Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Monday, December 31, 2012

Monday Moodlifter: Splurges Worth Saving For

Well, today is the last day of 2012.  We hope you all have fun plans for tonight, whether they be going to a party or watching the ball drop from your living room.  

While we typically prefer to shop more affordable, mid-range brands, occasionally we find pieces that are worth spending a little more on in return for the quality with which they are made.  So, in honor of the decadent feeling New Year's Eve seems to inspire within us, we figured it would be fun to share the splurge items we think are worth saving up a bit for.  Oh, and of course even with these items we do our best to find a good deal, which is why we recommend subscribing to sites like Rue La La and Gilt.  We have been lucky enough to save as much as 50-60% on some items through these sites.

Kate Spade Charlotte Street Miles Purse
A good, quality, basic purse is essential.  We're not talking about a fun, fashion purse, we're talking about the purse you use almost everyday.  We find tote style purses to be the most functional, but whatever style you prefer we highly recommend spending the money to get a good one.  In our early 20s, when we had little disposable income, we would buy the cheap $20 purses from Target.  These worked well enough, however typically 4-6 months later they would break and we'd be back looking for a new one.  Eventually we realized that spending a few hundred dollars up front on one good quality purse would actually be more cost efficient than constantly spending $20-$30 to replace cheap ones.  We both currently have Kate Spade purses we love, therefore we can speak for this brand and say that it is worth the money, but there are definitely other quality brands out there so feel free to shop around and find something you adore.

Michael Kors Blair Watch
There is something about a nice, basic watch that says "I am an adult professional" to us.  We prefer a metal link strap to leather ones which can wear, crack and fray.  For a basic watch we also prefer simple, non-flashy designs.  A little sparkle, like that shown above, is fine, but we would stay away from bright colors or too much sparkle.

Cole Haan Chelsea Pump
If you work in an office like we do then you should definitely have a good pair of basic, black pumps.  Patent leather has become acceptable even in more conservative offices it seems, and we really love the polish it adds to a basic pencil skirt and suit jacket.  Cole Haan, in our opinion, is the epitome of the quality work pump.  The Nike Air technology incorporated into their heels makes them the most comfortable for all day wear.  While the shoes are definitely pricey, we suggest subscribing to Cole Haan emails.  They tend to have large 60% off sales a few times a year which means you can score a $200 pair of shoes for less than $100, it's how we've managed to add these shoes to our closet.

LAUREN Ralph Lauren Newbury Slim Wallet

The reasons to splurge on a good wallet are the same as the ones for splurging on a good purse.  This is an item that you use almost every day, and buying cheap ones is just throwing away money because of the frequency with which you will have to replace them.  Wallets are also a good item to have a little fun with. Because it will hide in your purse and only be seen occasionally, why not choose one in a fun color, which can also make it easier to spot in your purse.

Chantelle Rive Gauche Demi Cup Bra
Every woman deserves to own at least one, although preferably more, really nice set of lingerie.  Putting it on makes you feel special, sexy, and feminine all at once.  It's an especially nice feeling when it's a style that can be worn under your regular clothes without notice, it's a secret you can walk around with all day.  So take some time to walk into that super fancy lingerie store, we promise your husbands won't mind the credit card statement for this particular splurge.

These are our splurge items, what are yours?



Monday, December 10, 2012

Monday Moodlifer : A Walk on the Wild Side

It is that time of year where our weekends are full of various holiday gatherings.  Some are casual, and some are more formal.  Typically at these types of events the common colors we see women wearing are blacks, reds, and some lovely jewel toned blues, greens, and burgandies.  We thought for today's Monday Moodlifter we would offer some different accessory options, all in the same theme, that will go with any of these colors, and that can either make a casual outfit a little more cool or a cocktail dress a little more daring.  So what is this universal theme, why leopard print of course!  So enjoy these wild animal print items we are completely in love with right now!
This J.Crew bangle is just beautiful and classic, with the leopard giving it that little bit of an edge.  This would be a great addition to a casual outfit adding just that hint of interest without going over the top.

These block heeled shoes from Ann Taylor would be the perfect addition to your outfit if you have a work holiday happy hour to attend.  They are fun without being offensive, and bonus, you can probably get away with wearing them through out the year in the office as well.


A scarf like this will help take your outfit from running errands to brunch or dinner or friends.  It will also keep you warm as you rush along to your destination from the metro.



This
haircalf belt is super versitile.  It could wrap around a sheath dress or a pencil skirt at work.  You could toss it on over a long sweater and skinny jeans, or if you are daring, you could even try it out over a simple black cocktail dress.


 Lastly, this little box clutch is so lovely and would be a fabulous statement piece to add some sass to a more formal outfit.  It's also great because it will work with more casual outfits as well, which makes the $120 price a little more palatable.


Do you have any go to accessories for the holidays?  H has a lovely pair of onyx and gold teardrop earrings she regulary pulls out this time of year, and M likes to pair crisp cream/white tops with bright, sparkly jewelry. 




Monday, October 1, 2012

Monday Moodlifter



This time of year always finds us feeling a little nostalgic.  There's nothing better than having brunch with some old friends, sifting through thrift and antique stores for good finds, and relaxing with old classic films.  In that vein, here some timeless things that are lifting our Monday mornings, we hope they do the same for you.




A collection of vintage fashion prints to spruce up a room.

A classic, but mature pink mauve nail polish.




A great throwback style cover, and a list of places for that brunch.

 

Vintage lockets to spice up your light turtleneck sweaters.



The lovely Audrey Hepburn in her classic Breakfast at Tiffany's look.


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Wednesday Perk - Transitions


As we noted on Monday, fall is upon us.  Here in the DC area the mornings are crisp, but the afternoons can still get a little warm.  This means that transition pieces are a must, and lightweight, simple sweaters are the perfect item.  The best part about sweaters like this is that they can be worn for work, or with jeans for a nice weekend look.  These sweaters can also work triple duty, transitioning from summer into fall, throughout winter layered with a scarf or blazer, and to transition you from winter into spring.  We prefer simple, single color pieces so that they can be accessorized for any occasion.  Below are a few great, affordable options (especially given the endless sales at the retailers these days).  Also check out the accessories to spice up your sweater finds!



Lightweight Sweaters