Style Snapshot: Stephanie Cross

I met Stephanie in what seems like a lifetime ago when she was a freshman pledging Alpha Phi and I was a Junior at the University of Arizona. And though college is far behind us, the blogging world keeps us connected. She is a first-time mom, who writes an uplifting blog about the many hats of motherhood, Life as I know It. Stephanie is also a Marketing Manager for luxury hotels and resorts like St. Regis, W Hotels and The Luxury Collection.  I love seeing the adorable pictures of her daughter and seeing how a fun, working mom juggles it all. 

She shares with us some of her favorite things and what she cannot live without. 

When I worked for Michael Kors I was immersed in style. This company taught me all about what was new and next in fashion. I adored living in this world. But, times have changed for me.

Today, I am a mom. I live in the suburbs with my husband and beautiful two-year old daughter; at the intersection where function and fashion meet. And even though I can fit all of my beauty essentials into one box, it doesn’t mean I have lost my edge completely.

I try to purchase timeless pieces. Pieces that aren’t ‘on trend’ but rather pieces that are trendless. Gold, black, silver, deep green – these are hues that do not go out the style window. As a mom, I don’t have time to hit the stores running for the latest and greatest; I need elegant classics that will take me from one stage in life to the other.

Timeless fashion items that I love:

Watch – Spend the money on a silver or gold watch that will dress up any outfit. 

Black dress (or top) – Black staple items will never (ever) let you down.

Gold accessories – Gold reminds me of riches and elegance. Paired with black, gold elevates your outfit to a more sophisticated look. 

Heels – Purchase a pair of heels and promise yourself you will take good care of them.

Under garments – Invest in a good bra. It will make every outfit fit and feel better. Once per quarter I try to visit the “Bra Specialists” at Nordstrom for a fitting.

Additionally, here are a few items I would be lost without.

Facial Cleaner – Purity by Philosophy

Lips – Vegas Volt lipstick by MAC

Perfume – Chance by Chanel (classic)

Powder – Bobbi Brown

 Eye Lashes – Maybelline, of course

Nails – OPI in nearly every shade of pink and red

    Hair – Biolage Shampoo and Conditioner

    Face Moisturizer – Hope in a Jar by Philosophy 

    Sunglasses – Kristina Aviators by Coach

    Accessories – (many) vintage pieces from my Great-Grandma and Nana

   Earrings – Marc by Marc Jacobs gold stud earrings (great gift idea!)

   Handbag – Large leather bag by Coach

xo

Erin 

Red + Pink = Love

While Spring will be all about pastels, I think that winter needs to be punched up a bit. I love the color combination of red and pink and although it seems like more of a summer look, I think it is perfect to spice up winter. 

These lovely ladies give us some inspiration...

When color blocking these two brights, it seems that separates work best. I can bet you already have something pink or red or both hanging in your closet. Now you just need something to help you pull it together. 

1. DVF $225

 2. Patterson J. Kincaid $118

 3. Labour of Love $212

 4. J Brand $374

 5. Nina Ricci $595

 6. Alice + Olivia $250

 7. Jenni Kayne $175

8. Forever 21 $28

 9. Forever 21 $28

 10. RED Valentino $695

  11. Christian Louboutin $625

 12. DVF $285

 13. Alice + Olivia $205

 14. Modcloth $15

 15. Equipment $208

 16. Michael Kors $195

17. Tory Burch $454

With this color story, I think the nude accessories work really well. Plus, I have a soft spot for patent in the winter. 

How are you going to rock this look? 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish: Everyday Style by Reese

Some girls just have that ease of style each day that makes you want to rip off the yoga pants and actually put on an outfit to run your errands. While most girls do not have to be photographed every step of the way, Reese does and she always looks cute. 

Just off to take Ava to soccer practice...

But the best part of her style is that she does not look like she is trying too hard. As much of a movie star as she is, she still dresses like most women do (or want to) without too many bells and whistles (or labels) to scare us off. 

Must be why she is the beloved, sassy girl next store. 

Her outfit above is simple, yet chic and oh-so attainable for any of us. 

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs from Shopbop $275

2.  Betsy Johnson $145

3. Marc Jacobs from Endless $225

4. Oliver Peoples from Saks $310

5. Nadri from Nordstrom $118

6. Hayden from Bluefly $109

7. The Row at Barney's $445

8. Ray Ban from  Amazon $119

9. Old Navy $35

10. ASOS $26

11. Current Elliot from Cusp $196 

12. Fallon from Barney's $140

13. Aubin & Wills Drynum from Net-a-Porter $150

14. Paige premium denim from Far Fetch $321

15. Nine West from Amazon $160

16. Marc Jacobs from Endless $430

17. J Brand from Cusp $169

18. Charles David from Amazon $445

I think a pair of skinny cropped jeans, a pair of boots to tuck them into and a few chic sweaters can get you through until Spring. Reese knows what's up. 


My weekend wish is to remember what Reese does and put just a smidge more effort into every day. Well, at least almost every day. 


Happy Weekend! 
xo
Erin 

Year Round White

While old fashioned ladies may say differently, there is nothing chicer than white in the months between September and June. 


This picture says it all. 

When paired with other season staples, white can stand out as your go to neutral piece. I especially love white in the colder months as a layering piece. White blazers and wool coats look so fresh and chic. 

1. Elizabeth and James $191 (sale)

2. Zara $129

3. Rachel Zoe $425

4. Zara $129

5. Guess $158

xo

Erin 

Back to School Satchel

I know it is a tad early to start thinking about Fall, but really it is never too early to start shopping for it. We all want some fresh pieces to bring us into the cooler weather, sweater season and the general "Back to School" mentality. 

Long have I coveted for a Proenza Schouler PS1 satchel. It comes in a few different sizes and endless color options. It is my current dream bag and I am hoping I get all A's next semester so I can have one. Or at least save my pennies to splurge on one. 

And though the PS1 is quite pricey, there are many options out there to help us next season. Whether headed back to school, back to work, or back to cold weather, you always want some freshly sharpened pencils and a new accessory to soften the blow of more work and less play. 

1. Proenza Shouler PS1 Medium leather satchel at Net-A-Porter $1595

2. Leather satchel with lock from Topshop $110

3. Miu Miu small leather satchel at Net-A-Porter $1350
4. Black leather satchel at ASOS $120 (there were a lot of great styles for great prices here)

5. Kristen round satchel from Coach $698

6. Darlington satchel from J. Crew $278
7. Giani Bernini grey satchel at Macy's $88

8. Miss Gustto yellow satchel at Bluefly $75

9. Mulberry Alexa satchel at Net-A-Porter $1200
10. Lane Line satchel at Anthropologie $278
11. Susan Farber Derby crossbody satchel at Nordstrom $183
12. Bridgette satchel from French Connection $90

xo

Erin 

Getting Personal: Aztec & Navajo Inspired Prints

I was told years ago, from a very wise woman that "Prints are Personal." Out of all of the advice I have heard on style, this has resonated with me the most. She told me this because she often helps me shop and we always had very different opinions on prints. While I tend to maybe pick one piece a season with a bold print and brutally scrutinize it in the dressing room mirror, she can instantly see a print she loves and how to incorporate it into her life. 

With endless and beautiful options on prints season after season, I think we can all agree to disagree with what prints we love and those we hate. From large graphic prints to delicate florals, prints change with the seasons and your mood. Don't let anyone talk you into a print, because you will never wear it. Trust me, I have evidence of salesgirl print pushing hanging in my closet with the tags still sadly hanging from the sleeves. 

To give you some print inspiration, DVF and Isabel Marant showed some Aztec and Navajo inspired prints that are fun and very different. 

vogue.com

What I am finding fun about these prints are the diversity and the way it can be quite bold as Lady Furstenberg has showed us or more subtle as the uber-chic Isabel displays. 

Now as the advice says, you could absolutely loathe these prints, and that is just fine with me. Because the more opinion you have about prints, the more likely you are to find the perfect one for yourself. 

1. Aztec Party Dress by All Saints $460

2. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Aztec Bra top Romper at Revolve Clothing $294

3. Pippa Lynn Print Pleated Skirt at ASOS $86

4. Aztec Woven Top by Forever 21 $13

5. Stolen Girlfriends Club Spike Dress at ASOS $305

6. Poncho in Turquoise and Cream at Boutique to You $55

7. Warehouse Leather Aztec Bag at ASOS $94

8. Aztec skirt by All Saints $299

9. Tucker Blouse at Les Nouvelles $264

10. Mara Hoffman balconette bikini at Net-A-Porter $220

11. Missoni Soia wool sweater at Net-A-Porter $870

xo

Erin