The Average Jane

Monday, October 17, 2011

Summer to Fall Dress

Do you have a closet full of beautiful Summer dresses that you can't bring yourself to pack away? I know I do! Transitioning these dresses from hot to cold weather is just a tweak of accessories.

The flowy shift dress was a Summer trend that is definitely making it's way into Fall runways. I love this dress because it looks great on everyone! Pair this dress with a faux fur vest and knee high suede boots for a modern 70's inspired look.

Dress Transition by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring long sleeve dresses

TFNC long sleeve dress
£22 - houseoffraser.co.uk

H M short vest
£25 - hm.com

UGG Australia knee boots
$250 - uggaustralia.com

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Color and Comfort

Adding color to your wardrobe is the easiest way to freshen your look!

Notice that there is NO denim, black, white, or gray in this outfit! Challenge yourself to do something different and create combinations of colors that you normally wouldn't wear. I suggest when you do this, buy all your items in the same shopping trip...or you will forget about the maroon skirt and end up pairing it with a white shirt and denim jacket. Which would look great, but we're trying to go outside the box!

Another suggestion with the cardigan is take the fabric belt out and trade for a leather belt.

All items are from Old Navy :)

Color and Comfort by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring old navy cardigan

Old navy cardigan
$40 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old navy shirt
$16 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy jersey maxi skirt
$30 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy wedge heels
$30 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy Men's Aged Leather Belts
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com

Monday, October 10, 2011

Hoodie Alternative

How many times in the last week have you worn a hoodie, jeans, and sneakers? While this may be a great outfit to hang out with family on Sundays and watch football, it's not a great outfit to meet the girls for lunch or hang out with the hubby on Saturday evenings. It's always a great idea to have pieces that can be paired with day and night attire.

Maxi skirts look great on everyone. Get one in a neutral color, not patterns, to mix and match with tops. This week I will be using a maxi skirt in all my posts to show you the versatility of this one item of clothing!

Today I've paired it with a denim button up top. You can tuck it in and belt the skirt or tie at the waist. Layering a printed scarf adds warmth so you don't have to wear a bulky jacket and adds visual appeal. Keep you're bag and shoes simple.

Hoodie Alternative by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring leather boots

H M studded shirt
£20 - hm.com

TopShop maxi skirt
$45 - topshop.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs leather boots
$350 - ssense.com

Dorothy Perkins cross body handbag
£65 - dorothyperkins.com

Kashmere cashmere shawl
$99 - bluefly.com

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Paris Inspiration

I love taking inspiration from people I see on the street. This particular outfit was on a girl I saw grocery shopping. Getting dressed up for normal daily activities helps them seem less mundane and a little more fun!

I love how the colors and prints bring me to a Parisian sort of mind set. You can take this outfit straight from work to dinner without hesitation. When looking at the dress you notice that the lines are not horizontal or vertical, they are curved so not to give extra width. Having a trench coat in your closet is essential! This one item can be used all year long and can take any outfit from boring to classic. I never thought of these oxford shoes as being cute or feminine, but paired with these items it's a no brainer! They can be very comfy compared to heels when walking around the stores.

Paris Inspiration by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring wingtip oxfords

H M stripe dress
£13 - hm.com

H M double breasted coat
£30 - hm.com

H M cable tight
£9.99 - hm.com

H M wingtip oxford
£25 - hm.com

H M beret hat
£3.99 - hm.com

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Neutral Prints

Building your wardrobe will require you to have certain pieces. Black and white shirts and cardigans in black, white, and beige are a perfect start! Now it's time to add prints with color!

My rule when choosing a print is to be sure that the print includes a neutral color. That way you can integrate several layering pieces to create an outfit!

Neutral Prints by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring dolce vita wedges

MICHAEL Michael Kors slimming top
$376 - my-wardrobe.com

Rayon sweater
$35 - witchery.com.au

Principles by Ben de Lisi stripe skirt
£14 - debenhams.com

Dolce vita wedge
$20 - target.com

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Lots o' Layers

Layering can be tricky. You want to look pulled together without looking like a marshmallow.
Choosing a long tank that peaks out underneath a chunky scarf gives a lengthening affect. A leather jacket adds texture while distressed jeans gives a casual appeal. Anchor this outfit with chunky wedges and a large hobo bag.

Lots o' Layers by kimberly-theaveragejane featuring a striped tank

PII striped tank
$21 - theoutnet.com

H m jacket
£20 - hm.com

Aerie distressing jeans
$50 - ae.com

Black bootie
$40 - hottopic.com

Degaine circular scarve
$84 - pinkmascara.com

Scarve
$40 - coldwatercreek.com

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Chunky Platforms

If you're daring in the shoe category, this post is for you! When I go to the shoe department I am suddenly attracted to the sky high platforms that are more for sitting than standing or walking!

These shoes can be tricky to pair with an outfit without looking hooker "ish". Here I've got a daytime and nighttime look for this sexy shoe. When wearing this shoe during the day I would leave the rest of the outfit very low key. A gray crewneck sweater and boyfriend jeans do the trick. For night, have fun with a LBD and leather jacket!