Defining a Style Uniform: Tuesday

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Sarah S.

I own countless cardigans. I read Unabashedly Prep regliously. I’m ever on a search for the perfect vintage Ralph Lauren navy blazer. There is no doubt that I identify with a preppy style, but what I noticed while putting together my five style uniform outfits, was that I also gravitated toward graphics, drapey bottoms, black leather, and cheeky graphics.

Tuesday’s outfit shows more of my traditional preppy taste, complete with the classic chambray shirt, cowboy-inspired leather boots (the kind that get better with age), and a great fitting pair of Levi’s. It’s simplicity at its best.

Donna Karan Leather Boots, Liz Clairborne Chambray Shirt, Levi’s Skinny Jeans, Angela Caputi Bracelet, Fossil Watch, J.crew Leopard Print Belt, Wool Scarf from a second hand store in New Hampshire

Any opportunities to expand my wardrobe with this uniform outfit? One chambray shirt seems like enough for my wardrobe and those leather boots are so versatile, buying another pair would feel extravagant. I did struggle to come up with some fun stackable bracelets. I love the ones that Bauble Bar offers. They have so many, they’d suit every mood!

Cheers!

Sarah

Related Posts:

Defining a Style Uniform: Monday

I am Anti-Pants

Put Some Prep in Your Step

Quantum Theory

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Sarah S.

Three years ago, I bought a secondhand Theory blazer at a thrift store (Shhh! It only cost me $3, but served me well through many an interview). Due to it’s practical silhouette, quality material, and beautiful coloring- the light gray makes it possible to dress this blazer up or down-, the blazer is still serving me well today. So when I found out that Theory was having a winter warehouse sale and everything was up to 80% off, I spent a good chunk of my evening browsing the beautiful collection. Thanks in part to the cash I just dropped on a new screenprinting class I’m taking (!!!), my self control held out, and I haven’t (yet) made a purchase. But that doesn’t mean I can’t share my favorite finds with you. Browse away, and resist- if you can!
Enid Abru Flat, $99

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Miry Lofty Mitten, $39

Theory Creeper Shoe miaprimacasa.com

Lia Creeper in Glenrock Leather, $97.50

Bobby Blouse in Fayl Silk, $86.25

Astral Caress Sweater, $159

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Donelly Blazer in Edgewood Wool Blend, $166.25

Theory Dress miaprimacasa.com

Janelyn Double Georgette Dress, $109

Put Some Prep in Your Step

Posted on January 14, 2014 by Sarah S.

Because preppy will always look good.

Here are the looks that are inspiring me right now: Follow me on Pinterest for more Preppy, Tom Boy, Classic fashion.

My closet can’t get enough:

Rugby Shirts

Graphic Tees

Pom Pom Hats

Over-sized Knits

Plaid Scarves

Tailored Blazers

Puffer Jackets (and Vests)

Jen ne sai quoi

What are your favorite preppy styles?

Cheers!

Sarah

It Doesn’t Get Better Than Tom Boy, Ambiguous Neutrals, & Moto! (i.e. My Fave Autumn Trends)

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Sarah S.

Every fall it’s impossible not to find a handful of beautiful, inspiration trends, and this year is no different. Here are my top faves…and who is doing them best!

1. Ambiguous Neutrals

I love this trend for cosmetics in particular (I’m addicted to a pale, barely-there nail color), but it translates effortlessly to apparel too…and even better in lingerie and intimates. Free People wins my vote for offering a gorgeous selection of nude intimates. Browse their ethereal “Sheer Shop” and just try not to buy something…

2. Borrowed from the Boys

Madewell is my top retailer for tom boy styles. But instead of being in-your-face boyish, Madewell strikes a perfect balance between sexy and casual cool. Let’s be honest, pulling off a tom boy look is 80% attitude. My personal style is certainly more feminine (and definitely not cool enough), but adding a touch of tom boy helps keep things in check. Like those weeks when I know I’m wearing too many dresses with cardigans, my Madewell slouchy rugby stripe sweater is there to save the day.

3. Moto

Good ol’ GAP has one of the best selections of moto-inspired apparel this season. An extra plus? At the GAP, you won’t break the bank on a hot trend (I got this jacket for 30% off). If I weren’t buying clothes for three months (my newest challenge now that the triathlon is over), I’d be all over their moto pants. And coated jeans. And moto puffer jacket. And biker jeggings….

j.crew horse sweater

4. The Conversation Sweater

j.crew and Madewell get the tie for this one. Mostly because I really, really want the Bien Fait sweater. Get it? If not, désolé, je ne suis pas désolé. 😉

5. Sporty

…but definitely not a yoga-pant, sweatshirt look. Instead varsity letter jackets, rugby stripes, and boxy cuts make this trend. Forever 21 gets the job done at their usual how-the-heck-do-they-do-it?! low prices. For me this trends might mean sneaking my ever-growing workout wardrobe into my daily wear. Think: Nike Luxe Track Pants.

What’s your favorite autumn trend? Do you think my list is missing anything?

3.1 Phillip Lim at Target is (Finally) Here!

Posted on September 17, 2013 by Sarah S.

Staying true to my challenge of no clothes shopping for three months, I did not (with much self-control) shop the 3.1 Phillip Lim collaboration at Target. My sister did, however, and she was gracious enough to take pictures of her finds for me. I’ve heard one of them might be a Christmas gift 😉

Phillip Lim for Target

Ciao,

Sarah

p.s. Have you heard?! Peter Pilotto is next Target collab!

Great Finds: Hologram Necklace

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Sarah S.

Among silver tea sets, vintage typewriters, and fur coats, I found this hologram necklace once belonging to my late nanna. My dad, now retired, was an engineer who worked on holograms, so I’m sure he gave her this beautiful rose necklace. In the right light, the image truly looks 3D. Given all the hologram-inspired fashion I’ve seen the past couple of years, my nanna was clearly ahead of her time!

Hologram Fashion

Vintage hologram necklace; Gap moto denim jacket; j.crew popover, Gap leather ballet flats

Madison’s Good Style Shop & A “New” 60s Bikini

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Sarah S.

Good Style Shop Madison

Recently, and thanks to the suggestion of a friend, I visited the Good Style Shop, a vintage clothing store, in Madison. I was blown away by the atmosphere (electric, not too serious about itself, and very well organized) and by the variety and quality of the selection.

Good Style Shop Madison

This isn’t a shop that you have to spend hours digging through piles of 90s flannel before you find a proper 70s a-line dress; it has a wonderfully merchandised selection of dresses right in the corner. The shop also boasts a robust selection of vintage menswear, which is a refreshing sight to see. I was delighted to find a gorgeous 60s high waisted bikini, bullet bra and all, for $35. I’m going to have to channel my inner Pucci when I wear it on the beach this weekend.

Before I left the shop, I had a brief chat with the founder and owner. When I asked, “If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring entrepreneur, what would it be?”, he said simply to never forget about work/life balance. At 23, when we started the shop (!!), he initially had trouble separating work from the rest of his life, understandably. He emphasized that the ability to balance is a valuable skill for any entrepreneur.

Certainly, valuable advice for any of us.

Good Style Shop is located at 817 East Johnson St in Madison, WI.

Ciao!

Sarah

Great Finds at Belmont Army Store, Chicago

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Sarah S.

A couple weekends ago, I spent an afternoon shopping around Boystown, Chicago with a couple friends. I lived in downtown Chicago for about five months, but I had never really properly explored this part of the city. Coming from Madison, it was refreshing to see the vibrancy and energy of Chicago…not to mention all the amazing places to go shopping. One of my favorite places from this trip was the Belmont Army Store, which boasted four floors of amazing and unique merchandise. The first floor was a hip, urban boutique, the second a shoe store, the third an army surplus store (coming back here when I have more time to explore this for longer!) and the fourth a perfectly overwhelming vintage shop. I think I could have spent a good half a day in there, but being pressed for time (our parking meter was dangerously close to running out, and we were still at least five L stops away), I only purchased one dress, below, by BB Dakota for $72. That’s more than I would usually spend on a dress, but the fit is perfect and $72 is worth the experience of this shop!What’s your favorite Chicago find?

Ciao!

Sarah

p.s. Want to know how I’d style a stripe dress like this? Check out 3 Ways to Style Zig Zags and Stripes.

Meet Kate Spade Saturday

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Sarah S.

Kate Spade Saturday, Kate Spade’s new life style brand, just opened the doors of their new flagship store in Tokyo, but thankfully for those of us in the States, Saturday is available online (and with free shipping and free returns too!).

Photo courtesy of nydailynews.com

I fell in love with the bold prints, bright colors, practical and versatile designs, and affordable price points. The brand definitely has a quirky character (check out their F.Y.I Guide).

Here’s to hoping their forecast is correct!

The brand was actually developed with Japanese customers top of mind, and I think it’s refreshing to see something different pop up in the U.S. Right now. The only Kate Spade Saturday item I’d be in the market for are these sunglasses at $60.