Let Me Borrow Your Boyfriend…Jacket That Is..

 

Instead of just sleeping in his shirt every night, why not try borrowing his jacket to get that “close” feeling. Made popular in the 1980’s, the oversized blazers became the craze last fall and has seemingly carried over into this summer with the light weight look.

I’m sure we all have a classic black blazer in the closet that we pull out and pair with jeans, dresses, skirts and shorts. A quick way to jazz up a not so jazzy outfit, the black really can’t find its place in June, July and August. How do we overcome this dilemma? Try linen, unlined or neutral and spring colors.

This option not only affords you the opportunity to continue the trend, but you are also including the ever so popular “pop” of color to your outfit.

Stores from Macy’s to Neiman Marcus offer the jacket at prices ranging from $50 to $175. A great alternative is your local thrift store. The men’s section is overflowing with blazers. Which is where I got today’s jacket for $4.99!

The one thing I love about a boyfriend blazer is that you can dress it up or down. Below are three different looks for a plaid summer version of the blazer.

Look one was paired with some jeans for work. Look two was paired with a pencil skirt for a business look and finally look three was paired with some ripped and bleached boyfriend ¾ jeans.

 

Today’s looked needed to be casual, comfortable and conducive to a hot and cold climate. I am currently blogging from Vanderbilt Hospital, where my mother is undergoing a second round of eye surgery. It’s just laser, so hopefully everything is successful, but because I should be here for a few hours, I needed something I would feel comfortable in. Like I said, if you find his shirt comforting, imagine how his jacket feels 🙂

 

Today’s outfit

Vintage Men’s Blazer – Music City Thrift

American Apparel Boyfriend Jean – Plato’s Closet

 ~Stay Haute~

I Spy…Shoe Spy…

I usually don’t post twice in one day, but I was browsing the internet and happened upon a pair of sling back shoes similar to a pair I recently purchased at Ross Dress for Less.

 A few weeks ago, I stopped by a local Ross store as I was dropping my maltipoo off for grooming. I have been on the hunt for at least 2 years now, trying to find a really HAUTE pair of mustard colored shoes, since I left my only pair in Los Angeles 😦

Shockingly, I found a pair of Steve Madden suede sling backs, similar to the Aqua suede pair Budgetnista over at the budgetchic.org purchased a couple of months ago from Ross (I wanted the Aqua and almost died when she posted, but I digress, lol).

Budgetnista

We both are admitted budget shoppers, and while she was thrilled about purchasing hers for $21, I got mine for $19, which is a far cry less than the pair of Hilari sling backs on Bakers Shoes website. The Bakers shoes completely persuaded me to make today’s additional post.

 Baker’s

If you can spring for a $80 pair of shoes, GREAT! If not, follow Budgetnista and I to Ross 🙂

I threw the mustard purse in for decoration. I purchased this brand new – tags still on – purse at Plato’s for $25. It is gigantic! I typically use it as a purse/laptop bag when going out to meetings, ect. It was truly a great find. You can’t have mustard shoes without a mustard purse. And, believe it or not, I actually found a pair of mustard shoes recently with the same material and distressed look as the purse (they will be in another post).

 

Haute Accessories

Steve Madden Shoes – Ross Dress for Less

Nicole Lee Handbag – Plato’s Closet

~Stay Haute~

You Can Have Whatever You Like…Dress That Is

Digging through folders on my computer I came across a few outfits that I never posted on Blogger, and it just so happened that one of my favorite dresses ended up in this folder.

Ladies on a budget try to get the most for their dollar. We look for pieces that we can pair multiple ways and create a number of looks. Dresses are no different, which is why the Convertible Dress probably has to be one of the BEST inventions.

The dress typically has a fitted or flared bottom with long, thick straps at the top that can be twist, turned and wrapped multiple ways to create a look tailored to your style and body.

My first introduction to the dress was in the Victoria’s Secret catalog, which carried the dress in at least 10 different colors. Since its introduction, I have seen the dress listed as a six, 10 or 12-way dress and can even be purchased as a bridesmaid dress. I think it’s a wonderful idea that companies are now offering dresses that bridesmaids can wear more than once. It’s even my understanding that American Apparel has a dress that many are labeling the “100 Way” dress.

I think I’m going to try row 2, number 3 – looks very cute! Either way, wanna save a buck or two, invest in a Convertible Dress and I’m sure you will have a new outfit each time! New shoes and new accessories, make for a new look and a new you 🙂

The Outfit

Convertible Dress – Plato’s Closet

Italina Sling back shoes – The Shoe Boutique

Business on a Casual Day…Casual on a Business Day

 

Working from home these last few months has really redefined my business casual concept. Those who really know me, know that I am one who spends a great deal of time putting together an outfit. Yet, it seems that the last few months have been spent in PJ’s and Lycra pants. Although, this has been extremely comfortable on most days, this style of dress typically does nothing for your creativity.

So, to get the “juices” flowing again, I’ve decided to develop several outfits that include my latest necessities for comfort ability while remaining business-like. Most recently, I have taken a lot of business meetings and must at least look like I know what I’m doing.

I have to admit coming from corporate America, I am loving the freedom of wearing what you want with a twist. Which leads me to the question, “What is really considered business casual?”

Business Casual has been described as the opportunity to work in a more relaxed yet still business type of clothing. When I worked at the Public Relations firm, business casual was considered dress slacks, button down shirts, nice blazers. While at the university, business casual included sundresses and sweaters, open-toed sandals and Friday’s with jeans. Most companies fit somewhere between the two categories. With the introduction of “relaxed” casual, which is what today’s outfit includes, many are finding it difficult to meet the guidelines of the office, while on a budget.

The vast age range of employees is also a reason. Baby Boomers grew up believing that in a corporate office of any type, you must be in a suit. Generation Y, those born in the 70’s and 80’s, lost the suits and opted for sports coats and khakis, while Generation X believes that anything goes from boots with dresses to “after 5” dressed down.

We have probably seen it all at one point or another and often shake our heads wondering how this fashion disaster happened. But, it can be over come. For women, one of the key pieces to a business casual closet is a skirt. Skirts can be worn with pretty much anything. Pair it with a blazer and you have dressed it up, loose the blazer and grab the blue-jean jacket and you have a totally different outfit.

But, what about pants? Today’s outfit include flared high-waist cotton pants with a tank and fitted ¾ sleeve blazer. The outfit is very comfortable, keeping you in the casual mode, however the blazer adds the business twist. Complete with accessories and you really can be business and casual at the same time.

Today’s Outfit

Lux ¾ Blazer – Plato’s Closet

Pants – Thrift Smart

Express Sandals – Express

~Stay Haute~

Fashionology 102..Have You Studied?

 

Developed two years ago by S.E.V.E.N Promotions director Trista Davis, Fashionology highlights the latest fashion from local Nashville, Tenn., designers, while featuring local models and the creative concept of model turned runway coach Jocelyn Watts.

Davis and Watts, both graduates of Alabama A&M University share a passion for fashion but a greater philanthropic connection. Which is why, Fashioology not only provides an avenue for local talents designers, it is also an opportunity for the parent company to raise money for its annual Seven Ways Scholarship for a Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) student as well as gather school supply donations for the Pencil Foundations LP Pencil Box program.

Fashionology one of the largest donors to the Pencil Foundation and is the only fashion show to gather supplies for MNPS. This year, Fashionology has raised the bar in philanthropy. Not only will the show raise money for its scholarship and Pencil, they have joined with Hands on Nashville to raise money and gather non-perishable supplies for the Nashville Flood Victims.

Nashville is truly in need of supporters locally and beyond! If you are interested in contacting the ladies for an interview, making donations or need media credentials, please contact me at raynettasmith@yahoo.com

Date: Thursday, May 20

Time: 6:30 p.m., VIP Reception (invite only); 8 p.m., Show Begins

Place: Cannery Ballroom, One Cannery Row, Nashville, TN 37203

Tickets: General Admission, $20; VIP Admission, $50 (front row seating,VIP reception, meet designers, gift bag)

Trust me, you DON’T wanna miss this! After this night of fashion, you are sure to graduate head fashionista of your class!

~Stay Haute~