Fall Fashion: Jcrew Collection

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Simply Styled

Damn you Jcrew and your awesome emails! I got totally sucked in this morning when I innocently opened an email from them, and their Fall collection is amazing.

I LOOOOVED their Schoolboy blazer in velvet – especially in the bright Yellow, and the Mallard Green – it looks so luscious and rich…

The Double Cloth Symphony Coat was another favorite – very Jackie O with the classic cut, but the double pocket on one side makes this fresh and modern.

The color block Shearling Trench was another favorite, but at over $1000 for a coat, I think I’ll just admire this one from afar

I am all about the crisp look of cropped trousers and these wild prints stood out from the rest. I think I’ll likely stick to a solid (but bright) color since I don’t need to see honey comb streched across my thighs, but for the size zeros out there, please wear these so I can live vicariously through you!!

This geometric skirt makes me want to step up my work wardrobe. My company is pretty casual, but I think a skirt like this would make me really excited to come into the office!

Hats off to the buyers at Jcrew – I’m going to give their Fall Collection an A+

Fall Wishlist

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Simply Styled

I know I am not the only gal with a closet full of clothes yet nothing to wear. Shopping really can become an addiction since everyone loves new pretty things, but after doing a big “fall” shopping spree earlier this summer, I am trying to pare down the rest of my wishlist to impactful items that will be as practical as they are pretty.

I have so many blouses, and sweaters, skinny jeans, and high heels. What I NEED are the statement pieces to mix in that will make a… statement (for lack of better words).

First up on my list is a Fur Trimmed Coat:

It doesn’t have to be real fur – faux fur is fine by me, but I think that there is something really lovely about a fluffy soft fur trim. Obviously this fur trimmed number is quite a bit out of my price range (dang you Burberry), but isn’t it fabulous with the leather sleeve detail and the belted waist? Makes me wish it were January already (and that I had a disposable income).

These ones are also really cute!

Also on my wish list is a sweater or top with an embellished collar

Jcrew hits the nail on the head with this pretty herringbone sweater with jeweled collar. I can imagine this gussied up with a short full pleated skirt, or even with cropped slacks for work. Another more versatile option are the collar necklaces I’ve been seeing ALL OVER the place. Literally, once Forever21 gets a hold of a trend, you know it’s mainstream.

Karl Amber crystal and bead-embellished cotton collar

The collar on the left from net-a-porter isn’t exactly inexpensive, but would give a really similar effect as the beaded Jcrew collar, however the collar necklace on the right is a steal at just $12 – I just LOVE a good deal!

Chevron is all the rage, and after making a permanent home in my home (via a few really awesome throw pillows, storage bins, and a blanket) I’m sort of dying for some chevron in my wardrobe.

A few of my favorite looks I’ve seen are this dress from shop sosie… don’t you just LOVE the back on it? So adorable for a dressy date night!

I also adore this embellished top (chevron and sequins?? perfection) along with this chiffon dress. Unfortunately, neither of these photos have sources (dang you Pinterest), so if you come across their origin let me know!

I’ve been talking about Peplum since last year, but haven’t found one that fits my long torso yet – I saw a great one from H&M recently that reminds me a lot of this one, but need to get into a store to try it on! I like that it’s edgy and ladylike with the pencil skirt – I’m not entirely sure I can pull this look off, but I’m sure going to try!

Finally, I like to invest in one quality cozy sweater per year (last year it was a lavender cowl neck that felt like a warm hug) – this year I am thinking about a cape version of the chunky sweater. I have a few capes that I wear to death, and so I’m on the hunt for an equally awesome one in a warm knit.

I’m sure that as the months pass there will be more wishes on this wish list, but these are the one’s I just can’t seem to stop thinking about!!

Last Minute Splurge

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Simply Styled

In less than 24 hours, we will be on a plane, bound for Cabo, and of course I couldn’t help one last beach bunny splurge.

After work last night, I headed to Union Street in the Marina, to meet my soulmate… my bikini soulmate that is. She is the color of orange sherbet, and has an amazing fringed top. I am 99% sure I “pinned” this bikini on Pinterest at the start of summer, and now it’s mine… all mine!!

I am OFFICIALLY ready for vacation now!!

Handbag Addiction

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Simply Styled

Hello my name is Becky, and I am addicted to handbags. It’s true. That is why it’s especially dangerous that I get early notifications from Kate Spade about their sample sales! Dah!

I knew last week that the summer sample sale was coming, and though I tried to resist… I couldn’t. And didn’t. Thank you to Britney for coining the phrase “Oops I did it again”. Maybe I’ll sing a bit of that to soften Kris up before I break the news to him tonight… good or bad idea?

Anyway, I fell in love, and my new amore will arrive in 8-10 business days. Isn’t she pretty??

Practically speaking, this bag is a “forever” bag. It is functional – large enough to carry my laptop if needed. Fancy enough to bring to a nice dinner. Casual enough to wear with jeans. The orange red will wake up drab winter days, and compliment my tan in the summer.

The soft leather is so yummy, and the quality of Kate’s bags cannot be compared. I swear I should be a Kate Spade Spokeswoman… I own a few too many bags for comfort.

The bonus?? This bag has adorable lining which just makes me smile. I can’t wait to meet her!

Sample sale ends today – hurry up before it ends!

Vacation Countdown

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Simply Styled

My honey and I booked a last minute trip to Cabo, and the countdown is on! We leave next weekend, and I could not be more excited for the sand in my toes, and margarita in my hand. Now that Virgin America offers direct flights to Cabo, we will leave in the morning, and be there three hours later! What could be easier!

I’m starting to put together a packing list, and pretty much everything I want to bring has the colors of the sunset, the colors of the sea, or a hip bohemian vibe to it.

Cabo I by beckyc1923 featuring a tie dye dress

Willow dress, $520 / Melissa Odabash gold dress / Wallis cream shift dress / Beach maxi dress / Mango tie dye dress, $31 / Dolce&Gabbana triangle bikini / Melissa Odabash bandeau swimwear / Mikoh Swimwear string swimwear / Giuseppe Zanotti toe loop sandals / Sam Edelman ankle wrap sandals / BP. summer flat sandals / Irene Neuwirth tear drop earrings / Long chain necklace / DANNIJO brass jewelry / Danielle Stevens Jewelry star jewelry / Panacea teardrop earrings / Into the Sun – Coastal Beach Cottage- Seagull Over Aqua, Turquoise…

I went on Polyvore for some inspiration, and have become absolutely fixated on the white Mikoh St. Thomas Bikini. The strings on the bandeau top are so sexy, but this bathing suit is full coverage (on the top at least). I love that any of these dresses could take you from the pool to dinner, and that the light fabrics will pack up into a carry-on.

A few months ago, I did a guest post for my blog buddy, Kendall, of Lillies Lattes and Lace, and went back for more beachy inspiration. I cannot forget my floppy hat, and an assortment of fun sunglasses!!

Oh can I be there already???

Roses are Red…

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Simply Styled

One of my coworkers is getting married this weekend in Napa, and I just picked up my dress from the tailor last night! It needed a few alterations to cinch it in at the waist, and I am happy to announce that it turned out perfectly! I am so excited to wear it this weekend!!

I’m sure there will be more pictures to come, but it’s very Betty Draper – a full skirt with inverted pleats, and a pretty red floral print… LOVE!

Summer Trend: Neon Yellow

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Simply Styled

It’s everywhere – day-glo is back from the 80’s and has officially become a summer staple this year. I know I’ve jumped on the bandwagon with a few fun pieces, but even as summer is coming to an end for most of America, we are just gearing up for summer in San Francisco – AKA the amazing phenomenon of Indian Summer that hits just as the rest of the country starts cooling down. I’d say it officially starts towards the end of August, and carries through October.

To me that means the end of fog, and the opportunity to FINALLY break out my summer gear. Here are a few of my favorite Neon pieces I’ve been eyeing online…..

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Giuseppe Zanotti Espadriolle Wedge, Polyvore
This is a fun, and funky take on a classic fall wedge, but instead of a boring black heel, you get a fun pop of yellow. Can’t you just imagine dressing these up with some cropped, tailored black pants and a sheer blouse?

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Sabo Neon Tulip Skirt, Sabo Skirt
I’ve had my eye on this skirt all summer, but couldn’t figure out for the life of me where it was from!! Questions are now answered – it’s from online shop Sabo – and it’s totally reasonable at $45. I think I may just have to pull the trigger…

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Betsey Johnson Neon Clutch, Karma Loop
This geometric clutch is as awesome as it is mod, and with a hard shell exterior, you won’t have to worry about cracking your phone if it gets dropped (am I the only one that has trouble holding onto my clutch?!)

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Weak in the Neon Sandal, Modcloth
Cute neutral sandals get a total upgrade with a stripe of neon next to the toes. I also feel like these would be super comfortable for walking since they don’t have the “thong” between the toes that sometimes rubs me the wrong way.
Weak in the Neon Sandal in Yellow
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Shimmi Nicole Lace Up Bandeau Bikini, The Out Net
The front is standard bandeau, but the back is such a lovely surprise. Watch those tan lines or you’ll end up looking like a tiger, but this bikini is so awesome. I WISH it weren’t back-ordered in my size!!

Nicole lace-up bandeau bikini by Shimmi

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Jayda Blazer, We Like Fashion
For a casual summer Friday in the office, this bright blazer would wake up a simple pair of jeans. I love the cropped sleeves and the single button, although I’d probably opt to leave it open. This would look awesome with a white t-shirt tucked in, and a fun woven tribal belt in bright colors.
SuperTrash Blazer Jayda Neon Yellow

White Pants, Three Ways

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Simply Styled

My parents are counting the days until their European adventure, and I could not be more jealous! They are taking a river cruise up the Danube, starting in Budapest, making their way through Austria, Vienna, and ending in Paris – city of amour (actually, it’s the city of lights, but “amour” sounds better).

Of everyone in our family, my mom is the best packer – she packs light, and makes clothing staples work for multiple outfits. My sister and I take after our father – the ultimate overpacker – but in my defense, I just like having options!

Keeping my mom’s “packing light” mantra in mind, I decided to put together three vacation outfits, based on a cute pair of white cropped trousers she just bought! They are lightweight which is perfect for hot weather, and nothing says “vacation” like white.

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Boat Lounging:
The weather will be warm (REALLY warm in Budapest and Hungary), but I imagine that it will cool off at night – especially as they get further north. Since the boat my parents will be touring on will be relatively small, the nights will likely be spent in conversation over dinner, lounging on the deck with a glass of wine, and watching the twinkling lights of the small towns pass by. Layers will be perfect, with a cute sleeveless top for the warmer evenings, and a denim jacket and patterned scarf for cooler weather. During the day, some oversize Jackie O sunglasses will be a must, along with some comfy flat sandals.

Europe I by beckyc1923 featuring a vintage jean jacket

Alice Olivia top / Proenza Schouler vintage jean jacket / Givenchy straight leg pants / Dolce Vita sandals / Hayden Harnett tech accessory / Sunglasses / Square scarve, $16

Dinner Out
Same pants different look – a white silk blouse with a v-neck and a pretty, drapey bow at the neckline take these pants from casual to dressy. I am a huge fan of the ‘white on white look’ – always have been, since I was a little girl – but accessories like a bright bag and coral lipstick bring color to the look. Dainty gold hoops, and low espadrilles are simple and classic, and who doesn’t love a navy blazer with pin-stripe detailing on the cuffs??

Europe II by beckyc1923 featuring cropped pants

Tall shirt / NW3 cotton jacket, $200 / Givenchy cropped pants / Cole Haan wedge / Radley crossbody handbag, $97 / Carolee LUX gold filled jewelry / Gee Beauty bright lipstick, $27

Serious SightSeeing
This trip isn’t just about lounging on a yacht, sipping white wine and taking in the sites – they will also be doing a LOT of walking through the cities, towns and villages along the way. In addition to these pants, my mom also bought an adorable pair of puma flats – they give the support of a running shoe, but the look of a cute ballet flat. A sleeveless striped top will be cool on warmer days, but a neutral oatmeal colored sweater will be nice for unpredictable weather. My mom has dark curly hair, so for the humid warm weather a pretty scarf will be nice – once the curls get out of control, she is going to need something to tame them. Rolling the scarf and tying it as a headband will be practical and pretty.

Europe III by beckyc1923 featuring vintage scarves

rag & bone long sleeve silk shirt / Striped shirt / Givenchy cropped capri pants / Puma ballet shoes / Ralph Lauren Collection leather shoulder bag / Vintage scarve / Lancôme bright makeup

How Pinteresting: Week IV

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Simply Styled

Oh Pinterest, how I love thee. Even though I need to improve the number of projects I actually do, who doesn’t want to see a round up of Pinterest’s best of the best – the prettiest, coolest, and most inspirational pins from the past few weeks. I know I sure do!

Without further ado, let’s go!

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1. Black and White Graphic Painted Floors
La Dolce Vita is responsible for posting this FABULOUS dining room, and while it takes a brave person to paint hardwood floors, these are absolutely amazing. Without the floors, the room would be nice but the graphic design opens the room up, and take it from “nice” to “holy guacamole”!! Wouldn’t this be a great way to revamp some sad wood floors that needed to be re-finished (or worse, torn out?!) Time consuming, yes, but expensive? Not at all.

2. Chunky Statement Necklace from Shopbop

Shopbop has this stylish necklace in stock, and while a bit out of my “on-a-budget” price range, I can’t help lusting after it. Dress up a plain tshirt, or wear it with a flirty dress for a night out. Something about it reminds me of this necklace Carrie wore on SATC…

3. Prettiest Bedroom in the World?

Um… I think so! I had really loved dark wood for a long, looonngggg time (thus all the dark wood furniture currently in our apartment), but now I’m really loving distressed wood with the look of being reclaimed, or even antique. Wood with a greyish hue seems really organic and brings a peaceful feel to most rooms. Between the upholstered headboard, the weathered wood, and the fluffy white bedding, I am loving how this room looks!

4. Voluminous Blonde Hair

Leave it to Heidi Klum to make us hate her even more than we already did. I am pretty sure that this photo is the definition of a blonde bombshell. I am going in to get my hair re-blonded (we aren’t all natural blondes anymore) and am thinking that I might go after some side swept bangs. I’ve let mine grow out, and they are past my chin now, but this looks so cute on her – I think I could work the bangs again!

5. Marble Fret Coffee Table

This coffee table from ZincDoor is as graphically interesting as the rug it sits on! The lattice pattern on the sides makes a huge visual impact, while the clean smooth top doesn’t take it too far. I love the table, but the price tag is a painful $4998… let’s be real, that equals WAY more than $5K with taxes, shipping, etc. To make myself feel better, I also tell myself that it would be way too busy (and big) for our modest apartment… but isn’t it pretty??

6. Asos Black Mesh Skirt

How adorable is this?! I’ve never ordered anything from Asos, but hear nothing but great things about their clothing – this skirt is just 35 Euros, and obviously comes with lining since it’s sheer! I am seriously considering placing an order, and will keep you posted when it comes!

7. Trellis Linen Drumshade

Shades of Light has his awesome drum shade in both a natural taupe and pale blue, and I love how simple it is. I still love a good glitzy chandelier, but for a more muted (and boyfriend friendly) look, the drum shade has really been growing on me. I’m not sure if $179 is a good price, but I love it anyway!

8. Slouchy Sweater

This girl’s glasses are all sorts of wrong with the rhinestones, but overall, this look is so cute and easy to wear. Even though its loose, the deep wide v-neck makes this ultra feminine, despite the ripped up jeans, and un-done hair. I have no clue where this sweater came from, but it’s going on my wishlist for summer, since San Francisco is never hot.

9. Nailhead Chair

This Chair is from Joss and Main – a site I’ve been hearing more and more about! It’s membership only (it’s free to register and join), and while I don’t know a ton about it yet, they have some really wonderful collections. From the number of blog posts I’ve written about my love of anything with a nailhead trim, it should come as no surprise that I am in love with this chair. It’s got great lines, the nailhead pulls out the details, and I think I could happily sink into this at the end of every day. If there were casters on the bottom, I think it would be PERFECT.

10. Coral hi-low dress

A HUGE trend this spring and summer, hi-low dresses are everywhere. I’m not 100% sold on all of them, but in this floaty fabric, I think its really feminine and pretty. It also helps that the front isn’t super short – that can look sort of odd. I also love the double wrap belt – it makes a “long” dress more casual so you could wear it in the afternoon when it’s still light out. This would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner, wedding, or nice dinner out. Know what would really finish it for me?? Some sort of aqua accessory – coral and aqua are like peanut butter and jelly… it’s just so right together.

Frugal Fashion Finds

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Simply Styled

Happy Monday!!

I had a fabulous weekend – did a little shopping, a lot of eating, and somehow managed to survive Bay to Breakers! Does anyone watch How I Met Your Mother?? If anyone is obsessed with that show like I am, than you can fully appreciate my reference to the Murtaugh list. There are no extended clips online but take a look at this BRIEF clip, and you’ll get the gist. I believe Bay to Breakers (while fun) is going on my “Murtaugh List”, if ya know what I mean 😉

On Saturday, I did a bit of retail therapy, and went downtown to H&M. If anyone knows what the downtown is like on a weekend, then you know that I was a brave soul to venture out there with all the tourists, wandering aimlessly with their maps. Anyway, I am SO glad that I took on the masses, because I walked away with some true gems!

This dress is actually my FAVORITE thing that I walked away with this weekend, and of course I can’t find it on H&M’s site to save my life! Luckily for me Google Images supplied me with a very similar (if not the same) dress, but in navy.

I’m not loving the navy, so I feel like this blurry pic does not come close to doing my new dress any justice, but I picked it up in the prettiest shade of pale mint green, with a lovely apricot belt! They also had the same dress in taupe with white polka dots… it was a tough decision. Between the oh so fun color combo, and the flirty, twirly full skirt, I cannot wait to wear this baby!

The bonus?? It’s price tag, at just $29 bucks! OH YEAH!

Kris has promised me a “dressy date night” this weekend, so I think I will get to show off my new dress sooner than later!

In addition to my ladylike dress, I took home a new sundress, a cute black tulip skirt (sans tacky belt), a peach lacy top (pictured below in aqua), and a new bikini courtesy of Victoria’s Secret.