Cents of Style

ComfortZone Denim Knit Leggings $26.95 at New York & Co, Triple-ruffle Sweatshirt $29 on sale at Newport News, Naughty Monkey Kryptonite Boot $189.90 at Endless.com, Plaid Cape $128 at Ann Taylor Loft.

This look is a little English countryside chic and 100% cozy!  Let’s just say, jeggings jeggings jeggings – I can’t stop saying jeggings.  That’s jeans + leggings if you’re not already in the know or in a pair.  After shopping about for the perfect pair of skinny jeans, a friend turned me on to the jegging.  I exhausted my search possibilities and was dismayed that I was turning up either leggings that were just a denim print or if they actually had pockets and real denim styling they were $98 or more.  Then I found the New York & Co. jegging that has real back pockets, plus faux front pockets and a faux fly AND they come in three freaking colors:  a medium blue, a deeper indigo, and black.  This jegging is as comfortable as wearing a t-shirt and cost just $26.95.  Not even my most comfortable jeans felt this good.  I’ve flown in them twice.   When sporting a jegging or a legging, you really want a longer top.  I’m loving this tunic ruffle sweatshirt.  My own wardrobe really lacks stylish easy comfortable casual wear (I’m all sequins and glitz; I shop like I think I’m Lady Gaga).  When it comes to Sunday afternoon errands or meeting up with friends I never have the perfect outfit to just slip on;  this outfit really helped me to define that aspect of my wardrobe. 

 This look cries out for a pair of really fabulous knee high boots.  Every year I like to splurge on a pair of knee high boots that have some really special detailing and are also comfortable.  I’m loving this extra long tassel and the buckle detail on these rich chocolate Naughty Monkey boot.  To finish off the look top it with a plaid cape like this one from Ann Taylor Loft.  This is the look I’m living in right now.

Stylishly yours, HollyWoodGoody

Reversible Racerback by Porridge Clothing $68 at Anthropologie, Slender Hip Slung Khakis $49.50 and Yoked Hip Slung Jeans $59.50 both at the Gap, Franco Sarto Amenity Pump $54.42 at Endless.com.

I scored this Porridge Clothing top at Anthropologie recently and couldn’t be happier that I picked it up.  Initially the price tag of $68 put me off a bit, but then, I realized that the top is REVERSIBLE!  I was getting two tops for the price of one!  Both of the prints are so gorgeous and this bow detail on the back is adorable.  It’s that perfect, “I-look-chic-but-didn’t-try-too-hard” top.  The colors in the top also made me look incredibly tan, the racerback cut made my arms look toned, and the blouse-y volume disguised my neglect of abs toning.  In short the Porridge Clothing reversible top is a miracle. 

The more exotic side is my fav, but the other tan geometric print makes it a great layer piece.  Both sides pair great with khakis for a work type environment and it looks fantastic with jeans.  Accessorizing this look is so simple it’s overwhelming.  Why – because this top goes with everything.  It’s gonna look hot with any brown sandal and warm neutral tone bag.  If you have a red sandal, give that a try – I paired the top with cuffed skinny jeans and a red patent wedge and it was perfection.

Stylishly yours – Holly Wood Goody

Fashion Credits:  Jax Floral-Print Belted Dress at Dillard’s $84 on sale/ was $140, Guess Homer Open Toe Pump at Endless.com $64.47 on sale/ was $89.95, Orange Erica Quilted Faux Leather Tote at AccessoryBug.com $49.99, Buttoned Cut-Away Jacket at The Limited $79.50,  Seychelles Babydoll Peep Toe Pump at Endless.com $89.95, Angie & Lola Satchel with Coin Purse at Target $49.99, Graphic Print Tank Dress at Newport News $49 on sale/ was $74. 

I was excited to ride the train this morning sitting next to a very stylish lady.  She was in a chiffon floral print sundress in yellow and orange hues with a white background, topped with a black ruffle sleeve linen jacket, black peep toe pumps, a mustard tote, and orange crystal earrings.  She was so polished and professional and still was utterly summery.  This time of year I’m fully grateful to be a woman, in that I don’t have to wear a suit, tie or button up shirt to work.  My summer day look when it’s 80 degrees and over is built around a dress and sandals.  If my dress isn’t quite work appropriate (ie spaghetti straps or completely strapless), I just throw on a cute lil jacket.  My go to jacket is a cropped black jacket that has studded sleeves from Forever 21 I included several posts back, but I’m super loving this cropped black jacket from The Limited.  This jacket is a great basic to add to your wardrobe and if paired with a dress that is super fitted in the torso would emphasize a tiny waist, or create the illusion of one.  It’s jacket magic!

When you’re styling a floral dress that doesn’t have a black in the pattern, pairing a shoe and a jacket keeps the look cohesive.  This idea would translate equally as well with a white jacket and shoe combo.  When accessorizing pick up colors in the floral pattern.  Summer is the perfect time to opt for pops of bright colors.

Stylishly yours – Holly Wood Goody

PS – Take an extra %25 off at Newport News today with this code: 524.

Sleeveless Matte Jumpsuit at New York & Co $38/was $76, Blu Bijoux Small Serpent Ring at Max & Chloe $12, Dunovant Ring at Aldo $20, Twill Fedora at Arden B. $24, Rhinestone Hoop Earrings at Express  $22.50, Lawrence Shoe at Nine West $39.99/was $79, Sondra Roberts Large Snake Clutch Purple at LorisShoes.com $46.

Anatomy of an outfit, or “Damn I look hot!”  Seriously, I wore nearly this exact outfit the other night and I had men running up to me in bars hugging me, even had a man chase me down the street, plus dozens of people wanted to try on my hat.  It was a rainy night in Chi-Town and I needed a solution to avert a hair disaster, so I tossed the hat on last minute.  Great example of how an accessory makes the outfit.

My other favorite accessory – the oversized purple snake envelope clutch by SR Squared.  It’s way oversized, 16”x8” to be exact.  I love a big clutch for work I can manage to fit whatever I need all day, and for evening I can pack my lip gloss, camera, and ESPN Fantasy Football magazine.  That’s right.  If you’re looking for a date ladies, just get to the bar a few minutes before your girlfriends and pull out fantasy football magazine instead of your texting on your cell phone.  You’ll have guys all over you wanting to try on your summer fedora and talking to you about running backs and special teams within minutes.  I swear.   Total cost of this outfit, $202.49.

I didn’t realize I was also giving dating advice with outfits.  If you try this experiment, let me know. 

Stylishly & Sportingly Yours – Holly Wood Goody

Plaid Bandeau Jumpsuit at Newport News $49/was $64, Stormy Sea Necklace at Anthropologie $48, Priscilla’s Oversized Sunglasses $10/was $18, Two Tone Slouchy Tote at Arden B $38, Maureen Flower Ring at Forever 21 $5.80, Luichiny Ty Ler at Zappos.com $68.95, Giant Simple Single Bicycle $330.

Weekend summer days are for calling up your favorite gal pals and brunching and leisure.  My morning started with a Yelp.com search on “bottomless mimosas.”  Then I rounded up my ladies and started planning my outfit.  The sun was shining; the perfect day for a plaid playsuit!  I skipped the matchy scarf and opted for this gorgeous tie on statement necklace from Anthropologie and despite the fact that I’m in desperate need of a pedi went for a funky bronze sandal.  A huge pair of enormous Jackie-O style shades are a necessity when patio dining.  I never leave the house on the weekends without a cocktail ring – I was drinking pear and pomegranate mimosas after all!  Knowing that brunch always ends in shopping; a big tote is the perfect vessel to stash all of my potential treasures in!  My favorite accessory, my retro inspired bike; I zip all over town in my sassy outfits!  What could be greener or cuter!?!?

Stylishly yours,

Holly Wood Goody

Deep Baltic Maggy London Sleeveless Sheath at Nordstrom ($128), Royal Purple Sheath dress @Newport-News.com ($39, was $49), Oscillating Coral Necklace at Anthropologie ($48), Nine West Too Hot To Cross Clutch at Endless.com ($19.95, was $49), Lenora Dame multiple beaded chunky short necklace at Bluefly.com ($84), 3/4-sleeve ruffle cardigan at Banana Republic ($79), Jeffrey Campbell Lattice Heel at LoriShoes.com ($108)

Ladies, recently I posted about sheath dresses and how they are the most versatile piece of clothing in your closet.  I just put together an outfit I am going to wear to work every day this spring and probably out and about on the weekends. My inspiration was tropical punch – I was yearning to wear some pinks, purples and orange all at the same time!  I got so excited to get out of the grays and blacks I’ve been wearing all winter and get some color back in my wardrobe.  Here’s what I did – I had a purple fuchsia sheath already, but you can nab one from Newport News on the less expensive side or if you want to spend a little more you can grab the Maggy London Sheath from Nordstrom.  I adore Maggy London dresses; they have a modern retro look and are very well constructed at reasonable prices (side note, I find them cheaper at Filenes’s Basement and Nordstrom Rack frequently). 

I love a cardigan with a sheath.  I fell for this beige ruffle cardigan from Banana Republic. The fit is fantastic, the color is a marvelous neutral and anyone who owns this will wear it at least 100 times.  I almost threw it down and stormed out of the store because the last two times I’ve been in Banana Republic I’ve gotten the most horrible customer service that I want to throttle the sales people working there.  I digress. 

What about the tropical punch!?!?!? I did a neutral sweater because I don’t want the overall color palette  to be too overwhelming. The beige plays well off of the other colors and the ruffle keeps the look playful still. 

Let’s accessorize – my favorite part!!!  Slip your dogs into these uber-fab cut out heels by shoe god Jeffrey Campbell!  I’m loving nearly every shoe from the Jeffrey Campbell Ibiza line.  What do I love about this shoe?  It’s visually stunning, and it’s suede so it has a little stretch to it, the stretch and the triangular 2 inch heel make this a completely comfortable shoe.  I felt like I was walking on the most fashionable air ever!  For a bag I wanted to compliment the color tones of the sweater.  When I am wearing outfits that are all solid colors, I like to incorporate one pattern, so I chose this Nine West convertible clutch, a total steal for $19!  There are times that you really need your hands free for cocktails or shopping; a convertible clutche fits that need.  I finish off the outfit with an outrageous statement necklace.  I dig on both the Anthropologie and the Bluefly version, personally I have the Anthropologie necklace (gift from a GF, thanks Kate!) and it’s very fun and striking.  It looks so much like candy; I want to bite into it.  The necklace is what really makes the outfit work, with out it,  it’s just a sweater and a dress, but with the necklace – I get this tropical color vibe and really have a sassy outfit. 

Depending on which options you choose for the dress and necklace this outfit can be done at the least expensive for $293.  That’s under $300 for 5 items you will wear time and time again!

Stylishly Yours,

Holly Wood Goody

Fashion Credits:  Daytrip toffee leather jacket @ Buckle ($59.50), Coin studded belt @ Forever 21 ($11.80), Metallic Teardrop Hoop Earring @ Guess ($16.50), Strapless tulip dress @ Spiegel ($79.00), Leopard Boris Clutch @ Aldo ($30), Luichiny Maven Pump @ Endless.com (&79.95)

This is my new go to outfit for a date night or a cocktail evening with the ladies.  It is sexy without being overdone and hip without like I tried too hard.  This outfit is also super comfortable.   I started with a very basic structured red strapless dress that I picked up for a song and then got to styling to emboss it with my personal style stamp.  Red is a commanding power color and has some strong color pairings.  Keeping the tones warmer with golds, bronzes and browns is supes glam way to rock red. 

Nothing adds impact to an outfit like a funky studded belt.  Thank you Patricia Field!!! The best thing is that you can spend a little and look like you picked up a lux accessory.  Check out Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe;  all these tweener stores are great spots for inexpensive on trend accessories.  Since the dress has clean simple lines, I wanted to get funky with a trend cage shootie.  I try not to have items in my outfit compete with one another, I’m aiming for a bit of visual harmony.  With all solid colors in the look, a leopard clutch is in the warm color family and adds some visual interest by adding a bit of pattern.  For cooler evenings, I slide on a yummy toffee thin fitted leather jacket.  Jewelry, I keep simple with this outfit, as all of the other accessories are making a strong visual statement – I went with gold hoops.

All of these pieces are supremely versatile and easily get swapped around and worn with other items in my wardrobe.  My favorite – I accomplished this look for a total of $264.90 – with a little coupon help.  See my coupon page for a 15% off Spiegel coupon.

Stylishly yours,

Holly Wood Goody

Fashion Credits:  Editor Pant at Express ($79.50), Bow Tie Vest at Armani Exchange ($88), Sexy Basics Cami at Express ($24.50)

What is going on in  my closet?  I have no pants!   I don’t know how I manage to dress myself each day.  All I have in my closet is cocktail and sundresses.   Time for some chic basics.  I took inventory and determined I needed a few pieces that could be hip yet professional for work and pull double duty as fun evening pieces.  I seemed to be out of black pants.  Whenever I need pants, I usually start at Express.  I adore the editor pant.  It is slimming and has a gorgeous fit.  Here’s how my super chic, black and white sassy menswear inspired look came together…

CLOTHING
I love love love plaid (you will see proof of this in future posts I promise), and this black and white plaid editor pant from Express will be a funkified classic I will wear at least a hundred time. My inner Gwen-a-be was drooling!   I never shop in Express without a coupon, they are available constantly.  I had a coupon for $30 off a $90 purchase.  I grabbed a couple of camis to go under my vest.  Express had camis on sale, buy 1 get one ½ off.  Who can’t use a black or white cami!?!?  The camis I grabbed had a sexy lace detail.  The vest was a piece I have had my eye on – I have a penchant for bow details!  I also loved the cinched in back and the zipper detail on the back.  So freakin’ cool!  I see this piece being so versatile.  I topped the look with a swing jacket I had, but if I had to grab a jacket now – holy wows! This adorable swing jacket from Forever 21 is on sale for $15.99!  Okay, we’re ready to accessorize!

ACCESSORIES
The menswear style pieces inspired me to pair this ensemble with a pair of heeled oxfords.  In keeping with the black and white all over look I went for two-toned black and white oxfords. Wow, what a striking shoe!   This is a shoe I can see pairing with dozens of outfits and is THE perfect work shoe.  With all that bare arm, I wanted one big jewel statement and stacked multi textured black and white thick bracelets on one arm.  When I do head to toe all black or black and white outfit, I like to throw in a bold color somewhere in the look.  I opted here for a bright multi color clutch.

MIXING IT UP
I’ll wear all of these pieces over and over.  They’re all neutrals, that’s the beauty of the outfit. As worn, it had great impact and I felt totally sassy all night.  When I wear this variation to work, I’ll stick a button up shirt under the vest, probably in a bold bright color.

THE DAMAGE
For this look, I had the following items in my closet already: jacket, bracelets, & handbag.  I pulled items similar to those I wore at prices I would have paid.  This look as I wore it was about a budget friendly $385!

* See my Coupon Corner page for an Express coupon!

Fashion Credits:  Martina Fur Trim Jacket at Forever 21 ($15.99, was $32.99), Studded Bangle at Forever 21 ($3.80), Large Natural Bangle at Express ($24.50), Black Carmen Faux Leather Clutch at AccessoryBug.com ($41.99), Pour La Victoire Women’s Joelle Oxford Bootie at Endless.com ($115, was $249), Rhinestone Strip Bangle at Forever 21 ($9.80).