Plaid Is The Glue That Can Hold An Outfit Together

I love plaid. It can always be dressed down or dressed up, without looking like you're trying too hard. Plaid has become more than just a thick flannel shirt to wear in the country when cutting lumber. It's become a fashion "do" (when done the right way, that is) and can make any outfit seem a bit more quirky and interesting.

I have about 7 plaid pieces in my closet: 2 dresses, 1 skirt, 2 button-down long sleeve shirts, 1 button-down short sleeve shirt, and 1 tank top. I just sort of accumulated them over the last few years, and I'm sure more plaid friends will eventually be joining the plaid party in my closet.

I think it's interesting to wear plaid with something unexpected, like a high-waisted skirt.

This plaid shirt is one of my favorite plaid pieces I own because it's very comfortable, light-weight, and versatile. I can wear it by itself or with a thin tank in the spring and summer, as well as in the fall and winter under a sweater. 

If your outfit seems to be falling apart, add some plaid to hold it together.

Never Thought I'd Want To Wear A Railroad Spike On My Finger!

My first thought when thinking about a spike nail is something that a person might hammer or drill into metal or wood, not wear on his or her finger. However, jewelry designer, Philip Crangi takes the idea of nails, hooks, and bolts into another realm.

I've had a slight obsession with rings for a few years now, but recently it's turned into a search to find the perfect ring that I'll never want to take off. I usually wear two large rings, one on each hand, and I change them up based on which ones I think will compliment my outfit the best. I like jewelry that is different. One of my favorite rings that I wear is the face of an owl. However, owls have become a big trend and I've been seeing owl jewelry all over the place, which no longer makes it seem as different.

Last night, I was feeding my obsession by checking out some online stores to see if I could find a new ring that grabbed my attention. Most of the rings I came across didn't peak my interest or were too similar to the ones I already had, until I saw a simple brass railroad spike. There was something about it that I couldn't resist. I love that it's so simple, yet unique enough to make a statement. I feel like I had been out of the loop, before discovering Philip Crangi last night. He's a collector of the past and a true artist of the present. He has inspired me to look at fashion and design in a new way, and that the unexpected is what keeps things interesting and worth looking at.

You can watch a video and see some of his designs on Gilesandbrother.com. I'm hoping to visit his store soon, which is located in the Meatpacking District in NYC.

Slip It Under

I remembered I had this red sweater in my closet that I had gotten a few years ago. I've always loved the sweater, but had never really figured out the best way to wear it. I had always paired it with jeans or skinny pants, until today. I realized if I just put a longer slip underneath the sweater, it could actually work as a dress! I then decided to add the belt to cinch my waist a bit, so that the sweater wouldn't hang on me.

Sweater (Anthropologie); Slip (Anthropologie); Belt (Vintage); Ankle Boots (Urban Outfitters)

It's all about the pairing.

If I Worked In An Office...

Vintage fashion is something that always inspires me. I love blending modern clothes with vintage style. I can spend hours in a vintage shop and whether or not I find anything, I always leave with new ideas.

 

Navy Wool High-Waisted Skirt (found at Retrospect); Cardigan (Anthropologie); Silk Tank (Anthropologie); Tights (Anthropologie); T-Strap Heels (Target)

Let the past inspire the present.

Brighten Up A Grey Day

When the days get shorter, the air gets colder, and the sky gets darker, put on a pop of color to brighten the day. 

Sweater (Anthropologie); Dress (Topshop); Teal Suede Belt (Anthropologie); Scarf (Street Vendor in NYC); Tights (Target); Boots (Ciao Bella)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Transitioning, With Something Cozy

Just because there is a chill in the air, doesn't mean style has to be sacrificed for warmth. Layering is a fabulous way to stay warm, while still getting to wear those lighter weight pieces underneath. Tights and sweaters are my best friends when the temps start to dip below 60 degrees. They allow you to wear your lighter weight dresses and tops well into the winter (though certain patterns and motifs may not be appropriate to wear in the fall/winter...you should still be selective). It's important to have transitional pieces in your wardrobe that will allow you to turn a simple dress you wear in the spring/summer into a lovely fall ensemble.

Plaid Summer Dress (Anthropologie); Sweater (Anthropologie); Teal Suede Belt (Anthropologie); Textured Tights (Target); Boots (Ciao Bella); Faux Fur Collar (H&M)

Be creative and unafraid to challenge tradition.

Sequins, Scotties, and Leopard...Oh, My!

One of my favorite things when putting an outfit together is mixing textures and patterns. The unexpected is what excites me in a person's style. I love figuring out new and unexpected ways to put an outfit together. The wonderful thing about fashion/clothes is that it doesn't matter how old something is or where you bought it from (i.e. Barneys New York or a thrift store), it's how you put it all together. Small changes like adding a sweater and belt to an older dress can make a former passé outfit into something that looks straight off the runway. I never have to travel far for adventure because it's always in my closet. 


This outfit reminds me of a throwback to old hollywood glamour, with the sequin cardigan, faux fur, and back seam stockings.  

Scottie Romper (Anthropologie), Black Skinny Belt (my mom's closet), Sequin Cardigan (Anthropologie), Black Back Seam Stockings (J.Crew), Ankle Boots (Urban Outfitters), Faux Fur Jacket (Nordstrom)

Let what inspires you, dress you.