Tag Archives: j crew

on the cheap: the classic french girl

{Editor’s Note: A hearty welcome to Kristina, who joins us as our resident bargain shopper! Kristina’s going down into the trenches to find the best steals and deals on the www and put together ensembles that prove great style is possible at every price. So happy to have her on the team!}

Kristina ~ White House Black Market’s claim that their City Pants adjust to fit any body shape made me dubious at best. I have what is known as a “pear shape”, and finding pants that fit in the waist without cutting off the circulation in my rear and thighs can be a major challenge. Now add in the fact that I’m 5’2”, and shopping for pants becomes nearly impossible. Imagine my delight when I found that these come in three different hem lengths! Let the challenge begin…

The Red City Pant, White House Black Market, $78

I have found that WHBM is fairly generous with their sizing and I typically wear a size smaller with them than I would with other stores. Sure enough, one size smaller fit me perfectly through the rear and waist! Cue fitting room happy dance! Unfortunately, even the short length hit at the tops of my feet instead of at my ankle, so I will still have to have them tailored to achieve that perfect ankle-skimming length, but hems are a much easier fix than taking in the waist.

To style these, I’d pair them with a classic striped tee (loving the gold hardware on this boatneck from J.Crew!), some leopard flats, and a bag with a pop of contrasting color – red doesn’t always have to steal the show. Layer on the classic trench you already have in your closet (or snag this super steal from Target) and you’re ready for fall as well.

Merona Belted Long Trench, Target, $25 / Painter Boatneck Tee, J.Crew, $45 / 
Legacy Leather Mini Saddlebag, Coach, $158 / Speakup Leopard Flats, Nine West, $79

What are your favorite tricks for styling red pants? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

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all in the details: threadbare bracelet

Kate ~ Occasionally I come across a detail that strikes me as the kind of piece that would work no matter your style. The Threadbare bracelet from RockLove is an example of that, from preppy (nautical knots and primary colours) to the indie chic rockers (refined leather and hardware), and with all the colours available, odds are there’s a version for you.

Comprised of an intricate leather knot, gold chain, and an anchor-and-eye clasp, this bracelet is chunky enough to be a statement on its own, yet refined enough that it could withstand a little extra arm candy. I’ve opted for the Oxblood Red, as it’s the kind of colour that could really be rocked year round.

Oxblood Threadbare Bracelet, RockLove, $115

When I first came across this, I was sitting in black cigarette pants, a khaki blazer, and that Tory Burch Scarf from a few weeks ago…quietly thinking that the Oxblood would both pick up the colours of the scarf and balance out an oversized gold watch on the opposing wrist. Nonetheless, while I have nothing against outfit repeats, this column is about being inspired by details and creative.

For the foundations, I’m reaching for end of summer staples: a cotton oxford button down (crisp and polished in shape, but soft in material), and dark denim shorts or jeans (either classic indigo or black will do). I’ve opted for neutral basics so that you’re welcome to weave in your own aesthetic in the rest of the details, whether it be rocker chic or downtown prep.

Broome Street Jeans, Kate Spade, $198 / Shrunken Oxford, Madewell, $60 / Boyfriend Shorts, Paige, $139

Playing up the arm candy of the Threadbare bracelet, I’d add a thin silk and chain wrap bracelet and bold gold studs to start out the details. Adding a patterned scarf with a touch of red ensures that the outfit doesn’t stray into monotone (eg. all bold solid colours/accents), and softens the look when just hanging casually around your neck. The bag, shoes, and belt should all pick up on either the red/gold of the bracelet, or the other tones of the scarf. Red ballet flats add a touch of fun, a thin yellow belt ties in the scarf, and a semi-structured tan bag keeps things in the light, late summer category. Now just add your favourite shades and keep your makeup fresh and minimal with extra flirty lashes.

Fish Print Scarf, J.Crew, $48 / Gold Chloe Studs, Gorjana, $40 / Silk & Chain Wrap Bracelet, Chan Luu, $98 / Yellow Belt, Gap, $30 / Regina Ballet, Frye, $128 / Biennial Satchel, J.Crew, $348

A bracelet like this allows your look to multitask, whether your style is classic or contemporary on any given morning. In addition, neutral statement pieces allow you to draw on inspiration from other accessories as well. A dash of coordination and a pinch of edge means keeps everything interesting, all in the details.

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all in the details: classic black satchel

{Editor’s Note: I love Thursdays…and not just because I get a day off. Kate always shows me something I haven’t seen before, and gives me all sorts of new wardrobe ideas. But today, she really has me scooped! I didn’t even know about Joy Gryson’s newest line, IIIBeca, until I saw today’s pick. Check out the entire IIIBeca line while you’re at it…Gryson never misses!}

For a girl who has a lot of handbags, it’s a wonder how they don’t show up on the column more often! With fall on the horizon (I’m sorry to all those who are still basking in summer’s glow, but my brain is in full leaf-changing colour mode), thoughts inevitably turn into that “back-to-school” mindset…regardless of your age or association with academics. As per usual, classic polished collegiate lines quietly find their way into fall’s inspiration, particularly with ladylike satchels. Always in the market for that great black bag, new to the scene IIIBeCa’s North Moore Satchel is right on target.

North Moore Satchel, IIIBeCa, $188

With an adjustable shoulder strap, and dual handles it works as both a true “hand”-bag and as a shoulder tote. An additional great feature is the removable nylon pouch. Though available in a variety of other colours, I’m partial to black as it never goes out of style and really suits the understated shape. It’s a substantial enough size to fit your necessities without fearing the entrance into oversized borderline briefcase land.

This bag leans more towards the side of basic, and can be countered with foundations with visual interest. A black and white herringbone sleeveless blouse with a ruffled collar balances out sapphire coloured ankle-length jeans. Working with a basis of primary colours and black, adding a mustard toned sweater either over the top or nonchalantly tied around one’s shoulders would be my solution to any sort of coolness in the air (and I am a sucker for a good elbow patch).

Nicky Herringbone Top, J.Crew, $128 / Coloured Ankle Jean, Talbots, $90 / Elbow Patch Sweater, Banana Republic, $60

Your foundations borderline on colour blocking, the remainder of the details should be clean cut and simple. Black pumps or ballet flats would be a natural fit, but a slim cut oxford plays with the quirky collegiate tone of the look. Layer a couple of oversized bracelets to bring back a little femininity, and simple gold and black studs. Grab a pair of matte black sunglasses, leave your hair with a touch of texture and movement, and sport a bold orange-red toned lip – a subtle nod to the fact that it is still in fact summer.

Lipstick in Chili Flake, Face Stockholm for J.Crew, $24 / Black Studs, Kate Spade, $38 / Joyce Oxfords, Bass, $79 / Breslin Sunglasses, Raen, $142 / Lindsey Bracelet, Loren Hope, $58 / Corrin Bracelet, Loren Hope, $65

Taking a refined school uniform cue from the bag lets you play with ladylike accents and menswear inspirations all in a single outfit. There’s a certain spontaneity with this look and a refined playfulness that one can really only achieve by remembering that it’s all in the details.  ~ Kate

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all in the details: kate spade kalla

{Editor’s Note: Oh, I adore these shoes! And while I have to admit, I’m usually a wee bit skeptical of khakis, I trust Kate implicitly. So, if she says khakis…well, I’ll at least try them on. Any excuse at all to sport those fabulous heels. Nice pick, Kate!}

I’m always partial to a little colour in my world, so thank goodness for colour blocking and summer trends always being in tune with that sentiment.  It looks like the trend is going to be making a subtle transition into fall as well, so even more reason to find a way to work it into one’s wardrobe.  These heels (a new pre-fall release from Kate Spade) definitely follow suit, and provide an excellent source of outfit inspiration.

Kalla Heel, Kate Spade, $328

The colour combination and styling of these shoes is incredibly classic, and yet right on trend. The teal and yellow combination makes them appropriate for late summer cocktails, and yet they’ll feel equally at home as autumn arrives and earthy, leaf-changing tones become apparent. Kate Spade heels are always one of my favourites – despite the height, I never feel like I’m teetering around. They’re sturdy, and surprisingly comfortable (though I’d still recommend breaking these in by throwing a small solo dance party in your living room while wearing thick wool socks in the shoes).

For the foundations, I’d keep it neutral.  Lighter-toned bottoms courtesy of a pencil skirt or khaki cigarette pants won’t compete with the shoes.  Remembering that it’s still summer, I’d go with a relaxed dark blue tank.  Given the style of the shoes, your outfit should aim to maintain a casual but refined nature.

Heritage Ankle Jean, Talbots, $90 / Blue Depths Tank, Trouve, $54 / No.2 Pencil Skirt, J.Crew, $70

The other details are a great place to play with extra colour, so that it becomes a series of surprise accents. Try jeweled earrings that pick up on the tones of the shoes, accented by a simple stack of interesting bangles. On the other hand, bold coloured studs and a coordinating long necklace might be more your style. In either case, if you’re in the mood to tuck in the shirt, I’d add a bright patent skinny belt – because I can’t resist a touch of fuchsia.  Add a small yellow cross-body bag, and you’re set.

Clear Sea Earrings, Anthropologie, $32 / Wire Nugget Bangles, Citrine by the Stones, $287 / New Bond Street Ettie, Kate Spade, $248 / Skinny Patent Belt, J.Crew, $40

Given the shoes, the outfit should really make an effort to string together fun summer colours.  They should inspire you to be playful yet refined…something easy to achieve when it’s all in the details.  ~Kate

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white denim: the how-to

Every so often, I find myself on a fashion mission. This year, it’s been all about white. Finding the most flattering, versatile pieces, and – most importantly – figuring out how to wear it. Especially for those of us who aren’t impossibly tall, thin and tan, white is a tricky thing. It’s sheer, so it makes underpinnings tricky, and it highlights every curve, which isn’t something we always want. But it’s time to embrace the white, friends…we can do it!

I’ve already tracked down the perfect white tee for you, and some fantastic white trousers. But really, the holy grail of summer whites is the perfect white jean. And they are tricky! Skinny styles are all but impossible to pull off, but if you go too loose, you veer into bum sag territory, which isn’t good.

Let me introduce you to Molly. She’s from Mavi Jeans (a new favorite of mine), and friends…she is perfect.

Molly straight-leg jeans, Mavi, $80

Straight-cut leg and a mid-rise, both of which are a must to keep the look tailored. A touch of stretch to make them comfortable, but plenty of structure to keep you sucked in. The denim is sturdy enough to avoid divulging bulges, without veering into thick, mom-grade territory. And they’re impossibly well-priced at $80, so you won’t blow a gasket when you inevitably stain them.

Once I’d tracked down the perfect pair, of course, the next matter was styling. First things first: you want nude, seamless boyshorts underneath. Even so, in general, I’m a fan of treating white denim a bit like leggings: keep the bum covered. It’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but it’s a great place to start from, especially if you’re white-phobic like me.

From there, you have a dozen places you can go. But a couple of my favorites:

{Classic kurta, Roberta Roller Rabbit, $69 / Cyrus sandal, K.Jacques, $224 / Kyna Wise sandal, Clarks, $90)

It’s the easiest outfit you’ll put together all summer. Of course, if you want to take it up a notch:

{Diane Burnout Tunic, Alternative Apparel, $40 (size up for that slouchy fit!)}

You can stop right there – add the K.Jacques sandals from above, and you’re easy weekend perfection. But I happen to be pretty crazy for dressing up the whites. So, my favorite look?

Top: Sliver blazer, Rag & Bone, $495 / Happy crossbody bag, Dooney & Bourke, $199 / Seville espadrille, J.Crew, $98; Bottom: Trim blazer, Woodford & Co, $326 / Rope necklace, kikinyc, $195 / Sperry Top-Sider, $98

Oh, there are so many great blazers this season! I could have gone on for days picking favorites. But these two will give you such different looks, and they’re pitch-perfect for this time of year. Plus, ditch the blazer after work and you’re still stylish enough for happy hour with friends.

So, talk to me…have you already taken the white denim plunge, or are you still standing by the side of the pool?

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all in the details: tory burch tribal scarf

{Editor’s Note: Welcome back, Kate! Today, it’s all about scarves…which, I swear, totally work for summer! Trust her.}

Lightly woven scarves are my summer transition piece and perpetual security blanket. As a cool evening breeze blows in, or for the odd overcast day, the last thing I want to be doing is sacrificing the bright bold hues of summer just on account of the weather! While light and bold options are a dime a dozen this year, one of my favourite finds is without a doubt this particular option from Tory Burch.

Combination Print Scarf, Tory Burch, $109

100% perfect-for-summer linen, an oblong rectangular shape, and a most interesting combination of lime-toned yellow-green, saturated orange, and a panel of magenta and bright pink…sign me up! When I first came across this scarf I was actually looking at another option, and this was just off to the side in the same display tray. The intriguing colours (and that on-trend chartreuse) were what clearly first caught my eye. This perfectly treads the line between bright and muted – the hues are summery, and yet I already know they’ll be equally at home in the fall with a leather jacket and boots.

When I first saw this scarf I thought “gauzy bright tank, black skirt, denim jacket”. But once I started sorting through my wardrobe, a totally different outfit spoke to me. For the foundations, I’d go the way of a black t-shirt, bright blazer (I’d go for green, but a bright pink would also work well), and your favourite skinny jeans. The best way to handle this scarf is to pull colours that are either in or reminiscent of those found in the scarf, then anchor it with dark staple pieces.

Favorite Scoop-Neck Tee, Eddie Bauer, $15 / Dark Rinse Always Skinny Jeans, Gap, $25 / Festival Blazer, J.Crew, $175

As an aside, if you’re looking to use the scarf to combat corporate air conditioning, just swap the jeans for black cigarette pants and you’re set.

Keeping in mind that the scarf may or may not be something that you wear consistently throughout the day, the additional details for for this outfit need to be able to hold their own. I love a long necklace and chunky stud earrings with a scarf, no matter the occasion. That being said, mid-length earrings and a stack of hammered bangles could also do the trick. Coordinating brightly coloured ballet flats are a must in my books (orange being my tone of choice), alongside a classic cognac bucket bag.

Crystal Necklace, Club Monaco, $70 / Crown Wax Seal Earrings, Pyrrha, $226 / Volcano Tumbled Leather Reva, Tory Burch, $195 / Classic Leather Duffle, Coach, $398

As bright and bold as this scarf is, it can really play the part of inspiring neutral in a summer wardrobe. Use it to guide the colour choices in your outfit, or just throw it on as you’re walking out the door so that you know you’ve hit the right accessories balance in your outfit. It’s all in the details! ~Kate

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all in the details: turquoise!

{Editor’s Note: Welcome back, Kate! This column is turning into such a guilty pleasure for me…every week, I spot at least three things I have to have. This time, it’s the earrings, the wedges and…oh, who am I kidding? I want it all!}

Summer always brings about a season of excellent accessories, and amongst them always manages to emerge a plethora of dangling earrings. Perhaps it’s because they’re an excellent balance to an otherwise simple wardrobe of solid coloured t-shirts and shorts, or maybe an inclination to avoid heavy arms of bracelets and statement necklaces, to accent ponytails or messy top-knots. Whatever the case, from eye-catching chandeliers to tribal inspired stunners, fun shapes and colours always seem to be hanging from fish-hook posts through the lobes of my ears.

This particular pair from Anthropologie, going by the name Clustered Curves is a new favorite of mine. The minty-blue turquoise pearly beads backed by light-catching crystals are excellent. Physically light and striking a balance between bold and dainty, these earrings pack punch without draining dollars from your wallet.

Clustered Curves Earrings, Anthropologie, $28

The colour is what instantly drew me in. Offset by a very light and delicate gold, they’re an easy way to hop on the mint/turquoise bandwagon without investing in skinny jeans or a flirty skirt that also bears that particular hue. What I also find attractive about these is that the crystals are just enough to catch the sunlight…without looking ostentatious.

I quietly live in a state of just-beneath-the-surface fear of wearing inappropriately loud earrings, thus I’m usually inclined to steer clear of the chandelier shape, but these truly pose no cause for concern.

Given the polished feminine nature of the earrings, they yearn to be styled one of two ways. On one hand I’d opt for a navy maxi-dress (there’s amazing rope detailing on the back of this particular selection) and white denim jacket – and yet on the other a navy blazer, white tee, and (if you’re a little daring) mint shorts would be lovely.

Navy Rope Cowl Maxi Dress, Bloomingdales, $98 / Lindsay Optic White Jacket, True Religion, $196 /
Navy Linen Schoolboy Blazer, J.Crew, $175 / Mint Chino Shorts, TopShop, $50

With either ensemble, I’d keep the details the same: a bold ring or a fun stack of bracelets, a tan cross-body bag, and simple strappy wedge sandals. Pull your hair up and back into a messy-yet-pulled-together bun and don a lovely pink hue on your lips.

Bridgewalk Sandals, Madewell, $175 / Kiss Me Deadly Bracelets, Vanessa Mooney, $42 / Wixon Purse, J.Crew, $198 / Turquoise Slice Ring, Michael Kors, $85

The point is to let the earrings (and your equally sparkling personality) do the talking for the outfit. Minimalist but dazzling, poised yet playful – these are the duos of adjectives that people should be using…both with regards to the earrings and the darling dame wearing them.  ~ Kate

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all in the details: perfect summer tote

{Editor’s Note: A big welcome back to our accessories columnist extraordinaire, Ms. Kate of Anonymous Chic!}

It seems as though every summer I end up on a hunt for the perfect weekend tote. You know, that bright catch-all that seamlessly transitions between being a great bag to drag heels back and forth to work in, but that feels equally at home when browsing through farmers’ markets on the weekend.

Canvas, nylon, or even burlap versions are completely acceptable – but this year I’m leaning more toward something in the light to mid-weight leather category. One of my go-to’s when I’m in the market for reasonably priced and perpetually sturdy leather is always Roots, a Canadian brand that’s recently gone international. The particular tote that I’m more than a little partial to is the French Tote in Prince leather with the lovely combination of a great saddle brown and a bright sunshine yellow.

French Tote in Prince/Norwegian Leather, Roots, $150

Roots’ leather goods are essentially indestructible, and this bag should be no exception. The bag is also surprisingly lightweight, a reasonable size to make it functional without being overwhelming, and has a soft but ever-so-slightly structured shape. Plus, there’s that saturated, smile-inducing yellow to consider. Paired with the neutral upper, it’s the perfect way to try colour-blocking with confidence. Leather totes can often come in very unremarkable colours, so this primary yellow is a find…and a surprisingly easy colour to work with.

While the style is polished enough for work, I’ve got visions of it weaselling its way into my weekend wardrobe. Spring and summer foundations in my world, and with this bag, would include lightweight white button downs (with a preference for mandarin collar tunic-styles), and great dark denim shorts (rolled-cuffs completely optional and style-dependent).

White End-on-End Tunic, J.Crew, $60 / Rolled Denim Short, Banana Republic, $70

Keeping with a simple and fuss-free aesthetic, I’d add casual fabric bracelets, great sunglasses, and a punchy nail polish. For a funky statement necklace with a soul and a story, I’d add the original Falling Whistle. Shoes for this outfit are whatever screams summer to you, and works for your chosen activity: sandals, sneakers, or flats that echo that saddle brown colour in the tote are all viable options, though my inner preppy still advocates for a great boat shoe.

Lights, Essie, $8 / Falling Whistle, $34 / Indego Africa, J.Crew, $23 / Belle Sunglasses, Selima Sun for J.Crew, $118 / Kimry Sandal, Cole Haan, $158 / Regina Ballet, Frye, $128 / Woven Original Boat Shoe, Sperry, $125

Whatever you choose to pair with this summery tote, be sure it reflects your personal style – granted this bag really does give you license to be bright and playful. Just keep in mind…it’s all in the details! ~Kate

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