Maybe it’s the fact that I want to wallow around all the time now, maybe it’s because I’m having a hard time getting comfortable, or maybe it’s because I only fit into 20% of my closet, but I’ve been gravitating to whatever is coziest and has the optimal amount of stretch. That’s translated into a lot of oversized sweaters and leggings and my fakey Ugg boots or fur-lined slippers. I usually throw on a scarf for some semblance of style and rarely bother with any jewelry but a few rings or my watch. Then, when I’m finally dressed (it takes longer to get dressed now than I ever thought possible), coffee or hot cocoa is a must-have.

1. Fred Flare Zebra Scarf, $25
2. ASOS Stacking Rings, $10
3. 176 Clothing Sweater, $40 (from $68)
4. Arden B Ankle Leggings, $18
5. Crate & Barrel Coffee Mug, $6
6. Dr. Scholl’s “Chewy” Boots, $45 

leah-loves asked:

Hey, I really love your blog - it’s really interesting and helpful, and I’m glad that you consider budgets when you post clothes :-)

Recently I bought a pair of light gray thermal leggings, and I’m not really sure how I should wear them. I was wondering if you had any ideas? Thanks!

Hi Leah!

Gray leggings are one of my favorite things because they are so versatile and gray is a perfect neutral to wear with a lot of other colors.

Start off with something comfortable, add a bit of color and some (lust-worthy) trendy boots and you’re ready!

• Forever 21 Sweater Leggings, $6
• Wet Seal Cowl Neck Tunic, $15
• ModCloth Scarf, $40
• Forever 21 Boots, $30
• BDG Corduroy Tote, $58
• Alloy Wool Peacoat, $69

livehanny asked:

I’m going on a road trip, what would you recommend to wear for driving? I love wearing sweatpants but i want something a bit more casual yet comfy and cute at the same time.

I love sweatpants too, but leggings have a bit more style and all the comfort of your favorite pair of PJ’s!

The trick to traveling in comfort is to remember a few key rules of the road:

• If you are driving, wear flats. Boots are sometimes cumbersome to drive in for long distances and heels are, for obvious reasons, out of the question. (It’s also easy to ruin heels while driving—you may scuff them!)
• Nothing even remotely tight. You may not think those slightly snug jeans are uncomfortable when you put them on in the morning, but two bags of Sour Patch and 500 miles later down the road, you will not be happy!
• Layers! It’s hard to regulate body temperature while traveling (especially flying). Pack a sweater if you get cold and wear a light tee underneath in case you get hot!

If you want to buy the items above, here are the details:

• Arden B Elastic Waist Legging, $40
• Forever 21 Plaid Tunic, $20
• Forever 21 Military Cardigan, $20
• American Eagle Suede Moc, $25
• Halsea Crescent Bay Seahorse Luggage (out of stock, call for more info)

/ Q

hi! love today's outfit post.
Could you reccomend a leggings that have some spanx like hold? I noticed Spanx has leggings but they're a little transparent and too long- I'm looking for something mid-calf. I've been having trouble finding anything that gives some shape- they're all too thin and highlight every tiny ounce of lumps and bumps :) THANKS!

/ A

Thin leggings can be such a lump and bump culprit.

I did a bit of snooping around online and here are some Spanx-like leggings (these are from the less pricey Spanx spin-off line):

ASSETS by Sara Blakely, $12

Those look fairly opaque and don’t appear as long as regular Spanx leggings. For $12, you can try them out without breaking the bank! Let me know if they work!

xoxo

/ Q

I would love to wear leggings, but I'm not sure how. I don't want to look like a little kid or like I am 20 years behind the trend. I have naturally wide hips and am kinda busty, but have a small waist. I feel like leggings might exaggerate my natural shape or make me look top heavy. I love all the suggestions you make and your "steal her styles". What would you suggest for me?

/ A

Kim Kardashian is someone you can definitely watch for tips on leggings—some of the time. Her outfit choices are usually hit or miss, but I’ve collected a couple of her best leggings looks. She’s got a fantastic body and it sounds similar to your’s: busty, wider hips, small waist. After looking through some pictures of her, I’ve noticed a couple tricks she uses when wearing leggings.

• She wears a slightly oversized or flowy top, but always streamlines the overall look with a jacket, blazer, vest or other layer.
• She keeps the color palette simple with black, white, taupes and other natural colors.
• Heels makes her look taller, slimmer and they dress up the leggings so they don’t look too juvenile.

Here are some examples:

I promise that once you make the switch to leggings/jeggings, you’ll fall in love! Super comfy and stylish—just don’t pull a Lindsay. :)

(Outfit details here!)

Alishan, this is for you!

Steal Her Style : Leather Leggings

Leather leggings are hard to pull off, but worth the risk if you can pull it off in as cute a fashion as Ms. Conrad. I added a blazer to this look since the air is getting a bit chilly. Here are some affordable pieces you can grab to copy her look:

• Leather Leggings - Hue for $30
• Polka Dot Top - Forever 21 for $11
• Blazer - Spiegel for $50
• Pumps - Michael Antonio for $47

How to Wear : A Flowy Top

As requested, I’ll bring back the (sometimes) daily outfit photos, but I’m mixing it up and doing this as more of a how-to than simply a gallery for my closet goodies.

First up! A blousey top that can—with the wrong pairings—make you look like you’ve been hitting the buffet table one too many times.

• Blouse from Bitten by SJP (Project Runway design)
• Target leggings
• Mossimo heels

The Damage: Less than $25 for the outfit

• Stick with solid colors for an oversized top. A subtle print can work, but be careful: prints have a tendency to make you look bigger. Black, gray, navy and dark red are always safe picks.
• A fitted bottom is a must. Don’t even think about pulling out the wide-leg jeans for this look. Skinny jeans will work, but since leggings are huge this fall, why not try them instead? Keep the color families similar to the top. This is not the time to try those bright yellow leggings with the huge purple blouse! No!
• Flats can work, but I’d suggest going for heels or boots. These heels were a complete Target steal, at only $9 (thanks for the tip, Sarah!)
• Despite your tendency to want to belt the top, try it without. Sometimes belts can look even bulkier over a shirt with this much volume.
• If you feel like you want a slimmer profile, put on a blazer or fitted jacket. A long necklace can also help balance the silhouette.

Do you have any photos of how you’ve made a flowy top work? Send them to me! I love to hear from you guys.

Tracking Trends : Fall Favs

I was inspired by Tanya’s post about fall must-haves and I fully agree with all of her picks! Here’s a couple more of my must-haves:

• Get a pair of over-the-knee boots in a neutral color so you can wear them with all possible outfit combinations. These are only $70. I’d recommend wearing tights or leggings with them so it doesn’t cross over into hoochy-mama territory.
• Boots with a teeny-tiny wedge heel are a fall/winter necessity. Not only do they give you that extra half-an-inch (if I may steal a line from Mrs. Beckham), but the shape is really modern. These are $40.
• Jeans that aren’t completely skinny but also not wide-leg are looking big for fall. After all the extremes in denim fit, things may be evening out a bit. That’s great news if you’ve always been a die-hard boot-cut fan. These are $40.
• Splurge a bit and grab these Juicy Couture denim leggings. Yes, leggings are big for fall, but combine two trends (skinny denim and legging fabric) for a really hot look. These are $88.
• I love the look of all this over-the-knee hosiery. Choose a heavy fabric like wool, and if you aren’t brave enough to sport an outfit quite like this, wear them under slightly shorter boots for a prep-school-coed look. These are $20.
• Dark nail polish is still popular, but choose a dark brown or wine to update it from the Lauren Conrad death nail trend.
• Chambray is the fabric you never thought you’d see on your body again, but voila! It’s back! Choose a modern shape so you don’t look stuck in the 90’s—never a good era to be stuck in. This shirt/tunic is $40.
• Military jackets seem to be sticking around, so snap one up while they’re still popular. Make sure the military is less literal and more suggestive of actual military attire, like this parallel button effect. This jacket is $40.
• Cozy sweaters, as Tanya pointed out, are perfect for fall. They look great with denim, leggings, boots, scarves, anything. You can easily dress up or down a sweater like this which makes it a good closet staple. This sweater is $35.
• If you haven’t learned anything from Rachel Zoe, then know this: faux fur vests are back. This one is a steal at $60.

If I had an unlimited amount of money, these are the amazing purchases I’d make to get ready for fall.

• Burberry Trench - Who doesn’t want one?
• A comfy, slouchy plaid shirt to wear with leggings or skinny jeans
• Pants-length opaque leggings
• Perfectly-worn, slightly distressed skinny jeans
• A gorgeous winter coat in an unusual color
• Leather motorcycle jacket to wear with dresses or with jeans
• A preppy cardigan
• Equestrian flat boots
• Ruffle-detail booties to wear with everything in my closet
• A statement necklace
• 20’s-style cloche hat