Friday, 30 August 2013

Blue Citi Bikes :: Zara Skirt & DG Sunglasses

 
 
  Yippie! Happy Friday everyone! I'm really looking forward to this weekend. We have tickets to a Yankee's game tonight and we're going to the beach over the holiday. It's sad to say, but I haven't been to the beach once this summer. The closest thing I got to being at a beach was going to a water park with my niece.  

Today's outfit was worn to my engagement party in Kansas City at the beginning of August.  A few months back I saw this midi skirt on a few bloggers and I obsessed over it.  I thought about how I'd wear the skirt, hundreds of times, before I bought it.  One thing about fashion, style and trends is that they look different on everyone.  There have been plenty of times I have obsessed about purchasing something and then when I went to go try it on, I was really disappointed.  It typically has to do with the fact that I'm only 5'1. However, over the years I've really paid attend to what is flattering to my body.  Takes practice and I'm still not always right.  

If you haven't tried on a midi skirt, I'd recommend you trying one on the next time you're out shopping!
 Skirt :: Zara
Top :: boutique in Chicago (similar here)
Heels :: Zara
Sunnies :: Dolce & Gabbana 
Necklace :: Vintage(similar here)
Clutch :: boutique in San Francisco (similar here)

 Photo Credits :: Lydia Hudges

Wednesday, 28 August 2013

Checkered & Taxi Cabs :: Asos Dress & Valentinos





Morning everyone! I'm looking forward to the rest of the week. My fiance is back in town from doing a little traveling and we're going to the beach this weekend! 

Today's post is one of my favorite dresses from Asos. I still regret not getting a size smaller. I'd recommend if you're ever in question about the size. Buy both sizes and return the one that doesn't fit.  Asos is great about returns and exchanges. If they continue their policy, I'm a customer for life.  A similar store is Nordstroms.  If you don't have a Nordstrom's debit card (a card that links to you debit card) I'd highly recommend getting one. It gives you rewards back on your purchase and you're also invited to the pre-sales at Nordy's. They also have such a great return and exchange policy.  So hold on to those receipts! If something breaks or is damage, they are typically really great about helping you.  

Hope you enjoy the post. The checkered dress seemed to go well with the taxi cabs.

Dress :: Asos (similar here)
Heels :: Valentino 
Handbag :: TJ Maxx (similar here and here)

 Photo Credits :: Lydia Hudges

Monday, 26 August 2013

Flowers & Ponytails:: Floral Pants & Coach Bag

 
 

Hi everyone! Hope you had a good weekend! I spent the weekend wedding planning and enjoying some of my favorite thai takeout in New York! It was a beautiful weekend in New York, I heard it was the best weekend of the year. I think from here on out, we'll start seeing darker colors and longer sleeves.

With fall right around the corner, I've been prioritizing my clothing.  What can still be worn in Fall/Winter and what has to be worn ASAP.  Lately I've been really good about getting rid of things. If I haven't worn it all summer, there's probably a reason.  These flower pants and white top were worn to my engagement party in St. Louis. The outfit looked cute together, but nothing too fancy. When in doubt, I typically over dress than under dress.  The one good thing about cropped pants is that they typically fit me really well.  So if you're on the shorter side and tired of getting things hemmed. Try on a few pairs of cropped pants/jeans. You'll be surprised how well they fit us tiny people. 

Have a good week!

 Top :: Express
Pants :: Nordstroms 
Bag :: Coach
Heels :: Zara
 Necklace :: Nordstroms

 Photo Credits :: Lydia Hudges


Sunday, 25 August 2013

Fashion Icon :: How to dress like Olivia Palermo

Since 'The City' came out in 2009 with Olivia Palermo, she's been one of my biggest fashion icons.  She's a flawless and sophisticated. My opinion, she's the modern day Audrey Hepburn. Over the years I've really watched her style develop. Her hair and makeup become more glamorous and her outfits more inspirational.

If you're also a fan of Olivia Palermo, here are a few things to add to your closet to dress like your fashion icon.

  1. Put some FUR on it!

2. Beloved BLAZERS

3. Dress in JEWEL TONES

4. Slip into your SKINNIES
 
5. French inspired FLATS

6. SHORTS

7. STATEMENT NECKLACES

8. Learn to LAYER

9. Structured HANDBAGS

10. SUNNIES!

Friday, 23 August 2013

Meeting the girls out :: Sheer top & Valentino heels



Happy Friday everyone! I've spent the last week traveling around the Northeast.  Today I'm in Boston, but sitting at the airport right now ready to board my flight to New York.  I'm looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday and having a cup of coffee on the balcony :)

Lately I've been wearing a lot of black and white.  I try and stay away from all black outfits because it can seem a little dull.  These pants have been a great investment.  They are so comfy and great for going out to meet your girlfriends for a drink.  I'm a little short, but for anyone taller, they are a great piece for your closet.

logo olivia j

Top: Zara
Pants:Hinge (similar here)
Heels: Valentino
Clutch: TJ Maxx (similar here)
Photo Credits:: Lydia Hudgens

Thursday, 22 August 2013

what to bring on a business trip

What to bring on a business trip:




#1 Rule- Be a Minimalist! 

After taking a promotion at work and moving to New York, I knew I’d be traveling a lot, but I didn’t know I’d be traveling once a week!  The first business trip is fun and every trip afterwards can be uneventful.  What I’ve learned is how to get to the airport the fastest, which flight to take and where to rent a car.  So the logistic are great.  It also helps that to have Trip Case on your Smartphone.  If you travel and don’t have this app, DOWNLOAD IT RIGHT NOW! It’s a life saver.  The app consolidates all your itineraries into one location.  

Back to packing, here are a few essential things you’ll need right off the bat; a small four wheeled suitcase (make the investment), a tote that doubles as a purse and a travel mug. 

The Luggage: The suitcase should be durable and light. I prefer to have pockets at the front so I can throw my Lucky Magazine and In Style and don’t have to worry about them making my purse heavier. You also want luggage that has four wheels.  It’s a lot easier to maneuver getting on and off the plane.  The luggage should also be as small and light as possible. Us women are typically shorter than and not as strong as men.  So if you can’t pick it up over your head…in heels, lighten your load. 

The Tote: I typically bring a black leather tote.  It works great to put all the necessary items.  For example; flats, computer, note book, wallet, makeup, cell phone charger and more lipstick. Make sure to go through your purse/tote before you travel.  Try and take out all the unnecessary items.  Typically I find old receipt, lots of lip gloss, hair ties, and other odds and ends items.  When you change over bags, remove those unwanted items.  It will make you feel more organized and thus making traveling easier.  When you’re in a hurry and trying to get your boarding pass and ID, the last thing you want in your way is a Nordstrom’s receipt.  It’s frustrating.  

The Travel Mug: It’s not glamorous, but it’s amazing. Most of us drink coffee or team. For myself, I’m always taking an 8am flight out of New York.  So I need a cup of coffee while I’m getting ready in the morning.  So I put the rest of my coffee in my mug and enjoy it on the way to the airport.  When I get to the airport I dump the coffee in the nearest trashcan.  Don’t worry, everyone dumps liquids in there.  Then you put your mug in your tote, go through security and head to the nearest coffee joint.  The last thing you want while you’re traveling is to have all your hands full. The travel mug allows you to put the mug in your tote while you’re boarding the airplane, eating, and/or talking on the phone. Please make sure it’s drip less.  I found a great one at bed bath and beyond.  Don’t buy one with a handle, it gets in the way.
Hope this helps with your business travel.  Us women always seem to have a few “extra” things.  When you travel, try and pack and bring as little as possible.  Remember….be a minimalist!

Monday, 19 August 2013

how to wear leather to work


 
Top: (faux leather) Macy’s//Skirt: Zara//Heels: Zara//Bag:Coach

Mixing work and play can be difficult, especially when it comes to clothing.  Over the years I’ve found there’s a dividing line between “work” clothes and “going out” clothes.  I’m been trying to buy pieces that are more dynamic.  This darling top I picked up from Macy’s is a great example.
As we know, leather is one of fall’s trendiest pieces.  So how do you incorporate your favorite faux/real leather pieces into your daily work wear.  Here are two tips that might help you prior to splurging on your next leather good. 

Tip #1- Mix materials. As you can see, the leather (which is in the front) is the same color as the rest of the material.  A leather peplum or leather pencil skirt is probably not the best idea for the office, however if you mix it with wool or cotton it’s great to wear under a blazer or tucked in a pencil skirt. 

Tip #2- Neutral Colors. I picked up this white peplum because I knew I could wear it with a bright color skirt or black slacks.  This top is also great because I can mix it with ripped boyfriend jeans, which go great with sexy pumps or boat shoes.  So there’s a variety of things you can do with a simple color.  I’d recommend sticking with basic colors, when it comes to leather.  Red leather is a little tough to pull off in the office (unless  you work in a fashion forward office), opposed to a nude top with a black pencil skirt. 
 
logo olivia j


Friday, 16 August 2013

friday evening happy hour at mi casa


Dress: The Limited//Heels: DVF//Sunnies: Dolce & Gabbana//Earrings:Gift from Matt <3

It's been a long work week.  This evening was a perfect time to sit back and relax on the balcony and enjoy my new martini glasses. I found these gold rimmed glasses at a furniture consignment ($2.99 each) shop in NY.  I love the touch of gold, adds a little glam to the bar area.  

This dress is from the Limited and I've wanted to wear it for the last few weeks.  This evening seemed like the perfect occasion.  It still made me feel slim and sexy, but wasn't tight around the waistline, so I could lounge and enjoy a few drinks with dinner. Also, with Summer around the corner I thought this evening was a perfect time to wear the maxi. 

logo olivia j