Twosie

Burgundy has always been one of my favorite colors to wear and it's one I've been seeing a lot this time of year. I love how rich, yet understated the color is. It's an extremely forgiving color that's hard to go wrong with.

The crop top + high-waisted skirt was a duo I couldn't resist. I loved the way they paired together, as well as the versatility that could be created from each individual piece. I've shared three outfits that I quickly pulled together from my closet styled around these pieces...

 LOOK No. 1:

TURTLENECK (similar) // SKIRT // LOAFERS // CLUTCH // WATCH // SUNNIES   

LOOK No. 2:

TOP // BUTTON UP (similar) // SKINNIES // BOOTIES // CLUTCH // WATCH // SUNNIES

This boxy crop top would also pair great with a black pencil skirt, but I decided to pair it with a long, white button-up and a pair of dark skinnies for a more relaxed look. 

LOOK No. 3:

TOP // SKIRT // PUMPS (similar) // BRACELET // WALLET // SUNNIES

Perhaps the most formal of all three looks, I've decided to wear the twosie as is and pair it with a soft blush accent. This is one of my favorite color combinations this season.

What's your favorite look?

SEE ALSO: My last grey twosie styled HERE.

Knitwear + Tackling Vintage!

 

COAT (c/o) // TOP // SKIRT // HEELS (older style) // SUNNIES

FUR (thrifted!), similar style HERE and HERE // WATCH // CLUTCH

Believe it or not, the mink attachment on my coat has been thrifted! I love shopping through vintage stores because everything is so unique. It's like a giant closet of every decade before you were born. you won't find anything like it at department stores or boutiques. Each piece is one of a kind. However, shopping at second-hand clothing stores can be overwhelming because they tend to be less organized and everything is used. There are a few tricks to shopping at vintage shops to make the most from your money and make the best use of your time. I've attached three questions I always ask myself before purchasing anything from a second-hand store:

1. Is this practical?
There are lots of fun, colorful pieces at vintage stores: statement pieces with big buttons, sequins, glitter, you name it. Although these are super fun to look through, its important to distinguish between what may be awesome for your costume box and what you would wear on a day-to-day basis. Statement pieces are always fun but there's a fine line between the two.

2. Is this salvageable?
Some pieces just need a few adjustments to shine. I bought one of my high school dance dresses at a vintage shop and made a few adjustments to make it work for my body. It's become my favorite dress I've worn to a high school dance. It was so different from any of the other dresses and I got lots of compliments on it. Some easy adjustments might include cutting length from the bottom in order to have more fabric to add sleeves to a dress, tailoring a pair of baggy pants or a dress, etc.

3. Is this in good condition?
No matter how cute a piece of clothing may be, some things are deal-breakers. If there are yellow armpit stains or if the fabric is fraying, there is no reason to think about spending money on it. Usually, vintage shops will be good at shifting through worn clothes, but not always.

Happy thrifting!

xo,

Sara

ANTIK

OUTFIT DETAILS:

TOP (c/o) // TROUSERS (older style, similar HERE) // LOAFERS

CLUTCH // SUNNIES // WATCH

See Also: HOW TO STYLE JOGGERS

Cooler Temperatures

Outfit details:

SHIRT (older style) // FLARES // CLUTCH // SUNNIES

 WATCH // NECKLACE (also love THIS one)

Happy Monday everyone, thanks for stopping by!

xo,

Sara

Black on Black on Black

Outfit Details:

BLOUSE // FLARES // CLUTCH // PLATFORMS (similar)

hello flares. I've been seeing huge flares around a lot lately. I decided to buckle down and try out a pair of black ones. I may have overdone it with the black but black on black is such a classic combination. I really like the unfinished edges at the bottom of these particular flares, I think it adds a great finish. 

Here are a few other flare options for under $100...

xo,

Sara

4 Scarves to Get You Excited About This Season

Outfit Details (above): Sweater // Scarf // Sunnies // Bangles

Chunky

I'm love the statement a big, bulky scarf sends. My favorite scarf has been THIS one lately, it seems to be one that I continue throw on before heading out the door. I love the neutral color and unfinished edges. I've attached a few more I love below...

Plaid

Plaid is a classic print that adds a fun pattern to your outfit. There's definitely something about a plaid scarf that makes me want to bundle up and drink some hot cocoa.

Fur

Fur is my favorite when it comes to adding some texture and glam to an outfit. There are some great faux-fur scarfs that look almost identical to a real fur scarf, and they're a lot less expensive. 

Thin

Thin scarves definitely seem to be a trend this season. It's definitely not your average scarf. These light scarfs make for a great accessory on warmer days. 

P.S. don't forget to check out the giveaway on my Instagram (@simplyhued)!

xo,

Sara

Layers + Choosing the Right Jacket For Your Bust

Outfit Details:

BLAZER // SWEATER (similar) // SKINNIES (similar) 

FLATS (similar, and on sale!) // SUNNIES

It seems like the prime of fall has passed (goodbye golden trees, hello pile of leafs). And with cooler temperatures come more layers, yay! Autumn wins first place because of this; I love bundling up in light layers and playing with heavy textures. (See also: How To Mix Patterns Like A Pro) Above, I've layered a twill sports coat with a neutral, ribbed sweater. I love contrasting tailored, crisp lines from a blazer with soft, sultry lines like the texture on my sweater. I think the two make a dynamite duo. Here are some general guidelines I've learned over the years through reading/observation when it comes to picking a jacket that best works for you...

If you're top-heavy...
Avoid wearing jackets with breast-pockets, embellishments or wide lapels. These will not only draw attention to your bust, but also give the appearance of a larger top-half. Cropped jackets are another no-no. Instead, drift towards longer-length or collarless jacket. These kind of jackets will create balance and draw attention downward.

If you're bottom-heavy...
Try drawing attention back to your top by wearing structured jackets. Jackets with breast-pockets and detailing around the neckline (i.e. lapels, embroidery, ruffles, loud prints/textures, etc.) will also be great. Avoid wearing darker colors like black or navy when it comes to your top-half. If you're in a conservative business setting, choose a blazer that has a pattern.

If you're curvy...
Wear jackets that are tailored at the waist or have the ability to synch using a belt. Boyfriend-style jackets with sleek, straight lines will also look good on an hourglass figure. Avoid jackets with pockets in the front and double breasted jackets; these will add unwanted bulk.

If you don't have curves...
Jackets with feminine silhouettes will add curve to a boyish frame (i.e. princess- and peplum cuts are great for you!) Look for jackets that flare out towards the bottom. Detailing toward the neck/chest area will also give the appearance of curves.

Happy styling!

xo,

Sara

Pattern Play: How to Mix Patterns Like a Pro

Outfit Details: 

BLOUSE // SKIRT // HEELS (sold out) // LIPS

I love mixing patterns. When done right, pattern mixing can add spunk to any outfit to create a look with a personality. However, there's a fine line between spunk and crazy. I've outlined a few general guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to mixing patterns...

1. Mix big + small. 

When I am mixing patterns, I like to mix a small print (like the small polka dots on my blouse), with a much larger print (like the large color-block stripes on my skirt). 

This helps create balance between the two patterns. 

2. Choose from the same color palette.  

When you're deciding what patterns to mix, be sure that there is some consistency between both patterns. This usually comes from the colors in each article of clothing; For example, the off-white background from my blouse ties into the off-white stripe at the bottom of my skirt. 

3. Don't go overboard. 

Try keeping things simple by only drawing in two different patterns. 

Anything more will overstimulate the eye. 

4. Be mindful of texture. 

Textures can create a pattern on their own. If one of your patterned pieces has a heavy texture (like the sweater-like texture on my pencil skirt), be sure the texture of your other piece is minimal. 

I've attached some cute patterns that would work great for mixing below...

A few of my favorite patterns to mix are stripes and floral. I'm in love with THIS Sonnet James play dress. Besides being insanely comfortable, it's one of my favorite dresses to mix patterns with. THIS floral scarf would look darling with it, or THIS chunky plaid scarf for fall.

Thanks for reading!

xo,

Sara

Shoes on Fleek: My Favorite Shoes for Fall

Outfit details (above): DENIM and LOAFERS

SOCK-WORTHY:

Socks are where it's at folks. It's time to sort through that large box of un-matched socks and pair them with some shoes to make a statement. There's no going "small" with this trend. It's a bold step to take- wearing socks with shoes that aren't tennis shoes or boots- but if it's done right, I think it looks bomb. Some socks that I think are worth pairing with are THESE thigh-highs and THESE thermals. I also just bought THESE because I thought the frill was a fun feminine touch. 

SHOES WITH A STORY:

Heavily distressed leather shoes are number one in my book right now. I've been alternating between THESE booties and THESE clogs. I love the edge and texture they add to an outfit. I'm especially in love with THESE boots, but I can't justify spending that much on a pair of shoes (however, they probably will last decades on decades). THIS fringe bag also deserves a shout out, because it's so dang cute and I think it would go well with any of these distressed shoes. I like to wear these shoes with black skinny jeans (usually with holes in the knees), and some sort of comfortable top (i.e. a flannel button up, textured thermal, or soft sweater)

BORROWED FROM THE BOYS:

Sneakers have been a big trend lately, and they aren't going away any time soon. I have THIS pair of Nike's in grey and I love how light and breathable they are. Perfect shoe for a day that involves lots and lots of walking. I'm also loving THESE pair of Adidas right now. I like to wear my nike's with lightly distressed boyfriend jeans and a basic tee. 

Thanks for reading!

xo,

Sara