sign on the dotted line

Good morning! 

How is it Monday already!?

Too much fabulous this weekend - and I am still recovering. 

So I will just leave you with this thought... do you have a signature item?

"old school pin" via People StyleWatch November 2011 Issue

And is it sad that mine might be chambray?

Happy Monday

xx

Jessica

duty calls

TGIF!

I am not here, instead I am down in the great state of Texas fulfilling my Maid of Honor duties for my best friend. I am so beyond excited to watch my bestie marry the man of her dreams on the most perfect day ever. Be back Monday... filled with champagne and frosty eyes!

{ images from her wedding inspiration board: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 }

xx

Jessica

wardrobe staples: the trench

Ok, kicking off my series focused on intentionally building a better wardrobe, I am going to focus on the reason why some of my "50 closet staples" made the cut

This first one is a no brainer, but one of my favorites: the trench!

I found the perfect trench at a Banana Republic Outlet last year (on sale for less than$50!), and have worn it numerous times every season since. Including { here , here , here , here }

This item should be in your closet because it is supremely versatile - wear it dressed up, dressed down, over dresses in warm weather, and bundled up with scarves and a hat when it gets chilly... or wear it with nothing else (scandalous!)

{ 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 }

I believe that the classic, camel colored, double breasted style of trench is the most timeless and will therefore get the most use in your closet over the years.

Also, unless you are in supremely love with the look of the trench, you only need one in your closet, so take the time to find the one you love, and plan to pay a little more to purchase a trench of the highest quality you can afford - you will be rewarded with a jacket that continues to be a staple in your closet for years and years!

But by all means, if you love trenches, there are options available in black, patterned, plaid, and even studded!

I have picked out my favorite trenches at all price points... which one is your favorite?

Do you already own a trench?
If not, is it on your wish list?
What item do you want to see highlighted next?
xx

Jessica

style crush: Olivia Palermo

In my dream world, one day someone is going to approach me and ask me which celebrity I would like to swap closets with, and I have been thinking about my answer in preparation. 

Hands down I would pick Miss Olivia Palermo. I know this isn't the most origional choice, we are all well aware that she can do no wrong in her fashion statements. But I really think that Olivia is a style icon that effortlessly mixes high & low, masterfully combines prints, and while super out of my league, generally approachable in her sartorial selections.

Here are some of my favorite Fall looks from Olivia { 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 }

But this one I spotted in a magazine recently, really got my outfit dream wheels spinning.

{ via PeopleStyleWatch September 2012 Issue}

Do you see what I mean? While I might not be able to afford the exact pieces that Olivia dons, they are basics (cropped trousers, white blouse, leopard heels) that I already have but never thought to pair them together with a waist belt and embellished sweater... and then Olivia goes and does it and it is simply genius.

Are you an Olivia fan like me?

Who are some of your other fashion icons?

xx

Jessica

early to bed

{ What I Wore: Storets leather skirt // J.Crew graphic tee & necklace // Nine West pumps }

{Get the Look}

leather skirt {$59} + graphic tee {$49, great quote} + bubble necklace {$34} + pointed heels {$36}

Well shoot, the sun is leaving me earlier and earlier these days... 

totally not grooving with this style blogger's ways