Double D

That's right folks....we are talking about Double D today. Double denim! I'll admit that I've avoided wearing denim tops and bottoms at the same time, because I was terrified of looking like this...

After checking out denim on denim looks ala Madewell, I found myself warming to the idea and decided to experiment! There are a few tricks to keep in mind if you want to pull it off. 

1. Mix up your washes! Wearing the same wash on top and on bottom can be tricky and personally, I wouldn't go there. Here I paired a pale denim button up with dark wash skinny jeans. I think it's important to wear a belt when you tuck in a shirt. Maybe I'm biased due to my short torso, but I am convinced that a belt "gives me a shape", as my grandma used to say.

2. Add in layers to change up the look. Here I tossed on a woven jacket with a fun pattern on top. Sometimes I add in a boyfriend cardigan, pleather jacket or structured blazer with this look. They all give it a different feel and I like the idea of taking one outfit and completely changing it up in less than 30 seconds!

3. White denim! Where are my white denim girls? It's so versatile and don't even talk to me about that whole "no white after labor day" silliness. Fashion = no rules! Seriously, though, for years I avoided white jeans. I thought it would make my behind look bigger or would make me look like I was wearing a nurse's uniform. Then I decided, life is too short! Wear those white jeans!! You have a lot of flexibility with pairing your white denim. Here I am wearing a striped knit top and a denim jacket I've had for a decade. (Never throw them out---they always come back in style!)

4. Accessories pull it all together. The fun stuff. Shoes, jewelry, belts, scarves, hats! A denim snap shirt and white jeans are fine, but the accessories make an outfit. Here I added a studded belt and some blingy earrings. 

 Don't be afraid to dress outside of your comfort zone. I avoided double denim for so long, but now that I've figured out how to make it work for me, I have a lot of options. 

I'd love to hear your tips for styling denim on denim!

A Spring Dress Three Ways

 
Recently, I was at Target, grabbing something quick, and walked by a new display featuring their new collab with Who What Wear. It didn't take long before I had an armful of pieces and was on my way to the dressing room to try them on. I walked away with this open sleeve beach dress in olive. I chose this dress, because I knew I'd be able to wear it throughout the end of winter and into spring with a little creative styling. I've put together three looks for you, but the options are endless with this one!

Here I styled it as a tunic over a pair of skinny jeans with a pair of booties. It's the perfect length, and with the right cardigan sweater, I can keep warm if there is a chill in the air.

Skinnies (similar here)

Booties (similar here)

Felt hat (similar here)

It's February in Iowa, so in reality, one day it's 50 degrees and the next it's 30. This dress gives me options, no matter the temperature. Above, I popped on a military jacket, a pair of black leggings and knee high boots to stay warm.

Black Leggings (similar here)

Boots (similar here)

Military Jacket (similar here)

What to wear to those spring weddings? Have a cocktail party after work? Throw on some glitter heels, a fancy schmantzy necklace and you are good to go! 

Glitter Heels (similar here)

Necklace (similar here)

Purse (similar here)

Can't find this dress at your local Target? Here's an alternative--and in five different colors! 

Spring is right around the corner. Don't be afraid to start adding a few warmer weather styles to your closet. Just use a little imagination (and a few layers) and go strut your stuff!

Brush Your Shoulders Off

Open-shoulder blouses are the best of both worlds. You get full coverage. You can hide a multitude of sins if you haven't had time to hit the gym lately. You get to show a little peek of skin without looking desperate for attention. Win, win, win! I picked up this one at Target--similar here.  

I've been looking around the internet for other open-shoulder looks and have come up with four more that I LOVE! 

Clockwise from the top left corner:

Regan Buttondown by Anthropologie

Velvet Open-Shoulder Top by Anthropologie

Mavra Blouse by Anthropologie

Kaleidoscope Top by Free People

What a perfect transition piece for spring! I'm thinking white skinny jeans. I'm thinking distressed boyfriend jeans. Or maybe some new wide-legged trousers? You have so many options with an open-shoulder blouse. 

I hope you find the perfect one for you and show those shoulders with pride!