Currently wishing for...fall knits

Currently wishing for some knitwear to add to my wardrobe this fall.

1. Old Navy's Women's 3/4-Sleeve Sweaters
2. Top Shop Knitted Shoulder Lace Top 
3. Top Shop Knitted Peacock Blue Tweedy Cable Jumper
4. J. Crew Knitted Wool Cape
5. Sonia Rykiel Striped Alpaca-Blend Poncho 
6. Alice + Olivia Sparrow Striped Merino Wool Poncho 
7. Old Navy Women's Animal-Print Cardigans 
8. AE Lightweight Boyfriend Cardigan 
9. Alexa Chung for Madewell Ruby Cardigan

Midi Lengths

 

Top: H&M; Skirt: Francesca's Collections; Belt: Nordstrom's (junior's dept); Boots: Marshalls; 
Bracelets: F21; Sunnies: H&M

After wearing these (comfortable!) boots this week, I realize that I'll have to take them to the cobbler for some TLC if I want to wear them next season...they deserve it after serving me well for the past few years.

Have a great weekend! 

Pumpkin Colored

Dress: Francesca's Collections; Cardigan: Old Navy; Shoes: Nine West; Tights: ? Belt: UO; Sunnies: 

Target; Necklace: Eastern Market vendor; Watch: Francesca's Collections; Bag: gift

I'm officially on a pumpkin kick.  I've bookmarked food and drink recipes I plan to make that feature pumpkin and I'm wearing pumpkin inspired shades in my outfit today...guess I have pumpkins on the brain!

What colors are you enjoying right now?

The short of it

Jacket: Macy's Boy's section; Shorts: Mod Cloth; Shirt: H&M; Shoes: thrifted; 

Clutch: Francesca's Collections; Necklace/Bracelets: F21; Earrings: ?; Glasses: UO

I consider shorts a fall seasonal item.  I rarely feel compelled to wear them in scorching weather, but as soon as the fall chill is in the air, I enjoy pairing them with my favorite tights.  My "cage" ankle boots are another item that I prefer to wear in the fall.  Tights (especially colored ones) add a bit more visual interest to them in my opinion.  Having seasonal favorites means that you always have an item to look forward to wearing because you wear it for a limited time.  What is non-fashion seasonal favorite I've been enjoying lately: Pumpkin spice lattes.

Have a positive and productive week!

Black Lace and Khaki

Short Trench: H&M; Shirt: H&M (old); Jeans: c/o Lucky FABB and J Brand; Shoes: Target; 

Clutch: Loft (old); Earrings: purchased in the Bahamas; Sunnies: Target

Because I have only recently started embracing more jeans and pants into my wardrobe I wasn't aware of how awesome JBrand jeans were!  With the velvety fabric of this pair, it's nice to have a comfy pair of black skinnies suited for the chilly weather now. 

Happy Friday! Have a lovely weekend!

Golden Olive

 

Shirt: Old Navy; Skirt: Gap; Shoes; Go Jane; Clutch: Francesca's Collections; 

Necklace: Jess LC; Earrings: ?; Bracelets: F21; Glasses; UO

 I just picked the first items I put my hands on in my closet to create this outfit, but I like this combo together and will definitely wear it again. It's funny how some of my favorite outfits are quite accidental.  Does the same thing happen to you or do you put a lot of time and thought into your favorite outfits?

Let's make the second half of the week great! 

Currently listening to: Cee-Lo Pandora Station

Cobalt and Gray

Dress worn as shirt: F21; Skirt: H&M (old); Bag: thrifted: Shoes: Payless; Earrings: 
Modcloth; Necklace: Claire's; Sunnies: H&M

I don't think I've mentioned this when I've worn this skirt previously, but  it is several years old and was once ankle length.  The skirt also had a front slit and came with a huge safety pin fastened to the front (in my defense it purchased in the late 90's!).  It has survived a few moves and several closet purges mainly because I got it hemmed.  It's amazing how doing something as simple as cutting several inches off a skirt can give it a new look and a lot of 'remix' potential.

Have a positive and productive week!

Style Profile: Two Stylish Kays

Photos: courtesy of KayCee of Two Stylish Kays

This month's Style Profile comes from KayCee of Two Stylish Kays. KayCee is a personal stylist and a thrift shopping guru that puts together great outfits.  KayCee also covers great fashion events in Atlanta.  Now let's get to the interview questions!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog and how did you come up with the title? 

KayCee:  I started my personal style blog to celebrate my love of fashion, thrift shopping and inspiring women to look stylish all the time. The name Two Stylish Kays describes the fun I have mixing trendy fashion with classic style and retail brands at resale prices.

Shen Dove: How would you describe your personal style? Have you seen your style evolve since you started your blog? 

KayCee: My dominant style is classic. I enjoy having longstanding staples that I can wear year round and look effortless. But I do enjoy mixing in a few trendy pieces to give my outfit an unexpected element to make me stand out. Since doing my blog, I find that I'm willing to wear new styles and trends that I probably would not have tried in the past.

Shen Dove: What do you enjoy most about blogging about style and fashion? 

KayCee: Overall blogging has offered me so many opportunities to meet like-minded women who are passionate about fashion. I love reading comments from my readers and I feel honored when they say that I have inspired them to try a new style.

Shen Dove: How has the city/town you live in influenced your style? 

KayCee: I was born on the beautiful island of Trinidad, but grew up in New Orleans. In both cultures, women are very comfortable in their own skin and it's not taboo to be exposed or too sexy. Especially when wearing costumes in bold, vibrant colors during Carnival and Mardi Gras. So I love wearing clothes that enhance my body and express my mood.

Shen Dove: What make-up, nail polish or accessories are you excited about wearing this fall? 

KayCee: I am very excited about wearing the infinity scarf, cherry red leather gloves and my camel colored cape.

Shen Dove: You are a fan of thrift shopping which I think is so great because its eco-friendly and you can usually make your money stretch further. Do you have any tips for readers that may not tried thrift shopping yet? 

KayCee: (1) Look for bargains - Most clothes at thrift stores are used so take advantage of the low prices. But don’t simply buy items because of the price. Make sure that it is something that you love and can integrate into your wardrobe. (2) Stock up on accessories - One of my favorite finds when shopping in thrift stores is the costume jewelry section. The selection ranges from vintage to trendy. I also stock up on leather belts, clutch purses and scarfs. These are great items that are an easy way to update and transform an outfit. (3) Experiment with a new style or the season’s hottest trends - The huge selection of clothing available at thrift stores is a great way to try out a new style. It’s an inexpensive investment to determine if you would like a certain look. Plus there is no guilt from paying full price for items that may end up in your closet unloved. (4) Spend Time, Save Money - One of the most important things to remember about secondhand style is that it requires patience and thinking outside the box. Unlike department store shopping, where you are wowed rack after rack of clothing, a thrift stores is sometimes a hit or miss. But if you can spend the time, you will find so many new inexpensive additions for your wardrobe.

Shen Dove: What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of fashion blogging? Do you have any hidden talents? 

KayCee: I am a personal stylist, own a formal dress rental company and co-host fashion swaps.

Shen Dove: I love that you have so many entrepreneurial endeavors! Do you have any personal style rules you live by? If so what are they? 

KayCee: My mom introduced me secondhand stores at an early age, so I learned the joy of thrift shopping and how to create fashionable wardrobes on a modest budget. So my personal style motto is, "Personal style is a look that is all your own. It’s not about how much money you spend, but how you wear your clothes."

Shen Dove: Thanks for the Interview KayCee!  Be sure to check out the great blog Two Stylish Kays if you don't yet have it bookmarked!

Chambray and Colored Denim

Chambray Shirt: Charlotte Russe; Jeans: F21; Belt: borrowed from Mom; Shoes: 

Target; Earrings: H&M; Necklace: Clyde's Rebirth; Watch: Francesca's Collections; Bracelets: H&M

I'm rarely an early adopter of technology or fashion trends, so I'm still really feeling colored denim.  Colored jeans are a fun way to add color to my fall weekend uniform of jeans and shirts. I also happen to think though other styles are great, skinny jeans are perfect for short ladies like me because they rarely need hemming, just cuff them a little and add heels!

 

Currently reading: Crescent by Diana Abu-Jaber

Zebra Earth Tones

Blazer: thrifted; Jeans: Gap (old); Shoes: Zappos; Belt: UO; Bag: gift; Glasses: UO; 
Earrings: gift; Watch Francesca's Collections; Bracelets: H&M

Happy Monday friends!  If you happen to have off work today for Columbus Day, hope you're enjoying the extended weekend.  Holiday weekends are even better when they include sunny, unseasonably warm weather.  This outfit was actually from a few days ago when it was a bit cooler.

Here's to a positive and productive week!

Book Review: The Art of Choosing

I love a good novel as much as the next person, but I also really love reading books of the "pop-psychology" variety which is how I would describe this book.  If you enjoyed reading books like The Tipping Point and Blink, then this book is for you.  The Art of Choosing centers around the research of Sheena Iyengar on the subject of choice.  The book delves into how different cultures (and Americans in particular) value choice and how decision making  impacts many aspects of our lives.  Reading this book made me realize that Western cultures view choice as a right, but this is not the case in other cultures around the world.  Iyengar references her own life experiences in the book as well as specific studies that she spearheaded and how her research has shaped her views on choice.  Iyengar also references pop culture and film sequences that would be familiar to many people which I found particularly interesting because Iyengar happens to be blind (you'll have to read the book to learn more about her personal story).

Western society has evolved into a cultural perspective where variety of choice is seen as a right and not just a way of life for some people.  As a person who loves fashion and the options that come with being a consumer of goods like clothing, personal items (make up) and technology, I love having fashion choices and would be a sad Shen Dove if I had to wear the same thing every day.  But I enjoyed reading this book because it pointed out the pros and cons of living in a society of plentiful choices and made me realize that sometimes a variety of choices doesn't always translate to better; in fact sometimes numerous choices can be overwhelming.  I found this book to be well written and researched, so check it out if you are looking for a thought-provoking read this fall. 

In the Trenches

 

Trench: Tracy Reese via Anthropologie; Dress: Modcloth; Bag: H&M; Sunnies: H&M; 

Necklace: F21; Boots: Marshalls; Earrings: ?; Watch: Francesca's Collections

I've had this trench for about a year, and though it is one of my favorite jackets, I believe that this is its first appearance on the blog.  Glad that oversight was remedied!

Have a great weekend.

P.S. Like many others, my thoughts are prayers are with the loved ones and friends of Steve Jobs.

Pink Printed

Blazer: Loft (old); Dress: Modcloth; Shoes: Target; Bag: thrifted (originally Target); Jewelry: Jess LC/H&M; Watch: Francesca's Collections; Sunnies: Target

Just a work outfit suitable for a beautiful fall day. Loving the sunshine we've been getting in DC over the last couple of days. 

Happy Wednesday!

Striped Cognac

Jacket: Macy's Boy's section; Top: Old Navy; Jeans: F21; Shoes: Zappos; Necklace: Clyde's Rebirth; 

Scarf: came with Clyde's Rebirth necklace; Bag: H&M; Earrings: gift; Watch: Francesca's Collections

Happy Monday! Hope you had a lovely weekend.

I'm hoping the temperatures stay where they are for a while and don't drop any further, because "blazer-only weather" will give way to full on "bundle up against the cold weather" soon enough! 

P.S. Thanks for your input on color options for my skirt!  Stay tuned for an update on which color I chose very soon (aka when I make it to the store to purchase some RIT Dye!).

Have a positive and productive day!

Fall Wish List

Just a few things I'm currently wishing for this fall... 

1.  J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Velvet; 2.  Nanaimo Bar None Cardigan; 3.  Navajo Sunset Print Tunic Dress; 4. Gap 1969 Super Lightweight Pintucked Trouser Jeans; 5. Aldo Bramuchi Bag; 6. Nine West Chelsy Mary Jane; 7. Nordstrom Carole Triple Strand Bead Necklace; 8. Thief and Bandit Hand Printed String Cuff Bracelet in White Heat Geo Print