Showing posts with label emersonmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label emersonmade. Show all posts

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Cubicle Cozy


While online window-shopping for today's outfit du jour last evening, Ryan said, "What outfit would you wear knowing the last days of nice weather are coming to a close?" My immediate thought was something flouncy, airy, light– yet, Fall. Waking up this morning to a grey, ultra windy, rainy 45ยบ day I thought, "Eew. Grab a sweater."– thus, I added in a cardi. Today's look is inspired by the colors found in Essie's Fall nail polish collection (specifically school of hard rockscocktail bling and brooch the subject). I love the muted, etherial neutrals because they're not traditionally the tones I think of when I think 'Autumn'. Keeping the etherial theme, my styling inspo for this look is Emerson of EmersonMade-- casual curls that won't get hurt if blown around a bit outside.

The Breakdown:
Top: Zara V-Neck Cardigan in Ecru/Vigor, $49.90
Pants: Express Wide Leg Editor Pant in Cool Earth, $89.90
Shoes: ALDO Moos Heel in Natural Print, $34.99 (*Clearance)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $347.19

On the edge of $350 is steep, yet not totally out of the park considering tailored pants and an imported top are a part of this ensamble. However, I have a few suggestions:

How to Save on this Look:
  • So, the green imported top from Anthro is rather steep. I have a couple of substitutions:
  • And while the necklace isn't all that pricey, and I think is a pretty unique buy– you could easily swap-in something silver (or gold) of your own.
  • You could opt for a black trouser vs. the earthy brown/grey pant shown. And, if swapping out your pants you could swap-in your own black belt as well.
  • And finally, I love a patterned pump but it's not a necessary staple for one's show closet. Any neutral or nude pump would be appropriate.
If opting for a less-expensive lace top, like the links above and thereby going in the direction of cream/beige– consider pairing with a cardi or blazer with a more poppy color vs. ecru.



Monday, October 17, 2011

Rosy Rosie

An easy and elegant approach to color-blocking; intertwining classic, casual and whimsey for a polished feminine look. This is the perfect outfit to wear on the day you want to slap the snooze button again, but you know you can't– it'll jolt your senses and prepare you to tackle what to come of your day! You'll be cozy (not frumpy) in the tights/flats duo, yet professional.

The Breakdown:
Top: Gap Knit Turtleneck in True Black, $34.95
Shoes: DSW Rocket Dog Marilyn Fabric Flat in Ebony (or Houndstooth), $34.95

Total Cost of this Outfit: $358.90
Eeh– rather steep for a look that's mostly made of basics. None to worry, I have some alternatives!

How to Save on this Look:
  • While the EmersonMade skirt is adorable, $188 (plus shipping) is exactly what I'd call getting bang for my back. This skirt: Piplette by Alice Ritter Alia Full Skirt, available at Urban Outfitters is only $69. That's less than half of the EmersonMade skirt!
  • And again, while I am obsessed with the coin necklace from Betsy & Iya– you could swap-in a silve statement piece of your own. *I prefer a longer length necklace with a turtleneck.
  • You could also opt to wear your own black shoes; whether they're flats or heels– either would work. *Boots are iffy– if going the boot route, opt for a shoe with as little embellishment/hardware as possible.
  • Same with the tights– while I think a cable tight is nice and certainly cozy, you could definitely opt for a plain black opaque version.
For just the turtleneck and the less expensive skirt– the total expense comes to ~$100. I've said it before– don't be afraid to spend your money where it counts. What I mean by that is: stock your closet with quality neutrals and spend on accessories as-needed to give your clothes a twist.

Mentions:
I learned about both Betsy & Iya and EmersonMade through a little boutique in the quaint small town of Delafield, Wisconsin called Monograham. It's owned and operated by Amy Graham– the mastermind behind Smock, a specialty letter press and all-things-paper company. If you're interested in checking out any of these, here's some info: