Thursday, August 14, 2014

The Trumpet Sleeve

Photography by AnyaFoto
Looking to add a little flare to your style? One of my favorite trends for this upcoming fall season is the trumpet sleeve, or more commonly known as the bell sleeve. Talk about a serious throwback to the 1970's! What exactly is a trumpet sleeve? The trumpet sleeve is a sleeve that gets increasingly wider from the elbow to the wrist. It adds the perfect amount of drama to any blouse, tunic, sweater or dress. I personally love how this tunic features an extreme flare (similar to that of a '70s bell bottom pant leg).  The sleeves are finished off with little pom-poms. They really make the look magical. I felt so wizardly in it ;).

The trumpet sleeve works well with almost every body type. It's one of the few styles that can be extremely flattering on your arms. What throw back trends will you incorporate into your fall style? As you can tell, the '60s and 70's will be at the core of my fall wardrobe!

Outfit details: 
Tunic Top (can also be worn as a dress): Aaraa Hoboken (on sale!)
Simple layering necklaces: Aaraa Hoboken
Patterned Clutch: Aaraa Hoboken
Shoes: Old Navy
Hidden Passage Cuff: Pink Slate Boutique (use code DRESSEDBYJESS for 20% off)
Forget me Knot Bracelet: Pink Slate Boutique (use code DRESSEDBYJESS for 20% off)
XO,

Monday, August 11, 2014

Bohemian Summer Maxi Dress With Deb Shops

Photography by: AnyaFoto
What I'm Wearing: Deb Shops Maxi Dress W/Crochet Illusion Back and Waist (c/o)
Zara Shoes (similar look here)
Aldo Accessories Handbag (In select stores. Similar style here)
Long Fringe Necklace by Deb Shops- similar look here for 50% off! (c/o)
Stackable Rings by Madewell
Arm Cuff: Kensie

The Coast to Coast Style Series is back with a fun mid-summer bohemian look featuring Deb Shops! Just when I thought I couldn't find another maxi dress to love, I stumbled upon this beautiful crocheted lace maxi from Deb Shops. The cut-outs along the waistline are so unexpected and unusual. I absolutely love the open-back details. As the summer begins to wind down, it's important to have some fun longer dresses. Nothing beats light layers for a breezy evening look.  This dress is light enough to keep you cool during the warmer days, and the chiffon skirt will add the subtle coverage that you need at night. Don't forget to grab your favorite denim jacket before you head out the door!

To complete the look, reach for a large cuff bracelet and slide it all the way up your lower arm until it's locked into place. Since we show off our arms in the summer, it's the perfect time to try placing your jewelry in different locations. If you're looking to make a bigger statement with your jewelry, try testing out an upper arm cuff. To help you step out of your comfort zone, I put together a fun collection with Mavatar featuring some of my favorite dainty and bold arm cuffs. Why not give this trend a try? Click the Mavatar button below to shop the collection.
Shop My Mavatar Cart

Don't forget to stop by StushiGal Style and Style by Alina to view their bohemian must-haves.
XO,

Thursday, August 7, 2014

5 Girly Must-Haves To Make You Instantly Cuter

I've always had a fascination with big floppy hats and sundresses. I love a classic preppy look in the summertime. It's girly, fresh, and fun. I reach for bright punchy prints, but to really pull off the look, you have to strike the right balance between ultra feminine fabrics and sophisticated details. Check out these must-have tips below for getting the style just right.

5 Girly Must-Haves To Make You Instantly Cuter:
1- A flirty, soft shaped dress. Take this Pink Slate Boutique dress for example, it's colorful, sweet and perfectly prim. You can wear it with stackable bracelets or layer it up with a cardigan or moto jacket for the upcoming fall months. 
2- Floaty Skirts. Cupcake skirts help to highlight your waist and give your body shape. Plus, the flowy fabric will scream, "Hello I'm super cute. Call me?"
3-Light washed skinny jeans. I love how effortless distressed denim looks when paired against a basic tee. The light wash goes perfectly with pastels and florals. The rips and tears add a little spice to the look. Need more inspiration? Visit Naty's blog, A Love Affair With Fashion. She just put together an adorable post featuring low-rise skinny denim jeans for under $30!
4- A playful hat. Anytime I'm feeling bored or in the mood to change up my look, I throw on a fun hat. 
5- A denim vest. I cannot stress how important a sleeveless denim vest is in the summertime. They complete almost any outfit. You can pair them with maxi dresses, crop tops, blouses, knits...etc. The styling options are endless. I personally adore this denim vest from Rue21.

You don't have to break the bank to look stylish and trendy. In fact, there's loads of guilt-free shopping destinations right at your fingertips. Keep scrolling to see how you can score this outfit for under $50.
Let's Shop
 Outfit Details:
Dress (c/o): My Lucky Day by Pink Slate Boutique (use code DRESSEDBYJESS for 20% off a checkout. You can pick-up this dress for $34!)
Purse: Dear Hannah of Hoboken
Sunglasses: Anthropologie
Hat: Kmart (also adore this style and this B/W colorblock hat for $7)
XO,

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Custom Designed Clothing By eShakti

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to have a custom designed dress? A girl can dream, right? Well, eShakti makes this dream absolutely possible! eShakti is an online retailer that specializes in one-of-a-kind dresses, skirts, jackets and tops that offers unique designs and fit for each shopper. When I first laid eyes on this Tropical Floral Denim Dress, I knew we would be a match. I absolutely adore the sweetheart neckline, the flirty peplum bounce at the hem, and the stretchy denim material. Since I am petite on top I was nervous I wouldn't be able to keep the dress up. I love wearing strapless dresses, but I always have to be conscious of my body type.

When I learned that each piece of clothing is tailored to your height, weight, and body type I was intrigued. I have always struggled with standardized sizing. It's either too big, too short, too tight, too long, too low...you get the point. So I decided to test out the custom sizing offered by eShakti. It was a quick and easy process. I went online and browsed the recent summer collection. Once I selected a dress, I referred to the sizing chart and entered in my measurements before placing the order. I waited patiently and the dress arrived about 10 days later. I was so excited to try on the dress and to test out the fit. 

The result of the custom sizing? Absolute perfection. This dress fits me like a glove! I am so impressed with the services offered by eShakti. In addition to the custom sizing, you can also create your own style by choosing a sleeve type, length, and neckline. How cool is that?! Since I ordered a strapless dress I did not play around with the styling options, but this fall I'm going to order another dress and play around with the styling tools. Scroll down to see more eShakti looks that I am currently obsessing over! One of them is perfect for fall ;).
 Outfit Details:
Dress: Floral Denim Dress by eShakti ℅
Shoes: Aldo (similar here)
Bangles: SoGood located in Soho
Earrings: Francesca's (similar here)
Gusseted White Clutch: Zara

More eShakti looks I'm loving: The Batik Print Trapeze Dress and The Spectacle Print Cotton Dress. How adorable would this black trapeze dress look for the fall paired with cognac booties and a metallic belt? Ugh, I'm dreaming about it! I know you will enjoy the eShakti offerings as much as I do, so give it a try and let me know your thoughts. 

Don't forget to show eShakti some social love by giving them a like on Facebook, and a follow on Twitter and Instagram! 

XO,

Friday, August 1, 2014

Floral Fantasy Romper With Free People

Get the floral fantasy look by channeling your inner boho girl and turning up the dial on your style. In this week's Coast to Coast Style Series, Alina, Johnnalynn and myself are embracing the flirty and sultry summer look with floral printed dresses and rompers from Free People. Like I mentioned in my last post, I have a current obsession with bohemian style. I love how carefree and easy going the look can be. It's truly all about fun details that give your outfit an overall earthy feel. 

To achieve the playful boho style, start by choosing a floral or paisley printed dress, top, or romper. I opted for this open side floral printed romper with delicate ties around the neck. I found the drapey cut-outs on the bottom to be so visually interesting. Next, pile on some delicate accessories like this neutral wrap bracelet from Aaraa accessories. Lastly, finish off the look with something fringed. I choose this leather cross-body bag with simple fringe zippers on the sides.

This is totally a romantic look where high fashion meets low maintenance. It's perfect for a fancy date on a hot summer day. I actually wore this out with my boyfriend for cocktails on the beach. Since the fabric is sheer, you will need to wear a little something underneath. I recommend little black shorts (the spandex type) and a black bralette. I have also worn this romper as a cover-up (and received a boat load of compliments). I think rompers are unexpected at the beach because most girls wear sundresses or denim shorts. The bright floral bright colors are fun, and the loose silhouette makes it casual.

To shop more flirty summer looks from Free People, including this romper, click here! Don't forget to stop by StushiGal Style and Style by Alina to see how they fully styled their floral fantasy dresses. You might even score a tip or two from these two style mavens!
Outfit Details:
Purse: Gifted from Italy
Shoes: Steve Madden (similar here, I actually need to add these to my collection)
This post contains an item gifted for review. All opinions are my own.
XO,