Shen Dove Style

Shorts and Wedges

2012-05-28T11:46:00.001-04:00

1. Aztec Printed Shorts; Ninewest Blyzes Wedges
2. Highwaist Digital Print Shorts; Nine West MilesBtwn
3. Top Shop Tuck Front Shorts by Boutique; Aldo Stremlow Printed Espadrille Wedges
4. Mossimo Palla Wedges

Color Jolt

2012-05-24T07:59:00.002-04:00

Blazer: H&M (old, similar); Dress: F21; Sandals: Loft (similar); Necklace: ?; Earrings: swapped

For the past two weeks I've given up caffeine (for a 30 day personal challenge), so I rely on my clothes to give me a colorful jolt instead of reaching for a Starbucks brew for a caffeine jolt. I miss coffee though I could live without it indefinitely, but I would never take a hiatus from wearing colorful clothes.

Hope your week is going well!

Coral and White

2012-05-17T08:16:00.000-04:00

Dress: Buffalo Exchange (similar); Belt: UO; Blazer: H&M; Shoes: Target; Bracelets/Ring: H&M

When I set my eyes on this coral polka dot dress the other day I had to wear it, though its maxi length makes it more suitable for weekends. I made this weekend-ish dress work-appropriate with a blazer and belt to bring up the length. I find that blazer and belt can make most dresses mid-length or maxi length dresses work appropriate.

Hope your week is going well!

Currently listening to: Master of My Make Believe by Santigold
Currently Reading: Passing Love by Jacqueline E. Luckett

Guest Post: Book Review at Stylish Thought

2012-05-12T11:05:00.001-04:00

I did a review over at Stylish Thought of A Piece of Cake, one of the books from my seasonal book lists. Stop by and read about my thoughts about the book!

Feeling Pink

2012-05-09T22:10:00.001-04:00

Blazer: Swapped; Skirt: F21; Shoes: Zappos; Clutch/Watch: Francesca's;
Necklace: Target; Top: F21 (old)

I guess I'm feeling the color pink these days. I found this pink blazer at a clothing swap recently and spray painted some well worn heels pink to give them a different look.

What color are you feeling these days?

Hope your week is going well!

Printed and Tropical

2012-05-03T11:47:00.002-04:00

Blazer: H&M (old); Floral Jeans: thrifted (similar); Tank: F21 (old); Clutch: Loft (old);

Necklace: thrifted; Bracelets/Ring: H&M
Though I wear jeans regularly, I don't really consider myself to be a "denim person." I'd much rather wear a skirt or dress than jeans. I had my fill of wearing jeans daily in college. For this reason, it took me a while to embrace colored jeans and I'm just starting to come around to liking printed jeans. But I couldn't resist these Ralph Lauren floral jeans I found in a thrift store during the winter. These jeans were probably meant to be cropped jeans on a taller lady, but they fit me perfectly as regular length jeans. The jeans have a higher waist-line and are more generously cut than I prefer my jeans to be, but it's fun to indulge in a trend without busting the budget. These jeans have a tropical feel to them which is appropriate because I'd love to be in a tropical locale on vacation right now. But until I make that a reality, it's fun to look down at my colorful pants.

Who else excited that the weekend is almost here?

Striped

2012-05-01T11:33:00.001-04:00

Blazer: F21; Skirt: F21; Clutch: purchased in San Francisco;

Earrings: ?; Necklace: Claire's

I read in the paper recently that according to Bundle DC is the ninth most fashionable city. According to this list, higher spending on clothing translates into being more fashionable...I was surprised that Irvine, CA, not New York, NY was number #1 on the list. As a DC resident, I certainly see fashionable ladies and gents in DC on a regular basis. But this list doesn't take into account the countless eco-conscious fashionable folks that refashion, swap, and buy items second-hand. There are also a number of style-conscious people that shop regularly, but just don't spend exorbitant amounts on items.

What I love most about personal style is that style is not limited to a particular price-point. So after reading about how fashionable DC is in comparison to other cities, I noted the list then promptly put the paper that contained the list and accompanying article in the recycle bin...

Here's to a productive, fashionable (and budget-friendly) week!

Seasonal Favorite

2012-04-27T10:34:00.002-04:00

Maxi dress worn as skirt: Beacon's Closet; Belt: Beacon's Closet; Shirt: H&M; Necklace: Target;
Clutch: Francesca's Collections (similar)

The weather in DC has been a bit unpredictable this spring, so I've only recently unpacked some of my spring clothing. This maxi dress worn as a skirt was one of the items I unpacked. I had forgotten how much I liked this maxi purchased a few years ago in New York. I've gotten my wardrobe to the point where I truly love the majority of the items I own and don't mind rotating them regularly. This maxi is a favorite that will go back into heavy rotation as it has since I purchased it in New York a few years ago.

What clothing item do you wear over and over each spring?

Have a lovely weekend!

Style Profile: Kings Rule Together

2012-04-25T08:16:00.000-04:00

All Images from Kings Rule Together

This month's style profile will actually be the first gentleman I've featured in the series. I was taken with the positive tone of Curran's inspiring and stylish blog, Kings Rule Together. Curran is a renaissance man that incorporates his passion for fashion, styling, and philanthropy into his blog. So let's get to the interview!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog and how did you come up with the title?

Curran: My biggest inspiration to start a blog came from the people around me. Blogging was something new and a good means to express my fashion opinion, so I gave it a try. During the time I was doing a lot of things but I wasn't documenting it on a more advanced level but more so promoting my work via social media so starting my blog made me become and appear more official to the naked eye. My friend referred to me as king as a term of endearment instead of the N word, which is so commonly used amongst the youth. It stuck with me from then on, giving me the esteem to truly respect myself and the people around me. As I went on working with other kings, I realized that by working together we made a more powerful impact, and we accomplished a lot more aka Kings Ruling Together.

Shen Dove: How would you describe your personal style? Is it influenced by your career?

Curran: My personal style is really a melting pot of many different styles mixed into one. I like to incorporates many different looks together that typically you may not see the average person wearing. I believe this makes my look and overall appearance unique and I display my own individuality. My style is my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today if people didn’t recognize my sense of fashion. I took my love for fashion and turned it into a business.

Shen Dove: How has the city you live in influenced your style and other creative endeavors?

Curran: I take a lot of pride in being from Philadelphia. It has made me into the man I am today. I just love the fact that I can stay in my hometown and still be recognized all over the world.

T-shirt from Curran's Kings Rule Together Clothing Store: "Designed to promote an undivided group of men at their peek by showing style and character as they work together and still maintain their King structure." - K.R.T.

Shen Dove: What do you enjoy most about blogging about style and fashion?

Curran: I enjoy the freedom of just being me. I can put whatever I want on and say whatever I like and share it with my followers all while inspiring others. Even if they may not like exactly what I have on or may not even wear the things I wear it opens their minds up for new options for their wardrobe or even ideas to help them display their indivduality. I aspire to inspire.

Shen Dove: I see that you have an interest in philanthropy which is great! How do your philanthropic endeavors tie in with your interests in fashion, photography and event planning?

Curran: Philanthropy is a huge part of my career. I have been driven to promote peace amongst my peers both male and females. I want all males to see themselves as Kings and all females as Queens. I feel as though if we greet each other as such, we will act as such. Respect amongst all will be rewarding to me when I look back many years from now and see my effect Kings Rule Together had on the WORLD.

Shen Dove: Do you have any blog related goals for 2012?

Curran: I really just plan to create more. 2012 is all about creating new and innovative work for the world to see.

Shen Dove: Do you have any personal style rules you live by? If so, what are they?

Curran: The only rule I have is for guys just to pull their pants up. Nothing more, nothing less.

Shen Dove: So be sure to bookmark Curran's great blog to see his latest updates.

Preppy

2012-04-19T00:36:00.002-04:00

Shirt: Loft (old); Skirt: UO; Jewelry: borrowed; Shoes: Target

I have no problem with giving away clothing that haven't gotten frequent wear, I don't have a walk-in closet after all. As a result of my willingness to part with items, I have had a remorse over some clothing that I gave away or sold that I should have held onto for another season or two until the trend circled back again. I almost gave this shirt away in a cleaning frenzy last season, but am happy I held onto it. It's a keeper, at least for the time being.

This outfit was inspired by an outfit in the spring J. Crew catalog. I'm afraid, I can't show you a picture of the inspiration because I have since recycled it; it didn't make the "keep" cut when I recently cleaned off my coffee table...

Bright and Denim

2012-04-16T15:40:00.000-04:00

Shirt: Charlotte Russe (similar); Pants: H&M; Necklace: borrowed; Bracelet: F21; Earrings: Target

I love starting off the week with warm weather and sunshine. It seems like a good omen for the rest of the week even if the weather changes right?

On another note, I enjoy wearing these pants as much in warm weather

as much as I did during cooler weather.

Happy Monday!

Spring Wish List

2012-04-13T22:10:00.000-04:00

1. Mod Cloth Ukulele Band Blazer; 2. Zara Patchwork Clutch Bag; 3. Bloom Clementine Skirt; 4. Cellular Muscle Etched Earrings - Teal and Gold Metallic; 5. Zara Printed Trousers with Contrasting Waist; 6. J. Crew CeCe Suede Ballet Flats; 7. African Fabric Bangles; 8. Lem Lem Anna Twill Scarf

I would happily add any of these items to my spring wardrobe...

New to Me

2012-04-11T22:11:00.000-04:00

Cropped blazer: Joyce Leslie; Skirt: Swapped; Shoes: Zappos; Belt: UO; Necklace: Target

This silk skirt is a recent acquisition from a clothing swap I attended earlier this month. The skirt is a bit too big but, a wide belt will take care of the skirt's imperfect fit until I make a trip to the tailor. I really enjoy finding clothing items second-hand that fit my taste and shopping budget.

What is your favorite new (or just new to you) wardrobe addition?

Spring Reading List

2012-04-09T21:43:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! Here are a few books that I plan to read this spring.

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster by Dana Thomas
I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
Passing Love by Jacqueline E. Luckett
Joan Myers & the Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina by Brenda Dixon Gottschild

I'm currently reading: A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown which is a book from my Winter Reading List that I plan to review soon.

What have you read lately?

Dash of Red

2012-04-05T22:57:00.000-04:00

On a recent trip to NYC, I lucked out while thrift shopping and found this red blazer.
As a petite person, when I see a blazer that fits my proportions, requires no alterations AND fits in my budget, I scoop it up.

Blazer: thrifted (similar); Jeans: F21; Shirt: Gap; Necklace:
H&M; Bracelets: H&M; Shoes: Shoe Mint

Have a lovely weekend!

Tawny Earth Tones

2012-04-04T23:06:00.000-04:00

Blazer: H&M (similar); Shirt: H&M; Skirt: UO; Necklace: Target

It's appropriate to wear earth tones during Earth Month, right?
I love the bright colors, florals, and prints that are in style for this season, but neutral and earth tone pieces like this skirt and blazer will always be my standbys.

Have a great day!

Belted Prints and Neutrals

2012-04-02T21:37:00.001-04:00

Vest: Swapped (similar); Skirt: H&M; Shirt: H&M; Shoes: Loft; Necklace: Target

I remember a time when I rarely wore belts, but now, on most days I don't feel like my outfit is complete without the addition of a belt. It's funny how your accessories preferences can change over time...

That's all for now, Happy Monday!

Beauty Wish List - Spring Edition

2012-04-01T21:27:00.000-04:00

1. Clarasonic Cleansing System; 2. Essie Nail Polishes: Tour de Finance and Orange It's Obvious;

3. Hana Professional Flat Iron; 4. Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Eyeshadow Quad;

5. Flowerbomb Viktor & Rolf; 6. Ecstasy Shea Soufflé

Here are a few hair and beauty items that I'm currently wishing for...

Neon Green, Tomato Red and White

2012-03-30T10:28:00.002-04:00

Shirt: H&M; Skirt: Old Navy (exactly); Belt: H&M; Jewelry: F21/Target

A white shirt brings down the drama of this neon maxi skirt which is a favorite that
I haven't worn since earlier this year. I definitely plan on styling it a few more ways this season.

Happy Friday! Have a lovely weekend.

Cobalt and Hot Pink

2012-03-26T08:04:00.000-04:00

Top: purchased w/giftcard c/o Burlington Coat Factory; Jeans: H&M (similar); Shoes: Zappos (similar);
Clutch: in giftbag from Winter 2012 IFB Conference; Jewelry: Target & F21

Happy Monday! Hope you had a lovely weekend!
After having to make a recent trip to the chiropractor to get adjusted, I've decided that I have to lighten my load literally and definitely plan to reach for clutches and smaller bags rather than my usual heavy shoulder bags for a while.

I'll have to take a note from Dotty and Allie's clutch packing techniques. Packing lighter will also force me to be more strategic about my shoe choices because my usual bag almost always includes an extra pair of shoes.

Here's to a positive and productive week!

Book Review: 32 Candles

2012-03-26T07:48:00.002-04:00

I love books where you can’t help but root for the protagonist to get their “happy ending” and 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter was definitely such a book for me. This sometimes funny, sometimes poignant story is about Davie Jones who lives in a small town in Mississippi and considers herself to be an “ugly duckling” (after being repeatedly told that she was ugly…). Davie’s sad childhood was punctuated by her abusive mother who had various personal issues that prevented her from having a healthy, loving relationship with her daughter. As a means of escape from her unhappy home life and bullying by classmates, Davie reads books and watches Molly Ringwald movies; 16 Candles is her favorite. Davie also has a secret crush on a popular high school football player named James.

A mean-spirited prank by classmates causes Davie to leave everything she knows in Mississippi and move to California. The compelling story unfolds from there and readers get to see if Davie successfully gets her "Molly Ringwald style" happy ending. I won’t say anything further about the book’s plot, but I will say that I definitely recommend this original story that was tied so seamlessly to the classic 80’s era teen film. After reading 32 Candles, I added the movie 16 Candles to my Netflix queue; I will admit that I don’t think I’ve seen the movie in its entirety so I really must remedy that soon! Ernessa T. Carter has a distinctive literary voice and I look forward to seeing what else she writes.

Style Profile: The Fashionista Next Door

2012-03-23T00:15:00.000-04:00

Photos courtesy of Eboni Ifé of The Fashionista Next Door

This month's style profile is from Eboni Ifé of The Fashionista Next Door. Eboni exhibits a great attention to detail in putting her outfits together. Eboni also has a fabulous shoe collection! Her regular feature, "Style Me Friday" really shows off her styling skills and ability to put together outfits that look just as good if not better than the inspiration. Now let's get to the interview!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog and how did you come up with the title?

Eboni Ifé: I started blogging on accident, really. I've always had a love affair with fashion, but my blog started out as a blog all about my general randomness, and the blog's name was "Miss Ifé's World." (My middle name is Ifé). But, the truth is all I wanted to write about was fashion and personal style. I was pretty much obsessed with Love Maegan and Karla's Closet at the time, but I was so intimidated by fashion bloggers who seemed to be so endlessly stylish! Finally, I took the plunge and committed to being a "style blogger." (and my first few posts were pretty bad. LOL!) My blog's title took a little while to come into it's own. It went from Miss Ifé's World to "Frugal Fashionista," which I quickly discovered was already in use on a well established blog. Not to mention, a friend of mine mentioned to me that she hated the name! So, I started thinking about my style, and beyond that, the woman I wanted to be in terms of style, and it just came to me...The Fashionista Next Door. (sorry for the LONG answer. LOL!)

Shen Dove: How would you describe your personal style? Is it influenced by your career/job?

Eboni Ifé: I think my style is fun...daring...unexpected at times. I really just like to have fun with fashion. Fortunately, I've always had jobs where I was free to wear whatever I wanted, so I can't say that my career has had a strong influence on my style...though, I am thankful that it has allowed my style to blossom and evolve completely unrestricted by dress codes.

Shen Dove: How has the city/town you live in influenced your style? If it hasn't, what has inspired your style?

Eboni Ifé: I'm a California girl through and through...I grew up moving back and forth from from NorCal to SoCal, and if you've spent much time in either place, you know how different the aesthetic is in both cities. LA is the perfect combination of flip flops, stilettos, and versace shades! The bay area is a little bit preppy, a little bit activist, and a little bit boho...and 100% fabulous! I think my style is influenced by both...I guess that's why I call my style eclectic.

Shen Dove: What do you enjoy most about blogging about style and fashion?

Eboni Ifé: Honestly, it's become about so much more than fashion. I work full-time and I have a family...I hardly have time to maintain a blog, but I couldn't walk away from the community of amazing, brilliant, beautiful bloggers I've met along this journey. Other bloggers (like you) are a constant source of inspiration. So, thank you!

Shen Dove: Thanks for the compliment! What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of fashion blogging? Do you have any hidden talents?

Eboni Ifé: I am a major foodie! Love reading cookbooks, watching cooking shows, trying new recipes...and eating, of course! Hidden talents...umm, the hubby says I have musical turrets. I subconsciously know just about every song...or at least every hook ever written. Hehe! Sing a line or hum melody...and I just can't help but to burst out into the full song...and I tend to sing it non-stop until a new song enters my brain. I am also the reigning Def Jams Rap Star!

Shen Dove: Spring is officially here! What are you excited about wearing this season?

Eboni Ifé: Florals, florals, and more florals! (and polka dots...and yellow!)

Shen Dove: Do you have any blog related goals for 2012?

Eboni Ifé: I have really been working to maintain an "editorial calendar." I really want to be more consistent with my posting schedule and my content.

Shen Dove: Do you have any personal style rules you live by? If so what are they?

Eboni Ifé: Nope. No rules. Fashion...and more importantly, personal style, is about wearing what makes YOU feel good.

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview Eboni! Be sure to bookmark The Fashionista Next Door to see Eboni's latest updates.

Farewell Winter, Hello Spring

2012-03-20T23:49:00.001-04:00

Top: Old Navy; Cardigan: Francesca's Collections;

Skirt: Francesca's Collections; Boots: Go Jane; Jewelry: Target

Happy first day of spring! Though spring is officially here, this outfit was worn a few weeks ago and never made it onto the blog. I was going for a spring vibe when I picked out this outfit for work, so it's appropriate that these photos ended up being posted on the first day of spring. In honor of spring's arrival today, I've started developing spring travel plans, picked books for my seasonal book list (which I will post soon), planned a few spring cleaning projects, and started thinking of ways to add new life to some of my favorite spring time clothing items from last season.

How have you started preparing for the spring season?

Tweed Blazer Take Three

2012-03-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

Blazer: F21; Jeans: F21: Top: c/o Land's End Canvas; Shoes: Ninewest. Necklace: Target

Hi friends! This is the third and final remix of my tweed blazer before I pack it up until next winter. The blazer was previously worn in this post and this post. I wanted to give the blazer more of a springy feel, so I wore it with mustard yellow jeans, an orange top, and the necklace that I've been wearing nearly every day lately. I'm not really inspired by any of my winter clothing right now, so it's a good thing that spring is nearly here!

Have a lovely weekend!

Tweed Jacket Take Two

2012-03-13T07:33:00.002-04:00

Blazer: F21; Skirt: Target (exactly); Shoes: Target: Top: Banana Republic:

Necklace: selfmade (items purchased w/giftcard c/o Michaels)

Okay, so I'm not wearing green today for EBEW Green Day. I'm not wearing green mainly because though it's unseasonably warm in DC, it's not quite warm enough to wear some of my favorite green clothing items featured here, here and here. But I'm wearing turquoise which may not be festive, but is at least equally as cheerful! I look forward to checking EBEW later to see all of the great ways the color green was featured in outfits.

I'm also wearing my very remixable tweed jacket again because if we continue this warm weather trend, it will be entirely too warm to wear it very soon.

Here's to a great week!

Currently listening to: Thank you by Estelle