Spring In My Step

    

Yes, yet again we have failed and the blog has taken too long. 

But happy first day of warmth everyone! 

I’m actually writing this in the car, still wearing the same outfit, driving down to Charlottesville. Which means one thing: it’s vineyard season.

And, I am partial to the taste of Virginia grape. Loyalty dies hard.

  

Skirt: a.Haley (great vineyard skirt here) Shoes: Dolce Vita (on sale here) Necklace: Anthropologie (similar here)

In true Virginia fashion, I needed something maxi for my endeavors. But it’s 80 degrees today (I have actually witnessed groups of strangers hi five each other due to the weather), meaning I need a breathable maxi. Because sweat doesn’t go as well with wine. 

 

I hope everyone else is taking advantage of the beautiful weather! 

Xoxo, 

Tash 

Style Me Skinny

I have a confession about this outfit.

This is the first one I actually bought JUST for the sake of blogging. It was dumb, kind of a waste of money, but made me feel like a movie star.

Shirt: a.Haley (Target has some great ones in store) || Pants a.Haley (similar here) Bag: Chloe Heels: Dolce Vita (here) 

Unfortunately, I am not a movie star. And I live in a city that welcomes Uggs for any occasion… so this outfit has been a little harder to plan around. As in, I haven’t (I welcome any suggestions).

I know this doesn’t stray too far from rompers and teal time, but Em and I definitely like what we like. And outfits that stop right at the tiniest part of my waist? I like it. Especially since I don’t HAVE a particularly defined waist.

I’m sure if you have a boxier frame, like me, you’ve noticed that this season actually loves you. The sun opened a pathway for Iris to create magic rainbows to Milan, and out popped the most flattering shapes that have been in style since… well, the 90s. So off I go, to tuck my pooch into high waisted pants & skirts and skip along imagination lane, where no one can tell that I haven’t actually gotten into swimsuit shape yet.

(We’ll see if I make it there. I’m not too concerned, as the city of Baltimore seems to be holding a grudge against sunlight).

Anyways, HAPPY FRIDAY!! Hope everyone’s looking forward to the weekend!

xoxo, Tash

A Week in the Life

Top: Free People (here) | Trousers: Free People (here) | Bralette: Free People (here) | Shoes: Free People (here) | Hat: Free People (here) | Necklace: Free People (here) | Cuff: Free People (here)

Hello to all you bloggers anonymous, my name is Emily and I have a problem.

(collectively, “Hi Emily”)

I like clothes. I like the confidence a great LBD gives you when your going out on the town, or the sheer beauty you feel when wearing an ethereal maxi. Well, as if I needed any more stoking to the fires of my addiction – I have been working in retail my entire life.

  

OUTFIT 1   Kimono: Free People (here) | Jeans: Nordstrom (here) | Shoes: Topshop (here)        OUTFIT 2   Dress: Free People (here) | Shoes: Free People (here) | Hat: Free People (here)

I should probably put it into writing that I don’t believe I have an actual problem but I love joking around that I do. However, I will admit that I am good at my job, I am good with fashion. I can see a room full of clothes and form outfits and combinations in my head. I love it! It is like solving a riddle or puzzle: how many ways can I combine these pieces to come up with the best possible outcome of an outfit?

Romper: Free People (here) | Kimono: Free People (here)

In the past I have worked with JCrew, Nordstroms, and I just started my new job as one of the managers of the newly opened Free People in Sarasota, Florida. I have seen my array of different companies and different styles. And as I hopped from company to company my fashion hopped along with it. I have experienced the simplistic classics of JCrew, the sophisticated modern wear of Nordstrom and the spirited bohemian of Free People.

To be honest, I don’t think my personal style gravitates to any one of these stores in particular. I am a nomad of fashion if you will. I have pieces from all three stores that I absolutely love.

   

Bra: Free People (here) | Crop Top: Free People (here) | Pants: Free People (here)

However, now that I am in full swing at my new job at Free People, I thought it would be enjoyable to take some pictures of my outfits to show all you interested readers “A Week in the Life.” Being a full-time manager, you have to look the part when you come into work and not only wear the companies merchandise but look how you think the Free People girl would look. That is the same at any retail company.

So here are some of my favorite looks… hope it brings out the gypsy in all of you.

xoxo, Emily

Rompin’ Around

So I realize there has been some serious radio silence from Em and I.

A couple big things happened this week — Emily helped manage her first store opening for Free People (the pics are coming… trust me, they’re worth the wait), and I had some fast project turnover.

I DO know that excuses are like butts (does anyone else seriously hate that phrase? I use it because I get cliche when I don’t know what to say… I know that doesn’t make it any better)… So I wont use anymore excuses.

However, I tend to stress shop, so trust me when I say that outfits are coming.

Despite the overdue nature of this post, I’m actually super excited about it. No longer are these outfits a far-off pipe dream, but they’re real. They’re coming. There will be green grass, tans, and flirty throwbacks all over our grey, dreary worlds in a matter of weeks.

I feel like I’ve been stylistically cockblocked by the weather lately — creatively frustrated, if you will — and I am so unbelievably stoked.

I guess I should talk about the clothes, now.

We’ve mentioned it before, and I’m sure you’ve seen it in all your favorite stores, but the big thing for this season is 90’s. Best part? It coincides with Netflix streaming Friends, and HBO working out their solo subscription — so go binge watch some Friends and Sex and the City for your style inspiration this season. Or better yet, turn on some Clueless.

Em and I decided to go full force with rompers, halters, tube tops, and mirrored lenses — the whole gambit. The one thing we both agree on, though, is that you should keep your scrunchies at bay (I’m looking at you, Ann Taylor).

Hope everyone’s slowly restoring their vitamin D.

Xoxo,

Tash

Teal Time

I have said it multiple times, so bear with me while I repeat myself (this is for the benefit of my new readers). If you have already read one of my lectures pertaining to the collection of statement pieces then consider this as a road sign. You old groupies and readers can take the condensed route and skip down to where I say “ALTERNATE ROUTE START HERE.”

Top & Pant Set: The Look Boutique (love this set) || Skirt: Nordstrom (similar here) || Vest: Target (similar here) || Shoes: Steve Madden (here)

Anyway, apologies to all my new readers… I shall start over. I have said it multiple times, I believe in having more statement pieces in your closet than basics. I took that fashion mantra of “70% basics and only 30% statement pieces” and chucked it out the window… and then stomped on it some more.

I love basics, they are wonderfully basic and we all need those in our life to pick us up when the statements have overwhelmed us. But statements are just what they sound like, STATEMENTS, and the more statements you have the less you’ll have to think about what to wear in the morning. You just throw on that statement pant and a basic top and you are good to go! Statements are the fast-food of fashion.

Headband: Anthropologie (here) || Earrings: JCrew (also like these) || Watch: Michael Kors || Bangle: Kendra Scott (here)

{ALTERNATE ROUTE START HERE}

That being said, I love shopping for pieces that are interchangeable. Aka, statements that I can wear multiple ways. These two outfits are prime examples. The outfits consist of one statement top that has two compatible and matching statement bottoms. Then I added the vest and some fun accessories in for good measure.

Simple! Like I said… fast food. And everyone loves fast food.

So, instead of just buying pieces with one single outfit in mind be sure to find multiple ways to wear one thing. By doing that you will multiply your closet x2 and save yourself some money in the process! Which is always a bonus.

Xoxo, Emily

Date Night Options (or Lack Thereof)

So I’m 23 and single in a city. Which means I’m trying to date — and often in a desperate, soul sucking manner (i.e. bars & tinder).

Because of this, I’ve had plenty of time to find the perfect “first date dress”. Yet it has been far more difficult than I anticipated.

At one point in Tampa, I really thought I’d figured it out with some Urban dresses, especially when my little sister told me one of them made me look like “Marilyn Monroe”.  I spun around, triumphantly declaring it my first date dress.

Isabella pointedly eyed my chest, and, without missing a beat, replied, “Maybe that’s a second date dress.”

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft (in stores) Shoes: similar here Belt:  Anthropologie (similar here) Clutch: Anthropologie (similar here)

So then I had to find something sexy, but appropriate, and pretty, without trying too hard, and slimming, but simple, and versatile…

I think I finally found it all in this dress. And for anyone with my body type (short height, thicker waist), I highly recommend it. It is the perfect fabric to smooth everything out, but still cinch it in, and it can be dressed up, dressed down, or even paired with a cardigan and statement necklace for work.

I still haven’t met a guy, but I’m in love.

With this dress.

 Shoes: Louboutin Clutch: Banana Republic (old, love this springtime version)  

However, I want to come back to this trying too hard concept.

I have developed the truly terrible habit of Tinder swiping. And I should stop, but it’s so entertaining. And so immediately gratifying. And I realize I SHOULD be absolutely disgusted with what I’ve received… But that would be a complete lie. I love this shit.

I’ll say I’m snarky by nature. And Tinder is a playground for sarcastic jerks. It’s as though a green light is given, and I go from 0 to asshole within seconds.

So, yeah, I’ve found the dress, but I am far from finding the guy. And I would like to show Exhibits A – F in support of this statement. (I know, not exactly standard fashion blog material, but I couldn’t help myself — feel free to ignore).

  Yeah, ok. Maybe I’ll try going to a book store next time.

Xoxo, Tash

Green & Glittery

Now that we’ve sprung forward, I think I can officially say… Happy March, everyone!

And Em and I decided to show some of that spring spirit with our glittery greens.

   

It finally reached 50s in Baltimore today, but looking at the Tampa throwbacks is making me wish I was somewhere sunny and 75. At the very least, though, the spring partying has begun (thank God).

And in order to keep up with the trends, we felt the need to post our take on St. Patty’s day colors.

Holiday theme dressing has always been one of my favorite activities (and you can bank on the fact that I’m the obnoxious pincher on St. Patrick’s day), but with work, its a little more difficult to remain appropriate (green tshirts with slogans like “Magically Delicious” don’t really fly anymore… although, they really shouldn’t. Ever.)

So it became even more fun to put together something still relatively  obnoxious (helloooo sequins), yet still adult. Because I’ve been told I am one.

Shoes: Anthropologie (old, similar here) Skirt:  JCrew (in black here) Shirt: Jcrew Clutch: JCrew (similar in green and rose gold here) Jewelry: DKM, Michael Kors

In addition to the holiday, this post was particularly fun because it was actually the first post Em and I did together while I was home. And having her mom photograph us was incredible — I can definitely see where Emily gets her sense of design. It was so nice to have someone tell me EXACTLY what to do to make my pictures better (as I have mentioned, the photography part of blogging is the part I firmly dislike).

At one point I was holding one of the branches in these pictures, and she quickly directed me to put my arm down due to “too much pit”.

I’m not gonna lie, hearing Em’s mom tell me to conceal my armpit was a highlight of the day (when WAS the last time I shaved?!?) and I almost lost it. I would’ve been on the ground laughing for the rest of our photoshoot if Emily hadn’t noticed me about to decompose. The camera and Emily have a very solid relationship, and she was able to hold my gaze and keep me calm enough to get in a few decent pictures.

Then Em did her thing and the camera loved her, and I did my best to copy.

Dress: Anthropologie, old Shoes: Frye (here) Clutch: JCrew, old

Ah, well, you win some, you lose some, and  I won enough of them to get some pictures up.

Xoxo, Tash

Working Basics {Part 2}

A couple of weeks ago, Tash brought you a post about “Working Basics.” You can think of this as the sequel or part 2 to that post. It is basically my own personal take on how you can work your basics.

Tash said, in her own working basics post that, “Most people tend to gravitate towards special purchases… None of those are so great for constant re-wearing. Your wardrobe is “supposed” to be about 70% basic pieces and 30% interest pieces…” I completely agree with this advice; however, that’s not really how I do it (this is another prime example of Tash’s and my differing style opinions). With so many basics I tend to feel boring and black and white so I decided to coin my own shopping technique. Now, I am that person who has the 70% interest or bold pieces and 30% basics. But amidst my changing methods and therefore my changing wardrobe, I had an epiphany: just because something is an interest piece doesn’t mean it’s not also a basic. Actually, my absolute favorite pieces are those that can double as a statement AND basic. Then again, I’ve always liked to put lots of different patterns, fabrics, and accessories together—kind of like a puzzle. So my basics are rarely incredibly basic… that makes sense, right? Sure.

 T-Shirt: Nordstrom Rack (old, also like this one) || Button-down: Forever 21 (here) || Trench-coat: Urban Outfitters (here) || Skirt: Saks Fifth Avenue (old, also like this one) || Booties: Target || Jewelry: Michael Kors Watch & Kendra Scott Ring 

If anyone were to look at my closet they would think that none of the items I have are what you would call a basic—they are all statement pieces—and yet they all go together!

Not many people would think of a brown beaded skirt or a flowered tank top as a basic but because the skirt is a neutral color (brown), and the top, trench, and booties have a consistent color story—it works (refer to my in depth discussion on color story’s in the “Layer me Pretty” post)! Whereas, a floral shirt and a floral skirt would be just too much. Then adding the chambray button-down was just elementary (I don’t think there is any piece of clothing that a chambray shirt won’t go with).

Ok, if your brain is hurting after reading that, you are not alone. I just read over it and am mentally exhausted. But before you shut down your computer and your brain and lose all the data that just entered (teehee, I hope Tash notices I’m trying to be punny), let me leave you with one tip: bold pieces are not something to be feared but something to be challenged by.

Here are some of my favorite “basics” (or lack thereof) at the moment…

Shoes: Anthropologie || Hat: Urban Outfitters (similar here) || Necklace: Anthropologie (similar here) || Clutch: The Look Boutique

Good Luck!

 Xoxo, Emily

Lumberjack Lady

Obviously one of the fun elements of fashion is studying how someone else — anyone else — wears their clothes, and then imitating it with your own wardrobe.

That’s exactly what happened here. Emily put together an outfit that balances feminine and burly in an fantastically unexpected way — and I had to copy it.

Skirt: similar on sale here Shoes: similar here Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (Medium Mab, here)

Before I talk about myself, I have to mention these shoes. Because these are clearly the interest piece on Emily’s outfit, and I had nothing to compare (surprise). Also, they just sold out at Anthropologie, and therefore became a royal pain in the ass to find something similar to.

I dare you to google “pastel pink lace ups” and NOT trigger your gag reflex — I don’t think you can. It’s like reliving some hellacious Hot Topic/ Hello Kitty nightmare — the one I thought had been laid to rest after we all grew out of our Taking Back Sunday days.

But while the plastic-and-glass heeled versions of Emily’s shoes are enough to lose sleep over, this demurred and grown-up version is what moves her flannel-and-leather combo from Library Sleep to Street Chic.

And then there was me.

I kinda had one of those weeks in which you just don’t want to deal with reality, and, unfortunately, I think my pictures kind of reflect that. The whole “working more, and the snow makes me want to punch something innocent, and my roommates won’t go outside, and oh, I spilt water all over my camera” kind of week.

So if you’re wondering about the low-res indoor shots  … what low-res indoor shots?

Whatever. I took the opportunity to make my flannel artsy. See? There’s a book, a coffee mug, and an insta filter.

Artsy.

Purse: Anthropologie (here) Leggings: similar here Headband: Loft  (similar here)

I didn’t have any funky boots to go with my flannel and leather, so I glammed it up instead with a beaded bag and headband. And then I sat inside in my decided-upon outfit because… sleet.

Anyways, I hope that everyone else managed to escape the snow and not break their electronics… Just three more weeks until the March Equinox! Let’s hope the weather figures that out.

Xoxo, Tash

Winter Whites

 

I know what you’re thinking. White? During Winter? Isn’t that some horrifying fashion faux pas? Yes, I suppose it is. But if you have read any of my other posts and know a little bit of me, then you know I am one to rarely follow the rules. I like to think of it as improving on the rules. I take it as a challenge to prove them wrong.

So, I decided to go out on a limb and dare to break this rule. I agree that a bright white during winter may look a bit off. However, if you go a slight shade darker to a light ivory you should be in the clear (to be honest, this post should really be called Winter Ivory, but that didn’t sound as aesthetically pleasing as Winter Whites).

      

Dress: Topshop || Coat: Vintage || Shoes: Steve Madden || Clutch: Vintage

I love nothing more than monochromatic white (or ivory). It is probably one of my favorite fashion “go-to’s.” Whether it be a white lace blouse and white blazer, a loose white tank and my white tuxedo vest, or the outfit you see here. And if you are ever in a rush and need a quick outfit to throw on—whether it be summer or winter—you can never go wrong with this simple white on white action.

Watch: Michael Kors || Bangle: Madewell || Earrings: Anthropologie (also like these) || Ring: Kendra Scott (here)

I especially love wearing this dress and coat combo to winter parties and functions when other women are wearing their black lace and blue velvet (not that I dislike either of those options). However, during the colder seasons I can start to get visually depressed by all the darker colors; black coats, black boots, and grey sweaters. It can all be too much. So this is my solution the melancholy winter wear. And it’s especially fun when paired with elegant emerald accessories and a bright red lipstick!

Hope this daily dose of fashion advice revives you.

Xoxo, Emily