Double Take: Sweet and Sassy

I truly believe in the importance of versatility in your wardrobe.  It is important to invest in key pieces which can be styled in a variety of combinations.  This makes every dollar count in addition to the perk that it stretches your wardrobe!

For this first "double take" I show you two ways I wear this fabulous pair of pale pink heels and matching clutch purse:

Aren't they fabulous!!! I just love pale pink right now!

Sweet:

Anthropologie dress - FC ($16)
Seychelles heels - TJ Maxx ($40 splurge!)
Francesca's purse - gifted, Mom

Sassy:

J. Crew tee - FC ($7.50)
Old Navy shorts - FC ($6.50)
Seychelles heels - TJ Maxx ($40)
Francesca's purse - gifted, Mom
Vintage butterfly necklace - FC ($4)

I kept it neutral for both outfits because I'm really loving neutrals right now but also to let the pale pink accessories be the highlight of the outfit.  The first outfit is sweet and would be perfect for a semi-dressy occasion while the second outfit is sassy and a little more casual.

If you are loving pale pink as much as I am right now, here is some eye candy for you:

What are your key pieces and how many ways do you wear them?  Feel free to post or link in the comments!!!

My Kind of Animal Print

Animal print is one of those trends that never really goes out of style.  Done well, it can be quite classy, or even add a touch of excitement to an outfit.  If you need some animal print in your closet I recommend using the print in an accessory such as a scarf or perhaps kitten heels or flats.  These give the perfect finishing touches to an outfit without going overboard!

Any of these affordable picks ($50 or less) would be a great way to accessorize with animal print!  Click on any item to go directly to the website.

Flats by Topshop
Clutches by Delia's

Now, this is my kind of animal print:

Can you see all the forest critters?
And check out the detail on the sleeves!

Anthropologie top - gifted by Mom
Billabong skirt - FC ($7)
Vintage sandals - FC ($8)
Vintage belt - thrifted ($2)
VIntage LV speedy - handmedown from Mom

Now, I consider the denim skirt above a definite summer staple item.  It gets so hot down here in the South in the summertime that you practically cannot stand to wear jeans.  Well, this breezy 70s-inspired denim skirt works just like jeans, it goes with everything and the high-waist shape is super flattering.

Formula = 70s-inspired denim skirt + printed top + gladiator sandals

Tanks by Collective Concepts
Sandals by Forever 21

These denim skirts definitely have that retro vibe featuring buttons down the center and that gorgeous light denim 70s wash.  Any printed top will do and each pair of these gladiators is $50 or less!

Perfectly Pleated

Posting about my new wishlist, and the items I was able to cross off of last month's wishlist, reminded me to show you my pleated skirt!

Not just for grandmas anymore, pleats were all over the SS 2011 Runway:

courtesy of Harper's Bazaar

Fashionising.com even did a special on pleats as a Spring/Summer trend for 2011.  You can check it out here. 

 Pleating is effortlessly flattering on almost all body types but it can be difficult to utilize pleats without looking overdressed.  For that reason, I wear a t-shirt with mine to downplay the dressy effect.  Adding a belt is the perfect accessory and gives the look that finishing touch.

Vintage pleated skirt - FC ($8)
J. Crew tee - FC ($7)
Thrifted belt ($2)
Pink Studio Wedges - FC ($12)
Vintage LV purse- gifted by Mom
Vintage gold unicorn earrings - ebay ($7)

Not only was there plenty of runway inspiration for pleats, bloggers went crazy with streetstyle photos of how they wear pleats.  Check out some of my favorites (all via chictopia.com):

HallieDaily (www.halliedaily.com)

Playingwithfire (www.popcultureafternoon.blogspot.com)

JeanGreige (www.jeangreige.blogspot.com)

Click on any of the bloggers mentioned above to see their own interpretation of pleats!

Dying to try your own version of the pleated-skirt look?  First, check out your local thrift shops!  Or click on any of these fab finds (all $75 or less) from Asos, Topshop, Forever 21 and more!

Mid-length Skirts by Asos
Long Skirts at Macy's