Tees 101: My Picks for Best Tees

via Pinterest

The time has come to go forth and FIND that perfect tee!

It's probably going to be a trial-and-error process. Finding a favorite t-shirt, one that you will keep and love and wear for all eternity, is a deeply spiritual experience -- second only to finding your spouse, and also maybe having a kid.

In the end, it really does come down to your specific budget & lifestyle, as well as your preferences for colors, styles, textures, and quality.

Here are my recommendations for where to start, at every price point:

via Madewell

High Quality // $$$$: J.Crew, Madewell, Gap
The colors, fabric softness, and garment quality speak for themselves! These are good places to stock up on tees you'll wear all the time, for years to come.

- Don't pill as easily
- Come in a variety of fabric thicknesses
- Gorgeous colors
- Available in every neckline & style

via Target

Middle Quality // $$-$$$: Old Navy, Target, Urban Outfitters
I particularly love to get v-neck tees at these three places -- the necklines are just the right height (not too high/low), and typically very affordable.

- Good for basics for the more budget-conscious
- Old Navy pills some, Target not as much
- Urban Outfitters has unique designs and slouchier fits
- Available in many necklines & styles, but can be limited in color choice

via H&M

Middle-Lower Quality // $$: Forever 21, H&M
For those times when you need something cute, cheap, and fun -- fast. These are great places to look for prints and graphic tees.

- Great for trendier items that only need to last a season or two
- Great if you're looking for more unique styles (banded hemlines, crazy necklines & sleeves)
- Items will probably only last a few seasons, so keep that in mind as you shop


What's your favorite tee and where did you find it? Leave a comment and let us know!

Tees 101: Accessorizing

via Wit & Delight

The last part of Kari's email to me about tees was this:

"If you... could also address making a T-shirt look chic with accessories (rather than layers/other clothing), that'd be excellent too!"

My immediate inclination is to layer stuff up to make it interesting, but I like what Kari is asking here... rather than depending on other pieces of clothing to make a tee special, how can we draw attention to the simplicity and versatility of a tee through accessories alone?

I would love to hear others' ideas on this, since I'm still trying to get the hang of simple accessorizing! Link up to a favorite Pinterest inspiration photo in the comments, or leave me a note about your favorite way to accessorize a tee. In the meantime, here's what I came up with:

Statement Jewelry: Go big or go home! Bib necklaces, chunky cuff bracelets, and intricate chandelier earrings work well against an empty t-shirt canvas, and allow you to show some personality.

Layered Jewelry: I'm thinking multiple charm/pendant necklaces or an arm-full of bangles or beaded bracelets and a watch...

Graphic Scarf: Whether it's a larger, light scarf draped around your neck, or a smaller silk scarf tied in a knot at your throat, a scarf is a great way to add a special pop and some interest. 

via Pinterest

via A Cup of Jo

Bags: Crossbody bags with a pretty or unique strap, a big tote with a graphic print or picture on it, or a beautiful leather bag with awesome hardware can dress a tee up or make it look artsy, instantly.

Belts: If you're into tucking your tee in and showing off a belt, this accessory can have the same personality-boosting effect as a necklace.

Hats: Baseball cap to floppy straw hat... it's all about the look you're going for. Headbands and headwraps are another great option!

Shoes: Don't take for granted to affect your footwear can have on your simple tee & jeans outfit. Heels or wedges (or even flats!) can take a tee from lounging on the couch to out-and-about glamorous. Since it's spring, try a colorful pair of espadrilles!

What's your favorite way to dress up a basic tee?

Tees 101: Sleeve Lengths

Have you ever noticed how different t-shirt sleeve lengths can either make your arms look great or look... well... large?

Growing up during the world's "baby tee" craze, I wore tiny, tight short sleeve shirts without a second thought, like everyone else. But as I got older and my arms filled out and were no longer preteen spaghetti arms (those were the days), I started to realize that the length of my tee sleeves mattered.

Lauren Conrad only confirmed this for me in her book, Lauren Conrad Style:

When I read this a few years ago, it finally all made sense. I had found that t-shirt sleeves that hit me just above the bicep were the most flattering, but didn't know there was an actual "style science" behind it. My arms aren't big, but tight, cropped sleeves that hit me at the shoulder made them look bigger than they were. This is not to say I shouldn't/can't ever wear other sleeve lengths (above the elbow sleeves work for me too, for example, and I can wear some cap-sleeved pieces, if the sleeves are loose), but it's always good to know your most flattering lengths, sizes, and cuts -- it makes shopping easier.

Do some experimenting yourself! Put on a short sleeve tee with slightly longer sleeves and, in front of a mirror, roll or pull the sleeves up and down until you find the length you think works best for you. It makes a difference! 

Girl Friday: Sarah P

This is my friend, Sarah!

A talented makeup artist and photographer, Sarah has long inspired me with her fashion choices and daring makeup experimentation. She sees the connection between fashion & makeup and other artistic mediums so clearly, and uses her wardrobe and talent as a way to share her passion for art. I've often seen her wearing (and pulling off brilliantly) things that I would only dream of trying.

I'm so excited to share her interview with you all -- and even more excited to inform you that Sarah will be guest posting on The Twenty Ninth in the next couple weeks, sharing makeup tips & tricks and answering frequently asked questions about makeup. Stay tuned for that soon! But for now -- here's Sarah's interview.

*   *   *   *   *

The Twenty Ninth: Tell us a little bit about what you're currently doing.

Sarah: I just recently moved to NYC to attend makeup school at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy. I'm in the full program, covering beauty & fashion, television & film, and stage & artistic make up. It's been awesome to learn from such talented instructors and alongside people who share my passion for this craft!

TN: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase:

S: A fusion of classic/preppy with with a little bit of indie/bohemian. Theoretically, I like to draw inspiration from all fashion genres, but those are the ones that make it into my closet most often. I'm trying to really stretch my fashion sensibilities as I've recently moved to NYC and you can get away with a lot here!

TN: How has your style evolved over the years?

S: A short style history: 

• Age 5: Received clothes as a gift for Christmas. Wailed in disappointment.  
• Age 10: Received more clothes for Christmas: my first pair of bell-bottoms (in the peak of the bell-bottoms resurgence) and a 70's inspired shirt from my grandpa.  Couldn't be more thrilled!
• Age 15: Entire closet dictated by the aesthetic of American Eagle and Abercrombie & Fitch
• Age 20-now: A hodgepodge of lots of different styles, stores, and inspirations! I really appreciate the rich experience that results from drawing from a diverse multitude of resources and inspirations.  

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you want to share?

S: Ummm, my whole childhood? I was pretty much a dweeb. Glasses, braces, big headbands & scrunchies, etc… I had a long geek phase.

TN: Who are your style influences?

S: As far as an inspirational person, mostly Mary-Kate Olsen. (Don't judge.) Beyond that, I'm inspired by fashion ads & magazines! W magazine, J.Crew ads, Vogue, Free People ads, musicians, etc. Also, I've recently been very inspired by NYC street fashion.

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?

S: I love getting things for less than you're supposed to pay for them. So for me that means shopping at thrift & consignment shops (Unique Thrift, Salvation Army & Current Boutique in DC, plus a whole host of new places in NYC!), off-price stores (TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Loehmann's, Off The Rack), and hitting the sale racks at stores with great style & higher prices (Club Monaco, Banana Republic, Free People, etc). I end up enjoying the clothes I got for a bargain the most! (i.e., a pair of leather oxfords I got for $3 at a thrift store.)

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?

S: I generally start out with either the mood of the outfit I want to wear, or think about where I'm going and what I'm doing that day, then just build from those starting points. Sometimes I'll look for one piece that inspires me, and build around that.

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear, and why?

S: Probably anything that's perfectly tailored. It just feels so RIGHT when you wear it! :-)

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share?

S: A few things:

1. Try to challenge yourself to make different silhouettes and combos with your outfits! It's easy to get stuck in a rut of buying the same type of pieces all the time. I am the first person that's guilty of wearing the jeans-and-shirt combo too often. My most fashionable friends wear the jeans & shirt combo only on occasion, not as the foundation for every outfit. Check out The Sartorialist blog for inspiration!  
   
2. Get a fashionable friend to go shopping with you! Ask them to pick out an outfit for you, try it on and see if it's something you want to try. You can also just run your fashion experiments by your friends whose style you admire.   
3. HAVE FUN!  Fashion should feel enjoyable, not obligatory. Take risks on the things that interest you. Don't try something provocative or risky just because you think you should, wear the things you like! But don't let yourself get lazy and stop caring, either. Beauty makes life much richer!

*   *   *   *   *

Can't wait to share more of Sarah's tips and photos with you all in her upcoming makeup series!

Tees 101: Necklines

The key to necklines is finding an appropriate skin-to-fabric ratio, based on your body type. Leaving the correct amount of skin exposed between the neckline and your chin can help to create a flattering balance. To find this balance, it helps to consider your shoulder width, bust size, and neck length.

We're also going to have to all just get over the fact that we need to talk about busts and bust sizes... Because they are a major factor when it comes to necklines. So get all your giggles out now.


Crew 
The basic of the basic. High, rounded, and fitted around the neck.

Works Best For: Those with smaller bust lines and longer necks.
While a relaxed crew (a neckline that's almost into scoop-neck territory) or a crew neck on an oversized slouchy tee might be okay, those with larger busts will be better off picking a slight scoop neck or v-neck tee, since crew necks can tend to accentuate the bust in an unflattering way, as well as making it appear lower.




V-Neck
Ranges from high to deep.

Works Best For: V-necks are universally flattering, depending on neckline depth. They elongate the torso and draw attention to the face. Particularly great for those with medium-larger busts and those with fuller, rounder faces.
Treat a high v-neck similar to a crew neck: high necklines draw more (bad) attention to the middle. With deep v-necks, most of us probably need to layer it over a higher necked cami or tank in order to remain somewhat decent. If v-necks are your best fit, look for a V that's high enough to keep you comfortably covered, but low enough to create a good skin-to-fabric balance between your face and the neckline.




Scoop Neck
Ranges in depth and width; includes U-necks.

Works Best For: Just about everyone! Because this style accentuates the collarbone (a slimming, attractive feature on pretty much everyone), this is a flattering choice for many. Like v-necks, scoop necks help elongate the torso and draw attention to the face.
Beware super-low scoops and their lack of coverage. Wide scoop necks should be avoided by those with broad shoulders, as it'll make them appear wider.




Boat Neck 
A high cut but wide neckline.

Works Best For: Those with narrower shoulders and smaller busts. Can also help offset wide hips.
If you have broad shoulders, boat necks will only make them appear wider. Also, those with larger busts will run into similar issue as with crew necks.


If you have other questions about necklines, leave a comment below or email me!

All photos in this post are via J.Crew

Tees 101: Fits

Multipurpose, multifunctional, multiawesome... But what kind of tee should you wear, and when? Don't be a victim to the way your tees fit -- make them work for you!

For the purpose of simplicity, we're going to talk everyday fits and gloss over more nuanced or style-specific tees like cropped, destroyed, vintage, henleys, etc.


The Basic Tee
Your typical, run-of-the-mill, Hanes kind of deal. Baggy fit; floppy sleeves and boxy hem.

via Pinterest

When/How to Wear: With skinny jeans or slim-fitting pants, a pencil skirt, layered under a jacket or cardigan (with slim pants). The key is to balance the oversized fit of the tee with a slender fit on the bottom or over it (i.e. a jacket), so you don't look oversized all over. Stick to classic white, or plain solid colored versions of these kind of tees. Concert tees (or a tasteful graphic print) are great, too!

Avoid: Any shirt you received for participating in something. You know what I'm talking about. Those one-size fits all tees with crazy graphics & bad fonts that spell out the details of the activity you got the shirt for. Those have their nostalgic time & place, of course... Consider making them workout shirts, pajama tops, or around the house tees.





The Basic Fitted Tee
Not too big, not too small, not too loose, not too tight.

via Pinterest

When/How to Wear: With, on, on top of, underneath everything! Layered or alone, this all-around well-fitting tee can be the workhorse of your basic wardrobe. The one thing is to make sure to pick the correct size. You want a fit that makes you look your best, something you can live in, day in and day out. Don't go off the size the tag says -- consider every aspect of fit when picking out your arsenal of basic tees and go with the size that complements your body type the best, such as:

Length: Those with longer waists, be sure to go for a longer hem. Shortwaisted? Try for a hemline that hits you at the top of the hips or slightly below, to create the illusion of length. In between-waisted? You can't go wrong with a tee that hits you right at the hips (like in the picture above).

Fabric tightness: Shouldn't be too tight or too loose. A well-fitting tee should skim your body and be forgiving enough to cover over any bumps or tummy pooches.

We'll talk more about finding the perfect tee for your body type in the next few posts -- a lot of it also comes down to sleeves and necklines.

 


The Slouchy Tee
Fitted through the sleeves & upper torso; more and looser fabric on the bottom.

via Emerson Fry

When/How to Wear: Front-tucked into slim or well-fitting flare-legged pants. With shorts. Front-tucked into a pencil skirt. Knotted at the waist over a dress or high-waisted skirt. Try a wider neckline slouchy tee over a colorful tank or camisole. Because this type of tee is slightly more fitted, you don't have to worry as much about balance, but do keep it in mind.

Avoid: Don't pair slouchy tees untucked over swingy skirts, baggy pants or otherwise slouchy bottoms. If you tuck the tee (at least in the front, like in the picture above), you can get away with it. Tucking creates a slimmer line around your torso and prevents the "I'm wearing a sack" effect.


Slouchy tees are my personal favorite. They usually provide enough shape (both in the sleeves and the way they skim the upper torso) to help me appear slim, while being forgiving enough in the middle to hide any post-pregnancy tummy while I'm shaping up.





The Baby Tee
Usually tight fitting all over with cap sleeves.

via Shade Clothing

When/How to Wear: A baby tee will ensure clean lines and a streamlined look, making it perfect for wearing with skirts (tucked or untucked depending on length of the tee), under cardigans/jackets, or with linen cargos or other baggier pants.

Avoid: Midriff skimming hemlines. Overly tight fabric. Avoid baby tees altogether if you are more curvy -- the cap sleeves and tight nature of this style won't complement your body type.


Any questions about making a fit work for you or how to style a particular type of tee? Leave a comment or shoot me an email!

Tees 101: The More You Know

via J.Crew

This email from my friend Kari was the final kick in the pants I needed to actually do a series on finding the perfect t-shirt that I'd been considering for a few months. 

Can you please find me the perfect T-shirt? What would work for a boyish frame, worn with jeans?  I like a slouchy-but-feminine look, but am open to anything. I'm saving toward a big wardrobe investment this coming summer, so price isn't a big concern.  

If you have time and could also address making this T-shirt look chic with accessories (rather than layers/other clothing), that'd be excellent too!

Tee, t-shirt, Tshirt, tee shirt.... does anyone really even know the correct name, spelling, and hyphenation for these cottony marvels of nature? For this blog series' purposes, I will be using the formal "usted" and calling them t-shirts/tees. You can call them whatever you like.

You might say a t-shirt is just a shirt -- what more is there to discuss? My 12 year old self agrees with you. But, with a little bit of styling, you'll see that a tee can be transformed from a last resort, I'm-running-to-the-store-at-midnight-and-I-hope-I-don't-see-anyone-I-know fashion choice to a staple and workhorse (or rather, a magical wardrobe unicorn) in your closet.

To be clear: I am not talking about your stash of cleverly designed Hanes Beefy T's, which, if I were to lay them out, would tell me most of your life story like a jersey scrapbook. While these have their place in your wardrobe (think washing the car, working out, or absorbent housework rag), there comes a time when they must be relegated to lazy Saturdays & pajama top stand-ins. If you're tempted to make these your everyday wear, I suggest ripping off the band-aid and just donating them all (except for maybe a few that evoke very sentimental memories) in one swift motion. Hold on to any basic white Hanes tees you may have (or your manly significant other may have)... those, as you will see, can come in handy.

Basic outline of the series:

• Fit: Types of styles and how they're best worn
• Necklines: An overview, and finding which cuts work best for you
• Sleeves: An overview, and finding which cuts work best for you
• How to accessorize a basic tee
• Recommendations for where to find tees, at every price point

I'm excited to get started and share some t-shirt magic! If you have burning questions about tees and how to wear them (anything, really -- anything), email me and I'll include it in my posts!

Swimsuits and Where to Find Them

They're the two words that strike fear into the heart of any woman... I'm not talking about "jeans shopping" or even "bra shopping." We're talking DEFCON 1: Swimsuit shopping.

I wish it was as easy as, "Ooh, cute bikini! I'll take it!" But for the majority of us, swimsuit shopping takes grit, determination, and maybe even a few shots of tequila. Even the truest of heart and bravest of the brave can be moved to tears at the sight of themselves in nylon and lycra.

What's to be done?

Corinne asks:

"Summer is right around the corner and I am in dire need of a new suit. I am not the kind of girl who likes to walk around in a bikini but I want a new suit that is grown-up, stylish, and still cute. Any suggestions? And how do you find the right kind of suit for your body? I've been wearing swim team suits and tankinis my entire life and I need something new!"

So let's talk suits for the non-bikini wearers among us... Suits for, shall we say, the regular-shaped woman?

I plan to take this opportunity to post pretty beachy pictures, by the way.

Swimsuit options include:
- One piece: The one piece suit is coming back in a big way. Lots of cute patterns and stripes and other options are out there these days.
- Tankinis: My personal recommendation. Not only do they provide range of movement, but they also make for quick bathroom trips, am I right?
- Monokinis: I... I... Just. No.

In general when you're buying a bathing suit, the areas to be careful of are mainly the mid-section and the thighs, with consideration to the bust. The neckline you choose is a personal preference kind of thing... as long as you're not completely hanging out, a lot of necklines are fair game. Just find one you're comfortable with. I will say that if you have a bigger bust avoid large embellishments like ruffles or pleating up top, as it'll only make you look bigger. Of course, if you're smaller chested, ruffles and embellishments can be your friend!

If you have a little something in the middle you want to conceal, go for a suit with ruching in the middle. The pleats will hold you in and help with hiding. There's also the blouson suit, which will hide anything you've got, and still look stylish. If you're into the bikini look but are still concerned about your tummy, a retro high-waisted suit could work for you.

Wider thighs? Consider a suit with boy shorts or a lower leg opening. You don't want anything too long, but a little length around the leg will provide some separation between the thighs, and will provide the coverage you need (both for the thighs and the backside... you don't want your butt hanging out around the edges). A close-fitting swim skirt is another option for some thigh coverage, but personally I feel like they restrict movement and weigh you down in the water. Swim dresses with a little ruffle are a better idea if you're into the skirt idea.

via Oh Pioneer

Where does one find these suits we speak of? Here are a few places to get you started:

- ModBe / Downeast Basics (cute patterns and fairly good coverage)
- LimeRicki Swimwear (some slightly weird patterns/designs, but give it a try)
- Athleta (for a no-nonsense, more sporty-yoga look)
- Gap / Old Navy / Target (not for everyone, but they occasionally will have some options)
- Macy's (they have some good tankini options this year)
- J.Crew (particularly if you're looking for a cute patterned one-piece)
- Shade Clothing (more basics, both in patterns & styles)
- Lands End (if you're looking for a very basic black or navy suit that covers everything)

If you have a favorite place to shop for bathing suits, or any suit-shopping tips you'd like to share PLEASE DO!! I'd love to hear more options. We all need to stick together and help each other out on this one, am I right?

Styling Saddle Shoes

Current/Elliot via Pinterest

Anyone else grow up wearing saddle shoes from Buster Brown? I had pairs in both black & white AND in pink & white.

Oxfords & saddle shoes are making a comeback in a big way, and while they're a very classic style, they can be difficult to integrate into a modern style without turning an outfit blatantly 1950's vintage and even costume-y.

My friend Erin is considering getting saddle shoes from ModCloth and writes:

"I think these little style of shoes are so cute by themselves but I'm hesitant to get them because I'm not sure how I would ever wear it. Any thoughts?"

via ModCloth

Those of us with awesome retro-vintage style could easily just throw these on with any outfit and make it work. But what about someone with a more modern style? Avoiding cutesy styling is key, so just say no to sweet collars, lots of ruffles, swingy skirts and old-fashioned/vintage cuts & lengths (unless of course that's just the look you're going for!).

Saddle shoes and two-tone oxfords are definitely statement pieces, since the style is so iconic and the color contrast is stark. As with any statement piece, the general idea/rule is to keep the rest of your outfit simple and streamlined, especially if you're going for a more modern styling.

Here are a few examples of how to make saddle shoes work:

Tomboy:

via Pinterest // via Happy, Honey & Lark

- The styling here is more masculine, which works well with the oxford-style shoe.

- Leather pants/dark jeans are modern and sleek, providing contrast for a potentially cutesy shoes.

- The color-blocking in both the scarf and the checkered button down carry the black & white color-blocking of the shoes and makes the outfit look streamlined, consistent, and clean.

Grunge:

via Pinterest   //   via Pinterest

- The simple color palette of both outfits neutralizes the pop of the shoes.

- A worn-in, grunge style provides extra contrast and also helps neutralize the "dapper-ness." Specifically, the graphic tee & cut-off shorts and the ripped sweatshirt all contrast the potential "cutesy" factor and update an icon. 

Simple & Slightly Sweet:

via The Drifter & The Gypsy

- Modern colors and a simple jeans + blouse combo allow the shoes to be a statement piece.

- The polka dots hint at a retro style without screaming it, and provide a neutralizing interest point for the color-blocked shoes.

- If you do want to go a little more old school, choose just one or two pieces that speak to the retro factor, like a sweet dress, a collared shirt, a floral or vintage pattern, etc. Limiting the vintage pieces will help you avoid the costume effect. 

Preppy:

via Pinterest

- The preppy stripes provide a style contrast and dumb down the retro feel.

- Simple black pants and a more neutral colored shoe help keep things streamlined and modern. 

- Drinking coffee while wearing saddle shoes is always a good idea. 

Anyone else have ideas for wearing saddle shoes? Have a favorite way to style them? Share!

Found: The Perfect Sunglasses

I found them, you guys!

The new sunglasses, the Spanish Steps in DC, and the handsome guy I married.

THE sunglasses. I told you I'd follow up when they came into my life -- I didn't expect it to happen this soon, but I'm glad it did!

They're rounded, so they complement my square jaw. They're not too dark in the lenses, and they're tortoise shell, which I was looking for specifically. (My love for tortoise shell was handed down to me by my mom -- she's made the pretty brown & gold pattern look good for as long as I can remember.)

David said that because the shape of the lenses curves inward around the outside, they draw the eye down to my chin, flattering my squarish jawline rather than adding width or weight to it. They're comfortable, the right width and size, and a $14 price tag didn't hurt either.

The ironic thing is, these were actually one of the pairs I had tried on at Urban Outfitters previously and almost bought before I posted about my search. But in the end, I'm glad I stopped and did the research first -- now I know for sure that not only do I truly like them, they're also flattering. 

Happy all around!

Clothes for Cheap: J.Crew Multistripe Boatneck Tee

Another exact J.Crew replica from Old Navy, with a $30 price difference:

Old Navy   //   J.Crew

At first, I wasn't sold on the pattern of this shirt, but when I saw how Kendi from Kendi Everyday styled it, I was kind of won over:

via Kendi Everyday

What do you think?

Wearing Black & Brown Together

via Pinterest

Eleanore asks: 

"Can you wear black and brown together? Lately I've been told "no." I always do and never thought it looked bad at all but my friend who actually is a stylist said it's a "no-no." I don't agree."

Fashion rules are being broken all over the place these days (i.e. no wearing white after Labor Day? Who listens to that one anymore?). In fact, part of what makes revolutionary, unique, up-and-coming, and fashionable clothing stand out is the idea that fashion rules have been broken or altered by trendsetters and the fashion-savvy. I've mentioned it before, but my favorite example of this is The Sartorialist -- the street fashion movement has taken off since the beginning of this blog & photography experiement, and is now heavily influencing major runway shows and collections with its rule-breaking, quirky ideas.

via Small Shop Studio

That being said, I do think there are outfit combinations that look better than others and let's face it, are more acceptable in normal society than others. So my simple rule (which you can feel free to break -- this is just my preference) is that black and light browns (tan, cognac, camel, etc.) work best together. Chocolate browns and black are little more dicey. I mean, you can go for it, but it always looks a little off to me, personally. I think it has something to do with the fact that black is so absolute. So to throw a medium, lifeless, nondescript brown against it makes for a muddled idea that can't fully decide what it wants to be.

If I sound like I'm anti-chocolate brown, it's probably because I OD'ed on it in highschool. Convinced that I couldn't wear black, I settled for brown, and now I tend to hold it at arms length. But I digress. Bottom line is, if you're craving dark colors to wear with chocolate brown, I recommend trying a dark navy blue or a gray.

What do you all think? Is wearing black & brown a fashion "no-no" or a fashion "go for it"?

Also, I managed to use "no-no" in this post like three times, so that's pretty great.

via Pinterest

I'm Guest Posting...

via Fogarty Photography

...on my friend Liz's photography blog today! Liz is an up-and-coming photographer, and kindly asked if I'd be willing to share some tips for dressing for an engagement shoot.

Click here for the post! (And to see more of Liz's amazing photography skills!)

Glitter Pumps -- NSFW?

via Viva Luxury

This question is from Lindsay:

"This past winter, I really wanted to buy these silver glitter pumps. They were a great fit and the perfect height for frequent walking -- great for work AND a night out. Struggling with the decision, I asked my husband what he thought. He said they were "too young." My primary goal this year has been to reshape my wardrobe as an adult, not a college student and younger. I put them back immediately without a thought. But, 3 months later, I still wish I had these. I'm wondering about all-glitter heels in general. Are they too "young"? How could these be made "adult"? Are they work-appropriate (I work in a very professional office at UMD, and make every effort to look older than the average college student) or childish? The title for these pumps contain the word "Barbie" -- even more cause for caution! Comments or thoughts?"

The shoes in question, from DSW

Glitter-covered heels are kind of a thing right now, so I think it's safe to say the standard of their acceptability has changed (I mean, if Louboutin makes glitter heels, they've got to have some element of class!). Unfortunately, these types of shoes have a "night at the club" stigma -- one that can be hard to break if you're not thinking carefully about what to wear them with -- so I understand why the idea of them being "too young" came up! However, I've seen some very mature, fashion-forward outfits (and am sharing some below) that feature sparkly footwear. I would say that they can be acceptable for an adult's wardrobe, and even work appropriate... but to help reign it in and stay on the more mature end of the spectrum, consider the following ideas:

Make sure your outfit is very, very polished and put together, and lean toward a more conservative look when wearing them. Keep the color of the glitter conservative:

1  //  2  //  3

Try a different shoe silhouette (like the open toe wedges in the pic below) rather than a classic high heel pump, so you don't evoke that classic Barbie/clubbing association:

via Macy's Tumblr

Try shoes that feature just one glittery part, like the heel or toe. 

Ruffled Blog  //  Chair Affair  //  Bows & Sequins

 What do you all think? I'm still going back and forth on this one!

Ideas for Styling a Denim Vest

My sister texted yesterday morning to tell me she'd scored a denim vest at Target the other day... but wanted help with some ideas for styling it.

Luckily, I've been finding a lot of cute ideas on Pinterest recently for denim vests...

With a maxi dress or tank & maxi skirt:

1 // 2 // 3 // See Jane

With shorter dresses or tops & skirts, in a variety of sleeve lengths:

Frankie Hearts Fashion // 2 // Happily Grey // 4

And with pants -- a great excuse to wear your colored/patterned jeans:

Could I Have That // Girl Crush Blog // 3 // 4

If you have favorite ways to style a denim vest, leave a comment and share with the rest of us!

Striped Skirt Styling, Part 2

Funny enough, right after I posted yesterday with tips for styling Laura's striped skirt, my friend Stacey emailed asking for advice on how to style her own striped skirt! The navy & green color scheme was tripping her up a little.

As I mentioned yesterday, the same rules apply across the board for styling stripes, no matter the color scheme, but since we're on a striped-skirt-styling kick, I went ahead and addressed the navy & green combo with some specific suggestions.

Keep your proportions in mind like we discussed yesterday, but don't be afraid to match up this bolder color scheme with fun prints and graphics. Since navy & green is a classic preppy combination, classic colors and graphics (i.e. rugby jersey numbers, iconic logos, basic shapes) will work well in general and keep your look cute and clean.  

Hope these ideas help, Stace!