Packing for Travel

 

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Howdy Friends!

Packing for travel is a task many of us might dread. Even if it’s taking a short business trip or a long vacation with the family, packing can be stressful and a hassle.

To aid in that burden, check out Forever Styled’s packing for travel consulting HERE! We will help you hand pick your wardrobe according to your destination, weather forecast, and the events that you have scheduled so you can look fabulous every day of your trip!

And you won’t incur that dreaded overweight bag fee because we will be strategic with the items you take– giving you the flexibility to make several outfits out of a few items.

Packing Tips for Travel:

1.) Pack shoes first and place on the perimeter of your suitcase facing outwards. Stuff shoes with socks or other intimates to save space.

2.) Ziplock all liquids in several small bags to prevent spillage in your suitcase. This also makes packing easier instead of taking one large bag full of your makeup bag essentials.

3.) Sushi roll larger intimates, t-shirts, and other cotton items. Place on top of and in between shoes to create a solid base.

4.) Fold collard shirts and place on top of rolled cottons. Layer them with tissue to prevent wrinkling. Sometimes I re-purpose dry cleaner bags as well.

5.) Wrap belts around the outside of the shoes instead of curled up in a ball.

6.) Pants, dresses and skirts can be flat folded opposite each other and then tucked in like a present. Check out this amazing video here for more visual instruction: http://youtu.be/LIk8v__Osm8

Once you learn how to pack correctly, you will have a valuable life skill. Hope your upcoming trip is filled with peace and happiness.

What other tips do you have? We’d love to hear.

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Hot Pink Military Style

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DRESS // JACKET // NECKLACE // SHOES // EARRINGS // SNAKE BRACELET // WRAP BRACELET // SINGLE BRACELET // NAIL POLISH // WATCH // SUNGLASSES // COFFEE MUG// NAIL COLOR

Hey Everyone!

As summer comes to an end there are endless things to do including buying school supplies and clothes for my two amazing kiddos. I am so blessed to be a mom, but when I’m taking them to summer camps, friends houses, and soon enough– school and practice, I still want to look cute and comfortable! Enter in…HOT PINK MILITARY STYLE.

Just because you’re a mom, community influencer and/or a busy professional like me, that doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish and on trend. For example, I’m wearing a fuss free option with my daughter, Julia, when we went to the local candy and ice cream shop, The Candy Jar, in the Hill Country Galleria in Austin.

What I love most about this outfit is that it’s so versatile and easy to accessorize. You can also dress it up or down.  This hot pink A-Line dress from Gap {similar here} and a lightweight military jacket from Nordstroms Rack is an unexpected combination of trendy and fun. I’ve paired this concept with some of my favorite suede Sam Edelman sandals {similar here} and a necklace from one of my good friends Chesley House of Chesley Mae Designs {also featured in my past “Off the Shoulder” outfit blog post.}

Then I added some arm candy from Stella & Dot and Fab’rik where you can find some great steals on jewelry! But of course, I always start my day with coffee so I included my “But First Coffee” coffee travel mug for when I’m on the go.

Hope you have a fabulous rest of your summer and that you have some inspiration for your next outfit!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Professional Wardrobe Essentials Under $100

DRESS // COAT //  BLOUSE // PENCIL SKIRT // MIDI SKIRT // PANTS // TOTE // BLAZER // POINTY TOE PUMPS // LOAFERS // SANDALS // BLACK WATCH // BELT // EARRINGS

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still going on {until August 8th}, and this is a great time to stock up on professional wardrobe essentials under $100. While you might already have several core pieces for your “going out” attire and weekend loungewear, have you really considered how you want to present yourself at the office?  It is imperative that you make sure your essentials are covered first as you prioritize your shopping dollars.

I have selected a few core pieces to consider that won’t break the bank, but will also give you incredible flexility as you round our your professional wardrobe.

Being the best dressed doesn’t have to cost you an arm and leg either. Take advantage of this incredible sale featuring some of my favorite pencil skirts, blazers, staple heels, accessories, and more.

If you need a little more inspiration for additional ideas to enhance your professional wardrobe, check out Nordstrom’s advice  HERE! Filling in these prized pieces that are under $100 is the worth your shopping dollars and will ultimately enhance your personal brand and overall image.

Here are a few other goodies to consider as you build a core base for your professional wardrobe: 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Off The Shoulder Trend

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DRESS // SHOES {similar} // NECKLACE {similar} // c/o EARRINGS {similar} // c/o CLUTCH // NAIL POLISH // WATCH

Summer is here and I am sporting the off the shoulder trend AGAIN….{check my last  Fourth of July Holiday Fashion post for another off the shoulder idea!}

While you are reading this post, I am unwinding with my kids and parents in the sunny land of Florida. This new chambray dress from J.Crew came in tow with me on my vacation that I was dying to share with y’all! I adore this fuss free and versatile dress this is perfect not only for the beach while sipping a pina colada, but also for brunch with your girlfriends or a date night out.

I chose to pair this dress with some chunky floral heels from JustFab which a lot of people might pass up if they see in stores because they would have no idea how to wear them. Unfortunately, the shoes sold out online in like 2 days, but I found a few other shoe options listed below that are very similar! To draw the eye up and down, I chose to a long, colorful pendent necklace which I found at one of my favorite stores, fab’rik. My accessories also include custom made gold earrings care of Five Star Jewelry Brokers and a clutch gifted to me from my good friend and talented designer of Chesley Mae designs.

Investing in a wardrobe staple like this denim frock is a good idea. While it is considered a more trendy item, it will stay in rotation for several years given there are many different ways you can bring out your own personality as you style this adorable off the shoulder gem.

Check out some more options to create the look I’m wearing:

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

The Top 5 Must Have Hats

MUST HAVE-2Baseball Cap // Floppy Felt // Panama // Woven Straw // Cowboy

Hey Beautiful Friend!

I hope you are having a great hair day this glorious Monday, but if not…this is the right post for you! I always say–the key to rectify a bad “do” is the perfect hat. Perhaps you prefer dry shampoo or another solution to tame your wild mane, but a stylish hat really is a smart alternative.

I created my “Top 5” must have hats list every woman should considering adding to her closet. If you are a first timer when it comes to hat wearing, I recommend starting with the classic baseball cap from Urban Outfitters that easily forms to your head for a comfortable fit.  For fun in the sun options, I prefer a woven straw hat, or the too chic look with the black banded Panama hat from J. Crew. The floppy felt hat is super cute for music festivals or getting lunch with your girl friends, but I will say it’s not as breathable in 110 degree heat. Of course, if you live in Texas–a non-negotiable is a cowboy hat so you can get your YEE HAW on!

OUTFIT INSIPRATION: 

Your Truly..Wink!

Yours Truly..Wink!

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr

Little Miss Modest

Little Miss Modest

 

Chic Darling

Chic Darling

 

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Tag Hats

Here are some other fabulous options to consider as you round out your hat collection:

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Fourth of July Holiday Fashion

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BLOUSE // SHORTS // SHOES (similar) // PURSE // NECKLACE // EARRINGS // SUNGLASSES // WATCH// NAIL COLOR

Happy Fourth of July!!

OMG I can’t believe June is already gone. What the heck?

Today is the day we Americans celebrate our freedom whether at a backyard BBQ party or shooting off fireworks, all the while sporting our red, white, and blue. Many of us might just resort to our simple blue jeans and a graphic flag t-shirt on this day, but try a fun patterned  option with our American colors instead!

I have been loving the summer trend featuring off the shoulder dresses and blouses. For my holiday look,  my detailed lace blouse from BB Dakota pairs nicely with these sailor striped shorts from GAP. I keep my accessories simple so as to not compete with the lace shirt including my favorite bar initial necklace and tassel earrings from Stella & Dot. What I’ve noticed about this effortless outfit is that there are many shoe options that go with this style. I’m wearing my striped wedges, but even a colored flip flop or lace up sandal would work!

Here is some more great pieces for this red, white, and blue weekend:

Tell us what you are wearing for the fourth in the comments section below! Have a fun and safe holiday weekend everyone.

 Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

How Best to Dress a Carrot Shaped Body

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Get excited! The last body type we will be discussing in our body type series is the Carrot Shape. Check out the previous tips for styling a Pear, Apple, String Bean, and Peanut.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A CARROT BODY TYPE: A carrot body type is also referred to as an inverted triangle. You have a proportionally larger upper body including broad shoulders, an ample bust, and a wide back. Your hips are slim and your bottom may have a tendency towards the flat side. Your waist is subtle and you have a tendency to gain weight in your belly and upper body. Your beautiful, shapely legs are your best asset.

Thinking this frame isn’t yours? Explore each of the other body types here: Pear, Apple, String Bean, and Peanut.

Carrot Body Type-4

 

 

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN // TWLEVE // THIRTEEN

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS AND PANTS: You are one of the lucky ones because you have a really wide choice of pants and jeans that look absolutely great on you! Go for any style that will accentuate your hips and bottom such as pockets and embellishments. The best styles for you are baggy pants, combat, wide leg and palazzo! Colorful and bright pants and jeans will look great, as will patterns and bold prints. Choose pants that will enhance your lower body and help balance your upper body. Boot cut or slightly flared trousers cut jeans are most attractive. Whiskering at the hips and flap packets will add curves to your lower half. AVOID: Skinny jeans and fitted pants that will accentuate the disproportion of the bottom part with the upper body. If you really like to wear tight pants, prefer instead straight legs or cigarette styles.
  2. SKIRTS AND DRESSES: A-line, tulip style and full circle skirts and dresses fill out your slight hips while balancing your upper body. Look for details around the hips {such as panels, ruffles, & pleats} or bright bold colors and prints to further enhance the effect. Pencil skirts are best if they drop straight from the waist instead of coming in towards the knee. You have great legs so feel free to play with length.
  3. TOPS: Flowey, drapey and light fabrics. Go for halter necks that will look absolutely great also to show off your gorgeous cleavage. If on the other hand your chest is quite small and you have a longer neck, choose higher necklines such as turtle, polo and mandarin necks.  The trick is to not button it up to the top but leave a couple of buttons open. Look for tops that accentuate your waist and help balance your bust with your hips. Narrow V-necks that nip in the waist and slightly flare at the hip are flattering for you. Wrap style tops with a deep V-neck and that are also flared slightly will add curves to your hips. Wear deep shawl collared or lightly coweled tops, especially in dark colors with a light shell underneath. Look for shirts with vertical details on the upper body. AVOID: Stay away from stiff materials that will hide your silhouette unless they are super tailored and have a bit of a stretch. Avoid necklines that will make your shoulders look broader such as boat necks. Steer away from small spaghetti strapped tops that will tend to make your shoulders look wider and other details such as puffy sleeves, shoulder pads and anything oversized and shapeless.
  4. JACKETS/ OUTERWEAR: Jackets with deep V-necklines that cinch the waist and flare at the bottom {peplum.} Go for those that are quite constructed and shaped with angular lines as well and look for details such as pockets and embellishments in the lower part.
  5. FOOTWEAR: Opt for curvier and rounded options like ballerina flats and pumps. Your choices are varied for your shape, but if you are really thin, stay away from really high heels as you will look like a “bean” pole and a bit awkward. You can wear ankle straps and also over the knee boots as well and ankle booties especially if they are larger that your ankle adding movement to your figure.
  6. ACCESSORIES: Opt instead for long pendant necklaces that will create a focus in the center of the body. Go for colorful, big, bulky and detailed handbags and avoid clutches. AVOID: Colorful scarves, statement necklaces and chokers that will attract the attention on your upper part and the shoulders’ area. Or choose daintier statement necklaces as an alternative.
  7. SWIMWEAR: Simple, solid color, halter style tops are a good choice for you. Dark, triangle tops can be good as well as long as you choose one with adequate coverage and support. Look for styles with wider straps. Bottoms that cut straight across your hips with side ties with look great with simple tops. Look for one piece suits with cut-out sides, hip details and deep V-necks. AVOID: Patterned tops with solid bottoms.

Hope you enjoyed learning all the body types; have a fun and stylish Monday!

jen young

How to Dress From Day to Night

Hey Beautiful Friends,

As busy humans living in this chaotic world we are constantly moving from place to place throughout the day. Sometimes (like most if you are me…) it’s difficult to go home and conduct a full outfit change before going out with friends or on a date after a long day. Here are some ideas of how to look cute during the day and easily transition to a night-time look with a few changes in your wardrobe!

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Day: Keep your day outfit causal and cute while running out and about.  Integrate a classic white button down with your favorite pair of denim shorts and strappy sandals {I adore espadrilles.} Roll the sleeve to accentuate your waist and then add accessories to finish the concept with your trusty tote and stylish fedora.

Night: Take your casual look to glam by trading out your sandals with a pair of colorful strappy heels, add a striped graphic wristlet and fun statement necklace worn like a collar around the nape of the shirt.

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Day: Professional attire for any women should always include a black blazer paired with an essential white, silk blouse underneath. In addition, add a knee length {or just above the knee if you have great legs} and a well tailored pencil skirt. A suede nude heal is all the rage which partners well with your “pop of color necklace” of choice. Make sure you have your fashion forward work tote.

Night: Take your hard working butt out for the night! With a simple switch into dark wash jeans and a fun metallic clutch, no one will ever know you just got off work. Then to make things more fun, coat your lips with a versatile gloss to adorn your unforgettable pout.

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ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE

Day: When styling your knee-length or tea-length skirt pair it up with your favorite graphic tee. Next, step into a playful  pair of patterned heels coupled with dramatic sunglasses to grab every one’s attention for the day.

Night: Your skirt and shoes are your statement pieces for tonight. With a dressy blouse and cute accessories, you’ll look like a celeb at your dinner party. Don’t forget a royal blue statement clutch for that extra punch to your look!

Hope these fun and simple ideas help your day wardrobe stay easy but still stylish when going out! How do you transition your wardrobe from day to night ? We would love to hear about your tricks.

Thanks for reading today!

Hanna S.

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Hey y’all!

My name is Hanna, and I am Jen’s new intern. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and I am currently attending school at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas as a Fashion Merchandising major. I have always had a passion for fashion {with a slight shopping addiction} since I was little. I have found my style inspirations from fashion magazines, celebrities, and social media. Even though my style includes trying the new trends, I always tend to fall back on my preppy and timeless American look.

Facts about me: My favorite color is pink. My favorite movie when I’m sick or sad is Legally Blonde. I love to travel anywhere and everywhere, and I can never say no to coffee or brunch.

Finding Your Authentic Visual Voice

AUTHENTIC VISUAL VOICE

Authentic Visual Voice: What is it? How do I find it? How do I flaunt it?

Authenticity is defined as “not false or copied; genuine and real.”

My style icon, Coco Chanel, stated “Beauty begins the moment we decide to be ourselves!” I couldn’t agree more.

Using my Signature S.T.Y.L.E system, let’s dive in to define and find our Authentic Visual Voice.

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S. Streamline Your Wardrobe….This allows you to SEE MORE CLEARLY in life.

I always encourage individuals to begin the culling process with removing any physical clutter to pair things down to a manageable state. Reduce your overwhelm by ridding the “unlovely” and anything that doesn’t inspire your creativity. I think of the closet as a microcosm of someone’s life. It story tells about what is important or sentimental to an individual but also gives me a quick understanding of someone’s personal style….or lack there of! Wink.

Physical clutter can be a distraction but so can toxic people. Purge anything or anyone that causes you to be derailed from your calling.  While it may be difficult, don’t be afraid to break up with or limit time with people who are energy suckers.  Also coat those hard relationships with grace.

When you scale things down, you allow yourself to be more genuine with your values and future life choices.

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T. Take Inventory of your closet… and TELL THE TRUTH about your life.

Answer this simple question:

What are you non-verbally communicating to folks about your highest values with the way you live and dress in your life?

For me personally, this included surveying close friends and family to asses how they see me if described in three words. Writing down a list of my highest values and figuring out my gifts was imperative to speaking confidently to my personal truths.

When you tell people the truth about who you are—you become safe for people to hang out with. The things that often keep us from feeling safe are shame and fear of some kind often from our past, which makes us want to hide from people. Reality is all people just want to be loved and known. They want to show up  feeling fully themselves without being judged.

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Y. Your Body Type (knowing how to dress your shape; focusing on your assets not your age) …but also believing that YOU MATTER no matter your size or shape.

Learn more about dressing for your body type here: Pear, Apple, Peanut, Carrot and String Bean.

Accept who you are as God’s perfect creation—your shape—your life—your heart remembering God doesn’t make garbage.

You might ask, “How can I possibly accomplish this with all the input in the world we are mislead by?”

  1. Stop Comparing Yourself to others: don’t try to be a copy of someone else or judge yourself too harshly.
  2. Stop believing the lies that media portrays suggesting that “You are not beautiful enough, but we can fix you.”
  3. Silence the condemning voice in your head: avoid minimizing your assets and throw yourself in! Flaunt your shape and live like a boss…

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L. “Less is more” philosophy in your closet…. PROTECT YOUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE in your life.

“Buy less. Choose Well,” said Vivienne Westwood as it relates to the closet. Shop with Intension!

For your life: placing boundaries around not only who but also what activities you allow to fill your calendar is key. If you are a “yes” addict, remind yourself that when you say no to something—you give greater value to your “yes!

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E. Express your Authentic Visual Voice….express who you are as an IMAGE BEARER or “LIGHT” FOR GOD! 

2 Corinthians 4:6 resonated with me when the Bible reads to be a light as Jesus says as we walk in our truth: “For God, who said, ‘Let the light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

In summary:

When we choose to see ourselves more clearly we 1. Streamline our lives, 2. Take inventory of our relationships, values and stuff; when we adopt the belief 3. You matter and live out a 4. Less is more philosophy and 5. Express your Authentic Visual Voice.

As a result our:

  • Creativity is enhanced
  • Motivation to achieve goals increases because we are more pointed in our efforts
  • Self confidence is improved
  • Honor for God in His creation is esteemed
  • S.T.Y.L.E. aligns with our authentic visual voice.

Cheers to a stylish you,

jen young

How Best to Dress a Peanut Shaped Body

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Today, we continue our body type series focusing on the peanut shape. Check out previous tips we covered for styling a Pear, String Bean, and Apple.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A PEANUT BODY TYPE: Also known as an hourglass figure, a peanut can get away with almost anything you want. There are no hassles in dressing because your body is already well proportioned. Always keep in mind that you should wear clothes that follow your body outline.

Perhaps the peanut frame is not for you? Explore each of the five body types here: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot.

  1. SHORTS AND PANTS: Best cut for pants is a slight flare {wide leg or boot cut are best}. Boyfriend styles and cargo shapes work but opt for a darker wash option. Straight leg shapes are also ideal for you especially in a darker wash with little striation. Be cautious of skinny jeans as they can make you look short and stout—although you can totally pull these off. The same is true for ankle length pants for spring/summer. Partner with wedge or heel to elongate the leg. Stick to mid-rise or high-rise cut jeans especially with a thicker waistband. Avoid bottoms with too many details on the hips. Go for flat front and pockets without flaps or large buttons. Opt for belted styles in shorts and those with a classic shape. Avoid large pocket details on the front. AVOID: Avoid an extremely wide flared pant as it could create disproportion.
  1. SKIRTS: Wear more voluminous style skirts that form to hips and hangoff of them naturally and lengthen the leg area. Great skirts for your shape are A-Line, Bell/tulip, Full Length, High Waisted Flutter/Circle, Pencil, and a Mini.
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OUTFIT 1

  1. DRESSES: Consider a wrap style that pulls the fabric into the skinniest part of your waist. Figures with a short waist or petite frame may not prefer this option since it may fall at the wrong part of their waist. Look for fuller cut dress options with a peplum detail, color blocked or belted {or giving the illusion of a belt} accents.
  1. TOPS: Opt for snug, tailored pieces. Everything from casual t-shirts to your button- down blouses should be fitted, nipping in slightly at the waist. A cropped sleeve that finishes at your waist is ideal. Stretchy materials work well especially if you have a flat tummy. Look for low, slimming necklines that help to minimize your bust, keeping it balanced drawing the eye closer to your narrow mid-section. Look for v-necks, v-neck halters, sweethearts and scoop necks. Avoid boat necks and squares since those can make you look top heavy.
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OUTFIT 2

  1. JACKETS/OUTERWEAR: Stick with short, shaped jackets. Belted and/or trench-style coats are the most flattering drawing attention to the waist area. Jackets/Outerwear that stop just above your hips are your best option to accentuate your curves. Choose an open necked two button version to contain and elongate your waist.
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OUTFIT 3

  1. FOOTWEAR: Look for heeled options. Your curvy hips may make your legs look thick and short when you wear flat shoes. Higher-heeled {open toed} or even slight wedge alternatives normally elongate the leg, creating a more proportional look. Avoid pointy shoes and opt for curvier toed option that mirrors your shape. Almond {rounded} or peep toes are your friend! When option for a nude shoe, pick a style in a similar shade to your skin tone. Tall Boots will work but a rounder toe is preferred as well.
  1. BAUBLES: A bright splash of color near your neckline can add personality to your look. Search for shortnecklaces that hug your neck or long necklaces that come down in a “V.” Necklaces that hang low and wide over your chest may make it look larger and unbalanced. Long pendant style necklaces that fall close to your breast or waistline are flattering for you. Wear large andinteresting bracelets {a cuff is ideal} which draw further a tension to your best asset–you waist!
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OUTFIT 4

  1. ACCESSORIES: Wear dark belts around your waist. A belt worn at the narrowest part of your waist acts
    as a focal point of your entire outfit. Skinny belts often work for hourglass figures of all types, but wide belts may shorten torso if you have a short waist or petite height. Scarves are a great way to add color around your face but be mindful of how you tie the scarf to not add too much bulk on top. A supportive bra will help you lift and tame your bust, giving you proper proportion for your upper half.
  1. SWIMWEAR: Your perfect style is halter or constructed tops, tie-side bottoms with thick ties, Matching top and bottom {Solid + Solid or Pattern + Pattern}. Avoid: Hipsters or Boy shorts and thin stringed bottoms.

OUTFIT 1: Studs // Dress // Cuff // Clutch // Heels

OUTFIT 2: Necklace // Shirt // Pencil Skirt // Heels // Cuff

OUTFIT 3: Earrings // Romper // Heeled Sandal

OUTFIT 4: Blazer // Shirt // Necklace // Rings // Purse // Shorts // Jeans // Tan Espadrille // Cone Heeled Wedge

Cheers to a stylish you,

jen young