my style. Archives - Page 2 of 3 -

September Stripes.

September 29, 2015

Polka dots. Leopard print. Stripes. As far as prints go, I don’t stray far from these three. Can’t quite say which is my favorite because they’re all pretty heavy in rotation. Beware: windblown hair below.

Today’s post is about one of my favorite items in my closet. Before we officially step into October and into fall, I had to post one of my favorite blog outfits to date. Being a blogger, you get to see the outfits of so many stylish people. This was one of those cases when I just had to grab this dress. I saw on Allison of Two Thirty Five Designs and immediately went on the hunt to find it.

The dress was a Target steal (don’t you love that?). It reminds me of a dress from my favorite designer Oscar de la Renta. I love when you can get designer inspired style on a budget. Black and white stripes are so classic. I love the bold statement that the pattern makes as well. I even have a black and white striped wall in my apartment (DIY) which shows you just how much I love this pattern.

Maxi dresses are another great option for the transitioning weather in the fall. With a wrap or cardigan this dress is perfect for those days that are crisp and cool in the morning but feel like summer by noon.

My wonderful photographer Izehi and I had so much fun on this shoot. We found a sweet spot by the lake and got a few snaps in on a hot summer evening. It’s always a joy to shoot with this lady. The detail shots she captured are just amazing. We didn’t even get the keyhole back but it’s an added bonus!

What are some of your closet icons? Any favorite designer inspired outfits?
xoxo,
cymone.

Linking up with Confident Twosday — Shopping My Closet — Classy Yet Trendy — Living In Color Style — Happiness at Mid-Life — Mix & Match Fashion

Fall Blooms.

September 24, 2015

Today I bring you another great transition look for these early fall days.

This outfit is super easy, simple for anyone to recreate. A short sleeve sweater or sweatshirt dressed up with a fabulous pair of flares with colorful accessories make dressing for the transitioning weather quite a breeze.

Jeans can often mean comfort and casual, but I like to make a statement, even in jeans. Flares are so in right now, and let me tell you, I’m so glad that they are back in style. I was the flare queen back in 1998-2002. I had to have my flare jeans and platform shoes. But looking back, as hard as I tried, my middle school self was nowhere near as chic or put together as the flare outfits of today. Middle school was definitely awkward for me…but I eventually discovered my personal style.

Now I’m more polished [thankfully] and actually know what I’m doing when putting together an outfit. For flare jeans, you want to make sure they fit in the waist, are fitted through the leg, and break into the flare lower on the leg.

Haute Tip: Always wear your favorite wedges when shopping for flare jeans. Flares with flats doesn’t really work. You’ll want to make sure that the length is right. The jeans should cover the shoe and just graze the floor.

[Fit is everything so it’s important to find what works for your body type.]

[Photos by the lovely Dusty Rose Darling Photography]

Details:
Top: LOFT (old, similar here and here) | Jeans: Hudson | Bag: Kate Spade (similar)

Shop my flare picks:

J Brand and Hudson jeans have some of my favorite flare silhouette jeans. Check them out!

Are you into bringing back flare jeans?

Time to kick it up for fall,
xoxo. | cymone.

Linking up with Living In Color Style, The Red Closet Diary, Mix & Match Fashion, The Closet by Christie, Rachel the Hat

Transition to Fall.

September 22, 2015

Happy first day of fall! According to the calendar, September 23rd marks the first day of fall — but tell that to our Texas weather. The forecast is mid-nineties all week. I have noticed a change in the morning and evening temps so, we’re getting there.

PS. – How is it already September 22nd??

Since I can’t quite wear my booties and scarves (I really want to though!) I’ve decided to talk about transitioning to your fall wardrobe. You can’t quite rock the sweaters but tank tops aren’t enough for the cooler mornings. For me, the transition is all about layering. You want to find the balance in your wardrobe when heading into the fall season. It’s a pretty fun time to explore your closet. It’s the only time of year where you can easily pull together summer gear and fall staples which means the options are endless!

Layers are the key to maximizing your closet in the early fall months.

Throw a cardigan on over a summer dress or pair lightweight sweaters with shorts for weekend wear.

Always think about your proportions – only one aspect of your outfit will be on the heavy side. For example a fun bootie with shorts and a long sleeve tee or maybe your favorite summer dress worn with that chunky sweater you’ve been dying to start wearing again.

The great thing about layers is that you can remove and add as needed. Gives your wardrobe much more flexibility.

Just the other day, I came up with a cute new outfit using these ideas. I wore a cropped sweater with a midi skirt that I normally wear with a short sleeve tee. I received lots of compliments and created a new outfit by wearing something from the fall side of my closet.

(Just kidding. There isn’t warm vs. cold in my closet….just organized by color!)

dress: LOFT (similar, similar, and here) | sandals: Gentle Souls | chambray shirt: J. Crew (get a few)

Here’s to an exciting fall!
I’ve been thinking about my goals I set in the beginning of the year. I’ve accomplished a lot but I still have work to do! Finish strong!

xoxo,
cymone.

Linking up with: Classy Yet Trendy, Pink Sole

[Photos by the lovely Dusty Rose Darling Photography]

A New York Fashion Week State of Mind.

September 14, 2015

It’s September, and that means two things. Football & fashion week. While I’m super pumped that football is back (college & NFL) this post will be about the latter. New York Fashion Week is here. It’s definitely a big deal in the fashion industry but if you aren’t familiar here’s a few bits of info:

It’s a fashion girl’s dream to attend (I’ll get there one day!) & the most exciting time of the year.
Fashion week is really more like fashion month – all the fashion weeks around the world are back to back. (London, Milan, Paris are the major weeks to follow through October 8th)
Fashion week is always a season ahead – this September we will be seeing Spring 2016 collections.
Buyers from the top department stores are attending the shows and make appointments to start their selection process.
Some of the best parties between celebs, models, and designers happen during this time. Stay tuned to insta!
Fashion notables & blogger favorites from all over the world come out during fashion month, so bring your very best.

I’ll be doing a round up of my favorite shows later this week – come back to check out what’s to come for Spring 2016.

Which brings me to today’s post. Even though I didn’t make it to New York this year, I decided to show and outfit I might wear. Tell me what you think!

My photographer Dusty Rose Darling Photography really did some great work on this one! We had so much fun with this theme, we just couldn’t stop shooting!

Share your thoughts! Is this something you could see at New York Fashion Week? What would you wear if you get the chance to go?

Until next #NYFW,
xoxo.
-c.

Linking up with: Pink Sole — Mahogany Closet — Style Nudge — Beauty By Miss L — Still Being Molly — I do DeClaire — Tuesday Talk — Style Nudge

Pastel Party. Lavender & Coral.

August 25, 2015

Hello Tuesday!

Today on the blog, we’re having a pastel party! Pastels aren’t only for spring, they also work in the summer season. I love the light and airy feel that pastels give. What’s fun is bringing in a pop of color to keep things interesting.

This lavender look gets a little punch with help from its friend coral. Gold accessories and a printed clutch are the perfect accents to round out this simple outfit. Style reminder: Dark denim will never let you down.

Haute tip: Have fun with color! Pastel shades are a great way to experiment in the color spectrum.

You can be understated yet still make a statement.

clutch, bracelets, gold, jewelry, deux lux, neutral accessories

photos: Izehi Photography

top: Equipment (must-have) | jeans: Paige, loving these too | shoes: DV Dolce Vita, also in black | bag: Deux Lux, and here in a different color

I’ve learned that simple doesn’t have to be boring. This sleeveless silk Equipment top has gotten so much wear, and I am always looking for the next color to add to my closet. Anyone can wear this top. The length is great, they definitely don’t skimp on the fabric. You can dress it up with a blazer, or be perfectly casual by wearing a cardigan over it with a fun-printed belt for some interest.

PS. – Last Call by Neiman Marcus usually has Equipment tops on sale, that’s where I go to stock up!

#LiveLovely,
xoxo. | cymone.

Linking with: Chic Street Style, Classy Yet Trendy, Color and Grace, Shopping My Closet, Living In Color Style, Mix & Match Fashion

Violet Bohemian.

August 17, 2015

Let’s get this week started!

How was everyone’s weekend? I was gone all last week at a work conference where our brands debut the Fall product and new launches. I hated not being able to work on the blog. After the 5 days of back to back to back meetings, I finally got some rest and a renewed strength. So much to do but gotta keep going!

Since summer is such a freeing season, I wanted to make sure my inner bohemian is satisfied before the cooler weather starts to kick in. Although I don’t wear it often, this bohemian dress is one of my favorites.

I bought this boho/peasant inspired dress in “The Alley”, a shopping area in downtown Los Angeles, when we were visiting during a family reunion trip. I then wore it when we dropped my younger brother off at college in Atlanta, Georgia. I love when clothing is tied to memory and meaning.

Just asked my brother what year he started college. [My memory is starting to get bad, okay.] This dress is at least 8 years old y’all. Good thing trends come back full circle!

dress: old, similar here, & here | sandals: Sam Edelman & here in olive green | clutch: Francesca’s, similar here, here, here | earrings: Influence (gift from the fabulous boutique The Pink House)

photo credit: Izehi Photography

Haute tip: Pair solid accessories with solid clothing. My dress is solid purple, so my jewelry is solid as well. I wanted a contrast, so I picked a burnt orange ring and hot pink earrings. Because they are one color instead of patterned, the jewelry compliments the dress instead of distracting.

Shop the post:

Linking up with: Beauty by Miss L — Pink Sole — Style Elixir — I do DeClaire — Myriad Musings — Sandy a la Mode — Two Peas in a Blog — Classy Yet Trendy — Living in Color Style

Release Your Inner Wild.

July 27, 2015

Dress: Zara, old (similar, here & here) | Kimono: Urban Outfitters (similar, similar) | Sandals: Gentle Souls | Necklace: Bauble Bar | Clutch: The Limited, old (similar, really cute ones here, here, & here)

Met up with some friends for dinner and drinks on Friday night. Got to catch up with a friend of a friend that is living the life we all want to live. He’s a musician/chef/world traveler. He even picked up and moved to Hawaii for a year to just get a change of pace. His next trip will be stops in Japan and India, just because. Hearing all of his interesting stories got all of us inspired and ready to book a flight to anywhere.

Speaking of travel, this outfit is my go-to whenever I have to catch a flight. The dress is so comfortable and the leopard kimono is perfect for those chilly airplane temperatures. Always have to travel in style!

Sometimes you just have to release your inner wild.
Nothing too crazy, just take a step outside of your norm to grow and learn more about yourself.

thanks to Dusty Rose Darling photography for bringing out my wild side.

Here are some ideas on finding your inner wild:

Take a road trip with no specific destination.
Pick up and move to Hawaii for a year.
Have dinner at a restaurant by yourself.
Plan a trip to a country that no one has heard of.
Teach yourself a language or a new skill.
Dye your hair a funky color – even if just for a week.
Build your bucket list & commit to crossing one major thing off every year.

At dinner we asked the question, “If you could go anywhere in the world & money was no object, where would you go?”
So, where would you go? Let me know in the comments!

|Photo credit: Dusty Rose Darling|

Linking up with: Pink Sole – Still Being Molly – Fizz & Frosting – Living In Color Style – Mix & Match Fashion

Stylin’ for the 4th of July. + Sales!

July 2, 2015

Happy 4th of july!

Technical delays made this post a few days late but it’s finally here! I wanted to share one of my outfit ideas for the 4th of July holiday. When I was looking through my closet, I actually found a few different outfit options but settled on this particular one. I just had to incorporate this flag scarf that I got on a trip in San Francisco. It’s become one of my favorite scarves (and I love me some scarves!)

It’s super easy to find a striped blue dress like the one I’m wearing (old, from Uniqlo). I’ve linked a few cute ones here, here, and here. The great thing about a simple striped dress is that it can be worn in a variety of settings and can easily be dressed up or down with appropriate accessories.

Just a few things I’m thankful for this holiday — celebrating with friends, good food, a day off from work, an tech-savvy uncle to help with blog issues, & 4th of July sales!

I’ve already made a couple of purchases to take advantage of the sales. Shop a few to find some good deals!

ANTHRHOPOLGIE : Extra 20% off sale with code SALEAWAY – ends 7/4

Madwell : Extra 30% off with code META20

Sole Society : Up to 50% off sale!

J. Crew : Up to 60% off with code LONGWEEKEND

Barney’s New York Warehouse : Up to 60% off sale!

ASOS : Up to 50% off sale — I’ve already done some damage here.

Also, if you haven’t entered the GIVEAWAY for the Chloe bag & Rayban Aviators — go now! Click over to my previous post to enter!

Happy 4th!
xoxo,
c.

Printed Jungle. Updated Office Wear. + Giveaway Teaser.

June 26, 2015

Coming to you from the urban jungle of downtown Dallas is one of my favorite office outfits to wear. It’s my favorite for a few reasons.

It’s a random creation. (shirt + dress)
Perfect for summer office attire.
Looks expensive.
It’s a unique combination. (re: random)

I created this outfit on a whim one day and it happened to work out quite well. I got so many compliments, I figured I must be on to something. I wanted to wear the dress since it’s so easy yet chic but I had only worn it with a black blazer which is too hot for this heat or a basic black J.Crew cardigan which is fine, but not the look I was going for. The cardigan didn’t quite match the edginess I was envisioning.

Then I thought back to how I change-up dresses to wear them in a new way. In the winter, I often put a sweater over a dress to give the appearance of a sweater and skirt combo. The sheer black tunic shirt from H&M had been in heavy rotation lately so I tried it over the dress. Immediately I grabbed the belt and voila! a new funky outfit was born.

To keep with the edgy theme, I accessorized with my favorite gladiator heels, my Bauble Bar dog tag necklace (also seen here), and my Phillip Lim x Target Pashli satchel that is my favorite mini bag. (Thanks mom for helping me score during the Phillip Lim x Target madness!)

This outfit is perfect office wear for the hot summer days. While we can wear sleeveless to the office (spaghetti straps not allowed), I prefer to have some arm coverage to keep it profesh (professional, yeah you got it).

office wear tips:

Other style tips to jazz up your summer office attire include putting a silk shirt over a dress with a belt or try putting a sleeveless dress over a white button down shirt. Roll the sleeves to keep it light and cool.

Get creative to get some additional use out of your favorite sleeveless dresses!

Also…

A giveaway is coming!

Come back on Monday to get ALL of the juicy details. You’re gonna want to enter this one!

See you soon!
-c.

Linked up with: Classy Yet Trendy, Two Thirty Five Designs, Cute & Little

Mint to be.

June 12, 2015

soul searching

Lately, I’ve been doing a little soul-searching to find out exactly what my purpose is. Trying to figure out what is meant to be for me.

While I don’t have the answer yet, the journey of discovery has been an interesting process. Life is about finding your passion and pursuing that joy that keeps you waking up each morning.

I do enjoy my career in the corporate retail world but God has been nudging me to go deeper, to find what it is that makes me the most happy. Part of that included putting 100% into this blog. The inspiration and idea for this blog came to me five years ago when I was still in college…and I hate admitting that because it took until only a few months ago to really put all of my effort into it. But I love the late nights and extra work. Writing and sharing my life & style is really an expression of the person I’m growing to be.

The other part is thinking about going to law school. I’m not necessarily looking to make a career change and become a lawyer but law school has been something on the back of my mind for a while now. I’ve even found notes on considering law school in random notebooks of mine from prior years. To me, those notes are telling me that I should take a shot at it and see what my path may be. Pray for me as I start studying to take the LSAT (law school entrance exam) in the fall. (Also: ANY tips and insight are most welcome!)

To share this is definitely a big deal for me. I didn’t even tell my closest friends about my first pass at the LSAT until right before I took the test. There is so much beauty in growing as a person and I thank God for each and every day that I get another chance to do so. Through the blogging process and studying for this intense test I’m learning more about myself with each step I take.

As I cultivate this community at The Block is Haute, I hope that this will be a safe place where we can all share our journeys in this walk of life.

Now onto some style!

I’ll share a style secret with you. Colored shorts make dressing so much easier. I love pulling out these J. Crew Chino shorts and pairing with a neutral top + accessories and heading out the door. These shorts and my cutoffs get the most rotation during the summer months. I think I buy a pair every time I hit up J. Crew (which is often). It’s just so easy yet an instant pop of color which you know I live for.

It makes people think you spent a lot of time figuring out what to wear when all it required was choosing the bright shorts!

Outfit details:

J. Crew Chambray Shirt — also here and similar here
J. Crew Chino Shorts — other colors and lengths
Urban Outfitters Eyelet Top — similar here and here and love this one
Kate Spade Handbag (outlet find) — similar here & another cute one
Gentle Soul Gladiator sandals (that I found at Nordstrom Rack for a penny. no joke!) — similar here, here, and here
Bauble Bar Dog Tag Necklace

What about you? Are you searching for your passion & on your daily journey of growing?
Please share, I’d love to hear your story!

-c.

Linking up with: Lena B Actually — Style Elixir — Two Thirty Five Designs — The Closet by Christie — Pink Sole — More Pieces of Me — On the Daily Express

September Stripes.

Fall Blooms.

Transition to Fall.

A New York Fashion Week State of Mind.

Pastel Party. Lavender & Coral.

You can be understated yet still make a statement.