dear sunny...: collage

Tuesday, January 13

1 Sweater Dress | 3 Ways

Like I said in yesterday's post, I have a few rules for myself when I go shopping. I sit on an item for a week or two to ensure I love it (& still remember it!). I also review my monthly budget using the Mint app. Lastly, I imagine a minimum of 3 new outfits using pieces already found in my closet. To show you what I mean, I've taken a simple black sweater dress aka my winter LBD, and styled it 3 ways for the cold weather.

Outfit #1

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I thought this outfit was perfect for a warmer winter day when you have a special dinner or date ;) It's cozy, but still girly with the full skater skirt. What I love about this concept is any girl can take this outfit and make it their own. Choose a different color sweater, a different skirt length, or different accessories to make it comfortable for herself.

Outfit #2
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I'm not the type to reach for jeans on a casual day, but I can't help but love this look. It's casual; it's comfortable; it's easy to recreate, and completely practical. The puffer jacket adds warmth on colder days, and helps to hide any holiday weight gain you haven't lost at the gym yet! To make it a "me" outfit, I added a feminine touch via the small purse and tucked the jeans under the heel strap. It's my favorite combo, feminine but boyish....
...if that even makes sense.

Outfit #3
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The last question I ask myself before every purchase is 'can I style this for a work outfit?' 75% of my wardrobe is based off of this question since 5 days of the week are spent in the office. I won't buy something I can't wear 70% of the year; that's ridiculous! So to make this sweater dress more work appropriate, I add opaque tights, knee high boots, a blazer, and my new favorite go-to bag in a beautiful neutral.

What d'ya think? Should I do more outfit remixes?

Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Let's stay in touch!

Friday, August 22

Altuzarra, dress of my dreams. Oh, hi Joseph.

The Altuzarra for Target
released its lookbook this week!

Are you jumping for joy yet? You really should.

In an interview with Target, he expressed a philosophy he keeps in mind as he designs on a daily basis.

"One of the guiding principles of Altuzarra is that fashion can be transformative, changing not just the way you look, but also the way you feel."
--- Joseph Altuzarra

I can now officially claim, without a doubt, that Joseph Altuzarra is a man after my own heart. In my last outfit post, I had drawn the same conclusion. Clothing, fashion, it holds this amazing power to unleash an unseen inner beauty whether it be strength in character, resilient determination, or just the kindest of hearts.

My first run through and I had dog eared half the collection. I did another run through, thinking about what I really wanted, and decided to buy things I could wear to work (plus one that I just have to have).

First, I want to start with this dreamy creation that has eluded me for so long until now, it is within reach of me and my wallet. A few months back, I saw this dreamy beaded gown by Zuhair Murad on ssense. I fell in love, but my wallet cried when it saw the price tag. Even on sale, I couldn't justify a dress that I'd wear once, if I could even find an occasion to wear it.

But then, the much anticipated high-low collaboration between Altuzarra and Target was unveiled, my eyes landed on this long, flowing, beaded dress and my heart (and my wallet) leaped for joy!

I fell in love with multiples pieces (but want to buy all of it), but some of the ones that resonated with me are below. I hope I'm able to find my size on September 14th. I can never seem to gauge Target's sizing correctly. Wish me luck on my hunt for these treasures, and let me know how you style your favorites!

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