spring 2016


Fun way to wear a vintage brooch

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Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Earrings: Swarovski / Dress: Banana Republic / Brooch: Vintage circa 1960’s (tons of vintage brooches online here) / Nail Polish: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Antique Gold / Handbag: Chanel (similar SAVE or SPLURGE) / Shoes: Prada (old, similar here)

Have you ever wondered how to wear a vintage brooch? Or perhaps you want to wear a vintage brooch in a new, and unexpected way; so you are looking for a fun way to wear a vintage brooch. I accidentally discovered a new way to wear my coveted vintage brooch last week!

This vintage brooch was originally purchased by my Mother in the 1960’s. It is a beautiful, sparkling green brooch which shines brighter than an emerald. I have loved this brooch since I was a small child; playing dress up in my Mother’s closet. When I asked to borrow it one day in my mid-20’s, my Mom told me she doesn’t wear it anymore, and knowing how much I have always loved it, told me I could keep it! Yay! Since then, I have always treasured this brooch as if it were a million dollar piece of jewelry.

Last Thursday, I was putting on my dress, pictured above, for the Junior League Sustainer dinner. I had eaten a thousand calorie lunch that day, and was a bit bloated; or maybe I have gained weight and will not admit it. Ha! Anyway, the button at the waist was popping a bit, and I really wanted to make this outfit happen. So, instead of pinning the brooch where I would normally place a name tag, I thought it might be the perfect cover-up for the popping waist button. It worked!

Not only did the brooch hide the popping button, it added a new dimension to the outfit as a whole. I love it! I feel like I have accidentally found a new, fun way to wear a vintage brooch. I am looking forward to wearing it like a belt buckle, without hiding a popping button, on future outfits.

What is your favorite way to wear a vintage brooch?

Outfit details:


Perfect pleated skirt

small pleated skirt pleated skirt for spring and summer DSC_0328how to style a pleated skirtblack and white pleated skirtgivenchy and a pleated skirt

Pictured: Earrings: Kendra Scott / Sunglasses: Dior (sold out, similar here) / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Top: Gibson / Chain bracelet: Kendra Scott / Small cuff: Kendra Scott / Nail Polish: Chanel Mariniere / Handbag: Givenchy / Skirt: TopShop / Shoes: Valentino (old, current season here)

Pleated skirts have been a hot trend for the past couple of seasons. I have shied away from the trend since I am on the short side. At 5’4″ I have found that full midi skirts add weight to my short legs. Since the majority of small pleated skirts are either metallic, or a solid color, I found the style did not suit my body type.

Fast forward to spring 2016! TopShop came out with the perfect pleated skirt for those of us who want to wear the small pleated skirt trend, without looking like a giant ball of fabric! This black and white pleated skirt alternates colors in a varied pattern. The pattern is ideal for minimizing the fullness of the skirt. The lines bring the fullness down, without sacrificing any pleats, or skimping on fabric. It is all an illusion! Love that!

I am not sure if TopShop had short-legged, long-waisted ladies like me in mind when they designed their skirt, but I think they made the perfect pleated skirt for women everywhere with my body type; or any body type for that matter. Who doesn’t love a slimming silhouette?! Thank you TopShop!

For spring, I love wearing this small pleated skirt for church, and dressier occasions. When the warm summer temperatures begin a month from now, I am looking forward to wearing this skirt casually with flats, flat sandals, and a lightweight tee. I think a bucket bag would complete the casual, summer look I have in mind!

If you are looking for a slimming, pleated skirt to wear now, and throughout the summer season, this is the skirt of your dreams! I know it is the pleated skirt of my dreams! Love!

Thanks for stopping by,

XOXO

Cathy

Outfit details:


black and white pleated skirt


How to style a circle bag for summer

how to style a circle bag

mansur gavriel small circle bag scarf skirt for summer mansur gavriel small circle bag aquazurra tie up shoes scarf skirt for summer aquazurra tie up shoes

Pictured: Earrings: Kendra Scott / Sunglasses: Chanel / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa / Necklace: Kendra Scott / Top: Gibson / Skirt: Banana Republic / Bracelet: Kendra Scott / Nail Polish: Chanel Mariniere / Handbag: Mansur Gavriel / Shoes: Aquazurra

When Mansur Gavriel first showcased their new circle bag at fashion week, I knew I had to have one. I was not exactly sure how to style a circle bag, but I figured I would find a way to make this vintage inspired piece modern.

I fell in love with this scarf skirt from Banana Republic when I first laid eyes on it. It happened to arrive the same week as my new Mansur Gavriel circle bag, which made me realize; this is how to style a circle bag for summer! Yes!

The circle bag looks perfect with this skirt. I love the cammello tan leather with the red based print. I think the colors work well together. In addition to this skirt, I have found this circle bag also plays well with casual prints, and denim. It takes on a modern look when paired with flares, as well as wide leg, printed pants. I love it!

hot to style a circle bag

I wore this outfit on Mother’s Day, and it felt comfortable, yet structured. I wore a tank top underneath the blouse, which meant I had two items tucked into the waist of my skirt. While it did add a little weight by being tucked in, I thought it worked well with the overall silhouette. The skirt is flowing, yet full. It definitely needs a tucked in top, or a crop top.

My kids thought my circle bag was a lot of fun, they continually reached inside. I think zipping, and unzipping a circle was novel to them. They had a blast! If you follow me on Instagram, you may have spotted the photo where my son made a paper flower at church for Mother’s Day, and decorated my circle bag with it. Loved it!

If you like the look of Mansur Gavriel’s circle bag, but are wondering how functional the bag may be, never fear, my review will be here! On Friday I will post my full review of Mansur Gavriel’s circle bag.

I hope you had a fabulous Mother’s Day last weekend, thank you for stopping by, and stay fabulous 😉

Outfit details:


how to style a circle bag for summerhow to wear a circle bag