August 11, 2014
by Julia DiNardo
I used to be a HUGE prints person, feeling most comfortable and confident in whatever silhouette or garment offered me an all-over design, and although I’ve gotten away from that in recent years, I still appreciate one that is quite well engineered. I swore that I would only exploit the printed pants trend once this summer, but a second pair came my way that is just so fabulous that I couldn’t resist adding it into the mix.
I think that the cut found in pants these days, a slouchier knit or weave that is more forgiving on the figure, lends itself nicely to patterning, and I’ve seen a variety of body shapes look incredible in printed pants as of late. I really really hope that this trend isn’t reserved strictly to the “the summer of 2014,” because I don’t know about you, but I’d like to stretch the look, and my new favorite pants, into at least the summer of 2015! For now, I’m going to move the look forward and into the colder months with some long sleeve blouses and longer cardigan layers.
In This Look:
Nautica Women’s Printed Pants (c/o the brand)
American Eagle Button Up Blouse (c/o the brand)
Q&Q SmileSolar Series White Watch (c/o the brand)
Kenneth Cole Reaction Wedges (c/o the brand)
Sorrelli Necklace (c/o the brand)
DVF Sunglasses
INNI Nail Vinyls (c/o the brand)
August 4, 2014
by Julia DiNardo
“How many pieces of jewelry do you own?” a friend quizzically asked me recently. My response was pretty much along the lines of “I have no clue!” as I’m always on the hunt for a cool new piece, be it vintage or new, at a great price that can look great from season to season, year to year, without being too tied down to a particular trend or look. This past week I took the T.J.Maxx and Marshalls Fall Transition Blogger Challenge, which was right in line with favorite kind of adornment, by using accessories as the perfect update to transition one’s wardrobe from summer into fall. With the great selection of high-quality, designer accessories found at the stores, it’s easy to make a quick yet meaningful enhancement to your look without taking up too much space in your closet.
As I shopped for pieces to style from a summer to fall perspective, I generally went for baubles that struck a chord with my fashion sensibility, but also sought out jewelry that had a substantial texture to them that could work well against filmy garments and warmer layers alike. I also was selective about my color choices, opting for more all-over gold or silver tone accessories while keeping the colorful pieces slightly more muted, so they weren’t so heavily reminiscent of summer brights and fall/winter neutrals.
READY TO WIN A $50 GIFT CARD TO T.J.MAXX/MARSHALLS?
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July 28, 2014
by Julia DiNardo
I have a tendency to hold onto my most beautiful treasured garments, preserving them for wear when there’s a special event or occasion that may elicit such a special piece. But guess what? That means that I barely get to wear them at all, and the time to take these pieces out for a spin is…NOW. When I first picked up this jacket a few months ago, I knew it was destined for great things, but all that happened since was that I would pause admiringly at it while rifling through my closet, and then move onto something that had been worn a bunch of times before, saving it for a more substantial day. On a whim (and in a tired stupor), in the early morning hours of frantically getting ready for work I plucked it from its hanger, slid my arms through it, and turned the doorknob.
Moral of the story? If you love it, wear it, and wear it NOW. You’ll feel more comfortable and less cautious when using these special pieces, and have less regrets of not making the most of them while in your possession.
In This Look:
Designer Jacket from T.J.Maxx (courtesy of the store)
Pimkie Nautical Dress and Belt (from a trip to Italy; no longer available)
Boohoo Nautical Knot Mint Bracelet (courtesy of the brand; no longer available)
Aerosoles Woven Peep Toe Pumps (courtesy of the brand; no longer available)
DVF Sunglasses (courtesy of the brand; no longer available)
Forever 21 Metal Ring (no longer available)
Twisted Designs Sterling Silver Hoops on Etsy
Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Red Revolution (courtesy of the brand)
July 21, 2014
by Julia DiNardo
Well, probably not quite that many, but with red being one of the fastest colors to fade, practically every time I washed my tresses it was a different hue, then bolstered back up to vibrancy again thanks to the various glosses and color depositing shampoos I use (for the record, they are from Rita Hazan, John Frieda, and Pureology).
Since I’ve now been red for 1.5 years and don’t think I’ll ever look back on blonde the same way ever again, I thought I’d share a handful of my favorite looks today that strongly compliment my hair’s fluctuating crimson to strawberry blonde hue. Compiling this post, it became pretty clear that I resort to a lot of white, black, and blue in my looks, but I certainly don’t rule out heavy print mixing of all colors!
The White Top:
[Photo Credit: Hot Metal Studio]
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