Laid-Back Evening

Happy Friday, everyone!!!

Pants:  Target (old)
Top:  The Limited (Similar here)

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

I love black and navy worn together.  The navy provides a subtle shot of color while the overall effect is a bit gothic glam.

The blazer provides structure to balance the slouchy fit of the pants and crossover top.  The statement necklace, silver accents, and heels create a feel that is just right for evening.

Clutch:  The Limited (old)
Necklace:  Target

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

I love this look - it's SUPER comfortable and feels effortless and cool.

What about you - Would you wear black and navy together?

For these pants in other looks, see here and here.
For this top in other looks, see here and here.

Only a few more days to vote for your favorites in the St. Louis Fashion Blog Awards.  Style Cassentials is nominated in the categories "Best Personal Style," "Best Delivery of Personal Style," and "Best Use of Facebook."  Click to vote here once a day until 9/16/13.  Thanks for your support!!

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: The Luxe Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts were a big trend on fall runways.  No longer relegated to the gym and other super casual situations, sweatshirts were elevated a notch this fall through various fabrications.

Sweatshirt:  Torrid (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores; Similar here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

Sweatshirts were paired with lady-like brocade skirts, matching and mixed prints, leather, and more.

DKNY Fall 2013 look
Souce:  Style.com

J.Crew Fall 2013 look
Source:  Glamour.com

Yesterday, I paired my chiffon-front leopard print sweatshirt with a black blazer and burgundy pants for work.

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

I'm hoping to find a chambray or black button-down top to layer under the sweatshirt for a slightly preppy look that would be perfect for a casual Friday at work.

I've been looking for a chambray shirt that doesn't gap, pull, or have tons of extra fabric in the shoulders...forever!

Milly Fall 2013 look
Source:  MarieClaire.com

Tibi Fall 2013 look
Source:  Style.com

Shooties:  Soft Styles by Hush Puppies (Kohl's) (Available here)

Do you like the luxe sweatshirt trend? 

Today concludes my series on fall trends.  Hope you've enjoyed my interpretation of some of the season's biggest trends!

To see this sweatshirt in another look, see here.

Please don’t forget to vote here every day through September 16th for Style Cassentials in the Saint Louis Fashion Blog Awards! I'm nominated for "Best Personal Style," "Best Delivery of Personal Style," and "Best Use of Facebook"!! While you're there, check out a very talented group of St. Louis area fashion bloggers!

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Below-the-knee and Midi Skirts

This fall, hemlines generally are staying at or below the knee.  Below-the-knee and midi skirts are a big trend for fall.

Skirt:  Target (Available here)
Clutch:  Target

Blouse:  Target (Available here)
Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

I've never considered midi-length skirts to be flattering for someone as petite as me, but I was intrigued by the idea of changing up my hemline this season.  

DKNY Fall 2013 look
Source:  Style.com

Proenza Schouler Fall 2013 look
Source:  Style.com

BCBG Max Azria Fall 2013 look
Source:  Style.com

I found this faux-leather trim pencil skirt from Target, and I decided it would be a great choice for trying out this trend.  The slim fit of the skirt and heels create an elongating effect.

The faux-leather trim extends along the waistline, so it will look good worn with a tucked-in blouse and blazer for work.  Today, I decided to pair it with a flowy colorblocked top.

Cuff:  Express
Earrings:  The Limited

Shoes:  Target

I like the look of the high-low hemlines of both the skirt and top. I think it adds to the overall elongating effect of this outfit.

For more on the leather trend, see here.
For more on the green trend, see here.

Pssst.....Please don’t forget to vote here every day for Style Cassentials in the Saint Louis Fashion Blog Awards! I'm nominated for "Best Personal Style," "Best Delivery of Personal Style," and "Best Use of Facebook"!! While you're there, check out a very talented group of St. Louis area fashion bloggers!

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: (Faux) Leather

Leather was a huge trend last fall, continued into spring, and is back again.  While leather has been a perennial fall favorite for years, this season, colored leathers are a big trend.

Dress:  LOFT Petites
Jacket:  The Limited (Similar here and here)

I'm not one to wear leather.  As a vegetarian and animal rights supporter, I prefer to let animals wear their own skin.  Thankfully, there are a ton of "vegan" or non-leather alternatives to leather that offer the same slick feel without the questionable ethics.

Belt:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target

Clutch:  Target
Earrings:  Target

Deep blues, greens, burgundies, and pinks are big color trends for leather and faux leather this season.

Tracy Reese Fall 2013 look
Source:  HuffingtonPost.com

Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2013 look
Source:  HuffingtonPost.com

Bracelet:  Target

Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

Of course, black leather will always be a stylish option, so you can't go wrong.

Altuzarra Fall 2013 look
Source:  Harpersbazaar.com

For this dress in other looks, see here and here.
For this jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.

Pssst.....Please don’t forget to vote here every day for Style Cassentials in the Saint Louis Fashion Blog Awards! I'm nominated for "Best Personal Style," "Best Delivery of Personal Style," and "Best Use of Facebook"!! While you're there, check out a very talented group of St. Louis area fashion bloggers!

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Classic Prints

I have noticed over the last several seasons that the trends tend to be getting more classic and wearable.  In fact, a lot of the fall trends seem to simply be repeats of last fall.

On one hand, it's disappointing to not see more new, creative ideas being offered.  On the other hand, being on-trend is becoming easier and less wasteful.

Blazer:  The Limited

This fall, classic prints were all over runways.  Houndstooth plaid was probably the iconic print of fall 2013 (see a recent look here), but leopard print was a close second.  

Billy Reid Fall 2013 Houndstooth Look
Source:  Harpersbazaar.com

Peter Som Fall 2013 look
Source:  Vogue.com

While naturally colored leopard prints will always be a popular classic, this fall, leopard prints in bold and bright colors felt new.

DKNY Fall 2013 look
Source:  Glamour.com

Shell:  The Limited (Available here)

Satchel:  Express

I wore this silky leopard print tank recently with neutral basics for a polished and sophisticated work look.

Shoes:  Target
Necklace:  Target

The weather in St. Louis has been all over the place this summer.  Weeks of cool weather has made me more than ready for fall, but now it's back to sticky sweatiness.  I wore the outfit below to dinner last night with the family.  It has a fall feel but was still breezy enough to survive the heat.

This red leopard print scarf hits on the colored leopard print trend for fall 2013.  

It's always great when you can be trendy while shopping your closet for a piece that's two years old. :-)

Scarf:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)
Tank:  New York & Company
Earrings:  Target, The Limited

Skirt:  The Limited
Sandals:  Target
Purse:  Target (Similar here)

For the camel blazer in other looks, see here and here.
For the faux leather skirt in other looks, see here, here, and here.