4th of July Style Picks

4th of July 2014 by joellemeaghan featuring stainless steel jewelry

Still trying to figure out what to wear for this weekend’s festivities? Above are 3 not-so-cliché looks that incorporate current summer trends! Whether you’re going to a cookout, spending an evening downtown to see fireworks, or attending a holiday soirée, I’ve got you covered!

1. Chic meets distressed with a modern cropped tank and all-American ripped denim. Take it up a notch with a sleek bun, a red lip and cobalt blue chandelier earrings. Tapered at the bottom, these boyfriend jeans will allow your red strappy heels to pop even more, then shake it up with an all white, big-faced Nixon watch.

2. Go sporty with this detailed mini and pair it with a printed navy tank. Simply throw on some hoops, a convertible red clutch, and navy pumps and you’re ready to go to that rooftop party.

3. I love this silk printed Ferina pant by Joie for a cool, boho-chic look! A dainty red tank works well to complete your holiday ‘fit with gold bangles, hoops and an off-white crossbody to match your midi sandals.

Happy 4th!

Purple Reign

Mixing and merging weekend casual with professional casual today! Scored this fuchsia linen blazer on sale at my job last week and I love it because it’s so vibrant and light weight for the weather. These über distressed jeans are from Topshop which is where I tend to get a lot of my really trendy items. Whenever I wear jeans that are even a tiny bit distressed, I tend to get comments from older people (like my dad) asking, “So you BOUGHT them with holes in them?” I think it’s so funny how different generations choose to accept and interpret trends.

To pull everything together, I threw on a white v-neck and nude heels. For makeup, I’ve been trying something a little bit different lately. In an attempt to make my eyes look bigger, I swipe some white eyeliner on my bottom water line instead of black. Black eyeliner is for more dramatic looks, but it also makes your eyes look smaller and a bit more closed. Also along the lines of my recent beauty change ups, I’ve worn nude nail polish with tangerine  colored toe polish. I don’t feel like I always have to match my nails and toes, because toe polish lasts so much longer than nail polish and I don’t necessarily want to have the same polish on my hands for weeks and weeks like I have on my toes. Make sense? Maybe not, but that small limitation that girls tend to have always bothered me, haha.

Anywho, I would wear this ‘fit on a date or going out to a casual social outing. What trends are you making your own this summer?

Linen Blazer – Olivia Moon (Nordstrom)

White Tee – F21

Distressed Jeans – Topshop

Leather Clutch – Italian souvenir

Strappy Heels – Steve Madden

Hope everyone’s having a great week!

Birthday Style

I celebrated my 23rd birthday last week with my friends and fam! I’m pretty big on birthdays (it’s a whole month-long fiesta for me), so the weeks prior I was on the hunt for the perfect birthday dress to represent where I’m at in this particular stage in my life!Me and my snapchats. I had to go down 3 sizes so this dress wouldn’t look like a tent on me! 

I had a bohemian look in mind to symbolize the freedom I feel as I transition into the real world. I found one that was perfect (this Kate Moss x Topshop frock found here), but quite frankly I didn’t want to spend that much money on it! Haha, then I randomly came across the dress pictured below while shopping for my sister in Gap and fell in love!

I love this dress because it’s so feminine and charming! Because of its length and silhouette, I felt more “grown up” and womanly. I’ve been getting a lot of “You look like you’re 19!” comments lately for some reason, and on this particular birthday I wanted to feel more like I’m out here in the real world working towards becoming completely independent and reaching my career goals! I usually go to Gap to find good deals on quality, casual denim and other items, but never would I have thought I could find a dress like this there!

I paired this dress with a chunky jeweled J.Crew necklace shown below, a brown leather belt and brown leather heeled sandals by Franco Sarto.

Flower lattice necklace by J.Crew

I also paired these casual heels with my new high-waisted Hudson jeans, my favorite denim button-up by Madewell, and a racer back tank the next day.

I had a fabulous birthday and I thank all of my readers, friends and fam that celebrated with me and sent well wishes!

Spring 2014 Trends: Overalls

Spring 2014 Trends: Overalls by joellemeaghan featuring white gold jewelry

Are overalls the new comeback? It seems so! Above are a couple of suggestions on how to dress them up or down with our fave type of heel or sandal. Cuff ’em, distress em, or pair them with a crop top – overalls are this season’s throwback must-have!

Pictured below are how some of the most chic celebs have styled them. I love every look!

How will you wear yours?

Ask Joelle: ‘What Swimsuit Works Best for my Body Type?’

Hey, guys!

I got another ‘Ask Joelle’ question from a reader concerning swimsuits! Read what Lauren had to say below:

“Hey Joelle! I’ve lost a good amount of weight, but my body’s not exactly “bikini ready” (yet). I’m having trouble finding a swimsuit that accentuates and hides the right things. I have a little bit of a tummy that won’t go away but I don’t want to wear a one piece because the ones that I’ve seen look kind of grandma-ish, lol. Help!”

So many of us have this issue! I’m in process of shedding a few pounds myself, but, like you, I’m not quite ready for the  all-exposing bikini. You should try out one of the newest trends in swimwear: high-waisted bottoms. Barenecessities.com

I’ve purchased a couple of these so far and I love them! They give you a vintage 40s pin-up girl look while disguising your tummy and love handles. They also do wonders for your backside;)I’d suggest getting a good pair of black high-waisted bottoms (because black flatters everyone) that you could interchange with some printed and colorful bikini tops.Marc by Marc Jacobs

 And not all one piece suits are matronly! I’m personally fond of them, as I know that if you look in the right stores, you’ll find some super stylish ones. There are some beautiful one pieces out there that are sexy, but hide the areas of your body that you’re not necessarily comfortable showing, like these by Topshop:

Shop around more online and I’m sure you’ll find lots of great options. Remember to wear only what you’re comfortable and confident in, because that’s when we all look our best:)

 Happy swimming and I hope this helps!

Photo sourced from www.glamour.com

What to Wear with White Denim

pink paradise by joellemeaghan featuring a genuine leather purse

                                           

Here’s a fresh idea on how to pair your trendy white denim for the spring! Keep it soft and subtle with a pastel cropped sweater and nude strappy sandals for a day out and about.

Happy Monday!

What I Wore: 02262014

Cozy winter day:)

I love these leather booties! I got them for a steal at Marshalls, but I can’t wear them to work because they start to hurt after a while:( They’re cute nonetheless! And this cardigan is like a chic little blanket! Perfect for sprucing up an otherwise ordinary outfit. Believe it or not, I bought the black tights from a Kerr Drug a while ago  (it was an emergency, lol) and I’m pleasantly surprised with the quality I got for only a few dollars!

Sweater-Cardigan– Ellen Tracy

Black Bodycon Skirt– Zara

3/4 Sleeve Shirt– Aerie

Black Leather Booties– Lucky Brand

Geometric Necklace– Topshop

Rings & Earrings– Madewell/Light Years

Watch– Timex

Engraved Bracelet– Gift from the bf:)

Stay warm!

9 Men’s Staples for this Fall

Looking to mix up your wardrobe a bit, guys? Fall fashion fun isn’t only for girls! Here are some examples of cool fall essentials every man should own:

SHIRTS

Both from J.Crew.com

Classic, comfortable, and they look great with almost everything. If you don’t own at least two, I suggest you invest!

Both from J.Crew.com

Chambray is still in and here to stay. Chambray on denim combos, chambray on khaki, chambray under a blazer or motorcycle jacket…endless opportunities for effortless cool. And the elbow patches are a plus this season, too.

OUTERWEAR

Both from Topman.com

Baseball jackets seem to make shoulders appear broader. These are good for day and night wear as an alternative for a regular hoodie. Get one of these to add a little something to a simple v-neck & jeans look.

Both from Topman.com

A man in a nice peacoat commands respect. It says sophisticated and classy without you saying a word. Go with a longer belted wool peacoat for colder days, or a simple black one to go over a dressier outfit. Gentlemen, these [with the right fit, of course] are flattering on most body types because it gives you added structure. Get one!

FOOTWORK

A slip-on Chelsea boot like the one on the left is good for pairing with denim or a suit. The Red Wing boots on the right can add a bit of a rugged flair to that plaid or chambray shirt aforementioned!

I love monochromatic kicks. Both of these stand out to me and both pairs would look dope with skinny jeans and a graphic tee. Or a button up. Or a almost anything else.

ACCESSORIES

Both from J.Crew.com

Baseball caps over fitteds, any day. I just hate the way fitteds look to be honest, and I think baseball caps are SO much cooler. Don’t believe me, ask Frankie Beverly. Haha, but really. You don’t have to follow baseball to pull one of these off.

Chronographic – because the more numbers, the better. All black is sleek and edgy, and bold color is great for casual daytime outfits.

Both from J.Crew.com

A wise man once told me that socks can make or break your look. If you’re conservative everywhere else, give us a pop of color in your socks paired with a mid-rise boot or loafer.

Happy Fall:)

xxJoelle

What I Wore: 10182013

 

Peter Pan Collared Blouse – Topshop

Skinny Jeans – J.Crew

Leather Riding Boots – Audrey Brooke

Necklaces – F21 & UC

Watch – Timex

Rings – LightYears & Madewell

Love this blouse I picked up the other day! If you know me, you know that I adore most garments that are 70s inspired. I also love the fall when I can pull out my boots and pair them with a whole bunch of different outfits! They always add a more polished touch. Now if I could only find some black ones…

Hope everyone’s week is going well!

xxJoelle