Elements of Style v16!

I'm back with another fun Elements of Style for you today… simply put, I have a little formula for quickly pulling together amazing outfits in a snap and I call these posts 'elements of style'. I like to choose something casual, something neutral and then a few dressy pieces to amp the look up! It's really so simple and makes getting dressed ultra easy.

Each individual will translate "casual", "neutral" and "dressy" different depending on your personal style and what event or environment you are dressing for.

I have an unreasonable obsession with white dresses lately… they just seem so carefree and summer-y. Which is exactly what I am craving lately.  A white dress will be a great wardrobe staple all summer, but for spring it still needs a little layer to keep warm with.  This creamy white cardigan makes the look comfortable and practical for chilly spring days while still offering the major summer carefree vibes.  Then I dressed up the look with a blinged out clutch and some earrings.  Simple slide sandals and classic sunglasses pull the whole look together.

cardigan, dress, sunglasses, sandals, earrings, clutch

elements of style v.15!

I'm back with another fun Elements of Style for you today… simply put I have a little formula for quickly pulling together amazing outfits in a snap and I call these posts 'elements of style'.  I like to choose something casual, something neutral and then a few dressy pieces to amp the look up!  It's really so simple and makes getting dressed ultra easy.

Each individual will translate "casual", "neutral" and "dressy" different depending on your personal style and what event or environment you are dressing for.

Today I really wanted to bring you a fun little pre-spring look, because seriously friends… how sick of winter are we!?!? It's terrible!  I am SO over winter and winter clothes and cold and snow.  But I wanted to challenge myself (and you!) to finish the winter strong! We can do it!

Here is an awesome weather-appropriate look that still packs plenty of style AND warmth.  The best of both worlds!  I've had my eyes on these boots… they are on sale and I could really use a new pair of boots seeing as my pairs get way overused.   I've been absolutely living in my J.Crew Pixie pants lately - they have definitely been one of my best investment pieces in my closet. They are surprisingly warm (though some days nothing seems warm enough) and they work great with oversized sweaters and extra layers on top.  I paired those casual and neutral pieces with a gorgeous blouse and earrings that will make you feel beautiful and feminine even though you are all bundled up!

(get the look: leggings, sweater, blouse, boots, earrings, bag)

elements of style v. 14

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

I've been seriously struggling getting my outfit mojo together lately… it's so cold and frigid all I want to do is stay in my pajamas all day.  The next best to staying home in comfy clothes all day is to dress up a sweatshirt best you can.  I love a casual sweatshirt paired with a dressy coat and lips to pull together a look that is warm and stylish.

shop the look: jeans - on sale!, sweatshirt - on sale!,  boots - on sale!, necklace, coat, lipstick

elements of style v.13!

Hey hey hey it's Friday peeps!  These past couple of weeks have been nuts. What's up with that? I am so so thankful the weekend is here.  I bet I am not alone!  I hope you have a fabulous weekend in the works.

If you are new around here I like to do these little "elements of style" posts on Fridays from time to time… I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

This spring I am loving a boho vibe/flower child type of look.  This is usually not my style, but there is something so carefree about spring that you can't help but love and crave this time of year.  What do you think? Are you a boho gal? Flower child?  Here I took the boho look and still made it feel refined and classic.

jeans (my fav pair of wide leg pants!), tank, wedges, necklace, iPhone case, clutch

Have a great weekend ladies! If you like these posts and want to see more… here are the archives of this series!  Also, stay tuned on Monday for my Mother's Day picks! I think you will really like them!

elements of style v.12!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

Once spring rolls around (if it ever does) my white jeans go into heavy rotation until fall.  This simple combination of white jeans, a graphic tee and a denim jacket are going to be a no-fail outfit combo that I am likely to turn to again and again this spring.  The looks is casual and comfortable (not to mention super easy to pull together) and is easily dressed up with a classy pair of shoes, a clutch and some gorgeous earrings.  Done and done.

Your go-to spring look is officially here.

get the look: white jeans, denim jacket, tee, clutch, shoes, earrings

Have a great weekend! It's supposed to be 50 degrees and sunny here this weekend… it's going to be amazing!

If you like this style of post… you can find more here!

see you around...

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elements of style v.11!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

This time of year it's easy to get the casual and neutral elements in an outfit… the "dressy" part can be more challenging though.  Especially when there are frigid temps and multiple layers need to be worn… it can be hard to bring in that refined piece that pulls the whole the look together.  Or at least I find that to be my challenge.  A tailored blazer or even a pair of earrings can really help.

(blazer, earrings, top, boots, scarf, jeans)

I hope you have a stylish weekend… enjoy the sun if you have it or the snow (like me!) if it won't quit!

ps. like the Elements of Style series? Check out all the posts here!

see you around...

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Elements of Style v.10!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

I have a few slight obsessions lately and I conveniently was able to cram them all in one outfit here.  I'm back on the distressed denim cycle (wait, was I ever off?), sweatshirts I could wear everyday and fur collars are my new favorite.  Plus, have you seen this new line of Coach bags? So simple and classic (unfortunately, not so inexpensive)...

All together they make a great winter time look that is cozy and stylish and super chill, because when it's so cold my clothes can't be fussy!  I hope you have a great weekend... make it a stylish one!

(above: jeans, sweatshirt, faux fur collar, boots, bracelets, purse - swoon!)

see you around...

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Elements of Style v.9!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

I recently picked up this sweater poncho from Old Navy and I having been wearing it an ultra lot.  This past week has been freezing in Michigan and this sweater is the perfect topper to a simple tee to stay warm and cozy all day long.  I, like you probably, get really cold just sitting at my desk while I work so I like to have a scarf or extra sweater on hand to bundle up in while I'm not that active. The fabric of this poncho is really soft and the turtleneck has a nice drape to it.

I've been wearing mine with boots and jeans on repeat but I was thinking it would be really fun to dress up with some leather leggings for a night out with friends or to dinner and a movie (I love to be warm and comfortable in the movie theatre!).

Here I pulled together a simple but beautiful look that dresses up this super warm sweater.  Now, who's ready for the weekend!?!? Ours is supposed to be rainy so there will likely be lots of warm drinks, turning the fire on and reading... I need to finish my book club book stat!  What does your weekend have in store for you?

(earrings, leggings - less expensive version, tee, booties, poncho, bag)

see you around...

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elements of style v.8!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

This weekend my husband and I are celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary - wow!  And while last year we took a super fun trip to Breckenridge, CO this year we are going much more low key to celebrate the occasion.  On tap will be a quiet night out just the two of us or even maybe a quiet night in with some steaks and bottle of champagne.  Either way we hope to celebrate in a meaningful but simple way.

This little dress and denim jacket combo would be the perfect date night look this fall.  I am really loving this simple dress from Gap (maybe I will have to pick it up soon!) and a denim jacket always offers any dress that perfect down played look.  Top it off with some boots and accessories and you are set to go!

I hope you have a great weekend... what are your plans?

(get the look: dress - 35% off through the weekend!, jacket, boots, necklace, clutch - 50% off through the weekend!)

see you around...

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Elements of Style v.7!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

Lately we've been chatting up a lot about fall style on the blog... but it's also important to keep in mind fall transitional wear. While it may be a little too warm where you are now to wear a sweater (I know some days it is here and some not) it won't be long at all until the September temps creep in and we need some warmer pieces here and there. It's hard to go straight from shorts and tees to a full body fall outfit... so outfits like these help.  A dash of warmth in the sweater pairs nicely with a denim skirt and bare ankles to show off what remains of your summer tan.  Transitional wear also gets the most out of the clothes you already own, perhaps mixed with a few of the new pieces (like this gorgeous sweater!) that you may be adding to your fall wardrobe.

(above: skirt, sweater, flats, necklace, new fall essie colors - looks at these gorgeous hues!)

How do you plan to transition to fall wear? I would love to know!

Elements of Style v.6!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

Denim, denim, denim is all I am seeing for fall and tons of denim on denim looks!  Some of you may be wary of the look but it happens to be one of my absolute favorites.  Since it's not quite fall yet, skip the long jeans and wear shorts with your favorite denim top (roll the sleeves up to keep cool!) to get a head start on fall style while still keeping cool for summer. To keep it looking modern and fresh I like to make sure there is a good contrast of denim tones (light with dark) and then add some fun summery accessories - it still is August after all!

get the look: denim top, denim shorts, clutch, earrings, flats

elements of style v.5!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

Stripes to me are an absolute staple... I probably wear them and style them here on the blog more than I should, but a striped top is so absolutely versatile.  Here I paired it with a very fun neon skirt - this outfit is all the basics with one amazing pop of color mixed in.  It's the perfect way to have an outfit that stands out but that isn't over the top.

I hope you have a very stylish weekend!

get the look: top, skirt, earrings, purse, flats

see you around...

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Elements of Style v.4!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit. I call them them my 'elements of style'. They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy. These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

Shorts are such a staple for summer time fun... but they can also be dressed up for an evening out with friends or (gasp!) if you could get away with it a casual Friday in the office.  Choosing key pieces to dress up shorts without going overboard is key.  These heels are the perfect piece to bring these eyelet shorts from ready for the park to ready for the evening. A chambray top keeps the look grounded (roll up the sleeves messily for a summer-chic look) while a fun clutch pulls the entire look together.

(get the look: sunglasses, eyelet shorts, chambray top, heels - over the moon for these!, clutch)

I am signing off early for the week so I can enjoy the rest of my vacation!  I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

see you around...

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elements of style v.3!

I personally have three simple elements (or tricks!) to a simple but beautiful outfit.  I call them them my 'elements of style'.  They are something casual, something neutral and something dressy.  These three elements combined are my fail-safe for outfits that are easy to put together and that look and feel feminine and relaxed.

Lately the day time temps are nice and warm, but the evenings are still a little cool (in my opinion that makes for a perfect summer day!)... so for evenings I like to shed my shorts, bathing suit and tanks for a comfortable pair of jeans, a great pair of shoes and a light-weight summer sweater.  It's perfect for catching an evening ball game or dining al fresco with friends.

I hope you have a stylish and enjoyable weekend... enjoy this simple look! I plan to recreate it myself this weekend!

(above: jeans, sweater, flats, earrings, clutch)

elements of style v.2!

I recently mentioned how I figured out a little key to simple and lovely outfits... I call it the elements of style.  Through lots of research (painstaking time spent reading magazines and combing catalogs - it's a rough job, but someone has to do it!) I found that there are three simple elements for a comfortable and stylish outfit: something casual, something neutral and something dressy.  Of course, you can always do several pieces in each category, but touching on all three makes for an interesting and cohesive look.

Here I pulled together a simple and gorgeous spring or summer outfit to illustrate the three key elements in place.

(jeans - tried these on and swoon, loved them!, top, wedges, necklace, clutch)

Have a fun and stylish weekend ladies!

elements of style!

I search out inspiration for my own wardrobe any where I can. I find the most inspiration from blogs, magazines, Pinterest and the J.Crew catalog (mine are full of dog-earred pages). And lately I have noticed that I am most draw to outfits that have three key elements.  I have learned that identifying these three elements makes getting dressed easier on most days and while I don't employ the 'elements of style' rigourously, they are nice to fall back on in a time of need.

Deciding on three key elements of design isn't anything new, I've long used this philosophy for decorating my home.  Of course, the elements change and evolve as my style and needs change and evolve, both for my home and my wardrobe.  But it's a simple way to boil down style in a stop-on-a-dime way. It

For me, the key to a look that fits my style of classic, comfortable and feminine has come down to the following elements: casual, neutral and dressy.  For me it's the perfect ying and yang for my desire to be both stylish and comfortable and practical as a busy mom.

(get the look: this dress is amazing - check out the back!, sunglasses, clutch, necklace (or a really cute inexpensive alternative, shoes)

If you had to define your personal style in three words what would it be?

What about the elements of that style? I would love to hear!