Sorry my Cassential Links are late this week...family duties have taken their toll on my weekends!!!
Since starting my blog and following so many fashion blogs, I have been exposed to an increasingly diverse group of chicly dressed women. I hadn't thought about how this exposure might have contributed to my greater body-confidence until I read this and this. Little surprise, but an important reminder that diversity is a good thing for us all.
Classic prints never looked so chic!
The poor are often simultaneously ridiculed and disdained, but what's it actually like to be poor and how many Americans are dangerously close to poverty?
Karrie Brown, and her mother Sue, from my hometown, are such inspirations! Love that they are helping bring attention to people with developmental disabilities. Karrie dreams big, and her story shows us that we can all make our dreams and goals come true. Get #KarriedAway, and you can help more young adults like Karrie find meaningful employment and realize their dreams.
Black and gold is such a chic combination - love how it is classic, but easily goes edgy. Yasmin from Bangles and Bungalows offers some fabulous fall style inspiration.
Want some amazing unique costume ideas? Look no further than Jes' post from The Militant Baker.
The problem with the privatization of feminism.
I can't read Italian (though hopefully my years of Spanish will help), but I am picking up a copy of Marie Claire Italy STAT
Reminder that loving our kids means loving who they are.
While the lack of body diversity shown by major designers is nothing new, the models of NY Fashion Week are also very racially homogenous.
Love the song or hate it, think the song is "rapey", misogynistic, or fun, there's no denying that "Blurred Lines" has sparked discourse. While the article's argument is compelling and the photographs brave and moving, the discussion comments had me engrossed for over an hour.
New outfit post tomorrow!!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Wanna Go To the St. Louis Fashion Blog Awards?
Hi all!
St. Louis Fashion Week kicks off this Thursday with the Fashion Blog Awards and after-party!
Event is at the gorgeous Three-Sixty Rooftop Bar on 1. South Broadway (downtown St. Louis, rooftop of the Hilton St. Louis at the BallPark).
Doors open at 6 pm. Blog awards start at 7 pm, and doors open to general admission at 8 p.m.
I'd love your support during the blog awards, and I'd love to see you there!
To that end, I have two free tickets to give away for the event!
To enter:
1. Leave a comment here on this post.
2. Like "Style Cassentials" on Facebook and leave a comment on this post.
Enter both ways for two chances to win. Winner will be chosen at random, and winner will be announced Wednesday at 8 am!
Tell your friends. Spread the word. St. Louis Fashion Week is going to be amazing this year!!!
To purchase tickets for this or other St. Louis Fashion Week events, click here.
Use coupon code SUPPORT for $5 off this event!
P.S. One more hour to vote on your favorites for the St. Louis Fashion Blog Awards.
I'm so honored to be nominated for three awards, and I greatly appreciate all the support I've received from you all!
St. Louis Fashion Week kicks off this Thursday with the Fashion Blog Awards and after-party!
Event is at the gorgeous Three-Sixty Rooftop Bar on 1. South Broadway (downtown St. Louis, rooftop of the Hilton St. Louis at the BallPark).
Doors open at 6 pm. Blog awards start at 7 pm, and doors open to general admission at 8 p.m.
I'd love your support during the blog awards, and I'd love to see you there!
To that end, I have two free tickets to give away for the event!
1. Leave a comment here on this post.
2. Like "Style Cassentials" on Facebook and leave a comment on this post.
Enter both ways for two chances to win. Winner will be chosen at random, and winner will be announced Wednesday at 8 am!
Tell your friends. Spread the word. St. Louis Fashion Week is going to be amazing this year!!!
To purchase tickets for this or other St. Louis Fashion Week events, click here.
Use coupon code SUPPORT for $5 off this event!
P.S. One more hour to vote on your favorites for the St. Louis Fashion Blog Awards.
I'm so honored to be nominated for three awards, and I greatly appreciate all the support I've received from you all!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Reviewing the Collection: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target
The long anticipated (for some of us) 3.1 Phillip Lim collaboration with Target finally hit stores and the internet today.
The line is filled with pieces that work for every aspect of one's lifestyle. There are plenty of work-friendly pieces from which to choose, pieces with a touch of sparkle that will work well for all the upcoming holiday events, and some fun pop-art casual pieces that will get you through the weekend in style.
Unfortunately, the collection is only available in misses sizes - no petites or plus-sizes. I plan on picking up at least a piece or two out of the line and getting them altered to fit my petite frame, if necessary.
Here are my favorites from the collection:
For evening:
Fun print!
Work:
Casual:
Do you like this most recent designer collaboration with Target?
Only one more day 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!!
The line is filled with pieces that work for every aspect of one's lifestyle. There are plenty of work-friendly pieces from which to choose, pieces with a touch of sparkle that will work well for all the upcoming holiday events, and some fun pop-art casual pieces that will get you through the weekend in style.
Unfortunately, the collection is only available in misses sizes - no petites or plus-sizes. I plan on picking up at least a piece or two out of the line and getting them altered to fit my petite frame, if necessary.
Here are my favorites from the collection:
For evening:
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Tuxedo Jacket $59.99 |
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Sparkle Dress (Available in blue too here) $49.99 |
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Animal Print Silky Skirt $29.99 |
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Canvas Drawstring Travel Bag $49.99 |
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Dress with Faux Leather $49.99 |
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Floral Print Peplum Tank $39.99 |
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Tote with Gusset (see here; Available in stores only) $54.99 |
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target French Terry Sweatshirt $29.99 |
Only one more day 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!!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Laid-Back Evening
Happy Friday, everyone!!!
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.
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!!
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| Pants: Target (old) Top: The Limited (Similar here) |
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| 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.
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| Clutch: The Limited (old) Necklace: Target |
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| Shoes: Target (Available here) |
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!!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
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.
Sweatshirts were paired with lady-like brocade skirts, matching and mixed prints, leather, and more.
Yesterday, I paired my chiffon-front leopard print sweatshirt with a black blazer and burgundy pants for work.
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!
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!
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| Sweatshirt: Torrid (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores; Similar here) Pants: The Limited (Available here) |
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| DKNY Fall 2013 look Souce: Style.com |
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| J.Crew Fall 2013 look Source: Glamour.com |
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| Blazer: The Limited (Similar here) Clutch: The Limited (Available here) |
I've been looking for a chambray shirt that doesn't gap, pull, or have tons of extra fabric in the shoulders...forever!
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| Milly Fall 2013 look Source: MarieClaire.com |
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| Tibi Fall 2013 look Source: Style.com |
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| Shooties: Soft Styles by Hush Puppies (Kohl's) (Available here) |
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!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Peplums
Peplums continue to be a major trend this fall. And why not? They're super flattering and can look retro and feminine or sleek and modern depending on the particular styling.
Today, I paired my lace peplum top from last fall with a simple pair of black pants.
Peplum looks from the runway:
Do you like peplums? Which runway look is your favorite?
More on the peplum trend here
To see this blouse in other looks, see here and here.
To see this blazer in another look, see here
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| Blouse: LOFT Petites (Similar here) |
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| Blazer: The Limited |
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| Pants: The Limited (Similar here) |
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| Purse: Express |
I like how the basic pants and champagne tuxedo blazer downplay and streamline the overt femininity of the blouse, making it a great balance for work.
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| Shoes: Target (Available here) |
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| Prabal Gurung Fall 2013 look Source: MarieClaire.com |
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| Calvin Klein Fall 2013 look Source: Style.com |
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| Kate Spade Fall 2013 look Source: MarieClaire.com |
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| Bracelet: The Limited |
More on the peplum trend here
To see this blouse in other looks, see here and here.
To see this blazer in another look, see here
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Military
In both fall and spring, military-inspired looks were a major trend. This look has continued into this fall and is a major source of all the green we're seeing on fall runways (see more here).
Here, I've taken the trend in a more casual direction.
Soccer mom duty has officially started back up, and I spent the day outside (and make-up free!) in 100 degree heat. I kept the look simple and casual today to beat the heat, giving this sailor striped dress a bit of a bohemian look. I like how the chain link necklace adds to the nautical vibe.
When the temperature cools down, I will definitely be wearing the look with my army jacket and booties. I'll add black tights when it gets colder.
Here's a few of my military-inspired favorites from the runway:
I have to get virtually everything altered to fit properly. Sometimes, alterations aren't enough to get a perfect fit, but they definitely make a huge difference in how an outfit looks.
Here's a quick before and after:
I had the dress hemmed a couple inches. To get a better fit on the jacket, I washed and dried it. Then, I had the sleeves taken in a bit for a slightly slimmer fit.
The result is loose and comfortable, but much more figure flattering.
Do you like the military trend?
For the army jacket 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!
Here, I've taken the trend in a more casual direction.
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| Jacket: Old Navy (Similar here and here) Dress: The Limited (Similar here, here, and here) |
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| Purse: The Limited (Available here) Necklace: Torrid |
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| Sandals: Target |
Here's a few of my military-inspired favorites from the runway:
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2013 look Source: HarpersBazaar.com |
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| Prabal Gurung Fall 2013 look Source: HarpersBazaar.com |
Here's a quick before and after:
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| Purse: Express |
The result is loose and comfortable, but much more figure flattering.
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| Booties: Target |
Do you like the military trend?
For the army jacket 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!
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