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).

Insta-Life Take 5

Personal style, Warby Parker, Fashion

1. Moving outfit with gingham Converse (love these) and printed chambray 2. Warby Parker at home try-on 3. A little nautical look

Instagram, Badgley Mishka

4. Delicious cocktail and Ray-Ban sunnies 5. Outfit with J. Crew blouse, Cynthia Rowley scarf, and James Jeans (last seen here) 6. Badgley Mishka bag 

Blogger style, Foodie, Fashion

7. Casual outfit with Threads blouse, J. Crew chinos, and Steve Madden loafers (last seen here) 8. Scallop dinner – too pretty not to snap a picture 9. Casual look with vintage maxi skirt (last seen here)

Follow me at Hillary_ChristineB

Fun with Warby Parker – The At Home Try-On

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the amazingly affordable and insanely chic eyewear brand Warby Parker, here is a rundown of what they do…
Warby Parker logo

A collaboration between four close friends, Warby Parker was conceived as an alternative to the overpriced and bland eyewear available today. Prescription eyewear simply should not cost $300+. The industry is controlled by a few large companies that have kept prices artificially high, reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options. By circumventing traditional channels and engaging with customers directly through our website, Warby Parker is able to provide higher-quality, better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the price. In addition, for every pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses purchased, we provide a pair to someone in need. (text courtesy of Warby Parker)

So basically, what’s not to love? Oh wait, and did I mention they offer free at-home try-on? Here are the five frames I played around with at home… which is your favorite on me? Weigh in, in the comments!

Begley, Warby Parker, Home Try-On

Fillmore, Warby Parker, Eyeglasses

Clyde, Warby Parker, eyeglasses

Baxter, Warby Parker, Home Try-On

Downing, Warby Parker, eyeglasses

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

1 Piece 3 Ways: Madewell Tee, Part 3

Badgely Mishka bag, Madewell tee, Rayban clubmaster

Stripes, Madewell tee, Spring fashion

Ray-Ban sunglasses, Madewell tee, Lucky Brand jeans

Badgey Mishka bag, Madewell tee, Lucky Brand jeans

And here it is, my friends… Part three of my 1 piece 3 ways series featuring this adorable and fun Madewell mixed-print tee! This simple but chic look is a go-to for me on these warmer Spring weekends. Also carrying my favorite new splurge, a Badgley Mishka bag featuring a fantastic jolt of green. Which look is your favorite: work, date or weekend? Happy Friday!

Wearing – Madewell tee, Lucky Brand jeans (similar), Steve Madden booties c/o (love these too), Badgley Mishka bag (in yellow), Ray-Ban sunglasses, Michael Kors watch, Presh bracelet, vintage and Alison Moses ring (love this snake ring too)

P.S. Extra love for Boston this week after a tragic and tough Marathon Monday. There are lots of ways you can help out those who were affected, so please do what you can! XO

1 Piece, 3 Ways: Madewell Tee, Part 2

Madewell Tee, H&M skirt, Steve Madden heels

Spring fashion, Madewell tee, H&M skirt

Personal style blog, Spring fashion, Madewell tee

Steve Madden sandals, Spring fashion, Personal style blog

To transition this mixed-print Tee to a fun date night, I paired it with a high-waist skirt in an on-season green hue and sexy ankle-strap sandals. I also added gold jewelry to make the look a little extra special. Other great options for a date night include a leather skirt or shorts, skinny jeans and pumps, or a romantic, pleated midi-skirt. How would you style this Tee for a night out? Stay tuned for the final look: comfortable and chic for daytime!

Wearing – Madewell tee, H&M skirt (old, similar), Steve Madden sandals c/o (last seen here), Via Spiga belt (old, similar), vintage collar necklace (love this version), gifted bangle, Presh wrap bracelet, Gorjana rings (here and here)