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Floral Bomber and Dark Denim

December 14, 2016

Hello, loves!
I wanted to talk a little bit today about New Year’s resolutions. Not the life-changing, quit my job, pay off all my bills (although both would be nice), type of notions, but style resolutions. Over the years, I’ve amassed a whole lot of “fast-fashion” pieces. Some of which, I’ve worn to death, like my black Chelsea ankle boots from Forever 21 or my work blouses from H&M. What I’ve realized over time, though, is that the pieces that are overly trendy, loud prints, don’t fit quite right or are uncomfortable, etc., I rarely wear. Not only does this create a lot of clutter, but it also made me think about the money I’m spending and the extra things I’m bringing in to my home (and closet) that I don’t love. Maybe it’s a little bit of Marie Kondo sneaking in, but a wardrobe detox seems to be in order.
For this upcoming year, I’d like to focus on bringing in not only things that I love in the moment, but things I’ll love next year, and the next, and downsizing the items I don’t wear often enough (or at all). I’m not going to give up on shopping at Zara, ASOS and their ilk entirely, because I do need to continue buying work clothes and basics at reasonable price points, but I’m going to be much more selective on how I fill my closet. Everlane makes some of the best basics around, and I’d love to weed out some of my fading tees and tanks to transition over to more well-made pieces from their line, like the basic black tank I’m wearing here.
I’d also love to set a style budget for myself. When I add up how much I’ve spent over the past year (or 10!) on things I wear, the numbers are staggering! It makes me think of how many fun things I could have done instead with that money. No looking back though, only forward! A detailed closet edit is already in the works, so many things will soon be added to my Poshmark account, and I’m tempted to initiate the “1 thing in, 1 thing out” rule, to keep my hoarding in check.

I’d love to know, what are your style resolutions for the New Year?

Jacket & booties / Forever 21 // Tank / Everlane // Denim / Stitch Fix // Clutch / Scarlet Threads Consignment (thrifted)

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.

How to Dress for Holiday Parties Without Freezing

November 30, 2016

Hello, loves!
Well, typical Southern California, we skipped fall and headed straight on in to winter! Mark and I just returned from the East coast, visiting family, and I thought we would be coming back to moderate temps and sunshine! The temps are actually about the same, but it just feels so much colder here today. With all of the festive events coming up, I wanted to share a couple of tips on how to dress for holiday parties without freezing, because of course we all want to look cute (and/or sexy), but also don’t want to be distracted by how cold we are!

First and foremost, consider outerwear. I flash to any of the wintery episodes of Gossip Girl for inspiration. Some of their coats and jackets were more bedazzled than the dresses underneath! I love this idea, because some places you’ll end up will require you actually keep your outerwear on, so why not treat everyone to some extra glitz? Another idea is to add a lovely cluster of brooches to the lapel of a simpler coat to give it a sparkle boost. If the climate is more moderate, opt for a cape, like I did here, to create interesting lines and still show off some of your outfit underneath.

Your bottom half.. No, I’m not suggesting wearing pants for all of your holiday festivities, but a nice pair of thick, opaque tights under a dress or skirt can really help shield you from the bitter cold. If you’re rocking a solid colored dress, consider patterned tights for an unexpected take.

For footwear, heels are lovely, and I still prefer them because they make me feel more “dressed-up”, but a classic pair of heeled knee-high boots or sleek ankle booties are another great way to add warmth and coverage. Just make sure you don’t wear a pair that’s scuffed/too plain or it makes the overall look much more casual. And please, for the love of everything, no UGGS.

Lastly, I love a pashmina or fringe scarf for keeping the heat in around your neck and shoulders. It’s something you can keep on after taking your jacket off that doesn’t look too bundled up, and I LOVE a bold pair of dangly earrings against an artfully folded scarf.

Check out how I’ve styled the gorgeous Vivian Sheath Dress from London Times, and see what other lovely new dresses they’re offering for this holiday party season.

Dress c/o London Times
Shot by Holli Zenko Photography

This post is sponsored by London Times. Items contained in this post were provided to me for reviewing purposes. This post also contains affiliate links and clicking on them or purchasing items through them may provide me with a small commission. This is part of what helps keep Dressed for Time going.

Dressing for Thanksgiving with Rent the Runway

November 26, 2016

Hello, loves!
My favorite family holiday has always been Thanksgiving, and I’m beyond excited that Mark and I are currently visiting family back east this year. I really don’t have to worry about the finicky “fall” weather, because I knew what we were getting in to.. Cold, chilly, and occasionally wet. As a southern California girl, my closet isn’t exactly brimming with puffer jackets and snow boots, but that’s why I’ve become a master of layering. Getting back to the main event, Thanksgiving dinner also happens to be one of my favorite events to dress for. It’s meant to be fancy, without being fussy. Dressing up with family and friends, not to impress, but to express how festive the occasion is.
I don’t have a large family, which makes me ever more grateful, and thankful, that Mark’s family has taken me in as one of their own. There are several like-minded fashion ladies in the bunch, and it’s always fun to see how they’ve styled themselves! Last year, I wore a flirty little lace and satin dress from Erin Fetherston to dinner, borrowed from Rent the Runway. I’ve been using their services for a couple of years now, and am frequently stunned at their vast selection of dresses and accessories and fantastic customer service. If a dress doesn’t fit, call them and they’ll send out a replacement. The dress you ordered was damaged by the last person who wore it? They’ll let you select another, free of charge, and even help you find the perfect alternative.
Rent the Runway asked me to style and share a few looks that I would wear to Thanksgiving dinner, and I had so much fun putting them together. I’ve linked to the exact dresses I’m wearing, feel free to check them out, and let me know.. Have you used Rent the Runway before? What did you think of the service?
I’d love to hear your thoughts 🙂

Dress / Indigo Coraline from Shoshanna c/o Rent the Runway // Camel coat / vintage Pendelton // Clutch / vintage // Heels / Nine West

A fancier take on Thanksgiving festivities for sure, this dress is flattering and leaves room for seconds (or thirds) and is a classy option for wearing to a family dinner.

Dress / Elliatt Black Verve Dress c/o Rent the Runway // Cardigan & booties / Forever 21 // Necklace & Bag / vintage

I love the idea of taking a fancier cocktail dress and making it more casual, while adding a bit of warmth at the same time. This LBD would also look great with a little moto jacket or lightweight trench thrown over it. This is a perfect look for Friendsgiving.
From my family to yours, happy belated Thanksgiving!! I hope it was a fantastic time, spent with loved ones and enjoying yummy food!

This post is brought to you in partnership with Rent the Runway.
Contained in this post are affiliate links. Clicking on or purchasing items through these links may compensate me with a small commission. This is part of what helps keep Dressed for Time going. I would never recommend brands or products I don’t personally love!

October Stitch Fix

November 1, 2016

Hello, loves!
Welcome to my October Stitch Fix, filled with the colors of fall.. Rich burgundy, forest green, navy and grey. This time around, I requested dark pants, a moody floral piece, a comfy grey cardigan, a midi skirt and a fun piece of my stylist’s choosing. I was thrilled with everything I received, with the exception of the comfy sweater. For me, it seemed too casual, as do most things with hoods. Spoiler alert, I kept everything this round! I was considering sending back just the sweater, but it made more financial sense to keep it all, so I could partake in the 25% discount and I can always bundle up in the sweater when it’s chilly out.

Top & Cords / Stitch Fix // Scarf & Sunnies / Layered by Cake // Flats / BCBGeneration
Top $48 & Cords $68, both kept. Enter one of the most versatile blouses ever! I can pair it with virtually any bottom, and layer a sweater or scarf on top. It’s a great basic piece to have in my closet. The cords I wasn’t so sure about until I tried them on. The rich color and great fit made me change my mind, and I realized they were actually quite versatile as well.

Top / Stitch Fix // Skirt / H&M // Clutch / Forever 21 // Flats / Louise et Cie // Necklace / BaubleBar
Blouse, $54, kept. Loved the print on this top and the detail around the neck. It does mean that I can’t wear a regular bra, and I hate wearing strapless bras, but for this top, I’ll make an exception.

Hooded sweater / Stitch Fix // Top / Old Navy // Jeans / MaviUSA from Stitch Fix // Flats / Mossimo // Sunglasses / Layered by Cake
Sweater, $54, kept. Like I said, I wasn’t initially sold on this hooded waterfall cardigan, but it is a great piece to just throw on with some loose-fitting pants and a tank on the weekend. A little too casual for me to wear out on a regular basis, but soooo comfy.

Top & Skirt / Stitch Fix // Clutch / Who What Wear for Target // Booties / Forever 21 // Bracelet / Fab.com / Necklace / LA find
Skirt, $48, kept. This skirt was similar to another knit pencil skirt sent to me in one of my first fixes, shown here and here. That one had tones of slate blue, navy and cream. This material has a slightly different color way, also incorporating burnt red and olive, and I’ve already found so many different pairings for it.

Overall, a great fix. I have worn the black top seriously so many times, and the skirt multiple times as well. The cords are just a touch warm for me still, but I look forward to wearing them in the upcoming months. Next time, I’m looking for a dark blazer, another moody floral piece (can you tell I’m obsessed?!), an everyday pair of jeans and a shirtdress to pair with leggings/tights.
If you’re interested in signing up for Stitch Fix, click on my link here.

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.

This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links or making a purchase may provide me with a small commission. That’s part of what helps keep Dressed for Time going. I would never recommend a company or brand that I don’t personally use (I pay for Stitch Fix’s myself) and enjoy.

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