Never Tear Us Apart

It's safe to say that BCBGMaxAzria is one of my favorite stores!  I've always been a huge fan of their designs - I'm like a kid in a candy store every time I go - but they're usually way out of my budget.  Luckily, they have factory outlets for bargainistas like myself.  I get my items at affordable prices because I shop blowout sales at outlet malls.  From my experience, after-Christmas and end-of-season sales are the best.  They (in this case, BCBG) usually give customers an extra 30% off of everything.  Personally, I go straight to the clearance racks in the back because I want the best deal possible - I don't even look at anything "full-price."

I picked this skirt up at the BCBG factory outlet last week for $20.  It was originally $200 or so - sorry, I can't remember the exact price off the top of my head. I figured it'd be good time to go shopping because back-to-school sales usually rock.  I totally lucked out because they were giving customers a huge discount.  When I saw this skirt hanging in the clearance section, it was love at first sight.  This flouncy bandage skirt is perfect for work AND play.  It's high-waisted so it highlights the small of your waist, creating a flattering hourglass figure.  Pair it with a sexy crop for a fun night out on the town or throw on a blazer, classic button-front, and tights to ooze business casual.  Unfortunately, I don't have a skirt link for you guys, but as a consolation, I'll share other cute options below.

Different skirts for your viewing pleasure (different price points):

I styled my skirt with a casual yet girly top.  I picked it up at Forever 21 way back in the day because I really liked the crochet detailing!  I finished the look off with statement pearls.  Since I kept everything else fairly simple, I wanted to elevate my outfit with a gorg piece of jewelry.

Here are some other fun necklace options for you guys:

Skirt:  BCBGMaxAzria || Top:  Forever 21 || Necklace:  Armed & Readi || Bag:  Deb || Shoes:  Candie's

My Favorite Polka Dot Skirt

I'm all about my new Lime & Vine top today on SS. This chic top, made of 100% cotton, oozes serious steeze (style + ease) with its subtle weave pattern and delicate pleat detailing.  I'm wearing a size small because I like loose silhouettes, but an XS would've also fit!  For those of you interested, this piece is also available in cantaloupe and black HERE for $54.  I styled the top with one of my all time favorites.  I've had this polka dot pencil skirt for years now - I purchased it way back in the day at Forever 21 - and I still wear it all the time.  Their clothing's hit or miss so be careful when shopping.  They sell a lot of cute clothing, but their quality's sometimes "eh" due to shotty fabric. They do have gems though!  You just have to be patient and sift through everything because their stores are usually full to the brim. 

Here's a full body shot for you guys!  I kept things simple on the accessory front because I wanted to rock a clean, classic look today.  However, my bag kind of doubles as a necklace because of its chain strap.  To finish off the ensemble, I threw on a pair of animal print pumps.  A pop of color (or a bold print in this case) really goes a long way.  I purchased these lovely shoes at Off Saks a few years ago so I don't a link for you guys. I'll make sure to link similar options below for both the skirt and shoes.

Shoe alternatives as promised...

...and other adorable polka dot skirts for you all to browse...

One last close-up shot of my top before I say farewell!  I hope you enjoyed today's look.  How would you have styled this top?

Skirt:  Forever 21 || Top:  Lime & Vine ($54) || Bag:  YSL || Shoes: 5/48 via Off Saks

All I Have

A while back, my gorgeous intern, Zoe Luiz, wrote a fabulous article on Fall's hottest trends - click here if you missed the aforementioned post. To my excitement, she listed the chic yet comfortable sweaterdress.  I've been a fan of this piece for years now because, in my humble opinion, it's a classic.  Now, I love reading about fads, but trends come and go SO quickly.  Don't feel pressured to wear what's "in" at the time.  Wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful.  Now, if you happen to LOVE what's "hot," that's a totally different story - go crazy and have a ball!  Just make sure you don't buy something because it's popular.  If you're looking to experiment, I recommending shopping affordable stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe.  You don't want to splurge on something you'll only wear a few times!

Now, let's break down today's outfit of the day.  My Tahari dress is from TJ Maxx - I purchased it a year ago on clearance for a fraction of the price!  I absolutely love the design because it's classy and versatile. Because the design's "simple," I styled it with a beautiful silk scarf courtesy of VeVelle.  

For those of you unfamiliar with the brand, they're a new line with an exclusive collection of luxury scarves.  Founded by Al Semerville in 2013, his love for exquisite garments was instilled at an early age.  He spent his teenage years enjoying the intricacies of couture and dreamt of using fashion as a vehicle to showcase the hidden treasures of Haitian and Caribbean culture.  After the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, Al put his dream in motion and created VeVelle.  Their scarves are made of 100% silk twill, chiffon or georgette.  My piece is called Pas De Trois, and it's available HERE.  

Moving on to my bag! This piece holds a lot of sentimental value to me because it was a gift from my dad, AND it was my first designer purse.  He bought it for me in Asia during a business trip!  To be honest, when he gave it to me, I wasn't thrilled.  Don't get me wrong! I was SUPER grateful and moved by his generous gesture, but I didn't think the bag was particularly cute, ha.  I was a freshman in college, and I remember thinking, "man, I feel like a grandma carrying this around." I took really good care of it so it's in mint condition, which is awesome because I absolutely LOVE it now.  The simple design complements any and every ensemble, and the piece can easily be dressed up and down.  It goes to show how one's taste really evolves over time!  Do you guys have any pieces you initially disliked but grew to love?

Also, since I bought this dress last year, I don't have a link for you guys! Here are some other adorable options for y'all to browse: