Splurge v. Steal: Army-Inspired Jacket

Splurge v. Steal: Army-Inspired Jacket
 via Polyvore
I purchased an army-inspired parka several years ago, and it is still a go-to piece in my wardrobe for every season. It is the perfect topper for everything from feminine dresses to cut-off shorts… Whether you want to spend a lot or a little, here are two great versions that are sure to be a closet favorite. Take your pick!
Splurge: Rag & Bone for $550
Steal: Free People for $98

Summertime Wish List

Summertime Wishlist
1. Summer Scarf (Theodora & Callum) 2. Quirky Clutch (Kate Spade) 3. Fun Sneakers (Keds) 4. Hot pink lips 5. Effortlessly Chic Jumper (Ted Baker) 6. Retro-Inspired Bikini (Topshop, bottom/top) 7. White Wide-Leg Trousers (Gucci) 8. Shorts Suit (**any suggestions??**)
>> What pieces and beauty updates are you craving for Summer? Share with me in the comments!

Insta-Life, Part 6

Shoemint, ootd, Kate Spade

1. Romy heels c/o Shoemint (similar), 2. OOTD featuring bright pink trousers (similar), 3. favorite new Kate Spade bag (seen here)

OOTD, NIC+ZOE, Logo Tee, Browns Lobster Pound

4. OOTD featuring NIC+ZOE sweater and James Jeans, 5. Juicy Couture logo tee, 6. Best fried seafood ever at Browns

Personal Style, Boston blogger, Bruins

7. OOTD featuring Steve Madden loafers, 8. Mini Golf fail, 9. Go Bruins!! 

Follow me at Hillary_ChristineB

Classic Chic

Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse, J. Crew denim, Steve Madden sandals

Ray Ban sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse, Classic chic outfit

Kate Spade bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse, Michael Kors watch

J. Crew denim, Steve Madden sandals, Personal Style blog

Ray Ban sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse, Personal style blog

Classic chic outfit, Fashion basics, Spring style

Steve Madden sandals, Spring shoes, Mint accessories

When in doubt, I always reach for a pair of straight leg or boyfriend jeans, an easy, oxford blouse, and a great pair of shoes. This foolproof ensemble always looks effortlessly chic, which is what every woman strives for, isn’t it?

Wearing – J. Crew jeans (similar), Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse (similar), Steve Madden sandals c/o, Kate Spade bag, Bauble Bar earrings (similar) and bracelet, Michael Kors watch, Turquoise ring (boutique find), Ray Ban sunglasses

Splurge vs. Steal: Tweed Jacket

Splurge vs. Steal: Tweed Jacket
Why spend upwards of $600 on the perfect Spring topper when you can get a similar style for just $188? It’s a no brainer – Get a tweedy knit in your favorite hue at NIC+ZOE to pair with white jeans, denim cutoffs, a classic shift, a flirty skirt… the options are endless for this Spring wardrobe must-have. Take your pick…
Splurge: Oscar de la Renta for the Outnet, Alice + Olivia, or Lanvin
Steal: NIC+ZOE at nicandzoe.com

Seeing Stripes

Derek Lam for Kohls, Kate Spade bag, Steve Madden booties

Derek Lam for Kohls dress, Striped dress, Kate Spade bag

Bauble Bar bracelet, Kate Spade bag, Leather wrap bracelet

Derek Lam for Kohls dress, Boston blogger, how to wear stripes

Never ones to pass up a designer diffusion collection, my Mom and I picked out this number from the Derek Lam for Kohl’s line that launched recently. I love the combination of colors in this dress and its versatility – I can wear this dress to the office, out to dinner, or with flats and a scarf on the weekends. This piece is definitely joining the ranks of my go-anywhere Summer dresses…

Wearing – Derek Lam for Kohls dress (lusting over this one), Steve Madden booties c/o, Necklace via Off-Fifth, Kate Spade bag (purchased in last week’s major sale), vintage and Gorjana rings (here and here), similar watch, and Bauble Bar bracelet

Farmer’s Market Florals

LOFT jacket, floral maxi, Ray-Ban clubmaster

Personal style, Boston blogger, Spring style

Spring fashion, Floral maxi, Steve Madden booties

Personal style, Boston fashion blog, Ray-Ban clubmaster

Spring fashion, LOFT jacket, floral trend

I wore this outfit to peruse a Farmer’s Market with the manfriend last weekend… I balanced out the femininity of the floral skirt with a basic v-neck T and a worn-in parka. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating that maxi skirts and dresses look effortlessly chic and are insanely comfortable, which makes for a perfect weekend get-up.

Wearing – Maxi skirt (old, similar), H&M tee, LOFT jacket (old, lusting over this one), Steve Madden booties c/o (similar), Ray-Ban Clubmaster shades, BaubleBar bracelet, Gorjana rings (here and here), Anthropologie earrings, Watch (similar)

1 Piece, 3 Ways: Floral Pencil Skirt

1 Piece, 3 Ways: Floral Pencil Skirt
I love the unexpected mix of a bright floral print with a classic pencil skirt. This piece makes a statement, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear it all the time. Here are three unique ways to style such a bright skirt for weekend, work, and evening.
Look 1: Dress the skirt down with an easy striped T-shirt and sneakers. A denim jacket balances out the mix of patterns, and simple accessories won’t compete.
Graham & Spencer top, Madewell jacket, Keds sneakers, Forever 21 bracelets, Karen Walker sunnies
Look 2: A feminine peplum top adds sophistication, creating an office-appropriate look. Add chic pumps and a bold necklace in complementary hues for an extra touch of personality. A classic leather bag and trench in neutral colors keep the look polished.
DKNY top, Martin Grant trench coat, Charlotte Olympia pumps, Armani Exchange watch, Michael Kors bag, similar necklace
Look 3: This skirt packs a punch, so for evening accent it with black. A crop top (or full tank if you aren’t comfortable with putting your abs on display), sexy heels, and an accent bag are the perfect pieces to accompany such a playful skirt.
Nomia crop top (similar), Jimmy Choo sandals, Kelly Wearstler clutch, Bottega Veneta ring 

Bringing Back the Potato Sack

Michael Kors dress, BaubleBar necklace, BCBG booties

Michael Kors dress, BaubleBar necklace, Personal style blog

Personal Style Blog, Boston blogger, Michael Kors dress

Boston blogger, Michael Kors dress, Personal style blog

Personal style blog, BCBG Booties, fashion blog

I can just hear my dear Mother saying “You need a belt with that” and normally, I would totally agree. However, the asymmetry of this Michael Kors dress creates better angles which allow me to get away with not wearing a belt. Plus, every once and a while, you just feel like throwing on a potato-sack dress with some great accessories and calling it a day…. And this was one of those times. (Sorry, Mom)

Wearing – Michael Kors dress (cool, similar version here), BCBG booties (old), BaubleBar necklace, gifted bangle, Gorjana rings (here and here)

P.S. I’m totally loving this new City of Boston view as a backdrop for my photos – aren’t you?

Stripes and Leopard

J. Crew top, Lucky Brand jeans, Straw fedora

Personal style blog, fashion, Boston blogger

(bangs need a trim, eh?)

Kenneth Cole bag, Michael Kors watch, Bauble Bar bracelet

Personal Style blog, Boston, Fashion

Forgive my absence from the blogosphere – I’ve been busy figuring out my new job and my new city of Boston, with little time to update my site… But I’m back, and here is a weekend look that took me to Newbury Street for a leisurely walk and smoothies with the manfriend. You really can’t go wrong with a comfy striped top, jeans, and a broken-in pair of loafers. What’s your go-to weekend casual?

Wearing – Lucky Brand jeans (similar), J. Crew sweatshirt (love this similar top), Steve Madden loafers (similar), Kenneth Cole bag (gift), Gorjana rings (here and here), Michael Kors watch, Presh bracelet, BaubleBar bracelet, and straw fedora (last seen here).