Red, White, & Layers

[Dress: Forever 21; Sweater (old) and Tights: J.Crew Factory; Boots: J.Crew (old and hand me downs; similar); Snood: Asos; Bracelet: SoWa Vintage; Earrings: Old Navy; Nails: OPI 'Dating a Royal']

I've developed a recipe for creating summer in winter.  Take summer dress, put it over tights and boots, top it off with a thick sweater and scarf, and boom! Winterized.

And I'm prepared to repeat it.

Happy Friday all!

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Power Blouse

[Top: Crossroads Trading Co.; Shorts: Forever 21; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Shoes: Thrifted from Goodwill; Bracelets: SoWa Vintage]

I get that the Olympics are over, but red, white, and blue outfits should never be. I wore this getup to lunch with my family, and my mom, never one to miss an opportunity for a fashion history lesson, informed me that the blouse with the built-in neck tie was the ultimate top to go under an 80's power suit. Bring on the big shoulder pads.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Almost Peplum

[Top: Forever 21 (last year); Jeans: Gap; Necklace: Banana Republic outlet (old); Wedges: Thrifted at Goodwill; Ring: Old Navy; Bangles: SoWaVintage; Nails: Essie Turquoise & Caicos]

This is the closest to peplum you'll ever see me wearing. I've resisted buying a top in the ultra-trendy shape for fear that it would cut my already-too-short torso in half. But this bubble shirt was a buy for vacation last year and was perfect for pool and beachside covering up. I paired it with jeans and wedges to work for daytime. It mimics the peplum fit-and-flair shape while giving my torso the length it needs. Dress for your body top, people. Your awkward proportions will thank you for it.

On another note, Mikhail and I discovered this awesome historic house just a street over from ours. It's pretty as a photo backdrop, and pretty secluded from onlookers. My perfect picture setting! Happy August! 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets 

Black & Lace

[Top: Behnaz Sarafpour for Target, via Buffalo Exchange; Shorts: Forever 21; Sandals: DSW; Bangle: SoWa Vintage]

I'm playing the black and white card again this week. And getting wild with some grey in there. This shirt has come a long way, though. It appeared in my first outfit post on this blog, back here.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Minimalist

[White Blouse: Forever 21 (earlier this season); Black Skirt: Banana Republic outlet (old); Sandals: Target (old); Leopard Bracelet: SoWa Vintage Market]

I've been on a classic/minimalist kick recently, thanks to my summer reading: I Love Your Style, by Amanda Brooks. You'll hear lots more about this book, as it's recently joined the ranks of my favorite style-related things (alongside stripes and Atlantic-Pacific).

Amanda talks about how minimalism requires a sense of editing and restraint. I love that. I was immediately challenged to look at my closet and see how I could exercise that discipline and effortlessness with my current wardrobe. I'm still trying my hand at the whole thing, but I thought a black and white ensemble was an easy way to dive in and experiment with minimalist style. It was hard to resist the instinct to jazz up the outfit with piles of jewelry, but I'm pleased with the result, and the carefully chosen single leopard bangle. I thought the strappy sandals added a simple but interesting sense of detail and shape to the outfit. 

Stay tuned for more black and white looks, and lots more dishing on what I've learned and loved from I Love Your Style. 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Dots & Stripes

[Shirt: Forever 21; Polka dot dress worn as skirt: J.Crew factory (old); Shoes: Sperry from Journey's (last seen here); Snood: Asos; Ring: Old Navy; Earrings: Buffalo Exchange; Bracelets: SoWa Vintage market (go check it out on a Sunday)]

I threw a t-shirt over a favorite halter, 50's-esque dress from J.Crew that's just a bit too revealing for Sundays. In the last photo you can see my favorite find from the day: a set of bangles from the SoWa Vintage market that cost a grand total of $7 (I got many more than what's on my arm). I love the leopard one; just a perfect touch of the pattern, if you ask me. Hope everyone had a great 4th!

All photos by Mikhail Glabets