Because Why Shouldn't It Be The Best Day Ever.

I gushed about these jeans on Monday, how flattering they are.  This is further proof as I step out of my comfort zone in the same fitted skinny jeans and an almost cropped top.  It's a lot of exposed property if you know what I mean.

Along with my amazing jeans, 3 pieces I want to talk about that make me happy.

First, my sunglasses.  I just recently discovered Quay Sunglasses.  I love their oversized designer styles at affordable prices, and since these happen to be part of the Nordstrom sale, seriously affordable.

Second, my top.  Good Hyouman.  This company delivers smartly designed tees and tanks, made in the USA.  Many as collaborations with a proceed going to charity.  I love this tank, the fit and for sure the theme.  My youngest son found an old fishing lure in the lake when he was 4, treasure above treasures, and to this day it is still his best day ever.   What a great memory and reminder.

These are just a few of the ones I love...

Third, the shoes.  I found these at the Rack and they have been my summer heel of choice.  How perfect do they go with these jeans??  The stacked heel makes walking much more stable.  And I love the simple black toe strap and extra high ankle strap.  During the sale Dolce Vita has released an updated version, swapping out the summer cork for serious studs.  I so dig them, if I didn't already own these they'd be in my cart!

tank - Good Hyouman.  mine is from Queen Anne Dispatch.

jeans - Frame, Nordstrom.

shoes - Dolce Vita, Similar Anniversary Sale.  black is sold out check back Friday for updates on inventory, although I am loving the smoke.

sunglasses - Quay Australia, Nordstrom

So that's today's outfit.  I am typing this on a tiny little iPad as I sit outside at 10pm next to our tent trying to soak up every minute of life, and thinking of moments that made today best day ever.   Because why not?

And seriously I think this one needs to happen.

Photos by Jessica.

Tomorrow I will take this outfit into fall fabulousness so please check back.

Best,
Kirsty

The Power of a Wide Leg Pant

Confession, I was not so into these pants, until I tried them on.  They are amazing.  I can't believe how flattering they are, without any pockets I really didn't think they would be.  But the fabric stretches in just the right way.  And the comfortability is fantastic.  So I stand corrected.  Because I have been counting down the days until they arrived.

A wide leg pant paired with heels - be it wedges, heeled boots or this season's stacked heel - is a classic look that gives your legs flattering length.  My favorite look for this summer will be platform sandals with a simple tank top and statement jewelry.

And I can't leave out this baby doll tee.  It's a bit whimsical with the right amount of tailoring.  I love the shorter length in the front and longer flare length in the back, a very flattering cut.   Business in front and party in back.  

Buki is revolutionizing the way we think about our classic wardrobe pieces, with innovative fabrics that stretch just right but don't stretch out or wrinkle, and are machine washable.  Thank you no thank you dry cleaning.  These are pieces you can wear all day long - work to weekend, and still look and feel put together.

I love pieces that make style look effortless. 

shirt -Buki c/o.  available now in store and later this week online

pants - Buki c/o.  available now in store and later this week online

shoes - Dolce Vita c/o.  70% off here

scarf - Queen Anne Frame

bracelet - vintage

photos by Natalia.

best,

Kirsty

Another Episode of Culottes.

I'm sounding like a broken record a lot lately on the blog...

comfort.

versatility.

culottes.

Love.  

It reminds me of taking a speech class in college and they video taped us giving a speech, then we had to watch it back in fast forward.  Why?  But it is effective in seeing all the gestures and tendencies that I make.  Yep, comfort and culottes, and trying to convince you all versatile pieces aren't boring.  Tendencies.  Thank goodness I can't see my blog in fast-forward.

I don't know why I'm so into culottes, but I am.  These have been an easy summer piece for me, dressing them up a bit more in this outfit with stacked heel sandals, but I have also worn them with booties, and in prep for fall.  I can add a jean jacket as the temps dip a bit, and then with a turtleneck, taking these culottes into fall fabulously.

And the tank knotted instead of tucked.  When I have high-waisted bottoms on, I like to mix up the style a bit by tying my shirt - giving just a hint of mid-riff but staying appropriate.

And as long as we are on the subject of versatility, I love these earrings.  Please mix your metals, especially if you tend to wear only gold or only silver, this is a great way to branch out.  No more rules here, gold and silver are a great combo.

tank - Bobi, Queen Anne Dispatch

culottes - Free People.  runs large, on sale here, and here.

shoes - Dolce Vita c/o.  also here

necklace (gold) - Lucia K. Jewelry

necklace (black) - Queen Anne Frame

earrings - Lucia K. Jewelry

green ring - Queen Anne Frame

Happy Monday.

best,

kirsty

follow along on instagram, thekirstyfiles

Casual Friday in an Overcoat

Sometimes the victories are small.  

There are those days.  And those weeks.  Sheesh.  This January has had more than it's share of low days for me.  On those days it is simple things that can be monumental in the mood department.   

This outfit is the outcome of a day I challenged myself out of my sweats and into real clothes.  An oversized t-shirt and distressed jeans is sort of a given, but honestly after 36 hours in the same pajamas, read stomach flu, it's a win. 

Adding an oversized coat, well functionally it was necessary, but I also love the casual street style interest it added, so even though doing my hair and putting on makeup was more than I could muster, a hat and sunglasses make it look like I meant to right?

Always a good idea to have that go-to outfit for days when you need to put yourself together in order to put yourself together.  Something you feel good in, that's effortless.

.

Coat - Zara.  no longer avail.

Tee - Mango.  on sale

Jeans - 7 for all Mankind.  old

boots - Faryl Robin c/o.  old

Hat - Hinge, Nordstrom

Earrings - Lucia K. Jewelry

Cheers to the weekend and small victories.  

best,

Kirsty

Mustard and Fringe, and a few Cyber Monday favorites.

There is so much goodness in this outfit.  And so much of it is on sale currently.  

First, can I just talk briefly about this bench.  The patina, I'm in love.  Chipped paint and rusted iron always wins me over.  I'm coveting.

Okay I bought this sweater, and then I hoooo'd and hummm'd trying to be good s0 it went in the going back pile.  Then I tried to return with a certain shopping savvy friend and she pointed out it was now on sale.  So Nordstrom price adjusted it for me.  And well you can see the results.  I'm loving it so much.  So thank you shopper friend.

But now the cardigan is no longer on sale, sorry to rub it in.  

But good news, is it is CYBER MONDAY.  So let's talk a few more sales.  Starting with my outfit...

Boots - Still my default workhorse in the closet.  Perfect stacked heel height, can be worn up or down, every time I wear them people ask.  These prices and so many colors.  I won't buy another....I won't buy another....

Rings - Gorjana.  Fashion jewelry that is chic and stackable.  Love their rings and unique body jewelry.  code CYBER30 for 30% off your purchase today.  Here are my favorites, meaning they are already in my jewelry box.

Jeans - perfect distressed perfection.  A slurge, an investment, what you will wear all the time.  Except when it's freezing and those holes do a girl no justice.  Currently on sale at Shopbop.  Use code GOBIG15 for 15% off over 250$.

Necklace - Lucia K. Jewelry.  25% off your order through tonight.  code JENNIFERLOVIN25

Lips - Nars, I love their velvet matte lip pencil.   It's all you need.  The matte, the colors, the price!  I own Cruella (wearing in these pictures) also Damned, Pop Life.  And currently on the wishlist Dragon Girl.  20% off with code SHOP20

Cardigan - TopShop, Nordstrom

Tee - Bobi, Queen Anne Dispatch

Jeans - J Brand, Shopbop

Shoes - Sam Edelman, see above for where to purchase

Rings - Gorjana, see above for where to purchase

Necklace - Lucia K. Jewelry

Lips - Nars in Cruella, see above for where to purchase

Other sales worth noting today.

Ouidad.  Use code CURLTOTE for 5 of the best products in 3oz containers with a curl comb and tote.  These are perfect for travel or stockings for your curly girls.  Plus they are offering wonderful Holiday Collection Specials.  I just ordered.  Here's what I bought.

Free People.  Additional 25% off all sale items.

Nordstrom, still sale on sale.  Find more of my picks here.

Amazon - Among many other items - there are steals on toys.  Up to 50% off Hasbro and many others.

H&M - 20% of order over 25$, code "2020".  30% of order over 50$, code "3030".  40% off Sale items, code "4040"  Ordered adorable outfits for all my nieces.  Check!

KariGran.com - 15% off the entire site.  I'm obsessed with the Lip Whip.  See more here.

J.Crew Factory - 15% off their already 50% discounted prices and free shipping with code TODAYONLY.

Target - 15% off your entire order today with code CYBER15 (thinking boys underwear, boys gloves, tights for me, christmas lights).

Please check out my Black Friday post for other sales still in progress.  

Lets get this done!

Photos by Angie.

xo,

Kirsty

Don't forget to enter my Instagram giveaway for 3 pairs of Earrings from my Lucia K. Jewelry Tag collection.  Holiday accessories in the bag!  Follow thekirstyfiles and tag a friend here (on one of the earring pictures).  SO easy!!

Tuesday Tee-riffic

I just had to.

The t-shirt.  It's classic and super versatile, with endless variations and possibilities, a staple in all closets.  Yesterday Jenn and I styled some of our favorite t-shirts 4 different ways.

Today we are compiling our hot list of favorites tees.

 J.Crew Factory Layering Tee:  The basic classic
This one is a great price.  It wears well, and has a great slim fit that is perfect for maxi skirts, flare leg jeans, tailored skirts.  I also own it in white, and I love that the white is not see-through but still soft and wearable like your "favorite old t-shirt" should be.

Bobi Light Weight Jersey V Neck Tee:  A.k.a - Own multiples.
This was in the post yesterday but it's my favorite so I had to share it again.  I have this one in multiple colors and sizes, depending on my mood, more fitted or flowy.  This is the softest tee, is universally flattering, I love the slight flutter of the sleeves and the slouchy pocket, and stands the test of time.  sidenote:  I pretty much always choose a v-neck, second choice would be a u-neck and then boatneck.  I think the longer more open neckline is so much more flattering and comfortable, just a personal preference.

as seen here...here...slouchier size here...
and fitted.

...and flowy again, sometimes I roll the sleeves to change it up, I know crazy.

And in no particular order, here are a few more of-the-moment tees that Jenn and I love...

Aritzia:  Best Long Length
For those taller gals, or long-torso'ed goddesses, this is my ultimate favorite t-shirt. I love the scoop neck, mirrored in the shirt-tail hemline, and with just the right amount of drape. Also, the perfect thickness - not too bulky yet not totally sheer, and it washes well. An all-around fantastic tee (I have several colors). And...did I mention it comes in sizes ranging from xxs to xl (it runs true to size)?!

 

Rag & Bone The Classic V:  Splurge-Worthy
This classic t-shirt is definitely worth its price tag. A great all-around fit with awesome slub-texture that adds interest while keeping it from being too sheer. It also holds its shape and washes well...everything you would expect from Rag & Bone.

Anthropologie Parisian Tee:  Clever Message
This tee says it all - Audrey had it right, Paris is always is a good idea. This tee is chic regardless of how you style it. Classicly simple when paired with dark denim and a pump, or whimsical tucked into a pleated skirt and worn with ballet flats. Either way, channel your inner French girl.  This tee is our runner-up. 

Madewell:  Best under $20:
Great fit, 100% cotton, and a fun selection of colors; it's hard to beat Madewell's tee (especially for the price). I have several of these tees, wash and run them through the dryer - so easy!

Stateside Stripe Knot T:  Best Stripe
While the blue and white stripe is classic, I'm loving the side knot design, which creates a great, shape effortlessly. A stripe tee is a wardrobe staple, easy worn alone yet so fashionable when paired under a blazer or worn with a patterned or colorful pant.

That's our T-shirt roundup.  Which one is your fave?  what's your favorite way to wear a classic Tee?

Happy Shopping.

xo,
kirsty and jenn

Styled to a "Tee"

If you follow our blogs, you may have noticed that both Jenn and I have a casual style.  Most notably, we share a love for a great t-shirt (ok...maybe an awesome pair of shoes, and a great lip color too!).We usually trade texts with our finds and styling tips, but today we're sharing our favorite t-shirt outfit ideas with you!  And, don't be fooled by the t-shirt's casual nature.  As you will find below, this weekend warrior should not be overlooked when dressing for a classy event or a night-out.  Here are four of our favorite wears...

When in Doubt

The beauty of a great white tee is it can take on any personality you give it.  Whenever I am stuck and "have nothing to wear", as long as the event doesn't call for more than cocktail, I will grab jeans and a t-shirt.  Add a great pair of shoes and red lips.  Done.  If you wanted to be even fancier than this outfit,  you could switch out these jeans for darker skinnies or flares, this will get you from brunch {I seem to be hung up on brunch lately} to cocktails.

t-shirt - Bobi, Queen Anne Dispatch. {also find here.}

jeans - 7 for all Mankind, old

shoes - Sam Edelman {similar}

sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs, c/o {different color}

clutch - Finn Attire

earrings - Lucia K. Jewelry {available upon request rectangle tags}

White Lightning {name courtesy of the husband}

I really wanted to wear heels with my mini, this can be a slippery slope if not headed to a Beyonce concert.  Insert oversized tee, this keeps the outfit appropriate.  Keeping the front of the t-shirt slightly tucked is key to not looking like you've been swallowed up.  I also think the white on white adds polish and interest.  Go monochrome!  The best part is this is a totally easy look, anyone can incorporate this with their own twist.

 T-shirt - Mango, old {similar}

mini - J. Crew {hand-me-down from Jenn, yay!}

shoes - DV by Dolce Vita, Amazon
necklace - Lucia K. Jewelry {available upon request}

bag - FinnAttire

sunglasses - Bobbi Brown, Nordstrom 

Parisian Style
Your favorite graphic tee becomes trés chic when paired with a demure, pleated midi-skirt and peep-toe booties. Just be sure to either tuck the tee into the full skirt or tie it, as I have done here, to ensure that you define your waist. A note on tying, I sized up one full size because I wanted to tie or wear this tee oversized. I also love cuffing the sleeve - what can I say? I'm a child of the '80's!

tee: Sincerely Jules 

skirt: Aritzia 

booties: Jeffrey Campbell 

purse: The Cambridge Satchel Company

hat: & other stories 

bracelets: vintage turquoise & Guitar String {also available at Queen Anne Dispatch}

Casual Cool
Jeans and a great fitting tee are my jam. When wearing skinny jeans, I like the contrast of a looser, longer-length shirt. A great drape keeps this particular tee from looking too sloppy yet balances the slim silhouette of the jeans. I generally tuck just the front (the "mullet tuck"), for a polished yet not-trying-too-hard look. Adding extra accessories like a jacket or vest also elevates an otherwise simple outfit.

tee: Aritzia 

jeans: Madewell 

vest: Current Elliott (similar) 

clogs: No. 6 

bag: Auxiliary 

sunglasses: Le Specs 

body chain: Gorjana 

How are you wearing your t-shirts? What are your favorite tees? Please share!

 As always, thanks for reading.

 Happy Monday! ~Jenn & Kirsty