Fashion – Page 5 – Perfectly Eventful

Fabulous Fall Scarves

The fall chill hit DC this past week. I finally had to dust off my jackets and revisit my scarf selection to layer up for the brisker temperatures.

Scarves make me happy, which is precisely why I have about 25 of them. I can’t help myself, really. Scarves are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, adding a daring pattern to an otherwise boring outfit or a pop of color to a decidedly drab look. In my mind, they are the perfect accessory; they look good on everyone, they add a touch of personality and they are just so darn easy to add to any look! Plus, they are fashionable and functional, keeping us comfy and cozy in even the coldest of temperatures.

Here are some scarves that have caught my eye so far this season. I am on scarf probation since I’ve collected far too many to wear in this lifetime, so somebody else go out and buy one, two or twenty for me so I can live vicariously!

All of these options are between $20 – $50, with the majority of them priced at $30. I prefer longer, thicker scarves because they are warmer and are easier to style several different ways. Some of my favorite places for bargain scarves are Kohl’s, Target and Marshalls, but with the prices of the options above, you’re already getting a bargain!

Perfect Puffer Vests

I love that quilted down vests are making a comeback. I remember owning one in green and blue from Gap a few years ago but then got rid of them fearing they looked too juvenile and a bit too puffy.

Leave it to J Crew to turn the puffer vest into the perfect preppy fall look. They first showed this bright pink quilted vest a few months ago and I had to resist every urge to run to the store and snag it, despite the fact that it was 90+ degrees outside.

49194_PK6482_m — Excursion Vest from J Crew | $110

Now, I love J Crew just as much as the next twenty-something preppy-wannabe, however, there are certain things worth spending $100+ on and there are certain things that just aren’t. A bright pink quilted down vest falls in the “are not” category for me. There are too many knock-offs out there that are just as cute but less than half the price. Case in point:

This Lands End option comes in 11 different colors and is a steal at just $35!

landsendvest — Lands End Diamond Quilted Down Vest | On sale for $34.97

This option from Gap is also a great one, although slight more expensive.

cn5437611 — GapFit Puffer Vest | $69.95 *(plus 25% off of your order when you use the code GAPCHEER)

If you’re in the market for a puffer vest, think about your budget before you buy. If you’re in a cold weather climate, you may want to pay extra to make sure it will keep you warm on even the most frigid days. However, if you’re in a more mild climate and want one of these puffy puppies just for the style, you can find a cheaper option with just a little bit of searching.

Make sure that you opt for a version that has some tailoring or quilting to prevent from looking like the Michelin man. Sure, he’s cute and all, but fashion mogul he is not.

Like it. Love it. Buying it.

I’ve had a bit of retail ADD the past week. I’ve had my eye on tons of things, ranging from black riding boots, to leopard leggings to polka dot pants. Yes, I know I said my polka dot search was over. I lied. How can you ever have enough polka dots?

This week’s edition of like it, love it, buying it completely reflects my spastic shopping eye. Enjoy!

Like it.

Peplum is one of my all time favorite trends. Throw in some lace and I’m sold! The feminine shape of peplum tops create curves where there are none and flatters us curvy ladies in ways that boxy tops never can.

Love it.

I love all statement jewelry but this piece has a little something special that kicks it up a notch. The bright blue will work in all seasons and is a flattering color for any skin tone This beautiful bauble would look fabulous all gussied up with a holiday cocktail dress or dressed down with a flannel shirt and some boyfriend jeans. The triple digit price tag is all that is keeping me from buying it.

Buying it.

Yes, this is a shirt covered in french bulldogs. Yes, this is admittedly a weird selection, but I have a rather strong obsession for french bulldogs and the black and white print will work with nearly any color pant or skirt. A dash of quirkiness in your wardrobe gives it a little character!

Printed Pants

As the weather gets brisk, I’m starting to eye my dresses and skirts with a bit of suspicion. They are my typical go-to and sure, most of them look just as good with tights. But, there are no ifs, ands or buts about it, I am going to have to pump up my pants selection if I want to stay warm this winter.

If the summer was all about colored pants, then the fall and winter are all about prints. Polka dots, paisleys, brocade, zebra, leopard, floral; you name it, it’s out there! I love that pants are making a comeback. Finally, we are able to have some fun with our fashion choices and toss the work staple of the black, brown and gray bootcut. We already know I am obsessed with polka dots of all kinds, but I’m dying to pick up a great pair of paisley or animal print pants. Some options I’m eyeing:

Polka dot, paisley and patterned pants by kerrychannon featuring slim fit jeans

I am also contemplating this pair of Current/Elliotts. The print is unique and the rich hunter green and maroon tones are perfectly on trend for the fall season.

cn5554137 — Current/Elliot Stiletto Jean in Hindu Print | $198.00

Spending $200 on a pair of pants I’ll likely only wear for a few seasons doesn’t sound like the best use of money, so I’m also checking out some budget options. Target, as usual, is right on trend with tons of denim options in prints and colors. This pair is less than $20!

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Skinny Snake Print Denim | $18

Are you in the market for some printed pants, too? Be sure to check out Zara, H&M and Urban Outfitters for more fantastic options. Let me know what you find!

Like it. Love it. Buying it: Rainy Day Edition

Talk about a hurtling back to reality. I’ve just returned to the rainy real world from three days in picturesque paradise. I woke up this morning to gray skies and torrential downpour. Less than ideal. Where are the sunshine, seashore and absolutely perfect temperatures? Seriously, I don’t know if I can get used to this.

The only thing that has the slightest potential to help me accept that I might as well be hunkering down for the monsoon season? Perusing retail rain gear. Here we go!

Like it.

So I’ve gone a little leopard overboard lately, which made me reluctant to post these. However, waterproof flats? Brilliant! Who wouldn’t love a pair? J Crew made a line of really pretty waterproof bow flats, but they are currently sold out, making these the next best contender. And, let’s not forget to mention that they are on sale.

Dilute Leopard Loafers | $49 (on sale! Originally $80.00)

Love it.

A fashionable, functional trench raincoat is hard to find without a Burberry-sized budget, but this one fits the bill. It’s Michael Kors, it’s on sale, and it’s in one of the season’s best colors. Plus, it has a hood, which is an often overlooked necessity for a truly rainproof trench. Bonus? It has a detachable liner to accommodate colder or warmer weather.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Belted Trench with Detachable Liner | $129 (on sale!)

Buying it.

I have had my eye on Hunter boots for some time now. I’ve been reluctant to spring for a pair because it is a pretty hefty price tag for a pair of boots that serve the sole purpose of trudging through rain and muck. However, I think the time has come, particularly with this oh-so-appealing design (cue Tory Burch’s Daniela boot).

Hunter Regent Carlyle Boot in Cafe Latte | $195

I’m also really digging the classic Huntress boot in Merlot. Black is too boring, hunter green is too cliche, but burgundy is an unexpected, yet perfect option for the fall/winter season.

Chambray and Polka Dot Perfection

I recently took a trip to my hometown of Orlando, Florida to get in some quality time with my family. Whenever I go home, shopping with my mom is on the calendar. What better way to bond than over massively discounted clothing?

I always make it a point to hit up the outlets and Target. The outlets are a no-brainer but Target? Really? YES. My family makes fun of me for the level of excitement I have regarding the Target in Altamonte Springs, Fl.

This little shopping excursion led me to two of the items on my must-have fall shopping list. Incidentally, the two items for which I’ve been scouring every store in DC and Arlington. A fitted chambray shirt and a polka dot button up shirt.

I am so pleased with these two purchases. The polka dot button up is from the J Crew Factory Store, but has disappeared from the online merchandise, likely due to its overwhelming popularity. They do have a superb silk striped option if you’re searching more for a staple graphic button up than for polka dots. Stripes or polka dots, you really can’t go wrong!

On the chambray shirt. I searched high and low, from Forever 21 to Nordstrom and back again for chambray shirt with the perfect amount of tailoring, a hint of stretch and a not too light, not too dark wash. I thought Target might be the place, but came up empty at the location near my house in Arlington. However, the Target in my hometown had a profusion of chambray – ombre, dark wash, light wash, western, tie-dye, strategically bleached – and of course, the Goldilocks version, not too light, not too dark, which I promptly snatched up for a mere $20. Again, gone on the website, but check out Christina Aguilera rocking the shirt on the cover of Lucky!

aguilera-lucky-cover-2012 — (Photo from Lucky Magazine)

I have to say, I didn’t even realize it was the same shirt until I bought this mag for my plane ride home and thought to myself, well now THAT looks like the perfect chambray shirt. Perhaps I should see where it is from in case I want to keep looking. Lo and behold, I gasped, it is the one and only chambray shirt from Target…of which I am the proud owner!

Are you searching for these items too? If you can’t find the two above, check out these options:

South Moon Under Cotton Chambray Button Down Shirt | $72

Chambray AND polka dots, all in one! J Crew Perfect Shirt in Chambray Polka Dot | $88

Gap Perfect Dot Shirt | $34.50 (in pink and navy)

Anthropologie Fitted Chambray Buttondown | $88

Have you found the perfect chambray shirt? What about the perfect polka dot piece for fall? Let me know!

Like it. Love it. Buying it.

I had an eventful weekend to say the least. My marathon training has kicked into high gear, so after I started my Saturday morning with an 18 mile run, I thought I deserved a little reward. With an impending anniversary, I also thought I should peruse a few nearby stores just to see if there was anything that could top what I’d already planned.

So, I immediately made my way to South Moon Under. It is my go-to store when I’m in the mood to buy myself something special. With a decidedly unique selection of clothing, accessories, purses, housewares and cosmetics, I knew I’d find something that would make that 18 mile run completely worth it. So, for this week’s edition of Like it, Love it and Buying it, all of my selections can be found at South Moon Under! Check them out:

Like it.

This was close to being a purchase. The hanger appeal is lacking, but once I tried it on, I fell in love with the fit!

Ina Leopard Knit Peplum Top | $49
Top (clipped to polyvore.com)

Love it.

The sheer material bumps up the sexiness factor just enough to balance out the cutesy polka dots. The open, keyhole back is the best part! Another one that is so much better on than on a hanger, where it can run the risk of looking a bit too early 90’s. It is very fitted, so you might need to size up.

Bardot Dot And Bow Corset Top | $9
Top (clipped to polyvore.com)

~~Buying~~ Bought it.

Fl-eather (faux leather) + peplum + pretty perforations. I couldn’t resist. I’ve been searching for a leather shirt that wouldn’t break the bank, so I went faux and could not be more excited to wear this baby out the next chance I get!

Willow Clay Perforated Faux Leather Peplum Top | $72
Top (clipped to polyvore.com)

Like it. Love it. Buying it.

The crisp, cool morning temperatures and the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks can only mean one thing: Fall is here. And, along with Fall, comes the inevitable storage of summer clothes and the re-emergence of sweaters, corduroys and, boots – finally boots! I’ve only been waiting three months to slip my feet into my favorite pair (mmk, my only pair, purchased on major sale) of Frye boots.

A seasonal transition means a fashion transition, which has left me perusing my favorite stores, websites and fashion mags for the latest and greatest of Fall items. The list is ever-expanding, but here are my favorites for this week, which I’m dubbing “like it. love it. buying it.” For this debut edition, you’ll notice I have a minor obsession with leopard print. Guilty as charged.

Like it.

Booties + leopard = fabulous

Love it.

Studs. Gold. Leopard. Three fall trends all in one.

Buying it.

This will pair perfectly with my over-sized gold watch!

NYFW Marchesa and Oscar

Fashion Week is a magical time. A week completely dedicated to clothing. Designers are defined by it, models starve themselves for it, the rich and famous fight for a front row seat to it. The rest of us Just live vicariously through it.

I clicked through some of the collections thus far and two have caught my eye for very different reasons. Oscar de la Renta can do no wrong. Marchesa a took risks and while some paid off others did not.

Let’s start with Marchesa’s Spring 2013 collection. The oh so obvious Indian influence is intriguing. I love when you can see a designers inspiration in a collection. However, inspiration should be just that – inspiration. Some of Marchesa’s pieces were entirely too literal, looking identical to saris I have seen on the streets of Mumbai. Case in point:

I would have at least liked to have seen such a traditional garment in an unexpected color or fabric. However, they did get it right with the majority of the collection. Hints of unique, rich cultural details, such as intricate beading and cropped tops, coupled with creative silhouette made for some stunning pieces. One of my favorites:

And, now on to perfection, otherwise known as Oscar de la Renta. This collection oozes femininity and class – then tops it off with multi-colored, punk rock-induced beehives – with pieces that range from office-appropriate to Oscars-appropriate. Making the journey from black and white, to mustard yellow, bubblegum pink, baby blue and then back again to basics, the color palette is anything but boring. The ingenious and unexpected array of fabrics is what caught my eye, lace, leather, sheer, plaid, brocade, chiffon, the gang’s all here! For heaven’s sake, the man somehow managed to make latex look ladylike! Don’t just take my word for it, feast your eyes on some daywear:

Oscar de la Renta Daywear by kerrychannon on Polyvore

And the evening wear is what has me ooh-ing and ahh-ing. My absolute favorite is the strapless striped ballgown. Stripes on an evening gown, pure genius and the epitome of preppy chic.

Oscar de la Renta Evening Wear by kerrychannon on Polyvore

Pretty in pink & navy

Fall is officially here, but that doesn’t mean you need to put away your brights and neon just yet! One of my absolute favorite color combos for Fall, or any season for that matter, is pink and navy. It’s not surprising that pink, the color equivalent of femininity, is the perfect companion to navy, a hue with characteristically manly origins.

Navy is a neutral, so you can pair just about anything with it. Pink pairs perfectly with navy and adds a pretty punch to what can be a bland color.

I chose bright, bold pinks for all of these looks, but any shade of pink looks great with navy, from the palest of pinks to the craziest of 80’s pink neon. If you’re going for a pink top and navy bottom, or vice versa, keep your accessories neutral to keep the focus on the clothing. This color combo works with accessorizes, too. Take a basic navy shift dress from country club to down town with the addition of a neon pink belt, jewelry or pumps.

Whatever your choice, pink and navy are clearly a match made in heaven!

Pink and Navy Color Combo by kerrychannon featuring a long pleated skirt