5 things that always make me feel better… even when I feel like poo

This year flu season is no joke, in fact it’s an epidemic. Hopefully your immune system proves stronger than mine but if you do come down with a case of the icks here are five things that never fail to make me feel better, even when I feel like complete and utter poo.

1) lounge wear (sweatshirt and sweatpants), 2) classic movies (Pillow Talk and Outside Providence), 3) tea (Vermont Artisan Tea) 4) popsicles (Edy’s Fruit Bars), 5) fuzzy socks (Luxury Diva)

what are your flu fighting essentials?

A Reader Request! Yippee!

I love when readers send me questions/request post topics. Not only do I genuinely enjoy answering queries but your questions and comments help queue me into what you’re interested in/looking for when you visit Wore Out. It’s a win win.

So when Caroline asked for my suggestions on what to wear to an upcoming high school reunion I dove right in putting together three different outfits using the same black velvet blazer.  Classic pieces in rich textures give each look a certain effortlessness that will carry you through catching up with old beaus and BFFs alike.

Velvet Power Suit1/2/3/4/5

Color Blocking Cool1/2/3/4/5/6

Chevrons and Angora1/2/3/4/5/6

Which outfit would make you feel reunion ready?

Money Saving Fall Fashion Replacements, that are chicer and smarter than the NFL replacement refs

mackage coat/gap coat/YSL booties/PLV booties/DvF dress/eShakti dress treesje bag/Volcom bag/ Marc watch/ASOS watch

Not all replacements were created equal, just ask any NFL fan, commentator, or player, but these chic and cheap alternatives to five “big ticket” fall pieces are sure to keep you and your budget on track and in style this fall; which is more than can be said for the NFL’s replacement refs.

What big budget pieces are you considering adding to your  wardrobe this fall? Where do you fall on the NFL replacement ref situation?

Literary Inspired Look – Nancy Drew

In honor of the Burlington Book Festival happening this weekend I put together a look inspired by one of my favorite literary characters of all time, Nancy Drew.

Growing up I wanted to be Carolyn Keene’s Nancy Drew. I loved that Nancy was just another  normal, crime fighting redhead with a light blue mustang convertible,  and hunky boyfriend named Ned (he was so dreamy). She relied on her wits more than her beauty, brought her two best friends, George & Bess along on her adventures and always managed to catch her man, sometimes with the help of her hot shot lawyer father Carson Drew.

trench/earrings/dress/flashlight/oxfords/bag/notebooks

What’s a sleuth without a chic trench coat, especially one done in gorgeous lamé? Practical but pretty footwear is a must when chasing down the scum of the underworld as are a compact flashlight (color coordinated with your outfit of course) and chic eco-concious notebooks, for noting criminal behavior of course. Never one to let her detective duties overshadow her style these rhinestone earrings, feminine  dress, and a classic satchel would perfectly suit a modern day Nancy.

What stylish literary figures do you love?

Fashion Forecast; Sunny and oh so Fair!

While I’m still trying to soak up as much summer sun as I can, signs of fall are everywhere, heck AC Moore already has HOLIDAY decorations up! My feelings on premature holiday decorations aside, one of my favorite signs of fall is the Champlain Valley Fair. Here are my fair worthy wardrobe selections along with a word to the wise… close toe shoes are a MUST, boots are best.

1/2/3/4/5

1/2/3/4/5/6

The Champlain Valley Fair kicks off tomorrow, Aug 25th, and runs through September 3rd. There are tons of great events happening every day so make sure you take a peek at their website for all the details.

What signs of fall have you been seeing?

Fashion Forecast; Scattered showers & shows

When life hands you lemons you make lemonade. When there’s an 80% chance of rain both nights you have tickets to amazing (outdoor) shows on the Burlington waterfront you do like Kate & Sienna; rock on, err… out in style.

raincoat/sunnies/bag/studded leggings/boots/tunic

top/shorts/hooded vest/denim bag/wellies/necklace

What would you wear to see your favorite bands play a rainy outdoor concert?

source: kate moss/sienna miller

Autumn Acquisitions – My for Fall Wish List

It’s somewhat torturous to talk about fall fashion when it’s so hot in our apartment that breathing alone is causing me to sweat, but it’s that time of the year. Leather boots, cozy flannel, and chunky knits make fall my favorite time of the year and this year I’m eyeing some classic pieces and accessories in rich colors and fabrics.

1. Olive Wool Fedora – $34.99
2. ASOS Boyfriend Watch – (on sale now) $43.08
3. Striped Jersey Maxi Skirt – (on sale now) $79
4. ASOS Leather Obi Belt – (on sale now) $64.62
5. Green Christopher Kon Satchel – $90
6. Chunky Knit Infinity Scarf – (on sale now) $18.95
7. Isaac Mizrahi for QVC Slim Black Ankle Pant –  (on sale now) $32.98

What wardrobe acquisitions are you looking into this autumn?

Hot Pink Suede & Cropped Purple Peasant Tops

One of my favorite parts of blogging is being able to connect with new people. So when my lovely reader Andrea asked for my thoughts on some new additions to her spring wardrobe I was beyond excited; especially when she sent me photos of the pieces in question. exhibit a) sheer, vintage purple blouse with a high lace collar exhibit b) pink suede pencil skirt with exposed zippers

The length of the cropped purple top has made it challenging for Andrea to style and while she’s worn the hot pink pencil skirt with nude heels and a button up Andrea’s looking to dial up the volume and step outside her comfort zone a bit. Keeping both of these challenges in mind here’s what I came up with:

Balance Out the Blouse – all of the bottoms I selected are high waisted so the blouse can be tucked in or worn loose without showing off too much skin

1. Express High Waisted Pencil Skirt – simple, chic, and a great way to let the peasant blouse take center stage while keeping your look 9 – 5 appropriate
2. Geo Print Pants – a fun and funky way to add interest to your outfit but subtle enough not to over power the sheer blouse
3. ASOS Platform Wedges – the subtle color of these wedges means you can wear them with just about anything including sheer purple blouses and floral pants
4. Citizens of Humanity Jeans – I loved the idea of tucking the bold purple blouse into these high-waisted skinny jeans for a bold and feminine look
5. Wilster Paperbag Shorts – comfortable and chic these short keep the focus on the blouse while making a statement on their own
6. Dolce Vita Oxfords – paired with any one of the bottoms listed above these oxfords add a touch of prep school chic to the boho blouse without clashing. I love them with the geo print pants!
7. City Classified Heel Flair Sandals – These sandals play off the lace detailing in the blouse and would look chic paired with the floral skinnies, paperbag shorts, or express skirt

Chic Skirt Pairings – I opted for tops with simple patterns and fun details that would stand out while keeping the skirt center stage. I also tossed in a few casual options to give the skirt a bit more versatility 

1. ModCloth Blouse – Add a ladylike element to the hot pink suede skirt with this pink polka dot bow tie blouse
2. Sheer Forever 21 Blouse – Amp up the volume with this oversized sheer blouse that balances out the mini skirt while keeping the look classy, perfect for a night out with the girls
3. Striped Seaside Sweater –  This nautical inspired sweater is perfect way to make the hot pink skirt brunch appropriate, especially when paired with nude or metallic oxfords
4. Nirvana Boat Neck Top – Layered over the hot pink skirt this boat neck tunic offers a more demure look that’s as sexy as it is chic
5. Floyd Rocker Tee –  A great rock tee can take you places and this Pink Floyd shirt is no exception. Paired with the hot pink skirt this top is blouse-y enough to tuck in or wear over your skirt for a fun, festival or concert look.

Thank you so much to Andrea for allowing me to share her style questions, I had a lot of fun putting this together. Have questions about styling a specific piece in your wardrobe? Not sure what to wear to that upcoming event?!
Drop Me a Line! I’d love to hear from you.

How would you style Andrea’s pink & purple pieces?

Sunday Shopping: Bustiers & Bralets

One piece I’m looking to add to my spring/summer wardrobe is a bustier or bralet. Perfect for pairing with maxi skirts and high-waisted Levi’s cutoffs these tops add a touch of sexy sass to any outfit but can be worn under a smart blazer with cropped cigarette pants for an office appropriate look.

1) Mara Hoffman Mexican Blanket Bustier, 2) Topshop Scarf Print Zip Bralet, 3) Swan Cutout Bralet, 4) Floral Bustier, 5) Modcloth Turned to Eleven Tank, 6) Lattice Bra Top

Which top would you add to your spring wardrobe?

Fashionably Historical – Marie Antoinette

History was my passion long before fashion so it seems fitting to pay tribute to one of my favorite ladies (and style icons) in all of European history, Marie Antoinette. A young woman at the time of her marriage to Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette could not fully grasp the political or social expectations that would be thrust upon her once she assumed the role of France’s queen. This overwhelming pressure combined with her well documented love for fashion and other fineries makes her one the most fashionable and misunderstood figures in history.

Inspired by the rich colors, opulent accessories and delicate floral patterns typical of Marie and Louis XVI’s reign …and the fact that Mitt Romney recently compared Mrs. Obama to Marie Antoinette… I put together a few things that any modern day Marie might enjoy. Want more? Check out my Pinterest!

Clockwise from bottom left: chair, clutch, hat, dress, glasses, converse, throw, sweets, jeans, heels, headband, cameo set, flats, blazer (similar), & bustier

What historical figures have inspired your style?