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Modest Fashion Friday: Classic Trench With a Denim Dress

by | Dec 9, 2016 | Fashion

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A classic trench is a wardrobe staple. Every girl should own one. A trench coat is such a versatile piece of clothing. It can be worn with so many different outfits and in so many kinds of weather. I love the simplicity of a trench coat. They can be found in different colors and a myriad of fabrics, but I prefer a tan coat in the classic double-breasted style.

For this outfit, I wore my own tan trench with a cute mid-length denim dress, leggings, and knee-high boots. The shirtdress is a soft, simple piece that’s very comfortable. I pulled it in at the waist with a brown braided belt and added a long necklace with a heart pendant for interest. The detailing on the necklace is lovely, with a beautiful scroll pattern design.

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The dress is by J. Jill–some of my absolute favorite clothing pieces come from that brand. I paired it with grey leggings for warmth and modesty, since the dress is shorter than I normally wear.

The grey cardigan added a bit of extra warmth. I have had this cardigan for several years and have worn it countless times with a huge variety of outfits. It goes with almost everything in my closet. I love that it can be dressed up or worn very casually. Plus, it’s super comfy. And if you haven’t figured it out by now, I like comfy.

These boots are by far the most comfortable ones I own. I actually walked the Great Wall of China in these things. They’ve held up really well, especially for the price I paid for them.

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The bag is in a very dark navy leather. I’ve had it for a couple of months now and I’m finding that it is wearing beautifully. The more I use it, the more nice and soft and supple it gets. The thing I love most about this bag is the amazing deal I got on it. Using a combination of sales, coupons, Ebates, and clearance pricing, I got this bag for about 90% off the original price. How’s that for bargain shopping?

What I Wore

Trench coat: Old Navy
Shirtdress: J. Jill (similar)
Cardigan: ThredUp
Boots: Top Moda
Necklace: similar
Belt: similar
Bag: Relic leather tote

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something using one of my links.  Note that I only recommend products I believe in. Your support is appreciated!

Modest Fashion Friday: Maxi Dress Styled 3 Ways

by | Dec 2, 2016 | Fashion

A knit maxi dress is the ultimate in comfortable clothing. Wearing one is like wearing your pajamas all day.

A simple knit maxi dress it also a blank slate. It can be a wonderful opportunity to accessorize creatively. It can be so much fun to take a plain, simple T-shirt dress and add accessories to create different looks. It’s so versatile. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve created three different looks with one simple knit maxi dress. This dress is one I’ve had for many years. It’s extremely comfortable and stretchy. The color is a beautiful soft blue that can be accented with a variety of colors and textures. It’s truly a blank canvas just waiting for imaginative accessorizing!

If you want to duplicate what I’ve done here, dresses like this one are easy to find

For the first look, I paired the dress with an asymmetrical front vest and floral belt. The vest adds some color and interest and the belt defines the waistline. I wore this with my favorite pair of booties for a fun, just-a-notch-above-casual look.

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This second look combines the simplicity of the maxi dress with a cream colored denim jacket and blue ombre scarf. This gives off a laid-back, fun vibe. The jacket and scarf give a bit of extra warmth as well, making this layered look a perfect outfit for the winter months. Navy blue flats finish the look in a simple, classic way.

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The final look I created with this dress is a bit more dressed up. It could even be work appropriate. I added a blue and beige pinstriped blazer and a statement necklace to the dress, elevating the look. Nude colored heels also add to the dressiness factor of this outfit, making it just right for a bit more formal occasion.

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Taking a simple maxi dress and adding accessories is a wonderful way to utilize basic wardrobe pieces in a strategic way to create many looks from just a few items. This formula could work in many different instances.

Some simple wardrobe staples and a little ingenuity can go a long way toward creating some amazing outfits.

What I Wore

Dress: No longer available. Here’s one similar. And here’s another.
Vest: Dressing Your Truth (Similar)
Belt: via ThredUP
Boots: Zulily

Denim jacket: Old Navy
Scarf: thrifted (similar)
Navy blue flats: Amazon

Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft via ThredUp 
Statement necklace: Similar
Earrings: Handmade by yours truly
Shoes: Lauren Conrad

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something using one of my links.  Note that I only recommend products I believe in. Your support is appreciated!

Linking up with: Modest Mondays| Hello Monday| Classy Monday | Start the Week Stylish | Watch What I am Wearing | Style Sessions | Style Swap Tuesdays | On Trend Tuesdays | Turning Heads Tuesday | What I Wore | What I Wore Wednesday | Style Me Wednesday | Color and Grace | Who’s Wearing What Wednesday | Style Me Weekly | Style Spotlight | What Wives Wear | #WIWT | No Rules Weekend Blog Party | A Labour of Fashion | Friday’s Fab Favorites | Fun Fashion | Casual Friday | #passion4fashion | Fancy Friday | Fabulous Friday | Fashion Friday | Weekend Wear Linkup

Festive Fashion for the Holidays

by | Nov 25, 2016 | Fashion

Looking for some festive fashion ideas for the holidays? I’ve come up with a few from my own wardrobe.

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All Glammed Up

modest-glam3This silk wrap top and chiffon skirt are a dressy and feminine combination. There is a certain sophistication in using separates as formalwear.

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The skirt is a very dark charcoal grey color. I’ve had this skirt for many, many years. It has served me well throughout many a formal occasion. I’ve worn it to banquets, weddings, and parties—pretty much any type of dressy event you can name. It presents the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.

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This top is absolutely the most beautiful color. It’s a lovely shade of purple. The silk fabric has a beautiful drape and the design lines of the blouse are simply perfection. There is a lovely little ruffle detailing on the edge of the sleeve.

These two pieces, paired with the statement necklace, clutch and heels, make for a festive holiday look perfect for a formal occasion.

Party Ready

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Going to a party this holiday season and not sure what to wear? Let this outfit give you some holiday fashion inspiration!

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This soft mocha colored wrap dress is flattering yet comfortable. On its own, it’s a fairly basic dress. Paired with nude heels and a beautifully patterned wrap, the neutral color of the dress is elevated to a festive party look.

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Family Gatherings

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The holidays are a time of gathering with family and keeping time honored traditions. This outfit has classic elements with a more modern twist.

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A forest green, pleated wool skirt acts as a neutral when paired with a more vibrant rose colored sweater. This sweater is so cozy and soft, it’s like wrapping up in a comfy blanket. The cowl neck adds interest, and the batwing sleeves give off a relaxed feel. The overall effect is a ladylike but effortless look ready for hugs, dinners, and hanging out in the kitchen after the family meal.

Worship Services

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Christmas time brings with it special times of worship and remembrance of the birth of Christ. Church services may be more frequent. A festive but appropriately demure outfit is what’s called for on these occasions.

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This velvet blazer sets the tone for a lovely but simple look. It has a dressed up feel, while still serving as a wardrobe basic. The lovely lavender color is subdued but classic. It pairs beautifully with the green skirt from the previous outfit example. The tones of the two colors compliment each other well. The overall effect is serious but not stuffy.

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Dressing for special occasions during the holiday season can be so much fun. I hope these outfits give you inspiration for some festive fashion for the holidays!

What I Wore

Formal skirt: Fashion Bug, many, many years ago (I found one that would give a similar effect.)
Wrap top: BCBG via ThredUp. (Try this one.)
Shoes and Clutch: via ThredUp

Wrap dress: Banana Republic via ThredUp (Here’s one similar)
Shawl: Mine was a gift (similar)
Shoes: Lauren Conrad

Sweater: thrifted (similar)
Skirt: Chadwicks, many years ago (similar)
Boots: Zulily

Blazer: Ann Taylor LOFT via ThredUp (similar)
Scarf: via ThredUp

(Can you tell I really love finding clothes at ThredUp? If you’ve never heard of ThredUp before, it is an online consignment store which sells designer clothing and accessories. It’s a great place to find high quality, very gently used clothing for a fraction of the price of new. Use my referral link and receive $10 off your first order.)

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something using one of my links.  Note that I only recommend products I believe in. Your support is appreciated!

Wardrobe Wish List: 6 Looks I’d Love to Try

by | Nov 21, 2016 | Fashion

Winter time will very soon be upon us. I’ve been loving the sweaters, boots, and cozy clothes of fall. Even though we’ve had a mild fall, I know that soon enough the cold will come and my beautiful New England home will be buried in snow for months. Which means it will be time for lots and lots of layers of warm clothes.

I realize that in some climates, winter clothes really aren’t that different than fall. But where I live, bundling up in the dead of winter is an absolute necessity.

Dressing fashionably when the ground is covered with several feet of snow and the roads are dirty from the salt and sand is a bit of a challenge. But I’m up for it.

I’ve been doing a bit of online “window shopping” lately in preparation for the shift into winter fashion. There’s nothing in particular I really need right now as far as clothing goes. But it’s sure is fun to look, isn’t it?

My absolute favorite place to shop for clothing online is ThredUp. That’s where I have found so many amazing deals on designer brands, all of which have been in excellent condition. I just love the concept of an online consignment shop selling good quality used clothing at a tiny fraction of what they would cost new. If you’re in the market for some new wardrobe pieces but you’re clothing budget is tight, check out ThredUp. I guarantee you’ll find something you love for a price you can afford. (If you use my referral link, you’ll get $10 off your first order.)

Before I go shopping at ThredUP, though, I like to do a little looking around the web for inspiration.

I’ve discovered a few other little fashion gems in my travels across the internet.

A few of the items on my wardrobe wish list are…

This pretty sweater. I love the color as well as the design details. It look like such a cozy but stylish way to layer for the winter.

gray drape sweater

This scarf. I have already admitted to my love of scarves. A blanket scarf was something I didn’t even own until this fall. I’ve found that I love it so much, I would love to have more in other colors. The plaid of this scarf is classic and the colors are perfect for a winter wardrobe.

black watch plaid blanket scarf

This dress. I love the olive green color. Wrap dresses are such a great, universally flattering style. Plus, it’s a maxi dress. What more can you ask for?

olive wrap dress

Another wrap dress, and this one is in velvet. Ah, velvet—it’s such a luxurious fabric. The silvery color of this dress is gorgeous.

silver wrap dress

This simple dress would be so easy to dress up or down for almost any occasion. Add a sweater, scarf and boots for a cute casual look, or pair it with a statement necklace, shawl, and heels for a more formal outfit. It looks so comfy, too.

simple knit maxi dress

Another pretty sweater. I love the fringe detailing along the front.

fringe front drape sweater

All these clothing pieces are inspiring me as I curate my winter wardrobe choices. What do you think? Have you created your own winter wardrobe wish list?

 

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something using one of my links.  Note that I only recommend products I believe in. Your support is appreciated!

Modest Fashion Friday: Ladylike in Lace and Heels

by | Nov 18, 2016 | Fashion

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This week’s outfit post features a lovely, ladylike look. The lace yolk on the blouse and the cloche style hat make for a pretty combination that, though soft and feminine, isn’t too fussy. The grey skirt and nude pumps ground the look and keep it from being over the top. A top like this, if styled with pieces that were too busy or flowing, could become costume-like.

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This outfit has a romantic feel to it. It’s even a bit Downton Abbey-esque, isn’t it? I love wearing it. Wearing clothes with lace detailing always makes me happy.

You know what else makes me very, very happy?

Hats.

I love hats. I have a fairly large collection. Okay, okay, it’s like my scarf collection (which is excessive). There’s something about wearing a beautiful hat that gives me a sense of freedom. That may sound strange, but it is true. A great hat gives me a feeling of confidence I don’t get from any other fashion item. (Although a really amazing pair of shoes is pretty great, too.)

If you follow me on Instagram, you may recognize this quote. But I think it bears repeating here:

“Fashion is a sort of communication. It is a language without words. A great hat speaks for itself.” ~Author unknown

teal-and-grey

What I Wore

Blouse: via ThredUP
Hat: Similar one at Headcovers Unlimited
Skirt: N.Y. & Co. via ThredUp
Shoes: Lauren Conrad at Kohl’s (Currently, Ebates is giving 6% cash back on all purchases from Kohl’s when you use the Ebates app. Sign up for Ebates here and get a $10 bonus with your first purchase through Ebates.)
Bracelet: Deewatch
Earrings: a gift from my husband

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something using one of my links.  Note that I only recommend products I believe in. Your support is appreciated!

 

12 Clever Ideas for Organizing a Scarf Collection

by | Nov 14, 2016 | Fashion, Organization

scarf-collection-organization

Okay, I will admit it. I am rather obsessed with scarves. My scarf collection is extensive. And by extensive, I mean excessive.

I just can’t seem to help myself. No matter how much I tell myself I don’t need any more scarves, another little beauty comes to my attention, and next thing I know, I’m taking it home with me.

It’s just that scarves really are the perfect accessory. They can dress up (or down) any outfit. They can tie separate clothing pieces together, helping to make a look cohesive and complete. And they can provide that necessary pop of color to a an otherwise simple outfit.

There is such an array of styles, color, patterns, and fabrics to choose from when choosing a scarf. It’s no wonder my philosophy is “You can never have too many scarves or too many books.”

So, as you can see, I’m fully settled in my justification of my scarf collection. I am, at this point, unapologetic about the entire situation regarding the number of scarves I own.

There is only one problem with the size of said scarf collection. I have to find somewhere to keep all of them when I’m not wearing them.

This may not be a problem for most normal scarf collections. But as I’ve stated, mine is not normal. At last count, I believe I owned around 35 scarves. And I actually do wear most of them on a fairly regular basis.

I know, I know.

I told you it was excessive.

So, what am I supposed to do with all these scarves when I’m not wearing them?

A while back, I did a little research and came up with several good options for scarf storage.

Here are some of the best ones: (Images have clickable links.)

 

Here’s another…

And another…

This is a fun one…

This one is unusual…

Here’s more…

Just a couple more…

 

This is the one I decided to use in my own closet. The framework of the hanger is smooth, so it will not snag more delicate scarves. It holds a ton of scarves as well. I can (almost) fit my entire collection on this one hanger. It also makes it easy to see all the scarves.

 

I hope this gives you some ideas on how to store your own scarf collection.

So,tell me, do you have as many scarves as I do?

Speaking of scarves, did you know I’m giving away a beautiful, soft, cozy plaid blanket scarf? Really, I am. Would you like to be the one to receive it? Then enter the giveaway and you may be chosen to win!

Please note: This post contains no affiliate links.

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