Shannon Ables's Blog, page 317
September 8, 2015
Style Inspiration: A Preview of Fall
The fall trends will be seen on the streets of New York, Milan, Paris and London starting Wednesday and into the next four weeks as Fashion Month begins in the ensembles that the models, editors, bloggers, designers and other fashion elite don as they make their way to the many fashion shows and presentations. I unabashedly love this time of year by far the most when it comes to style because so many signature statements are made with merely the clothing. However, what I will be wearing will be seemingly different, but what I tend to pick up and implement into my own style are the small subtle touches, noticing that two seemingly unpairable colors actually work together if the hues are chosen wisely or the textures are different or why not wear an item I already have in my closet a different way than I would have initially chosen to wear it.
In other words, inspiration is everywhere if only we chose to look more closely and see the creative ideas that abound. In today’s Style Inspiration, you will notice many of the trends worthy of splurging on as were shared in last week’s TSLL Fall Shopping Guide: ankle boots, caramel, winter white, suede, flared jeans, maritime (which includes ample navy) and much more. Enjoy the new season!
~STYLE INSPIRATION FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
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September 7, 2015
25 Must-Haves for the Efficient Office Desk
“I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name,” wrote Tom Hanks to Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #60
Every year the quote uttered above by Tom Hanks’ character in Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail dances across my memory, and while seemingly simple, the precision of sharpened pencil organized in bulk ready to be offered to the writer to produce any sort of work that is asked of them reminds me of the beauty of a pencil: the opportunity to try, correct and try again next time. Much like each new school year or the coming fall season at work, after the long summer getaways have been taken and enjoyed, when we return I find that most of us, students as well as seasoned veterans in their profession, want to do it better, want to make it simpler and most of all want to enjoy their time at work all the while feeling productive by the time the end of the work day arrives.
The summer offers us all, no matter what our profession, a breather. A chance to correct, re-assess and try to do it better the next time. Each year I walk back into my classroom and devise new habits and rituals that will better allow me to perform at my best and feel the most comfortable no matter what the day may bring. Whether it is making sure my favorite tea is stocked for my afternoon break to rejuvenate me just enough to finish the day strong, or recognizing a way to cease the steady loss of pens throughout the year, if I can solve these basic hiccups that when solved allow the day to run more smoothly, I feel primed and polished to be a better version of myself.
So today, as I know many of TSLL readers are teachers, as well as for anyone going back to work or getting back into the regular schedule after what may have been a looser schedule during the summer, I wanted to share a list of items to have on hand at your desk to ensure the three main objectives when we go to work:
Objectives:
allowing you to feel and perform at your best
efficient
clutter-free
1.Moisture
Whether you live in a dry climate like myself or in an office area where the air conditioner or heat dries out your skin, keep lip balm, hand lotion, and drinking water on hand. There are many products available now that have multi-uses such as One Love Organics Wonder Balm which acts as a lip balm and lotion for your hands. A great way to reduce the stuff in your desk, but still ensure you have everything you need.
2. Contact lens solution & extra case
3. Lunch utensils (fork, spoon, knives, etc)
4. Emergency stash
~feminine products, band-aids, safety-pins, Tylenol extra-strength, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, breath mints,
5. Tide-to-Go
To stop a bad day in its tracks: as soon as you spill your coffee on your blouse, bring out your Tide-to-Go and in five minutes the stain will be gone and the spot will be dry. Trust me, I’ve had to use it too many times.
6. Tech chargers
Prevent the dreaded dead-phone event by having a charger in your desk. Senbowe just released a 4 in 1 USB adapter charging cable connector that is fit to work with Apple and Samsung products and a few other tech gadgets besides smart phones.
7. Tea or coffee
8. Healthy snacks
9. Hair supplies
10. Organizer for the cords
Keep-a-Cable keeps the cables of the many devices tidy and out of the way. For under $15, receive 3 (5-cord) organizers that attach with adhesive.
11. Laptop stand
If your work situation requires you to work at a laptop, consider investing in a laptop stand such as the Griffin Elevator stand. Why? Not only will it bring your gaze up but it will also help your neck and posture.
12. Keep the cup of tea or coffee warm
~Electric Tea Kettle from Breville or the crystal clear version
13. Pens & pencils
Create signature pens or pencils so they never wander away. An idea I am using is to use floral tape and attach a simple silk flower to each of my pens. Now, if anyone accidentally keeps it, they will know exactly where it came from. Supplies needed: green floral tape, silk flowers of your choosing, pens and wire cutters.
14. Lint roller
15. Nail file and clippers
16. Water bottle
~Stainless Steel Straws from Schoolhouse Electric (4 for $12)
17. Desk lamp
18. Access to Mother Nature
Having direct sight of the outdoors can be a powerful mood enhancer, but if your office doesn’t have windows, bring Mother Nature indoors. Whether with fresh flowers, plants or even silk flowers, bring in the beauty of nature. It will be subtle, but it will make a difference.
19. Organize your tunes and/or radio stations
20. Organize frequently used files/papers/notepads, etc
21. To-Do List system
Post-its, or a notepad like Garance Dore’s “To-Do” list
22. Favorite coffee mugs
23. Calendar or weekly agenda
24. Organize your virtual desktop
Make easily accessible: email, word documents, internet (frequently visited pages, etc). Choose a wallpaper that makes you smile, calms you down or sets the mood you need to do your job.
25. Establish norms for your daily routine
How and when are you going to check your email? When will you respond to email and voicemail? When and how often do you update your website, calendar, visual boards, etc. Be clear about your availability, communicate clearly with staff, students, parents, etc.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~Why Not . . . Create a Productive Office?
~Why Not . . . Style a Desktop? (podcast)
~8 Ways to Be the CEO of Your Own Life (podcast)
Petit Plaisir
Last Love (2013)
Images: (1)
The post 25 Must-Haves for the Efficient Office Desk appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
September 5, 2015
Happy Labor Day Weekend & Enjoy the Sales!
Sales To Enjoy & the Promo Codes
For your weekend shopping pleasure, I wanted to share with you a long list of sites to visit that are offering steep discounts along with any promo codes that will help you save at checkout. Also, notice a few travel sites are offering discounts as well as you may be planning some upcoming fall getaways. Enjoy!
Ann Taylor
// 50% off select full price and all sale styles
Code: HAPPY50
Date: 9/3-9/6
Anthropologie
// 30% off sale
Code: EXTRA30
Banana Republic
// 40% off your entire purchase
Code: BRFALL
Ends: 9/8
BaubleBar
// 50-60% off select styles
Date: Ends 9/7
Bebe
// 50% off sale items
Bloomingdales
// save 20-70% on select items
Date: Through 9/7
Bluefly
// over 5,000 styles up to 90% off
Brooks Brothers
// up to 60% off clearance
Date: now – 9/7
Club Monaco
// 40% off sale and clearance
Code: NOTOVERYET
Date: Ends 9/7
DVF
// Up to 50% off Wear Now Styles
Gap
// 40% off everything
Gilt Group
// designer accessories up to 80% off
Date: 9/3-9/7
Hotels.com
// $50 off when you spend $300 or more (book by 9/7/15, travel by 9/30/15)
Code: labor50
J.Crew
// 30% off your order of $125+
Code: GETSHOPPING
Date: Ends 9/9
JCPenney
// 20% off with a JCPenney credit card
Date: now – 9/7
Kate Spade
// 25% off all sale items
Code: Delight
Date: Through 9/7
L.K. Bennett
// extra 40% off all sale styles
Code: LD40
Date: Ends 9/7
LOFT
// 30% off fall arrivals plus and extra 50% off summer styles
Madewell
// take 30% off fall essentials and an extra 30% off all sale styles
Date: Ends 9/7
Nasty Gal
// extra 30% off entire sale selection
Date: 9/3 – 9/7
Nordstrom
// save up to 40% on sale items
Date: until 9/13
Old Navy
// up to 60% off everything
Pottery Barn
// 10% off 100$ or more 15% off $250 or more 20% off $500 or more 25 off $1000 or more
Code: SAVEMORE
Date: Ends 9/7
Priceline
// book by 9/16 and save up to 25% off select hotels. Save an extra 10% of already discounted express deals hotels when you book a hotel on Florida’s west coast
Code: WFLBEACH1
Saks Fifth Avenue
// up to 75% off the summer sunset sale
Date: Ends 9/7
UGG
// 30% off all fall fashion
Victoria’s Secret
// $15 off $100 order, $25 off $150 order, $50 off $250 order
Code: fall 2015
West Elm
// 10% off 100$ or more 15% off $250 or more 20% off $500 or more
Code: SAVEMORE
Date: Ends 9/7
Image: (source)
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Au Courant Weekly: September 5, 2015
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #59
International
~Eurostar trains were turned back to Paris and Britain late Tuesday and early Wednesday due to migrants climbing onto the tracks and some even onto the top of the trains. Migrants at the port city in France of Calais are attempting to flee to England as France has far more stringent immigration expectations. Two trains were sent back, three were delayed and one was stopped at Calais as migrants are trying to sneak through the tunnel which is 31.4 miles in length.
~China announced they will be decreasing their military by 300,000 personnel. On Thursday, China’s President Xi Jinping announced that the 2.3 million man military would be reduced in size. Due to modern military demands and an on-going anti-corruption probe into certain military individuals, the need for revamping was deemed necessary by the government.
National: United States
The 20, 237 ft. mount is now officially named Mount Denali as it was originally named by Alaska Natives prior to the renaming to honor President William McKinley who never visited the area known now as the state of Alaska. The White House’s official statement as to why the change occurred is to “recognize the sacred status of Denali to generations of Alaska Natives.” While the official order was signed last Friday by the President (August 28th), it was announced publicly on Monday when President Obama arrived for his three day visit.
The struggle to change the name has been ongoing since 1975 as Alaska Natives have, until now, run up against a bipartisan effort by a Ohio congressional delegation introducing bills to block the change as McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio, and is buried in Canton.
~A Kentucky county clerk in Rowan County, Kim Davis, was ordered to jail by a federal judge on Thursday for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples, for being in contempt of court. The 49-year-old Democrat who was elected to her post last year, took a stand along with two other county clerks (of of 120 in the state) against the Supreme Court ruling this summer stating same sex marriage is constitutional “contend[ing] that [her] religious beliefs keep [her] from recognizing same-sex nuptials”. Federal Judge David J. Bunning’s decision exceeded “the wishes of the couples who sued the clerk this summer; their lawyers had asked that she be fined,” as reported by The New York Times.
Politics
~Enough votes have been established to secure the Iran Nuclear agreement in the U.S. Senate. Confirmed on Wednesday, President Obama now has the 34 Democratic votes needed in the Senate to override a filibuster attempt and allow the Iran Nuclear deal to be passed. Now you may be wondering, doesn’t he need a majority? No. Remember, back in May the Senate passed the precise language that allows the agreement to go forth even if a majority of the Senate disagrees. At this point the President can veto, and so long as there are enough no votes in the Senate (34) to avoid a filibuster, the deal is secured. Why would the Senate agree to such a deal? Elections! Such an agreement allows politicians to be on the record as standing against the deal all the while allowing it to pass.
Science
~Bottled water wasteful? The Washington Post reported that nearly 35 million gallons of bottled water are consumed in the United States over the course of one year. Compared to 15 years ago the amount has doubled. The good news is more people are consuming bottled water rather than soda, but the bad news is only one third of bottles are being recycled.
~The world’s tree population, as reported by a recent Yale study, reached 3.04 trillion trees. The good news, 3 trillion trees is seven times more than was originally estimated, but experts believe the earth’s tree population has been cut in half since human civilization began due to drought, insects and deforestation.
Arts & Entertainment
~A Walk in the Woods, starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte opened yesterday. As discussed on yesterday’s This & That, the duo walked much, but not all of the 2000 mile Appalachian trail as they adapted Bill Bryson’s best-selling memoir for the screen.
~Dirty Weekend starring Matthew Broderick opens in limited release this weekend. Broderick and Alice Eve star as co-workers stuck in Albuquerque on a lay-over. A Nate LaBute film, it is part comedy, part mystery as the duo sets out to solve a mystery prompted by a note Broderick’s character is carrying around in his pocket which only contains the word “Zorro”. With Eve’s brains and beauty along with Broderick’s wicked charm and witty humor, it looks to be worth an evening of viewing.
~Stephen Colbert begins his reign as the host of CBS’ The Late Show on Tuesday September 8th with guest George Clooney and Jeb Bush. Future guests throughout the week are Scarlet Johansson, Joe Biden and Amy Schumer.
Bendite Event of the Week
~The annual Friends of the Library Book Sale takes place this weekend at the Sunriver Library. As it kicked off yesterday, you can still stop by today from 10 am to 5pm.
~Singer Ben Harper comes to Bend this Sunday with his original band the Innocent Criminals. It has been seven years since they have toured together and tickets are still available for their Les Schwab Amphitheater performance at 6pm. $45 for tickets, doors open at 5pm and the opening act will be Benjy Ferree.
French Word of the Week
La rentrée
Bonjour, this is Géraldine from Comme une Française.com. I’m here to share the latest French Word of the Week: a simple very French word for your Simply Luxurious Life in France.
September in France is synonymous with “la rentrée des classes” (the start of the school year). “Rentrer”, the verb, literally to “re-enter” means “to go back”.
You will see “les élèves” the students with “des cartables”, going back to school, happy or crying, holding hands with their parents or, for the older ones, going on their own.
On this first day, “le professeur” that we just call “le prof” will present himself or herself to “les élèves”. “La rentrée” to each school : “la maternelle” for the small ones, “l’école primaire” then “le collège” and “le lycée”, is a very important day in the life of a child in France.
And on this first day, the only thing they’re ALL looking forward to is “les vacances” : the next school holidays.
If you want to add more French in your Simply Luxurious Life, join me on Comme une Française.com for weekly video tips to sound French, even to the French! And it’s free.
Thought to Ponder
~Link to the film A Five Star Life~
lib
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September 4, 2015
This & That: No. 174
Book
~52 Cups of Coffee: Inspiring and Insightful Stories for Navigating Life’s Uncertainties
Author Megan Gebhart, inspired to learn about life before rather than settle into a 9-5 job straight out of college, challenged herself to sit down with 52 different people each week of the year following graduating from college. Having the opportunity to sit down with the co-founder of Apple and someone as young as a kindergartener during their recess, she discovered a multitude of perspectives on life and career success. This looks like a great book full of short essays full of inspiration.
~Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By
Cary Siegel has a hit money book on her hands. And while the book came out a few years ago, it’s worth reading or giving to a young graduate just starting out on their own. Initially created for his children, it focuses on eight core financial principles which include a total of 99 principles to help readers better master their money.
Broadway
~Hamilton
Audiences continue to rave about the Broadway musical Hamilton. Chronicling the life of the historical figure we’ve been taught in U.S. History classes as the founding father, first Secretary of the Treasury and all after being born out of wedlock. The musical follows his life and has been receiving much applause from critics and audiences. It just recently opened this past August and looks to be on stage for quite some time. If you happen to be going to New York City, this just may be the perfect blend between history and musical entertainment.
Cookbook
~ The Yellow Table: A Celebration of Everyday Gatherings by Anna Watson Carl
Inspired by her blog, but ultimately long ago during her study abroad experience in France during college, author Anna Watson Carl has created a lovely cookbook. Having the opportunity to have my own copy, this is my kind of cookbook. Why? She thoughtfully shares 110 simple seasonal recipes, many with the details of wine pairings and accompanies in the second chapter Wine Pairing 101. Stop by her blog to get a feel of what the cookbook is all about, but I have a feeling you will be inspired to put this cookbook on your wish list.
Film
~A Walk in the Woods
Based on author Bill Bryson’s book A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (2006), and his experience as he hiked the 2000 plus mile trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine, Robert Redford has taken this best-selling travel-guide and turned it into a must-watch film for your weekend entertainment. Starring himself as Bryson and Nick Nolte as well as Emma Thompson who plays Bryson’s wife, the journey is majestic, hilarious, exhausting and at moments thrilling. While the two actors didn’t walk the entire trail as Bryson did, they did hike a handful of parts multiple times for taping as Redford recalled in an interview for Here & Now. Have a look at the trailer below. The film hits theaters today.
Music
~Cecile McLorn Salvant
Always looking for new jazz music to enjoy, I was perusing the pages of The Wall Street Journal yesterday, when I discovered Cecile McLorn Salvant. With a new album (not her first, be sure to listen to her album Woman Child, as it is continually adored by critics) being released today (Sept. 4), For One to Love is a one of the few jazz albums with vocals I will be enjoying. previewing it on Apple’s iMusic, I was impressed.
Television
~Ladies of London , season 2 premiere
I know, I know. But every season I indulge in at least one guilty pleasure of a reality show that allows me to completely get out of my head, relax, laugh and see the world of destinations I love (New York City, London, etc). Premiering on Monday night at 10pm on Bravo, the Ladies of London return for their second season of drama from across the pond.
~recipe for Dark Chocolate Espresso Panna Cotta~
With September beginning this week, I am excited. Excited as the new school year begins and with it many new adventures that I cannot even imagine. Even if you’re not involved with the start of school in any way, September offers the opportunity of something new: a new season, a new wardrobe, a new book, a new film, a new way of approaching your everyday routines. So many much-anticipated films, books and shows wait purposely to be released in the fall as they garner audience’s and critic’s full attention. What is on your list to see and enjoy?
TSLL Fall 2015 Shopping Guide was just released on Tuesday to a great response. Readers are clicking and shopping and many are heading over to TSLL Online Shop where I have refreshed the selection for ample fall wardrobe essentials. Do be sure to have a look now or anytime throughout the season.
If you’re looking to start off September on the right foot, be sure to check out TSLL Back-to-Work/School Checklist and as per the French’s annual La Rentrée, check out a post from last year, 12 Ways to Celebrate La Rentrée. And while yes, a new season is beginning, so too is a weekend, and we all need to slow down to enjoy these few days of freedom from expectation. Here in the states, it is the long Labor Day weekend, but either way, I have some reading material you might enjoy. Until next time, bon weekend!
~The Coveteur interviewed J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons and takes us into her office . . .
~If you’re a fan like I am of Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic, you will not want to miss a tour of her Francophile inspired Upper East Side apartment on One King’s Lane.
~8 Signs Your Relationship Is Built to Last . . . a thoughtful list to check out
~Are high heels a part of your wardrobe? 6 Tricks to Make Your High Heels More Comfortable from Women’s Wear Daily
~And a list worth taking a look at regardless of your age: Six Money Milestones to Hit While You’re In Your Thirties
Image:(2)
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September 3, 2015
Decor Inspiration: Cindy Crawford’s Canadian Lake House
As summer winds down, I thought it a perfect time to be reminded of the ease that the past three months have afforded so many of us. Hopefully, we can try to weave in a bit of this balance without letting our fall schedules get out of hand.
In September’s issue of Vogue, Cindy Crawford takes readers into her secluded island lake house in central Ontario, Canada. After discovering the hideaway destination locale 13 years ago, they built on the 7 acre plot a two story house that is quite humble, yet exactly what they wanted for their family getaways each summer. Be sure to check out the interview here and see more pictures of her children Presley and Kaia here.
All images via Vogue
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September 2, 2015
Word of the Week: No. 15
~Click below for the pronunciation:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/modicum.m4a
~WORDS OF THE WEEK from the Archives:
~TSLL Fall Shopping Guide 2015 was just released, September 1. Click here to discover the trends to splurge and save on.
Image: (1)
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September 1, 2015
Outfit of the Week: Pants to Love
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~Theory linen-blend straight-leg navy pants~
~Iris & Ink striped silk shirt~
~Elsie suede d’Orsay pump (other colors available)~
~Kenneth Jay Lane hammered gold-tone circle earrings~
~HOBO vintage Monika satchel handbag (other colors available)~
~OUTFITS OF THE WEEK from the Archives:
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Style Inspiration: Clémence Poésy
While I have noticed Clémence Poésy here and there on fashion and street style blogs, it wasn’t until I watched her performance in Last Love with Michael Cain that I took a serious notice of her style. At the age of 32 and standing 5’7″, she looks far younger than her age, but her knowledge of style speaks to her wisdom.
The willowy French style icon, both a model and an actress, has mastered the French essentials spoken about often here on TSLL. Adhering to a fairly neutral palette, she does step boldly and quite successfully from time to time into the siren reds and shades of burgundy. From donning blazers, to tweed jackets, stripes and scarves, Poésy is one to look to for further French-inspired style ideas.
~STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17)
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August 31, 2015
The Blazer: A Fall Staple
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #58
September begins tomorrow and with it the fall season seems to unofficially begin in many ways. Much of Oregon is already back in school, vacations are winding down and the long Labor Day weekend in the states is just a few days away which for quite a few is the true marker of the fall season. Tomorrow TSLL Fall Shopping Guide will be sent out to subscribers and as I have been fine-tuning my own fall capsule wardrobe, I wanted to focus on a staple that is often an unmentioned gem to always have on hand: The blazer.
Having found my dream blazer this season as I discussed in last week’s Outfit of the Week post, the more I began to contemplate all of the options now available to me, the more excited I became. Such excitement is almost reminiscent of the first day of school as a young girl when my mom would take me back-to-school shopping, and I would have to wait to wear my school clothes until school actually began. Torture!
But truly, there are many options, and when you’re ready and your budget is as well, there are beautiful, quality options that will remain in your closet and be worn happily for years.
Today I’m going to take a look at the many options available when we have a blazer in our closets as well as style inspiration (pictures included) of how to style it to work the best with each of our signature styles.
Why Not . . . Wear a Blazer?
1.Work Appropriate
Depending upon where you work, even if you are expected to wear a suit, a blazer is a necessity that will always work. If you happen to work in a field that is similar to education, a sort of middle ground, blazers can be worn with dark denim, over sleeveless dresses or many of the options we will discuss later in the blog post. The coverage, collar and layering allow you to look pulled together and professional. Roll your sleeves up to add a touch of casual, but still, you are workplace appropriate.
2. Casual Chic
The blazer offers the best transition as you make your way from the office to the restaurant with your friends or significant other for dinner and drinks. Perhaps you change up the accessories and maybe even the bottoms and shoes, but the blazer can remain constant and always fit right in to any situation.
3. An Outerwear Option
As we transition from summer to fall, warmer evenings are gradually subsiding, but there is no need for heavy coats. The blazer provides just the right amount of warmth without being too bulky. Add a scarf if the temps drop a bit more and you are set!
4. Endless Options
The brilliance of the blazer is that you can wear it every day if you wanted to and as long as it was with a different top or bottom, you will forever be looking pulled together and in style. Choose a neutral color that works well with your capsule wardrobe: tan/wheat, charcoal, gray, black, navy or white and much like a chameleon it blends in beautifully.
5. A Safe Option that Can Break the Rules Tastefully
One of the things I love about the blazer is that it exudes a professional flare or touch, but you can have a bit more leeway with the bottoms. Have some fun with a statement t-shirt that speaks to your sense of humor or even boyfriend jeans and a pair of flats. The juxtaposition of serious and silly or über casual can sing a very nice tune.
6. A Travel Go-To
Airplanes can offer a chilly climate, and taking a scarf or coat is always a good idea, even in the warmer months. However, because we are limited for space when we pack our wardrobe, wearing our blazer on board saves a bit of space, and offers that layer of comfort when the cabin’s temperatures decrease.
How to Wear a Blazer
1.A Piece of a Suit (Skirt or Pants)
What the blazer was made to do was be paired with its bottom half – a skirt or trousers. Creating a polished look conveying you mean business, make sure its tailored to your body and walk confidently into that interview or into the front row during fashion week knowing you look top-knotch.
2. Jeans
My favorite, and a look that Jennifer Aniston does so well. She regularly is seen with a blazer and jeans while traveling and on the streets going about her day. Whether you choose bootcut (as seen below), skinny, straight-leg or boyfriend, a beautiful middle ground is struck that can take you just about anywhere.
3. Add a Scarf
The accessorizing of a scarf is simple and classic. Again, when you have a neutral blazer, you can have fun with the scarves you choose and the statement is immediate. (View The Francophile’s Style Guide: The 14 Essentials, podcast)
4. Flats or Heels
Depending upon your preference, the event or what looks best with your outfit, flats or heels work well with a blazer. Especially if you are wearing a boyfriend blazer (more oversized and longer), pairing with a stunning heel is a balance of masculine and feminine looks that works quite well.
5. Shorts Too
If you’ve got the gams, wear your shorts, but don’t forget the blazer for more dressed-up affairs. Whether it’s a romper or a pair of tuxedo shorts, the addition of the blazer provides the finishing touch to get you into that four or five start restaurant without the host causing a stir.
6. Layer Over a Dress
Perhaps you are wearing a sleeveless sheath or you have a few summer dresses that would work well in the fall if only you could cover a bit more skin. Add a blazer. Even a boyfriend blazer is a brilliant idea as you can still cinch the waist with a belt that ties it all together.
7. Pair with Tees
Whether you want to have some fun with statement tees or just want to run errands and wish to pull a quick stylish look together, selecting a t-shirt is a simple pairing with a blazer. Always have few on hand in the neckline that is most flattering for you and without fail, you will look effortlessly chic.
8. Camisoles
For a touch dressier look, layer your blazer over a beautiful silk camisole. Light-weight, a camisole under a blazer can be worn during any season of the year as you can add more layers if necessary or just adhere to the basics.
9. Over Stripes
And the fail-safe, wear with stripes. Due to stripes’ neutrality, you can wear just about any color when it comes to blazers, and you will look casual, yet pulled together.
As you can see, the options for how to wear a blazer are seemingly infinite. Depending upon your signature style, your profession, your daily lifestyle, you can make the blazer shine for you in a way that will be completely different from someone else. I have done a bit of shopping for you below with many different price points and brands. Most of the blazers are neutral in color, but you can always have fun with that detail as well. The key is to choose something that you can wear with many different outfits in your capsule wardrobe adding depth to what you already have. Happy shopping!
My blazer of choice ~Theory ‘Gabe’ Stretch Wool Blazer (multiple color options)
SHOP FOR BLAZERS:
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Petit Plaisir:
~Making the bed with Euro pillows, four of them to be precise. What? I know, it seems like a lot, but for less than $30, you can pick up 26″ square Euro feather pillows and stack two behind your two standard pillows and two in front (optional). It makes a full bed that begs to be slept in.
Inslee Fariss, the illustrator of all the images found on TSLL shared this image on her instagram (@inslee), and I couldn’t help but be reminded of why Euro pillows make such a great statement.
Images: (1) Marie Clare (2) source (3) source (4) source (5) source (6) source (7) source (8) source (9) source (10)source (11) source (12) source (13) source (14) source (15) source (16) source (17) source
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