Summer Vacation Style Guide 2017

August 14, 2017 by Bree Fesh in Style Guides

Though summer is quickly coming to a close, I have always taken my vacations towards the end of the season. I have always liked to think of it as a "last hoorah" of sorts before getting back to the grind in the fall. So for my vacation this year, I'm actually heading down to New Orleans for eight days (Yes, there will be a couple new travel posts in the near future folks!) and I figured what would be more fitting than to post some of my top outfit choices for summer vacation! And though I will be going back to my typical Style Guide posts come fall, today's will be a little different because I've decided to actually show you all some of the outfits I will be styling down in The Big Easy.

Mixing Patterns

Love this top? See some other ways I styled it here!

The first summer trend that I am excited to style on my vacation is the mixing of patterns. The reason I love this trend so much is because it leaves so much room for experimentation and is a fun and playful touch on casual outfits. The outfit I have on above would be absolutely perfect for sight seeing around New Orleans due to the fact these pieces are light weight and airy which is great for keeping you cool and of course comfy shoes are a must!

(Outfit: Sunglasses by Tory Burch, Top from Fascino, Jewelry from Rocksbox, Shorts thifted from Red, White, and Blue Thrift Store, Bag by Yves Saint Laurent, Shoes by Michael Kors.)

Ravishing Reds

Of course you can't take a trip to New Orleans without going to the infamous restaurant The Commander's Palace! For those of you who are unfamiliar with the swanky spot, it is an upscale eatery known for its creole fare, beautiful setting, and I can't help but mention that they serve 25 cent martinis during lunch--who would want to miss that?! Due to its elegant nature, The Commander's Palace requires its guests to dress in business to semi formal attire, so to hit this hot spot, I will be packing this lovely red shift dress and my Kate Spade heels. To style this piece I chose to pair it with gold chandelier earrings and a plain gold cuff.

(Outfit: Earrings from Fascino, Dress by Micheal Kors, Bracelet by Victoria's Secret, Heels by Kate Spade.)

Sea Side Stripes

This next outfit it yet another summer style trend, and that would be stripes! The reason I decided to take this lovely outfit from Ann Taylor with me is for one, these pants are so incredibly comfortable!! And considering they are all cotton, they're the perfect choice to stay cool in the Louisiana heat. I also just adore this blouse due to its ruffled collar, which as I'm sure you all know is also a big trend this season. To further style this adorable duo, I chose to pair it with this beautiful Kendra Scott necklace and this pretty cuff by SLATE.

(Outfit: Blouse, pants, and shoes are from Ann Taylor. Jewelry can be found at Rocksbox.)

Longer Lengths

As my long time readers know, I am absolutely crazy about maxi dresses! So its only natural that I would pack one to style on my vacation. The reason I love this gorgeous maxi dress so much is because I love its rich colors as well as its bold pattern. To style it, I chose to keep it simple with this sweet little SLATE cuff and some brown and white sandals.

(Outfit: Earrings from Forever 21, Dress thrifted at Red White and Blue Thrift Store, Shoes by Tommy Hilfiger.)

Great Graphic Tees

Since I don't plan on being dressed up for my entire vacation (though, I do love dressing up!) I also plan on taking a few casual outfits as well, just considering they are much more practical for things like sight seeing and strolling around Bourbon Street. And since we all know I have quite the collection of graphic tees, you bet I'll be packing some of my faves! For this cool and casual look I chose this adorable "Haute Mess" tee from SheIn, some simple denim shorts, and these adorable Micheal Kors slides! And to dress my tee up a little bit I added these Jenny Bird earrings, collar necklace, and cuff.

(Outfit: Sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith, Tee and Shorts from SheIn, Earrings, Collar Necklace and Cuff can be found at Rocksbox, Shoes by Micheal Kors.)

Attractively Active

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, I'm sure you know how much I hate going to the gym and working out--though that doesn't mean that I don't do it. So while I'm on vacation, I will still continue running and exercising as normal because I know it is good for me and though I don't necessarily like putting in the work, I do love the end result. And not to mention I love the athlesiure and sports style trends so it also makes for some fun styling!

(Outfit: Sports Bra and Jacket from SheIn, Shorts by Danskin, Shoes by Nike.)

Fierce In Florals

Love this dress? See some other ways I styled it here!

If you know anything about me you know that one thing I absolutely love is BRUNCH. And if you know anything about NOLA you know that it has some of the best brunch spots in the United States, if not in the world. So, this outfit choice is for just that! This adorable floral dress is simply perfect for grabbing some beignets and coffee at Cafe Du Monde before taking a nice morning stroll through the French Quarter. To style this piece I chose to pair it with this beautiful SLATE necklace, these pretty pink Kendra Scott Earrings, and this cute cuff, along with this adorable bag from SheIn.

(Outfit: Dress from Make Me Chic, Purse from SheIn, Shoes by Anne Klein, Necklace and Earrings from Rocksbox.)

Pretty Two Pieces

Love this outfit? See some other ways I styled it here!

Last but not least, the final outfit I will be packing is this adorable two piece set from my sponsor SheIn! The reason I absolutely adore this outfit is because it is so chic and casual that you can wear it for just about any occasion. It is also light and airy so therefore keeping me comfy and cool while strolling around the streets of New Orleans. To style this cute set, I kept it simple with my trusty Chloe bag and some white and brown sandals.

(Outfit: Two Piece Set from SheIn, Bag by Chloe, Sandals by Tommy Hilfiger.)

So everybody, where are you off to on summer vacation and what will you be styling?! Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me about it at @StarkRavingChic! Have a darling vacation outfit you just need to show off? Feel free to tag me on Instagram or in your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, dolls!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I styled in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

Also, In case you haven't heard, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

Easter Sunday Style Guide

April 06, 2017 by Bree Fesh in Style Guides

Though I am not a religious person in a very least, every year I do get excited for Easter because it it one of the only holidays my entire family gets together to celebrate, aside from Christmas and Thanksgiving. Each year we have a darling brunch and watch my younger cousins hunt for Easter eggs, however the uniqueness about Easter morning for my family is that this is the one holiday the everybody dresses up. Though I tend to dress up any chance I get, primping for Easter brunch has always been one of my favorite things about the holiday, just something about it makes me very giddy. So, in case any of you are like me, and are not entirely sure what you want to wear yet for the holiday, I've put together this style guide with my top picks for Easter!

Chic for the Occasion

For this first outfit, the core piece I chose is this classic sheath dress. The reason I chose this dress is because it's classy, simple, and pretty. The reason I like this dress so much is due to its unique neckline and cool toned, floral pattern which is perfect, yet different for spring. This dress would also be a nice choice for my readers who do attend Sunday mass for the holiday, because even though it is dressy, it is a nice and modest choice for spring.

To add a bit of flare to this outfit, I decided to pair it with this lovely set of jewelry. First I paired this dress with these Kate earrings by Kendra Scott, because I liked the subtle hint of pink that they added to this look. Next, I chose this necklace by Perry Street, because I felt the cool tones of the opal played well off the dress' floral pattern. And lastly, to pull this shimmering trio together, I added this Misha bracelet by SLATE because the stones on this cuff matched the stones of the necklace, and the gold of the bracelet, played off of the gold in the earrings.

To complete this first outfit, I decided to stay true to its cooler tones, and decided to pair it with these adorable, lilac sandals. The reason I chose these sandals is because I felt that their color added balance to the outfit, opposed to if you were to pair the dress with white heels, it would look a bit disproportional color wise.

Playfully Polished

This next outfit choice is perfect for the girl whose family has a casual get together for Easter. I chose this darling two piece set because I felt the colors were fun and festive for spring! I really loved the tie detailing of the blouse and I also felt the wide legs of the pants made for a chic but fun look. The reason this set is great for a casual Easter get together, is because though it is a playful look, it is also quite classic.

To accessorize this look, I decided to pair it with these Maxwell earrings by Kendra Scott, this gorgeous drop pendant necklace, and lastly this House of Harlow 1960 moon stone cuff. The reason I chose these pieces is because I liked the pop of color that the earrings and bracelet added to this look, and I also felt the necklace would add a bit of flare to the top half of the outfit, without being too over the top due to its minimalistic look.

To further accessorize this look, I chose to style it with this pretty, studded, forest green purse. The reason I chose this bag for the look, is because I felt that it paired nicely with the two piece set, and also added a nice contrast to the over all look, making it visually interesting.

To complete this playful outfit, I chose these adorable, coral colored pumps. The reason why I thought these pumps were simply perfect for this look, is due to their low heel and cute little bows. I also liked this color compared to the pants of this ensemble as well as how these pumps play off the color of the jewelry in this look as well.

Brighten Up Brunch

Since yellow is still a huge color trend this season, as well as monochromatic styling, for this next look I decided to go with this bright yellow ensemble. To kick off this look, the main piece I chose is this gorgeous, empire waist maxi dress. Not only does the color of this dress really fit the spirit of the holiday, it is also cut modestly making it a good choice for various Easter activities. I also really love how soft and pretty this dress looks, with a touch of Grecian femininity.

Of course such an elegant dress calls for just as elegant accessories! So to add a bit of shimmer to this bright outfit, I chose to pair it with these Sophie Harper drop earrings plus this dainty gold bracelet by Gorjana. The reason I chose these pieces is because my like the style of the dress, they have a feminine and Grecian feel, which I felt complemented this look as a whole, and made the perfect match!

To put the finishing touches on this outfit, I chose to pair this gorgeous maxi dress with these cute, yellow pumps. The reason why I chose these heels is because I loved their angular design and because of their color. Even though these heels are yellow, unlike that dress which is more of a pastel color, these heels are almost neon, adding a nice contrast to the dress and also adding a fourth shade of yellow by tying in the jewelry.

Garden Party

This last outfit is for the girl who loves a classic style with some artsy flare. This dress is actually my favorite out of all of the items in this guide, and I'm actually debating on purchasing it. The reason I love this dress so much is because of its twist on the classic a-line dress. I love its fit and flare cut paired with the mesh overlay and embroidered flowers. This piece isn't only perfect for an Easter Sunday Brunch, but also for a classic spring look.

Since this dress makes a statement all on its own, I did not want to clutter it with over the top accessories. So, I chose to pair it with these simple, but stunning, lever back earrings by Kate Spade. I just liked that these gems match some of the flowers so well and that they are a great color for spring.

To finish off this artistic and sophisticated look, I chose to pair it with these simple white pumps. The reason I chose white pumps opposed to colored ones, is because I felt that a pair of colored heels would distract from the beauty of the dress and make it look a bit sloppy. So, I chose to keep this look's shoe choice simple, sweet, and classic.

How are you spending Easter Sunday this year if you celebrate the holiday, and how are you styling for it? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a cute Easter Sunday look that you'd just love to show off? Feel free to snap a picture and tag me in your post or Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I featured in this post, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

Spring Break Style Guide

February 27, 2017 by Bree Fesh in Style Guides

Woooh! I don't know about you guys but I am more than ready for spring break. Admittedly, this is mainly because I can't wait to head down to Delray Beach and visit John, but also because after working so hard this semester thus far I am ready for a little rest and relaxation. Though assuming many of you are like me, just because you're on break doesn't mean you're going to stop styling and looking you best, so in light of this mini vacation I've decided to share some of my favorite style trends for spring break 2017!

Love this bikini? You can get it and other awesome pieces for 25% off when you use my promo code "starkravingchic25" at checkout! — Love this bikini? You can get it and other awesome pieces for 25% off when you use my promo code "**starkravingchic25**" at checkout!

Shimmering Siren

Okay, so I'm sure this is a bit of a no brainer for spring break (especially if you're headed to a beach destination) but I figured it wouldn't be right not to add two of my favorite bikini trends of the year to this list! The first being wild patterns and lots of adornments. The first bikini I chose is actually one I will be modelling and featuring on here from my sponsor, Swim Classy, after my spring break vacation with John. The reason I chose this bikini is because I love the sequined and beaded detailing. If you're the kind of girl who loves to be the star of the show, there will be no missing you in this dramatic duo! (It also works great under a netted dress--but more on that when my outfit of the day post goes live.)

To add a little extra shimmer to this bedazzled bikini, I decided to pair it with this gorgeous layered necklace by Nakamol. The reason I chose this necklace to style with this bikini is because I felt that the layered gold chain would complement the swimsuit's silver sequins perfectly. I also loved the extra details of the round drop pendants, which are perfect for adding just a touch of extra sparkle.

Just in case you need a bite to eat after you hit the beach, it'd be wise to have a cover-up handy. So the reason I chose this see through cover-up is because much like the necklace, I felt this cover-up's gold accents would complement the bikini's silver sequins very well. The other reason I chose this see through cover-up is because I figured if you have on a statement making swimsuit, why on earth would you want to cover it up completely? (Also a huge trend this season is actually see through outfits, meaning your unmentionables have just become mentionable!)

To complete this look, I stayed true to this outfit's gold accessories and chose these simple metallic slides. The reason I chose these sandals is because I liked the way they complemented the gold in the cover-up, and also because they are simple and not too over the top. The reason why I wanted a simple pair of shoes is due to the fact though this is a show stopping outfit, you still would be styling it at the beach so comfort is most definitely key!

Beach Bum Babe

For my next beach look, I decided to style something for the more sporty girl, and chose this simple triangle, color block bikini. The reason I chose this swimsuit is because I loved the color block on the top and because of its over all practical design. Though I adore the first suit, it is definitely more suited for lounging and sipping cocktails on the beach, not so much for the girl who likes to go out and swim in the ocean! This bikini though is perfect for that due to its simple design and extra support top. (Note that this bikini isn't a halter but is instead designed like a bra, therefore preventing a possibly wardrobe malfunction.)

Next up for this outfit, I chose to pair this swimsuit with these sporty black shades. As I covered in my last travel essentials post, sunglasses are a must for the beach. The reason I chose this pair though, is because I thought that their sporty vibe matched the look of the bikini perfectly.

The cover-up option I chose for this fun bikini are these simple netted shorts. The reason I chose these shorts is because I liked the fun and flirty vibe they gave to this cute swimsuit, and also because athleisure is HUGE trend this year, and these shorts just fit the bill perfectly! These shorts are perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat on the boardwalk after a long day full of fun in the sun at the beach.

Lastly, to complete this sporty look, I chose these fun, laser cut, gladiator sandals. The reason these sandals are a good fit for this outfit is due to the fact they are lace up, which gives these shoes a very athletic feel and completes this look perfectly.

All Things Yellow

One huge color trend you will be seeing this spring and summer is a whole lot of yellow. Personally, I'm in love with it and am ready for a much needed pop of color! For this outfit I chose to style this gorgeous sundress. The reason this dress was my pick is because I love its shape as well as its lace and laser cut detailing. This dress would be the perfect choice for a lunch date with your ladies or your sweetie at a quaint, uptown restaurant.

To accessorize this look I chose to style it with this cute little clutch. The reason chose this clutch is because even though it is yellow, it's a much more vibrant yellow than the dress which adds a nice contrast for this monochromatic look.

To complete this yellow ensemble, I chose these adorable yellow and navy pompom pumps. The reason I chose these pumps is because they match the pale yellow of the dress almost perfectly, and because the navy strap and the pompoms complement the yellow, and break up the outfit a bit.

Sea Side Stripes

For my next outfit I chose to highlight two big trends on the runway for spring and those would be one shoulder blouses and loads of stripes. For the first part of this outfit, I chose this chic, one shoulder, choker blouse. The reason being is because its fun, casual, and subtly sexy. The reason I'm loving the one shoulder trend is partly because I'm definitely a 90s chick at heart, but also because it's just such a great way to show a little skin while still being modest. This blouse would be absolutely, perfect for a seaside brunch with your besties.

Speaking of seaside brunch, one thing you can't go without for this occasion is a chic pair of sunnies! So I decided to pair this look with these gorgeous aviator sunglasses, just to add a touch of glam.

To add stripes to this look, I decided to add these chic, striped, gaucho pants. The reason I chose these pants is because I loved their earthy tone which is perfect for a causal day strolling along the boardwalk. These pants are also great for warm weather due to their light and airy material, which is perfect for keeping you looking and feeling cool for a warm, breezy day by the beach.

To put the finishing touches on this outfit, I chose to pair this relaxed and casual look with these simple tan sandals. The reason I chose these sandals is because they match the pants well and add a simple chic touch to the outfit.

In A Cinch

In this next look, I decided to showcase yet another runway trend from this season and that would be waist cinchers. Though we normally don't think of waist cinchers as being something to wear over clothes, they can actually look quite chic when paired with the right garment! For this look I chose to use this simple white dress, due to the fact a patterned dress would be much too busy paired with a cincher, and I also chose white because I felt this outfit would be great for afternoon cocktails, so I wanted to keep it light and casual.

To give this simple look a little shimmer, I decided to pair it with these gorgeous Perry Street, liberty drop earrings as well as this etched arrow necklace by SLATE. The reason I chose these pieces is because I liked their steampunkesque charm and felt that they complemented the waist cincher I chose for this outfit.

The cincher I chose to pair with this look is this gorgeous, brown, satin finish waist cincher. The reason I chose this cincher is because I wanted this look to have a nice earthy feel for the beach, and I also felt that a black cincher with this white dress would have to harsh of a contrast for this spring break look.

To complete this look, I chose to add these tan, over the knee peep toe boots. Again, since I wanted this outfit to have an earthy vibe, I decided to I keep true to my neutral color scheme when pairing these boots with the rest of this outfit. The reason I loved these boots was that the have a soft feel to them which complements the dress perfectly and I also really like the wood detailing of these boots' heels, which is a also a nice touch to this earthy outfit.

The Bold Shoulder

For my final look I decided to style this off the shoulder, ruffled sleeve blouse. The reason I chose this blouse is because much like the one shoulder trend this season, off the shoulder is also a huge look for this season. The reason I liked this blouse so much though, is because of it's dramatic sleeves and the bow at its bust. I felt that this blouse would be perfect for a stroll along the boardwalk with friends, but would also transition perfectly for a night out on the town. The reason this is, is because of this blouse's fun and flirty feel.

To accessorize this cute and flirty top, I decided to pair it with these bold sunglasses. The reason I chose these shades if because I loved the pop of color that they added to this outfit.

To add a little more depth to this outfit, I chose to pair it with this Frida Collar but Jenny Bird. The reason I chose this piece is because much like the sunglasses, this necklace adds a nice pop of color to this bold look. I also chose this necklace because though bare shoulders are all the rage this season, bare necks are not. So this piece adds color and balance to this look.

For the bottom half of this look, I chose to pair this blouse with this cute, denim pencil skirt. The reason I chose this skirt is because I wanted to stay true to the top's playful feel, without taking away from it, so I thought this simple, denim pencil skirt would do just the trick! Due to this skirt's casual look, this bold blouse actually dresses up this skirt a bit, which is a perfect balance for each of them. And much like the blouse, this skirt is also a great piece that transitions well from day to night.

Lastly, to finish off this look, I decided to pair these fun pompom sandals with this outfit. The reason I chose these sandals is because like the other accessories, they add just the right amount of color to this look and would be a comfortable, but stylish choice for a day (or night!) out.

What are some of your favorite spring break looks? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me them at @StarkRavingChic! Have a rockin' outfit that you just have to show off? Feel free to tag me in a post or in your in your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I featured in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!