Friday's Fancies: Lunch Date with Lauren

Another Friday is upon us (already!) which means it's time to link up with {av} at Long Distance Loving for Friday's Fancies.  It's been a few weeks since I've been on Polyvore to create a weekly outfit and it is good to be back--I've really missed creating and sharing weekly outfits with you all! 

Thanks to a half day off at work, today I am having lunch at Winslow's Home with Lauren of Clever Betty and this outfit would be just perfect for the occasion.

Now that summer is in full swing, a fun, flirty dress would be perfect for a day like today, especially if we sit out on their patio for lunch.

Bright wedges add a bit more color to the ensemble and compliment the dress colors.  Comfort is important, however, as I plan on walking to our lunch date since we live nearby.


Dangling earrings would be too formal for a casual lunch date.  These sunny and retro stud  earrings help keep it light and playful.



A thick and chunky bracelet pairs well with the sun dress and sunburst earrings adding to   the vintage vibe.



And to round it all out, a large gray purse with gold accents for corralling money, phone, sunglasses, a bottle of water and a book in case I want to stop by the park and read a bit on my way back home.



We also have a family barbeque to attend with my cousin and her family tonight and this outfit would definitely do double-duty and work for both occasions!

What are your plans this weekend?  Any lunch dates on the horizon?  Happy Friday everyone!

Friday's Fancies: Drinks with Friends

It's been a while (too long really!) since I've linked up with {av} for Friday's Fancies and as seeing as we have some exciting Friday night plans ahead of us, I thought I'd fix that, pronto!

Ashlee is finally back in the Lou for a week after a much-too-long absence and to celebrate, we are going to grab drinks at our usual Ferguson haunt (at least when we are with Ashlee and JY) Ferguson Brewery Company.  With them will be Ashlee's good friend Danielle and her fiance Kyle (in town to celebrate Ashlee's graduation from her Master's program--woop woop!) as well as friends Nick and Brian.  If money were no object, this is what I'd be wearing tonight while we laugh and talk the night away!

Drinks with Friends by ktrefinishingschool featuring michael kors handbags

Haider Ackermann blouse
815 EUR - thecorner.com

Mason by Michelle Mason low rise leather pants
$930 - net-a-porter.com

Dries Van Noten floral print high heels
$349 - mytheresa.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors handbag
$270 - net-a-porter.com

Leaf jewelry
$28 - topshop.com

Dorothy Perkins green jewelry
10 GBP - dorothyperkins.com
sddd 

When I designed this set, I began as I often do, with the blouse.  I was immediately attracted to the bright jade color and its wrap shape.  Soon after I selected some leather leggings to help the jade really pop!  Then I found some Dries Van Noen shoes that while floral print, reminded me of a large snake skin print which I thought would go great with the leather pants and snakeskin handbag by Michael Kors that I had picked out.  Finally I rounded the whole outfit out with some feathery earrings and a chunky and colorful cocktail ring.

What do you think?  Did I mix too many different animal species in the creation of my outfit?  

What are your plans tonight?!  Whatever they are, I hope you have a wonderful night and a fabulous weekend!

Friday's Fancies: Sense and Sensibility Edition

To wrap up a week's discussion of Sense and Sensibility as part of our March BBC book pick (read others' reviews through the link-up here, my review here, a film vs. fiction feature here and further reading on the subject here), I thought I'd participate in {av}'s Friday's Fancies with a twist.

Today I designed two outfits, one for both Elinor and Marianne, imagining what they might wear if they lived in 2011 instead of the early 1800s.

First, the elder sister, Elinor.  Practical yet fashionable (she cares deeply about propriety and what others think), Elinor would be stylish yet feminine in this outfit.  She did snag one of the most eligible bachelors in London, after all!

Elinor by ktrefinishingschool featuring pink clutches

A pair of wide leg belted trousers, something 19th century Elinor would never have dreamed of wearing, but perfect for our 21st century girl!
A white long sleeve scoop neck top, chosen for its clean lines and the similar neckline (scoop) to that of many Regency dresses
A pair of leather peep toe ankle boots for a little height and interest
A pink Alexander McQueen Union Jack clutch for a little glam and a subtle reminder Elinor is a British gal
A diamond shape gold necklace, from Edward, which she keeps close to her heart!

Second, the younger sister, Marianne.  Romantic, prone to flights of fancy, Marianne is less grounded and more free-spirited than her older sister.  Since marrying Colonel Brandon, she has become a bit more settled but has kept her feminine flair!

Marianne by ktrefinishingschool featuring a v neck sweater

A flirty and colorful coral skirt with a little pocket perfect for holding the latest love letter from Colonel Brandon.
A soft but sophisticated knit v-neck sweater, perfect for keeping Marianne warm while she goes on long walks at Delaford
A pair of coral pumps to coordinate with her skirt
A coral and gold oval ring, brought back to Marianne by Colonel Brandon from London
A cream, frilly clutch for holding her lipstick and other necessities
A pair of peach flower drop earrings for a romantic and feminine finish!

So which sister are you most like, Elinor or Marianne?  I used to think I was a Marianne but the older I've gotten the more I think I'm an Elinor...

Happy Friday, friends!

30 for 30: Final Days and Friday Night Date Night

The day has finally come!  I can put away my 30 for 30 clothes for a while because I get the rest of my closet back.   Here are the final three outfits of the challenge:

Day 28

When I shared the details of our Spanish date night, I was wearing this outfit:

Black and white print skirt, thrifted

White tank top, Sedeca

Pink cardigan, New York and Company

Black nylons, JCPenney's

Black Mary Janes, Payless Shoes
Tiered black necklace, Forever 21
Fossil watch, Macy's

Day 29

While swamped and overwhelmed with work, I was able to carve out a little time to update some of my 130 Before I'm Thirty goals.  Here's what I was wearing:

Black trousers, NY&C

White tank top, Old Navy

Red cardigan, NY&C

Red ballet flats, Payless Shoes
Ashes on my forehead, courtesy of Ash Wednesday Mass

Day 30

Yesterday when I shared this yummy recipe, I wore this as my final outfit:

Skinny jeans, American Eagle

Navy three quarter length shirt, Forever 21

Navy striped cardigan, NY&C

Brown Emu boots, Macy's

What I've learned:

• Accessories are your friend.  They are often much cheaper than buying new clothes and can elevate a ho-hum outfit into something great!
• I need a new purse.  I have been using the same purse off and on for over a year now (and the rest of my purses in my rotation are over two years old) and I'm ready for something new--preferably one I can tie some of my vintage scarfs onto for an added pop of color!
• I really didn't need that many skirts and pants.  There was even one black skirt that never even made it out of my closet.  If and when I do this challenge again, I will include way more tops and cardigans than skirts!
• Don't do this challenge in February and March in St. Louis.  The weather is just too unpredictable.  For example, the night of our Oscar Watch party it was 60 degrees and we were under a tornado watch.  A few days later, the temperature was back down to the 30s.  When your wardrobe is limited, sudden fluctuations in temperature are not appreciated!
• I have way more clothes than I thought I did before the challenge!  This really opened my eyes to how many different combinations of clothes you can create with just a few items, let alone a whole closet!
• I don't need to buy new clothes, just new accessories.  I thought with the shopping ban, I would want to buy lots and lots of new clothes once it was over.  I do want to buy some things, but they mostly consist of accessories and a new purse!
• Doing this with friends helps a lot!  We could commiserate together when we were feeling uninspired and it was a great motivator knowing other people were counting on you.
• Now that this challenge is over, it means Ashlee is moving. Today.  I am happy for her and Justin and know they will have a gorgeous new apartment but I will miss them terribly!
• I need a new camera. Period.

Now, just because I have my wardrobe back doesn't mean I'm not playing along with {av} and her Friday's Fancies.  I have really come to look forward to some guilt free shopping each week where my only limitation for coming up with an outfit is my imagination!

 Here's what I would wear tonight for a much needed date night with J at one of our favorite sushi restaurants:

Date night by ktrefinishingschool featuring kate spade handbags

Cap sleeve top, 65 GBP
Leather jacket, $855
Victoria beckham jeans, $329
Shoes, 140 GBP
Kate spade handbag, $125
Wet Seal earring, $8

A gray and yellow cap sleeve top for a little Eastern flair
A pair of charcoal skinny jeans, cuffed at the bottom for some contrast
A pair of yellow high heels for a little color (and height since I'm 5'2")
A black and white newspaper clutch for holding the important things, like my phone, sunglasses and lip gloss
An edgy white jacket, since the weather here is still unpredictable (high of 38 yesterday)
A pair of gray feather-y earrings for some glamour and sophistication

What are your weekend plans, friends?

Friday Night with the Girls

Tonight I have a lovely night planned with these two girlies that promises to be full of thrifting, eating, drinking, movie watching, and fun!

Here's the plan:

• Visit a few local thrift stores
• Stop by Homegoods and Joann's Fabrics 
• Dinner and drinks somewhere
• Head back to Ashlee's and watch Mona Lisa Smile

Since I'm still completing my 30 for 30 challenge, I won't have any new or exciting clothes to wear.  If I did (and this is where my Friday's Fancies with {av} come in) I would wear this:

A good pair of jeans, which would help me cross off number 119 on that pesky ole list

A black and silver top with an adorable black bow for a little feminine touch

A mustard yellow 50s style crocheted button down cardigan--maybe it's because J and I have started watching Mad Men on Netflix, but this sweater drew me right in!

Mustard yellow high heels to match.  They might not be super comfortable to wear while thrifting, but we will also be doing a lot of sitting at dinner and the movie to balance it out!

A silver cuff to dress it up a little--it is a Friday night after all!

A black bag to haul some of my finds home in

Friday Night with the Girls by ktrefinishingschool on Polyvore.com

TopShop mustard cardigan
$80 - topshop.com

AQUILANO RIMONDI striped tank
259 GBP - farfetch.com

True Religion skinny fit jean
329 EUR - jades24.com

Promise peep toe booty
$36 - makemechic.com

Balenciaga black shoulder bag
$1,156 - bluefly.com

Dannijo jewelry
$335 - bergdorfgoodman.com

What are your weekend plans, friends?

Happy Friday!

Oscar Watch Party

Because I had so much fun creating an Oscar Fashion lovely last week and because my shopping ban is still in effect for fourteen more days, I decided to create another Friday's Fancies and share it with you all.

This time I created an outfit that I would love to wear to the Oscar Watch Party Ashlee and JY are having at their casa on Sunday.

J and I are bringing True Grit jalapeno cornbread as well as 127 Hours' Water and Mountain Dew.  With our offerings, I'd wear:

A ruffled cream skirt with brown belt for a little girly yet rustic look
A three-quarter length pink top with a large bow at the collar--it is still a bit cold here, you know
Some powder beige matte ankle booties with a cream ribbon for some Hollywood drama
A dark brown coat with a full skirt, perfect for making our grand entrance
A cool mint purse for taking home all the swag
A vintage mint cocktail ring for a splash of color and old school sophistication
Smoky quartz earrings for a little sparkle and shine

Oscar Watch Party by ktrefinishingschool on Polyvore.com

Blouse, 29 GBP
Silk coat, $450
Rue21 crochet skirt, $22
Beige ankle boot, $460
Kate spade tote bag, $297
Smoky quartz jewelry
Retro jewelry, $9.99

Are you going to watch the Oscars?  Who's your pick for Best Picture?  Best Actor? Best Actress?  Can't wait to see who's right on Monday!

Oscar Fashion

This morning I am linking up with {av} for Friday's Fancies.

This isn't just any Friday's Fancies, but a special Oscars edition, which means I got to play virtual dress-up with formal wear!

Growing up in Pasadena, I knew a few girls who actually got to go the Oscars every year because their dads were members of the Academy!  While I never got to grace the red carpet, I definitely remember watching the interviews and later the award shows every year.  As a young child, it was one of the few nights a year we ate as a family in front of the TV.

So in the spirit of youth and glitz and glamour, here are my Friday's Fancies:

Friday's Fancies: Oscar Style by ktrefinishingschool featuring vintage evening gowns

Sue Wong Vintage Long Gown
$655 - idressonline.com
Vintage evening gowns »

JASMINE
79 GBP - kurtgeiger.com
Glitter pumps »

MINETTA LANE ISADORA BAG
39,900 JPY - mirabella.jp
Kate spade handbags »

Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.0 Carat (ctw) in 14K Pink Gold - My Jewelry...
$1,995 - myjewelrybox.com
Gold rings »

Jenny Perl Rose Quartz Teardrop Earrings - Max and Chloe
$1,650 - maxandchloe.com
Rose quartz earrings »

What do you think?  What would you wear on the red carpet? Happy Friday everyone!

Oh, and I just might be addicted to Polyvore now...how have I not been using this great tool before now?!