Lace & Pearls

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

Outfit Remix: How to Dress Preppy

Tennis_Sweater_201520151129AsaMagnoliaPlayground-8161 20151129AsaMagnoliaPlayground-8198 20151129AsaMagnoliaPlayground-828520151129AsaMagnoliaPlayground-8295 20151129AsaMagnoliaPlayground-8302 20151129AsaMagnoliaPlayground-831620151129AsaMagnoliaPlayground-8276

Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography

Sweater: Brooks Brother (similar) | Blouse: UNIQLO | Cords: Loft (similar) | Necklace: Banana Republic | Ring: Stella & Dot | Earrings: Anthropologie |Boots: Corso Como (similar)| Bag: Foley + Corrina (similar) | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (color Stoplight Red)

This might be my favorite shoot to date. I know I’ve said that before, but our city’s skyline is hard to beat. Although it was overcast and cold, that didn’t take away from the picturesque setting.

I feel most comfortable in a button down shirt and a pull over sweater. I love the preppy aesthetic and fail proof formula.  The last time I wore this sweater, it was during the warmer months and didn’t call for any layers. This time around, I added an oxford shirt, navy cords, and tall brown boots. I swapped out the bag, changed up the hair and added some different accessories. I’m a big fan of this necklace. It resembles a classic locket.  The bright red lips were an absolute must! I can’t believe I am just now getting hip to wearing red lippies. I feel so sophisticated and polished.  If only everything in life was that simple. This look reminds me of the 1970s tragic film Love Story. Have you seen that movie? It is known as one of the most romantic films of all time. The collegiate setting and east coast fashion is perfect.

Prep Style 101

The key to dressing preppy is buying classic and or investment pieces. Think timeless and chic. Before buying a piece, ask yourself: would I wear this in five years? If the answer is no, then put it back.

Preppy Staples

  • Pearls Be sure to pick up a pair of earrings, necklace, bracelet, or any other pearl item.
  • Jewelry I would recommend a classic monogram pendant, locket, or both.
  • Shirts The classic oxford cloth button down shirt and pussy bow blouse are timeless pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways.
  • Sweaters Great investments and fun to style. For extra prep, get a shaggy dog sweater.
  • Coats I would go for a classic peacoat, wool toggle coat, and a trench for the warmer months.
  • Skirt and dresses Purchase these in neutral colors so they can be easily intermixed with others items in your closet.
  • Pants Definitely invest in a couple pairs of tailored pants and some denim.

Where to Shop

I would definitely take advantage of second hand shops and other thrift stores for timeless pieces. Get items dry cleaned or hand wash.

If you prefer to buy new, I would check out:

Want more prep inspirations? Check out the archives.

Shop the Post: 

Let’s connect: Instagram | Twitter| Bloglovin

Related posts:

  1. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  2. Spring Trend: Ruffles + Anguay Designs
  3. Outfit Remix: Ruffle Pleat Cardigan
  4. 8 Closet Staples You Need Right Now

How to Wear a Shirt Dress

20151129AsaMagnoliaSchool-7988 20151129AsaMagnoliaSchool-8051 20151129AsaMagnoliaSchool-806620151129AsaMagnoliaSchool-8115 20151129AsaMagnoliaSchool-8158 20151129AsaMagnoliaSchool-8149

Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography

Jacket: Cupcake & Cashmere | Dress: J.Crew Factory | Necklace: Stella & Dot | Ring: Stella & Dot | Earrings: Anthropologie| Booties: Cobb Hill | Purse: Michael Michael Kors| Lipstick: Wet n Wild (color Stoplight Red)

This weekend was our first year hosting Thanksgiving. My husband was very ambitious and prepared a turkey and rib roast. Both turned out great, but the roast stole the show. We had family in from out of town and ended up with 11 guest total. It was a lot of fun.

Did anyone venture out for Black Friday? I prefer to stay in and surf the web for the best deals.  I’m excited to say that I did find a couple of fun items that I will be sharing soon.

Let’s talk about today’s look. I have wanted a shirt dress for as long as I can remember. On my frame (5’4″, broad shoulders, and large chest) the task can be nearly impossible. All the dresses in this variety are too long, and resemble a pajama shirt. Here are a couple of tips for finding the perfect one.

Size down. This will give you a slimmer and more flattering silhouette. Shirt dresses tend to be over-sized and boxy.

Buy petite. Getting this dress in petite was a big win. Not only is the length great but the overall fit has less fabric.

Add a belt. Define your waist by adding this accessory.

Add a layer. Adding a jacket or a cozy top layer will also provide your frame with more definition.

My favorite part of getting dressed is the accessories. I love timeless jewelry. When I spotted this monogram disc pendant it was love at first sight. This one is Stella & Dot and adds a little something special to any outfit. The ring’s black pave stones add an elegant but tough feel.

Thanks so much for reading see you Thursday!

Shop the Post:

Let’s connect: Instagram | Twitter| Bloglovin

Related posts:

  1. Cowhide & Plaid
  2. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  3. How to Make a Winter Handbag Work for Spring
  4. How to Make the Drop Waist Dress Work For You

How to Care for Sweaters

October-Stripes

I love a good quality sweater and have invested quite a bit into building my collection. I typically take them to the cleaners, but I worry about the harsh chemicals. I thought I’d give hand washing a try.  Not only will this extend the longevity of the fabric, but also save money.

Washing

Fill a sink or tub with cool water and then add in some Woolite or another gentle detergent. Submerge the sweater into the water and swish around. Let it sit for 3o minutes and then rise with cold water.

Drying

Squeeze the sweater gently, but avoid wringing it out. A salad spinner will also work. Lay the sweater flat on a towel and roll it up to soak up access water. Unroll sweater and lay flat to dry. A mesh rack works best, allowing airflow beneath the sweater.

Remove Piling

Use an inexpensive razor and gently glide it over the piling or use an electronic sweater shaver. I find that both methods work great.

Storing

Always fold your sweaters and store them in a drawer or shelf to avoid stretching the fabric. If you have to hang your sweater fold them this way to avoid creasing.

Repairing

Have a hole in your sweater? Repair it by following these instructions.

Where to Shop

If you’re looking to spruce up your sweater selection check out some of my favorite retailers.

  1. J.Crew
  2. J.Crew Factory
  3. Loft
  4. Ann Taylor

Sweater Inspiration

Need some sweater inspiration? Get inspired with these past looks. (Click on the photo to be directed to the post).

AsaSodo-4210Lace & Pearls - Polka Dot Sweater 1DSC_0114DSC_0252

DSC_0116-2DSC_0062DSC_0008DSC_0140

DSC_0130`DSC_0025DSC_0322

You might also like How to Care For Denim  or Tips For Wearing Lace.

Let’s connect: Instagram | Twitter| Bloglovin

Related posts:

  1. How To Care For Denim
  2. How to Wear a Shirt Dress
  3. Styling Texture
  4. Thrift Store Fashion – A Beginner’s Guide

How To Care For Denim

AsaVP-23 AsaVP-25 AsaVP-27black-distressed-denim-peplum-topAsaVP-55

Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography

Blouse: Loft (solid verison)| Denim: Banana Republic | Necklace: J.Crew (similar) | Bracelet: J.Crew | Rings: Gorjana (similar here & here)| Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (similar) | Flats: Sam Edelman (in gold)| Purse: Michael Michael Kors (similar) | Lipstick: Wet n Wild Purty Persimmon

This summer I picked up this awesome pair of distressed denim. I tend to go through my jeans quickly,so I thought it was time to do some research on how to prolong the lifespan of my jeans.

Hand Wash Only

I hate when I wash my favorite pair of jeans and the color fades. To avoid fading, fill your sink or tub with cold water and turn the denim inside out. Add a half of a teaspoon of mild detergent and let them soak for an hour. Rinse in cold water. If you must use a washer machine, wash denim on the hand-wash/delicate setting, keeping the denim inside out. Both techniques will preserve the dye of the denim. For a new pair of jeans, add two teaspoons of salt and a cup of white vinegar to set the dye on the first wash. Continue this routine every time you wash your denim to maintain the color. Don’t worry about your jeans smelling like vinegar, the smell will dissipate after drying.

Hang Dry or Lay Flat 

Hang your denim to dry or lay them flat. If you are drying them outside, avoid direct sunlight (you don’t want them to fade). When you air dry your jeans the fabric will become stiff, but they will break in after a few hours of wear. If you want to soften your jeans, throw them in the dryer for a few minutes (air dry only) but otherwise avoid the dryer. Heat will shrink your denim and the unnecessary tumbling will cause wear and tear.

Wash Jeans Less Frequently

The awesome thing about denim is you can go a long time between washes. The longer you wait the better. Less washing = less wear and tear on your jeans. If you want to freshen them up in-between washes, hang them in the bathroom and let them get a good steam when you take a shower.

What lengths are you willing to go through to keep your favorite pair of denim going? Any other tips?

Shop the Post:

Let’s connect: Instagram | Twitter| Bloglovin

Related posts:

  1. 6 Essential Ways to Start Dressing Confidently
  2. How To Wear Lace in The Fall
  3. Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls
  4. Find Your Perfect Denim Fit with Fitcode

Tips For Wearing Lace

AsaVP-3 AsaVP-10 AsaVP-13AsaVP-18 AsaVP-17 AsaVP-12

Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography

Top: Loft | Jeans: Loft (similar)| Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar) | Brooch: Vintage (similar) | Necklace: Loft | Bracelet: J.Crew (old) | Rings: Old Navy (in stores) | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Purse: Old Navy | Lipstick : Wet n Wild (color Mocha-licious)

I am a huge fan of lace and all things girly. Today I’m going to share my tips for styling lace. If you’re not super girly, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some tips on toughening up your look.

Lace

  • Dress – Lace dresses come in a variety of colors. I would shop for one in cream, navy, burgundy, or black. These shade are classic and easy to style. I suggest choosing a dress that falls above the knee for versatility.
  • Top – Lace tops can be tricky. You don’t want it too boxy and falling away from the body. If you can find one that is fitted it will provide you with a better profile.
  • Skirt – If you’re note super keen on lace, starting with a skirt is a good idea. You can break up the lace with another fabric up top.

Complete Your Lace Look

  • (Faux) Leather Jacket- Toughen up a lace piece with the ultimate badass accessory, the leather jacket. You can do no wrong with this pairing and you will exude chicness.
  • (Faux) Leather pant- Leather leggings are edgy and cool. Just throw them on and you’re good to go.
  • Chambray/Denim Jacket – A denim top of some sort will break up the look and provide a casual chic vibe.
  • Denim – Solid denim or distressed is the way to go depending on the look you want to achieve. I love an awesome pair of distressed jeans, but a solid pair would keep the look more polished and clean.
  • Pants – Depending on the color of lace you can pretty much style with any color. If you’re feeling bold you could go for a printed bottom.

Accessories

Last but certainly not least is your accessories. You can wear any type of shoe to fit the occasion. If you’re dressing up for an evening out, I’d suggest wearing a heel or wedge. If you’re going casual, wear a cute pair of booties. For a classic look try a flat.

For this look I kept it casual and paired the blouse with distressed denim and ballerina pink flats. I wanted to play up the feminine details so I added a rhinestone brooch, a locket, and the cutest cross body bag. I love the juxtaposition of pale pink and snakeskin!

Shop The Post:

Let’s connect: Instagram | Twitter| Bloglovin

Related posts:

  1. How To Wear Lace in The Fall
  2. Create a Casual Holiday Outfit in 4 Easy Steps
  3. Outfit Remix: Lace Bomber + 3 Reasons Why You Need a Pair of Grey Denim
  4. How to Transition Your Winter Wardrobe for Spring

Get Social

Archives

@Laceandpearlsblog on Instagram