the silk blouse - splurge or save?

FINALLY, after 2 weeks, i heard back from madewell and i got the job (whoo hoo!). with this, it makes me think about my wardrobe and what i will be able to wear to work. for me, it's all about being simple, being able to throw something on, add a few accessories, and be out the door. one such article of clothing that i think will accomplish this desire is a silk (or silky) shirt. pair it with skinnies and flats or a pencil skirt and heels - then you've got it made. you have a look that is put together, comfortable, and easy.  with this idea in mind, i've been contemplating the notion of buying a new silk (or silky) shirt. i have two silky shirts (one in grey and the other in white) but i need one with a bit of color (my boyfriend makes fun of me because he thinks i wear too much black...).  however, i can't decide if i want to save or splurge. 

save                  or                 splurge

 

(1)                                       (2)

1. dolman shirt - $22.80 - forever21

2. soft silk boyshirt - parchment - $110 - madewell

i think for the time being, i will resort to "saving". i think that the real silk shirt will have to wait. because when you think of the price of real silk, you can't just think of the $110. you also have to think about dry cleaning. also, spillage. i am notorious for missing my mouth so the added concern of ruining an expensive shirt frightens me.

so maybe, mr. silk shirt,  in the future, we will be friends.

leather trends

leather is one of my all time favorite fabrics. leather goes with everything and it adds a bit of an edge to your overall look.  leather is also transitional, depending on how you style it. (and girls on a budget - like me - faux leather is OK!)

skirts

 

 

{pictures c/o pinterest}

save                            splurge

 

(1)                                 (2)

1. the crosby street faux leather skirt - $59.95 - new york and company

2. susan monaco leather mini - $297 - revolve clothing

shirts

 

 

{pictures c/o pinterest}

save                           splurge

 

(1)                                  (2)

(3)                              (4)

 

(5)                                (6)

1. faux leather sleeved t-shirt - light grey - $25.90 - zara

2. heather-leather sleeve tee - $215 - neiman marcus

3. lily white faux leather peplum tank - $38 - nordstrom

4. vegan leather peplum top - $98 - piperlime.com

5. wallpapHer faux leather tank - $32 - nordstrom

6. leather/jersey tank - $198 - intermix

pants

 

 

 

{pictures c/o pinterest}

save                               splurge

 

(1)                                       (2)

1. leather-effect jegging with zips - $79.90 - zara

2. rich & skinny tar coated faux-leather leggings - $176 - CUSP by neiman marcus

coats/blazers

 

{pictures c/o pinterest}

save                                splurge

 

(1)                                        (2)

 

(3)                                             (4)

 

(5)                                       (6)

1. the crosby street city double stretch & faux leather jacket - $99.95 - new york and company

2. theory leather open-sleeve blazer - $445 - neiman marcus

3. river island leather look sleeve army jacket - $93.67 - asos.com

4. 10 crosby derek lam leather sleeve jacket - $795 - neiman marcus

5. RACHEL rachel roy jacket, the shauna three quarter distressed faux leather draped - $179 - macys

6. bod & christensen draped leather jacket - $390 - neiman marcus

dresses

{pictures c/o pinterest}

save                                       splurge

 

(1)                                                (2)

 

(3)                                     (4)

1. faux leather panel dress - $19.80 - forever21

2. milly nina leather panel dress - $396 - shopbop

3. sanctuary faux leather shift dress - $158 - nordstrom

4. french connection women's navajo leather dress - $428 - amazon.com

sheer trend

after seeing these two looks on celebrities

{gwen stefani}

and

{charlize theron}

i knew that a sheer trend was on the way. knowing that i can't afford a stella mccartney jumpsuit or dior gown, i had to think of ways i could incorporate the sheer trend into my closet without totally emptying my wallet.  here are my tips:

shirts

i tend to like looser sheer tops more then tighter. pair with a mini skirt or some leather leggings.

{sincerely jules}

Sheer Buttondown Tunic - Shell - $118 - Free People




{silk northfork top - saratoga blue - $73.50 - madewell}

skirts and dresses

this season, i'm all about the high-low/mullet skirts/dresses. sheer skirts and dresses can give the coverage you need in the skirt area, but give you a little drama in the sheer.  i also love short skirts/dress with a sheer skirt over. once again, it gives you the coverage you need and the drama you desire.

{Xhilaration Juniors Hi-Low Maxi Skirt - Black - $19.99 - Target}

{Hi Low Color Block Dress - $148 - Free People}



{bold flounced trim dress - $10.99 - forever 21}



{oasis chiffon hem skirt - cream - $34.06 - Asos.com}