Dressed for Time | Spring and Summer Style Tips from a Chicago blogger

One Item, Five Ways ~ Date Night Chic

October 22, 2015

Look number three in my series One Item, 5 Ways!
This outfit could easily take me from drinks to dinner and then a movie or dancing! My best tip for finding footwear that is dance-worthy is to look for open-toed shoes with a platform. That way, there is room for your toes to move around a bit, and less pressure on the balls of your feet. Or, if you know you’ll be walking a lot (or don’t want to have to think about it at all), go ahead and wear flats. They’re low-maintenance and can be just as cute as heels.
I also love the idea of incorporating something personal about myself into my look for a night out with someone new, something that will spark a conversation, such as this dog bone necklace. I love my dogs like they’re my kids, and it’s a nice to teach someone about things you’re so passionate about.

Pencil skirt c/o Layered by Cake // Split-v top c/o Layered by Cake // Cross body bag / American Eagle (similar) // Heels / Burlington (similar) // Necklace / Kyle Chan Design // Rings / LA finds

Photography by Holli Zenko.

One Item, Five Ways ~ Work Chic

October 21, 2015

DFT-Downtown Session Picks33 Post number two for my One Item, Five Ways series!
This look I would definitely wear to work for a meeting or for an interview. Remove the color-blocked blazer and I’d be all set for drinks with friends.
When searching for great workwear, I look for a few key factors…
First, I search for pieces that can be worn for different formalities. The blazer can easily be dressed down with jeans or a maxi, and the skirt can be dressed up with a button-down and a statement necklace and heels.
Second, I look for layering pieces to adapt to different climates. Especially where I live, in Southern California, it’s not unusual to go from it being 100 degrees outside in to a 70 degree office. Opposed to wearing a long-sleeved sweater, I opt for sleeveless or short-sleeved tops with a cardigan or light jacket on top so I can add or subtract.
Lastly, I love patterned pieces that incorporate multiple colors. It makes it a lot easier to throw outfits together and go. Prints like florals, stripes, and geometrics can all be worn to the office, although I wouldn’t recommend plaids as they can often read too casual.

DFT-Downtown Session Picks28 Skirt / Layered by Cake online boutique // Blouse / Worthington at JCPenney // Blazer / J.Crew // Flats / Vince Camuto // Clutch / Topshop

Photography by Holli Zenko.

One Item, Five Ways ~ Relaxed Chic

October 14, 2015

The last and final look for the One Item, Five Ways series!
I love cozy, yet still polished outfits. This one is ideal for brunch, running out for a seasonally-themed latte, or my favorite, staying in and cozying up on the couch with loved ones.
It may be cliché to match your shoes to your bag, but I kind of don’t care. I actually think it looks great and pulls together/grounds a look that combines multiple colors. Here, I kept the materials the same, with rich orangey leather.

DFT- Downtown Tracks for keeps35 Floral pencil skirt c/o Layered by Cake // Sleeveless button-down / Elizabeth and Clarke // Sweater c/o Layered by Cake // Booties / vintage // Bag / J.Crew (similar) // Sunglasses / Nasty Gal (similar)

Photography by Holli Zenko.

One Item, Five Ways ~ Cozy Chic

October 14, 2015

Partnering with Layered by Cake online boutique, this is my first post of a new blog series, “One Item, Five Ways.” I’m so excited to be kicking off these posts today, as I know that one of my constant wardrobe challenges is finding different ways to wear items in my own closet. I love being able to share with you all the ways to re-purpose items in your own closet that you may have stashed in the back because you’re not sure how to wear them.

This skirt is SUPER stretchy and flattering on all body types. I adore the palette for autumn and winter, but it can easily transition in to next spring as well. I’ve definitely been trying to keep an eye on my expenditures and a tight fashion budget for this season, so if you’re on the same page, hopefully these posts will inspire you to pick a few key pieces that can be worn multiple ways.

Skirt c/o Layered by Cake // Wrap sweater / Forever 21 // Tights / Hue // Booties / TOMS // White tank / Elizabeth & Clarke // Bucket bag / Forever 21 // Necklace / eBay // Rings / LA finds

Photography by Holli Zenko.