Colorblocking

Colorblocking seems to be all the rage this season with clothing, shoes, and accessories.  It can be tricky to put together an entire colorblocked outfit, but overall it is pretty simple.  All you need are a few pointers for a full proof look.

1.  Power of 3. 

Group your colors into no more than 3 or you'll look like a hot mess.  Start with something as simple as black and white and then add a pop of color.  J.Crew has this done perfectly for you in the outfit below.

J Crew - $39.50 for tee

2. Take out the guess work!

Make your life easy by buying a dress or top that is already designed for you.  The dress below from New York & Co is a great outfit for a holiday party.

http://www.nyandcompany.com - $70

Wear the lace trim tank with a sweater and jeans for a more casual look.

Hive and Honey $40

Pop a colored or printed scarf with this sweater for a little something extra.

Old Navy - $20

3.  Keep it simple

As with anything in fashion - less is more.  You don't have to get too tricky so go for a sweater with wide stripes and wear with your favorite jeans.

Madewell - $78

4.  Go Tonal

When in doubt choose colors in the same family.  Red and pink, navy and royal blue, olive green and lime - think of colors as "cousins" and pair them together.  You can also look at a color wheel like the one below to choose complimentary or analogous (think family) colors.

Photo courtesy of Corporate Fashionista

Check out her rules for mastering color-blocking

Here is an outfit gone tonal by fashion blogger, Kendi Skeen.

Love how Kendi mixes her reds to make this colorblock statement.

5.  Choose Accessories

If all of this is too much to think about - then pick a fun handbag or pair of shoes.  You can make a plain outfit look fabulous in an instant by some popping color into your look.

Loft - $34.50

Vince Camuto - $89

Fossil "foldover" hobo - $258

Will you try this trend and if so, how will you color block this season?

Happy Shopping!

Girl Crush

Yes, I have a crush on a girl.  Not the kind that would cause you to raise an eyebrow, but an innocent celebrity crush.  Her name is Reese Witherspoon, and I think she is fantastic.  Her breakout movie, Man on the Moon, was one of my favorites and I think I've seen almost every movie she has made since then.  I feel like I've known her for years.  I teared up when she and Ryan split, hoped her and Jake would tie the knot, teared up again when they split, and am finally at peace with her recent marriage to whatever that guy's name is.  I'm the stalker best friend she doesn't know she has - sad, huh?


Moving past her professional and personal life, I absolutely love her style.  She is effortless and pulled together.  Whether walking the red carpet or grabbing a bite to eat while being stalked by the paparazzi, she always looks fabulous.  Below are a few examples of her "mom on the go' looks that any of us with or without children can definitely pull off.

And here is how to do it.

Outfit #1

In some parts of the country, it is still warm.  Today in Middle, TN, it is 75 degrees outside so wearing a dress with bare legs is possible.  You can take or leave the hat.  Women either love them or hate them.  Go for it if you are one of the daring few.  It can hide a bad hair day or even a bad dye job.

Reese Look 2 by jmewbourne featuring old navy jackets

Outfit #2

Stripes are a great way to throw a punch of color in an outfit.  Buy one in your favorite color and pair with denim.

Reese Stripe tee look by jmewbourne featuring slim bootcut jeans

Outfit #3

Who said dresses are for church?  They are quite comfortable even in colder temps.  Just throw on a pair of leggings or tights and away you go.

Reese Look #3 by jmewbourne featuring a cross body shoulder bag

Outfit #4

Basic black is easy and fashionable.  Update it with pops of camel.  YES, you can mix browns and blacks together.  

reese look #4 by jmewbourne featuring straight leg jeans

Outfit #5

I used to be one of those that said "hell no" with denim on denim.  It can look cute, just make sure to not be too "matchy matchy" or you'll look silly.  If you're not a fan, then wear another colored outwear piece to break it up.

Reese look #5 by jmewbourne featuring ray ban sunglasses

My hats off to Reese for her effortless style and inspiring gals out there to be simply fashionable.  Which is your favorite look?


Happy Shopping!