5.13.2012

Happy Mother's Day!

In honor of Mother's Day, I've decided to do a mom-daughter outfit post since my mom is pretty freakin' stylish in her own right.  Hope all you ladies have a lovely day and are being worshipped by those that love you.  You deserve it!









 On Mom:
Blazer: J.Crew Factory
Tee: Zara
Denim: F21
Shoes & Bag: Tory Burch
Glasses & Necklace: Kate Spade
Watch: Michael Kors
Earrings: Vintage Anne Klein
Belt: Vintage
















Blazer: Ann Taylor
Tank: BCBG
Shorts: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: F21
Bag: LV
Rings: H&M
Bracelets: J.Crew, vintage Hermes, Kate Spade
Necklace: Susan Hanover

xoxo,
sarah


5.09.2012

The Shabby Apple

I am super stoked and thrilled to have Shabby Apple as a sponsor.  Have you guys seen this stuff?  If not, you are missing out.  I became a fan of Shabby Apple when I first started blogging and have several of their chic, easy to wear pieces.  I completely adore the vintage inspiration in their clothes and jewlery.  Not only are they a one stop shop for dresses, but they include accessories, jewelry, arts & crafts, etc.  Kind of like another great spot that starts with an A, but without the pricetag... ahem...



This way for a lighthearted skirt sure to take you all over town. Cleverly composed of gradually-thickening navy chevron stripes, it's high waist and longer length further favor your figure and add visual complexity to your look. Pair any bright color above for a bold statement, or top it off with a navy blouse for an ensemble that is benignly beautiful. Flattering and comfortable cotton/spandex blend.
Crosswalk


Blue and Green Pencil Skirt
Izzie


Scalloped tiers of openwork lace in a soft seafood hue descend from a dainty grosgrain ribbon that defines the waist of the Alice dress. The charming shape--cap sleeves and a high boat neck, nipped at the waist and full through the skirt--lets the color do all the talking (or is that your next door neighbor wishing out loud that she knew your style secrets?).  Dress it up with dainty kitten heels or bold tights for a perfectly eye-popping look.
Alice
Scalloped tiers of openwork lace in a punchy pimento hue descend from a dainty grosgrain ribbon that defines the waist of the Red Queen dress. The charming shape--cap sleeves and a high boat neck, nipped at the waist and full through the skirt--lets the color do all the talking (or is that your next door neighbor wishing out loud that she knew your style secrets?).  Dress it up with dainty kitten heels or bold tights for a perfectly eye-popping look.
Red Queen


This lighthearted polka-dot dress has all the spunk of a joyride in an  old-school red convertible. Featuring an ivory ground energized by  scads of bold teal polka dots, this dress may tempt you to throw on a  headscarf, shades, and driving gloves for a cruise downtown. Fully-  lined. Machine-wash cold, delicate cycle.
Joyride


Click here to see the entire line!

xoxo,
sarah






5.07.2012

Thrift of the Week: Horsebit Blouse

I haven't done a TOTW post lately because, frankly, I haven't been thrifting (for clothing).  I found this lovely silk blouse at Goodwill a few months back and fell head over heels.  The vintage horsebit/chain print is a weakness for me, so anytime I see something even close, it's an automatic purchase.  I would like to tab the sleeves so that they stay rolled up, eventually, but I would have to remove my sewing machine from it's box to accomplish such a feat.  It's been in the closet mocking me for three years now...













Top: Vintage Stefanie Andrews, similar print, and in a dress here and here for less than $70!
Denim: Hudson, can't say it enough, these are the perfect white jeans!
Sandals: Michael Michael Kors, old but similar this season
Belt: Thrifted, similar
Ring: brand unknown, but from Bloom, similar here by Erin Wasson, and here in silver
Bracelets: Vintage Hermes, Kate Spade, J.Crew

Also, want to give a shout out to Katherine, one of my readers, who informed me that someone was using my photos to sell items on eBay without my permission.  Thanks for having my back!  

xoxo,
sarah

5.05.2012

Color Consultation

Megan Stroup is the brains behind Semi-Charmed Kind of Life, a blog focusing on traveling, reading, and living a well rounded life.  When I say brains, take that literally, because this chick is way smart.  Brilliant even.  Definitely check out her blog because she has some really interesting discussions, amazing travel destinations, and you will probably earn a few IQ points just for reading it.

For this week's Color Consultation, Megan kind of stumped me with a super cute yellow skirt from The Limited.  She got it a few months ago, so you may find it on the sale rack, but as of now, it's not available online.  Anywho, Megan specifically requested no denim and no stripes, because, well, she's no dummy after all and has those two bases covered.  I came up with three smart looks, derived from different price points, trends, color combos, and occasions.  Some things I went a little overboard on (a $2400 peplum top from McQueen isn't terribly practical) but I simply wanted to show what the shape looked like with the skirt.  As a good rule of thumb, always wear opposites on the top and bottom.  If you are going to wear a beautiful, flowy, chiffon blouse on top, stick with a skinny jean or tailored trouser.  Just the same, a billowy maxi skirt looks best with a simple and snug tee or tank.  It's all about proportions and giving the illusion of a perfectly balanced figure.

A pencil skirt can be a tricky thing depending on your body type.  I love the way a pencil skirt looks; sexy, sophisticated, and perfectly tailored.  It can, however, easily go wrong if it's simply not any of these three things.  Fit is so important.  Make sure it's not too tight, even if you have to go up a size.  If you see lines going across your thighs because the fabric is bunching up, it's too tight.  So sorry.  If you walk around in a pencil skirt for three minutes and you look down to see a mini skirt.  Guess what?  It's too tight!  If you can distinctly notice the seam in the skirt through the fabric, yep, it's too tight.  I have a bigger butt and thighs and a smaller waist, so no matter how great a pencil skirt may seemingly fit, it needs to be tailored.  If the waist is too big on you, have it taken in, because before you know it, the slit in the back will have swung around without you noticing and your Britney will be on display for everyone to see.  We don't need that.  The Limited, where Megan purchased her skirt, is actually where I have purchased most of my pencil skirts.  They have a wide array of styles, colors, and do a great job of adding architectural elements to keep the garnet interesting and flattering to all body types (think seaming, ruffles, fabrics, etc.)

So, without further adieu, here are my looks for sweet, smart, stylish Megan!


Sunglasses - Asos
Bangle - Anthro
Watch - Kate Spade
Heels - Asos
Top - Equipment
Necklace - Bauble Bar


Ring YSL
Earrings Kate Spade
Bag  Lanvin
Nail Polish Essie
Bracelet Priviledged
Earrings - Pink Mascara
Flats - Vince Camuto
Bag - Kate Spade
Bracelet - Jessica Elliot
Watch - Toywatch
Necklace - Lydell NYC
Top - Anthro


I am hoping to make this a weekly feature, so if anyone has a piece that they are looking for a little inspo on, please feel free to comment or email me at workday weekend@gmail.com.

love!

sarah

5.04.2012

Big Apple

How's this for a makeshift photo shoot at the LaQuinta? We made it for two days in about 200 square feet with three dogs and finally decided to bite the bullet.  We've sent the dogs to be boarded at the vet and we're off to the Westin for the weekend for a little R&R while the floors dry.

I purchased several items at the J.Crew final sale a couple weeks back, one being this Big Apple tunic.  I love this print and I love tunics, so it's a match made in heaven.  The color is beautiful and I think it looks great paired with the pop of turquoise.  

I'm looking forward to the Cottonwood Arts Festival this weekend which is a gathering of some pretty brilliant artists in Cottonwood Park in Richardson. If you are close by, you should definitely stop by.  It's a great atmosphere and lots of folks bring their dogs and kiddos.





















Tunic: J.Crew *sale alert!
Necklace: J.Crew via Ebay Loveshop80
Bag: J.Crew Tillary, no longer available
Wedges: Steve Madden Kloudd *sale alert!

Have a beautiful weekend!

xoxo,
sarah


5.02.2012

Sunny Days

So, I'm in transition, closing on a new home in two weeks, refinishing the floors in the home I live in now in order to get it on the market, and staying in a tiny hotel room with three dogs and my mother.  If that's not your idea of absolute bliss, you need to re-evaluate!

A couple weeks ago I was inspired by the combination of blush and yellow from a pin that I fell in love with.  I'm crazy over these yellow jeans that I honestly didn't think I would get a lot of wear out of.  In the past, I've literally collected premium denim, but over the last couple years have decided that you don't have to spend a ton of money to find a nice fitting pair of jeans.  I also came to realize that I'm too old to be wearing horseshoes and Swarovski crystals on my ass.



















 Denim: Ann Taylor
Top: Rubbish, similar
Bag: LV Eva
Heels: BCBG
Necklaces: Susan Hanover, No Brand Chain
Bracelets: Vintage Hermes, Juicy Couture, Target, F21

Have an awesome day!

xoxo,
sarah