Casual Fridays

This one is for all of you who have been hit with snow lately. As I was involved in about two to three inches of snow here in Nashville, I have a lot of sympathy for dressing to prepare for snow. Here is what I recommend to stay warm, stylish, and safe from slipping on the snow and ice! 

I recommend a standard white button-down under a warm cable knit sweater. Keep it in a nice sunny color to brighten and counter the muted winter colors others will be wearing. 

Wear skinny jeans tucked into Hunter boots. The pair I own are the ones shown - tall gloss in graphite. The gloss boots don't get that weird white stuff that the non-gloss ones do. I realize that sounds grosser than it actually is, I apologize, but it isn't gross, I think it has something to do with the rubber. Moving right along...

I would not survive the winter without my Barbour Bedale Jacket. It is classic and flattering and I love it so much. Finally, wear a warm scarf - like this awesome faux-fur one from Rachel Roy. If you have a colorful sweater, keep the scarf in black or gray, but if you pick a neutral colored sweater, add a pop of color through the scarf you wear. 

Now go out there and enjoy the winter wonderland!

Skinny Denim by AG Adriano Goldschmied

Casual Fridays

I love cold weather dressing. Scarves, jackets, sweaters and coats are my favorite pieces of clothing. When everyone else seeks refuge indoors, I walk slowly outside and enjoy the cold crisp air. So here is a type of outfit I would wear as the temperature drops. 

First of all, I think that some type of pant needs to be invented that is warmer than jeans, because cold air really still gets in. However, it's the best we've got. I love tunic blouses tucked in in the front but left out in back - like this one in white. 

Wear a motorcycle jacket over the tucked in top - my favorite one is my dark blue-gray jacket from Rag and Bone with a removable quilted liner. This one from BCBG is adorable as well. Pair it with a knit eternity scarf like this one in forest green - one of my favorite colors. To keep your feet warm, wear caramel colored boots like these. And you're ready to brave the cold.

Casual Jackets by BCBG MAX AZRIA

Casual Fridays

Casual Fridays have become one of my favorite posts to do. Probably because this is how I dress on a day to day basis and I get to embrace my natural style choices. For this look, I would wear a long tank, like this one from T by Alexander Wang. T by Alexander Wang is a great brand. Their tops are so comfortable and will last forever. I highly suggest investing in some great basic tees from this brand. I would then pair the tank with a camel jacket (the color of the season). Corduroy is a good fabric for fall and thicker in terms of keeping you warm. On bottom, I would wear a lean boyfriend jean - don't go all the way into a baggy boyfriend jean as that wouldn't look right, but one with some fit towards your figure will look great. Finally, accessorize for deep purple leather flats and a gem-stone necklace like this one in a pale jade color for some nice colorful additions to the look. Have a happy weekend!

Tanks by IRO

Casual Fridays

As we all have heard, army jackets are on trend this season - and they make for a perfect casual look. Olive looks great with bright orange, so for fall, pair your army jacket with a bright orange sweater. This will make the the utilitarian trend much more fun and feminine. Wear dark wash skinny jeans and taupe suede boots to complete the look. Finally, carry a big black tote bag that can hold everything you may need! 

Skinny Denim by Ann Taylor

Casual Fridays

I could not love a classic khaki trench coat more. It looks great with basically everything. Put it on over a dress at night for some warmth, or over jeans for a casual day look - which is what I'll focus on today. Casual looks are all about taking basics and making them look chic in simple ways. So here, just take a striped shirt, light wash skinny jeans, and camel ballet flats as your base. Give the look polish and sophistication with a trench coat and quilted black bag. Add some square frame sunglasses for bright fall days. Without the trench coat, the look is very pedestrian, but add the coat and you've got a classic and timeless casual look.

Teen Girls' Outerwear by American Eagle

Casual Fridays

A friend of mine made the point that she feels like she knows how to dress professionally for when she goes to work everyday, and formally for nice events, and then at the opposite end of the spectrum she feels comfortable in yoga pants and a sweatshirt. She feels as if she doesn't know how to look good while dressing "casually." Casual dressing just doesn't come naturally to her. Since most people work nine-to-five jobs, they wear professional dress Monday through Friday, so casual clothes are more associated with weekend dressing. Therefore, inspired by my good friend, I am going to start the Casual Friday series. Every Friday I will post a cute way to look casual, just in time for the weekend! Here is the first installment...

A way to look casual and cute is instead of wearing just an old tee shirt, get something that has a little something extra. Don't make the material fancy, like silk, but get something with ruffles, a fun print like on-trend leopard, or just like this one: an asymmetrical hem and long sleeves. I can't recommend scarves more highly - they are a great way to add some layering, a print, or a pop of color to an outfit. If you wear a top in a print, pick a solid scarf, and vice versa. So pair this trapeze top with distressed skinny jeans, a printed eternity scarf, flats or Rainbows, aviators, and a quilted chain bag. Casual success!

Sandals at Nordstrom