Year Round Classic

This week we looked at two things that I want to combine today. A classic that you can wear all yearlong. The chambray button down. It's simple, versatile, and perfect for the dead of winter with a crewneck sweater or a hot summer night with white shorts and heels.

Gap, Fitted Boyfriend Chambray Shirt, $49

Simple and so chic. Wear it with patterned shorts in July and button it up with a statement necklace in October.

Net A Porter, Madewell Cotton Chambray Shirt, $70

Perfect light wash that is unbelievably soft. A lived in shirt. 

Loft, Chambray Softened Shirt, $54

I love this look. Wool skirt, tights, and chambray. Effortless.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Roll Tab Sleeve Chambray Button Down, $49

I like this shirt because the texture has almost a linen look to it. Something less rugged.

Chambray is simple and easy to wear with pretty much anything in your closet. Seriously. Pair it with jeans, shorts, printed pencils, under a cotton dress. You name it. It's your do it all, four season top.

Be fabulous today!

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Perfectly Plaid

It's plaid season. Cool, crisp, plaid time. The problem with plaid is that fine line between casual cool and cowboy. You know what I'm talking about. So I'm rounding up my favorite plaid tops this season and styled correctly, no one will mistake you for an overdue Halloween costume.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Plaid Button Down Shirt, $49

A great combination of navy and red that is perfectly fitted for a slimmer look.

Gap, Flannel Plaid Relaxed Boyfriend Shirt, $54

And speaking of fitted, how about something not as much. Don't love the look? Add a skinny belt to create an hourglass or layer a sweater on top and add a statement necklace under the collar.

Modcloth, Harvest Your Interest Tunic, $44

A hi-low option that is perfectly feminine. Pair it with relaxed jeans or even knit ponte pants. 

Old Navy, Classic Plaid Poplin Shirt, $24

I love this combination of fall colors because it includes a bright red without looking too Christmasy.

A great plaid shirt is totally wearable in a feminine way. Add accessories, layer with sweaters, or embrace the relaxed fit. It's easily dressed up or down for work or play.

Be fabulous today!

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Shirt the Rules

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Now that the weather is attempting to cooperate, I thought we would take our first spring plunge into dresses. Specifically, the shirt dress. This style is casual but still work appropriate, it's a nice transition item from spring to summer.

Macy's, Lucky Brand Long Sleeve Point Collar Shirt Dress, $62

How great is this long sleeve option? It's not screaming pastel spring and it's bootie ready.

Asos, Love Belted Midi Shirt Dress in Stripe, $68

Like I said, perfectly work appropriate and even a bit DvF-esque.

River Island, White Digital Floral Print Shirt Dress, $96

Watercolor anyone? This is a great Easter or spring special occasion dress. The masculine button down makes the floral not as feminine.

Boden, Casual Shirt Dress, $82

Now here is something you're probably used to seeing when you think shirt dress. I love this option in a dark chambray especially the way they've styled this with the contrasting shirt underneath.

The shirt dress is a great option when you're not quite ready to break out the sun dress but certainly ready to put away the chunky sweaters.

Be fabulous today!

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Reader Request: Linen Love

Today's post is for one of my dearest friends, Marisa. She will be traveling to Tanzania for too long (sorry, I'm biased) to change the world with a fantastic organization. One thing you should know about Marisa is that even in Africa, she rocks it. Maxi dresses, headbands, you name it. Today she's asked me to pull some linen button down options for her. I think these will fit the bill for her newest adventure and these options will work for us just as well.

J Crew, Perfect Linen Shirt, $79 and an extra 30% with code SWEET.

I love this emerald color and it comes in a handful of other options. Take advantage of this promo code!

Madewell, Boyshirt in Suntour, $49

Another on sale option that has a great pattern without screaming 'farmer'.

Lord and Taylor, Button Front Linen Shirt, $29

A great chambray option, just please don't button it up all of the way.

Express, Two Pocket Linen Shirt, $24

I love this open neck option and the blush color is a great alternative to white.

Linen is a fantastic option for summer because it is the most breathable material you will find for those hot summer days. Dress up this loose fabric with some bling for work.

Be fabulous today!

Buttoned Up

Happy Monday!

I could've used one more day this weekend, but here we are. Today we're going simple. Button down shirts. Mostly because they are a great staple for any wardrobe and Lands End Canvas is having an amazing sale until midnight.

Canvas, Heritage Oxford Shirt, $12

People, Canvas is selling a whole mess of button downs today for $12. Striped, Floral, Gingham, you name it.  Go grab some.

Gap, the perfect oxford shirt, $49
Well apparently Gap thinks they've nailed it with this shirt. And with this price, it's worth a try!

Banana Republic, Soft wash fitted plaid shirt, $64
A little pattern never hurt anyone right? I'm liking this for running around on the weekend.

J Crew, Perfect Stretch Shirt, $69
A little stretch in a button down is always great for all day wear. This color is great for all four seasons.

So nothing too fancy with these shirts, no ruffles, pleats, etc. Just true fit, classic shape and something that will never go out of style.

Be fabulous today!

The Classic Shirt

The classic white button down is one of the most important items in any wardrobe. Period.  Why? Let me count the ways.

1. It will stand the test of any trend, style, or passing fashion obsession
2. It is the definition of clean, crisp, and put together
3. It can be worn $300 suit OR a $30 pair of jeans
4. Do you really need more?

Every woman should have at least one standard button down in white.  The variations on this masterpiece are also something to experiment with.  Today I'm going to show you some of my favorite not-so-traditional button down whites.

Rugby, Skinny Ryder Shirt, $60

I love the detachable sash on this shirt and the french cuffs give it an extra bit of wow.

7 for all mankind, piecing top, $69

Like I said, sometimes you need a clean and crisp shirt for the weekend.  This is it.  

J Jill, pleated front shirt, $50

I LOVE this tuxedo pleat style.  Can you picture it with a bold pencil skirt? Yum.

Nordstrom, Tahari Tundra blouse, $59.50

Besides the fact that this model looks like she's about to sneeze; look at the great rouching and darting down the torso.  This is going to bring attention up from any problem mid-section areas and showcase your beautiful collarbone.

The white button down will serve so many purposes for you.  Work, play, dress up, relax, you name it.  The best part about it is your ability to have fun with it.  Metallic skinny belt it or go for a emerald green drop earring.  So many possibilities.

Also, for my more well-endowed friends out there.  You know who you are.  Fear not! The ultimate button down pucker solution!!!!!  No See 'ems I swear by 'em.

Be fabulous today!

How to Buy a White Shirt

The classic white button down.  Something every woman needs but the fit is crucial.

Rule 1: Always, always, always try it on.  You need to be able to move around, test the sleeve length and make sure there is no puckering.

Good things to remember:
-Bend your fingers so they touch your wrist (or as close as they go) this is where your sleeve should hit.
-Sit down.  Are you giving visitors a show in between your buttons? Size up and take it to a tailor.
-Wear a white bra when you try it on.  You shouldn't need to wear a tank underneath to camouflage your bra. The material should be thick enough to not show through.
-Are there collar buttons? If so, how sturdy are they? If you want a more professional look, try a shirt with collar stays, they will make sure you never have curling.

And something my mom taught me: if it's white, wash it with whites.  A crisp white shirt is just that.  White.  A dingy, or graying white shirt is so unattractive!