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

But oh, those summer *whites*

We all know the saying: no white after labor day. That means from today, you have 3 1/2 weeks to wear all of the white your little heart desires. Now, when it comes to fashion, it’s definitely good to take risks and bend the rules here and there. So you want to wear your white jeans in October? I say go for it. You have a beautiful white ballerina skirt that you want to wear in April? Do it. But when it comes to wearing a head-to-toe all white outfit, it might be best for you to save that for summer. So in honor of there being a limited time to rock it, here’s how I styled my summer whites.

I think that since you have a limited time to wear all white, it’s fun to play around with different outfit combinations. One idea is to wear white denim with a white top (maybe even off-the-shoulder this season). It’s also fun to pair colored or metallic shoes with all white to add a little bit of flare. But sometimes, you’re required to wear all-white attire for a special meeting or function, which is where I got the inspiration for this outfit. Just make sure that you don’t wear anything like this to a wedding!

Dress:

 

This white eyelet dress is from J. Crew. I love how it has a simple silhouette and then the added detail of the flutter sleeves. It’s a perfect light-weight dress for the summer, and it is great for all-day wear. I originally saw this dress in a brick red color as I was out shopping for a white dress; as soon as I saw they had it in white as well, I was sold. This dress is perfect for many different occasions. I first wore it to a business type meeting at my sorority’s national convention earlier this summer. While it is a great piece to wear in a business environment, it is also casual enough to wear out to a lunch and shopping date on any day of the week. Although not pictured, it also has a cute keyhole back with a gold button clasp at the top.

Shoes:

Like I noted above, I think its fun to pair an all-white ensemble with fun shoes. For my convention meeting, we were required to wear white or nude shoes, so I wore a pair of white, leather, peep-toe heels. But for fun, I paired this outfit with a pair of silver wedges. These wedges are Calvin Klein, and were actually the first pair of wedges I ever owned. They have stayed in really good condition over the years, I do have to say. I like how these wedges have the rope lining on the wedge, and I like the shape and design of the straps on top. The color is also great because the silver can dress a simple outfit up, or just compliment an already dressy outfit.

Necklace:

I’ll be the first to admit it: this necklace looks slightly off-white compared to the dress. I know. But the thing with wearing all white, is that the whites might not always match. I’m not saying to pair cream with white, but I am saying that some whites are brighter than others, and that’s okay. This petal statement necklace is from J. Crew, and is one of my favorite statement necklaces that I own. I always get compliments on it, and I love how sparkly it is in person. It’s also great that it is white in color, because that allows me to wear it with a lot of different outfits.

As the summer wraps up and autumn begins, it’s time to start transitioning our wardrobes to warmer fabrics and hues. But before we move on from summer completely, wear the white in your wardrobe while you have the chance. And if you’re ever looking for photo ops, try taking pictures in front of a colorful or patterned wall like this one outside of a store called I Like You in Minneapolis. Just remember that summer isn’t over until it gets cooler, and your white clothes can be worn as long as you want.

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

And it was all yellow

While most light and bright colors remind me of summer, I think yellow is the one color that says summer like nothing else. It’s the color of the sun, it’s the color of lemonade, and it’s the color of sunflowers, which just so happen to be in bloom right now. This past Saturday, I spent the morning at the Mill City Farmer’s Market in downtown Minneapolis. While I was there, I picked up a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers. I also bought some delicious focaccia bread that had fresh grape tomatoes and mozzarella cheese baked into it (seriously, might be the best bread ever). Spending weekend mornings at farmer’s markets is a family tradition with my parents, and we have been going to different ones since I was little. Shopping at farmer’s markets is a great way to get fresh produce and flowers in the summer, and most also have lots of yummy treats at them as well. And since they aren’t open all year round, you better take advantage of summer farmer’s markets while you can!

Yellow also happens to be the color of an adorable jumpsuit that I recently bought and ended up wearing to the farmer’s market. I loved how the yellow sunflowers looked with the jumpsuit, so of course I had to utilize them in my pictures. Keep on reading for further outfit details.

Jumpsuit:

This yellow floral jumpsuit is from Primp. I’ve got to admit, I was really hesitant to try it on at first. I thought that color was cute, and I liked the idea of a wide leg pant, but I just wasn’t sure how it would look on or if I could pull it off. Once I tried it on, I ended up absolutely loving it. I like how the silhouette has a vintage feel to it. I also really like the shape of the back, I think it makes it really unique. And then of course there’s the wide leg aspect of the pants, which I really really enjoy. Jumpsuits are definitely in right now, as is a wide leg/flare bottom, so this will be the perfect outfit to wear the rest of the summer and into the fall. In one way, a jumpsuit is kind of like a long romper, so if you haven’t tried one yet but love rompers, I would highly recommend trying some on.

Shoes:

These suede, nude, two-strap sandals are Steve Madden. The style name is Darcie, and I recently bought them at Macy’s. I love how they have a low chunky heel, this makes them perfect for a casual outfit or for going out in the evening. They also have fringe tassels on the back zipper, which I think is adorable. This style of sandal is really in right now, and the suede is a great way to be able to transition them from summer to fall. The color is also neutral, which means that they can go with almost anything.

Accessories:

This simple gold circle necklace is from Primp. I just bought it, but it has quickly become one of those staples that you can wear with anything and everything because of how simple it is. I also paired the outfit with two gold cuffs, both from J. Crew. One is a solid gold, while the other is more of a brushed gold with 3D white circles lining the top. And of course the ultimate accessory was my bouquet of beautiful sunflowers that I bought at the farmer’s market. I kept my accessories simple in order to draw attention to the jumpsuit itself because it has a cute pattern and a unique shape.

This outfit was great for the farmer’s market because the color was summery, the loose pants were nice and breezy, and the low heels were easy and comfortable to walk around the market in. Before summer ends, you should definitely make it a priority to head out to your local farmer’s market. Not only will you have fun shopping for seasonal fresh foods, but you can make a little picnic out of your finds afterwards. It’s a great place to have on your summer bucket list, and now that it’s August, it’s time to start checking off those boxes. And while buying sunflowers while you’re there is completely up to you, I would recommend getting them while you can!

Photo idea creds to my best friend, Brooke

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Sebastian Joe’s

Minnesota has a reputation for being rather cold all year round; I’m here to tell those of you who don’t already know, this is far from true. Especially during the months of July and August, Minnesota gets hot. And after a long day in the heat, what better way to cool off than going out for ice cream? I’ve never given much thought as to where my favorite place to get ice cream in the Twin Cities is because I feel like my regular places all have their own special traits. Some are great because of the amount of ice cream you get for a really low price, others are great because of the wide array of toppings and combinations. But if I had to pick my favorite ice cream shop based solely on the ice cream flavors, I would have to pick Sebastain Joe’s because it is home to my absolute favorite flavor of ice cream in the whole wide world: Flavor Formerly Known as Nicollet Avenue Pothole.

My ice cream was melting, I told you Minnesota gets hot!

Sebastian Joe’s is an ice cream and coffee shop with two locations in Minneapolis. One location is in Lowry Hill, while the other is near Lake Harriet (Linden Hills neighborhood). With both locations being in the Uptown area, I only thought it fitting to wear my Minneapolis neighborhood tee from Primp:

I’ve been going to Sebastian Joe’s with my parents since I was little, and thank goodness they introduced me to such a delicious place. Like most ice cream shops, it’s often filled with people of all ages, and the menu has flavors that appeal to everyone. More often than not, you’ll have to wait in line for your ice cream, especially if you go on a summer night, but the line moves quickly and the wait is more than worth it. Both locations also have great outdoor areas with lots of seating to enjoy your ice cream before it all melts. Sebastian Joe’s is open all year round, and while it may be busier in the summer months, you can fulfill your ice cream cravings there when it is negative 20 degrees outside as well, which I just think is really really great (plus the menu changes seasonally).

As I mentioned, my go-to and all time favorite flavor of ice cream is called Flavor Formerly Known as Nicollet Avenue Pothole. It’s a chocolate ice cream, with Heath bits, caramel, fudge truffles, and sea salt mixed in. If really chocolatey ice cream isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry; there’s lots of other great flavors. If you like caramel and chocolate, try Pavarotti. This is my Mom’s favorite, and it is a vanilla flavored ice cream with chocolate chips, bananas, and caramel. Another great flavor is the Chocolate Cinnamon Pretzel, which is exactly what it sounds like. If you’re more of a sorbet person like my Dad, you’ll love their more fruity flavors like Mango or Key Lime. While some flavors are regulars, the menu changes by the day, and you really can’t go wrong with any flavor that you try.

I’m not super picky when it comes to ice cream, I just usually tend to gravitate towards the really chocolatey flavors. You really can’t go wrong with any ice cream shop in the Twin Cities, but if you haven’t been to Sebastian Joe’s and are looking to try new flavors, I would highly recommend trying it out. So go out and enjoy a cup or a cone, and try to stay cool in the summer heat!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

An overall recommendation

Overall it is safe to say that overalls are making a comeback. You can’t deny that denim is always in, however the bib aspect of overalls makes them a trend that often comes and goes. It looks as if they are here to stay for now, so you better embrace them. Short overalls are perfect for the summer, especially for festival season (Lolla is coming up folks). When the weather gets cooler come fall, try out a pair of full-length overalls, maybe with a darker wash and a flared bottom, paired with a long sleeved striped tee and platform wedges; it may seem like a 70’s throwback outfit but past decades are becoming cool again (see my 90’s post if you don’t believe me). But for now, dress down for the warm weather by wearing short sleeves, crop tops, or bralettes under your short overalls to stay cool on hot summer days.

I paired my overalls with a detailed lace bralette and black kimono with lace and fringe detailing. I think that while overalls are great for day to day wear with a t-shirt and Converse, this outfit in particular would be great for an outdoor concert. The intricate bralette helps dress the denim up, and the lace of the kimono helps add a delicateness to the get up. Black Birkenstock sandals help keep you comfortable while still looking cool; if you’re looking for something a little dressier, try a strappy sandal in colors that compliment your kimono or bralette to tie everything together. Keep on reading for more outfit details.

Kimono:

This black lace paneled kimono is made by Lush (the clothing brand, not the cosmetic company), and is from either Primp or Dry Goods, I honestly can’t remember which store I got it at. I bought it when the kimono trend was just becoming a thing a few of years ago; I loved the fringe detailing on the bottom and how it has slits on the sides. Because it is black, it’s really easy to wear with a lot of different things, although I do have to admit that I don’t wear it as often as I should. I think it pairs really nicely with the bralette I’m wearing because of the black detailing over the nude, and the two items would also be cute paired with high waisted denim shorts or a skirt.

Overalls:

These short overalls, or “shoveralls”, are from Gap; I bought them last summer when I worked there so that I could wear them to my sorority’s barn dance, but little did I know that I would get more casual wear out of them too. Originally, they were a really awkward length that hit a couple of inches above the knee, but I cut them to be shorter and then folded over the ends as well. I like that the denim is a lighter wash because it makes them great for summer. I also love how the back is open and has the criss-cross straps. The open back allows you to pair the overalls with tops that have cute backs, just like I did with this bralette.

Bralette:

This nude and black bralette is from Free People. I absolutely fell in love with it while Black Friday shopping this past year, and was lucky enough to receive it as a Christmas present from my parents. For as beautiful as it is, I always want to pair it with items that really show off how intricate the details are, which is why I think that it looks great with these overalls. You can not only see the designs on the back, but also the scalloped detailing that lines the edges on the straps and along the bottom.

Shoes:

I do have to admit that I’m surprised that Birkenstocks haven’t been featured in my blog posts prior to this. You can catch me wearing my Birks pretty much all spring, summer, and fall long, and if I could wear them in the winter I honest to God would. My favorite pair are the ones I’ve had the longest; they are silver and I’ve had them for about 8 years. These black ones are great because they are neutral, and like all Birks, very very comfortable. Birkenstock sandals are absolutely one of my staples, and definitely worth the investment if it’s something that you have been considering.

Accessories:

As per usual, I went with gold metal jewelry; I also paired this with a trendy black shoelace choker, and gold rimmed sunglasses. Both bracelets are from J Crew, and are my go-to accessories with almost any outfit. The gold bar earrings are from Primp; I love how subtle these are while still being cute and edgy (exactly how I like my studs). The black shoelace choker is also from Primp. Chokers are super in right now, and I hope to add more to my collection as we roll into fall. For sunglasses, I wore my tortoiseshell Ray Ban clubmasters, a pair that I have been wearing all summer long. I love how these have the gold rims, as it ties in perfectly with most of the jewelry I wear. I finished off my look by wearing my Kylie Jenner Lip Kit in Reign, one of her metal mattes. I have to say that while a darker metallic lipstick might not be my everyday go-to, I really do enjoy the way the color looks on, and the metallic aspect makes it fun to play around with.

No matter what you pair with your overalls, you’ll be sure to look stylish this season. The options are endless; they can be dressed up or down, worn with tights in the winter, worn with or without a jacket over them, worn with long sleeves or t-shirts, and so much more. If you haven’t worn a pair since you were little, my overall recommendation would be to pick up a pair soon so you can enjoy the trend to it’s fullest. Just think of it this way: overalls are kind of like rompers, they are just denim and you have to wear something under them. Happy overall-ing!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Shades of blue

Let’s be honest; I’ve been anything but shy when admitting that I have an obsession with the current off-the-shoulder trend. And while it may be a trend that will have come and gone by next summer, I’m embracing it for now, and I am considering it my summer staple. The trend is great because it is so versatile; you can find off-the-shoulder items that are perfect for day, night, or even both. While all of the items have a commonality in where they sit up top, they come in a variety of styles, fabrics, patterns, and lengths. Some items are lacy and classy, while others are more boho-chic. No matter what, it’s a great trend to try, and hopefully this post will convince you to go off-the-shoulder if you haven’t already.

As I mentioned, I think the off-the-shoulder trend is great because there is such a wide range in how it can be styled. The outfit that I wore is something that has a sort-of boho feel to it because of the embroidered details, and it is the perfect outfit to bring from day to night, especially on a hot July day. The shades of blue are also great because they allow for a lot of different accessorizing opportunities. While I accessorized with silver, I hope to play around with different colors in the future. Keep reading for further details!

Dress:

This blue off-the-shoulder dress is from Primp, and is made by the brand Honey Punch. The reason I fell in love with this dress was not actually the fact that it was off-the-shoulder, but because of the embroidered detailing on it. I love how they have contrasted the color of the dress with two different stitching colors that are both blue hues. I also love the different geometric designs and the vertical stripes that are created with the embroidery. I love the shape of the dress, and how it has a layer of fabric draping all the way around the chest instead of just the front. The thin elastic across the top is also great because it keeps the dress up without distracting from the patterns of the dress. It’s also a really lightweight material, which is great for when the weather heats up. Blue has been my go-to color for dresses this summer, especially in lighter hues like this (it helps bring out my eyes), so I’m lucky that I have been able to find so many adorable blue dresses at Primp.

Shoes:

Another summer staple, I paired this dress with my silver Jack Rogers (fun fact, these were my very first pair of Jacks, thanks Santa). I love how they are not just plain silver, but have some texture to them. These sandals go great with tons of different outfits, and the metallic color is what really helps bring this outfit from day to night with little to no changes. I think that wearing a non-blue shoe helps add more color to the outfit; you could also go with a neutral color like a nude, but I personally think that the silver adds more pizzaz.

Accessories:

For accessories, I kept it very, very simple. I toyed around with the idea of mixing metals, but once I decided on a silver shoe I thought it best to stick with silver. So as not to distract from the detailing on the dress, I wore a simple silver bracelet from Aerie. This bracelet is probably 8 years old if not older, but I still wear it when I’m in need of a simple silver bracelet because that’s exactly what it is. Stacking bracelets of mixed metals or wearing a simple chain necklace would be a great way to further accessorize this dress.

No matter the hue, shades of blue are definitely both hot and cool this summer, so adding them to your wardrobe is a must. Also, keep your eyes open for new off-the-shoulder options to try when you are out shopping, I promise that you won’t be disappointed. And if all this talk of blue made you think of a certain song, feel free to click here: da ba dee da ba daa.

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

The 90’s are calling

Being born in 1996, I was alive in the late 90’s, but I don’t really remember enough of the 90’s to consider myself a true 90’s kid. However, I do remember most of the fashion trends from the late 90’s and early 2000’s, and I would just like to announce that they are back (in case you didn’t already know). Literally, the things I wore in kindergarten 15 years ago are cool again. How that happened, I’m still not entirely sure, but I’m also not complaining. As a kindergartener, I rocked the black stretchy choker that was given to me by my 6th grade buddy (it was literally one of my prized possessions). I also rocked denim mini skirts quite frequently, mainly ones of the bedazzled and embroidered variation. While I’m fairly confident that my sense of style has developed to be keener than that of a kindergartener, some habits die hard; especially denim ones. Keep on reading for my 90’s inspired outfit that features the new and improved way to rock denim skirts for Summer 2016.

What’s great about denim skirts, and about denim in general, is how versatile they are. You can pair so many different tops with denim skirts to create different looks and styles that are perfect for various occasions. Most of the denim skirts that are popular right now feature a high waist, and many also are kept closed with snaps going down the front as opposed to the traditional button and zipper combo that is found on jeans. Because of these details, it’s best to highlight the skirt by wearing something that either tucks in to the skirt, or hits at/above the waistline (think crop tops). I paired my denim skirt with a off-white striped crop top and olive colored wedges. Outfit details are below.

Top:

This off-white striped crop top is made of linen, which makes it lightweight and perfect for summer. The open back is also great because it keeps it breezy, and it’s what drew me to the top in the first place. I bought this at Primp, and it is designed by Lush. The top goes great with high-waisted shorts and skirts, and the black and white color scheme makes it easy to pair with a lot of bottoms. I’m really looking forward to wearing the top more throughout the summer because it is so cute and can keep you looking and feeling cool on hot days.

Skirt:

Although the denim skirt trend intrigued me, I wasn’t really sure if I would buy one; that is until I found this one at Free People. I loved how it followed the denim trend but was unique in the sense that it doesn’t button all of the way down in the front, and it has really cool detailing on the back pockets. Also, it was a great price, so I really didn’t have any other option than to buy it. I love the way it has a slight A-line shape to it, and I like that it sits pretty high up around the waist. I may have been hesitant at first, but I cannot wait to rock this skirt all summer long all while paying homage to my kindergarten self.

Jewelry:

Because the hardware of the skirt is so prominent, I really wanted to match my jewelry to the snaps on the skirt. I accessorized with a tarnished gold spiky bracelet from J. Crew that has grey rhinestones surrounding the spikes. The metals matched perfectly, which was exactly what I was going for. I also wore simple stud earrings that are gold with grey rhinestones all over them to match with the bracelet. The earrings are from Silpada, and are one of my go-to pairs of studs, especially because they can be paired with either silver or gold accessories given the rhinestone color.

 

Shoes:

I finished off my outfit by throwing on a pair of olive colored wedges. These are made by Franco Sarto, and I bought them at DSW. I love these wedges because they are insanely comfortable, and also because they go with a lot more than I expected they would when I first bought them. I love how prominent the color is due to the thick band that goes across the toes. I also really like the tan detailing that can be found near the buckle; this really helps tie the shoes in with outfit because the stitching on the skirt is the same color. The wedge itself on these shoes is also great because it has a slight stripe to it, but it doesn’t detract at all (I’m kind of picky about that sort of thing, especially with wedges).

The return of 90’s fashion has got us all saying “hit me baby one more time”, especially because it has been reinvented in a way that is much more modern and wearable. So this summer, make sure all you twenty-somethings embrace the decade you came from, and rock lots of denim (but let’s please leave some of the less desirable trends in the past). Until next time, bye, bye, bye.

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something

Black and white and shoulders all over

It’s officially summer, and I could not be happier. There’s nothing better than being tan, happy, and free to spend your days as you wish. I also love summer fashion because you can pretty much wear a sundress everyday and be just fine (they are cute and so easy to wear). I am especially excited for this summer because there are so many adorable trends. What is my favorite summer trend you ask? Off-the-shoulder everything. I’m obsessed, and even though it will likely go out of style eventually, it’s here for now so why not embrace it and bare those shoulders.

It may be just one of my many off-the-shoulder purchases so far this summer, but I absolutely adore this romper. The cotton material is great for summer weather because it is so light-weight and breathable (trust me, I wore it on a 95 degree day). Paired with sandals and a sunhat, this outfit is perfect for almost any summer occasion. Lunch with friends? You bet. Grad parties? Of course! Outdoor concert? Totally. Keep on reading for outfit details.

Romper:

This black and white paisley romper is from my favorite boutique, Primp, and the brand is Everly. As I mentioned, it’s great for warm weather because of how light it is. Although it is light-weight, it is not see-through at all, which is also very important when it comes to wearing white. I love how it’s fitted at the waist, and also how loose the shorts fit. Being 5’9″, I often run in to the problem of rompers being too short for my torso, which causes the shorts ride up; however, this is not a problem with this romper. The elastic in the shoulder area is also great because while the sleeves stay off-the-shoulder as they should, it is not too tight where it would be uncomfortable around your arms and chest. I can’t wait to keep wearing this romper throughout the summer, I know that it will quickly become a closet staple.

Shoes:

These black leather sandals are designed by Franco Sarto. When I’m not wearing my Birks or Jacks, you can probably find me in these. I love them because they can be dressed up or down, and they are also extremely comfortable. I really like the look of the double buckle, and I get a bunch of compliments on them. They also wear well, which is always important for sandals. (Side note: dancers are not meant to be foot models)

Bracelet:

This bracelet is one that I recently picked up from Primp, and I’ve worn it so much in the short time that I’ve had it. Although I tend to accessorize more with gold jewelry, I was in need of silver bracelets, and this one is great. The triangle patterns add just enough detail to enhance the outfit without being distracting. I also love playing around with the softer pattern of the romper and the geometric patten of the bracelet, I think they look great together.

Sunhat:

Practical and stylish, a sunhat is the best way to stay and look cool during the summer. This felt sunhat is from Brandy Melville. I really wanted a sunhat that was simpler, so I enjoy how this one just has a simple knot on it. Since it’s plain black, it’s also really versatile, so you’ll catch me wearing it a bunch over the summer.

I can’t wait to share more of my summer outfits with you as the months go on. I really feel that summer is one of the best times to experiment with all of the fun trends, so go out there and embrace them! Thanks for making this article black and white and read all over (sorry, I couldn’t resist)!

XOXO, Chloe

Stylish and Starving at Twenty Something