Graphic Tees for the Holidays: With Something Decadent

Graphic Tees for the Holidays: With Something Decadent 

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Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? My mom is visiting, and we're putting up our Christmas tree, babysitting a friend's baby, and attending Friendsgivemas with friends, too! I'm excited to try a few new recipes.

But I can't leave with without another idea, another one of my favorite ways to wear a graphic t-shirt. This way is to take a t-shirt with something printed on it (with a neutral background, preferably) and pair it with something decadent, something fancy. Something you'd normally think "well, that doesn't go with a t-shirt!" But then you put them together, and something magical happens.

The something decadent could be a fabulous tuxedo jacket like the incredible Life and Style of Jessica has on in the first photo or a fabulous skirt to twirl in like Love Always Hannah above. Look around your closet, do you have something you've worn only a handful of times because it's too precious to take out on a normal night? That's it. That's what we want. Take that out!

Can't you just tell that gold sequined skirt doesn't get enough love? And if I had that awesome bold belt below, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't typically pull it out to wear on, say, a Tuesday. But, the way they're styled with a tshirt makes them feel welcome in so many more outfits! I'd love the below outfit with a graphic something on that tshirt.

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So here's what the formula is: graphic tshirt + something decadent + accessories that relate to the decadent thing

For example, sequin pants with a bag that's also metallic (notice that I didn't say matches! The pants could be gold and the bag bronze!) or a big, bold belt and a pair of earrings that shine, too.

If you're looking for sequins specifically, this season is for you. Check every department store and most online retailers.

Graphic Tees for the Holidays: With a Blazer

Graphic Tees for the Holidays: With a Blazer

I'm pretty convinced that there are two things that you already have in your closet that are all you need for holiday outfits: a graphic t-shirt and a blazer/jacket. If you look at these two outfits below, they're basically the same outfit. There's a tough element (skinny black pants, boyfriend jeans) + a graphic tshirt on a neutral background (which I think is the most grown up way to way a graphic t-shirt) +a blazer with some structure + something whimsical, playful, or that makes you smile. On the right, it's the dots on the rolled up sleeves and the white Chucks. On the left, it's the big sparkly necklace and the boho hair and the glasses.

So that's it: something tough+ graphic tee + blazer + something whimsical 

I think this combination could take you to several events this time of year-shopping, to a holiday party, baking cookies with friends, or going on a December or January date. I'd love for you to wear a leather skirt as the "something tough" or sub in velvet leggings on the bottom and wear a leather jacket as the "something tough." You could also wear a big full skirt (whimsical, makes me smile, unexpected in this outfit), a leather jacket, the graphic tshirt, and you're done.

If you don't have a t-shirt in mind, try somewhere cheap like Old Navy or make your own. Don't spend a lot if this isn't a style you typically wear. Just get something soft on a neutral background and wear if a few times to see if you like the look.

Want more ideas for spending the holidays in style? Check out my ideas from last year!

Top Photo Credits
Photography: Lauren Modny Photography
Party Styling:Love Always Hannah
Stylist: StartCloseIn

Holiday Pieces that You Can Actually Wear More Than Once A Year

Holiday Pieces that You Can Actually Wear More Than Once A Year

We've reached that time of year when everything is basically on sale-and you have 100 things to do. And while I try not to just enable everyone to shop for clothing all the time, that is kind of going out the window right now. Because here's the thing, most of us have some invitations coming in the mail this time of year. Whether we're getting in cars or on planes (headed to Charleston this week myself!) or having people come to us, we're going to be seen. And what will we wear? Most of us can get it together for one event, but when there are a few in a row it can start to feel overwhelming. That's why I'm here! To help. So you can do the fun things-like baking cookies to leave on a neighbor's doorstep!

Here are some ideas for things to buy, but also some things to look out for that you might already own. My idea is that you can look out for one statement piece and then pair it with basics (jeans, black pants, a pencil skirt), or do the opposite and just look for really flattering, simple pieces that you could pair with basics (or get crazy and pair them with sequined pants!), or even wear a monochrome look. And no, it doesn't have to be all red. Or all green.

And I've included pieces for women who wear plus sizes, nursing women (but those choices work for non-nursing too), and women of all ages. Because my friends come over in all shapes and sizes-and sometimes needing a way to breastfeed without a fuss! 

Sometimes all you need is one great piece: 

What about a gorgeous wear-with-everything blouse
an edgy, but comfortable sweatshirt
a sweet graphic t-shirt to dress up or down
a jaw-dropping dress (in curve sizing)
the coolest elastic waistband pants anyone ever wore to Thanksgiving ever
Or their slightly fancier but still cooler than your black work pants twin
A cheeky sweatshirt to wear with a sequined skirt or with PJs in the morning
A stunning top that you can wear with literally anything on the bottom
A t-shirt that's just a joy to wear
A sweet as candy sweater that you could edge up with ripped denim
Needing nursing friendly options? What about a nursing friendly cardigan (love the styling here)

poncho

or perfect plaid with edge shirt

Let's be realistic here. If you're going to wear this more than one time, you need to keep it simple (and washable):  

The most gorgeous, simple dress you can wear every day like it's leggings-or heck, even with leggings!
Just the most simple, stunning blouse
Is there anything sexier than off-the-shoulder? And curves?
Wear these dots with bigger dots on a skirt, with stripes, with plaid, with jeans, with a skirt...with green ham

Nursing mamas: wrap dress with rouching? Oh baby, this is calling your name!
 Moonbeams indeed. This is gorgeous.

Don't be afraid to get down with monochrome (even in a color other than black!)

Who says pink isn't for Christmas?
I love this cranberry multi layered top so much, I want to marry it.

I love the words elegant and forgiving in describing a sweater that I'll eat a huge meal in.

Photography: Lauren Modny Photography
Party & Prop Styling: Love Always Hannah
Stylist: StartCloseIn

Easy, Stunning Holiday Style From Head To Toe

Easy, Stunning Holiday Style From Head To Toe

Today, I'm continuing with my ideas for easy, stunning holiday style from the neck up-this time from the top of your body! Here are a few tips for feeling your best this time of year (despite the cracked skin and cold feet-is it that just me?)

Draw Attention to Your Face With a Stunning Necklace and Bold Lipstick

 

Both of these incredible necklaces are from Lou Lou Boutiques. Check out more of the gorgeous jewelry we used for our holiday photo shoot on Love Always Hannah today!

In the top photo, I paired Anna's bright, happy dress with an eye-catching, but neutral necklace that wouldn't compete with that incredible color in her dress and on her lips. In the bottom photo, I played up the gold and flecks found in Ashlynn's dress with a sharp, angular gold necklace that cleverly looks like two necklaces layered together.

Easy, Stunning Holiday Style From Head To Toe

Easy, Stunning Holiday Style From Head To Toe

I've got some really special ideas for you this week, guys! I have a new client to show off later this week and some great ideas for you to consider for the holiday season! Today, I'm sharing my ideas for easy, stunning holiday style from the neck up.

Photo Lauren Modny Photography

How to Enjoy the Holiday Season-in Style

How to Survive Enjoy the Holiday Season-in Style

 

I've got some ideas for us-and they've got nothing to do with survival. I don't like the hype that the period from Thanksgiving through the New Year is stressful because I think it sets us up to fail. Instead, I'd like to reclaim this time period as one of hope, renewal, togetherness, and, yes, style.

I think too often we as women put ourselves on the back burner. We believe the narrative that this time period is about doing as much as humanly possible. Somehow, if you're not occupied every moment of the day baking cookies, caroling, or wrapping endless piles of gifts with a glass of champagne in your hand, you've failed. I'm not buying it.

Here's what I'm going to do this year, and it might shock you: focus on me. That's right. What do I like to do? What makes me happy? What feelings do I want to seek out so that on the first and the second days of 2014 I feel healthy, refreshed, and enriched? Here's my simple, five-part plan for my holidays. I'd love to hear what you do every year or plan to start this year to keep yourself balanced and cared for.

You Sparkle Holiday Shoot

Our You Sparkle Holiday Shoot

Recently I had the most fun day hosting a photo shoot at my house. Love Always Hannah did all of the party styling, and the incredible Lauren Modny shot the film.  We were also lucky enough to get to put the models in holiday jewelry from Lou Lou Boutiques! The theme for this shoot was all about the parts of the holidays that make this time of year special-from time with friends to baking cookies, to the obligatory holiday part photo booth, we captured it all.

Here's Hannah's take on what she accurately called "more fun than should be allowed."

Plaid It Up for the Holidays

Plaid It Up

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now that it's December, I'm going to spend the next few weeks talking with you about ideas for feeling your best for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just baking cookies or doing all of that grocery shopping.

Specifically, I've gotten some questions about what to wear for holiday parties. Soon I'll be posting a ton of ideas from the holiday photo shoot that I did recently, but today I've got two simple ones that incorporate plaid-one casual, one dressy.

Dressy Plaid

What about a plaid shirt, skinny black pants, and a black jacket? Then add a sparkly necklace and some wedges? I'm kind of into this as a fun holiday party outfit.

Necklace Lou Lou Boutiques/Blazer and Shirt TJMaxx/Pants The Gap/Shoes Similar

Of course, if you're not doing plaid this time around, the inside shirt could be another print. Have fun with it!

Guilty, Cheap Pleasures: H&M

Guilty, Cheap Pleasures: H&M

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H&M now sells online, did you know? There's really no reason not to have an amazing, cheap new something to wear to your first holiday party this season. And nope, they're not a sponsor! Just one of my favorite cheap pleasures.

Also, for those who love those sequined leggings, The Limited also has some.

And yes, I tried them on for us. They weren't the most flattering on my butt, frankly, but I loved the shimmer and how they reflected light when you moved. They'd be really flattering with heels and a shirt that covers your butt a little bit since I think the pockets are a little awkward.

Here I am, showing off the stars on the elbows of their sweater (not great quality, seems like it would look old in a wash or two) and also wearing the sparkly pants. Don't mind the cross-eyed look. It didn't last!

Easy Holiday Sparkle: Part I

Easy Holiday Sparkle: Part I

Today I'm running around prepping for a holiday photo shoot that I'm styling the clothes for (at my house!). Love Always Hannah is styling the shoot, which means that my house will look gorgeous-I can't wait to see it through Hannah's eyes! And Lauren Modny is taking the photos. If you haven't visited her site before, I highly recommend that you do.

She shoots in a candid documentary style, which enables her to get the most beautiful, authentic shots. She shot our Fall Fashion shoot, and I would love for her to shoot something personal for me, too. I've thought of doing anniversary photos with my husband-wouldn't it be fun to recreate a pose from a past photo? Like this one from 2009 when we were "just friends" but secretly in love with each other? Love that tinkle in our eyes.

I'm really excited about this shoot because we have three incredible women as our models, and we're using their clothes! As you know, I don't really buy into the idea that you have to buy something new to wear once or just because it's the holidays. I'm all for setting aside money if you want to spend it, but I'm also excited about re-imagining and re-styling what you already own in ways that help you feel confident and, yes, even sparkly!

Stay tuned! And check out a sneak peek shared by one of our models!