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. 

Sophisticated Summer Reads

My cousin sent me a text a few days ago asking for the titles of a few good books she could read. After sharing my list of summer reads with her I decided to put together a summer reading list for the blog as well. Here are just a few of the books I've read and am planning to read this summer! 

...

Welcome to the Real World, by Lauren Berger 

 I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, and when I did I read it in less than a week. Much like in her "All Work, No Pay" guide for interns (which I wrote about here), in this book, Berger literally creates a blueprint for recent grads trying to successfully maneuver in the workforce. 

The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever, by Teri Agins 

Written by Teri Agins, a former fashion reporter for the Wall Street Journal, this book is a must read for anyone contemplating a career in fashion. I'm only two chapters in, but so far I've got a thorough understanding of why, in terms of couture clothing and haute couture designers, some are more financially successful than others. I also love about this book Agins' beautiful sentence structure and word choice. 

Contagious: Why Things Catch On, by Jonah Berger 

Someone recommended this book on Linkedin for bloggers and marketing professionals. It was a quick read, but offered great advice and a clear understanding of necessary methods for creating buzz. If you are a blogger looking to build your audience or create better content, I would suggest reading this book. 

Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years, by Sarah and A. Elizabeth Delany with Amy Hill Hearth

My mother happened to be watching the film adaptation of this book a few days ago. It stars the legendary Ruby Dee, who passed recently. I came in on the tail end of the movie but was so intrigued that I ordered the book the same day. Twin sisters Saddie and Bessie Delany each lived to be more than 100. They went to St. Augustine college in Raleigh, NC (S/O to the 919!) and later made NYC home. These women were pioneers in the African-American community and I was truly inspired by their story.

The Man From Essence: Creating a Magazine For Black Women, by Edward Lewis

In the July issue of ESSENCE Magazine an excerpt of this book by Edward Lewis, one of the four founders of the magazine was featured. In the excerpt, Lewis describes what it was like to see all of he and his partners' hard work come together at the first ever ESSENCE Music Festival. ESSENCE is one of my favorite magazines, so I'm really interested in learning more about its history. 

#GIRLBOSS, by Sophia Amoruso

I literally have seen the cover of this book appear on my Instagram feed 1,989,416 times --- okay so maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but really, everyone is reading it. In it, Sophia Amoruso, the founder of clothing site, Nasty Gal tells her story and also offers some advice about Girl Power. I'm always a supporter of strong and successful women, so I'm quite looking forward to reading it and seeing what all the hype is about. 

I'm sure I'll be adding to this list as the summer continues, and as I do, I'll share. So, what are you reading?

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.