Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

Trending: The Slit Sleeve

Spring/Summer 2017 is all about warm weather and a statement sleeve like the bell sleeve, cold shoulder, off the shoulder, the slit sleeve - there really is a sleeve for every style preference. Spring/Summer 2017 is all about warm weather and a statement sleeve like the bell sleeve, cold shoulder, off the shoulder, the slit sleeve - there really is a sleeve for every style preference. Spring/Summer 2017 is all about warm weather and a statement sleeve like the bell sleeve, cold shoulder, off the shoulder, the slit sleeve - there really is a sleeve for every style preference. Spring/Summer 2017 is all about warm weather and a statement sleeve like the bell sleeve, cold shoulder, off the shoulder, the slit sleeve - there really is a sleeve for every style preference. Spring/Summer 2017 is all about warm weather and a statement sleeve like the bell sleeve, cold shoulder, off the shoulder, the slit sleeve - there really is a sleeve for every style preference. Spring/Summer 2017 is all about warm weather and a statement sleeve like the bell sleeve, cold shoulder, off the shoulder, the slit sleeve – there really is a sleeve for every style preference. I challenge you to incorporate one or more of these styles into your warm weather rotation!

I recently picked up this slit sleeve blouse. It’s a great choice for anyone who doesn’t like to show a lot of skin. With its barely-there slit, you can be trendy but not over the top. What’s also great about this top is the flowy material and ruffle hem. On paper, this top kinda sounds like a hot mess but is actually well executed.

Last spring, I was introduced to the Who What Wear Collection collaboration with Target. This collab is ongoing and is filled with on-trend pieces at affordable prices (see my other WWW outfits). Oh, and how cute is this Ted Baker bag?! It was a birthday gift to myself. I wanted to represent now that I am a cat momma of two.

How to wear the Slit Sleeve?

The slit sleeve can work for most, if not all occasions. For an off-duty look, wear with jeans and your most comfortable ballet flats. For your 9-5, find a silk or flowy blouse to wear tucked in a skirt or pant. Once evening comes, slip into a cocktail dress with slit sleeves and meet up with your girlfriends for happy hour.

Will you be wearing a statement sleeve this season? Which one is your favorite?

Shop the post:

Blouse: Who What Wear (now on clearance for $7.48)| Jeans: AG | Necklace: Monifa Kincaid Jewelry c/o | Watch: KLASSE14 c/o (use code laceandpearlsblog to receive 12% off your order) | Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar) | Purse: Ted Baker | Lipstick: Lancôme Matte Shaker Lipstick c/o

Photo’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. How To Wear Lace in The Fall
  2. 5 Items You Need For Spring!
  3. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  4. The Ultimate Pattern Mixing Guide

5 Items You Need For Spring!

Military blazer with ruffle blouse and denim.Military blazer with ruffle blouse and denim.Military blazer with ruffle blouse and denim.According to Phil, winter ain’t gone quite yet! But that should not stop you from planning for Spring. To get started, I recommend looking at your favorite retailers and fashion experts (bloggers, celebs, and magazines) to determine the trends (bell sleeves, cropped pants, and off the shoulder blouses). While I am all for trends, I prefer the classics. This is why I am recommending five items you need for Spring. The best part is you might already own some of these items. If not, they are inexpensive enough to pick up pretty much anywhere.

Military blazer with ruffle blouse and denim.Military blazer with ruffle blouse and denim.Five Items You Need For Spring!

  1. Something Blush. I am a girly-girl through and through and I can’t get enough blush in my wardrobe. It’s just so feminine and romantic. It’s also a good transitional color that works now and later. I picked up this gorgeous blush tote and these shoes . I am still on the lookout for a faux leather jacket and some other blush items.
  2. A Military-inspired jacket aka “the anorak or utility coat”. Such a classic and always on trend. You can opt for the more traditional anorak style or a cute shrunken blazer like the one in this post. What I like about this classic is you can dress it up or down (wear with pants, shorts, dress and skirts) and it’s also another great transitional piece. See how I styled this trend here, here, and here.
  3. White Denim. This trend is here to stay and becoming the new normal. Do yourself a favor and pick up several pairs, I would opt for a skinny, distressed and a cropped pair. You can also wear this look year round.
  4. Ruffles, on ruffles on, ruffles! Ruffles are in full bloom this season as they should be. They are one of my favorites. If your style is girly, stock up on this trend and incorporate it in your tops, blouses, jacket, and skirts. See my ruffle outfits here, here, here and here.
  5. Seasonally appropriate makeup. Around this time last year, I started rocking a bright lip. My go to was Purity Persimmon and Smokin Hot Pink. Have fun with your lip color and be sure to update your nail color in brighter shades

Blazer: Target Who What Wear Collection | Blouse: Nordstrom (similar)| Denim: Loft (similar) | Purse: Margot via Marshalls (similar) | Necklace: Stella & Dot | Booties: Bare Trap (similar)| Lipstick: Bite Beauty (similar)

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. How To Wear Lace in The Fall
  2. Tips For Wearing Lace
  3. Ruffle Blouse + Where to Shop
  4. Trending: The Slit Sleeve

Hate to Shop Or Need a Fashion Refresh – Try Stitch Fix 

If you're someone who hates to shop or is in a style rut, I have the answer for you - Stitch Fix. Have you heard of it? Maybe your friends have tried it? I have created a basic guide to explain everything you need to know.If you’re someone who hates to shop or is in a style rut, I have the answer for you – Stitch Fix. Have you heard of it? Maybe your friends have tried it? I have created a basic guide to explain everything you need to know.

What is Stitch Fix?

Think of Stitch Fix as your personal stylist or best friend. Stitch Fix allows you to create a style profile that includes your measurements, likes and dislikes and wish list goals. Once you’ve created your profile, sit back and let your stylist dress you.

If you're someone who hates to shop or is in a style rut, I have the answer for you - Stitch Fix. Have you heard of it? Maybe your friends have tried it? I have created a basic guide to explain everything you need to know.How much does it cost?

There is a $25 styling fee that can be put towards your Fix if you decide to keep some or all of the items. When you set up your style profile, you can specify your price preference and what you’re looking for. Your stylist will work to stick to your budget.

Why You Should Try It

It’s super easy and a great way to stay current with the trends, especially if you don’t have time to shop or don’t care to. An added bonus is the style cards (my favorite part). In each Fix you will get your style card that will visually show you how to put your pieces together.

If you're someone who hates to shop or is in a style rut, I have the answer for you - Stitch Fix. Have you heard of it? Maybe your friends have tried it? I have created a basic guide to explain everything you need to know.How to get started

Sign up and create your style profile. Schedule your Fix. It’s that simple.

My Personal Experience

When it comes to style, I prefer to pick out my own stuff, but I do think it’s important to experiment with your style. I was also curious about Stitch Fix and wanted to give it a try.

If you're someone who hates to shop or is in a style rut, I have the answer for you - Stitch Fix. Have you heard of it? Maybe your friends have tried it? I have created a basic guide to explain everything you need to know.The stylist sent over 5 items and a personalized note. Most of the items that I received, I didn’t really care for, but I did like the knit top (shown in today’s post).

Before sending my items back, I was able to provide feedback. Within a day or two, I received a response. It was nice to know that there was an actual person on the receiving end. They offered to wave my styling fee on my next Fix if I chose to give them another try.

My second Fix was closer to my personal style. I love how personable my stylist is and how she checked out my blog and Pinterest boards to learn my personal style. I’m hoping that my next go will be even better. I’ll keep you guys posted.

If you're someone who hates to shop or is in a style rut, I have the answer for you - Stitch Fix. Have you heard of it? Maybe your friends have tried it? I have created a basic guide to explain everything you need to know.Overall, the experience was good and I look forward to my next Fix. If you want to give Stitch Fix a try, I would love for you to leave a comment on this post and share your experience.

I recently partnered with Stitch Fix in their My Body, My Style campaign, see our collab over on their blog. I’d love for you to check it out.

Sweater: Stich Fix c/o | Denim: Nordstrom | Bracelet: Happiness Boutique  c/o | Shoes: Jessica Simpson (old) | Clutch: DSW | Necklace: Stella & Dot | Lipstick: Bite Beauty (similar)

*Stitch Fix provided me with a shopping credit to purchase this top and other items, but all opinions are my own.

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Golden Tote – Clothing and Surprises
  2. Ruffle Sweater
  3. The Best Ruffle Sweaters + Rocksbox Review 5 Months In
  4. Jump Start Spring with Stitch Fix

Outfit Remix: The Importance of Shopping Your Closet

Ruffle sweater worn with distressed jeans. I unintentionally wore the same jeans with this look a year later. Hey, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

Ruffle sweater worn with distressed jeans. Ruffle sweater worn with distressed jeans. Ruffle sweater worn with distressed jeans. Ruffle sweater worn with distressed jeans. Ruffle sweater worn with distressed jeans. The biggest misconception when it comes to fashion blogging is that you have to constantly shop to stay relevant. I like to think that as creatives, bloggers are better equipped to shop their own closet and work with less.

Back in the day (junior high/high school) it wasn’t very cool to repeat your outfits. Now that I’m older, I realize that nobody really cares. What is the point of only wearing your “it item” once, especially after you saved every last penny to get it?

Have you heard the phrase “shopping your closet?” Also known as, discovering new looks with what you already own. I’m here to tell you how this tip can benefit you in multiple ways. Plus, when you have fewer choices you’re often more creative. It gives the illusion that your wardrobe is bigger than it actually is. People always say to me “you must have a big closet.” If they only knew. That’s why I’m going to explain the importance of shopping your closet and why you should start if you haven’t already.

The Importance of Shopping Your Closet

  1. Save money. My goal this year is to save money and stick to a shopping budget. I cringe when I think about how much I have spent annually over the past several years. When you shop your closet, you find new and exciting ways to style your favorite pieces. I challenge you to create three different outfits using the same item. When you’ve completed the first exercise, try creating several other outfits with another piece. See previous outfit remixes to get you thinking outside the box. I do this same exercise with new purchases to assess their practicality. If I can’t find multiple ways to wear that piece there’s no point in keeping it.
  2. Identify gaps. Slow down for a minute and stop chasing all those shiny pennies! Take time to enjoy and evaluate the stuff you already own before jumping to find the next best thing. All of those pieces in your closet were once new, so give them the attention they deserve. Once you’ve done a proper assessment, you might rediscover past favorites.
  3. Rid yourself of “just ok,” items. After taking a proper account of everything in your closet, get rid of the pieces that you could live without or no longer love. See this post for online consignment or instant payout options.
  4. Make getting dressed enjoyable. If every time you reach for your favorite sweater it creates an avalanche of clothing, find a solution to fix it. I have so many sweaters that need to be folded, whenever I would grab one it was chaos. I ended up buying these and they have helped immensely.

I’m going to challenge you to shop your own closet and dust off those old gems! If you have any other tips, please share in the comments.

Cardigan: Garnet Hill (similar) | Blouse: Ann Taylor (similar) | Necklace: J.Crew (old) | Ring: Madewell (old) | Denim: Loft (similar) | Booties: Bare Trap (similar)| Purse: Margot via Marshalls| Lipstick: Bite Beauty (color no longer available)

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  2. Outfit Remix: 4 Tips for Remixing Your Outfits
  3. Outfit Remix: Ruffle Sweater
  4. Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10

Create a Casual Holiday Outfit in 4 Easy Steps

Are you hosting or attending a casual holiday party? Keep reading for some simple tips on how to create a casual holiday outfit.Are you hosting or attending a casual holiday party? Keep reading for some simple tips on how to create a casual holiday outfit. Are you hosting or attending a casual holiday party? Keep reading for some simple tips on how to create a casual holiday outfit.Are you hosting or attending a casual holiday party? Keep reading for some simple tips on how to create a casual holiday outfit. Are you hosting or attending a casual holiday party? Keep reading for some simple tips on how to create a casual holiday outfit.Are you hosting or attending a casual holiday party? Need help figuring out what to wear? Keep reading for some simple tips on how to create a casual holiday outfit.

Today’s outfit is not festive, but with a few changes it has the potential. To get started, I recommend a few items. Most if not all of these pieces you will already own or can pick up at the store.

Casual Holiday Outfit Essentials

  1. Clutch. Instead of carrying a cross body bag, I would opt for a clutch. Clutches are a great way to dress up your look. If you’re looking for a clutch I would check out Nordstrom, Target, and DSW. I found a simple black clutch at DSW that will work for most occasions.
  2. Heels. A heel makes everything look good: jean, pants, dress or skirt. Not to mentioned a great confidence booster! Walking around in a pair of pumps will take a casual look to the next level. If you’re more of a flats girl, opt for a pair that is sparkly (it’s the holidays after all) or one with a bow.
  3. Bright lip. If you’re a long-term reader, you know that I always recommend wearing lipstick. It’s an inexpensive way to look polished and brighten up your look. In today’s post, I went for a darker lip, but if I were to attend a holiday party I would wear red. If you’re hesitant to wear a bright lip, try an orange-red or one with blue undertones. A burgundy or bright pink would also look nice.
  4. Statement earring, necklace, or brooch. I love jewelry, especially during the holidays. Depending on your style, go for a festive statement piece. For this look I would wear a sparkly brooch to dress up the simple top. If I wore my hair up, I would do a statement earring.

The Finishing Touch – Something Glam

For your final piece, go for the glam! I recommend any of the below items to take your look up a notch. If you’re looking for a more subtle statement, lace is always a good option. Oh, and nail polish. Do something sparkly, bright, or both.

  • False lash. Lashes are so much fun. Check out this holiday beauty post for some inspiration.
  • Sequins. Doesn’t need much of an explanation and there are so many options to choose from. For a fun take on this never-ending trend, choose your sparkle in a color. Pink, anyone? Then remix for New Years.
  • Faux Fur. You could throw on a fur stole (like the one I wore in this post) or vest. Both are festive and you can wear them many times throughout the season. Plus, it a great way to stay warm.

Top: Loft (similar) |Necklace: Nadri (similar)| Midi Ring: Pretty Particular c/o (use code laceandpearls to receive 20% off your order) | Denim: Treasure and Bound (now on sale!)| Heels: Paul Green | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) via thredUp | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Mocha-licious)

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Tips For Wearing Lace
  2. How To Wear Lace in The Fall
  3. Dress up your Little Black Dress this Holiday Season
  4. How to Make a Winter Handbag Work for Spring

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