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. 

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. 

24K

Top: The Limited / Pants: TJ Maxx / Hat: Marshalls  / Shoes: Jessica Simpson / Purse: c/o Deb / Shades: Rue21

I invested in my first baseball cap this past fall as a way to remedy bad hair days but never did I think I would develop a new obsession. I love throwing on a baseball cap with a polished look like this one to make it a tad more casual. This look in particular could be described as sporty luxe because even though the cap is casual, the black and gold color palette is fancy, schmancy. To really make this look more casual, I would ditch my fab Jessica Simpson pumps for my black chucks. 

P.S. If you're in the RDU area, head to Southpoint Mall tonight to see Clinton Kelly! 

Peek-A-Boo

Vest: c/o Deb Shops / Dress: Thrifted (similar)/ Shoes:  Converse / Sunglasses: Borrowed

One of my favorite aspects of thirfting is the thrill of the hunt. About a month ago I took a study break in between preparing for finals and went to the thrift store with my friend Amanda. When I came across this black and white striped dress I was a bit hesitant to purchase it because it was a polyester blend, but when I put it on, I knew that I had to have it as summer staple in my wardrobe. On this particular day I went for a laid back look throwing on my faux-leather vest and Chuck Taylors. For a little bit of glam I applied my Bare Minerals Moxie Lipstick in Lead the Way, Gold Link Bracelet and shades. Oh, and isn't the little peek-a-boo of leg just the right amount of sexy without trying to be? 

Get Fancy Girl

Dress: T.J. Maxx / Shoes: c/o Deb / Purse: c/o Deb/ Sunglasses: Rue21/ Bracelet: Rue21 / Watch: Michael Kors

As much as I enjoy blogging certain aspects of being a personal style blogger can be quite, well...awkward. Take for instance when at 7:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning you wake up, do your hair, makeup, throw on a midriff bearing dress, and a dainty pair of heels to go take pictures on the sidewalk behind your house and your neighbor who is on the way to work, sees you posing for pictures and looks bewilderingly at you. When this happened to me yesterday, I wanted to be like, "Hey neighbor, I'm promise I'm not crazy, or incredibly vain, these are for my blog," but instead I just kept smiling for the camera and waved. 

Awkward stories aside, with my birthday and graduation both being less than a month a way, I feel like I have a lot of reasons to want to get fancy. This cute dress that's been hiding out in my closet all winter is just one of them. I have been waiting for the weather to warm up to wear it. I didn't think of pairing black accessories with it until just recently, but the pumps and quilted bag added a touch of class to the trendy look. 

Also inspiring my desire to get fancy are the ladies of the  Jessica Simpson Collection who got in touch with me recently regarding the launch of Jessica's latest fragrance, Fancy Girl. A huge fan of the I Fancy You fragrance she released a few years ago, I was excited when they sent me a bottle to try out!

 I've had Fancy Girl for about a week, and already I am obsessed with it. It is a very light scent that won't overpower you, or give you a headache like some perfumes. It is perfect for the spring and can best be described as fruity and floral. Fancy Girl is a limited edition scent and is being sold with three gorgeous nail polishes. 

Keep a check on the blog because details of a So Sophisticated. 1992 Fancy Girl giveaway are coming soon! 

Meshin' Around

Top: c/o Deb / Jeans: c/o Deb / Shoes: c/o Deb / Purse: c/o Deb / Necklace: Q Fashion 

So, I got the idea for this outfit, from this outfit.

Kim killed it. I don't think I did half bad either, though my recreation is a bit tamer than the original. 

Black Tie

Jumper: c/o Deb / Earrings: c/o Deb/ Cuff: c/o Deb/ Shoes: c/o Deb/ Clutch: c/o Deb /Jacket: Forever21 (old)

Valentine's day will be here in literally less than four days now and while everyone else will be prancing around in pink and red dresses, I thought it would be fun to show off a more refined and sophisticated style, in this black jumper from Deb. The caged detail on the front and side plus the scooping back will definitely garner lots of attention!

Dear February,

Sweatshirt: c/o Deb / Skirt: c/o Deb / Shoes: c/o Deb/ Purse: c/o Deb / Beanie: Charlotte Russe 

 Dear February, 

I may not have a Valentine, but I can already tell that we are going to be good friends. You've come along and thus far allowed me to take time out to actually fix up and be cute. January had me in a bit of a choke hold, and even worse, a daily uniform of baseball caps and leggings. We all know nothing about baseball caps and leggings is very sophisticated. February, I appreciate you for allowing me to tap back into my sophisticated side on Saturday with this little ensemble. My L.O.V.E. sweatshirt from Deb, paired with a comfy black skirt, killer cheetah print lace up booties, a cute quilted bag (all from Deb) and a gold studded beanie. The perfect outfit for a day of shopping and maybe a trip to the nail salon. February, you were already my favorite because when you come around so do Reese's Peanut butter hearts, but now that you've helped me get my sophistication back, I love you even more. Thanks for being the best. 

P.S. -  Congratulations to the winner of my Sammydress.com giveaway, I hope you L.O.V.E. your prize! 

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