Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The FAIR-est Sweater of Them All

One of my favorite aspects of fall and winter fashion is layering and texture. I love to pair sweaters with buttons ups, socks with tights, and pick the perfect coat to layer over my outfit.

Sweaters and button ups are my one of my favorite combos, and while shopping this weekend in St. Louis, I noticed a fair (no pun intended) amount of fair isle sweaters on display.

Fair Isle sweaters are nothing new to the fashion world. The knitting technique originated in Scotland in the early 20th century. They have been worn by women and men alike over the past century, but all of a sudden they seem to have resurged in popularity.

I myself do not have a fair isle sweater in my closet, but I'm currently on the hunt. I would style mine over a denim button up with navy cords and bean boots, or wear it with a wool skirt and tights for more dressy events. 

Here's some fair isle style to get you inspired:


The whole family sports fair isle on Land's End's homepage


Sarah Vickers and company sport fair isle on her blog


Carly Heitlinger dons a sweater while out and about in NYC


Skiers wear fair isle in an old photo


Fair Isle on the runway a few seasons ago at Dolce & Gabbana

Here are some sweaters I'm currently coveting. Hopefully I can swipe one of these at a Cyber Monday sale. Who's with me?


Top Row (L-R)

Bottom Row (L-R)

Do you own a fair isle sweater? How do you style it?

Stay Stylish. Stay Classy. Be Creative.
Emily









Monday, November 18, 2013

Dressing for Thanksgiving Dinner

Just five more days of classes until I get to head back home to see my family and celebrate Thanksgiving. I can't wait!

I'm obviously excited for the food and seeing my family and high school friends. It will be so great to have a week off of school. Things have been pretty busy lately!

Besides thinking about my parents' Thanksgiving cooking, I've also been thinking about Thanksgiving outfits. I always like to put a cute but comfy little outfit together for Thanksgiving Day. Sure, I don't leave my house, and I could wear a sweatshirt and sweatpants, but it's nice to get dressed up for the holiday, don't you think? 

Here's some outfits I've worn in past years:


2012
J.Crew Perfect Shirt (similar here)
Ralph Lauren Vest (Thrifted!) 
American Eagle Skirt
J.Crew Belt
Ralph Lauren Boots (similar here)


2011
The Limited Sweater
Old Navy T-shirt
Talbots Belt
Easy Money Jeans

Depending upon your family's tradition, you might need a cute dress for a more formal dinner, or a flannel and cords for a comfy family affair. I've compiled a few looks to help you get started on planning your Thanksgiving outfit!


Casual


Cute


Dressy

What do you usually wear on Thanksgiving? Have you given thought to this year's outfit?

Stay Stylish. Stay Classy. Be Creative.

Emily







Friday, November 15, 2013

Giving Talbots Credit

Talbots. 
The word might make the fashion conscious shudder, especially those under the age of 25. Images of matronly sweater sets, too-long skirts, over-conservative pantsuits, and dull colors may come to mind.
You may want to think again.

The retailer has revamped its image over the past few seasons. Although the conservative middle age set can still find their staple sweater sets and business suits, Talbots also caters to a more youthful crowd. Bright colors have made an appearance, as well as more updated silhouettes. Fun patterns sprinkle scarves, blouses, and vests, and the jewelry has received a makeover as well.

My mother, a devoted Talbots shopper, quit shopping at the retailer a few years back. She was sick of the selection and the bland offerings. However, over the past year or so, she has gotten back on the Talbots bandwagon. I've tagged along with her to our local Talbots the past few times, and I've been very pleased with what I've seen.

The new offerings transcend age groups. The styles are classic yet current, and many of the pieces would be appropriate for a 20-something woman, but would look just as great on her mother. I'm very pleased with the way Talbots has re-invented itself. I don't think it receives enough recognition for what it offers. It gets overshadowed by bigger name retailers such as Gap and J.Crew.

If you haven't set foot in a Talbots store in a while (or at all), I recommend you pop in on your next shopping trip. You'll be happy you did!

I've compiled some of my favorites from the current collection. I hope this inspires you to set foot in a Talbots and bring a bunch of clothes to the dressing room!


Who doesn't love cashmere? I'm usually not a fan of turtlenecks, but I love the color blocking on this one! I think it would be super cute with navy cords or jeans, or make it a little dressier by pairing it with a wool navy mini and tights.
2. Coat
It's no secret I have a major coat addiction. I don't have a red one in my collection yet, so this may have to be my next purchase. The leather-buckle toggles add such personality!
3. Tote
This quilted tote will fit a 13" laptop, so it's perfect for the office or around campus. I think I love it so much because it's Mizzou gold! Also comes in navy or black.
I love ankle pants more than anything. They flatter me way better than regular length slacks. So cute paired with loafers, heels, or riding boots. The houndstooth is a perfect pattern for fall, and paired with a crisp blouse and blazer, is a perfect business casual outfit.
What's better than the perfect pair of riding boots? Fun boot socks, of course! I love wearing colorful patterned socks under my riding boots. The color blocking on this pair is super fun!
These heels are so festive and perfect for the holidays! They aren't too high, so they are perfect from transitioning from the office to a holiday party. I'd pair them with a black pencil skirt, a white blouse, and a red pashmina. 
Talbots has always designed beautiful silk scarves. This equestrian-themed one is no exception. Pair it with your favorite wool peacoat, or tie it on your tote bag for some extra pizazz. 
Cute belts can really spice up an otherwise plain outfit. The gold bow detail on this belt definitely makes a statement (in a good way). Pair it with your favorite jeans and a T-shirt, or belt your newest sweater dress.

Have you shopped at Talbots lately? What do you think of their revamped designs?

Stay Stylish. Stay Classy. Be Creative.

Emily


Monday, November 11, 2013

The Versatility of the Vest

Dressing for the weather here in Missouri can sometimes prove to be a bit of a challenge. When I check the weather before I leave my dorm, it's 35 degrees, but by mid afternoon it's near 60.

I'm definitely not complaining about the beautiful weather! I love the sunshine and I would rather the cold temperatures of winter continue to hold off.

What's a girl to do to avoid freezing on the way to class in the morning, but not be sweating by the time she gets back to her dorm in the afternoon?

Enter the vest.


There are so many different types of vests, and they can be dressed up or down. I love layering mine over button ups, cable knit sweaters, or knit shirts. They are also great over sweatshirts for lazy days, or underneath heavier coats for extra warmth. I've been wearing mine under my raincoat this week for extra protection against the fall chill.

I've provided a few of my favorite vest choices, and my suggestions for what types of shirts to pair them with. I hope the vest can help you dress for the temperatures wherever you may be!

VESTS:
TOP ROW (L-R)
I love the bright pink color of this quilted vest! I think it would be perfect over a navy cable-knit sweater paired with jeans, or wear it with a denim button up with a pair of black leggings.
This vest is thicker and suited for cooler days. I think this would pair well with your favorite sweatshirt and jeans for a day in the library, or with a knit shirt and a corduroy skirt and leggings.
I'm such a sucker for anything navy, so of course I had to include my favorite hue in the selection. This quilted riding vest would look so cute layered over a plaid flannel shirt, or work just as well with your favorite chunky knit sweater.
How fun is this plaid vest from Talbots? I would wear this with a denim popover or over a black cardigan and white tank. Another option would be to wear this over a comfy black knit dress with leggings.
BOTTOM ROW (L-R)
Who doesn't want one of J.Crew's famed excursion vests. Exactly. I love how they paired it with a denim jacket and a skirt, but this vest would look great with a pink shirt or sweater and a denim skirt and leggings.
Fleece vests are a less bulky option and perfect for layering! I would wear this monogrammed version with my comfiest black leggings, riding boots, and a plaid button down. Perfect for an early morning class when you want to be comfortable but cute.
I'm already a huge fan of Patagonia's Re-Tool snap tees, so I was excited when I found out they make a vest version! I would throw this cozy piece on over my softest knit tee shirt for a day of studying in the library.
This sleek black vest is perfect for your active pursuits! Perfect for runs or bike rides outside. I would throw this on over my favorite dri-fit long sleeve T-shirt.

What kind of vests do you own? How do you wear them? 

Stay Stylish, Stay Classy, Be Creative.

Emily