Don't Get Bored With Basics

I love jeans and a t-shirt as much as the next girl. What isn't there to love? Its quick and comfortable. Everyone has a pair of jeans that they feel great in. But let's admit it, sometimes it just feels as if you didn't try. No one wants that. So here are some tips to polish the jeans and t-shirt look.

1. Pair a fitted crew neck T-shirt with a glam necklace. (I like this necklace from J.Crew with your hair up in a messy bun or unpolished pony tail)

Jcrew.com

2.. Have  a V-Neck Shirt? Try something a little longer and add some color.



Jcrew.com



3. Roll up your jeans to an ankle length and throw on a pair of killer heels. Again make sure to add some color or your basic look is going to stay basic. If you don't like heels then you can wear a pair of dressy flats. But honestly every woman should have and love a pair of killer heels.

Both pairs from aldoshoes.com

4. When it comes to wearing basics I love a great pair of chandelier earrings (do not pair with the statement necklaces from above, one statement piece of jewelry is perfect). Wear your hair casual and down with these.

poshposh.com

5. Finally, for a more polished look, tuck in the  t-shirt and wear a cute thin belt that either matches or contrasts with your shoes.

Hint: These ideas work great with not only t-shirts but with the currently on trend over sized button down look. Instead of tucking the button down in completely leave part of it untucked.

Enjoy your not so basic basics!

Portfolio 1

Early this spring I had the pleasure of working with photographer/artist Stephanie Graves on my first portfolio. The outfits are for Fall/Winter. Check out the work below.



Dress: Sugarlips from Macy's. Necklace: Blush Boutique Nashville. Shoes: Guess



Skirt and Top: Ruche Shoes:INC at Macys

Button Down: Anthropologie Sweater: Anthropologie Jeans: American Eagle Boots: Blowfish

Sweater: Anthropologie Tank:Forever 21 Jeans:American Eagle Boots:DSW

Skirt: Ruche T-Shirt: Target Shoes:Rocket Dog

Check out more of Stephanie's work at http://stephaniegravesstudio.com/index.html

I bought a romper!

When I think of rompers I think of little girls in a one piece torture device hopping up and down because they can't get get out of their once piece outfit when they have to pee really bad.

Not the greatest image.

But for the past couple of years the romper has been popular in the closets of young women. After hitting its peak popularity point in the 1950s, 2006 brought a resurgence and it seems to be sticking around.. For those of you who don't know, a romper is a combination short and shirt outfit. In the past I have been, not necessarily against rompers, I just didn't think they were for me. They were either too short or too bohemian. When I did see cute ones, I'd say oh that's cute, but not for me.

That was until I perused the sale rack at Free People in Green Hills Mall. I found a red embroidered romper. Again I was like that's cute, but I bet it'll look terrible on me. I tried it on anyways. If there is one piece of advice I can give every person out there, its to try things on. I put it on and I LOVED it. And thus ended my aversion to rompers. Below is a picture of the romper I bought plus a few others that I like.

Source: Freepeople.com

Source:Stylehive.com

Source: Nordstroms.com

Source: Freepeople.com

Moral of the blog is: Try something on that you never would have thought of trying on. You may love it!

What do you think of rompers?

CMA Take Over

Do you remember when CMA Fest used to be called Fan Fare? Then you're a Nashvillian.
And you know that there is a love hate relationship with the tourists that descend upon our fare city each summer. We love the tourist revenue it creates but we hate the swarms of people swathed in rhinestones and denim with big hair and cowboy hats. Its the image of Nashville that every outsider has in their head. But it couldn't be further from the truth. We can be pretty fashionable when we want to be. But the outfit du jour (or jours) of the CMA fest was the DREADED blue jean shorts and cowboy boot combination.

http://www.caller.com/photos/2009/nov/25/67787/ (image source)

I'll admit that some people will consider this look stylish and fashionable. I mean just take a look at celebrities like Mily Cyrus and Rachel Bilson. They seem to love this look. But honestly it makes no sense. Why in the heat of summer would you want your feet and calves sweating ( I don't care how expensive the leather is, you will sweat)? And this is seen everywhere during CMA fest along with its kissing cousin the Sundress and cowboy boots.

Word of advice: If you are coming to Nashville for CMA fest, please leave the above mentioned outfit at home. If you must wear super short denim shorts opt for a pair of cute oxfords or sandals and stay away from the Cowboy boots. Native Nashvillians and your dry feet will thank you.