Very few clothing items truly stand the test of time and fall under the “timeless” or “wardrobe essential” category. Leather jackets, a classic long coat, and certain handbags fall into that category. There is one fall essential that is also a closet staple- blazers. And there are blazers for every budget.
A Closet Staple
Blazers are never really going out of style and can be worn whether you work in an office or not. Even when worn with a T-shirt and jeans or sneakers, a blazer adds instant polish. If you don’t have one, consider starting your closet foundation with a black and houndstooth version. Personally, I prefer oversized fits to fitted but play around to see what looks best with your frame and goes with your closet. I really love the one I’m wearing by Eggie (<< love this brand, and most items are under $100!) but for the sake of fall wardrobe refreshes, I’ve rounded up my favorite blazers for every budget below. If you’re going to splurge on one item this fall, have it be a killer blazer (take it to your tailor for an even better fit).
With everything that is going on in the news now, I wanted to take a minute to address sustainability and influencer marketing. I think the environment is a really important topic on a lot of our minds. We could all do more to reduce our footprint that we are leaving on this planet. When it comes to being green and an influencer, it can get a little tricky. Of course it is possible to care about the environment and be an influencer for a living. But I couldn’t help but notice how many aspects of influencer marketing are wasteful. And probably not so great for the environment.
To begin with, influencers are essentially promoting consumerism all the time. By definition, brands utilize influencers to “influence” their target audience to purchase and consume certain products. The downside of our convenience driven, on-demand culture is starting to show in our environment. The reality is, having everything available to buy at the click of a button, with 2 day shipping and free returns, is not great for our planet. I am someone who straddles the line between consumer and influencer. Blogging on the side while maintaining a full time job gives me insight into a few different perspectives I might not otherwise have. I do feel guilt when I receive elaborate boxes of gifted products. Or when I only wear something once before giving it away.
As a disclaimer, this is not to bash on influencers in any way! I understand the market behind influencers, PR packages, gifted clothing, sponsored content – maybe a topic for another post – and am not implying in any way that it is bad or should not exist. I really wanted to take a moment and reflect on many of our purchase and consumption habits, and offer up simple ways to be less wasteful and a little more green. Some of my thoughts are more geared towards influencer marketing, but I think a more thoughtful approach to consumption is something we could all benefit from!
3 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Footprint As An Influencer
1. Say no to unnecessary gifted product
Yes, unboxing videos are fun, and who doesn’t love receiving presents in the mail? But at a certain point (you’ll know when your house starts to look like a UPS center), there is such a thing as too much product. Working with brands and sharing your favorite products is great and all. But if you’re not using all of your beauty and skincare products, and you’re not even wearing everything you receive, it might be time to start cutting back and telling brands to limit the PR packages. It also feels wasteful when a brand sends their entire line of foundation or concealer. Obviously, one person cannot have every skin tone! Some brands have recently started including options for recycling unused product with their PR packages. This is a move I love and can certainly get behind.
2. Conscious consumption
On a similar note, we all stand to benefit from looking at our closets and bathrooms. Let’s examine what we actually use and wear on a regular basis. By only buying items and clothing we actually use and practicing more conscious purchasing behaviors, we’ll be gentler on both our wallets and the environment. Eliminating or reducing your purchases at fast fashion retailers is a simple step as well you can take.
3. Consider renting clothing
Hey, there is absolutely zero shame in the rental game. I wrote a review about Rent the Runway’s Unlimited service a while back. After taking a break and trying it out again, I have to say it has become greatly improved! The selection of designers and items on the platform continue to get better. If the chance of wearing the same dress as your coworker or best friend doesn’t sound so fun to you, never fear! A whole slew of new high-end rental companies are popping up. Check out Fashaholic, Armarium, and Novo Octo. I’ve been using the Unlimited service for the last month and already rented some items I absolutely love – including this Ulla Johnson maxi dress that is wearable for both work and play.
What are your thoughts on incorporating more sustainability into your everyday life as a fashion girl?
Dressing for the office is oh so tricky in the summer.
Even if it’s 90 degrees outside, chances are your office is blasting the air conditioning and you’re probably freezing. This is the perpetual dilemma for pretty much even woman I know who works in an office. Some real solutions involve leaving a warm jacket or blanket at the office, or even bringing in your own space heater. An ideal outfit for warm days and cold offices is a midi dress – stylish enough to wear to happy hour but also work appropriate for your office dress code (just be sure to layer if you get cold!). One of my favorites this summer has been this purple printed midi dress from Astr the Label (< if you haven’t checked out this brand yet be sure to – I love their midi/maxi dresses and casual summer tops). If you’re looking for some inspiration for summer office style, look no further!
Summer Midi Dresses Perfect for the Office
+ LoveShackFancy Rebecca Midi Dress – LoveShackFancy has consistently been one of my favorite brands this year. I love their feminine and romantic styles, every one makes me feel like I’m going to a tea party (in the best way possible). Their email newsletters are beautifully styled as well, and one of the few brand emails I actually look forward to receiving and opening.
+ MISA Rania Midi Dress – I love the details on this dress. Florals, ruffles, a high neck. Elegant yet playful.
+ Reformation Mary Dress – the epitome of hot girl summer in a midi dress form. Yes, it’s animal print – but don’t fear, it’s still appropriate for the office layered a chic blazer on top.
+ Ulla Johnson Aliya Dress – bohemian office style at its finest. If you’re looking to add modern yet bohemian style clothing to your wardrobe, look no further than Ulla Johnson. The dresses are loose and flowy, but you don’t end up looking like a shapeless sack of potatoes.
+ Keepsake Passion Midi Dress – if you’re not afraid of prints, opt for this polka dot midi dress from Keepsake. The fabric is lightweight so you can walk outside and still feel cool.
In a perfect world, my shoe closet would like this. In reality, you can’t always get what you want (cue the song now…). I LOVE shopping but have to be conscious of how much I spend, it’s very easy to go overboard when it comes to shoes and accessories! Luckily it’s more about spending smart and not overspending. I’m all about maximizing, not blowing my budget. It takes a little more effort to mix high and low, but I promise it’s worth it.
I’m always look for the most affordable denim, tops, & of course shoes.
There will always be another pair to lust after. That’s why it’s so incredibly satisfying to me when I can find a designer shoe look a like for less. I usually turn to a handful of trusty and affordable shoe brands to fill my closet with shoes that are high quality and look expensive, but also won’t break the bank.
Always reliable and reasonably priced. I especially like Steve Madden for trendy sandals and heels. The quality can sometimes be hit or miss, so always try them on and test for fit and comfort before fully committing. Sometimes you can find a really, really convincing dupe for a designer pair. I’ve consistently had good luck with their sandals and other summer styles – these tend not to last as long as boots and sneakers, so you won’t be sacrificing too much on quality for the price.
Topshop’s affordable shoe brands always kill the game. You can find almost any style for between $50-$150. The best part is these shoes LAST. I wore my flatforms to death this summer and have also found their boots to be very sturdy. Topshop has been my go-to destination for mules, boots, and sandals.
I recently discovered this brand and could not get over how cute and affordable their shoes are. Most items are under $100! Their shoes are perfect for the office – be sure to check out their heels and other work appropriate shoes.
Revolve’s in house shoe line has been consistently coming out with on trend and affordable styles. The shoes are actually quite well made and hold up even if you wear them to death (which I’ve certainly done!)
Sassy, edgy, and urban. You’ll find the best designer dupes and on trend styles from Public Desire. If you’re looking for an on trend and daring style, Public Desire should be your first destination. I get so many questions and compliments on my Yeezy dupes.
Zara does fast fashion best and their affordable shoe brands are no exception. If you’re looking for a straight off the runway style, Zara is always a safe bet. Plus, new styles are being added every week! And YAY to their US online store (+ free returns ; )) making life so much easier. Their selection of boots right now is ON POINT. Can someone PLEASE explain why they don’t carry size 7 in shoes?
I try not to shop too much fast fashion, personally. But if you are looking for the season’s trendiest shoes at a fraction of the cost, I can almost guarantee you’ll find it at Zara.
For girls that want a little more edge for their shoe game. I’m especially a fan of JC’s booties – I wore the same pair of booties for over 6 years before retiring them. The quality of their leather and suede shoes is great. They look and feel great for the price, most items are around $200
When it comes to trends I love, I’m definitely a repeat offender. You don’t even want to know how many off the shoulder tops, slip dresses, and chokers I’ve acquired over the past couple years.
Lately, I’ve been noticing STARS everywhere. I think they make the cutest print – remember this dress? Still obsessed. However, THIS Forever 21 dress is one of my favorite items I’ve purchased lately. And a total steal at $22!
I’m getting ready for fall fashion, but in the meantime dresses are still my go-to.
Adding some simple accessories always helps to complete the look. I only wash my hair 2x a week so a hat is a MUST after day 2. Also currently loving mules. Flat versions for daytime, heeled for nighttime.
What are your favorite affordable shoe brands? And, is everyone getting excited for fall fashion?? I just dusted off my OTK boots… I cannot wait!
Aside from being motivated to work out more when wearing cute clothes, new workout gear is actually functional as well. If you workout on the reg and have been wearing the same clothes for a few years, chances are it’s time to toss your old leggings and tank and invest in some new gear. Believe it or not, the fabric in most workout clothes won’t hold up past a year (high quality brands such as Lululemon and Alo hold up for much longer, in my experience) before you notice threads coming loose and hems fraying. Quality doesn’t always equal price, but with workout clothes you get what you pay for. I’ve had Lululemon leggings from 6+ years ago that look better than brands that shall not be named after 6 months. If you’re looking for some stylish new clothes to sweat or lounge in, look no further for inspiration.
These have been on my wishlist for a while. The neon color is so fun. They also come in slightly more muted hues if you want something a little more low key. These can be styled to be a little more uptown as well by pairing a biker shorts with a blazer.
It’s hard to imagine wearing a black jacket outside right now. But trust me when I say that in a month or two you will be happy to have one. A zip up is ideal for running around and walking outside. Plus, you have the added bonus of actually looking cute enough to swing by a coffee or brunch date after your workout.
I bought a matching set from All Access earlier this year. It’s possibly my favorite fitness purchase of the year to date. The fabric is moisture wicking and cooling, and the waistband on the leggings is so flattering. I’m a recent convert to biker shorts (so late to the trend, I know) – this pair from All Access works on the street and in the gym.
I live in lounge pants over the weekend. I wish I could say I looked put together walking my dog or running errands, but I’m really all about comfort over fashion 90% of the time. These are perfect for travel as well.
