Two big trends for fall this year are boho and olive. I love the seventies inspired pieces that stem from these two trends, like bell sleeves, crocheted details and muted colors, and I especially love that both trends are easy to subtly incorporate into your look without feeling like a flower girl.
I teamed up with Stein Mart today to share three looks, and a few tips for adding these trends to your looks so they give a nod to the trends without being overwhelming. And of course finding trendy pieces at amazing prices makes the deal even sweeter, and Stein Mart has such great discounts on great quality brands!
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For this first look, I combined the two trends with a classic olive utility jacket, which is a piece you all need in your closet! It's a neutral, casual jacket that goes with anything and always looks amazing paired with feminine pieces.
TIP: Try the boho trend by incorporating little bits of it into your look, like on the bottom of a hemline or with a pair of boho inspired shoes!
For my second look, I found this classic shirt dress in this pretty dark olive for less than $50, and although I styled it in a really simple way with just a pair of pretty sandals, it's a great piece to layer under a chunky pullover sweater, a cardigan sweater or a leather jacket as the weather cools. Or you could layer a striped turtleneck underneath for a little extra warmth and a pop of pattern!
TIP: When trying a trend (like olive), find it in a classic piece like a shirtdress or button down top!
Since I rediscovered Abercrombie a few months ago, I've become completely obsessed with their clothing. When I was dating my husband, I bought my first pair of Abercrombie jeans, and here we are ten years later coming full circle. Who would have thought? I'm just super impressed with their rebrand to be age appropriate and a little more mature.
I don't know what it is about them, but they just have the best jeans. They always have. They're soft, they hug all the right places, they have great washes, and they're just so darn flattering. I get far and away the most husband compliments on them -- so if that's not reason enough to pick up a pair... ;)
I bought this pair a few months ago and have been wearing them to death, and then I found this distressed pair and now have been wearing them nonstop.
Also I've been itching for fall lately, and instantly fell in love with this dark floral top. It's an easy top to throw on with jeans and ankle boots, but it makes a statement and really makes the outfit. Plus it's lightweight so it's a good piece to wear when transitioning to fall, and it comes in a ton of other colors!
As you build your wardrobe, the key to a successful closet is finding pieces that are versatile. It's one of my main shopping criteria, and I'm always asking myself "how many different ways can I wear this?" before I purchase.
But shoes are usually a little less versatile because a casual shoe is harder to dress up, and a fancy shoe is harder to dress down. So I was so excited to find this pair of chunky heeled sandals from Børn that are a perfect in between and can easily be worn both during the day and for date night! And the best part is that you can actually wear them all day because they're made of high quality leather and constructed with special cushion that makes them insanely comfortable.
The other day I wore them with boyfriend jeans and a lace top for an easy day look for running errands and hanging at the park with my boys, and then the look was so easy to dress up for date night with just a few little additions -- pulling my hair down, adding a little color on my lips, swapping out my purse, and adding a jacket. It's an easy little formula for transitioning a look from day to night, and even easier with a pair of shoes that lets me go all day long!
Over the last year or so as I've discovered my personal style, I've found myself drawn toward more and more basics. They're the foundation of my wardrobe, and as much fun as dressing up can be, basics are practical for my lifestyle and work for all occasions. There's also something so effortless about basics, and that's always what I'm looking for in my style -- never looking too "done up" or like I'm trying too hard. I just want to be me.
Jeans and t-shirts are two of my most worn basics. And paired together, they're a great base outfit and can easily go from day to night. I picked up these new 700 Series Levi's jeans from Zappos a few weeks ago, and although I'm typically drawn toward distressed jeans, I love that these ones aren't distressed so they can transition a little more easily for any occasion. And I love that with Zappos I can order them and then with their fast, free shipping they can be at my doorstep as fast as the next day (but if they don't fit, you can send it back for free with their 365 day return policy).
These jeans are currently taking me from errands in the morning with Fos while B is in school, to date nights in the evenings with Philip. During the day, throw a chambray (or gingham or plaid) shirt around your waist, slip on some converse, and add a casual bag. For night time, take the same basic jeans and tee and dress it up with black heels, a leather jacket, and dressier purse, and a statement necklace. Easiest (and most comfortable) day to night outfit you'll ever wear!
photos by jana laurene | created in partnership with zappos and levi's
During the summer months, I live in skirts and dresses. They're such a comfortable and easy option, and by throwing them on you can instantly look put together, and like you put a lot more thought an effort into your outfit than you really did (and that's always a win in my book).
This polka dot top and A-line skirt are easy day time pieces, but can also be transitioned to evening with a few little additions.
1. Switch out your bag. During the day time, I choose a larger bag that can tote around water bottles and diapers. But in the evening if you're going out with friends, your husband, or to a nicer dinner with your family, I always like to switch to a more dressy bag. Clutches, like this pretty white laser cut one, and small crossbody bags are the best option!
2. Add a heel. Switching out your flip flops or flat sandals for something a little taller instantly adds a nicer, night time feel to your look. When it's warm and the evening includes some walking (which we always love to do after dinner), I like a heeled sandal with a lower heel, like these lace up sandals.
3. Don't forget layers. You'll regret it if you don't have a warm layer to throw on after the sun goes down! For summer layers, I prefer a jacket with a little more structure, like a blazer or leather jacket, because it creates a great contrast when paired with a more casual and summery outfit. Also, military inspired jackets look great for summer time!
4. Jewelry. During the day, tiny delicate necklaces are my staple. They add a little bit of sparkle to my neck, but don't get in the way. But at night time, I love to add a statement necklace to my look, like this fringe pendant necklace I recently picked up (and is on sale!) A bright outfit like this doesn't need much, but a slightly larger necklace takes an outfit from day to night.
Now go check out my sister's, Janssen and Landen's dressy summer outfits (and today is Landen's 26th birthday, so go give her some extra love!)
When we were looking for a place to live in Huntington Beach, the beach and downtown were two of the main reasons we decided on our house. We're one mile from the beach, and about ten blocks from downtown, so we can easily walk down to the water with the boys in the evening before bed, or hop over to downtown for some live music, farmers markets, or date night (since it's filled to the brim with restaurants).
My husband often wants to go casual for date night so he can wear sandals and shorts, but every once in a while I force him to put on his jeans and dress shoes and so I can put on a dress and heels. Some of our very favorite spots have been found downtown, so make sure you check out a few of my favorites below!
But first up, what to wear. If we're going dressy, I always go for a dress. A few years ago I owned only one or two dresses -- mostly skirts. But now I have a closet full of dresses and love to wear them at every opportunity. A loose fitting one is my favorite for dates so I can eat as much as I want (plus dessert) and no one is the wiser, and then it's insanely comfortable for a walk around town after we eat. This gorgeous loose fit Derek Lam dress fits the bill perfectly.
And now that you're dressed, what should you eat?? Here are a few of my favorites downtown!
1. Cucina Alessa. It's the most darling italian restaurant that's about five blocks from the water so you're a little father away from the craziness and busyness of downtown. It's always full on the weekends, so make sure you call ahead, but their pasta is amazing, and you cannot pass up the baked mozzarella appetizer.
2. Longboards Pub. This is our long time favorite brunch spot. It has outdoor seating that we always request and we love to people-watch and watch all the cars drive by as we eat. For brunch, their omelets are amazing, and for dinner I love the Longboard Sliders (which are technically appetizers, but it's plenty of food for me).
3. Ritter's Steam Kettle Cooking. This spot just opened a few weeks ago and we tried it out for date night last week. We shared the fried pickles and a giant pot of gumbo and they were both amazing. We'll definitely be going back soon.
4. Sandy's. This is a pretty little restaurant right on the sand next to the pier. I always say that if you can see the ocean from your table, the fish is guaranteed to be good. And this is for sure the case here. But they also have a really creative menu of other delicious things. I'd definitely recommend the fig, pig, and blue cheese flatbread, and the pan seared salmon, and the mixed grill (Philip about died and went to heaven when he tried the scallops).
5. Wahoo's. Although we don't ever go here for date night, it's a great spot for lunch. Their fish tacos are my favorite, but Philip always gets the kalua pig bowl and raves about it.
6. Zimzala. This is a pretty restaurant inside the Shorebreak hotel just a street over from Main and right across the street from the ocean. We haven't tried their dinner, but we did a dessert date night with Leanne and her husband when they came to stay with us over Memorial Day last year. It's on the second floor so it has a balcony full of big comfy couches that you can sit at and eat (and take in the amazing view) but there's also indoor seating. We shared four of their desserts between the four of us -- creme brûlée, breakfast cereal ice cream trio, virtual campfire s'mores, and chocolate ganache with crusty sourdough and olive oil. With choices like that, how can you even choose a favorite? 7. Bruxie. It's a fun little lunch spot just a block from the water, and everyones favorite spot to hit up after a morning at the beach. They specialize in waffles, so you can get a breakfast, lunch, or dinner waffle sandwich, and a waffle sandwich for dessert. They even have PB&J waffles for your kids. And don't forget the waffle fries! Their menu is constantly changing, but everything I've tried there is delicious!
And at the end of date night I can usually persuade Philip to buy me a giant chocolate cookie from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for something sweet to munch on as we walk home. All the more reason to wear that loose fitting dress!
ray-ban sunglasses via sunglasses shop, c/o (find them here, also loving these)
{click on the photos below to shop the post}
Compensation for this post was provided by NeimanMarcus via AOL Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of NeimanMarcus or AOL.
