It's finally here! It feels like I have been working on this video version of my "How To: Tie A Silk Scarf 5 Ways" post, but it's finally done. You can view the video below or over on my YouTube channel.
How To Style The Classic Shirtdress For Spring
The classic shirtdress is easily one of the most versatile and timeless pieces you can have your closet. This staple can not only be dressed up or down effortlessly, but it also calls to mind the too oft forgotten dressing of days gone by. Whether worn by Grace Kelly in Monaco or Audrey Hepburn in Manhattan, the shirtdress has not only stood the test of time, but has also managed to get better with age.
Part of this longevity I think is due to the comfort that shirtdresses provide. In fact, despite being a dress I find that they are some of the most comfortable items I own. When constructed of super soft cotton the shirtdress is not only breathable and airy but also the perfect layering piece for all four seasons. During the spring and summer you can easily wear yours alone or with the sleeves rolled up and then with sweaters, tights and blazers as the temperatures cool.
For an early spring day in the city, I couldn't resist pulling out my shirtdress for a casual but put-together look. To bring out the rich navy blue stripes in the dress I paired it with my favorite cognac accessories. In order to prevent the look from feeling too precious I mixed my single strand faux pearl necklace and bold gold bracelets. The final look was classic and comfortable and I felt perfectly dressed for both a lazy afternoon stroll and early outdoor dinner.
Dress: Polo Ralph Lauren / Bellt: Dooney & Bourke / Satchel: Dooney & Bourke / Necklace: Brooks Brothers / Bracelets: J. Crew / Ballet Flats: Chanel
Under $2oo
Under $100
Under $50
Until next time!
Minimalistic Dressing Tip: Monochrome Basics + Standout Accessories
When it comes to working with a minimized wardrobe, starting with a monochromatic base and then changing it up with standout accessories is key. I've mentioned this dressing tactic countless times on this blog before, but I want to discuss it again because I think it truly is the key to success and makes a huge difference when choosing an outfit that doesn't feel redundant. The first point to consider when paring down your wardrobe is to ensure that you begin with a foundation of staples that can mixed and matched across all four seasons. In order to act as the perfect base for outerwear and accessories, this collection of core pieces should be in neutral colors and high quality materials that can stand triumphantly alone, or gracefully under layers of necklaces, bracelets and more.
For this look, I started with a simple navy silk dress with an a-line cut and 3/4 length sleeves. While this dress can easily be worn alone with layers of necklaces and some great flats or heels, it also lays beautifully under sweaters, blazers, jackets and even vests without a ton of extra bulk. To suit the early spring temperatures here in the city, I did the latter and paired this dress with my go-to denim jacket, brown belt and brown ballet flats. I could have easily stopped there and been left with a simple yet classic look but I opted instead for rolling the sleeves slightly, throwing on a long tortoise shell necklace to pull out the brown in the accessories and carrying a statement clutch to set the whole look apart. By adding these last three elements I was able to take a basic look from basic pieces and make it a little more memorable. Whats even better is that I could have easily worn this same dress later in the week and made it look completely different just by swapping out the flats for ankle booties, the jacket for a pullover or cardigan, the belt and necklace for some great statement earrings, and the clutch for a cross body bag.
All in all, this look is one that I will undoubtedly wear again but I am also looking forward to styling this dress is many more ways during the warmer months. Below I have listed the items I'm wearing and have linked some similar pieces so that you can recreate the look yourself at different price points.
Dress: Club Monaco Murilla dress / Jacket: J. Crew / Belt: Vintage Dooney & Bourke (a similar one is available in the shop) / Necklace: J. Crew / Clutch: Louis Vuitton / Ballet Flats: Chanel
Under $100
Under $200
Under $300
How To: Tie A Square Silk Scarf 5 Ways
As you know, I love silk scarves. Not only do I love to collect these beauties, but I also love styling them in different ways and love to wear them almost every day. Whether tied on my handbag, in my hair or around my neck, I think silk scarves make the perfect addition to just about any look. For these reasons I thought it would be fun to share some of the top ways I style my silk scarves. The first installment in this new series will focus on the square scarf, and I will share 5 easy to recreate ways that I wear mine around my neck. In coming posts I will also share how I wear them on my purses, wrists, in my hair and more but for now, here are my 5 go-to ways of styling square scarves.
The V-Neck Back Tie
The first tie is one that I wear all the time because it's so easy. I've titled this tie the v-neck back tie because it is perfect for jazzing up v-neck t's and other open neck tops and blazers as I've done here. To achieve this....
- Fold the square in half so it's a triangle
- Now, tie the scarf around your neck with the v in front and the points in the back
- Play around with it until it looks right and you're done!
The Petite Side Knot
This scarf tie is perfect for higher necklines and even turtlenecks but like all the ties here, it can also be worn with open or lower necklines. To achieve this tie you will need a small square silk scarf and the following steps.
- Fold the scarf corner to corner so it's a small triangle
- Next, fold the scarf in half again so that the point of the triangle is touching the straight edge
- Now continue to fold the scarf on itself until you have a narrow rectangle
- At this point all you need to do is wrap the rectangle around your neck and tie it off to one side or in front
The Large Side Knot
The next tie is probably the one I wear most often because it compliments just about any outfit and can be worn with larger square scarves. This tie is almost identical to the "Petite Side Knot" except for one small difference outlined below.
- Follow steps 1-3 of the "Petite Side Knot" tie
- Once you have a long rectangle, wrap it around your neck twice until all you're left with is the two points of the rectangle
- Lastly, tie the ends together so that they slightly overlap the two wraps and are either facing the front or off to one side and you're good to go!
The V-Neck Front Tie
As you can probably tell from the name, this tie is almost identical to the "V-Neck Back Tie" and looks amazing with polos and button-downs. To achieve this look, grab your favorite medium or large square silk scarf and follow the steps below.
- Fold the scarf into a triangle and wrap it around your neck so that the points are in the back
- Bring both points around to the front and tie them over the v
- Arrange as you like and you're done
The Long Tie
I debated including this tie because it's almost too easy! That said though, it's also one of the reasons I love it so much. This tie looks amazing with crew neck sweaters and turtlenecks alike but can also be worn over tank tops in the summer because it hangs away from the neck. To achieve this, grab either a medium or large square scarf and follow these steps.
- Follow steps 1-3 of the "Petite Side Knot"
- When you have a long rectangle simply drape it around your neck so that both points are facing front
- Finally, tie the two points together as close to your neck as you like et voilà!
Until next time!
