Culottes and Crop Tops

Top :: Windsor Store

Culottes :: Nabee similar here

Heels :: H&M similar here

Bag :: Coach similar here

Watch :: bebe similar here

Rings :: Club Monaco

When you spend a lot of time around fashionable influences, you start to pick up an interest in the style. Having spent the last three months working for a pair of designers, I've noticed that I have a growing interest in more loose fit pants. With that being said, I was never entirely certain if I could pull of the look of a karate pant or culotte outside of the Tae Kwon Do classes I took as a kid. I recently tried these culottes on, just for the heck of it, and I was blown away by how much I fell in love with them!

As shorts like these have a lot more volume, I find that it is best to either pair them with a fitted top or a crop top. I chose to wear heels with this look to elongate my legs, but you can wear a loafer or sandals with something like this as well. 

Oh! And a little tip, don't be afraid to mix navy and black together. I was always told that these two colors were mutually exclusive (particularly with suiting) but this is completely untrue! When layered you can really play up the differences in the colors. Another option is to accessorize the look with a complimentary color of both navy and black OR to wear pieces with different textures that can make the colors really pop against each other.

Textured Sweater

bebe boxy textured sweatshirt, Blue Asphalt denim, bebe stretch metal belt - similar here, Call It Spring booties - similar here and here, Coach purse from the poppy collection - no longer available

Happy Mondayyy! As of this week I am starting a new job tomorrow and as a result I'm going to adjust my weekly postings. Instead of posting Tuesday and Friday, I'll be posting Monday and Friday as now I'll have weekends off for the most part. Anyways, on to the post!

I am currently obsessed with this sweater that I just purchased from bebe. This mixed texture sweatshirt is comfortable and lightweight which is absolutely perfect for this time of year. While we're just switching over to spring weather some days are a bit chilly so I need to stay warm but not anything all that heavy. I first fell in love with this sweater when I saw the different prints on it; the chest is covered in textured polka dots while the sleeves have this very cool zig-zag/swirl design going on. Plus it has a unique shape which they describe as "boxy" on the website. In my opinion, the different shape has brought the armpits a bit lower and wider thereby also making the sleeves a bit wider until they meet just below the elbow. It's so unique and I am in love!

As this sweater has so much detail on its own I just paired it with a dark denim, a simple silver and black belt, and these cute ankle booties with cutouts on the side. Each piece has a unique cut to it which is what brings the whole look together. I'm also wearing my favorite winter bag here which is from the Coach Poppy collection. This crossbody has a drawstring instead of a traditional zipper closure which makes it a bit more fun.

Hope you like the look! Do you have any favorite funky and unique pieces? Let me know in the comments below!

xxAlli

Happy Valentine's Day!

bebe zip racer crop top, bebe mesh panel pencil skirt, BCBGeneration nude pumps - similar here, J. Crew bracelet - similar here and here, vintage gold necklace, Lips - Portland Black Lipstick Co. in Undead Red

Happy Friday readers!! And happy Valentine's Day!

Whether or not you actually have a date for today, holidays are always a great reason to dress up. Personally, I love being festive and today is just an excuse to wear a ton of red and pink. Of course, I usually tend to wear a lot of black and my outfit choice for today is built around this super chic skirt from bebe. I love pencil skirts, but I've seen them so many times that it can get a bit old. When I spotted this one I just KNEW I had to have it! The mesh panel adds some edge to this classic look. I love pieces like this because they silhouette will never go out of style but it still has a modern touch.

I paired the skirt with this red crop top from bebe to get in the spirit, and so as to not compete with the bright shirt I chose these nude pumps from BCBGeneration. I am in love with these shoes! I wore them for my birthday and they just feel so good on my feet! To complete the look and add some detail and sparkle, I added a diamond stretch bracelet and a vintage gold necklace. I love the way gold looks with red,  plus there is a cute gold zipper that runs down the back of the top and these accessories accent that.

What does your Valentine's Day outfit look like? Tell me about it in the comments below, and as always thanks for reading!

xxAlli