Navy Monochrome

 

I'm sure that we all probably have bright floral scarves in our closets that we rock during spring, summer, and early fall. But how can you wear them in late fall and winter without looking like you are dressing for the wrong season? The solution is to pair your bright scarf with a base of dark colors, a monochromatic look. Here, I paired mine with a navy sweater and dark skinny jeans.

What do you think? How would you wear a bright scarf in the cooler months?

Outfit Details

GAP Sweater / LOFT jeans / Cynthia Rowley scarf / Life Stride Flats

Premier Designs Jewelry: Your Way necklace, Illusion bracelet, Rocky Cove earrings

--Caroline

Layered Necklaces

After finishing up all my projects for the semester last week, I finally had some time to do some Christmas shopping, and this is what I wore. Comfortable, easy, and perfect for a day that started with temperatures in the 50's and ended in the 70's. I started with a scarf, but by noon it was not needed. That's Florida weather in December for you! My favorite part of this outfit is actually my jewelry; I love the layered necklaces look, with a mix of silver and gold. I started with the Maltese Cross necklace I ordered from Etsy, which I wear on all the days that Kyle works. Then, I added the Over the Moon necklace set, which has both gold and silver chains. Keeping with the circular motif, I took the center chain from the Your Way necklace and added that, because it has circular disks as well. 

Outfit Details

Maxi dress from Jane.com / Charming Charlie bag (old) / Audrey Brooke Flats

Firefighter Maltese Cross necklace / Premier Designs Jewelry: Over the Moon necklace, Your Way necklace, Shelby wrap bracelet, Rocky Cove earrings

--Caroline

A Few Of My Favorite Things

When I'm in a rush in the morning and have no cute outfit plans, my go-to is a basic tee topped with a scarf, and jeans or pants on the bottom. Today's version of my go-to look includes some of my long-term favorites in my closet. This J. Crew tee has been with me for many years, and somehow is still in amazing condition, despite other versions I've bought since that have barely lasted more than a few months. The scarf and jacket are pieces from my summer in Italy that are now happy statement pieces in my closet. Last but not least, these olive pants were from one of my Fixes; so happy I took a chance and kept them!

Outfit Details

Michelangelo Florentine Leather Jacket / J. Crew V-Neck Tee /  Level 99 Pants viz Stitch Fix / Life Stride Flats

Premier Designs Jewelry: Rocky Cove earrings, Pompeii bracelets

--Caroline

Plaid to the Max

I got so fond of wearing dresses on the daily while I was on study abroad in Italy that I really want it to continue. One thing I always struggle with with dresses, maxi dresses to be specific, is how to wear them in cooler weather. The other day I had an idea, and I went with it! Plaid immediately says fall to me, because I think of cozy flannels and blankets, so this infinity scarf was an obvious choice. Paired with a cardigan and belted, the end result is a maxi dress look worthy of cooler temps!

Outfit Details

Old Navy Maxi / Millibon Cardigan via Stitch Fix / Scarf via Jane.com 

Audrey Brooke Flats / Express Belt

Premier Designs Jewelry: Sea Spray earrings, Cairo watch

--Caroline

Plum Cords, Five Ways

Plaid Scarf / Leopard & Edgy / Classic Chambray / Paisley / Olive Vest

Last week I styled my plum corduroy skinnies 5 different ways. I had so much fun coming up with different ways to wear them, and I can't wait to be able to wear them more this fall and winter once the temperatures cool down in Florida. Kyle and I are going to Colorado for a week to do some wedding planning over my Christmas break, and I think I'll be packing my plum cords because they go with so much! 

Which look was your favorite? How would you style plum skinny pants?

Happy Monday!

--Caroline

Plum Cords: Olive Vest

Finishing off my week of taking my pair of plum-colored cords and styling them five different ways! Scroll back through to see the posts from earlier this week, and look for a wrap-up post on Monday.

Today's look is the epitome of fall fashion; layering a vest on top of a slouchy cowl neck, soft & cozy pants, and booties to finish it off. With the coloring of today's outfit, I took a lesson from my Color Theory class. Purple and yellow are complementary colors, meaning they are opposite each other on the color wheel. By pairing the muted versions of plum & olive together, you get a very appealing color palette. (This is the same reason why versions of blue & orange look so good together, but only if you're a Denver Broncos fan! Not those Florida Gators...) The trick to make a complementary color palette work is to use muted or distorted versions of the colors, and mix them with neutrals, like my grey top and tan booties. 

Outfit Details

Kim & Cami Cowl Neck top (similar, similar) / thrifted LOFT cords (similar, similar) 

Kenar Vest via Marshall's / Sperry Topsider booties (similar)

Premier Designs Jewelry: Over the Moon necklace, In Vogue watch

--Caroline

Plum Cords: Paisley

This week, I'm taking my pair of plum-colored cords and styling them five different ways! So make sure you check in each day to see how I mix things up. Look for a wrap-up post on Monday :)

I really love boots, and I especially love cowboy boots! I paired by brown pair with the plum cords, and topped it off with this slouchy tee from Francesca's, which has hints of orange that tie in the stitching on my boots. Simple jewelry keeps the outfit from looking too crazy, as the paisley printed shirt is quite loud. 

Outfit Details

Francesca's Boutique top (old) / thrifted LOFT cords (similar, similar)  / Durango Cowboy Boots 

Premier Designs Jewelry: Belize necklace, Gold Essence earrings

--Caroline

Plum Cords: Classic Chambray

This week, I'm taking my pair of plum-colored cords and styling them five different ways! So make sure you check in each day to see how I mix things up. Look for a wrap-up post on Monday :)

On Monday when I styled this scarf, I mentioned that Kyle and I were taking engagement pictures soon. My other outfit idea was to wear this chambray shirt like I have it styled here, expect switching  up my flats for boots. Not sure I'm sold on this look either for our pictures, but I definitely love this  look in general! It's perfect for a casual day at school, running errands, or chasing kids around (for you mom's out there; of course I don't know this from experience!). The denim shirt picks up the navy in the scarf, making it pop. Simple accessories let the different textures in this outfit become the focus. 

Outfit Details

Merona Chambray Shirt  / thrifted LOFT cords (similar, similar) / Scarf from Jane.com 

Audrey Brooke Flats

Premier Designs Jewelry: Modern Twist necklace, Starlet bracelet

--Caroline

Plum Cords: Leopard & Edgy

This week, I'm taking my pair of plum-colored cords and styling them five different ways! So make sure you check in each day to see how I mix things up. Look for a wrap-up post on Monday :)

I decided to channel my inner model when taking these pictures, trying to be as edgy as possible. I have such a naturally bubbly personality, it's hard for me to pull off an edgy look. But I love to try, because having fun with fashion means constantly challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone. The brown-gray leopard print in the sweater pairs perfectly with the fun tassel-style Modern Twist necklace from Premier. Plum cords add just the right touch of color, and a black bag and booties ground the look. 

Outfit Details

Old Navy Sweater / thrifted LOFT cords (similar, similar) / Nine West Handbag (similar) 

Sperry Topsider Booties (similar) 

Premier Designs Jewelry: Modern Twist necklace, Starlet bracelet

--Caroline

Plum Cords: Plaid Scarf

This week, I'm taking my pair of plum-colored cords and styling them five different ways! So make sure you check in each day to see how I mix things up. :)

After ordering this plaid scarf from Jane.com Daily Deals a few weeks ago, I knew I had to pair them with my LOFT cords, which were a find from ThredUp.com . I instantly fell in love with the coloring of the scarf, which is a mix of navy, plum, olive green, mustard, and a burnt orange-brown. Originally thinking this might be a cute outfit for my upcoming engagement photos, now that I see it in pictures I'm thinking it comes off a little more oversized than what I'd like to see for engagement photos. If I decided I still want to rock the scarf, I can just switch it up with a more slim-fit sweater. 

Outfit Details

Verve Ami Sweater from TJMaxx (similar, similar) / Scarf from Jane.com / thrifted LOFT cords (similar, similar) 

Bare Traps boots (similar) 

Premier Designs Jewelry: Jane earrings, Shelby wrap bracelet

--Caroline

Classic Repeat

This outfit kind of reminds me of this one from last fall, because they have the same formula; black & white vest, skinny jeans, black boots, and a simple tee. For north Florida weather, this is the perfect outfit for this time of year. It'll be chilly in the morning but, even if it's not in the forecast, it can warm up a lot by the end of the day. So a vest is kind of the perfect solution! And you cannot go wrong with a classic black & white color combo. The spiky fringe necklace mimics the chevron tweed pattern in the vest, creating a cohesive look.

Outfit Details

Cynthia Rowley for Marshalls Tee / Vest from Jane.com last year / Zara Skinny Jeans / Sperry Topsider Booties (similar) 

Premier Designs Jewelry: On Pointe necklace, Make A Scene bracelet, Tres Chic hoop earrings

--Caroline

Going Global

I was joking with my brother in this last picture and it ended up looking kinda cute! lol :)

This was the outfit I wore last week to give my "Going Global" presentation, part of FSU's festivities for International Education Week 2015. I spoke with two of my classmates about our experiences abroad, how they impacted me, and why we suggest others have the same experience. I enjoyed hearing about other presenters' experiences as well.

When deciding what to wear, I pulled inspiration from my travels this summer, and picked these printed pants that I wore so many times around the streets of Florence. It was a warm day, so a lightweight blouse was the perfect pairing. Simple accessories and heels pulled the look together. 

Outfit Details

Banana Republic Blouse / Old Navy Pants  /  Moda Spana Heels (similar)

Premier Designs Jewelry: Darcy earrings, Pompeii bracelets

--Caroline

Ponchos & Booties

Today I'm sharing my outfit from Wednesday last week! I had my brother snap a few pictures on our way to dinner, and while it was only 6pm at night it looks like 10pm! I was so happy last week, because we had a few days of legitimate fall weather, and I took the opportunity to break out my booties and my poncho. This tunic from Old Navy is a recent find, and it's not so lightweight that it isn't appropriate for fall, and I can layer a tank underneath when it gets cooler. A longer-length shirt like a tunic is the perfect pairing for a poncho; the larger scale of the poncho would look weird with a shorter top. Skinny jeans balance out the fuller tops, and jewelry adds the finishing touch. 

Outfit Details

Kelly & Katie Poncho / Old Navy Tunic / Zara Skinny Jeans (similar) /  Sperry Topsider Booties (similar style)

Premier Designs Jewelry: On Pointe necklace, White Hot watch

--Caroline

Copper Canyon

One of the many great things about maxi dresses (besides the fact that they are so comfortable and the quickest outfit to put on ever) is that they can be almost season-less. Here, I've topped my simple navy maxi with my beautiful leather jacket from my dear friend Michelangelo's shop. Probably my favorite purchase ever, this man is so sweet & if you are ever in Florence you need to get your leather from him! The best quality around. I've accessorized with the Copper Canyon necklace from Premier, which has a beautiful mix of browns and blacks. This mix of color is picked up again in my leopard print flats. Perfectly put together!

Outfit Details

Michelangelo Florentine Leather Jacket / Old Navy Maxi Dress / Audrey Brooke Flats

Premier Designs Jewelry: Copper Canyon necklace, Rocky Cove earrings

--Caroline

Fall Formula

This vest is quickly becoming a staple in my fall wardrobe. I wore nearly the same outfit a few weeks ago for turning in my first project of the semester, although it looks better here actually styled with accessories, with my hair done, and a full night of sleep prior to wearing! This is an easy and comfortable way to look stylish in minutes; the formula is quite simple. Basic tee, comfy flowy pants, and a topper like a vest or sweater to add layers; then you are good to go! If you have time, add your favorite pieces of jewelry and a little lipgloss. :)

Outfit Details

White Plum Basic Tee / Kenar Vest (similar) / Old Navy Pants (similar) / Soft Style Flats

Premier Designs Jewelry: Avery necklace, Indulgence earrings, Pompeii bracelets, In Vogue watch

--Caroline

Five Friday Favorites: Fall Fashion Edition

This week my classes started to pick back up again, so my week consisted of primarily schoolwork. Because of that, I decided to change up today's Five Friday Favorites with some of my fall fashion must-haves, and things I've been shopping for recently. 

1. I was looking for a casual dress for fall that wasn't a thick sweater dress, since "Florida Fall" is not quite sweater dress weather. Well, at least for a Colorado girl it's not! I found one on ThredUp and used a store credit I had, but this Striped Dress from LOFT is a similar option. 

2. Last winter I was gifted a grey poncho for Christmas, and I'm looking forward to it getting cold enough that I can break it out again. I love all the patterned ones I'm seeing in stores, and I'm especially digging this Aztec Print one from TJ Maxx. 

3. This week, with the influx of schoolwork I've had, my daily outfits have been more comfortable and less cutely styled. In the last year or so, I've grown to love the tunic-and-leggings look, and I find that as long as my tush is covered I am comfortable wearing such a look to class. Especially when I have a long day of class, and might plan on staying late to work on projects. But I've been wanting to add a few more tunic options in my wardrobe, and this Rib-Knit Tunic from Old Navy fits the bill! I picked it up yesterday actually, and they have some amazing Veteran's Day sales going on right now, so definitely check your local Old Navy!

4. Lately I've been thinking about adding a new pair of booties to my wardrobe, this time a flat-heeled cognac pair. I was discussing with a friend how I'm intrigued by the fringe trend on booties, and then somehow we both ended up shoe shopping instead of doing our schoolwork! Oops! Anyway, I fell in love with these Dallas booties by Koolaburra on 6pm but naturally they are a little ways outside my college student budget. Sad day.

5. I love a waterfall cardigan! I get cold easily, so I frequently have some sort of sweater or jacket integrated with most of my outfits, and cardigans are my go-to. I've had my eye on this Drapey Open Cardigan from LOFT for some time now, and am waiting for a nice sale to come my way so I can snatch it up! I think the olive would be a great fall and winter addition to my collection. :)

What elements of fall fashion are you in love with lately? 

Happy weekend!

--Caroline