steal this look

Fashion Fridays: Steal this Look

May 1, 2015 by Gindi 1 Comment

I know I’m a little late today, but I’m finally back into town and have a freshly inspired Steal This Look!

The woman sporting my sophisticated inspiration was one of the leaders of the group I had meetings with, and boy did she carry herself like she led {I couldn’t snap a picture so you’re going to have to work with me}.

Think mid-50s executive, striking short blonde bob, simple black sheath, bone-colored ribbed long sweater over sheath, stockings, high bone-colored patent heels, thick gold unadorned ring, and large gold pendant necklace hanging from a neutral beaded strand.

She looked rich. Elegant. Sophisticated. Empowered. And she carried every ounce of her power as she strode into the room. Y’all, sometimes attitude is what takes the outfit over the top.

But as I studied each of her pieces, none individually looked particularly expensive, so I think you could easily recreate this simple, sophisticated look on a budget.

Here are my recommendations.

1. Base sheath: This simple sheath from the Limited is on sale for $64 and you could purchase it in navy or black for this ensemble.

2. Ribbed sweater jacket: I knew the ribbed cardigan would be the hardest item to find, particularly during the spring, and it was. This will give you a flavor but ideally you’d have one in a light neutral with some ribbing and long enough to approach the hem of your sheath.

This creamy long number is stunning, but even on sale at Nordstrom’s it’s pricey.

This is my favorite style, but the fabric is too casual and I wish it was longer.

The ribbing on this sweater from Last Call is spot on, but it only comes in this charcoal color which is too dark to polish the look.

3. Pumps: Shoes are always the easiest, and if you are willing to sport the patent look, this is the perfect number from DSW.

4. Accessories: Finally, for the necklace to top it all off, here’s a high end and low end price option.

For a piece on the high-end, this chunky gold pendant from Nordstrom works perfectly.

For $50 or less you can go simple or a little bolder (no beads v. beads!):

So tell me, what are you sporting these days?? I’ve missed you and ready for new challenges!

Fashion Fridays: Steal This Look

October 3, 2014 by Gindi 4 Comments

I am SOOOOOO happy to be back! I have loved learning all these cool tips and tricks from my guest posters but boy am I ready to be writing about fashion again!

I had a post already written about tips on cleaning out your closet as I just did some purging again, but then I saw this outfit, and fall is moving into Houston, so I had to post a steal this look instead (closet tips next week!).

Here’s my inspiration:

I love this outfit for October except I’d darken the jeans a bit, ditch the bracelets, and opt for a little funkier shoe. Here’s where you can land a few key pieces to pull together your own crimson and charcoal ensemble for fall.

For your accessories, this is a great all-purpose houndstooth scarf for $20 from KerriBren via Etsy.

And you can either spend money on a pricey handbag like this red tote from Coach or go for low cost (under $30) trendy red tote from Charming Charlie’s.

The topper is key in my mind, and you can go lighter or darker on the gray (stay away from dove gray) and still hit a home run. If you live in a warmer climate and don’t have a chilly fall, you could pick up this lightweight draped cardigan from Macy’s which is on sale for around $50.

Or, for cooler climates, you can don this heavier, and pricier, luxurious drapy cardigan from Nordstrom’s by Vince (and there are several good sweater options by Vince if you want to browse):

As footwear, you can either go for the dark loafer or even an ankle bootie to modernize this ensemble more. This Nine West wedge bootie comes in an assortment of colors from DSW at $79 or add some additional texture in black with these loafers by Anne Klein also at DSW (if you like the exact shoe pictured above, its identical twin is by Adrienne Vittadini at DSW).

As for the other items, look for a straight leg solid dark rinse pair of blue jeans, and top it with a bright red long-sleeved crew shirt. (You can pick one up in a dozen different shades anywhere from Target to Land’s End.) Then add a simple black stud earring or small gold or silver hoops and waa-laa, you’re ready for the fall!

What piece have you fallen in love with in a store’s fall collection? Let us in on the scoop!