Who else is excited for summer weddings and events? I can’t wait to celebrate these upcoming milestones with our loved ones (especially after so many of them were postponed this past year). This post shares style inspo for weddings, bridal or baby showers, and a variety of occasions you might have coming up. From romantic floral dresses to sophisticated jumpsuits, there are lots of options no matter where the summer might take you!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar options.
There’s something inherently elegant and romantic about off-the-shoulder dresses, which is why they’re one of my favorite styles to wear to a wedding or formal event.
I also really like floral off-the-shoulder dresses like this one for bridal/baby showers (or even for a dressy brunch!).
Midi Dresses
Midi dresses are my personal favorite length. Whether in classic polka dots or in a light floral print, they always make me feel polished and put together. That’s why I love wearing them to weddings and bridal/baby showers!
Striped jumpsuits are super versatile. I’ve worn them on beach vacations, to brunch, wine tasting, and to BBQs. The above one would be perfect for 4th of July!
A go-to summer outfit for me (especially on those days when I can’t decide what to wear) is an LBD! You can easily dress it more casually with sandals and a fedora, or dress it up with heels and jewelry. When I have to go straight from work to an event, this is also a perfect option if I don’t want to pack a change clothes.
Like the LBD, a black jumpsuit is also super versatile and goes from day-to-night very easily! A statement belt is a great accessory option with a simple black jumpsuit (as shown above).
I hope you found this little style guide helpful! Now that the world is opening up more and more, what summer events are you most looking forward to? ☀️
This month I’m celebrating my 3rd blogiversary! To commemorate the occasion, I’ve put together this special post. Lately I’ve been looking back at blog photos from the past 3 years, seeing how my style has evolved, and what items I’ve reached for again and again.
I would describe my personal style as a mix of classic elegance and casual chic. I love all black outfits, neutral palettes, and timeless prints like polka dots, stripes, and plaid. However, I also love floral prints in the spring and summer and the occasional pop of color (such as a bright jacket or red lipstick).
Though I tried to narrow it down to 10 things, I just couldn’t—all the items on this list are such go-to pieces for me. So without further ado, here are my 11 Style Staples.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar options.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a classic camel coat is such a wardrobe essential. There are a variety of different lengths, silhouettes, and fabrics, but they are so versatile and can be easily dressed up or down.
A beige trench coat is another wardrobe staple; the one I’m wearing above I’ve had for more than 6 years. I personally recommend one that is water resistant and has a detachable hood, that way it’s also practical for rainy days. I’ve worn mine to work countless times and have brought it along on numerous trips abroad.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the necessity of a black coat! Whether a classic black pea coat like the one I’m wearing above or a cozy puffer jacket for rain and snow, it’s great to have a versatile black coat that will fit your needs and lifestyle.
A denim jacket is a perfect, casual layer that looks just as cool over dresses as it does with leggings and jumpsuits. Mine is the Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket from Levi’s.
A white blazer is something I reach for often during the spring and summer. It’s one of those pieces that can be dressed up for a professional business setting or can be dressed down with jeans. I also like white blazers that have a fun print, like the checkered one I’m wearing below.
Though jumpsuits can be tricky in terms of length and sizing, when you find one that fits you well, I think they’re such an effortless piece to have in your wardrobe (you can just throw it on and go!). I personally have a long torso, so I often have to go one size up in jumpsuits to accommodate that.
Though I love my black jumpsuit and have worn it in so many different settings (work, travel, events), I also really like a jumpsuit with vertical stripes (as shown below).
5. Turtlenecks
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I could arguably title my everyday wardrobe “An Ode to Turtlenecks” because of how often I wear this cozy staple. Pretty much from late September to early May, my various turtlenecks will be on rotation.
A simple black turtleneck is likely the most-worn item in my wardrobe because of its versatility—it can be paired with skirts, layered underneath dresses, or worn with pants/jeans.
I also love a sleeveless turtleneck as the perfect transitional piece during early fall or late spring, when the weather is just starting to change.
6. Black Skinny Jeans
I know the kids these days are saying that wearing skinny jeans makes you so-called “old” (and perhaps the fact that I’m using the phrase “the kids these days” and this emoji 😂). However, I personally LOVE my black skinny jeans and firmly believe in wearing what you love (no matter the trends or the opinions of others). My favorite pair of black skinny jeans are the high-waisted Jamie style from Topshop.
Do I also own other styles of denim? Of course. But I still love my skinny jeans 😉
This segues nicely to my next item: distressed denim. I usually pair distressed denim with something like a blazer (above) or silk top (below) to achieve that casual chic balance.
8. Straw Hats
Whether a large statement hat like I wore to our local lavender fields last summer or a classic Panama hat that I always bring along on trips (shown below), a straw hat is a timeless accessory that is both practical and chic.
P.S. My large straw hat above is from my blogger friend Amanda’s adorable online boutique, Confête. She’s also based locally here in Portland and curates such a charming collection of dresses and accessories.
9. Black Ankle Boots
So what about footwear? My personal go-to styles are black ankle boots. I’ve mentioned this before, but I especially love the brand Blondo Waterproof because their boots are stylish, comfortable, and (of course) waterproof. Waterproof shoes are a huge asset when you live somewhere as rainy as the Pacific Northwest!
10. Quilted Handbags
As for handbags, I really love the elegant aesthetic of quilted leather. Considering the name of my blog, it’s no surprise that Chanel is my favorite. The Classic Flap (pictured below and top left) is a timeless design that has been around for decades. It’s an investment piece to be sure, but it’s one of those iconic accessories that has withstood the test of time.
The Chanel Boy Bag (pictured top right) is what I would call a modern icon, as it’s one of the most popular Chanel bags since its debut in 2011. I have the chevron, mixed-leather style from the Spring/Summer 2016 collection, which I purchased pre-loved from The RealReal. The thicker chain strap, chevron quilting, and rectangular lock give it a more modern vibe.
If you’re looking for quilted handbags at more affordable price points, I definitely recommend Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and Rebecca Minkoff. These brands regularly have sales on their websites, and Nordstrom Rack often has great deals on them as well. Pictured below is a cute little Kate Spade backpack with leather quilting that I purchased on sale about a year ago.
And last on this list—but certainly not least—are black and white prints. Whether classic tweed or playful polka dots, there is something timeless about a black and white print that makes it one of my favorites to wear.
Though we still have lots of rain ahead of us here in the Pacific Northwest, I’m looking forward to sunny days this spring! ☀️
Blogging has been such a positive, creative outlet for me these past 3 years, and I feel truly grateful for that. I’m also grateful for each of you, whether you’re a recent follower or have been here since the beginning.
Though my blog is a lighthearted space to discuss things like fashion and books, I know this last year has been tough on us all in so many ways. My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced difficulties, pain, and loss. I hope you are staying safe and healthy during these uncertain times and have still found moments of joy and peace. Now, perhaps more than ever, it’s so important to cherish the people and passions that give our lives meaning ❤️
I’m still loving all the colorful leaves and fall fashion, even though we started decorating for Christmas yesterday! I guess I have one foot in fall 🍂 and one foot in the holidays 🎄 Maybe I’ll call it “Fall-la-la” (See what I did there? 😉)
Perhaps it’s the cozy layers, soft textures, and warm colors, but there’s something really fun about fall fashion.
Some of the items in this post are examples of autumnal styles that have been around for many years (such as tweed dresses and camel coats). Others are a bit more trendy, but still fit within a casual chic aesthetic.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar options.
Whether as a jacket, a skirt, or boots, faux suede is such a fabulous fabric choice for fall (yes, that alliteration was intentional 😉).
Over-the-knee boots have been extremely popular the last few years, and my faux suede pair from Goodnight Macaroon is a recent purchase (shown above). I’d heard great reviews from friends and fellow bloggers, and they’re absolutely worth the hype. They don’t slide down my legs and are very comfortable to walk in.
My faux suede jacket in this beautiful tan color has been a fall favorite of mine for the past few years. I feel like it complements the vibrant fall foliage so well.
I know wearing plaid during the fall isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it’s a tried and true favorite for a reason! Plus, with so many styles and color palettes to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone.
My H&M midi skirt (shown above) illustrates how plaid isn’t always a casual print! I personally love the length of midi skirts because they add a certain elegance to any outfit.
Anything from Burberry is definitely an investment piece, yet this iconic plaid print has remained a fashion favorite for decades. I’ve had my Burberry wellies and scarves for about 7 or 8 years, and they’re items I look forward to wearing every fall and winter.
I know it’s something I’ve mentioned before, but tweed is one of my favorite fabrics! Whether as a dress, a matching set, or jacket, tweed has such a chic aesthetic that elevates any look.
This matching set I purchased last year from Zara. These pieces can be worn together of course for more of a statement look, but they also can be styled separately. Similar options are linked above!
A turtleneck is one of my fall style staples because it’s perfect for layering, whether under a dress (as shown above) or paired with a simple denim jacket (below).
Layering a turtleneck under a dress is a trend that I’ve seen come and go several times since I was a kid, but the last few years it’s definitely resurfaced as a practical and stylish way to wear dresses even in the colder seasons.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include cozy sweaters on a fall fashion list! I personally love the off-the-shoulder variety for its romantic charm, though puffy sleeved sweaters are also very on trend this season.
Whether a classic camel coat or a practical waterproof trench, versatile outerwear is a must as the weather shifts.
Both of these coats I’ve had for several years, and I’ve worn in a variety of settings—to work, on the weekends, and on trips abroad. While trends can be fun to incorporate into your seasonal style, I prefer to have classic staples as the foundation of my wardrobe.
In honor of Shakespeare Loves Chanel turning two this month, I’m doing a special themed blog post on Chanel-inspired looks! From quilted handbags to tweed outfits, I’m sharing ways to channel classic Chanel style at a variety of price points.
P.S. My lovely Chanel-themed cake was made by my sweet step-sister for my birthday last September! 🎂
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar styles.
Quilted Handbags
Quilted handbags are an iconic part of Chanel history. One of the most recognizable–and most coveted–is the Chanel classic flap. However with its steep price point, the classic flap is definitely an investment piece (and the price does vary depending on bag size and type of material).
Since Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel first designed the quilted flap bag back in 1955, this elegant and versatile purse has proven the test of time. It’s not a trendy bag that will go out of style next season or even next year–it’s one of those rare fashion pieces that truly embodies what it means to be timeless.
The interlocking CC logo wasn’t added until the 1980’s, under the late creative director Karl Lagerfeld, and is the classic flap that’s still produced today. There are also quilted flap bags called the 2.55, which are fashioned after Chanel’s original design and don’t have the CC lock.
In 2017 my husband and I visited Chanel’s flagship store on the Rue Cambon in Paris, which first opened in 1918. Being a longtime Chanel fan, it was a fashion dream come true to shop for my classic flap bag at this historic location.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a rare purse or are a fan of vintage styles, my favorite website to buy vintage or pre-loved handbags/accessories is The RealReal. I love their high standards of authentication, their wide selection of designer goods, and their excellent customer service.
I’d been eyeing the Chanel Medallion Tote for a long time but after Chanel discontinued them, I started looking on the RealReal and found one in great condition (pictured above). About five years have passed since then, and I’m still extremely pleased with my purchase; the bag has held up so well and is something I use often!
However, if you’re looking for a brand new bag without the Chanel price tag, there are several contemporary designers I definitely recommend. Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff, and Kate Spade all make lovely quilted handbags in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. My Kate Spade mini quilted backpack pictured above is something I got a great deal on recently (under $60!), during one of the Kate Spade Surprise Sales.
Unlike Chanel (which never goes on sale), the aforementioned brands have sales throughout the year and are perfect opportunities to find a lovely quilted handbag (often for under $200). I also frequently check both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack’s apps to see when these designers go on sale!
Tweed Outfits
Coco Chanel first started using tweed fabrics in her designs almost 100 years ago, after being inspired by the tweed menswear worn by the Duke of Westminster, whom she was in a relationship with at the time. In the century since then, tweed has been an integral part of the French fashion house.
I bought the red tweed dress pictured above from Shein last year. Unfortunately it’s no longer available, but I linked similar styles here. Details like the white collar and neck tie also evoke that classic Chanel aesthetic.
This tweed jacket from Nordstrom Rack is an elegant option that would be just as perfect for a professional setting as it’d be with jeans on the weekend. I particularly like the contrasting trim on this jacket and the subtle metallic gold threads.
My Chanel brooch pictured above is an upcycled piece from the Designer Jewelry Finds. They repurpose authentic vintage buttons and charms from luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci and turn them into jewelry and accessories. Not only do they extend the life of vintage pieces by transforming them into wearable art, their price points are far more affordable, since most of their items cost under $150.
Though it’s on my fashion bucket list to one day own a Chanel tweed skirt suit, this matching set from Zara is such a chic alternative! Black and white color palettes always remind me of Coco herself, so as soon as I saw this set a few months ago, I knew it would be the perfect addition to my closet.
I love how versatile it is because I can wear the jacket and skirt together for more of a statement look, or easily mix and match with other items (more on that in a future post!).
Shakespeare Loves Chanel has been such a passion project for me the past two years, and I’m excited to keep growing it! I’ve truly loved connecting with so many inspiring individuals and businesses. Thank you all for your love and support! ❤️
We are eight days into 2019! It’s been great to hear what everyone is aspiring to accomplish this year, and I find that writing a specific, manageable list is helpful for me.
I was channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw for the above New Years look in my fabulous tulle skirt by Portland-based fashion brand Tulle on Lace. I had the pleasure of meeting the designer Harriet at FashioNXT in October, and she is so sweet and incredibly talented. You will definitely see me styling this skirt for more occasions and blog posts this year!
Today, I’m rounding up eight of my favorite looks from 2018, and also sharing some goals for 2019–from my booklist, to travel plans, to blog goals and personal resolutions.
A faux suede jacket layered with a cable-knit sweater and black skinny jeans (see original post here)
Booklist
This list isn’t complete yet, but here’s what I have so far:
Finish a series: I really enjoyed Crazy Rich Asians, and I plan to read the sequels.
A Young Adult novel: I haven’t chosen one yet, any suggestions??? (I loved both The Hunger Games and Divergent series, so I definitely enjoy dystopias.)
A classic that I’ve never read before: Either Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion or Emma (maybe both).
Re-read some old favorites: The Stranger, The Bell Jar, and Great Expectations are some of my all-time faves.
A short story collection: To be determined
A poetry collection: I’m thinking about revisiting Shakespeare’s sonnets (I read a lot of them in college), but would also like to read some modern poetry as well.
A contemporary bestseller:Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (it’s been sitting on my bookshelf for a couple years, so I figure it’s about time I finally read it).
Nonfiction: Dirt Is Good (I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and I was gifted this book awhile back.)
Travel Plans
Paris: traveling to the City of Lights later this year to celebrate my mom’s 60th birthday (this has been on her bucket list for a long time!).
Italy: traveling to the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre with my husband (we honeymooned in Italy, and we’re so excited to go back for more of a coastal vibe this time around).
California: attending the wedding of my husband’s cousin. We don’t get to see his extended family often so we’re really looking forward to this!
Oregon Shakespeare Festival: I enjoyed this so much for my birthday last year and would love to go again this summer!
Goals for the Blog & Social Media
On Instagram I’ve decided to start doing Workwear Wednesdays. I always get a lot of positive feedback on my posts about business attire, so I want to make this a more regular feature.
I also get a lot of great feedback on my posts that illustrate how to style an item multiple ways (these have been some of my favorite posts to put together!).
Reach 10k Instagram followers. Right now I’m not far from 6k, but the 10k goal is a blogger milestone on Instagram because of the swipe up feature you gain access to in Stories!
Be consistently active on Pinterest
Collaborate and build relationships with local designers, boutiques, and bloggers
Attend New York Fashion Week as a blogger (this one is more of a long term goal, but definitely something I want on the list!)
Personal Goals, Big and Small
Go ice skating at least once a month: Skating over the holidays always makes me realize how much I miss my skating days and that being on the ice still brings me a lot of joy. For years I’ve been telling myself that I’ll skate more frequently, and I want this to be the year I finally do it!
Work on my strength and endurance: I wish I was one of those people like my husband who absolutely loves going to the gym (and believe me, I’ve tried). Instead, I’m going to start with small changes like taking the stairs at work and going for a walk during lunch. I’m also looking into purchasing a stationary bike to use at home.
Save more $$$: In all honesty, I’ve always been more of a spender than a saver, and I’m currently reading up on strategies to save more consistently. My husband and I have been working hard at paying off his student loans.
Improve on organization: I’ve heard rave reviews about the Netflix show Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, and I could definitely use some more organization in my life.
Weekly journal: I received a really thoughtful Christmas gift from my cousin’s girlfriend called 52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal, which has weekly writing prompts for the entire year. Super excited about this one!
Host afternoon tea: Tea, mini sandwiches, and decadent pastries make for the perfect get-together! Macarons from St. Honore Boulangerie would be a sweet dessert option for an afternoon tea.
What are your goals for this year, personally and professionally? Any travels or adventures planned?
I also would love to know: which of these looks from 2018 is your favorite? Share in the comments below! ❤️
I hope you have a wonderful week, and thanks so much for stopping by!
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” –Albert Camus
It has certainly felt like a second spring the last few days! We’ve had some beautiful sunny weather here in Portland, though it’s been crisp and cold. I’m grateful for the vibrant trees of yellow, orange, and red, though many of the leaves already cover the ground.
Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite things about cold-weather fashion: knits and neutrals. I have a slight obsession with cozy sweaters and classic peacoats, but I truly wear them nonstop during the fall and winter months so I feel like they are pieces worth investing in. In Oregon we wear coats for well over half the year, so I try to choose ones that are functional and fashionable.
This Calvin Klein camel coat is a recent purchase from Amazon. I love its classic silhouette and the super soft cashmere-blend. It’s something I know I’ll be able to wear with a variety of outfits for years to come.
My gray wool sweater is from TJ Maxx and is so cozy and warm for these crisp fall days. This outfit would also be a great option for Thanksgiving because this sweater is more loose fitting–perfect for that extra slice of turkey or pumpkin pie!
My ankle boots are from Blondo Waterproof, which, as I’ve mentioned before, is one of my all-time favorite shoe brands. This pair has a comfortable block heel, which makes it possible for me to wear to work, even if I’ll be on my feet a lot that day.
On a different note, I’m very excited to announce that I’m now a part of RewardStyle, and you can easily shop my looks directly through their LIKEtoKNOW.it app! RewardStyle is such a great way for brands and bloggers to connect with their followers; it makes it so easy to purchase items and looks that you love! Simply download the LIKEtoKNOW.it app for free in the App Store and search for Shakespeare Loves Chanel (or click here!).
I’ll be sharing more Thanksgiving style ideas in the next post and some holiday gift ideas as we quickly approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
“Trendy is the last stage before tacky.” –Karl Lagerfeld
This famous quote by Chanel’s longtime creative director is something I think about when I see various trends floating around Pinterest and Instagram. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of current trends I’m 100% excited about (Jumpsuits? YES! Mules? Soooo cute and comfy! Leopard print? Eh not for me).
As I’ve gotten older and have come into my own personal style, I’ve realized that just because something is trendy or cool right now doesn’t mean I have to jump on that particular bandwagon. It also means I can admire a trend on someone else without necessarily wanting to wear it myself.
It’s no secret that I love classic pieces that transition effortlessly from season to season and can go from work to play (seriously, this gray Zara coat is on repeat!). I like to mix in trends too, but the classics are timeless for a reason.
This gray wool coat is one of those chic, versatile items that goes from work to weekend with ease. It functions as a long blazer, but also as the perfect lightweight coat. Above, I paired it with a Burberry scarf that I’ve had for several years (it’s a classic investment piece that always elevates a look!).
My over-the-knee boots are from Blondo (and are currently on sale at Nordstrom!).
Below my gray coat is styled for a business casual workday. I paired it with a simple white tee, black ankle jeans, and pointed-toe booties. The silver layered necklace adds an elegant finishing touch.
White Tee: Soprano (similar here and here) Jeans: Hudson (similar) Pointed-Toe Booties: Franco Sarto (similar)
For me, it’s about balance: having classic wardrobe staples that always look chic and transition from year to year, but also indulging in fun trends that I enjoy.
What do you think? Are you Team Trendy or Team Classic? Or a bit of both?
Hope you all have a wonderful week! Thank you for stopping by ❤️
I chose this short and sweet Dickinson poem to share this week because it honestly made me chuckle at how relevant it still is!
Dickinson writes of all these beautiful things she’s observing about autumn through the use of personification (giving objects human qualities or attributes). For example, the berry has “cheeks” which are “plumper,” and both the maple and field are wearing metaphorical clothes that exemplify the colors and feel of the fall season.
And–for fear of being “old-fashioned”–Dickinson decides to be like the festively attired foliage and add some sort of adornment (which she calls a “trinket”) to her look. We aren’t told what exactly that trinket might be, but taking inspiration from nature’s vibrant colors feels very familiar to me. A quick glance at my social media feeds this week, and one can see the rampant obsession with fall attire, the warm tones of the changing leaves, and pumpkin-spice flavored everything. I guess Ms. Dickinson was onto something. 😉
We’re quite lucky here in Oregon because our falls are beautiful. This week has been exceptionally so, with sunny blue skies contrasting the bright yellow and orange leaves that are my absolute favorite this time of year.
I also decided that it was the perfect opportunity to go back to brunette! The talented Nichole, who owns Sweet Pea Salon and Spa, took me back to a dark brown color very close to my natural one.
Dress: TJ Maxx (similar styles in neutral colors here and here) Scarf: BP (similar here and here) Boots:BlondoPurse: Prada (similar styles here and here) Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar)
I love tall boots paired with dresses, and it’s a look that I think is perfect for breezy fall days. This charcoal-colored dress is a TJ Maxx find from awhile back, but I’ve linked some great basic dresses above. Of course black dresses are versatile staples for one’s wardrobe, but I also love gray, navy, and olive for other neutral options.
My knee-high boots are from Blondo, which is truly one of my favorite shoe companies. Their shoes are stylish, comfortable, and waterproof (SO practical and functional for the rainy Oregon climate!).
My exact BP scarf is unfortunately no longer available on Nordstrom’s website, but I’ve linked some great fall scarves above.
Have a wonderful weekend, loves! Thank you for stopping by!
“By all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” —from the poem “September” by Helen Hunt Jackson
We’re over a week into September and, though it’s not officially autumn quite yet, the nights have grown cooler, the colors of some trees are beginning to change, and the obsession for pumpkin-flavored things has once again returned. 😉
When it comes to fall fashion, transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall means adding in versatile layers.
A striped dress is a staple in my closet, and in this post I’ll be showing two ways to style it for fall. This particular dress was a TJ Maxx find, so I linked some similar styles above.
My denim jacket from Levi’s is a classic and will transition effortlessly from season to season. I also think denim always pairs well with stripes.
Vest: Bebe (similar here and here) Bag: Chanel (similar quilted bags here and here) Booties: Qupid (similar)
I love olive tones in the fall and winter, and this faux suede vest from Bebe is perfect for those temperate September days. I purchased it last year, but linked similar silhouettes above. I’ll definitely be showing more ways to style this and other great vests in the coming weeks! I’m so excited because we are heading into my birthday week! This Chanel classic was last year’s birthday splurge when we were in Paris. Every time I carry it, I am reminded of that special trip.
We have lots of birthday festivities planned that I’ll be sharing in my next few posts. Hope you all have a wonderful week! ❤️
So far on my blog I haven’t shared much of what I wear to work! My day job as an executive assistant means that most days require professional attire (or at the very least, business casual). As such, in today’s post I’m sharing how to style workwear and make it work for you in multiple aspects of your life!
The way I accomplish this is by choosing pieces that go effortlessly from work to play and from day to night. The white blazer I’m wearing above is the perfect example of that.
It’s in a chic, windowpane print and is from the collaboration the brand J.O.A. did with LA-based influencer Chriselle Lim (Currently this blazer is on sale for under $40 on Nordstrom Rack’s website!). It looks so professional with black ankle pants and a simple white blouse.
My structured Prada bag has classic appeal, and the glossy, patent leather adds a luxe feel. My black suede shoes are by Halogen and have a low heel that is perfect for running work errands downtown (similar here).
If I’m going straight from work to dinner or an event, these simple additions take this look from office attire to out on the town: a bold lip, some wrist bling, and favorite sunnies. I love brown lipsticks for fall and winter!
Graphic tee: Eleven Paris (fun tee options: here, here, here) Jeans: Topshop (similar) Boots: Sam Edelman (similar) Purse: Prada (similar)
This is how I style a blazer from work to weekend. I start with a fun, graphic tee that complements the tones or print of the blazer, like this Kate Moss tee by Eleven Paris that’s been a fave of mine for years. I’ve linked some fun graphic tees above, since I could only find this exact Kate Moss option on sites like Poshmark and eBay (I bought mine at Kitson several years ago).
I then choose a great pair of skinny jeans, like this high-wasted option by Topshop that I’ve purchased in both blue and black because they’re so comfy (the style is called Jamie, and they come in a variety of colors and lengths)!
I finish it off with shoes and accessories: a great pair of black booties, a chic purse, some wrist bling, and sunglasses.
I love the contrast of mixing something fun like a graphic tee with a classy blazer and a structured purse. It keeps the look modern but still polished.
On a different note, I just started reading Crazy Rich Asians and am loving it! The entire series is definitely on my fall reading list. I will do a more thorough post on the novel when I finish it.
It’s also that time of year for Vogue’s iconic September issue! I’ve been reading Vogue since high school, and I love seeing all the fall fashion in their biggest issue of the year.
What’s on your reading list for fall?
Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you have a wonderful long weekend! ❤️
III. NATURE XXVIII. AUTUMN by Emily Dickinson
I’m so excited because we are heading into my birthday week! This Chanel classic was last year’s birthday splurge when we were in Paris. Every time I carry it, I am reminded of that special trip.
Shakespeare Loves Chanel 