Favorite Blogger Outfit: Mixing Patterns

This outfit has me screaming for spring to get here already, but also the perfect little outfit to wear now, and later, sans tights & cardi.  Love love love the peek of polka dots mixed with a floral dress.  The wear now part comes in those adorable thick tights and sweater cardi. Gee from Sock Monkey and Gee looks fab!

Her outfit deets:

Dress: Anthropologie 

Sweater: Thrifted 

Skirt: F21 

Shoes: Steve Madden

xox, Meggy
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Favorite Blogger Outfit {One Day Late}: Winterizing J.Crew Spring

Ok, I have a confession to make.  I have been avoiding J.Crew like the plague!  Not even a peak onto their site or a walk by the store.  I'm on a spending freeze, you know with this Remix Challenge. And J.Crew is my one biggest weakness.  If I were to even just "look", something would come over me, select, purchase, pay and it'd arrive without me even realizing I'd broken my rule!

So I'm almost done with this Remix Challenge, and I can see the light.  I can tell you the first thing I'm going to buy.  I'm literally counting the hours until I can place my order to get this fabulous J.Crew dress that YogaGirl (and one of the first J.Crew bloggers I started following a couple years ago) is not only looking adorable in, but fabulously winterized!!  Ah, love it...

Her outfit deets: 
Old Navy Denim Jeggings, J. Crew Vintage Roadster Boots and Selby Purse, Silence and Noise Green Cocoon Sweater and ATL Plum Scarf

And the Dress:

Maritime Dress

Also...I have finally come up with a button/badge for any past or future bloggers featured in my weekly (or as close to weekly as humanly possible) Favorite Blogger Outfit that'd like to take and post on their blog!  This weekly feature was created to show my support to all the bloggers out there that give me inspiration!  I've gotten only positive feedback about this, so hope to continue to do it for a long time!

Here's is the new badge for all you that have been featured (you can find it on my side bar, too):

<a href="http://chasingdavies.blogspot.com/search/label/Favorite%20Blogger%20Outfits" title="Chasing Davies"><img src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z401/ChasingDavies/FeaturedLogo150.jpg" alt="Chasing Davies" title="Chasing Davies" /></a>

All That Glitters: Sequin Accessories

From sequin dresses, to heels and now glittery accessories... I can't get enough glitz!  Well, it's the holidays after all.  And these sequinedy pieces can be worm year around mixed and matched in unexpected ways.

Wear Now and Wear Later: A Skinny Belt from NY&Co

For the holidays, layer a skinny sparkle belt over a cocktail dress or dark skinny jeans with heels.  

And later, mix this sparkle belt with plaid, like over this J.Crew plaid dress.

Wear Now and Wear Later: Sequin Wrist Watch from Nine West (and now on my wish list...love)

This watch would look great with a simple black dress for a holiday party, or dark jeans for a night out.

Or later, dress it down with an American Apparel v-neck t and jeans.

Wear Now and Wear Later: Glitter Tights from Kohl's

Slip these under almost any holiday dress with bright heels for subtle glitz.

Later, layer knee-high rugged boots on over these tights, with a wool skirt and button down shirt for appropriate for work.

What glittery goodness will you don this season?

Wear Now, Wear Later: Black Tie Dresses, Budget Friendly

I got a comment from a sweet reader about finding a black tie wedding guest outfit, without breaking the bank nor getting something never able to be worn again.  I have found a few options and have a few suggestions.  Thought I'd create a post about this with the holidays and new year's eve coming up...

Tip 1: A black-tie event dress can be almost anything.  What sets this type of dress apart from other dresses, sometimes isn't even the dress at all - but the whole look!  The accessories, hair, shoes and make up can all dress up an outfit or look.

Tip 2: So, getting a black-tie appropriate dress that you can wear again shouldn't be too hard, right?  By keeping it short (knee-length), you have more opportunity to wear it again.  People tend to think black tie = ball gown/floor length, but that isn't the case (back to tip 1).

Tip 3: Finding a short dress to wear to this type of an event still may not allow you to wear it everywhere, but by getting something classic, that you can wear to multiple events and parties on different fancy scales is easy to do, when you get the right dress.

Tip 4: With the right fabric (silk, satin, taffeta, beaded, sequined, etc) and cut (and fits properly), choosing a black dress can be perfectly acceptable for a black-tie event.  A black dress is classic and can easily be dressed up or down and worn for many events throughout the year.  Take this black satin dress from White House, Black Market (on sale):

This dress is perfectly styled with high (and embellished) heels and an eye catching necklace for a black tie event.  You could even swap out black heels for a pop of color, or embellished with jewels or sparkly (like I'm wearing here, or these).

To extend this dress beyond the fanciest of events, swap out the accessories/heels first, add a belt, jacket and/or layer a tee underneath (depending on where you are going, of course)!

Examples of additions - belt from Gap, wedge ankle boots from Piperlime and stripe knit top from J.Crew

Other black dress options (for under $100):

Rushing and rhinestone straps leave this dress jewelry optional

Simple and easy for dressing up and down in this strapless dress

Perfectly sweet taffeta dress

Shoe of the Day - Suede Pumps; Wear Now & Later

Wear these vibrant heels now or as Fall approaches - the perfect multi-season pumps that I MUST have!

Just need to decide what color I want...

Urban Outfitter Suede Pumps

What color should I get?!?

Oh, did I mention these pumps are UNDER $50.... ya.  So maybe two pairs?

Wear Now, Wear Later - Floral Sundress from Target's New Line

As I posted about a couple weeks ago, and has been buzzed about a lot recently, the new Target Line, Liberty of London comes to stores 3/14.  This line will contain items for home and body.  One thing I'm eyeing is this sweet floral dress:

 

Obviously a perfect little sundress for summer: 

 

For a casual look, throw on some flip-flops (I like the polka dots in these with the floral dress),  and grab a big day tote - I love pulling the different colors from the dress into the shoes and purse to keep the overall look vibrant.

But wearing it while there is still snow on the ground (a la KC):

Layer on a sweater (go figure I chose stripes, but love using it in blue to contrast against the other light colors in the dress), tights (gray to bring out the gray in the stripes), and warm boots!

See a sneak peak of other great items in this line here. And remember, it's coming March 14th to stores!

Wear Now, Wear Later - Stripped Sundress

All the spring stuff is coming out, which a) makes me so sad that it's NOT spring yet, but b) makes me want to shop and get the new, fresh fashions.

Take for instance this adorable Women's Ruffle-Trim Jersey Dress from Old Navy:

You can also see this dress on Gigi.

I love this cute dress for the summer, but I can't really justifying getting anything now that I can't actually wear... so how could I wear this now?!


Layer on a floral cardi over the dress, hike on some tights and a pair of boots or fun closed toe, suede pumps, wrap around a scarf, and I'd say this is worthy for winter, right?

And then of course once the warmer temps hit:


Jazz up the casual stripped sundress with some fun sandals and statement necklace, with dazzling studs.

Wear Now, Wear Later - Daytime to Wilco Concert Outfit

Sorry for the late night post, but tonight I went to the Wilco concert (check out some songs here) at Grinders in Kansas City. This concert was outside! So for my wear now, wear later post - I'll show you how I transformed my work outfit to cooler weather outdoors concert outfit. Nothing groundbreaking, just layers... Here's what I wore today:

(ahem... including the necklace we're all gonna be sick of hearing about after this week!)

Target Champion White Long Sleeve Shirt
Simply Vera Wang Green Blouse
The Ebay Necklace
Skinny Jeans

Gianni Bini Gold/Champagne Peep-toe heels

Layering on for the concert:

1. Added JCrew gray cardigan over previous outfit
(meet the Pepto bathroom)

2. Added my last years mega sale Banana Republic flat boots

3. Big light blue pashmina

4. Faux-leather jacket from Target last year on super sale

Hope you all are staying warm as it starts to dip to the low low 40s (in KC at least...), layer it on!

Wear Now, Wear Later: Summery Tops & BR Sale

Don't put all your summer clothes away just yet. Your favorite pieces from this summer's past can still be transitioned into cooler temps with layering.

You can dramatically change the look of a summer top by layering it over or under another piece. Always have several long sleeve shirts or turtlenecks on hand in several different colors, but definately neutrals. You can throw your favorite summer top over a fitted shirt. Jackets and cardigans are east to add on top of a lesser-in-fabric top and on the really cold days, add both tactics!

I love the contrast between a more delicate summerish top with a sturdier winter piece. Add your silky or light-fabric tops to tweed or cord bottoms to achieve that contrast. Layer on a thick knitted cardigan or add tall leather boots and tights to a summer dress/skirt.

The best time to buy these summer pieces is now - the sales are fabulous, and now that you know you can get away with mixing them into your winter/fall wared rope, you can check them out. Now thru 10/4, take an ADDITIONAL 10% off already reduced 40% Sale Items at Banana Republic. Online Only, Code: BREXTRA10 at checkout.

Some summery tops you could mix in to Fall:

Pleated shell
This would look amazing over a black fitted turtleneck and make the white shell pop.

Twist draped top
This light pink color would transition well into Fall with tweeds, browns and maroons.

Cowlneck wrap dress
Pile on a fitted black jacket - maybe a cropped or tuxedo type one for a fancy night out.
Don tights if super cold and spice up with a pop of color with bright pink shoes!


On another note, Chasing Davies was nominated for a "Love this Site Award" and would love your support! Simply click here and then the maroon "vote" button next to my site at the top of the page. If you are not already registered, it take less than one minute. Just assigning a password to your email and providing basic info.

Wear Now, Wear Later - Fall-like Suede Flats

In relation to my last post and most recent purchase, I'm featuring the Target Ruffle Flat in the very beautiful Fall Pink color for today's Wear Now, Wear Later post!

These flats are perfect for Fall. A suede link fabric, and rich jewel-tone color, these flats will go far into Fall. We're all jumping to slip into our new-season clothes and shoes (boots!), but some of us are still dealing with Summer-like temps. Here's how to incorporate your new Fall purchases into the current-still-warm temps.


Cute Summer Day:
Pair these Fall-pink shoes with a bright sunny-Summer dress that'll keep you cool and cute.

Further into Fall and Winter (the rubber sole will help keep your feet on the ground once the ice starts falling!):


Tights! My favorite cool-weather accessory, and teal is a must. Pair these jewel-tone tights under a neutral cord skirt for pop. Top this look with a striped shirt, using the same tones as the skirt. Layer on another pop of color, using a similar tone from the shoes or the tights - in this case, I've added a cardigan in a wine-color. You can add a belt to this look as well, either over the cardigan to cinch at the waist or around the hips in the belt loops of the skirt. This belt ties in with the darker stripes of the shirt.

I'm definitely going to put these types of outfits to use with my new Target Ruffle Flats! :)

Wear Now, Wear Later - J.Crew Ruffle Vest

This weekend I accidentally popped into J.Crew. I didn't even mean too...I was shopping for a b-day present and it was just right there and I couldn't resist. I don't think I've ever been in that store without buying something...and this time was no different.

I picked up a few great sale items, including this Dream fluted ruffle vest in antique stone, on sale now for $49.99 plus an additional 20% off when you order online now through 9/10 with the code: EXTRA20 at checkout.


Today I wore this super soft vest in a warmer climate:


Over a blue-striped button down shirt (mine from Gap last year, with more subtle ruffles), with a black skirt from target, black rosette peep-toe heels (mine were Franco Sarto from like 6 years ago, I've had them resoled and fixed several times, I love them) and pearl drop earrings.

This cozy sweat can easily transform to cooler weathers...


Layered over a bright pop of color, like this yellow long sleeve T (only $10!), another bright piece in a teal pencil skirt (this one on sale for $18), dark gray tights and gray heels, maybe even with a coordinating color?! Remember these cute yellow and gray spectator pumps from a post a while back? Then for warmth, throw on a navy blazer or jacket. This outfit should brighten those dull winter days!

Hope you had a great day!

Wear Now, Wear Later: Inspired by SJP & Sex and the City #2

Sarah Jessica Parker on the streets of Manhattan! Reportedly shooting for the sequel to Sex and the City: The Movie has begun! With that, I say Hallelujah! Look at that white dress! And...the shoes?

Gorgeous Christian Louboutin gold heels (not yet avail)
Blue Version - Christian Louboutin Python Pumps

Anyways, I digress...the inspiration behind today's Wear Now, Wear Later post is SJP: the little white dress.She so effortlessly shows us how to style a simple white dress for the summer time, but did you know that you CAN wear white after Labor day? Yes, you can. Have you ever heard that white is the new black? Well, I think a cute little white dress is just as essential as a little black one! Here's how you could wear it in the fall/winter:

Try this Rachel Pally Hera Dress - white Greek goddess. The drape is pretty by it's self or layered for cooler temps.
For the Fall, layer plum tights under a white dress and add black bootie boots-like pumps (make sure to check out my post later today for more info on these pumps and other shoes from this brand - and a discount!).
Top off this look with a fun leather (or fake-leather) jacket, like this bomber jacket from Target in plum! For extra warmth or coverage - add a long sleeve black or gray turtleneck or crew-neck shirt under the dress.

Mimic SJP's necklace with this lovely from Forever21:


What a perfect fall-like outfit! So don't pack up your summer whites just yet... :)

Wear Now, Wear Later - New Skinny Jeans!

Hello hello! Sorry for the late night post today, but it's been a BUSY day.

A little bit about me real quick - yesterday the house we were under contract with (a short-sale, so messy) officially fell through. Today we got all proper and legal forms signed to be surely released from that home and get our escrow money back. Today we also, over lunch, jumped back on the band wagon and went to look for a new home...again. Well, one had happened to come on the market today, so our realtor got us in and we immediately loved it! In the area we wanted, had 3 bedrooms, with a potential to build out a 4th, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage, fenced in backyard and potential to grow into it and update it. Had it all...and in our comfortable price range. So, right then and there - we went and made an offer. A couple hours later, found out our offer (of asking price) was accepted and we are now under contract for the 5th house in 5 months. Let's hope this one is IT! I'll keep you updated....

So back to Tuesday's Wear now AND later post: The item...the jeans I eluded to a few posts ago - skinny (yes, skinny...) jeans I found in Chicago at Filene's Basement for $40 dollars!! You're thinking, ok $40...that's not a great price. Well, this brand is sold at Nordy's for lots more than that, and has a GREAT fit (now, I'd pay triple for a great fit in jeans - something I always have a very hard time finding).

The brand? Don't laugh at me. Not Your Daughter's Jeans (NYDJ for short). Yup.

Not Your Daughter's Jeans Tummy Tuck Women's Slim Fit Pant With Ankle Zipper

You can see me wearing them in a couple previous posts since my Chicago trip.
Payless Shoe Review
JCrew Weekend

So, the best part? The part about the tummy tuck - so true. It just fits so wonderfully - pulls the abs in. Does not push them out and over to create a muffin top. It does not sit so low that your thong and ass-crack hang out. It also does not squeeze you so tight you feel like you can't breathe, let alone eat (though maybe not eating is ok...). Nope, none of that. They just fit, nicely and appealing and they are slimming and sooo comfortable. They are very soft.So anyways, you must try them. If you've steered away from skinny jeans (or any jeans), try this brand. I have a hard time with jeans. I need to buy like 3 different sizes and have them combined into one to fit me, but these slipped right on perfectly. Ok, enough gushing...you get it, right? Where you can find these specific jeans?

Amazon ($108) and where I got them, Filene's Basement in Chicago (830 N. Michigan Avenue)

But you can find many other NYDJ styles many other department stores and online.

So how did I wear my new skinny jeans today, in the now (summer, 80s, icky, yet cold at the office)?I wore the skinny jeans with a embellished short-sleeve, zip up cardigan (I call it my Michael Jackson shirt) - the one pictured is similar, though my embellishment was down the center. I wore this cardi over a long gray t-shirt and with bright green Franco Sarto Wedges (a few years ago, the pair pictured have the same color).

And how can I wear these later, when it's colder, with layers (fall, please...!)?

Wear a fun, loose cut blouse/shirt - like this super cute one (pictured). Add a warm, cozy sweater cardigan over this for layers of warmth! Tuck the bottom of the jeans into some tall boots.

So, what do you think about the brand - NYDJ? Have you ever tried them on? Would you ever...?

Wear Now, Wear Later: JCrew Corsage Cardi

I recently bought the J.Crew Cotton Corsage Cardigan in mint green (for some reason this color is not available online). I'm wearing it today, but this piece can be taken into Fall (obviously, since it was part of the Fall line).


Today I summer-ized (a bit, b/c my office is pretty cool) this cardigan.

Wearing it over an American Apparel deep V-neck T-shirt in evergreen
An A-line, slightly fuller khaki skirt I got on super sale from Ann Taylor Loft, but is no longer available. This Old Navy skirt has the same idea.
I topped the skirt with a thin silver belt, similar to this one from Amazon (and only $2.75!).
The flats I'm wearing are last years yellow and gray ruffle flats from Target (shown in picture), however, they are no longer available. But these yellow peep-toe bow flats are a cute alternative.

To bring this cardi into Fall, just add more coverage.

Once the weather turns a bit cooler, I'll pair this mint cardi with my favorite-fit everyday chino in golden cypress (that I got last winter when they were full price...now they are only $19.99!!!). I'll wear it over a lacy or subtly embellished ivory cami (I have one from JCrew - that is also not online, for some reason, that has little horizontal ruffles down the torso). Rounding this look off with the same skinny silver belt and silver/gray shoes.

For the winter, adding pashminas, a cute code and some gloves and you're set!

See Gigi modeling this cardigan as well!

Wear Now, Wear Later

Adding another series to this blog...in addition to Friday's "Dress for Less", I'll be doing "Wear Now, Wear Later" on Tuesdays!

My first item is an ultra cute Floral pintucked dress I got during Gap's Friends and Family weekend. I'm wearing it today...high 80s and summery. This is how I'm wearing it now:


With my target wedges (a past shoe of the day post), a bright pink necklace (not this exact one, but this one is only $2.99!!) and a big ol' day-to-day bag. Pretty simple. The dress is cute enough by itself (I think...).

And this dress will last me into Fall with a few small accessory changes and jacket addition.


Adding suede ballet flats in a bright mustard yellow (I want these little guys), a cardigan with some frill and fun earrings bring this dress right into Fall (what little of it we get in the midwest). Trading out my big white purse for something like this.

And even into winter, with some added layering, I'll make it work.


A black turtleneck to wear under the dress with some teal (or any bright) tights and black boots!
Add a soft sweater cardi/jacket over top for extra warmth and some pretty earrings.