Wardrobe Staple: Denim Jacket

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The denim jacket is an easy piece to grab on your way out the door. Versatile and basic, the denim jacket will transition from season to season with effortless style.

The denim jacket is no longer limited to different washes of blue denim. The trend has evolved into prints, colors, proportions and textures. Available in cropped, leather, tweed and jersey detailing, fur, moto style, western style, stud and spike embellishments, floral and leopard print the design elements are endless.

Pair your denim topper with everything from maxi dresses to leather pants. Or wear as a layering piece under a blazer or over a hooded sweatshirt. Whatever style you choose from the basic blue to fancy floral, the denim jacket will always be a wardrobe staple.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Snap’ Stretch Denim Jacket: $274.00

Haute Hippie ~ Washed Floral Denim Jacket: $285.00

Rag and Bone ~ Leather Sleeve Jean Jacket: $495.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Silence & Noise Cropped Denim Moto Jacket: $79.00

By Zoe ~ Mickey Jacket: $172.00 (sale)

Style Your Stems: Floral Pants

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Style your stems in floral prints and patterns. A fun and fresh way to wear pants, these bold and colorful botanicals are truly statement-making.

With a little structure, these pieces look ultra fresh and modern. Don’t complicate things with a game of layers. Keep it simple. Try a cropped sweater or delicate tee for an effortless daytime look and silk cami and blazer for night. Add a great pair of sandals or heels and you have created the 1/2 & 1/2 (part elegance/part edge).

Here are a few beguiling blooms for inspiration:

Zara ~ Cropped Printed Trousers w/ Zip: $19.00 (sale) 

Tibi ~ Floral-Print Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $330.00

Ella Moss ~ Rosa Flora Pants: $148.00

DKNY ~ Printed Stretch Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $245.00

Cynthia Rowley ~ Zigzag Floral Bonded Leggings: $225.00

The Classics: Denim Shirt

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A perfect foundation to any outfit, the denim shirt is a timeless attribute to have in your collection.

Just like a trusty pair of jeans, the shirt is available in many washes and styles: dark wash, light wash, deconstructed, western style, classic style.

The denim shirt provides the perfect juxtaposition to this season’s floral dresses and skirts. It can be worn as a jacket/cover-up over these items or tucked-in for a more classic look. A great way to “casual-ize” an outfit is to pair this shirt with your favorite leather shorts or pants for a great daytime look. Or dress it up by adding a blazer or tuxedo jacket. Lastly, throw on over your bikini – for an easy summer cover-up.

The versatile denim shirt is a classic. An item that will never go out-of-style. Find one that suits your style.

Madewell ~ Wayward Jean Shirt: $88.00

Boy. by Band of Outsiders ~ Cotton-Chambray Shirt: $305.00

J.Crew ~ Denim Western Shirt: $118.00

Mango ~ Long Sleeves Denim Shirt: $54.99

Mix-n-Match: Spring Suits

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Mix and match your favorite coordinates to create the perfect Spring suit. The blazer and short combo is a refreshing way to transition into Spring. From statement making florals and prints to original color combinations, discover new outfit ideas for the warm season ahead. Here are a few pieces that will mix-n-match effortlessly to ‘suit’ anyone.

Net-A-Porter ~ Rag and Bone 42nd Street: $450

Topshop ~ Structured Blazer: $130.00

Net-A-Porter ~ Elizabeth & James Bruce Floral Print Silk Jacket: $395

Shopbop ~ Elizabeth & James Colby Shorts: $235

Forever 21 ~ Sweet Polka Dot Romper: Out of stock

J.Crew ~ Scalloped Short: $118

Weekend Ensemble: Las Vegas

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This Superbowl Weekend will be spent in Las Vegas. A weekend filled with concerts and parties, these leather pants will be my trusty companion. Easy to top-off with t-shirts, blouses and blazers – packing will be a synch. To add a bit more drama, I am excited to wear MAC’s Neon Orange Lipstick. This statement lipstick will pair perfectly with the neon lights of Vegas.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ashling

Pictured: Helmut Lang Leather Skinny Pants, Ann Demeulemeester Long Asymmetric Tank Top, Christian Louboutin (Decoltissmo), MADE Tassel Bracelet, MAC Neon Orange Lipstick.

Sequined Basics: J. Crew Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee

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J. Crew Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee

As the holiday season approaches, sparkle is everywhere. Taken in small doses, sequined pieces can spruce up a wardrobe instantly.

The Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee by J. Crew is the perfect example of pairing glitzy items with simple toned-down ones. Available in black, stormy sea and dark khaki (pictured here), these simple boat-neck cotton tees are drenched in tiny sequins.

Pair with denim or simple black pants for an everyday look. Under a great blazer or jacket with the sleeves rolled to peek at the glittery layers. Or at night, coordinate with clean shorts, tights and textured heels.

Sparkle this season with everyday basics that shine.

5 under $50: Fall Blouses

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Silky, flowing blouses are popping-up in Fall collections everywhere. Available in beautiful colors and patterns, these tops are extremely versatile. For a casual look, pair with denim; flowing over skinny jeans or tucked into high-waisted flares. For work, tuck a silky blouse into a sleek pencil skirt or couple with blazer and tailored pant. For a night out, grab some leather capris and sky-high pumps and you are ready to go. Here are five Fall blouses, all under $50.00:

Olivia Moon ~ Print Chiffon Blouse: $37.90

Fred Flare ~ Polka Dot Chiffon Top: $48.00

Bellatrix ~ Pleated Silk Blouse: $49.90

Hive & Honey ~ Poet Blouse: $49.00

Tinley Road ~ Bow Tie Blouse: $49.00

Bohemian Flair: Asos 70s Floppy Felt Hat

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Asos 70s Floppy Felt Hat

Inspired by 70s style, the floppy felt hat is my must-have this season. The classic wide-brim floppy will not only protect from sun damage, but will add a bit of glamour and bohemian flair.

The 70’s Floppy Felt Hat by Asos is my most recent purchase. I have been obsessing for months and finally found the perfect one. Made from thick felt/wool, the shape of the hat is perfect and adjustable (but hard to clean). The band of ribbon adds a simple embellishment that is soft and feminine.

Inspired by various bohemian and hippie influences, this hat has a retro-modern style. Pair this item with cut-off jean shorts and peasant top, big dangely earrings and ankle boots for an effortlessly casual look. Dress this look up by pairing with wide-leg pants and blazer or sundress and chunky heels. Or, channel your inner Brigitte Bardot and couple this floppy hat with wide-framed sunglasses and striped t-shirt.

The key to the look is confidence. Be fearless and rebellious this summer and try one on for size.

5 under $50: Maxi Dress

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The Maxi Dress is the perfect way to achieve an ‘effortlessly chic’ look. This dress comes in a myriad of colors, patterns, textures and styles. This item can be casual-wear, paired with flats, flip-flops, denim jacket or a cardigan. Or it can be modified into formal-wear, dressed-up with heels, blazer or a ton of jewels. Available everywhere this season, here are a few pieces that all range under $50.00.

Forever 21 Smocked Maxi Dress: $10.00

Asos Selected Femme Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress: $44.32

Heritage 1981 Ruffled Floral Maxi Dress: $29.90

Urban Outfitters Ecote Tiedye Maxi Dress: $49.00

Alloy Erika Maxi Dress: $34.90