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

A Broad Abroad

Everyone has an idea of where they'd like to travel if they had the time or the money but I've always wanted to go to three distinct places: the Seychelles, Montreal, and Sedona. Those three places are really where I feel like an adventure is waiting for me. But if I did travel to these places, what would I wear? That's the big question.

The Seychelles

If you've never heard of the Seychelles don't worry, you're in good company. They are the world's best kept secret as the Seychelles are a collection of tropical islands off the African coast. Uninhabited until the early 1500's, these island developed into a tourist hub complete with nature preserves, coral reefs, and amazing views. Ever since I stumbled upon these beautiful islands, I've been enraptured with the idea of visiting one day and experiencing the vivid colors for myself.

The Look:

$425 - Neiman Marcus Eugenia Kim Rust Sun Hat

$24.90 - Eloquii Y-Chain Necklace

$79.50 - LOFT Beach Sunburst Maxi Dress

 $34.95 - DSW Kelly & Katie Kinsley Clutch

$34.95 - DSW Kelly & Katie Peyton Flat Sandal

Montreal

For the record, I've already been to Montreal because my grandmother used to live in the neighborhood of Beaconsfield, so the city has a special place in my heart. I am still in love with its historic neighborhoods, its French charm, and its friendly people and I would love to go back again and revisit the places my family and I explored together as well as places we were unable to see like the Underground City. And I would most definitely stop past Gigi's Pizza in Point Claire, the place where I experienced my first food orgasm. (Seriously though, their pizza is amazing.)

The Look:

$195 -Neiman Marcus Rag & Bone Fedora

$32 -  BaubleBar Crystal Ballerina Studs

$138 - GAP Navy Classic Trench 

$79.50 - LOFT Striped Flare Dress

$49.95 - DSW Crown Vintage Sandal

 $12.95 - DSW One Wink Double Stretch Bracelet

$189.95 - DSW Cole Haan Daphne Leather Tote

Sedona 

Sedona is one of those notorious places that I've heard so much about. From the gorgeous landscape of the Red Rocks to the New Age cultural movement that's happening there, it seems like an exciting place to be right now. I've felt drawn to it after reading travel journals and multiple accounts of the town and its eccentric spirit and I hope in the future I'll be able to spend some time taking it all in.

The Look:

$24.90 - Eloquii Stone Wire Wrap Stone Necklace

$28 - BaubleBar Parallel Bar Ring

$54.95 - GAP Light Blue Plaid Boyfriend Shirt

$34.95 - GAP Braided Belt

 $79.50 - LOFT Flare Jeans Dark Rinse

$49.95 - DSW Audrey Brooke Nola Suede Flat

$29.99 - Target Mossimo Supply Co. Women's Solid Backpack

Hope you liked this post. I'll be back in a week for a Closet Lust...March post.

~Renee Brown

To Be Beautiful in a Blizzard

I know, I know. I haven't blogged in a few weeks. But I'm not dead, I can assure you. I've recently been inspired by the cold weather and I've created two new winter looks to contrast nicely against the unpredictable snow. I am sure we have a few more powerful snowstorms ahead of us and so both looks are meant to be warm and comfortable. Look 1 is oriented to be a casual, work outfit and Look 2 is meant for an upscale cocktail party or work function. It is a bit more pricey but don't let that intimidate you. The looks are meant to inspire you on your next shopping trip, so if you find something of quality at a more practical price, buy it and have fun with it. The most amazing fact about fashion is that you don't need to be rich to have style; just a good eye.

Look 1

$28 - One Kings Lane Ojai Four Ring Earrings

 $49.95 - Gap Cotton Essential V-Neck Cardigan

 

$9 - Old Navy Relaxed V-Neck Tee

$95 - One Kings Lane The Perfect Circle Ring

$99.90 - Eloquii Studio Tulle Midi Skirt

$8-13 - Amazon Fashion Leg Impressions Fleece Tights

$49.95 - DSW Aerosoles Wise N Shine Boot

$29.90 - Target Tenergy Beanie Hat with Bluetooth Speakers and Microphone

$14 - Target Quietwear 2 Layer Knit Smart Gloves

$59.76 - Amazon Wantdo Women's Winter Coat

Look 2

$139 - One Kings Lane Swarovski Flower Earrings

$79 - Neiman Marcus Faux Fur Mink Infinity Scarf

 $429.90 - Nordstrom Ted Baker London Wool Coat

$154 - Neiman Marcus Milly Mosiac Sheath Dress

$79.95 - Nordstrom Steve Madden Stecy Sandal

$140 - Neiman Marcus Portolano Napa Leather Gloves

$33 - One Kings Lane Flat Top Ring

$445 - One Kings Lane Swarovski Cluster Bracelet

~Renee Brown