Spring Wedding Style Guide - Part 3: Do's and Don'ts

DO wear a fit and flare lilac number to a spring wedding.  Be appropriate; eyes should be on the bride.

DON'T match the bridesmaids' gowns.  It's never cute when you're matching the bridal party.
DO wear nude lace-up sandals that elongate your legs.  You never know who you could meet at the reception...
DON'T always sacrifice utility for trendiness, because you're likely to do quite a bit of standing and dancing.

Most of all, DO incorporate the warm weather, budding florals and vibrant hues of spring into your wedding look.

I am wearing a Forever 21 dress (similar), Forever 21 necklace, Shoemint shoes (sold out, exact replica), MAC liner in 'Process Magenta' and MAC powdered pigment in 'Magenta Maddness'

XO, In

go for the gold

I know I should address this transitional black see-through number, but I want to disclose my well-kept jewelry secret (probably not that groundbreaking) starting with this gold-filled lariat necklace from Etsy.  Many of you are well aware of Etsy and thus it comes as no surprise when I say Etsy is the place to go, especially if you know what you're looking for.  For jewelry fanatics, skip Shopbop and revolve clothing-- they carry incredibly overpriced lower quality accessories by slapping a "designer" label on them.  Many of you, like me, may suffer from metal allergies.  Because of that, I tend to veer away from trendy gold-plated ones (which is what a lot of House of Harlow and Jennifer Zeuner is) and go for the gold (quite literally) by buying handmade items with resilient and higher quality elements. Check out a few of my favorites: ShopKei and MinimalVS.

I am wearing an ASOS crochet dress (sold out, but in white), MinimalVS lariat necklace, Jessica Buurman sandals

XO, In

cape town

It's quite depressing that in March, a few days into Spring, there are talks about snow storms.  Not to mention how exasperated I am of talking about the cold and conversing about the weather.  Although these pictures were taken a month ago in February, the climate has not taken a turn for the better, and to be completely frank, I am over wearing clothing made of wool, leather and cashmere.  Bring on the sheer, draped fabrics of silk and cotton and barely there bathing suits.  There is just no more room (both literally and figuratively) for winter attire in my closet.

However, the cape needs to be addressed.  Ever since Lupita Nyong'o rocked a scarlet Ralph Lauren caped dress at this year's Golden Globes, my desire to find the perfect cape quadrupled (before I got a taste of summer in my weekend getaway to Florida).  I knew this cape was the one as I spotted the Stella McCartney-esque pattern and the flattering silhouette.

I am wearing a Nasty Gal cape, H&M pants, Francesca's clutch (similar), Vanessa Mooney choker, Urban Outfitters booties (similar)

XO, In

Winter Wedding Style Guide - Part 3: jewel tones

The first thing to remember about weddings is that it is a joyous occasion.  It is the time to celebrate, and consequently your attire should follow suit.  Pull out the vibrant, jewel toned sheath dress you have been dying to wear, or take those impossibly high heels on a spin.  The colorless nature of winter will make it a perfect backdrop for saturated hues of gold, purple, blue and crimson.

Keep it simple and elegant; do less.  

If you haven't checked out our collaboration with Virginia Bride Magazine, you can do so HERE.

I am wearing an Urban Outfitters dress (old), Forever 21 clutch (similar in blue), DSW heels (similar), Forever 21 earrings (similar) and MAC lipstick in Diva

XO, In

the joys of repurposing

An unexpected side effect of the constant changing of trends is the ability to repurpose previously worn clothing.  Currently, 90's decade repurposing is everywhere: from overalls and shirts tied around waists to high waisted, acid-wash denim.  Repurposing is about revamping the outdated and incorporating the unexplored.  This dress follows suit (yes, it's a dress).  I had worn this dress a year ago for a formal sorority function with lace-up leopard print sandals and a bold red lip.  These ZARA booties, however, provide an additional edge, while the playful pink color palette and cozy sweater dilutes the fanciness that a feathered number is inevitably tied to.

We are also excited to announce a new three part multi-series in collaboration with Virginia Bride magazine!  I know many of you have wondered what is deemed appropriate to wear to a wedding, trust me I have.  Stay tuned for our three-part winter wedding guide styled by yours truly, Rachel and Kendal!

I am wearing a Forever 21 cropped sweater (similar), ASOS feathered dress (skirt option), ZARA ankle boots (similar), MAC lipstick in Heroine

XO, In

lucky day

Recently, my motto is 'quality over quantity' (notwithstanding my countless Forever 21 trips... clearly that doesn't count.  I still need trendy pieces I'll probably only wear once).  That motto came into full effect when I saw these pants marked at $140... which is fine, because most basics are worth the splurge.  They were irresistible on the rack and in the fitting room and I knew I had to come to a decision fast during my lunch break (having an Anthropologie and H&M walking distance from my work continuously proves to be detrimental to my bank account... but boy, I never learn).  I thought to myself, why not? These pants possessed a unique luster and were made of the softest wool fabric.  Not to mention the level of stress at work was probably enough justification to spend the entirety of my savings on shoes I could never afford. My mind was made up and I was ready to fork over $140 when they rang up at $40.  It was almost as if the heavens opened up and God himself prevented me from denouncing my bargain shopping ways.  A bit overdramatic, but it was a great day nonetheless.

I am wearing a NastyGal cropped top (on sale!), H&M hat (similar), Anthropologie pants, ZARA satchel (splurge!), and Ray-Ban 4175 in black matte.

XO, In

Coat game

Coats are the new shoes. Take a look at Kim K's newly-formed style attributed solely to her impressive coat game.  I don't know what goes on behind the scenes with her stylist, but it's working.

Which brings me to this American Eagle (yes, the same AE that swept the middle school population by storm, embarrassingly enough) coat I've had since forever.  Military green is a timeless color that meshes impeccably with various colors, patterns and textures, like these plum Isabel Marant-esque suede booties.  If someone were to tell me to style this coat differently, my next choice would be a leopard print.

I am wearing an AE coat (old, similar in navy), Forever 21 leather tank, Abercrombie & Fitch jeans (old, similar), Vanessa Mooney body chain, Shoemint booties (similar)

XO, In

shorts in the winter

I was down in Richmond for the weekend and was faced with alarmingly warm weather.  It was almost jarring, but I welcomed it nonetheless.  The shorts I had absentmindedly packed proved to be surprisingly useful as I was prepared to wear skinnies with this outfit.

For those who are quite like me and refuse to part ways with their denim cutoffs in the winter, look no further.  There are ways to incorporate shorts into your wintery repertoire by layering them over black tights or thick textured socks.  Layer, layer, and continue to layer by adding a chunky wool knit, and you will eventually welcome that cool breeze hitting your legs.  

It is apparent that my infatuation for these boots continue.  The key to pulling off a thigh high boot is ultimately proportion.  Wearing over the knee boots can sometimes overly elongate your look, and adding a loosely fitting blazer or an oversized sweater can create a streamlined balance.

I am wearing an H&M sweater (similar), vintage Levi's 501 high-waisted shorts (similar), Vanessa Mooney body chain, Nordstrom felt hat, DSW boots (similar), MAC lipstick in Diva

XO, In