Thursday Trend: Color Blocking for Fall

You all know from some of my previous posts that I'm a big supporter of color blocking. I think it's adventurous, and cool, and makes ever outfit unique.

I stumbled across this photo from the 3.1 Phillip Lim runway at New York Fashion Week for Fall 2011. What I really love about this look is that Phillip Lim transitions to fall, but doesn't lose the bright hues in the clothing. There's a common misconception that in the colder months you should only wear navy,  black, and other darker colors. False. This outfit is a great example of how to incorporate brights in longer length tops and pants.

I also love how PL paired a circular necklace with a v-neck top. It adds a sense of asymmetry -- another style element I'm a huge fan of!

Photo courtesy of Fashionologie

Since it's still warm out, I want to get as much sandal use in as possible! For this outfit, I wore Sam Edelman flats with a gorgeous beaded design.

I don't know if you're able to tell, but the flowers and all the detail on the top portion is
made from individually sewn on beads. Love these sandals!

Make it your own:
Shirt: American Apparel $21
Sweater: J.Crew (Similar) $62
Pants: J.Crew (Similar) $39.99
Sandals: Sam Edelman
Necklace: Picked up at a craft fair

Win It Wednesday! And the winner is...

Hey guys!

First-- I just want to send out a big thank you to all of you who participated in my first ever blog contest! I had a great time working with the jewelry designer at EveryOccasionDesigns- she's super excited to gift her hand-crafted designs to our lucky winner!

--Also, I had a blast reading all of your comments, tweets, and Facebook posts. I hope in the future, you continue to participate in my contests and giveaways. Maybe next time you'll be the winner!--

I counted each individual comment that followed all rules of the contest (after following my blog, left a comment with with pair of earrings you like). And now for the announcement!

The winner is: Jackie I!

CONGRATS! You've won "It's A Wrap" earrings from EveryOccasionDesign's Etsy Boutique! Please do me a favor and email me with your full name and address so I can send the earrings your way! Send the email to jcplatt19[at]gmail[dot]com

I hope once you get them, you take a quick pic for us to show off your new jewels. I'll upload the pic to the blog in a contest winner update post!  :)

Stay fashionable,
Jess

Kim K. goes Casual

Hope everyone had a great weekend, despite some awful weather from Hurricane Irene!

I didn't get out of the house much this weekend, but when I did, I was inspired by a photo of Kim Kardashian taken as she was walking along the street in LA. She's super casual in fitted white denim, and a loose blue top. Paired with her nude flat sandals and a black boho bag, this look is perfect for a Saturday afternoon.

I'm slightly irritated by the text in the middle of the photo... 

For my outfit, I wore my straight leg white jeans from Gap, and a blue & white loose top from Converse for Target. After adding my sandals and purse, I think I modified this look pretty well with what I owned!

Just noticed that my cat is trying to creep into this pic! 

Make it your own:
Jeans: Gap (I actually picked these up for $7 dollars at a Gap Outlet last year!)
Top: Converse for Target (Similar) $29.99
Sandals: Kelly & Katie $39.95
Bag: Longchamp $98- $145

What to Wear: Hurricanes, Earthquakes, & other Unpleasant Weather

In light of the recent earthquake centered in Virginia, and with Hurricane Irene about to roll through Maryland/wreak havoc on the east coast, I just want to share a friendly reminder:

Even during tumultuous weather, you can still remain stylish. And I'll show you how!

Outerwear
It's important to always have effective (sturdy) outerwear to keep you cool and dry from the rain. Here are some of my favorite jackets:

Matinee Trench, J.Crew, $168

I'm loving the chic navy hue of this trench. So perfect for the transition into the fall season!

70's Belted Trench, Asos, $69.52 

On Tuesday, my post was all about this royal blue color for fall. Why not incorporate it into your disaster-proof outerwear? This jacket is to die for! And a fabulous price (originally around $150)!

Barbour Antique Coastal Durham Jacket, Barbour for J.Crew, $399

There's no doubt this will keep you dry in a hurricane. Totally prepared for disgusting weather, while remaining tres chic= win/win situation!

Footwear

When there's a hurricane happening... It's important to also keep your perfectly polished toes dry! These galoshes make me smile big:

Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Rainboot, DSW, $39.94

This purple is such a sweet color! I love how Sperry kept the sole and foot portion of the boot black to hide dirt/mud marks-- smart thinking!

You can never go wrong with Hunter. The designs are simple and straight-forward-- and super cute.

Hunter Boot Original Tall Metallic Rainboots, Bloomingdales, $145

I love a little sparkle, especially in my step!

Hunter Tall Glossy Rubber Rainboot, Lord & Taylor, $125

Pink rainboots are the perfect combination of style and sass. Have a little fun in the rain with these :)

Nomad Puddles Indo Floral Rainboot, DSW, $39.95

If you prefer patterns, I love the idea of a floral paisley. This pattern reminds me of fall with the greens and darker red/orange tones. 

Just for Fun: For Your Furry Friends

Your pets should always be prepared for crazy weather as well, and it's only fair that they're as chic as you are. Two ways to make that happen:

Yellow Raincoat, The Sassy Pup, $40.99

The quintessential yellow poncho. Every sassy pup needs this for rainy days!

Orange Rain Jacket with Reflective Strip, Dog Supplies, $7.69

For the more active & adventurous pup-- the reflective strip raincoat is a must!  Plus, I'm loving the bright orange (GO CUSE!).

I hope this blogpost helps put some excitement back into the impending crappy weather/hurricane doom! Even when it's gross outside, you can always be fabulous!

Stay dry this weekend, and more importantly, stay safe. According to the news, miss Irene is no joke!

<3

Jess

Win It Wednesday! Earrings from EveryOccasionDesigns!

I'm so excited to announce my first blog contest! For real... SO EXCITED!

You guys have seen me wear some beautiful pieces from EveryOccasionDesigns, one of my favorite Etsy jewelry boutiques. The online shop has partnered with me to host a blog contest!

It gets better! Since everyone has a unique style, the jewelry designer has agreed to let the contest winner pick ANY one pair of earrings off the site that he/she likes! This is FABULOUS!

Winning is easy. Just follow these steps:

1) Follow my blog (On the right hand side, you can press "Follow")
2) Leave a comment on this post of which pair of earrings is your favorite!
3) Extra Credit: Tweet this blog post, or post it to your Facebook Wall!

The winner will be chosen at random and announced on the blog next Wednesday, August 31, at 12pm EST.

Some of my personal favorites from EveryDayOccasions:

"Angular in Teal"

"It's a Wrap"

"Jane of the Jungle"

"Charming"

Good Luck, everyone!

<3 Jess

~~Blue Me Away~~

There's no question that royal blue is the "it" color transitioning from this summer to this upcoming Fall season. It's been spotted on runways of the likes of Gucci, BCBG, Lela Rose, Issa, DKNY and Michael Kors (just to name a few!).

I like when fashion takes it one step further. Mixing blue with black, and adding in asymmetrical details makes this a look I couldn't resist recreating for my blog!

Aquascutum

Lela Rosa

(Inspiration photos from Mode Devoted)

Here's what I wore to modify this runway look:

I got my blue dress at Lord & Taylor four years ago, but I wear it every summer! It's a soft, tee-shirt material which makes it super comfortable to wear all day. I love the braided strap on the left shoulder that gives the dress a chic, asymmetrical feel. I also really love the layered fabrics on the bodice of the dress. I think it has the same effect as the Lela Rose dress in the runway inspiration photo.

I added on the black cardigan, and wore gorgeous blue earrings from EveryOccasionDesigns to complete the look. (Not sure if you can tell in the photo, but my sweater has sequin pockets!) Love me some sparkles!

Thoughts... Would you wear this look??

Make it our own:

Dress: Lord & Taylor

Sweater: J.Crew 

Sandals: Steve Madden (Similar) $69.95

Earrings: c/o EveryOccasionDesigns

***Contest Announcement Tomorrow!***

What I wore this weekend! 8/21/11

Hey everyone!

Here's what I wore this weekend!

On Friday night, I was lucky enough to score last minute tickets to the Baltimore Raven's game. So awesome! I wore a loose, deep purple tank over a tighter white tank, paired with my dark straight-leg denims.

--Obviously the second photo has been "enhanced" a bit. I downloaded the Instagram last week on my new phone, and I may (or may not) be a little obsessed with it....--

Make it your own:

Jeans: Kensie Orig. $78, now on sale for $29.99 (um... amazing!)

White Tank: Sugarlips $14

Purple Tank: Target (Similar) $17.99

On Saturday, I went out with my friends, and it was gorgeous weather! I wanted to take advantage of this summer warmth while it lasts, so I opted for a dress instead of jeans. I wore a blue dress with black lace overlay on the bottom, which I absolutely love! The length of the dress goes a few inches above my knee. (I had taken a full length picture to put on the blog, but it came out too blurry.) 

The dress is from Target - Xhilaration brand (similar) $24.99.

Hope you all had a *fabulously stylish* weekend!

<3
Jess