so I am always on the lookout for a new style or wash. These jeans are so versatile, and can be worn with nearly any top and any pair of shoes. The skinny bottom makes them easy to tuck in to boots, and the slightly cropped length allows them to show off your shoes if you are wearing flats, or heels like I did.

Shoes:

While I might not be able to wear these heels much anymore because of the snow that now covers the ground, I have loved wearing these throughout the fall. The gray suede is so soft, and they look amazing with so many different outfits. I love the chunky heel that makes them a little more stable, and I also love the way that they lace up and tie in the back. I found these beauties at Primp, and I can’t wait to break them back out in the spring!

Accessories:

A staple accessory this season, you can never really go wrong with a choker. This black lace choker is from Forever 21, and looks great with the stitched detailing on this top. What I love about this choker is that it is more interesting than just a plain velvet or satin choker because of the details, but since it is black, it is easy to wear with a lot of different outfits. Although this outfit would still look great without the choker, it’s a fun way to play up current fashion trends and embrace the 90’s.

With colder weather and the holidays quickly approaching, you can be sure to see more holiday inspired looks being featured on my blog. With Thanksgiving coming up, this outfit would be a great option. Outfits like this are also perfect for more casual holiday parties, or just for a fun night out with friends. I’m so happy that I got back to my blog just in time for the upcoming season, as I am so excited to share fun holiday outfits with you all. Although the snow and cold weather might not be ideal, the sparkly and fun outfits more than make up for it!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

 

Leaf it to me

If I’m being honest, spring is definitely my favorite season. I might be biased because my birthday is in April, but I also love the feeling of the weather warming up after a cold winter, the flowers starting to bloom, and the return of being able to wear cute outfits without hiding them under a parka. However, fall is a close second in the favorite seasons category, partially because of all the pretty colors. While some of the leaves may be falling off the trees right about now, the changing colors of fall make for a very beautiful walk to campus everyday. One fun way to embrace the colors of fall is by playing up the red, orange, and yellow hues in your outfits. These colors are always popular ones for the fall, as are tans, olive greens, and darker yellows. Of course my favorite color for fall and winter is burgundy, but that’s just me. No matter which natural fall colors inspire you, you should think a little like Pocahontas, and paint with all the colors of the *leaves* in picking out your fall outfits.

My favorite fall leaves have always been the big maple leaves that are a combination of dark red and orange with a little hint of green. In seeing the color of this top, I knew it would be the perfect top for fall because the colors were so beautiful. I decided to pair the blouse with a darker wash of jeans with a slight flare at the bottom (read below, this cut it totally in right now), and a cute pair of cutout booties in a natural tan color. This outfit is perfect for a day of running errands, spending time outside enjoying the weather, or getting lunch with friends. I love how it is cute and casual, and also how it perfectly embodies everything that fall stands for (except maybe sweater weather). Keep on reading for outfit details!

Top:

 

As soon as I saw the colors and pattern of this top I knew that I needed to have it. I found this blouse at Primp, and it has quickly become a statement for my fall wardrobe. It is the perfect top to wear by itself when the weather is a little warmer, or to pair under a jacket for when it’s chilly. Specifically, I have an army green jacket with gold hardware from J. Crew that it looks amazing under. I love the pattern of the top, and I really enjoy the cut-out at the top. This design is super on trend right now, and can be found in a wide variety of styles. With the flowy sleeves and paisley pattern, this top is the perfect way to style boho chic for fall.

Jeans:

One really popular trend for jeans this season is having a slight flare at the bottom, especially in cropped jeans. The pair that I am wearing are the Billie Demi-Boot Crop from J. Crew, and I bought them near the end of the summer. In addition to having a flared bottom, they are also high-waisted, which is always fun. Being a dancer and having more muscular calves, I don’t think that these jeans look quite as flared on my legs as they could, but I still really enjoy that they are clearly different from a pair of skinny jeans, and I also really love the wash of the denim. Because they are cropped, they are also the perfect pair of jeans to show off a fun shoe with, just like I did here.

Shoes:

These open-toe booties with the laser cutouts are also from Primp, and they are perfect for almost any occasion. Because they are nude, they go great with almost any outfit, and they are a nice change from a simple nude pump. The laser cutouts are super cute and add intricate detail to them, and the laces in the front are a super cute detail as well. For the most part they are super comfy to walk in, however I have had to break them in to avoid too big of blisters from the zippers in the back. The chunky heel is another aspect of the booties that I love; I will be so sad once it starts snowing and I can no longer wear these, but I’ll be rocking them until the first flakes fall, and they will get to make a reappearance come spring.

Accessories:

To accessorize this outfit, I played up the colors of the top with multi-colored rings that all shared a gold metal connection. From top to bottom, the orange and gold ring is from Lucky Brand, the gold midi chevron ring is from Catherine’s Boutique in Iowa City, the gold sparkly ring is from Francesca’s, and the stack of two rose gold rings are from Brandy Melville. Rings are one of my favorite accessories because they can add a lot of simple yet elegant detail to outfits, and you can play around with stacking and combining rings of different metals and textures. In addition to accessorizing with rings, I also played up the colors of the top in my lipstick by mixing two Kylie Lip Kit colors together; to achieve the color I wore, I used Dolce K with Kristen layered over it. You can never go wrong with lipstick, especially when it perfectly plays up the colors of your outfit.

Although the trendy colors for fall change every year, you really can never go wrong with matching nature and being inspired by the colors of the changing leaves. These beautiful hues are fun to play around with, and allow you to embrace the world around you. Just as life imitates art and art imitates life, fashion can imitate nature. Even if changing leaves mean that colder weather is coming, they sure do make for a beautiful site as we begin to increase our layers and break out the mittens and scarves. If you’re like me and dread the coming of snow, remember to just focus on the weather of now, be inspired by the changing colors, and if all else fails, just keep laughing through life.

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Easily suede

As the weather gets crisper, we begin to see certain types of fabrics more and more; one of the most popular in fall and winter is suede. I’ve been raised to see suede as a cool-weather fabric, especially because of its soft nature. Ironically, given its gentle disposition, it’s a lot harder to keep clean in these seasons, but alas, it’s just not as much of a summer fabric. Instead, we see suede break out in the fall in a wide variety of colors; we also see it incorporated in it wide variety of clothing pieces. I am seriously in love with all of the suede shift dresses I have seen this season, it’s a trend that I am obsessed with. Suede shoes is another super common accessory, whether it’s boots, flats, or heels (I don’t discriminate with my suede). Although seen a little less frequently, suede tops are also totally a thing, and obviously suede skirts have been very on trend during the past year. Even if it seems a little 70’s, suede is a go-to for cool weather, so it’s time to break it out.

This outfit in particular gives me some seriously 70’s vibes, but I totally dig it. In my head I was a little worried about it being too busy, as there is a lot going on with the stripes, and laces, and buttons, but I think that it turned out to be super cute! I love how the cognac color of the skirt matches perfectly with the flats, and I also really enjoy the theme of the criss-cross laces that can be seen in the top and flats. This outfit is perfect for fall, as the colors and fabrics are both on point. As I mentioned before, suede is the perfect fall fabric, especially in a cognac/tan color like this. The burgundy and royal blue stripes of the shirt are also very in colors this fall, and the design of the top compliments the similar nature of the skirt and shoes. Also finishing off the outfit with a brown lip gave it just the right amount of darkness to really say “autumn”.

Top:

I found this top at Nordstrom during their Anniversary Sale over the summer. I had always wanted a lace up top, but had never been super crazy about the ones that I had seen until I found this one. It’s designed by the brand WAYF, and in addition to being super cute, it was also a super good deal. One thing that I love is the sleeves; they have a slight openness to them at the bottom, so they kind of swing as you move your arms, which is always fun. I also think it’s great that this top is versatile. While I paired a cream bralette underneath it for this outfit, it could easily be worn so that the lace-up part is completely open, however bra modifications would be needed as the cut goes to the bottom of the ribs and the fabric is too thin not to wear a bra. But because it can be styled in both conservative and sexy ways, it’s the perfect top to wear both night and day.

Skirt:

This skirt is one of the items I am most excited to wear this season. I ordered it last spring off of Tobi, and I have to brag a little bit about the deal that I got; it was originally $128, but I got it for $64. Although you can find similar skirts for cheaper, it’s a genuine suede skirt, so a price range below $100 was something that I could really get behind. I really like the front pockets that are a major design feature of the skirt, and you can never go wrong with a button front skirt, especially when the buttons are gold because it makes it so easy to accessorize. Because it is genuine suede, it is super soft; it also feels pretty warm for a skirt, so this makes it the perfect item to wear even when the temperature drops.

Shoes:

These flats were another Nordstrom Anniversary Sale find, and I am in love. They are made by Halogen, and I actually bought another pair of Halogen flats at the same sale two years ago. While the style of flats change every year, both pairs that I own have the pointy toe, which I think is a really unique characteristic. Lace up flats and heels are super in this season, so if you haven’t invested in a pair yet, I would highly suggest looking in to one. Although they take a little bit of time to put on, they are super cute, and really pull together any outfit, even if you’re just wearing jeans. Halogen makes this style in many different colors, including Burgundy, which was the color I almost got before deciding on the cognac. No matter the color though, they really are the perfect versatile fall shoe.

Something that is super on trend this fall is mixing patterns and design elements of different pieces; pairing things together that have different small details, like I did with this outfit, is a great way to get your foot in the door if you are a little apprehensive to being a complete outfit mixologist. Now that it’s fall, it’s also time to break out those fall colors and fabrics, especially the leathers and suedes. You can never go wrong with blacks and tans in these materials, but it can be fun to experiment with more bold colors as well. Since fall is coming, we might as well embrace it by showing off our cutest autumn hues and styles before we have to wear coats everywhere (at least if you’re in the Midwest like me). So go on and welcome fall with open arms, I guarantee you’ll look cute doing it!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

These boots were made for walking

Oh, October. You bring such lovely colored leaves, apple orchards trips, sweater weather, and of course, Pumpkin Spice Lattes; you also bring back the desire to wear taller boots. While riding boots are always going to be a classic, I’ve fallen in love with a new boot trend this season; over-the-knee boots. This style of boot really took off near the end of the summer as we all began to shop for our fall wardrobes. They can be seen in nearly every style magazine and are being donned by the hottest celebs in a wide variety of colors. While there are some leather styles, suede has definitely been the most popular material for this style of boots to be made out of; this softer material makes them a little slouchier, compared to a stiff leather, which definitely increases their versatility and comfort. What I really love about over-the-knee boots is the endless possibilities for outfits. While they can be worn over jeans and leggings, or paired with an oversized sweater, I definitely know my favorite way to style them is with dresses; especially off-the-shoulder ones (surprise, surprise!).

 

What I love about pairing an off-the-shoulder dress with over-the-knee boots is that it allows you to wear a more summery style dress in the fall. These suede boots definitely help keep you warm, so its almost the same as wearing tights under a dress. I love how the light tan color of the boots compliments the colors of the flowers on the dress. I also become incredibly obsessed with burgundy once fall comes, so I am in love with the colors and patterns of this dress. I also really enjoy how the sleeves are little mock sleeves that just drape over the arm. Overall, I really loved the contrast of showing a little more skin on top and then less on the bottom, as the beginning of fall is the perfect time to do this. Keep reading for outfit details!

Dress:

This beautiful off-the-shoulder burgundy dress covered with bouquet designs is from Primp. Not only do I love the colors and the fabric of the dress, but I love the mock sleeves and, of course, the neck line. If I’m being honest, I was really unsure about how the off-the-shoulder trend would transfer in to fall, but I am so glad that it has. Keeping the neckline but adding sleeves is genius, and allows the style to be worn year-round. The colors of the dress are always what I envision when I think of fall, so I love how they have incorporated all of the classic colors into one dress by making the bouquets colorful. I can promise you that I will be wearing this dress all season long, even if it means I get a little chilly in the process (totally worth the sacrifice).

Boots:

These boots make me feel like a Kardashian in the best way possible. Khloe has a pair that are almost identical in color, and you know that you’re doing trends the right way if celebs are spotted in similar items. These boots are also from Primp, and I have been waiting all fall the finally wear them. While over-the-knee boots come in a variety of heel heights, I love how these have a little bit of a higher heel (2 inches), and that the heel is a darker color; this contrast between the brown of the heel and the tan of the boot was something that really drew me in to these boots. I also love how they lace up in the back; I did learn the hard way though that these laces are not just decorative, but they help keep the boots around the thighs. Not only are these boots so cute, but they also really helped keep my legs warm on a rather crisp fall day, so I know that they are the perfect shoe to wear all season long.

In order to draw the focus towards the boots and dress, I chose not to wear any accessories besides simple stud earrings in a tan color that matches the color of the boots. I did emphasize the color of the dress by wearing a burgundy lip. I wore Dark Side by MAC, a color that my mom also loves. One of my favorite quotes is “There is always lipstick”; I truly feel that I relate to this on a spiritual level seeing as lipstick will always be my favorite way to dress up and make an outfit more fun.

While this might not be an outfit that one could wear all autumn, it is definitely wearable in October. The changing colors of the leaves are reflected in the fall tones of the dress, and suede boots are super ideal when there is no snow on the ground yet because you don’t even need to waterproof them. If it’s a little chilly for completely baring your shoulders, you can always slip a jacket over the dress to go out an embrace the crisp fall air. I highly encourage you to do all of the cliche fall things while you can; you will never regret going to an apple orchard, but you might regret staying inside while the weather is nice once the ground is covered with a foot of snow. So go get yourself a pair of-over-the-knee boots and jump in some leaves. because fall is here people!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

 

 

Rompin’ around in ruffles

Oh the beloved romper. If you’re like me, rompers are one of those things that you can never have enough of; like dresses or shoes. While some may argue that they are likely to go out of style, I beg to differ. In many ways, rompers are like a glamorous adult version of a onesie, and surely as those will never go out of style for infants, we will be able to wear rompers for many more years (at least I hope). Another issue that some people have with rompers is that they feel they don’t fit their body properly. I think that while some rompers require a wearer to have a certain torso to leg proportion, there is bound to be a style of romper that fits every style of body; you’ve just got to try them on to find the one. What I especially love about rompers is that they can be trans-seasonal between spring, summer, and fall. You can even try rocking a romper in the winter if you wear tights underneath! Keep on reading to see one of my personal favorite rompers!

I’ll be honest; when I first saw this romper on the hanger, I tried it on thinking that I wouldn’t like it. I literally told one of my friend’s “I’ll never buy this, but I still want to try it on”. As soon as I zipped it up though, I was in love (I swear every time I swear to not buy something, I end up buying it). The berry tones against the black make it the perfect romper to wear during any season, and it is also super easy to accessorize. While I chose to wear a fun pair of black strappy heels and gold jewelry, there are endless options to play around with when it comes to the accessorizing game. Outfit details are below!

Romper:

As I mentioned, I was hesitant about this romper at first. But after wearing it a few times, I absolutely love it! This romper is from Dry Goods, and is made by blu pepper. My favorite part, by far, is the ruffled shorts. I also love the cap sleeves; I feel like you don’t often find short sleeved rompers that are super fun and cute, so I think that’s one feature that is great about this one. I also love the v-neck, as it’s not too low, but still shows a little skin, which allows you to wear this for multiple occasions. Seeing as I have a fairly long torso and long legs, this romper might be a little bit short on me for some events, but it’s great for a day or night out. The way that the waist is stitched is also very flattering, and the pockets add a fun little bit of flair! The floral pattern is also adorable, and the deeper hues make it a great option for year-round wear. I’m am so glad that I purchased this romper when I did, because I know that I would have major regrets if I hadn’t.

Shoes:

So can we talk about these shoes for a hot second? Honestly, they are probably my favorite pair in my wardrobe right now. These beauties are by Sam Edelman, and I bought them from Nordstrom. I found these last spring, and I was immediately sold. I needed a black pair of heels for recruitment, and although I already owned some simpler black heels, I could not resist buying these. The fringe is absolutely iconic, and I love how they can either serve as the focal point for an outfit, or they can be a way to add additional layers of texture to an already busy outfit (like what I did here). While they are beautiful to look at, they take a little bit of time to get used to walking in because the heel is very skinny. But you know, beauty is pain, so I deal with it!

Accessories:

For accessories, I decided to keep things simple because there was a lot of detail and texture between the romper and my shoes. I wore a simple gold open circle necklace from Primp, and I also accessorized with my favorite Alex and Ani charm bracelets. In my collection, I have a C initial, the Greek letters of my sorority, the Om symbol, and my personal favorite, Disney’s exclusive Cinderella bracelet. The Disney charms are hard to come by, seeing as they can only be bought at Disney parks or online, but you can bet that I took advantage of my time in Orlando this summer by stopping at Downtown Disney to purchase this in my free time. One thing that I really love about Alex and Ani bracelets is that there are so many different options, and they can be a really great conversation starter when meeting new people; you can learn a lot about someone’s interests and passions based on which charms they have.

To play in to the berry hues of the romper, I finished off my look with MAC’s D for Danger lipstick which is a rich berry/burgundy color that I can sense will be a go-to color for me this fall.

Although it will soon be time to break out our jeans and sweaters (which isn’t a bad thing), it’s fun to take advantage of warm weather while we have it. Rompers are a great way to look cute while soaking up the last bit of summer, and they transition really nicely into fall as well. Ruffled or fringy bottoms are also a big trend right now, and it’s a really fun one to try out if you haven’t yet. I’m still searching for a fun fringy skirt; I promise to keep you posted if I find the one. But for now, I’ll just be living it up in the ruffled shorts on this romper!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Paisley at play

The transition between summer and fall might be one of my favorite times of the year simply because it means that it’s time to start dressing up in fall fashion. Although the leaves turning in the Midwest means that the weather might start getting cooler, we still have the months of September and October to wear lighter layers. I also think that it is one of my favorite times of the year because back to school shopping was always such an exciting time for me. And while at 20 years old I might not need to buy a whole new wardrobe every fall, its still fun to pick up a couple of new items in the seasons hottest colors. So keep on reading to see one of the ways that I styled a look that is a little bit summer, a little bit fall, and perfect to wear for any occasion in between the seasons.

This outfit is great because while the colors are more fall-like, the short sleeves and the length of the dress allow you to stay cool when the weather is still warm. The dress is also made of a really lightweight material, which further assists you in staying cool and looking cool. The leather booties are a great way to transition into fall, but you could also play around with suede booties, heels, or sandals if it is still really warm out. Given the fun paisley pattern of the dress, I kept my accessories fairly simple, and played off of the blue in the dress by wearing a blue, raw stone necklace. See below for outfit specifics:

Dress:

This short sleeve shift dress is from Primp, and I am so excited to get to wear it this season. I fell in love with the colors and the patterns of the dress, as well as the fun tassels. I think the paisley pattern gives it a boho vibe, but it is definitely still dressy enough to wear to more formal events. In addition to the light blue color, the orange/coral color really caught my eye, and I like how the color is repeated along the bottom of the dress and the sleeves in addition to wrapping around the tassels. I also really like the neckline of this dress, as it isn’t too low, but it still dips down a little. Overall, I think that this is a really great piece for late summer and early fall because of the style and the colors.

Shoes:

These black leather booties were one of my many purchases at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They are the Pistol style by Steve Madden, and while they normally cost $129.95, I got them for $89.95 (seriously if you’ve never checked out the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale you NEED to next summer). I will admit that while I may not absolutely need more black boots, these are a definite asset to my closet. I love the chunky heel and the pointed toe; I also love how clean of a look the leather is. Leather is perfect to wear in early fall and into the winter because although you should still be careful, it is a lot easier to clean and protect than suede is.

Accessories:

As I almost always do, I chose to accessorize with gold jewelry. For necklaces, I layered two necklaces, one with a simple open gold circle, and another longer one with blue raw stones and gold circles. The blue colors in the necklace match the blues in the dress perfectly, which made it an obvious choice to wear. For bracelets, I wore my go-to simple gold bangle and my gold bangle with the white dots that line the top. The white of the bracelet tied in with the white background of the dress, but in a very simple way. Given the busy and fun pattern of the dress, I felt it important to keep my accessories in matching color palettes that were still simple as not to distract from the dress.

While dressing for in between seasons can be difficult at times, wearing light weight fall styles is a great way to transition into colder weather. Dresses and skirts are great for this, especially in fall colors, denim and suede fabrics, and light knits. Pairing leather accessories with clothing is another great way to move into fall, and these black leather booties paired with a lighter colored dress is a great example. So while we should definitely enjoy the warm weather and sunshine for now, we can also begin to get excited for the weather getting cooler as with the weather comes new clothing items to break out.

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something