Closet Lust...August

Where does the time go? Already the end of August, already time for school to start back up again. The summers always seem to flow right by us. Or just me at least. I've been looking around for new clothes and there are a number of sales happening for end of summer and the beginning of the new school year. The clothes picked below pack more of a statement than usual my apparel choices, but they are still fantastic and sophisticated for any woman's closet.

$98 - Monif C. Baily Zipper Dress

Do I really need to explain myself when I say why I love this dress? I mean, really? It's gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. First, I'll start with the construction of the dress. It's exceptionally flattering and emphasizes the model's beautiful, hourglass figure with the zipper lines drawing the eye to different areas of the body. It's very well done and the vivid cobalt is another amazing component to this dress. Other colors would have been fine, but the dazzling blue seen here is a show-stopper.

$145 - Coach Horse and Carriage Strand Bracelet

If you're looking for a new addition to your jewelry collection, please look no further than this Coach bracelet. It gorgeous in its detail, and fun to its core. When I saw it, I was reminded of a charm bracelet that I had in middle school and I think that if anyone has a birthday coming up (i.e. me), it would be a really great gift that would last as an outfit staple for quite a while.

$498 - GAP Leather Utility Moto Jacket

I love a good moto jacket and this is an exceptional one. With the approach of fall, a leather jacket is a must have for the colder weather and as climate change continues to make the winter months feel like summer, we may face erratic temperatures during the season. This jacket offsets the risk of being overdressed, in my opinion. While being sporty, it's also versatile and can be a quick go to when it starts to get chilly outside.

$110.90 - Eloquii Printed Sarong Romper

Rompers are not my favorite thing to pull out of my closet but this one is an exception. I saw it on Eloquii and I was rather struck by it. The shape is great and compelling and gives the effect of a wrap dress. The only drawback I have for this particular item is the print. While very beautiful, it reminds me of a hospital gown or nurses uniform. If the print was changed a bit, then I think it would be perfect for my own wardrobe.


~Renee Brown

Closet Lust...July

Hi everyone!! This heat wave we've been feeling for weeks on the East Coast is really getting to me. I've been daydreaming about colder weather and beautiful autumn leaves. I've finally acknowledged that I am not a summer person at all and the clothes and accessories I found intriguing for this post is a reflection of that. The colors are bright in the pieces below, but they are cool colors and transitional for the later months of the year. Let me know what you think by commenting!

$429 - One King's Lane Ben-Amun Necklace

I love a good choker necklace and this one is no exception. This blue and green enamel necklace from One King's Lane is very beautiful, but can be read as a bit too formal for a casual setting. It's price tag is well earned given the high quality craftsmanship behind it by designer Isaac Manevitz. I'd recommend saving such a luxurious piece of jewelry for a more formal affair or a business professional setting.

 $89.95 - Gap Striped Poncho

I can imagine waking up, getting my outfit together, and throwing this poncho on. Great casual clothes will never be out of place in my closet. I love the gold and the navy of this poncho and the stitching is superb. It's long and ends mid-thigh, so a belt might be necessary, in which case I'd recommend a silver or black one.

$9 - Etsy LeftbankSV Circle Hair Barrette

I found this hidden gem on Pinterest a few weeks back and I fell in love with the minimalist geometric design. It's a barrette that I think is really sophisticated and sensible for a multitude of occasions. As inexpensive as it is, I plan on buying two myself in the near future.

$62.90 - Eloquii Easy Ruffle Top

Providing luxury clothing to plus-sized women is why Eloquii is among my favorite brands. Many other companies ignore them as a market entirely, but not Eloquii. This green top is perfect for fall and is just one example of the amazing construction of their clothes. Durable, versatile, and gorgeous, this top is more of  transitional item for when we move into cooler weather, but it's still a great piece to add in your wardrobe now.

Thanks for reading!
~Renee Brown

Closet Lust...June

So yeah, I'm cutting it a bit close this month but Closet Lust...June is here!! I've selected four really great items for you guys that are versatile for summer days and corporate office environments.

$525 - ShopBop Zero + Maria Carnejo Oni Cardigan

I don't know about you, but before I choose an outfit for the day, I always check the weather on my phone. And on many occasions when I've dressed for a hot day, the A/C of my office makes me really regret the fact that I didn't bring a jacket to work. I think this cardigan is the perfect solution, with the material and the knitting providing light weight comfort and classic style. It's refined and polished with its light blue color and flattering lines and I'd personally love to have this cardigan hanging in my closet.

$98 - Nordstrom Wool & Cashmere Scarf

I found this scarf on Nordstrom and I love it's juicy color. It's a fun shade between red and orange and it's also a lightweight accessory. When you're going out to the grocery store and you have on a casual T-shirt and jeans, this scarf can add a pop of color to brighten your look. And if you're in the office and the temperature begins to drop, you can wrap yourself in it like the women in my office that wrap themselves in their beautiful pashminas. It's a really versatile piece.

$350 - ShopBop Oliveve Zoe Tote

I wanted to feature this bag because I am in love with it. I've been looking around for a new and interesting brown bag and this is it. What I find most fascinating about it is the shape and the material. It's made from cowhide and the exterior cut of it is really beautiful in the fact that it has a bit of a geometric influence. Either way, it's a really stunning tote from Oliveve.

$69.99 - Banana Republic Talia Leather Sandal

Everyone needs a nice sandal and I really like the cobalt blue color of this Banana Republic sandal. I love wearing outfits with one bright colored item to provide a statement to the whole look and this shoe is something that I'd would buy for myself. It's a simple flat shoe with great construction and it's something I would definitely wear on the weekends.

Thanks for reading!!

~Renee Brown

A Midsummer Night Out

Hi everyone! Hope your summer is going well and you're keeping cool in these hot temps. It's been so hot these last few weeks that I've just been staying indoors and devouring a number of romance novels and RomComs and it got me thinking about creating fun date night outfits. One is for a nice, casual dinner and drinks in the city, and the other is for a night clubbing and living it up. I wanted both looks to be affordable but there are expensive pieces to serve as inspiration. Let me know what you think!

Look 1

$54.50 - LOFT Floral Tie Neck Top

$59.95 - GAP Twill Strip Girlfriend Chinos

$49.95 - DSW Nadia Sandal

$29.99 - Amazon ILISHOP Evening Clutch

 $32 - Baublebar Champagne Ear Jackets

$48 - BaubleBar Yacht Bracelet Trio

Look 2

 $19 On Sale! - Old Navy Embroidered Sub-Knit Top

$268 - Neiman Marcus Elie Tahari Pencil Skirt

 $89 - Steve Madden Women's Stecy Sandals

$95 - Nordstrom Rebecca Minkoff Leo Clutch

 $48 - Alex and Ani Endless Knot Studs

 $11.47 On Sale! - NY&Co. 4-Row Beaded Pendant Necklace 

$48 - Baublebar Barbados Bracelet Trio

~Renee Brown