Fashion Friday: Alexa Chung Inspired Fall Look

Alexa Chung Inspired Fall Look by haleympettit featuring BB Dakota

H M white blouse, $62 / BB Dakota coat, $150 / Paige Denim black skinny jeans, $305 / River Island black boots / H M daypack, $39

It-girl Alexa Chung is an icon of current British style. Whether dressed in a menswear inspired suit, a feminine vintage party dress, or sporty basics, Alexa can make any piece of clothing look cool and modern.

For this Alexa-inspired fall outfit, I decided to go with one of her signature looks: black skinny jeans, a white button-down, black chelsea boots, and a plaid coat. The look is very neutral, maintaining a chic palette, but the different textures add visual interest. I also added a cool black backpack for a playful touch.

To really embrace the Alexa Chung look, try parting messy curls straight down the middle, and add a black kohl liner for drama. Her hair & makeup style adds a bit of rock-and-roll to an otherwise polished look.

Do you love Alexa's style as much as I do?! Which celebs or fashion-it-girls are inspiring your fall style?

XOXO

Fashion Friday: How to Style Flared Jeans - Four Ways!

One of my favorite trends this season is the return of flared jeans! I'm glad to see them back in fashion favor and available in a variety of washes, styles, and degrees-of-flare-i-ness. 

Before I get into four different ways to style your flares, here are two basic shopping tips to help you find the perfect pair:

• Look for a high waistline. An emphasized waist will balance out the volume toward the bottom of your legs.
• Make sure they're long enough. When it comes to flared jeans, I think it's always better to buy long - if they shrink, you'll be able to wear them with flats or tennis shoes, and if they don't, you can rock them with a chunky heeled clog or boot. Too-short flares are unflattering and don't really look good with any shoe. 

Look #1: Boho-Glam

This look is all about embracing that 70s vibe. I've paired a lighter-wash flare with a fitted grey turtleneck, flowy burgundy coat, and chunky heels for a glamorous fall look.

How to Style Flared Jeans: Boho-Glam by haleympettit featuring leather shoes

Gap long sleeve sweater / Red coat / Blue jeans, $255 / Topshop leather shoes / MICHAEL Michael Kors handbag / Mudd heart ring

Look #2: Parisian-Chic

This simple look is inspired by the classic glamorous look des femmes Parisiennes - each piece is timeless and will never go out of style. I paired a medium-wash flare with a red & white striped tee, khaki trench, and black loafers for this chic and comfy look.

How to Style Flared Jeans: Parisian - Chic by haleympettit featuring steve madden loafers

Comme des Garçons striped t shirt / Club Monaco tie belt, $330 / Frame Denim flared jeans / Steve madden loafer / Mansur Gavriel leather crossbody purse

Look #3: Sporty

This look also channels a bit of the 70s vibe - with light-wash flares, a raglan baseball tee, letterman-style sweater, and Adidas, you've got a fresh athletic outfit.

How to Style Flared Jeans: Sporty by haleympettit featuring a patch shirt

Patch shirt / Jersey tee / Forever 21 high waisted flared jeans / Adidas originals trainers, $110 / Poverty Flats faux leather backpack

Look #4: Clean & Polished

For this final look, I wanted to show a more formal approach. By pairing a button down top and cropped sweater with a dark-wash flare, this look is more business-appropriate. For a little fun and even more height, I also included a chunky-heeled boot.

How to Style Flared Jeans: Clean & Polished by haleympettit featuring anne klein jewelry

Rebecca Taylor black mesh top / Glamorous sleeveless blouse, $31 / Frame denim jeans / Jeffrey Campbell black bootie / 3 1 Phillip Lim mini purse / Anne klein jewelry

Will you be wearing flared jeans this season? If so, what's your favorite way to style them?

XOXO

Fashion Friday: Fall 2015 Wish List

Today's Fashion Friday post is my Fall 2015 Wish List. Each fall, there are a few trends that catch my eye, and this year is no different! While I don't believe in blindly following trends, I love how fashion is always changing and it's fun to try new styles (or old styles that have been reinvented). This fall, there are four particular pieces that I want to try to infuse into my wardrobe. Click through my polyvore slideshow to see what I chose!

Fall 2015 Wish List by haleympettit on polyvore.com

What's on your Fall Fashion Wish List? Do you like to keep up with trends or stick to your own signature style?

XOXO

Fashion Friday: Back to School Look #4 - Fashion Math!

Fashion Math by haleympettit featuring rebecca minkoff jewelry

Navy blue top / Mini t shirt / Ally Fashion blue high waisted jeans, $26 / Miss Selfridge faux leather boots / Rebecca minkoff jewelry / H M print scarve, $11

When you've got a lunch to make, a test to study for, a reading to finish, and a club meeting to plan, the last thing you want to worry about in the morning is your outfit. Unless you wear a uniform, your closet can hold an overwhelming number of options. Having your own "uniform" is a great way to know you have options - but options that work together.

In this set, I've shared one of my favorite "outfit formulas". I generally plan this outfit around the scarf and sweater - if you have a lot of neutral tees and blue denim jeans, you can easily pair anything with a coordinating scarf & sweater. Then, all you have to do is add simple earrings and a pair of brown, black, or grey booties. It doesn't get much easier!

So there you go - Fashion Math 101. A simple outfit equation for a fabulous fall look.

What's your go-to "fashion formula" for back to school? Or do you mix it up everyday?

XOXO

Fashion Friday: Back to School Look #3 (Gossip Girl Inspired!)

Gossip Girl Inspired Back to School Look by haleympettit featuring a blue top

Elizabeth and James blue top, $165 / Long shirt / Miss Selfridge short shorts, $44 / Forever 21 shoes / Deena Ozzy black bag, $77 / Marni hair accessory, $67 / 1928 red hair accessory

Although Gossip Girl ended a few years ago, the fashion still seems relevant. Perhaps it's the timelessness of the preppy look, or the way the show captured the quintessential Upper-East-Side style. Whatever the case, I love how Gossip Girl mixed high fashion with uniform basics, especially the costuming of Queen B - Blair Waldorf.

For a Gossip Girl inspired back to school look, you've got to start with your uniform: A white button-down shirt and a navy sweater vest. Then, add a bit of high fashion through high-waisted faux-suede shorts (with a preppy bow). When it comes to shoes, flats are the perfect mix of fashion and function. To accessorize, choose vintage-inspired pieces like this velvet hair bow and these Downton-Abbey inspired bobby pins. Although Blair would prefer a designer handbag over a backpack, this ruby-red backpack has just the right amount of style and space to hold books.

Don't forget the last ingredient: your Queen B attitude! What are your favorite tv shows & movies for fashion inspiration? Whose style will you be drawing from for this back to school season?

XOXO
Gossip Girl
(just kidding!)

Fashion Friday: Back to School Look #2

Back To School Look: Cozy Friday by haleympettit featuring acrylic drinkware

Aéropostale aeropostale t shirt / Uniqlo pink sweater, $7.65 / The North Face waterproof jacket / Zara skinny jeans / American Trench navy socks / Ankle boots / JanSport laptop bag / France Luxe ribbon hair tie / Ban do acrylic drinkware

After the excitement of a new school year fades and the weather starts to turn blustery, it's good to have some cozy basics to throw on. A rain jacket, sweatshirt, and slouchy tee may not seem like the most fashionable choices while you're shopping, but when test days roll around you'll be glad to have them in your closet.

For this comfy look, throw on your favorite pair of skinny jeans with a simple tee shirt and a cozy sweatshirt. Choose a pair of shoes that are comfortable like low-heeled boots or a pair of tennis shoes. (And don't forget fun socks!) Finally, put on a rain jacket for an extra layer of warmth and for wind/rain protection.

For an extra cozy day, bring a warm drink in a travel mug! I also included hair ties in this look because it's always a good idea to keep a few extra in your backpack for when you want to get your hair out of your face during a test or a long class.

To be honest, I probably wore an outfit like this everyday during the fall and winter of my academic life! There's nothing cozier than a warm sweatshirt or sweater and your comfiest boots.

What do you like to wear to stay comfy and cozy at school?

XOXO

Fashion Friday: Back to School Look #1

Back to School Outfit - Warm First Days by haleympettit featuring Dakine

PrAna color block tee / Planner Blue Sky .5" 11" True Khaki / Converse white trainers / Marc by Marc Jacobs studded jewelry / Kate spade pencil pouch / I am a coloured pencil, $19 / Dakine outdoor

I know how tempting it can be to snip off the tags on your new jeans and sweater for the first day back at school, but more often than not the weather is still a bit summery. You want your back to school outfits to have a fall look, but you don't want to be sweating in the middle of class!

I think the best way to transition from summer to fall clothes is to start incorporating warmer, richer colors into your outfits. For this look, I paired an orange tee with a cute denim skirt and classic Converse high-tops. 70s inspired fashion is big this fall, and this look channels a bit of that style in a school (and sun) friendly way.

Of course, no back to school look would be complete without a backpack! I actually own this Dakine backpack - it has little woodland animals on it, but the majority of it is a neutral navy blue that goes with anything. Also, don't forget your school supplies! Check out my last post on school supply shopping for making sure you've got everything you need.

What's your favorite way to dress in the back to school season? Check back every Friday this August for more ideas & inspiration!

XOXO

School Supply Shopping Tips & List

School supply shopping has always been one of my absolute favorite things to do. I love browsing through all the ads, checking off everything on my list, and packing it all up in my backpack for the first day. Shopping for school supplies has always been a fun tradition in my family - I think our love for office supplies is genetic! 

Here are some tips to make your school supply shopping trip fun and productive:

• Make a list beforehand. Think about which classes you're taking and what you'll need for each one. If you're taking geometry or calculus, for example, you'll probably need graph paper and a calculator. 
• Stock up on essentials while they're on sale. I'm always amazed at how the prices of simple items like filler paper increase once the back to school season is over. Buying a few packs now might seem like overkill, but when you need it - you need it!
• Take a friend! It's fun to have someone to help you keep track of your list, and you can split some items like packs of pens, pencils, sticky notes, and erasers.

My School Supply Shopping List:

1. Planner - A planner is the perfect place to keep track of assignments, due dates, and random notes/ideas. This one is from Target's Dollar Spot - and it's totally cute!
2. Pencil Case - Having all your pens and pencils in one spot will keep them from floating around your backpack and marking up everything else. Plus, it's a perfect spot to keep other small items like paper clips, chapstick, and sticky notes.
3. Folders & Filler Paper - For classes that are hand-out heavy, a folder with filler paper might be all you need. You might need more storage - like a binder/notebook - if you're taking a year-long course, but a folder with paper is a simple solution for the first days back before you know more specifically what you'll need. 
4. Notebooks - I love spiral notebooks for note taking and writing. When I take notes and brainstorm paper ideas, I like the space and freedom to visually record all the ideas and connections that pass through my mind. 
5. Homework and Project Tools - You never know when you'll need a glue stick, scissors, tape, a stapler, or a ruler! I consider these essential tools to have at home for those random creative assignments that pop up.
6. Sticky Notes - Sticky notes are great for note-taking while you're reading and for marking important information in your notes or textbooks. They're also good for writing yourself reminders. 
7. Pens & Pencils - When it comes to pens and pencils, I prefer to always overpack! Pencils and pens tend to disappear, so it's good to have extras with you at all times.
8. Post-It Page Page Flags - I love these page flags for studying. They say "ON TEST", "STUDY", and "TO DO". These were especially handy when I was taking French, because the tests would cover material from many different chapters and sections.
9. Note Cards - I can't even imagine how many note cards I went through in my academic career. From Art History flashcards to French verb conjugations and grammar rules, note cards are an essential tool for studying. The simple act of writing out the information again is a great way to study, plus you have a convenient way to study on the bus or between classes. 

What's on your school supply shopping list? 

XOXO

Fashion Friday: Cara Delevingne Inspired Look

Cara Delevingne by haleympettit featuring blue jeans

Cara Delevingne is one of biggest names in fashion right now. She somehow fuses proper British staples with playful street style to create a look that is all her own. One of the things I love most about Cara is that she isn't afraid of fashion - she embraces prints and accessories, and she is a master of layering.

For a Cara Delevingne inspired look, I think it's essential to start with a pair of great jeans. Luckily, denim is having a major fashion moment, so it's not to hard to find great jeans that make a statement - either through patchwork or appliqué.

To make a unique pair of jeans more wearable, go with a no-fail white button-down blouse. I also think a fun color-blocked sweater is a great piece for layering on top of a collared shirt.

No Cara Delevingne look would be complete without her signature stylish backpack (Mulberry's Cara Delevingne Bag) and a pair of black of boots. I love these chunky-heeled Hunter boots.

For accessories, go with a statement ear cuff or earrings, and pile on delicate rings. And of course, for makeup, you must go for a fierce brow and black eyeliner. Cara wouldn't have it any other way.

The absolutely essential ingredients to a Cara Delevingne inspired look? A hint of mischief in the eyes and confidence in your step.

Do you love Cara as much as I do? What other celebrities are inspiring your fashion choices at the moment?

XOXO

Fashion Friday: How To Style A Denim Jacket

How To Style Denim Jackets by haleympettit featuring a denim jacket

Today's #fashionfriday post is all about how I would style a denim jacket in the summer. I recently received a hand-me-down Gap denim jacket from my mom, and I was trying to figure out what I could pair it with. Denim jackets tend to be a little stiff, so I think they look best when layered over soft fabrics that flow and aren't form fitted. I'm also a big fan of denim-on-denim, as long as the two shades are noticeably different.

In this set, I've paired a denim jacket with white jeans and a striped top for a casual day look, and with a color-blocked dress for a bright night look. I love how denim jackets automatically add an effortless vibe to any outfit - whether it's jeans and a t-shirt or a pretty shift dress. And if you really want to embrace the effortless look, roll up the sleeves and leave the buttons undone.

I love all things denim, so I'm excited about the new possibilities that a denim jacket creates in my wardrobe!

How do you like to wear your denim jacket?

XOXO

5 Under $5 - Drugstore Makeup

When it comes to makeup, I'm all about affordable drugstore products. I only own a handful of high-end products because I believe - with a little bit of research and trial-and-error - you can find great products at the drugstore.

Each of the products mentioned in this post are under $5, and yet I've found that each is comparable to high end products. 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 001 Transparent - From what I can tell, this product is one of the most-used setting powders in the beauty industry. Just a light dusting with this powder will set your makeup and take away excess shine. You can build it up to a truly matte finish, but I prefer to keep my skin dewy and apply just a light layer to the places that need it most - the nose, under-eye, and forehead.

NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Loose Pearl Eye Shadow - These loose pigments are amazing quality for the price. Available in many shades (all pearl finishes), these pigments are great basics to have in your collection. They're perfect for dusting all over the lid for a simple and shimmery eye shadow look.

NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in 723A Pink Cheek Glow -  This blush is a beautiful pink shade that is perfect for all seasons. Compared to high-blushes, this one might not be as pigmented, but I actually think that's good in a blush. I can lightly brush it on for a subtle tint, or I can build it up for a cheery pop of pink. 

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Eye Shadow Paint in Chestnut Taupe - This eyeshadow is the most beautiful shimmery taupe shade. Called a "paint", this product comes in a tube with a lip-gloss like applicator. You just brush it on the eye and blend, and it sets to a rich, creamy finish. 

Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in 739 Ticket to Brazil - All my fellow pale-skinned ladies listen up: this bronzer is the product you've been waiting for. Unlike other drugstore bronzers that come in one shade that is often too dark, this bronzer is a light shade that's perfect for subtle bronzing on pale skin. Just be aware that it smells like sunscreen due to its SPF of 15. I like the smell, but I know not everyone does.

What are your favorite drugstore products under five dollars? 

XOXO

Fashion Friday: How to Style Culottes

Current Trend: Culottes by haleympettit featuring a crop tank top

It's a skirt! It's pants! No... It's culottes! Culottes are one of my favorite current trends - they're sophisticated, but they're also incredibly comfortable. The style of a skirt, but with the ease of a pair of pants. 

With their signature wide leg that hits mid-calf, culottes can be a little tricky to style - you don't want too much volume anywhere else. But the great news is that culottes can work for many body types. With a high waist, culottes are great for elongating the legs and emphasizing the waist. 

Here are some tips for how to wear culottes this summer:

1. Choose a pair that's black, navy, or white. They go with basically anything, and will slim more than a printed or bright colored pair.
2. Choose a top that will further emphasize the waist - either a fitted crop, a tie-front blouse, or something flowy you can tuck in. You want the waist to always be defined.
3. Pair with shoes that will further elongate the leg - like a heeled sandal - or that will provide fun contrast - like a tennis shoe. Flats or sandals will work too, depending on where the culottes hit your leg.

If you're into the culotte trend, but aren't sure if it's for you, I hope this post encourages you to rock a pair this season. I like to think of trends as inspiration - an ever changing book of new ideas for how to dress. Trends aren't rules that have to be followed. So have fun with them!

Will you be rocking a pair of culottes this season? What are your favorite current trends?

XOXO

My Favorite Summer Lip Colors

summer lip colors by haleympettit featuring Revlon

In the summer months, I love to pull out my bright lipsticks. From almost-neon corals to rich berry shades, I love the simplicity and statement of a bright lip.

The Revlon Colorburst Balm Stains are a great option for summer days because they feel like a balm but fade to a stain. If you're like me, you don't like to reapply your lipstick multiple times throughout the day. These Balm Stains are perfect for days when you want to throw on a bright pop of color and then not think too much about it. They fade to a subtle stain that isn't streaky or patchy. The shade Rendezvous is a bright coral-orange shade, and Lovesick is a gorgeous pink-purple, both great shades for adding a pop of color to an otherwise neutral makeup look or outfit.

The Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart is also a great product for summer. It is very moisturizing, and adds a sheer wash of color to the lips. Sweet Tart is a peppy pink shade that can be layered and built up to a richer, hot pink color.

E.l.f.'s Lip Balm in Berry is a lovely shade for summer nights. It can be built up to a rich berry tone, or lightly applied for a natural your-lips-but-better shade. It also smells amazing - I can't quite describe it, but it's somewhere between coconut and vanilla. Yum!

What are your favorite summer lip colors? Or do you prefer to go natural?

XOXO

Target Dollar Spot Haul

The Target Dollar Spot is a dangerous place. Everything's only a dollar (or three), so it seems like such a good deal. But then you realize you picked up $20 worth of stuff before even really getting into the store!

But honestly, I LOVE the Target dollar aisle. They actually have a lot of cute craft and office supplies, and the selection is constantly changing.

One of my favorite things to buy is their $3 alphabet stamp sets. I love to stamp on tags, in my planner, or when I'm card making, so alphabet stamps and numbers are really handy. I also picked up another $3 set of stamps with cute greetings (I couldn't help it!). And also pictured are some sticky notes and flags. They're not the best quality, but you can't beat the price and they sure are cute!

 I then found these notecard sets... I really can't resist! I have always loved stationery and these $1 sets are so cute. There are 8 card and envelopes in each set, which seems to be the perfect amount - I usually send out thank you notes in small bunches, and don't want to send the same design to the same person multiple times! So small sets are ideal. 

Who else loves Target?! Or office supplies & stationery? I always love stuff that's cute AND functional. As Hannah Montana would say, it's the best of both worlds! 

XOXO

My Go-To Summer Outfit

I love fashion. I love reading fashion magazines, keeping up with the latest collections and trends, and watching Project Runway. But as far as my personal style goes, I'm pretty simple. I tend to go for clothes that are comfortable, fit well, and make me feel confident.

In the summer, I'm all about ease. Being able to get dressed quickly is a major asset when getting ready for spontaneous outings. For the everyday, I almost have a uniform: denim shorts (generally from Gap or Old Navy), a white tee shirt (also generally from Gap or Old Navy), and leather sandals (check out my spring/summer shoe collection). If it's chilly, I'll throw on a sweater. That's it! I like to think it's simple, but still a little stylish.

my go-to summer outfit by haleympettit featuring jean shorts

What's your go-to summer outfit?

XOXO

Washi Tape Organization

I have a slight obsession with Washi Tape... Well, I guess any kind of decorative tape really. One of my favorite craft stores has a whole wall of it, and with the dollar aisle rolls at Target, my collection has grown exponentially over the last year. Before, I just kept the rolls in an Ikea box - so they were organized, but every time I wanted to use one I had to pull out the box and dig through for a specific one. Now, it wasn't particularly inconvenient, but when I spotted this thread rack at a moving sale, I knew right away I had to have it for my tape.

 There's a stand on the back that props the rack up, making it sit about six inches away from the edge of my desk. My desk is pretty wide, so this isn't much of a problem for me. The rack had one broken peg - probably why it was being sold - but it doesn't bother me so much.  I was worried that I wouldn't be able to fit a roll on each peg, for some of the rolls are wider than the spaces, but I have some smaller rolls (that I found at HomeGoods) that fit perfectly. I imagine that I might have an issue if I needed to use each and every peg... but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it! Right now, I'm just glad to have a cute display for all the bright & colorful rolls. It's really convenient to have it all right at my fingertips to use in my planner or on notes. 

Aren't garage/moving sales the best?! How do you organize your washi? 

XOXO

Spring Shoe Collection

Now, I wouldn't call myself 'shoe-obsessed', but I do love shoes! In Fall and Winter I live in neutral boots, so in the Spring and Summer I like to switch it up a little bit. 

 I recently found both of these slip-ons at Target, and I'm loving the ease and comfort of throwing these on when I'm running out for errands or dinner. I think both pairs are stylish without being too much of a statement - they add a cute touch to jeans or a simple dress. 

 When it comes to flip-flops and sandals, I like to stick to neutrals - especially tan. I wear a lot of brighter colors during the Spring and Summer, and I don't want to have to think about whether my shoes are going to go with my outfit. I like how both of these pairs - from Old Navy and Gap - are simple and affordable. 

 I'll admit, sometimes I plan my outfits around my shoes! I found these pink faux-snakeskin flats a few years ago and I love to wear them with an otherwise neutral outfit. They add an unexpected pop of color and I've gotten many compliments on them! The simple, white sandals I purchased recently for a wedding. I wanted something a little dressier than my flip flops, but something that I could definitely get use out of for other occasions. Last, but certainly not least, I love this pair of black clog sandals I found at Macy's (the brand is White Mountain). I have a slight obsession with 70s-style heels, and the studs on these make them a little edgier! I wore these out on my birthday to karaoke with just jeans and a black tee shirt - they were the perfect addition to an otherwise standard outfit.

What are your favorite Spring/Summer shoe trends this year? I'm also keeping an eye out for some flatforms... I'm hoping to find some before the season's over! 

XOXO