The overachiever loves things that keep her world organized, bright, clean, and optimistic. This means fun desk stuff, cool calendars or motivational posters, and beautifully functional accessories.
gift guide: for the overachiever
shapeless coats
Call them boyfriend jackets, cocoon coats, car coats, or throw-ons… whatever the name may be, I’m having a serious crush on shapeless coats right now. I know, I know – it goes against some pretty major fashion rules. It is no doubt a tricky thing to pull off and not everyone’s cup of tea. But I think if done right, it looks effortlessly chic.
What do you think of this baggy look? Yay or nay?
ladycrush: hannah
Neighborhood: Northlake
Day Job: Senior Customer Associate at Anthropologie
Dream Job: Working in a retail corporate office
Describe your personal style.
My style is very feminine. I love lace, bows, floral prints and color. Dresses are my go-to because they are such an easy outfit, and I definitely own one too many fit and flare dresses! I make sure what I wear is comfortable and reasonable for what I’m doing so I wear flats way more than heels.
be your own icon
Do you ever see or meet women who make you think to yourself “man, she is so cool; I want to be her when I grow up.” Well, today I aspire to be one of those women, to serve as my own inspiration.
Yesterday I added this jacket to my wardrobe and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I see women pull off these moto-slash-army (aka anorak) jackets all the time and I’ve never been able to envision myself being able to, until now. It’s fitted yet casual, classic yet edgy and it will be the perfect layering bridge moving into the fall.
Instead of living in comparison to others, I’ve decided that my future self is the person I’m trying to live up to.
treat yourself
Every now and then, you just gotta treat yourself. Some days, it will be with a doughnut and a vanilla latte. Other days, it’s a great new outfit to make you feel shiny and new. I made the decision to buy this top and pencil skirt because they of how multi-functional and bold they both are; equal parts feminine and strong, contemporary and classic. [ sidenote: this post has made me realize I tend to like pictures of me facing to the left! ]
I’m a huge fan of the crop top trend, but it can be next to impossible to dress it up or take it into the workplace. As I slipped this one over my head, it took me less than a heartbeat to decide that I really couldn’t live without adding it to my wardrobe. It’s so much better than your average shell; the silhouette is structured yet unexpected and keeps you looking fashion-forward, graceful, and confident.
ladycrush: elizabeth
I’ve known Elizabeth for less than a year, but she and I clicked pretty immediately. We both love a good cup of joe, shopping in vintage boutiques, and festival dallying. But more than common interests, she’s got a seriously kind heart and has been one of my biggest supporters this year. She’s definitely a keeper. <3
Name: Elizabeth T.
Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward
Day Job: E-Commerce Merchandiser
What motivates you as a creative professional?
The beauty and my love for the final product. Having experienced many aspects of the fashion industry, I know the amount of work it takes to both create new products and also have it be successful. From the stages of consumer demands influencing the product development, to buying into the samples displayed at market, and finally seeing the full-formed assortment come into completion at the retail stores – each piece of merchandise has had so much thought and energy poured into it. It’s exciting to see the final masterpieces, work them into displays, try them on, and share my giddiness with others that love it too!
ladycrush: suzanne of scarlett hill
As you may or may not know, I can get reeeally snap-happy. When I have a willing and lovely subject to shoot, I can really go to town with the portraits. Case in point, today’s ladycrush: Suzanne, my talented and infectiously-positive colleague. Her awesomeness translated so well into the camera, that I just couldn’t stop. She’s one of those girls who you just know is cool, from the moment you meet her. I took advantage and asked her for three different looks that exemplify her sense of style.
Name: Suzanne Dennis
Neighborhood: Roswell
Day Job: Personal Stylist at Anthropologie
Night Job: Singer and Songwriter in Scarlett Hill
Describe your style in 5 words or less.
Modern Western Bohemian
Who and what inspires your style?
I’m inspired mostly by my music; dressing in an inspiring way can help my creativity when writing songs and helps me feel confident when performing. I usually ask myself – would I wear this onstage? If the answer is no, I pass. I aspire for continuity between my personality, style, and music.
What is your favorite fashion trend for the summer and why?
I honestly don’t keep up with trends anymore. I know it seems counter-intuitive for a stylist to not be into trends, but what I’ve found is once you’ve settled into a style that feels you, you stick with it. Great style to me is more about being genuine than the most current.
What do you love most about Atlanta? Where are some of your favorite Atlanta spots?
I’m an outdoorsy person, so I love that Atlanta has so many trees and places to enjoy nature! I love running along the Chattahoochee and hiking at Arabia Mountain. I also love Decatur for grabbing coffee or dinner and drinks, and Scott’s Antique Market for fun finds.
Best style advice you’ve ever heard/given?
Listen to your intuition! Style reflects who you are so go with your gut and be confident and you’ll always look great!
More pics and outfit details after the jump!
kimono cover-ups
Look, I’m gonna be honest here. I don’t feel comfortable with a lot of the terms used in the fashion world to describe ethnic-inspired clothing – kimonos, aztec, tribal, et cetera. It’s typically not accurate and while imitation can be a form of flattery, it can also really minimize cultural and ceremonial significance. That being said, I also know it’s damn near impossible to avoid such vocabulary when it’s so pervasive in clothing descriptions, media, and the like. So unfortunately here I am, reduced to using “kimono cover-ups” for convenience instead of easy-breezy-lightweight-open-robes. Please forgive me the terminology and focus on how awesome it is that these are back in style!
shop these kimonos below!
bright like sunshine
You know how there are just some trends that you think will never work for you? For me, that’s always been brightly colored pants. Regardless of how many I’ve tried on in the past, none of them ever seemed to do it for me. I love them on other people, but I felt like they always emphasized the width of my legs… and I was NOT all about that. Well a few weeks ago, for the first time ever in my life, I finally broke my colored-pants curse.
$200 free people giveaway
Today, I have a special treat for you: a chance to win $200 of Free People goodies! Oh, I know you want this. Free People, the free-spirited and bohemian sister to Anthropologie is the perfect go-to brand for all your festival crop top and flowy skirt needs. Not to mention they have a ridiculously good selection of shoes too! Here are some of my favorite FP items for this summer below. And on a side note, did you know most of their sunglasses are only $18?! Score.
Enter below for your chance to win! You can enter every day over the next two weeks and earn bonus entries by sharing this giveaway with your friends on social media. Super easy, right? 🙂 Also, be sure to visit some of the other awesome bloggers hosting this giveaway with me!
GIVEAWAY
Prizes: $200 Free People Gift Card
Organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Co-hosts: StushiGal Style ♥ To Be Bright ♥ Diary of a Chic Mommy ♥ Livin Like Larz ♥ Fresh Fit N Healthy ♥ By Sarah Halstead ♥ Lush to Blush ♥ Loser Girl Wins ♥ Just Peachy Blog ♥Tide & Bloom ♥ Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog ♥ She Wears What
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 6/18 and is open worldwide.
Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!