Pinstripes and Keys

Photos By: Andrew Arnold

Outfit: Blazer - H&M ($35), Key Necklace - DIY/Vintage, Boots - Steve Madden ($100)

In August, if you all remember, I attended the Niles Flea Market and bought this beautiful big key to make a necklace out of. When I went to buy a chain for it, I saw this suede rope in orange and decided that would make a way cooler chain than the normal metal. This necklace is now my go-to necklace. I absolutely love it! Whenever I wear it people inquire about where I bought it and what it opens. I always respond the same way, "It's vintage. I bought it at a flea market so I guess it could open anything. It's a mystery." Which is true. And that makes the necklace that much more exciting! 

Also, I know you guys already know how much I love my pinstripe blazer from H&M. Whenever I wear it I get compliments and the truth is, it really is an effortless piece. All I do is throw it over a top and jeans and, voila! I have a chic outfit. I am always on the lookout for pieces that accomplish this, because everyone has days when they are in a rush and a rush isn't any excuse to not look cute and chic. 

What are your pieces you consider effortlessly chic?

Completely Casual

Outfit: Jacket - Old Navy ($25), Moccasins - H&M ($25), Shirt - Foreign Exchange ($12), Necklace - Forever 21 ($8)

While comfortability is not something I specifically search for in clothing, it is a nice bonus (I am always willing to sacrifice in the name of fashion). However, as the temperature decreases I find myself living in leggings. Luckily, I happen to love the way leggings look, so much so that I would probably wear them even if they were uncomfortable. When I am in an extra cozy mood, I immediately reach for my Foreign Exchange wishie top (I refer to dandelions as wishies). It is a beautiful color, perfect length and everyone loves a good graphic tee. Oversized graphic tees are really a closet staple and I suggest everyone invest in them. Pair them with skinny jeans, leggings, liquid leggings, skirts, blazers...the possibilities are endless.

I also predict that I will be wearing my moccasins a lot more this coming season :)

PS - After I took these pictures I was attacked by my puppies. Probably one of my favorite things.

Hand - Me - Downs

Outfit: Blazer - H&M ($25), Scarf - Hand-me-down, Dress - H&M ($15), Shoes - Charlotte Russe ($25)

One man's trash is another man's treasure.  

My advice of the day is to never pass up a good hand-me-down. My boyfriend's very stylish mom gave me this scarf last year because she thought the style didn't suit her. While I tried to convince her that she look fabulous in the scarves, she insisted I have them. I just love this one for many reasons. First, the pattern is beautiful, almost like water colored animals. Additionally, I really love that this scarf is purely black and white. I have so many beautiful colored scarfs, but I believe that the fact that this pattern is black and white makes it more interesting. Most times when you see patterns like this on scarves they are more colorful.

I bought this striped dress at H&M a few Springs ago, as a simple casual dress (plus I am kind of obsessed with stripes). My favorite thing to do with this dress is wear it with a different patterned scarf. Stripes are such a perfect base for mixing prints. If you have never mixed prints before, I would recommend starting with a striped top and scarf. From there, I think you will get the hang of it :)

PS - Don't you just love how pairing a blazer with a casual dress can change the entire look?