Making it Work: An Easy Alteration to an Anthropologie Bargain

First things first, there’s a major sale at Anthropologie right now. Discounted items are an additional 40% off. There are some pretty cool fresh cuts too. For example, I’ve been eying this yellow long blazer since it released, and it’s now eligible for sale-on-sale pricing. In today’s post, I’m wearing an Anthropologie dress/vest (with a minor alteration). It’s under $20 (originally $148) during this sale.

Vest/Dress | Faux leather leggings (similar, similar, similar) | Pumps (old, option)

I was drawn to this piece because of its structured silhouette and its stunning t-strap in the back.

Alteration Anthropologie

But, I was also here for the option to wear it two ways—as a dress or a vest. It comes, however, with a heather grey slip that is attached. I felt limited by that slip and imagined the dress looking super sharp and sexy without it. So, I grabbed my scissors and cut that piece out!

Here’s a peek at how I wore it as a dress after the alteration. This is my homegirl, Shonte of The Brown Closet, and me at a runway event recently. Without the slip, you have the option to flaunt a deep plunging v-neckline.

So, this minor alteration was a permanent change. But, I have no regrets since cutting the slip out. I now have a piece that’s even more versatile.

Let me know if you plan to check out the Anthropologie sale. I’m going into the store on a mission to order this blazer and leave without even looking at anything else. Wish me luck.

Location: South City, St. Louis

For more cool ways to wear a vest, check this post.

How to Wear All Black Without Looking Boring

Okay. Okay. Wearing all black isn’t boring. But, remember, I wear bold colors all the days of the week. So, when I wear black, I want that black ensemble to excite my sensibilities just like bright colors do. The answer for me? Mixing textures. I thought I would give my best-fitting pair of faux leather leggings (only $18) another spin. This time, I paired the leggings with a mock neck ribbed sweater to create a mixed texture, all black look.

How to wear all black

Sweater c/o Venus | Faux leather leggings | Glitter pumps (sold out, similar)

Studded clutch (option) | Drop earrings | Mac “Heroine” lipstick

To have even more fun with textures, I wore my studded Rebecca Minkoff clutch. It’s an old favorite I reach for when going out at night. This Sole Society studded clutch is a great alternative.

And, since it’s the holiday season, a little sparkle is a must. My J.Crew Elsie glitter pumps have been on repeat all season long. They just go with everything. Shopping for a pair? This style by Guess looks amazing and is under $100.

Location: The Grove, St. Louis

4 Easy Ways to Add Holiday Glam to Your Everyday Look

I love the holiday season in the Midwest because it’s one of the few times I get to see everyday opulence. Sequin tops at the mall. Velvet blazers at the office. Sparkly pumps at the movies. People stretch out during the holidays, and I’m so here for it. If you have a casual everyday style, here are 4 easy holiday style tips to jazz things up.

Express Velvet Leggings

 What I’m wearing:

Tulle cuffed stripe top | Velvet leggings | Metallic stripe pumps (old)

Jade coat c/o St. Louis Premium Outlets | Leopard bag (similar) | Necklace (option)

easy holiday style

1. Choose wardrobe basics in luxe textures. Velvet skinny pants? Absolutely! They’re warm and festive.

2. Choose knits with interesting details. We’ve got to wear knits to stay warm, but knits don’t have to be boring. A stripe top with a ruffled cuff? Yes, please!

J.Crew Tulle cuffed stripe T-shirt

3. Choose party-ready pumps every day. Got sparkle or metallic or suede shoes? This is the time to wear ’em.

J.Crew factory city coat in spicy jade

4. Choose jewelry that adds a little oomph to everyday basics. From statement bling to dainty pieces that sparkle, jewelry can transform any look. Put some on.

J.Crew Tulle cuffed stripe T-shirt

Easy choices to jazz up your holiday style:

A Perfect-For-Fall Tunic for Under $20

Many of you loved the affordable striped tunic I shared in the mixed print post last week. I understand because it’s such a versatile piece. I’ve dressed it up, and I’ve also thrown it on to run to the store. It’s just so easy to wear. Today, then, I’m back with another budget-friendly tunic style that I’ve been enjoying wearing. This fall tunic comes in 6 solid colors. I’m rocking it in fuchsia today, but I also bought it in a soft pink called strawberry cream.

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Tunic (in 6 colors) | Scarf (old, option) | Leggings (on sale) | Bag | Pumps (old) | Earrings

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This lovely tunic is super soft and has a relaxed fit. It also has a couple really hip details like its tulip hem and split sides. It’s true-to-size as well. For reference, I’m wearing a size small.

Old Navy Fall Tunic

The tunic is the perfect companion for my favorite skinny pants, especially leggings. I wore it like this with pumps to brunch last Sunday. As it gets colder, I can replace the pumps with boots. The styling possibilities are endless. And, did I mention that the tulip hem tunic is only $16.94? I even got it for less in-store.

old-navy-relaxed-tulip-tunic-tee-3c

Location: South Grand, St, Louis

Have a wonderful weekend!

A Luxe, Right-on-trend, Wool-Free Sweater

I low-key dislike sweater weather. Why? Because too many sweaters are made of wool and other itchy fabrics like angora. Yikes. I couldn’t survive 30 minutes in a wool sweater because I’m sensitive to the fabric. And, it’s so hard to find nice sweaters free of wool. When I find a chic wool-free sweater, then, I buy it in every color. Today’s featured sweater, with its sassy front zip, is stylish, soft, and most importantly, free of wool.

express-front-zip-extreme-circle-hem-sweater-tunic-4c

Sweater | Jeans c/o | Pumps (option) | Bag (option) | Earrings (option)

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The sweater initially caught my eye because of its front zip that opens up to create a sexy plunging v-neck. It also has a tunic length with a circle hem that makes it perfect for throwing on over our favorite skinnies for fall. It’s the kind of sweater that’ll be an easy choice for casual outings.

Wool-free sweater

For date night last Saturday, I paired my new wool-free sweater with my favorite dark rinse skinny jeans (under $30). To jazz up the casual combination, I wore my yellow feather pumps. Have you seen this new pair in a similar color (now on sale)?

express-front-zip-extreme-circle-hem-sweater-tunic-2c

Location: Cherokee Street, St. Louis

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