The Perfect Boyfriend

Lace Cami: Express / Jeans: American Eagle/ Pumps: Steven / Purse: Z by Zac Posen/ Shades: House of Harlow 


I thought all hope was lost when I parted ways with my favorite boyfriend jeans from GAP earlier this summer but, had I known an equally wonderful boyfriend was waiting for me on the clearance rack of American Eagle, I wouldn't have. In a two week time frame, I've worn these jeans a total of three times and have already been scheming up new ways to incorporate them into my fall wardrobe. 

Paired with my slouchy lace cami from Express and Steven by Steve Madden Ravesh pumps, this look is ideal for a casual dinner date night. I'm also happy to debut on the blog my Z by Zac Posen Hayden Crossboy Wallet. Though it was a bit of a splurge, it was well worth the cost because it pulls double duty as both a wallet and purse! How's that for versatility? 

Shirley

Dress: Theory (similar) / Sandals : G by Guess / Necklace: c/o 9th & Elm  / Bag: Zac Posen

Rarely do I love every piece of an outfit as much as I do the pieces in this one. I wore this yesterday for a busy day of running errands and I will be the first to say that it was the perfect pairing to flounce around the city in. The star of the show was of course my new Zac Posen Shirley Bow Satchel. I've been coveting this bag since early summer but until recently, remained reluctant to cough up the bucks to buy it. I finally decided to indulge a little and treated myself to this classic stunner. My white Theory dress was an awesome Goodwill score that found last winter. I took it to the cleaners and once it was all pressed and starched it looked as good as new. 

Coming in a close second for my favorite piece of this look is my gorgeous gold nameplate necklace. Gifted to my by the folks over at 9th & Elm, a website that carries handmade and independent designs, this particular necklace can be customized in silver, gold and rose gold.  I chose gold because most of my jewelry falls in this category. My younger sister doesn't know it yet, but I also ordered a nameplate for her from the site in silver. As summer begins to fade I know my Shirley satchel and nameplate will make a smooth transition into fall.

 

Summer Essential

Hat: Wet Seal / Dress: Gianni Bini / Shoes: ZooShoo / Shades: Citi Trends 

A big floppy hat is one of my summer essentials. Not only does it serve a great functional purpose on a bright sunny day but, it is also one of the most fashionable accessories around. Last week, Wet Seal was running its classic buy one get one for a penny sale and my mom (who is currently cruising the Caribbean) needed a floppy hat for herself. She decided spare a penny on my behalf so I could have one as well. This outfit is ideal for brunch with friends or a dressy dinner. 

Americana

Tank: Gap / Shorts: Gap / Shades: T.J. Maxx / Watch: Michael Kors / Necklace: Express / Shoes: Converese

No matter what, I can always count on Gap to have classic, quality pieces that I can add to my wardrobe and yesterday was no different. I had originally went into the store with plans of only doing a little window shopping (who was I kidding?) but couldn't resist the soft cotton of this t-shirt or these high waisted shorts. I felt like Farrah Fawcette in this racerback tee, center part and aviator lenses, not to mention I got complemented on this simple tee over and over yesterday. In my opinion, this outfit pretty much epitomizes the Fourth of July. 

The Ralph Lo-Ren Skirt

Top: The Limited / Skirt: Ralph Lauren via Godwill / Sandals: c/o Deb Shops / Bag: The Limited / Bracelet: Banana Republic 

Here in the South we say "Ralph Laurreen" but I've been reading The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever, and according to Teri Agins its pronounced "Lo-Ren." Regardless of the pronunciation, this Ralph Lauren silk wrap skirt is everything to me! I found it in the Goodwill and even before reading the label, recognized the print as one of the brand. This classic skirt proved to be the perfect mate with my silk white cami from The Limited, red strappy sandals and cat eye shades. My family and I made a trip to my grandma's house for breakfast and this was a simple and fun summery look.  

Its also quite ironic that I came across this skirt as in Agins' End of Fashion book, there is an entire chapter devoted to the history and success of designers Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. So far I've learned that Ralph Lauren began his career selling and designing men's ties, that he decided to change his last name from Lifshitz to Lauren at a fairly young age and also that he spent roughly $13 million to save the American flag. I guess that could explain the All-American vibe I get from this look. 

Candles in the Sun

Crop Top & Skirt c/o: eShakti / Sandals: Ralph Lauren / Bracelet: Banana Republic / Shades: The Limited 

Maybe this is a symptom of my youth, but here lately I've been waking up excited for the new adventure that comes with each and every day. Though at times the uncertainty of what's to come can be unsettling, I'm learning to enjoy the process of figuring out my future. On this particular Sunday afternoon, I decided to take a break from thinking about the future and snap some photos in this beautiful retro look sent to me from the online women's retailer, eShakti. 

I'm a huge fan of classic silhouettes and 50s glamour inspired pieces, so I'm not sure how I hadn't learned of this online jewel sooner. They have a huge selection of dresses, skirts and even jackets. What also makes eShakti so fabulous is that they offer sizes from 0-36W and, each order is customized.

I ordered this matching crop top and pleated skirt set in a Small, but as a pear shape (smaller bust, fuller hips)I ran into my usual problem of the top being too large and the bottom fitting perfectly. I had the top taken in just slightly, but this cotton set is so darling that I can't complain about having to get extra alterations. I paired with the look my cork Ralph Lauren sandals I got for my birthday and my MAC lipstick in Sin. 

Hands down this is one of my favorite blog looks to date. 

And as if there isn't already good reason to head over to eShakti to shop, they've created a special coupon code just for So Sophisticated. 1992  readers. Enter the code: SpkeS to get 10% off your eShakti purchase now thru 6/28! You can also follow eShakti on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. 

Prints & Bow Toes

Blouse: Gianni Bini via Dillards / Shorts: Rachel Roy (Old) / Pumps: Steven by
Steve Madden / Watch: Michael Kors/ Purse: c/o Deb / Shades: Rue21 

When it comes to adding class to a pair of shorts, my rule of thumb is to always balance out the leg being shown on the bottom with a less revealing blouse on top. I know pattern mixing is all the rage right now, but if you haven't quite worked up the courage to pair multiple bold patterns, a simple and stylish way to gather your gumption is by balancing a bold print with a solid. For me, a white button-down blouse is a staple that can make the transition to every season. When I purchased these Rachel Roy shorts last year in Hawaii, I wasn't sure what I would wear with them, but this simple white blouse and my Steven by Steve Madden pumps that I can't seem to get enough of was the perfect combination. 

Purple Reign

Top: Zara (thrifted) / Jeans: Gap / Purse: Kate Spade / Pumps: Steve Madden / Shades: Rue21 

On this month's cover of Essence magazine is music legend, Prince, who turned 56 on Saturday. In the magazine, Prince shares his [recent] decision to refrain from using profanity in his music. Though for many people Prince, the artist, is synonymous with racy lyrics and good music, for me, mention of Prince elicits thoughts of curls, platform heels and of course, a long purple trench coat. Even though this outfit doesn't quite match the grandiosity of something Prince would likely wear, the richness of the purple hue and silky texture of the top made me think of him and his Purple Rain music video nonetheless. 

I came across this purple silk tunic in Goodwill one day last week, and despite its enormity, had to have. Purple is not a color I wear often, so the uniqueness of this color to my wardrobe only made me want it more. Before long I'm going to have to retire these ripped jeans, but for as long as I can still wiggle my way into them, I plan to keep them around. I threw these on with the top to add a little bit of a grungy edge to the look, but sprinkled back in hints of prissiness with my pink and purple snakeskin pumps and hot pink Kate Spade. I wore this to my younger cousin's graduation party for something that was casual and youthful, but most of all, sophisticated. I have plans of belting this tunic so that it can be worn as a dress. I guess one good thing about it being so blousy is that its pretty versatile.