Borrowing From the Boys

Shirt from Value World; tie from Macy's, necklace from Bauble Bar, 

jeans from Forever 21 and sandals and clutch from Target.

Getting my button-down shirts from Value World--or, well, any shirt, sweater, bag or home decor--is absolutely one of my most favorite things. Mostly because the prices are unbeatable ($2.80 for a shirt? Yes, please and thank you) but also you can score some really great items that no one else will have. The boys' shirts there fit me well in the shoulders but give me a boxy fit down the torso and the mens' shirts are loose and give me that oversized-blouse look of which I can't get enough. This shirt is a boys large and I cut the sleeves and belted it with one of the ties from my boyfriend's extensive tie collection. He's only worn this one once, so I figured I would be safe to borrow. We'll find out once the post goes live. I completed the outfit with my lovely BaubleBar necklace, a white clutch and white sandals. 

What's your go-to thrift shop?
xo,
Lindsey Lou

Fash Bash 2014

Detroit's biggest fashion event of the year happened a few days ago and it was so fashionably insane, I can't stop thinking about it. Fash Bash is the Detroit Institute of Arts biggest fundraiser and I was lucky enough to attend as StyleLine's social media crew. Which was great, because with all of the fashion happening, I would have been all over my social media anyway. I didn't pick an outfit until the day before the event and that worked out well because it was a little chilly so I was able to put something together that could keep me warm. 

I found a box-pleated, perforated faux leather midi skirt by ASTR and paired it with a sweater from Nordstrom that I cut myself and tied in a front knot -- I'm obsessed with shirt knots. The jewelry is a fringe necklace by Visceral Enrapture layered over an Amazon Medallion Bib necklace from BaubleBar to create a DylanLex effect (because I'm also obsessed with DylanLex) and the bag is vintage, purchased from The Peacock Room.

Sweater, similar here; Skirt, ASTR; top necklace, Visceral Enrapture; bottom necklace, BaubleBar; Bag, The Peacock Room in Detroit; Shoes, Target.

The night was AMAZING. It started out with fun conversations and cocktails and a vast amount of people watching. And people really step it up at Fash Bash. Local designers were represented, people brought out their best party accessories and they were having so much fun while doing it.

The fashion show, put on by Neiman Marcus, was unreal. It showed layers of sweaters, ponchos and coats over skirts and dresses with feather head pieces. Everything was so opulent and elegant and the fact that it was set in one of the most beautiful rooms of the DIA, only made the whole show more ethereal.

Once the fashion show commenced, the after party began complete with a live DJ and very live dancing. People were mingling, drinking and have a fantastic time on the steps of the DIA. 

What would you wear to the most fashionable event of the year?

xo,

Lindsey Lou

Saturday Styling

I was asked to style the business wardrobe fashion spread for the October 2014 issue of my local magazine and honestly, I think it's a perfect fit. Growing up, I attended an elementary school where I was required to wear a uniform and my third and longest job was at a hospital with a business casual dress code, so I'm very familiar with business attire. Fortunately, we are styling women in Detroit who are business owners, VPs of big companies and designers, so their business wardrobes are a little more flexible, which gives me a lot of room to play around with the styling. I asked each woman about their style so I could keep it true to them but still incorporate fall 2014 trends.

My favorite staple and absolute must for a business wardrobe is a pencil skirt. It's so versatile and it goes with literally everything; t shirts, button downs, tights, turtle necks -- you name it, it works wonderfully. This L'Agence pencil skirt is a perfectly updated version of a regular pencil skirt with the leather detail on the waist and I can't get enough. Pair it with a pretty blouse, casual t shirt or funky sweater and you can have a few different looks with this one skirt. So good.

L'agence Ponte Pencil Skirt

Wide-leg trousers are another great workwear option. They go with everything and look so chic when worn right. If you are looking to add something a little unexpected to your wide-leg trousers, add suspenders; it will give the trousers a different style and it will look so unique because no one is wearing suspenders. Which is why you should. Another fun thing to do is to pair your trousers with a kimono-styled tunic -- Asian flare always adds interest to an outfit. Anyway, I would recommend wide-leg trousers for most body types; it looks fabulous and professional.

Donna Karen Fluid Crepe Trousers

Finally, something a little out-of-the-norm but is a great piece is a vintage coat. Finding a good vintage coat that hugs your body just right is like winning the lottery. First of all, no one you know will have it (unless one person does, which in that case it's just a crazy coincidence and should be worn anyway) and a good coat or jacket really pulls your whole outfit together and because it's vintage, it pretty much goes with anything.

1920's Black Fur Traveling Coat

What's your favorite workwear item?

xo,

Lindsey Lou

Red, White & Blue Jeans!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July. I spent my weekend with family, friends, fashion and wine and it was wonderful.

How did you wear your patriotic colors?

xo,

Lindsey Lou

May Toppers

I never wear hats. Never. And being that the Kentucky Derby is in May along with a Hats Off Luncheon I was fortunate enough to attend, hats were apart of my outfits and I loved it. They are perfect for any sunny occasion or bad hair day. May was a month of frugality por moi so I wore this outfit to both events but it's that good. Also, I didn't take any pictures at the first event so no one at the second event would know... although, I suppose the cat's out of the bag now. Well enough talk, now for the picture.

How do you wear your hats?

xo,

Lindsey Lou

Wide Leg Wonder

I have been searching for a pair of wide-leg, high-waisted trousers for what seems like a year now. Fortunately, I went to H&M and found what I was looking for. Unfortunately, the waist needs to be taken in so they weren't as high waisted when I wore them but that will be fixed as soon as possible. I absolutely could not wait for a tailer to fix these wide leg wonders, so I put the bigger waist out of my mind, wore them at my hips and topped it off with an open-back sweater -- it was a chilly Saturday in May so a trench was needed. I was in heaven. The pants are comfortable, gave me the look I had been craving and as I drove home from my day out, I was coming off of my fashion high with a bunch of compliments rolling around in my head.

What item of clothing had you been coveting that you finally purchased and wore?

xo,

Lindsey Lou

Gloomy Spring Day

In Detroit, we have been experience some really great weather but the past few days have been a little grey and I've decided to dress the part. I love flannels so it was the perfect opportunity to wear my Value World flannel in the spring. I paired it with my Zara high-waisted leggings, Value World blazer, Forever 21 booties and my Furla bag.

What are some of your spring rainy day staples?

xo,

Lindsey Lou