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How to Channel Your Inner French Girl

September 26, 2017

When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka "channeling my inner French Girl."No one can deny that Paris is one of the most romantic places on earth and the fashion there is irresistible. Look at the women who live there and how they put themselves together! They have truly mastered the act of dressing simply and looking chic.

When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka “channeling my inner French Girl.”

When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka "channeling my inner French Girl."
When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka "channeling my inner French Girl."How to Channel Your Inner French Girl

  • Wear classic prints (stripes, polka dots or neutrals). When your wardrobe consists of predominantly neutrals it makes getting ready a cinch, especially when the color palette is so versatile. The colors you will most often see worn in France are white, black, tan, blue, and gray.
  • Remember less is more. The French girl wardrobe is built on clean silhouettes and classic staples. While they do stay up to date on trends, they may only take one or two ideas from it and incorporate it into their existing wardrobe.
  • Ballet flats are a must. Especially when getting around those cobblestone streets! French women like their clothes and shoes to be non-restrictive and comfortable. They will also rock a classic heel and sneakers (non-fashion type).
  • Minimal accessories. A simple pearl, bar necklace, or even a locket are classic items that work with any outfit. This adds a special touch to your outfit without taking away from it.
  • Look purposely unpolished. Messy topknot or loose waves, winged eyeliner, red lips. All of these things embody the Parisian girl. Keep in mind that looking effortless is more involved than it actually looks especially when creating a “no makeup look.” Don’t beat yourself up if it takes you a while to master.

When I threw this look together and gave myself a once over, I thought wow, I look unintentionally Parisian! This got me to thinking about the elements of dressing French aka "channeling my inner French Girl."What I’m Wearing

This silk polka dot dress is one I’ve had for a couple years. It’s pretty perfect and has pockets and a drawstring waist. If I really wanted to add the Parisian touch I might have worn my classic black ballet flats and a swipe of red lipstick.

Mastering the Parisian look is all about keeping it simple and sticking to the classics. It definitely makes getting ready easier when deciding what to wear. French Girls don’t necessarily have a large wardrobe but that doesn’t prevent them from looking polished and fashion forward.

How do you channel your inner Parisian? Share in the comments.

Dress: J.Crew (similar) | Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar) | Ring: Stella & Dot (old) | Cat purse: Ted Baker London (old) | Shoes: Josef Seibel | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. The Best Places to Shop For a Day Dress
  2. Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls
  3. Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection
  4. How to Wear Sneakers and Still Look Cute

3 Comments · Labels: Fashion Tagged: Black & White, dress, Girly Fashion, Polka Dots, Street Style, Styling tip

The Best Places to Shop For a Day Dress

September 19, 2017

My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. I feel most comfortable when I wear jeans and a frilly blouse. Every so often I will rock a dress but that’s mostly during summer or when I’m going to an event. My favorite dress style is the day dress; it’s versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though.  That’s where today’s post comes in! I thought it would be helpful if I shared the best places that I’ve found to shop for a day dress.

My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. The Best Places to Shop For a Day Dress

My two favorite places to buy dresses are J.Crew and Madewell. I can always count on both stores to have just what I need. Keep in mind that J.Crew’s price point is somewhat high but totally worth it. Madewell also is on the higher side but both retailers make quality pieces that last.

What’s nice about J.Crew is that a lot their dresses can be worn to the office and/or a wedding (I’ve done both). If you’re in the market for a special occasion dress and can’t find one at the J.Crew store, check out their online inventory. I tend to find their specialty items and larger selection online. If you can’t find what you need there, I recommend checking Nordstrom.com since they have a large assortment of dresses. If you’re looking for something less stuffy, you can also visit Asos or Zara for on-trend, affordable dresses.

Another great place to shop for dresses is Anthropologie. They have some of the most unique and beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen! They can be expensive depending on how fancy they are but again, you will be able to wear that dress year after year.

If you’re looking to up your work wardrobe, definitely check out BananaRepublic.com. They have so many cute dresses and always have a sale. If you’re lucky, you might also find a great pair of shoes and jewelry to go with it!

My favorite dress style is the day dress; it's versatile and can be worn to the office, out to dinner, and sometimes even a wedding. For some reason, it can be really hard to find the perfect dress for the right occasion though. What I’m Wearing

The dress featured in today’s post is from J.Crew. It’s a little different from their normal selection. I love the abstract black & white print and the flowy silk material. Surprisingly the length is great and I love that it also has pockets.

So there you have it! Those are my top picks for a day dress. Since a good dress is hard to find, I would love if you share where you shop for dresses! Leave a comment below so I can check it out.

Dress: J.Crew (old) | Shoes: Josef Seibel (on major sale now!!!)| Necklace: Charming Charlie c/o | Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o | Bracelet: Happiness Boutique c/o | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. How to Channel Your Inner French Girl
  2. Brighten Up Your Black and White Look
  3. Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls
  4. Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection

2 Comments · Labels: Fashion Tagged: Black & White, dress, Girly Fashion, Street Style, Styling tip

Style a Bomber Jacket in 4 Easy Steps

September 12, 2017

Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats. Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats.
Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats. Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats.
Styling a bomber jacket is hard y'all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn't. Wearing: floral bomber jacket, pink pants, and rose gold flats.Styling a bomber jacket is hard y’all! It took my mom and I an entire shop day to find something somewhat workable to realize it didn’t. Maybe it’s just me, but I really wanted to wear something other than a plain white tee.

Bomber jackets are somewhat sporty for my personal style taste. But I fell in love with this one because of the floral print. It also doesn’t hurt that my good friend Crystal designed it. She’s amazingly talented and you should check out her site and Instagram if you haven’t already. If you find something you can’t live without, use code LACEANDPEARLS to receive 15% off your order, discount is valid until 12/31/17.

If you also struggle to style the ever popular bomber jacket follow these steps.

Style a Bomber Jacket in 4 Easy Steps

  1. Get the jacket in a fabric you love! There are so many bomber options. You can most likely find one that suits your style preference. Get creative, go for one with a great texture or print and of course a solid will work with most of the stuff you already own.
  2. Find a shirt. The key to nailing this trend is finding the perfect neckline. Go for something that shows a little skin. Avoid tops that come all the way up to the neck; it will look all kinds of wrong! I did try a v-neck and didn’t like it so I would recommend a scope neck or something similar to the blouse I’m wearing.
  3. Choose your bottom. Take a tip from Crystal and pair your bomber with your favorite skirt. She is always rocking this combo and looks oh so cute! Or go the traditional route and wear your most loved jean. I decided that an added pop of color would look best and went with this pink pair similar here and here.
  4. Accessorize! Pull it together with your favorite accessories and a bright lip! A great shoe is also important.

Now rock that bomber with your bad self! 😉

Shop the post:

Jacket: ARD (thanks Crystal for the discount) | Blouse: Nordstrom (similar) | Jean: Loft (similar) | Necklace: Horse Shoe (similar) | Earrings: J.Crew (similar) | Ring: Madewell  | Shoes: Sam Edelman (gold version) | Clutch: DSW (now on sale!!!) | Lipstick: Maybelline c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Jump Start Spring with Stitch Fix
  2. Spring Trend: Ruffles + Anguay Designs
  3. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  4. 5 Reasons to Love the J.Crew Toothpick Jean

2 Comments · Labels: Fashion Tagged: Anguay Designs, brand collaboration, Colored pants, Girly Fashion, Street Style, Styling tip

My Girl on the Go Shoe – Famous Footwear

August 22, 2017

The Drewe ankle boot from Famous Footwear is stylish and meets all of my needs! Plus, the neutral color pretty much goes with everything.This has been an incredible summer full of rest and relaxation. From camping trips with the hubs, brunch dates with friends, and time spent on the patio, this is what summers are made of. There has been lots of food and lots of outdoor activities, but it’s time to start winding down and plan for my favorite season…fall! (aka BTS or back to school)

The Drewe ankle boot from Famous Footwear is stylish and meets all of my needs! Plus, the neutral color pretty much goes with everything.Now, my days of school are long gone, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t get excited about the seasonal trends and cold weather necessities coming my way! When gearing up for fall I am all about finding the perfect boot. I commute to work via bus and live in Seattle (#rain) so I must have a stylish yet warm shoe to get me from A to B. Plus, I need to be confident that my feet can get me through various meetings, coffee breaks, and discussions without sacrificing my style.

The Drewe ankle boot from Famous Footwear is stylish and meets all of my needs! Plus, the neutral color pretty much goes with everything.

My Girl on the Go Shoe from Famous Footwear

The Drew ankle boot from Famous Footwear is stylish and meets all of my needs! Plus, the neutral color pretty much goes with everything. I like the fact that these booties will look good with jeans, but also goes with dresses and skirts. The suede material makes it a seamless transition from summer to fall too. 

The Drewe ankle boot from Famous Footwear is stylish and meets all of my needs! Plus, the neutral color pretty much goes with everything.My girl on the go shoe keeps me on-trend while I wait for the bus, catch up on Instagram, read a good book, apply my lipstick, and of course get my daily dose of caffeine.

The Drewe ankle boot from Famous Footwear is stylish and meets all of my needs! Plus, the neutral color pretty much goes with everything.
The Drewe ankle boot from Famous Footwear is stylish and meets all of my needs! Plus, the neutral color pretty much goes with everything.
The Drewe ankle boot from Famous Footwear is stylish and meets all of my needs! Plus, the neutral color pretty much goes with everything.
Famous Footwear is empowering women everywhere to #stepforward confidently. Be sure to visit them this season for all your fall favorites!

Thank you Famous Footwear for sponsoring this post and gifting me these shoes. All opinions are my own.

Blouse: Nordstrom | Denim: Nordstrom| Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Booties: The Drew c/o Famous Footwear | Tote: Ralph by Ralph Lauren (similar) | Lipstick: Rimmel London (Crystal Mauve) ℅ 

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

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  2. Sweater Vest Glam
  3. Peplum Sweater
  4. Get West Coast Glam With Tobi

Leave a Comment · Labels: Fashion Tagged: brand collaboration, Distressed Denim, Girly Fashion, Street Style

Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls

July 11, 2017

When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas. When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas. When you’re petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you’re not short, that doesn’t mean that you’re not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas. I am just shy of 5’4 and have a larger upper body (broad shoulders, large chest, and belly). My torso is short and I have trouble finding tops that aren’t overly long. I have the same problem with dresses and skirts because I have a short waist. My lower half is narrow, and I often go for pants that are ankle length, cropped, or skinny (worn cuffed) to avoid hemming.

When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas.

Petite Misconceptions

This adorable top by Pleione is a Petite large. I tried a regular size large and it was too billowy and long. As mentioned before, you don’t have to be small all over to be considered petite. Being petite can be chalked up to a few things: length of limbs, shoulder width, bust size, and length of waist.

I styled this cute top with my favorite skinny jeans, sandals, and adorable cat purse (available in several colors). The bracelets and earrings are perfect for everyday since they are so easy to wear.

When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas.

Tip for Shopping Petite

Shopping petite can be tricky depending on the retailer. When shopping at Loft I usually wear a size 4 or 6 in their pants. If I go for the petite option, I go up a size. For example, if the regular size 6 fits, I would be a size 8 p. More often than not, the petite option is small all over not just in length so that’s why it helps to size up. A lot of petite clothing is like this. I am narrow through the hips but that doesn’t mean that my calves and thighs are petite.

If you’re small all over, check out the the kids section. Depending on where you shop, you can sometimes get the same brands sold in the women’s department, but for a fraction of the price. Usually, sizes 12-16 will fit quite well; I used to do this all the time when I was a smaller size. The kid’s section is also a great alternative if your feet are small.

When you're petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you're not short, that doesn't mean that you're not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas.

Petite Brands I love

Petite clothing has come a long way, and there is more available. If not in-store, then definitely online.

  • Gibson
  • Halogen
  • Caslon
  • Pleione

Retailers that sell Petite

  • Nordstrom
  • Anthropologie
  • Banana Republic
  • J.Crew
  • J.Crew Factory
  • Asos
  • Ann Taylor
  • Loft
  • Macy’s
  • Petite Studio New York
  • Top Shop

No matter your size, you’re fabulous! For more body positivity, check out my feature on the Stitch Fix blog for their My Body My Style campaign.

Shop the post:

Top: Pleione (sold out/another cute option) | Jeans: AG | Earrings, and Bracelets: Sugarfix by Bauble Bar c/o| Purse: Ted Baker | Sandals: Josef Seibel (no longer available) | Lipstick: Lancôme Matte Shaker Lipstick  (Pink Power) c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection
  2. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  3. The Ultimate Pattern Mixing Guide
  4. Winter Clothes: What to Put Away and What to Keep Out

3 Comments · Labels: Fashion Tagged: Black & White, Distressed Denim, Girly Fashion, Street Style, Stripes, Styling tip

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