Top Five Essential Accessories

Source: Atlantic-Pacific // Southern Curls & Pearls // Blonde Expeditions

Accessories are the last finishing touch to any look.  The right bag, belt, or scarf will help add a little extra.  I tend to stay pretty basic with what I wear, but I am trying to find different ways to accessorize - ways that fit my style but take a basic (somewhat boring) look and make it more exciting.

TOP FIVE ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES
1. SCARF

This blush scarf is so pretty and would be perfect layered over a sweater - and would work great this spring/summer with a white tee.

2. NECKLACE
This bar necklace is a great deal.  It is only $14 - and would look paired with simple tee or blouse.

3. BOLD BAG
An easy way to add a “pop” to any look is through bag in a bold color.  This quilted bag (which looks a lot like the Chanel or Gucci bag) with a fun tassel is 40% off - and is a mix of leather and suede - great for all seasons.

4. BRACELET
I love wearing bracelets paired with my watch or even with out it.  It just adds just a little extra - and makes me feel more stylish.  This bracelet looks just like the David Yurman ones - and is only $12.

5. BELT
Belted jeans are the big trend - and especially the Gucci belt.  I have found a similar belt (that is even reversible) that is a fraction of the cost.

SWEATERS
Yesterday, I shared my top five sweater picks - most are 40% and under $30 and even less. 

MORE TOP 5 PICKS

Deals in spring colors // Sale items // Buy on sale now for spring // Best 2016 Purchases

I am participating in the following link-ups.

Top Five Sweaters Picks to Buy

SOURCE: Something Navy // 9-to-5 Chic

 Sweaters are something I love to buy and shop for.  I try to find the best deals on sweaters and ones that can transition through the seasons.  This time of year I have started to grow tired of my winter sweaters and am looking some bargain sweaters.  Here are five sweaters that I have found that are great deals and would be perfect now - and into spring.

SHOP TOP FIVE SWEATER FINDS

1. This longer tunic sweater comes in three different colors (grey, black, and camel) and is 40% off and only $23. 

2. I love this taupe sweater, which looks great paired with black.  It is so classic and chic!  It is 40% off and under $30 - and it also comes in black.

3. This chunky sleeveless sweater would be perfect worn on its own or with shirt layered underneath.  It is 40% off and would easily transition from winter to spring!

4. This v-neck sweater has a fun “twisted” knit pattern.  It would be perfect for spring and is 40% off and under $30.

5. This blush (pink) sweater is so pretty and it has such a fun cross-over detail in the back.  It would be perfect for Valentine’s day and for spring.  It also comes in black and is 40% off and under $30.

MORE TOP 5 PICKS
Spring colors // Sale items // Buy now for Spring


BUILD A MIXABLE WARDROBE
Also, if you are looking to maximize your closet and learn how to mix and match wardrobe essentials into multiple outfits - I shared my recommendation in this post.

I am participating in the following link-ups.

Build a Staple Winter Wardrobe with 15 Pieces

SHOP THE 15 BASICS

 Cami: Topshop* // Mock Sweater: H&M // Fur Vest: BB Dakota (On sale here)

Blouse/Tee: H&M (Only $20) // Moto Jacket: H&M (Only $30) // Plaid Shirt: Shein

Chunky Sweater: H&M // Flare Jeans: KUT from the Kloth // Skinny Jeans (Grey): H&M (Only $20)

Skinny Jeans (Black): H&M (Only $10) // Tote: H&M (Under $50) // Ankle Booties: Arturo Chiang (20% off)

Sweater Dress: // Pencil Skirt: H&M (Only $25) // Leopard Pumps: Lovirs

*Note: I have this cami in a few different colors - and I love it - layered under a sweater or worn alone.

 HOW TO BUILD A WINTER WARDROBE
One of the main reasons I started this blog was to help others - by being an "online stylist".  I wanted to showcase different ways to put outfits together.  I love putting together outfit collages - but I also love to show what I am wearing.

Last year, I put together a series where I took 15 wardrobe basic pieces - and then showed how to mix and match the items to create several different looks.  My closet is "stuffed" with clothes - but it  amazes me that with just a few staple pieces - several different outfits can be put together.  The overall look of each may resemble another - but changing a simple thing like the shoes or jeans - can change-up the look.  For the most part, these pieces are pretty neutral in color - whites, black, and greys.  A simple way to make a look "pop" is by adding a splash of color like red. This will add something new to a look.  In a few of my outfits, I swapped out the red sweater for a red jacket, but you could easily swap back in the sweater.

Also, style is personal, and we all know what we are comfortable with and like to wear.  A lot of these outfit ideas can be building blocks - by using the overall concept of the look - and then, making it your own by adding what you have in your own closet or by what you like to wear.  If you don't like red, you could swap it out for another color, like yellow or pink - or swap out the chunky sweater for a cardigan.  Make it your own personal style.

Here is a simple breakdown of the 15 wardrobe basics, along with 15 different ways to style them.

Valentine's Day Lace Dress Look for Less

SAVE

Sunglasses: Le Specs // Dress: H&M (Only $40) // Bag: Chelsea 28 (Also in 4 other colors)

Ring: Rebecca Minkoff // Pumps: Nine West (As low as $37)

SPLURGE

Sunglasses: Prada // Dress: Rachell Parcell // Bag: Saint Laurent

Ring: Zoe Chicco // Pumps: Jimmy Choo

Black and bright pink is a favorite color combination of mine.  Both of these lace dresses would be the perfect date night look for Valentine's Day - or even a February wedding.

FIVE LACE PIECES TO ADD TO YOUR WARDROBE

1. This lace peplum top is a great deal and would be perfect for winter and even into spring/summer. It comes in both white and black.

2. Shades of yellow are supposed to be a spring trend - and this yellow lace sundress is definitely on trend.

3. This lace off the shoulder top and dress would be perfect for summer or for a spring break trip you may have planned.

4. I love all the design details of these tops - but I especially love the off the shoulder lace detail.

5. And, if you are looking for a red lace dress - these are some pretty options.

I am participating in the following link-ups.

Top Five Deals in Spring Colors

 FIVE DEALS OF THE WEEK

1. It could be Valentine’s Day or the anticipation of spring - but I love this pale pink (blush) color of this sweater that is only $18 and this chunky $25 sweater.

2. This comfy oversized sweater is only $20 - and comes in five great colors.

3. This is the cutest little cosmetic bag. It would make the perfect V-day gift.

4. This tote is only $20 and would be great for work (and carrying laptop) or just an everyday carry-anything tote.  It comes in three different colors - and the bright pink/coral looks perfect for spring.

5. This very popular crossbody bag is 40% off. I love the pop of red it would add to any look.

TREND ALERT
Bomber jackets are so popular and on trend for spring.  This quilted satin blush one is so pretty.  And, this crushed velvet would be the perfect layering piece for spring.  This bomber jacket is my top pick; however, it is sold out in my size.

PINTEREST INSPIRATION
I think this is the perfect way to wear pink. One of my favorite pins of the week.

MOVIE PICK
McDonald's is one of my favorite places to eat.  I love the fries!  I hope the fries never change. On Friday, I went to see the movie The Founder - about the history of the start of McDonald's and its franchise stores that spread across the country back in the 50's and 60's.  I recommend the movie - but I will have to say that it made me sad and not want to eat at McDonald's after watching it.

FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Lastly, five years ago today I published my first post.  I cannot believe it has been five years.  I can't believe I am still publishing posts.  Thank you for following along!

I am participating in the following link-ups.