Sweet n' Chic Style Sesh

I am so stoked to share with you the spoils from my shopping trip last month that I mentioned in a previous post.  A fellow teacher at my school who I LOVE, Bonnie, would stop me in the copy room to ask if we could go shopping together. She wanted to be a style project for my blog.  Now, I have always thought of Bonnie as quite stylish, so when she asked to be a style project for my blog I was beyond excited. I was also pretty nervous to be honest...what if I didn't live up to her expectations...I mean I can dress myself...but what if she didn't like what I picked or put together for her?  We finally got together in July and had a great day of shopping, with a YUMMY lunch included!

I was finally able to catch up with Bonnie this weekend to take some photos of all she bought on our shopping excursion, and style some outfits for her using what she bought and what was already in her closet.  We had such a great afternoon, and I am so appreciative of her family for letting me borrow her all afternoon, and for letting me pull out almost every piece of clothing in her closet!  I could have stayed there all day and played with outfits, she seriously has a GREAT wardrobe.

 

 

These are most of the items Bonnie purchased.

Denim Shirt: GAP (similar)

Belt: GAP

Blouse: LOFT

Chambray Dress: GAP

Chevron Dress: 3 Sisters Boutique

Cropped Pants: LOFT

Bracelets: (Chevron) The Lucky Knot (similar, similar), (Yellow Leather) GAP (similar), (Blue stone) ?

Earrings: Francesca's Collections

Necklace: FOREVER 21 (similar)

NOT PICTURED ABOVE (But pictured below):

Infinity scarf: GAP (similar)

Pink Cropped Pants: LOFT (similar)

Denim Skirt: Francesca's Collections

Now let's get down to the styling part!  This is where it gets MORE fun!

 

I showed Bonnie how just by changing the cardigan color, or switching out a necklace for a scarf, or changing up which accessories you pair an outfit with...you can essentially use the same pieces and yet get an entirely different look!

 
 

Here's the denim skirt she bought!

 

 

 

 

We created a total of 13 looks today!  That's basically two week's worth of outfits, and trust me...I could have stayed and played and created tons more!  I would love to know if you have a favorite!

While styling, Bonnie asked some great questions!  She asked how do you know where to wear your belt?  Honestly...it's a matter of taste, what works with your outfit and with your body...it could be different on different days.  Some outfits the belt will look best just on top of the hips (this looks great when wearing a pencil skirt), and sometimes it's more fitting to wear it at your natural waistline just under the ribcage (this is the typical place to wear it for MOST outfits), and still sometimes the belt looks best a little higher up (think empire dresses).  Belt around or under cardigan? ... Depends how you feel that day...either way is stylish.  What about mixing colors?...Typically I'll stick with a color family and then throw in a pop of something complimentary.

Based on our discussions today, here's what we're loving these days:

-Anything with a chevron pattern!

-Polka dots (yup, we jumped on that bandwagon too)

-Bold colors

-Statement jewelry

What trends are you loving?

Thanks again Bonnie for being such a wonderful friend and for being such a fun "project," and thanks again to your family for letting me borrow you for shopping and styling!  (Oh, and sidetrack...her fam also donated SEVERAL boxes and packing supplies to me for my upcoming move!  They are truly AWESOME!) 

If you live in the NOVA area and would like some shopping/style tips, I would LOVE to do this again, just get in touch with me either by commenting here, or messaging me on my new Facebook page (don't forget to "Like" the page too so you get all the updates)!