While shopping for my NYC trip a few weeks ago I was on the hunt for a fun black skirt. I was searching for a more voluminous midi length option to pair with a crop top but this skirt from Ann Taylor was too good to pass up. The cut, the leather detailing, the fun flouncy style… it just worked, it’s universally flattering and I knew it would be a way more useful addition to my closet. Evidenced yesterday: in addition to being perfect for a night out, I wore this look to a local Chamber business networking breakfast. If you don’t have a great black skirt in your closet right now, I cannot say enough good things (though there’s tough competition: Ann Taylor’s collection is getting better by the minute, evidenced by this assortment!)
And, can we chat about this blouse, part of Piperlime’s new branded collection? Admittedly out of my comfort zone with this bold print duo, I half declared to friends I’d never wear this after getting it during a bloggers reception in NYC. Now? Love. Big time. The duo-print is awesome, the fit is great and it’s different than anything I own (sound like question #3 from yesterday?). I am now seriously debating its navy floral print counterpart. Adorable, right? Pair that one with jeans for a casual cool dinner, and preferably fun heels or earrings with a pop of color to complement the prints.
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Ready for some Q&A action? Since starting this blog, I’ve somehow become a resource for style related questions from friends and family (my 25-year old self would NEVER believe me!) so thought i’d take it a step further and answer some questions from my amazing readers. For my latest post with Target they suggested I ask readers, “What is one thing that you love about style, and one thing you find challenging?” Your responses on Facebook were so great that I thought I’d respond to a few of them here.
I’m definitely not an expert in any way — wow, still crazy anyone is asking me for style advice! — but I’ve learned so much from starting this blog, and reading so many other blogs, that I hope this is helpful if even in a small way. I’ll do my best to get to the rest ASAP if you guys like this post, and if you have a question, leave it in the comments section, or shoot me an email: [email protected].
From Sandy: How do I wear athletic shoes to outside places with the kids and not look like a shlub?
Such a good question! Instead of putting on athletic sneakers try a pair of slip-ons. I absolutely love the leopard pair shown here (and they’re a steal!), however this all black quilted pair is perfect for those easing into the slip-on sneaker trend. Wear them with jeans, cargo pants, shorts, even a dress or skirt with a tee, for a cute casual look that’s realistic when you’re running a million places with the kids in tow.
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Crop tops always seemed daunting, and something a 16-year old girl would wear, not this 34-year old. But, listen up: crop tops are where it’s at, and are figure flattering on a variety of sizes (including bust sizes). Don’t be intimidated… they can be more flattering than a typical top when styled right. I purchased the rhinestone top below before my NYC trip (wearing it here), and I also got the scalloped tank in black (styled here, wearing these earrings); it’s actually such a steal I might buy another color. In both instances, pairing it with higher waist skirts did the trick. Just yesterday, I convinced a very hesitant friend to grey quilted try one at Target (can’t find online)… instant purchase. She looked so fantastic, and inspired me to do this post.
A few tips to keep your crop top age appropriate:
- Ensure your bottoms meet up with our top so when you move around, only a sliver of skin shows (if that).
- Pairing it with a knee-length pencil skirt or a more voluminous midi length (just past your knees) is a great way to balance the tinier top.
- Nervous about baring skin? Add a blazer!
- Go matchy-matchy! You’ll find tons of crop tops with coordinating skirts; it’s a fresh take on a typical dress (remember my spring example?).
work: rhinestone top // vegan leather pencil skirt // booties (or this, for less) // purse // watch
weekend: cropped sweater + and heels (identical)
date night: scalloped tank // midi skirt // heels // earrings // purse (all black hardware… goes with everything!)
I’m not sure where tummy control has been all my life, but wow it makes a difference. Until last year, I never really wore tummy control this, or thigh-smoothing that. I just purchased around what I was trying to camouflage… including my often bloated belly. I realized last year that a little hidden help hurts no one and let’s be honest, can make a huge impact!
Enter these leggings and skirt by new-to-me brand, Lysse. Genius that you can eliminate wearing all the “control” undergarments when your actual clothes fit the right way. This brand was created by a women battling the same issues as all us girls; the fabrics by Lysse focus on flattering, accentuating and minimizing anything distracting. The leggings for example have a higher waist with tummy control. They sit perfectly on my waist, minimizing chance of the dreaded muffin top, and they didn’t roll all day. I love, love, love the leather side panel which as I styled below as a sample fall outfit, can go from sneakers to heels quite quickly! I will be living in these. They’re leggings, they’re cool black pants. And, most importantly: they’re flattering. High five! I know they’re on the pricier side for “leggings” but consider them much more. They’re really black pants you can wear to work, weekends, nights out, anytime
The Lysse skirt is another winner. I’ve admittedly tried on lots of skirts like this — cozy cotton pencil skirts seem like they’ll be the best closet staple — yet they always failed… too thin, they ride up on my waist, they’re an awkward length, or they didn’t flatter. While I recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes, this skirt eliminated all my issues with other brands and is also ultra cozy. I can see my slipping this on for work, and then also for errands on the weekends.
More photos from each of these looks, after the jump…
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