Monday, April 30, 2012

Spring Showers

Spring Showers

J Crew gingham shirt

Well, it's a cold, rainy spring day in my neck of the woods, so I thought today's post would be appropriate.  But, just because it's dreary outdoors doesn't mean your style needs to be.  Defy the weather and boost your mood with a little sunshine of your own!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Weekend Errands

Weekend Errands

LOFT tie blouse

Have a busy weekend planned?  Have no fear, here's a great look to take you from errand running to bussing your kids around, as well as a pit stop or two at the coffee shop!  You never know who you might run into. =)  Here's to the weekend!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

You Don't Have to be Matchy, Matchy

Untitled #132



I'm not even sure matchy is a word, but we all know what it means, right? I know I use it with my clients "Everything doesn't have to be so matchy, matchy!" I've had a few clients in the last couple of weeks who were stuck in that pattern of thinking.  I hear it all the time from women, particularly of certain generations.  My earrings and necklace have to match.  My shoes need to match my belt, which needs to match my bag, and the list goes on. Not so, my friends!  This outfit is a great example, and look how chic and fresh this looks?!

If you need help getting out of that matchy, matchy rut pop me an email at kate@steenwykbuilders.com! I promise, it won't hurt a bit. =)

By the way, have you started making your Mother's Day list?  A gift certificate to Real Life. Real Style makes the perfect gift!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Girly

Girly

Tinley road dress
Nine West pumps
Earrings
Melie Bianco Agnes Bag

Here's a beautiful outfit for all you girly girls, hopeless romantic, vintage inspired dressers out there.  A darling dress in one of this season's hottest colors - mint green.  A nude colored structured bag, pumps and delicate dangle earrings complete the look.

If you'd like to be one of the first to know when I post a new outfit, simply click on the "Like" button on my blog to become a facebook follower of Real Life. Real Style, then you'll be in the know! 

Friday, April 20, 2012

Orange you glad it's Friday?

Weekend Wear

LOFT blouse

The weekend is finally here!  I hope you're able to take some time for yourself to relax and refresh.  But, just because you're chillin, doesn't mean your style should suffer.  Here's a great relaxed, but pulled together look for the weekend.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Tunic

Tunic

Linen tunic
Levi jeans
Cork wedges
Straw tote
tear drop earrings

I love a beautiful tunic for spring, I hope you do too!  By the way, you don't have to wait until Memorial Day to pull out those white jeans, you can get your money's worth and start wearing them right now. =)

Monday, April 16, 2012

A Khaki Rut

Untitled #129

silk blouse
cuffed pants
t-strap platform sandals
leather tote bag
Zigzag jewelry
Stella & Dot coin earrings
Sunglasses

Women sometimes find it difficult to put together an outfit with khakis that isn't boring, or the same ol same ol that everyone else is wearing.  The key to making khakis stand out is in the accessories and a great top, like in this ensemble, for example! 

If you're stuck in a khaki rut I can help you mix things up and bring new life to those boring khaki outfits. Pop me an email to set up your consult, today (kate@steenwykbuilders.com).

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Blue Tones

Blue Tones

Talbots knit top
pants
ballet shoes
handbag
jewelry

Here's a great example of how to mix different tones of the same color.  You have three different tones of blue that compliment each other beautifully to create a very chic and sophisticated look.  My normal tendency would be to add another bright color in with this blue wrap tee, but sometimes it's good, even for me, to think outside my norm!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Spring Dress

Untitled #126


Quiksilver vintage looking dress
Flat heel boots
HOBO oversized handbag
Handcrafted jewelry
Metal jewelry

Today's post is another great example of how to dress Springy without losing any body parts to frost bite! I love mixing up the vintage inspired dress with the riding boots and Southwestern jewelry.  Every individual piece of this outfit could quite possibley be in your closet already, but when you put them all together you create a completely new look!

Monday, April 9, 2012

What to Wear for Chilly Spring Weather

Untitled #125

J Crew cotton shirt
Old Navy boyfriend jeans
Nine west shoes
Friis Company summer handbag

Spring is here, but the weather doesn't know it!  It's hard to know exactly how to dress when you're geared up for Spring, but still experiencing cooler weather.  Have no fear, here is a great transitional look.  I love this striped boatneck sweater, warm enough for when there's a small chill of the air, but also works great for summer nights with a pair of shorts or skirt.  White boyfriend jeans have a sturdy enough fabric to provide warmth, but the white declares that Spring has arrived.  The close toe wedge keeps your piggies warm, but the esparadille is definitely a spring/summer staple.

Need help updating your closet for Spring?  Email me at kate@steenwykbuilders.com.  I'd love to help!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Easter Dresses Part 2

Easter Dresses Part 2

1. H m dress
2. Old Navy sleeveless dress
3. Color block dress
4. Dorothy Perkins coral dress
5. Oasis short floral dress

I was so busy Spring Break shopping with my mom and daughters today, that I almost forgot to post the second part of my blog post on Easter dresses.  I hope you enjoy this second installment of bright, beautiful and budget friendly options for Easter.  I pray your weekend is filled with gratitude and joy for all this weekend represents. He has risen, indeed!  Have a blessed Easter, everyone!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Easter Dresses

Easter Dresses

1. Striped Dress from Piperlime (sorry, it's sold out)
2. Striped maxi dress
3. Colorblock shift dress
4. Dana Buchman purple dress
5. Sleeveless print dress
6. Oasis short evening dress

Easter is this coming weekend and if you're still looking for something special to wear, look no further!  Here are some great dress choices in the hottest colors and trends, all under $75.  There are so many beautiful dresses out for Spring this year, that I had a hard time choosing which ones to include in my post.  Stay tuned for another post tomorrow with the second round of beautiful dresses.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Denim & Blue

Denim & Blue


Talbots shirt dress
Franco Sarto ankle strap sandals
Oversized tote bag
Cuff bangle
Handcrafted earrings
Fossil belt

Want to look like a real style pro? Mix denim and blue together.  Here is a beginner look that incorporates a navy polka dot tote (as you know, I do love my polka dots!).  You could also layer this dress over dark or white denim jeans.  Yes, you can do denim and denim together, it's all in the styling! The sash belt could be replaced with a belt of your choice - a great way to add a little color.