Creating Outfits with Toms

I like the idea of having themed blog posts, so I have been collecting outfit photos and noticed these all have Toms Shoes in them. Toms are a new thing for me, I've only had mine a couple months. One of the things I like about them, besides the cute factor, is that they have really nice soles and arch support. "Beauty is pain" is a mantra I've accepted in conjunction with my footwear, happily, Toms do not require me to chant as I take each step.

The jeans I am wearing are called "slouchy skinny" and they are by Gap. I love the beat up look of them and, with a fun F21 tank, they are the perfect casual accessory to my Toms.

This shirt has been sitting in my closet since I saw an unflattering picture of me in it. I had made up my mind that, if I didn't find a cute way to wear it, it was going to the thrift store. This is something I have to do from time to time or nothing will leave my closet.

Great news! After adding the vest, I now love this top! Defining the waist and adding some pizazz, my NY&co vest was the chicken soup to this sick top. You may also notice that I have big, fun necklaces on in each shot. When wearing something as androgynous as Toms, adding a little femininity can go a long way.

September Party Dresses

These dresses are all top contenders for my brother in-law's wedding. I like the idea of a single strap, it adds a nice stylist element. I can't decided if I would rather have something with color or something more muted. Too many pretty dresses to chose from and all are between $33-62!

September Party Dresses by mrsstetson featuring strapless dresses

Masquerade strapless dress
$62 - lulus.com

Ruffle dress
$60 - modcloth.com

Moon Collection vintage party dress
$60 - modcloth.com

Pleated dress
$53 - shopruche.com

Crochet dress
$52 - lulus.com

Cocktail party dress
$48 - lulus.com

Pleated dress
$47 - shopruche.com

Reversible dress
$45 - modcloth.com

One shoulder evening dress
$33 - shopruche.com

Beautiful Blue Dress - Party Dress - Royal Blue Dress - $52.00
$52 - lulus.com

Dream Work Outfit

I came across this Chloé clutch and had to create my perfect work outfit to showcase it!

Dream Work Outfit by mrsstetson featuring round sunglasses

Miu Miu puff sleeve blouse
$480 - bluefly.com

Proenza Schouler twill pants
$275 - lagarconne.com

Jimmy choo shoes
$665 - nordstrom.com

Chloé clutch bag
$1,465 - net-a-porter.com

Chloé round sunglasses
$355 - couture.zappos.com

Steve Madden Oxfords

Versatile shoes are a must, especially when you have a tight budget or don't want to overcrowd your world with hundreds of shoes. I recently purchased Steve Madden's Oxford Trousers and they have quickly become my most worn shoe.

 

These shoes are wonderful because they can take the place of flats, being simple and cute. There is elastic holding the tongue to the shoe so the laces are optional. 

If you are wanting to work the current menswear style but don't want to buy a whole new wardrobe, adding these tailored oxfords is easy alternative.

Mascara, Mosscara?

Ever since I first swiped mascara along my eyelashes for a play when I was 9 I've been obsessed with the stuff, begging my Mom to allow me to wear mascara until she finally gave in when I was 11. Mascara has been my one "don't want to be caught with out it" beauty product. Thankfully, colored mascara was big when I was 11 and 12 so I usually had green or blue eyelashes which made me look more silly than trashy. Since I was young, I wasn't wearing any powder on my face so the mascara would quickly bleed all over my bottom lids. At that point, my Mom had me start wearing waterproof mascara. Through the age of 24 I was wearing drug store mascara that made my lashes short and dry or thick and chunky.

After switching to Arbonne, a botanically based product, I noticed my lashes got a lot longer! Being that I just ran out of my Arbonne mascara, I decided to look around at other botanically based mascaras and came across Aveda's Mosscara

I love it! The mosscara goes on creamy and clean, even the first time. What makes it unique is they use Iceland moss and other pure plant extract, hence the "moss" in the title.

If you've always stuck with cheap mascara, treat yourself to a botanically based mascara. Being that mascara is applied to the eye, and sometimes gets in the eye, it is important to chose products that are really safe.

Wearing a Vest in the Summer: Three Outfits from One Vest

My friend, Loreal, and I were complaining about how hard it is to dress in outfits during summer. Both of us crave layering like we would die without it. If an outfit cannot be adorned with cardigans, leggings, and scarves, then it just is not an outfit. Likewise, when you are in the midst of 100+ degree weather, jeans and a tank top are way too boring to accept as an everyday option. My friends, I give you the solution- VEST! Here are three different ways I've worn my vest from New York & Co. during the last week.


1. Casual

My tailored short denim shorts are a summer favorite, I love the length on them! The vest works because I have a long top on and allow the vest to define my waist. Paired with a chunky necklace and gladiator sandals makes this a great option for shopping, going to a BBQ or even a lunch date.

2. Business

Since I have a tattoo near my elbow, it is important for me to have elbow length tops for work. I tried to go to a meeting with a cardigan on and ended up standing in the sun, in 105 degree weather! By adding this vest, I can choose a light-weight top and still look professional. 

3. Date Night

It may be a surprise to some, but I do not take myself too seriously, not at all. I bought this red, jersey knit dress (also from NY&Co) and, while I love it, it is super sexy. It is hard for me to just say, "check me out in my hot red dress!" By dressing it down a bit with boots and my super cute vest, it allows me to still hint at sexiness but not be in-you-face about it.

If you are crazing a vest of your own, I strongly suggest checking out New York & Co. They have lots of sizes and all of the vests are nicely made and tailored. Have fun trying to layer this summer!

1980's Dance Night

Going out for a girl's night is always fun, especially getting to get dressed up! For me, dancing makes me think of the 1980's, a time of color, fun and music. This outfit was my way of taking what I love about the 80's but adding a modern cleanness.

It does not come across very well, but the tights are green, the same ones I wore during my challenge (Day 35). The striped racer-back tank was bought at H&M for $14.95! The skirt was $5 at Forever 21, in total the clothes cost about $30, not too shabby. There is no need to spend billions on a cute outfit, just check the quality and make sure you don't spend much on trendy clothes you might not be into next year. Save your money for pieces you will love forever, like these Steve Madden boots that are a huge go-to item for me.

To rock it out a little more, I added my favorite Ann Taylor motorcycle denim jacket, which also looks cute with the sleeves rolled up. For the first time, I threw this jacket in the wash as was super happy to find that it came out perfectly. I tend to wash all of my clothes with cold water on the delicate cycle and it really helps to preserve the clothes. You may also notice my $3 H&M neo shades! LOVE THEM! Not to be worn with every outfit, but a fun accessory to have in my bag.

Work Day to Date Night

I was feeling super frumpy and knew I needed to spice things up. The quickest way I know to get me in a good mood is change the way I look. Though I try and stay away from hoochie, short shorts and a long tank top are one of my favorite summer looks. Keeping the tank top long and full coverage helps to stay away from trashy. My shorts also have a tailored look to them with the single cuff on the hem.

I always like the option of having something that can go over my tank top. Looking into the far reaches of my closet, I found this short-sleeve jacket. My issue with it is it gets bunchy in the middle with the buttons, sash and fitted fabric. People knot the ends of trench coat sashes, so why not knot the ends of my sash? It is something different for me but I am happy that I finally got a chance to wear this jacket.

My solution to easy, cute hair is to simply pin back one side with crossed bobby pins. By french braiding with small sections, starting with the crown, a small braid is created which helps the hair stay in place.

Accessories!

Black and denim are the perfect base for adding a funky edge like my favorite, vintage coral necklace and cork peep-toe wedges. It would be easy to add lots of extras to this outfit, since it is simple, but by choosing the accessories deliberately allow for a sleek sexy look.

Stripes!

I really can’t say enough about how excited I am that stripes are big right now. I used to think horizontal stripes just make you look bigger than you are. The truth is it is easy to use stripes to flatter your body.

Here I am dressed for a meeting. This particular top has good size stripes and a little give, making it forgiving in the midsection.  The stripes continue over the arms; this is a great trick if you have broad shoulders, the sleeves also help to make my arms look longer and thinner. To make a black pencil skirt a little less Joan on Madmen and a bit more conservative, I added black tights and black pumps. I am still on my quest for pointed pumps, which would have worked much better with the outfit. The pashmina scarf adds texture and color. For some reason, I have it in my mind that if I wear a watch people will think I am punctual and dependable so I added my Mac Jacobs watch.

I often work from home with little chance that anyone will see me, however, I never know what my day is going to look like. Wearing a cropped (shorter, not necessarily belly showing) striped top can actually make you look skinnier when paired with a tight, long tank. Comfy, dark wash jeans and Toms make me feel homey but ready. Since I don’t like wearing makeup when I’m home, putting on red lipstick is a fun trick to help me feel feminine and takes about 2 seconds to apply. 

If you are not sure which size stripe will look good on you, consult a professional or try on every stripe top you can find in a store and have a trusty friend with you to help you be objective. Stores like Forever 21 are great for having many variations of the same style. This is especially helpful if you have a hard time NOT criticizing yourself while trying on clothes. The second striped top is one that was picked out by my stylist, Minh Le. Having her pick out the top gave me an idea of what I should look for when shopping by myself. 

Have a fun, stripe-filled summer!

New Accessories: Gray Satchel Purse and Coral Strappy Heels

Now that I can start adding some needed pieces to my wardrobe, I decided to splurge on what I think are must haves for the season!

This bag makes me so happy! I can wear it over my shoulder as a cross body bag or hold all three handles to carry the bag. This Olivia & Joy gray satchel is $88 at Macy's. I was going to buy it there, until another shopper snatch up the last gray one. The following weekend I went to Ross and found the EXACT SAME BAG for $34! I guess those commercials preaching about designer names being at discount stores were right... Well, what are you going to do? Buy the bag at 60% less, of course!

SHOES! I've been looking everywhere I go to find some sexy strappy heels and finally found them at H&M. I love budgeting $80 for shoes then only spending half of that. Nothing sexier than getting what you want for little monies! It is important, when having a bright highlight like these shoes, that they stay that way, as a highlight. Pairing exciting shoes with simple colors and clean lines puts all the attention on the shoes.

Side note, I went to Anthropologie in Santa Barbara and found this adorable tunic, didn't buy it, now am regretting it. I already looked online and they don't have it. If anyone sees it near Temecula in a L, let me know thanks ;)

Peace Love and Joy!
Erin

Back at it! A Casual Western Look

I am so happy to be blogging again! I needed that break in May, especially since I went to Belize and Santa Barbara last month. One thing I have really been missing is writing. It has been amazing running into old friends and them asking me when I'm going to start blogging again, the day is today, my friends! Thank you all for your support on my 59 Day Challenge. It was really fun but really difficult. Working with my stylist, Minh Le, and giving myself that challenge has really taught me a lot about being creative with the clothing I have. Though I may not have the top designer's clothes, a huge budget or the perfect body, I really like dressing well. I am dedicating this blog to all of the style-loving-people with my same issues or other issues that don't allow them to buy whatever they want from Saks! 

Though I will mainly be showcasing my outfits, I also will be including pictures of my friend's outfits, if they are willing. Fashion is to be shared. As we experiment with our own wardrobes and admire the creativity of others, we make the world a more beautiful place. Enough soap-boxing, time for pictures!

Tools, everyone needs decent tools whether building a table or putting on makeup. I love these synthetic Sephora brushes. I bought them about 9 years ago and they still feel baby smooth. Make sure to wash your brushes regularly, I use Sephora's brush cleaner. Shimmery, dewy skin is always my goal so mineral powder foundation is my passion, along with bronzer to give my face definition. This look is easy to do since I also used the bonzer for my eyeshadow.

I love grabbing my cowboy boots to wear with any outfit, they just make it more fun! Adding accessories, like this statement cuff from Minh Le, keep things polished and feminine. And of course, don't forget your skinny jeans!

59 Days of Style: Day 56-59: The End Of My Challenge

Day 59... Amazing that I completed this challenge. My clothing is way more personal than I thought it would be. I will admit that, looking back on the past 59 days, I did have some blunders. The core of this challenge was to be creative with my outfit choices by wearing a new combination each day without repeat or adding to my freshly cleaned out closet. Learning first how to dress my body by having a wardrobe overhaul by Minh Le, then taking those tools and really using them has shown me a new side of myself. A classier, more polished version of myself. In high school I was always complimented for my "unique" style which was mainly made up of old-lady thrift store clothes. Matching was boring and the more colors I could thrown in one outfit, the better. I have come a long way from there! With my new tools, and some new favorite outfits, my style has transformed from "unique" to beautiful, fun, polished and maybe even a bit sexy ;)

Inspired by my friend Loreal's Italian flair, I layered dark pieces with a scarf.

Going to the 2011 Wiener Festival had to wear jeans and a T, good thing I have my doxie pin my friend Cate gave me!

I don't know what I was thinking. Trying to wear this skirt has always been hard for me.

Last day! Love having light, short sleeve cardis to put over tanks for a more layered spring look.

Now that my 59 day challenge has ended I'm working on coming up with some ideas for a new challenge, preferably a shorter one so I don't lose interest. I am off to the airport in 3 hours to go to San Padro, Belize for vacation. I'll start my blog back up with a nod to vacation style. Thanks for reading!