Blouse and Skirt by Ann Taylor // Shoes by Sam Edelman // Bag by Kate Spade NY
Keeping it simple today guys. I’m sharing a few finds from Ann Taylor today along with the “friends of Ann event” 40% off every single thing sale that ends soon!!! I just thought I will spread the love a little bit (lol). For the working woman, they have some lovely skirts, blouses, and dresses. For the more casual look, there’s also a few items like the skinny/straight crop/and wide leg jeans along with a few dresses and accessories (or statement pieces). If you decide to take advantage of this sale, use code FRIENDS40. ~xoxo Louise
Look 1
Anyone else love animal print? I love this skirt so much that I have worn it a couple times with different blouses already! For this look, I paired the skirt with a plain solid-colored shirt and nude pumps. This is a great office look yet adds some fun elements with the print skirt ;).
Look 2
Sticking to the minimal look, I got this shirred mock neck blouse which is the perfect answer to crisp days in the Spring. I added a statement piece to the black skirt with a bold belt, and finished off the look with black pumps and bag. It’s also a lovely office look if you don’t want to be too distracting during a meeting or if you are not one to play with bold colors.
Either way, there’s a dress for everyone with this awesome sale at Ann Taylor!! I have had a few of their clothes in my closet that’s 8-years old and since they have classic pieces, they do not necessary go out of style. Let me know if you do take advantage of their sales.
Blouse by Ann Taylor // Skirt and Belt by Ann Taylor // Shoes by Charles David // Bag by Kate Spade NY
“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” ― Edgar Allan Poe
Perspective
For those of you who are new to following me, you might not know that I started writing as a creative outlet to talk about life and food, and more specifically culture since I grew up in a beautiful country called Ghana, to a Lebanese father and a mixed Ghanaian/English mother. Throughout my life, I was constantly pushing my creative limits through art and poetry, while trying to come up with innovative concepts every day. When I finally got into blogging, my perspective broadened to include a lifestyle approach to my stories.
Some days it is a challenge finding the time to sit down and write. A challenge not because I have writers block but because I have to work, still make time for my family, and then there are the chores! Lately, I am consciously making the decision to push myself, even harder, to write more from the heart and create something that resonates and can still be relevant over time. I am also coming to the conclusion that if you look the right way and you change your attitude towards life, then you can see that the whole world is a garden. A beautiful garden with flowers, some thorns and weeds but nonetheless a garden you can tend to and make your own.
Every day I try to come up with creative ideas by exploring the possibilities of writing as a painting to the voice. I feel that writing has the laws of perspective; it is all in discovering what you believe. Sometimes we may get a bit stuck in our ways but there are so many times I find something beautiful that I didn’t post because either I overthought it or second guessed myself. As a new rule, I am attempting to break this mindset and express what is fun and meaningful for me. Often times we just need the smallest change in attitude and perspective to transform a life and our view of the world. Yes?
The Ruffled Sweater
“A ruffle must be intelligent.” – Balenciaga
I am trying to apply this mentality to fashion as well. Over the past month, I have been trying to push myself to try something a little different that has always scared me. This includes being a little more open on here and trying new looks too. The worst that can happen is if I dislike it, then at least I did it and will never look back at that situation with regret. More often, I am likely to learn something new about myself from the experience and can share this with my kids when they come to me with life’s questions.
My point is, try a new style and forget the rules. You are your own beautiful creative human and there are no boundaries when it comes to style. The ruffled sweater I am wearing is by Ella Moss and comes in three colors. It is feminine, flattering, super soft and stretchy. The sweater used to be priced at $119.50 but currently on sale under $42 so a great deal. I am wearing a small and the color is gardenia. So far, this is one of my favorite sweaters yet and I am happy to be sharing this look with you. It will look nice with jeans for a day out or for work as pictured. You can experiment and add a blazer to this look. I have also linked this Michael Kors crossbody bag and Charles David shoes here. You can shop this crew neck ruffle sweater and spotted full sweater skirt below.
That’s all for now, friends. Just keep taking that chance and remember that the world changes when we change our perspective :). xoxo Louise
Start by selecting tones that are neutral or a color palette like a black/white contrast. If you do this, you likely can’t get the rest of the ensemble wrong and it will be easy to layer pieces or accessory to the look. These pants are just the basic black but I love how loose fitting it is and how it tapers down giving the perception of longer legs and an effortless classic feel. I added this white and black polka dot ruffle henry shell blouse from Ann Taylor Loft and love how the look can be transitioned into an office wear by adding a jacket or seamlessly into an after work look for cocktails or dinner with friends.
Add Classic Pieces
Accessorize by adding simple yet timeless classic pieces. For this look, I opted to stick with the monochromatic colors so black bag, shoes, and bracelet all add a varying tone of color. You may be inspired by how you can turn a black and white piece into simple elegance with just a few accessories. Even black accessories can have patterns too! So, for the shoes, I opted for a Charles David polka dot pump since it adds a little bit of flair to the white polka dot blouse. You can still go for a plain colored shoe and still look great. I love jewelry pieces from Michael Kors so this cuff bracelet which you can purchase online or at Neiman Marcus adds a bold statement without being too gaudy. I have also linked a similar bracelet under the “Shop My Favorites”. Finally, always complete your look with a favorite bag but keep your color palette and tone in mind.
Confidence
Finally, own the clothes you wear. Keep in mind that it is not always about what you wear, but how you wear it. With that said, wear your clothes with self-confidence and you will always look amazing! This means whatever the brand or price, wearing any outfit in a dignified manner and character, will exude a level of self-confidence and carry through in making you look great!!! Now isn’t this what every woman wants?
