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Archives for November 2015

Ladylike in Lace

November 23, 2015 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

 

Black Pencil Skirt

Street Style

Ladylike Look

Pencil Skirt and CropTop

Turquoise Slab Earrings

Crop Top and Pencil Skirt

Cage Booties

Cropped Lace Top

Derek Lam Black Pencil Skirt

Derek Lam Pencil Skirt

Chanel Bag

I took these pictures with one of my favorite fashion photogs, Justin James, a few months ago. I adore everything about this outfit, but I haven’t posted it here yet because I was waiting for the right time…a relevant fashion moment I suppose. I feel like most fashion blog posts are driven by the weather or holidays and events, and this outfit is really just for fun! I decided that most everyone will be dealing with a case of the Mondays as we approach Thanksgiving break, so I figure now is as good a time as any to post about something that is just for fun, no?!

I know crop tops give most anyone over 25 a slight wave of anxiety, and I am no exception. First of all, baring your whole belly is not very ladylike, and more importantly, who has that kind of time to dedicate to the requisite ab work? The solution is simple: pair your crop with a high waisted bottom and keep the details ladylike and the belly button covered. Truth be told, the belly button should never be seen in public outside of the beach or pool scene unless you’re performing in Vegas…and even then, your name better start with Britney!

A pencil skirt always fits the bill for ladylike, and it is a staple in my closet for those days I am practicing law (a little bit more lately!!), Sunday church services, and  really any event where I want a classic, pulled together look. The one I’m wearing is the black version of this Derek Lam skirt. If you want to go slightly edgier, the zipper detail on this 5th & Mercer option is so good.

Crop tops are a dime a dozen these days, but before you pull the trigger, make sure you’re choosing a top that is well made and otherwise modest. The last thing you want is a plunging neckline, spaghetti straps, AND a bare belly! The pretty lace, long sleeves, and high neck of this Asilio crop keep it feminine and flirty without crossing into “too much skin” territory! I linked a few other options I’m currently crushing on below.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Just don’t consider this look for your Turkey Day festivities; drawstring waist pants are a much better choice for pumpkin pie!

Photos by Justin James Photography

Lace Top: Asilio (similar looks by Asilio and Saylor, and this version by Stone Cold Fox is pretty too) | Skirt: Derek Lam (Black no longer available. I also love this Black Halo option, and the zipper detail on this 5th & Mercer skirt is so fun!) | Bag: Chanel (similar and less expensive option by Rebecca Minkoff) | Cage booties: Zara (these are old, but there are several similar and super cute options by Sam Edelman, Schutz, and Vince Camuto) | Earrings: Impressions of Santa Fe

Powerful in Pink

November 18, 2015 By Chastiti Horne 2 Comments

Club Monaco Twyla DressI’m that girl who totally identified with Shelby’s pink-infused wedding obsession in Steel Magnolias. “Blush and bashful” makes complete sense to me. I have never met a pink that I didn’t like (“pink is my signature color” said in my best southern accent), but I am partial to what I refer to as “sweet southern pink” — meaning the color of ballet slippers or even paler. All of my daughter’s baby bloomers were monogrammed in this pink! I like the femininity and the neutral vibe of the color. While my wardrobe as a lawyer leans to the black and navy spectrum, this shade of neutral pink jumps in from time to time to remind me not to be so dark. Actually, my favorite suit out of law school was a pale pink pants ensemble that I’d kill to fit in today! I’ve never thought of pink as a weak “girl” color. To the contrary, pink is powerful (that’s why it was chosen to be the color of breast cancer awareness I suppose). You’ll find subtle pops of pink in my wardrobe from tees to handbags and everything in between.

Christian Louboutin Pumps

When I spotted this Club Monaco dress not only did the color catch my eye, but the style and the unique cut of the sleeves gave me major dress obsessions. The understated half pleats on the 3/4 sleeves was such an unexpected touch. Of course the length is perfect for the office or power lunch, and this dress can be worn belted or changed into a shift dress sans the monochromatic sash. Some would shy away from wearing this blush toned dress in the fall and winter months, but why limit yourself? Designers from all over the globe are boasting various shades of pink in their collections for all seasons. Pink should never be relegated to the months surrounding Easter or for little girls in smocked dresses. Pink can be as authoritative and sophisticated as austere black if you want it to be. Because it is a neutral, pink can also compliment many looks from casual to glamorous.

Blush Pink Wrap Dress

From the court room to the boardroom, women are not afraid of color in the workplace. Pairing this dress with black pumps and classic jewelry makes this office appropriate and the idea that pink is only for little girls is so antiquated. My Presmer python clutch complimented the look without taking over. Without the belt, add a pair of booties  (gray would be a fun combo) and layer on bold accessories, and the look takes you to a fun date night. I love the versatility of this blush hued dress.

Blush Pink Club Monaco Dress

Y’all know I could not discuss pink as a fashion statement, being a child of the 80’s, without a shout out to Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh in one of John Hughes’s best films, Pretty in Pink! Oh what a movie and classic Brat Pack film. Andie, with her teen angst and clique-ridden world, single-handedly changed the way we looked at prom dresses (who didn’t want to tear off the sleeves of a frou frou thrift store formal and create a unique look for prom?). Even with Jon Cryer, James Spader, and Andrew McCarthy in the mix, that pink prom dress stole the show! Imagine OMD’s “If You Leave” and pretend you don’t want to wear that dress dancing with Blane! The show had so many lessons and teachable moments, and when Andie got the confidence to show her true strength, she wore pink.

Presmer Python Clutch

One of the most iconic suits ever worn is the one Jacqueline Kennedy wore on the day Camelot was no more. The images of her in that car, in the hospital, on the plane, in that dress are forever seared into our minds. Faced with incomprehensible grief, she again, was the epitome of class and strength. When I think of our former first lady, I think of grace, I think of style and I mostly think of strength. So don’t hesitate to wear my favorite color any time of the year — be powerful, be bold, be you!

Dress: Club Monaco | Pumps: Christian Louboutin (less expensive options by French Connection and  Sam Edelman) | Clutch: Presmer (similar by Diane von Furstenberg and Gigi New York | Necklace: similar by Dannijo

Waxed Denim and a Rancher

November 4, 2015 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

Rag and Bone Fedora

Citizens of Humanity Coated Jeans

Cargo Vest

Waxed denim just may be the best thing since sliced bread. I love the texture of the waxed fabric, and the slightly edgy but still polished vibe is right up my alley! With the sheen of the wax coating, they provide the leather pants look with all of the ease and affordability of jeans — no doubt a win win! All of the major denim designers have their own version, but this Rocker Leatherette pair by Citizens of Humanity is by far my current favorite. This pair has a great mid-rise that allows tops to be tucked in (I don’t like tucking tops into jeans with a lower rise because it makes the waist line all but disappear; who wants that?!), and the skinny fit is just right.

Rancher Hat

Rag and Bone Dakota Hat

Citizens of Humanity Wax Coated Jeans

These waxed jeans look great with heels and a dressy top, but I love the look even more for daytime. I think it gives an unexpected and downtown feel to my daily routine, which is always a fun way to spice up carpool! 😉 I’m a sucker for a great white t-shirt, and this one is perfect for dressing down the coated jeans, especially when topped with an olive green cargo vest and a fun rancher hat.

Rag and Bone Felt Hat

Rag and Bone Black Booties

Military Vest

In my opinion, nothing makes an outfit pop quite like fun turquoise jewelry. I picked up this bracelet years ago on a trip to Cabo San Lucas, and I have worn it with everything from little black dresses to cutoffs. The earrings are a recent addition, and I am equally obsessed! After hearing how my friend Erica (the girl behind the fabulous blog Tell it to Your Neighbor) scored an awesome squash blossom necklace at the Impressions of Santa Fe booth at this fall’s Round Top Antiques Fair, I immediately put this jeweler at the top of my must-stop list for Round Top a week later. I have also been on the hunt for a squash blossom necklace for a few years now, but I can never find exactly what I want at a price I want. Alas, this shopping trip did not end with a squash blossom for me, but I did end up with two amazing pairs of gorgeous turquoise earrings! If you have seen me at any point in the past month, there’s a good chance I was wearing one of them!

Monrow T Shirt

Citizens of Humanity Leatherette Jeans

Monrow Tee

Citizens of Humanity Waxed Jeans

Photos by Justin James Photography

Waxed Jeans: Citizens of Humanity (available locally at Tootsie’s) | T Shirt: Monrow (another great option by Madewell) | Utility Vest: similar by Current/Elliott, J.Brand and great values by YMI and Tinsel | Hat: Rag & Bone (similar and less expensive option by Mango) | Booties: Rag & Bone (similar and less expensive option by Vince Camuto) | Bag: Chloe | Earrings: Impressions of Santa Fe

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In the Loop Style

Two sisters. Two styles. One lifestyle blog. Join us as we navigate our unique perspective on fashion, fun, and sisterhood! XOXO, C & C

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