Tag: J.Crew Factory

STYLE: CREWNECK SWEATER, 3 WAYS

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STYLE:  CREWNECK SWEATER, 3 WAYS

It’s getting to be that time of year where I think we all start to get tired of our winter clothes and we are itching to bring out our spring wardrobe. But alas, living in Ohio means we have at least two or three more months of winter weather (I really need to move south!). It’s usually around this time of year that I start to think of creative ways to mix up my winter staples.

Today I’m teaming up with my good friend Stephanie from Linen and Littles to share three fresh ways to style a staple crewneck sweater. Stephanie and I share a love for classic and timeless fashion and we both own many of the same pieces (especially from J.Crew Factory!). We both just recently purchased this beautiful, crewneck sweater in extra soft yarn in the J.Crew Factory After Christmas Sale. It’s seriously one of the softest and comfiest sweaters I own so I’m excited to be styling it three different ways for you guys!

SIMPLE WITH JEANS

The easiest and most comfortable way to style this sweater is with your favorite pair of denim jeans. I paired this easy combination with a gingham headband (adding a hint of spring!) and some white canvas sneakers. You can easily swap out the headband for a baseball hat and throw on a puffer vest for an incredibly classic and chic look that is perfect for mom’s on the go.

WINTER WHITES WITH A BRIGHT BUTTON DOWN

The second way I styled this sweater is with my white denim jeans (yes you can wear white denim in the winter!!) and my favorite blue gingham button down. I love the monochromatic look with a pop of color. The light blue and the gingham print also give this look a hint of spring (something I’m desperately pining for!). Throw on a pair of leopard or nude flats, some bracelets, and statement earrings and you have a fresh new look that works for just about occasion.

OVER A HOUSE DRESS

The house dress has made a comeback this past year and is growing in popularity. I have always loved dresses so I’m more than happy to see it’s stylish to wear a beautiful dress around the house. I picked up this midi classic striped dress from the J.Crew Factory sale and I’ve been trying to find a way to wear it in the middle of winter! Throwing the crewneck sweater over the dress and adding tights or leggings instantly makes this an easy, put together, and cozy look for working from home. Add some fun bracelets and a skinny leopard print headband and you are ready for a day of Zoom calls.

Hopefully you found some extra inspiration for styling a basic crewneck sweater with these ideas!  And if you need more ideas, don’t forget to check out Stephanie’s blog to see the three ways she styled this sweater!

Slainte,

Shannon

STYLE: THE 9-5 EDIT, SIDEWALK SKIRT

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It’s been several months since I published a blog post from my 9-5 Edit series! With everyone working from home over the past year, this series was pushed to the wayside.  But many people (myself included) are slowly making our way back into the workforce so what better time to bring this series back to life.

Since tomorrow is officially fall, why not showcase a classic fall staple – the J.Crew Sidewalk Skirt. If you are a J.Crew shopper, you’ll recognize this skirt season after season. I have the best selling wool blend sidewalk skirt from J.Crew Factory in a gorgeous magenta. This skirt is the perfect skirt to transition from summer to fall. You can wear it in early fall with a button up shirt or sweater and flats, and as the temperatures get chillier, you can swap out the flats for tights and boots.

For this look, I styled my skirt with a sleeveless button down underneath a knit navy blue v-neck sweater and leopard flats. The perfect sixty degree day ensemble. I played around with a crisp white button up and a belt, as well as a striped crew neck sweater. You can also do a crisp button down or turtleneck with an open front cardigan. The options are endless!!

I do feel the fit of this skirt is a tad big. I’m wearing a size 2 and it’s a wee bit long for my short frame. And the elastic waistband gives you a lot of extra room, so my recommendation is to size down.

J.Crew and J.Crew Factory also offer this skirt in a summer linen version with a scalloped hem – so cute! This piece is perfect for teachers, collegiates, lawyers, my PR ladies – basically it’s the perfect skirt for everyone. It’s an easy dress up or dress down item and easily transitions from season to season. It’s a must have classic, preppy piece that should be in everyone’s closet in every color.

Slainte,

Shannon 

SHOP THE LOOK – You can always shop my looks by following me on the LiketoKnowIT App!

Sidewalk Skirt | V-neck Sweater | Leopard Flats | Pearl Earrings | Pearl Necklace | Pearl Bracelets

STYLE – FAVORITE SLEEPWEAR FOR SUMMER

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I have always loved sleepwear.  Even as a little girl, I remember having favorite nightgowns and pajama sets.  Even when it was uncool to wear a camise, slip, or nightgown, I always did – even in college.  I think Kate Schelter says it best in her book, Classic Style.  She says, “Your style is what you are unaware of; it’s what you do naturally, your outward DNA. It’s your pajamas as much as it’s your wedding gown. Your style is your character.”  And caring about my pajamas says that even while I’m sleeping, I want to be comfortable and feel my best.  And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

I’ve been asked before where I shop for my sleepwear.  My summer sleepwear does differ slightly from my winter sleepwear.  In the winter, I prefer short sets (shorts and a long sleeve) or a long sleeve t-shirt nightgown.  In the summer though, I prefer sleeveless short sets or sleeveless nightgowns.  I have so many go-to places, so I’ve rounded up some of my favorite brands and styles in the hopes you will find your favorite pajamas.  

And remember, it’s totally okay if you love sleeping in your significant other’s old t-shirt.  You wear what is comfortable and cozy for you! 

SUMMER SLEEPWEAR 

Lake Pajamas – The softest pajamas imaginable.  Literally.  These sleep sets are some of my favorites. They are the perfect weight for hot, summer nights and they are so soft you don’t even know you are wearing them.  Plus, they come in sooo many different stripe patterns, and you guys know I can’t turn down a good stripe.  They are pricey, but I promise they are worth the investment.  Check out my favorite styles below. 

Victoria’s Secret – A longtime favorite for many, many years.  I’ve been wearing nightgowns and sleep sets from Victoria’s Secret since highschool.  These are classic, timeless, and you always know you are going to get good quality.  Below are some of my favorite styles. 

J.Crew Factory – Another tried and true brand, J.Crew offers the softest pajama sets.  I love these for summer and the long sleeve versions for winter.  They are the perfect fit and I often wear them throughout the entire morning.  I can wear these styles outside and not feel uncomfortable if my neighbors see me – definitely important when you have a pup and toddler on the go! 

Hopefully this list helps you in your shopping for summer sleepwear! Stay comfy and cool.

Slainte

Shannon

STYLE: GET DRESSED

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With the “Stay at Home” Order now officially mandated in Ohio, it’s more important than ever to establish a sense of normalcy and routine to our days.  The easiest and one of the most effective ways to feel normal is by waking up and getting dressed each day.  

I, for one, am much more productive when I’m dressed in everyday clothing.  Plus, I just bought some new spring styles and with the weather getting warmer, I’m wanting to get outside and style my new pieces! Below I’m sharing three reasons why you should make an effort to get dressed, even in the most difficult and uncertain of times. 

MORE ENERGY

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of throwing on yoga pants or sweatpants when you know you don’t have to leave your house. I’ve definitely fallen into this trap, but I’ve come to realize there is a real mental shift that happens when you put on real clothes. I always feel ten times more energized when I’m in jeans and black pants with a top or blouse. When I get up, shower, wash my face, and get dressed in normal clothes, our mornings tend to go a lot smoother, I have more energy, and we overall have a better day of playing and tackling life.

MORE PRODUCTIVITY

Getting dressed each day actually makes me a whole lot more productive. Whether I’m working from home or chasing after L, if I’m dressed, I’m going to get a heck of a lot more done around the house and check more boxes off my to-do list. When I throw on yoga pants and a sweatshirt, I’m much more tempted to lay around and not want to do anything. There is power in showing up for yourself and looking put together.

MORE CONFIDENCE

When you take the time to invest in and give attention to yourself, you are reaffirming your importance and self-worth in this world.  At a time when we are being told to distance ourselves from others physically, we lose a very important part of the human element. Now more than ever we need to value ourselves, each other, and hold tight to the things that bring us joy.   When you feel good, you are more confident and believe you can do anything.  

Stay well and stay home friends! 

Slainte,

Shannon 


SHOP THIS LOOK:
J. Crew Factory White Denim | J.Crew Factory Blouse | LOFT Cardigan (Similar) | Keds | Rattan Bag

STYLE: FIVE WAYS TO TRANSITION YOUR WARDROBE TO SPRING

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Spring is only four weeks away – YAY! This warm weather girl is incredibly happy about this fact.  Although in all fairness, Ohio has experienced a VERY mild winter.  

Nonetheless, this time of year I’m always ready to transition my wardrobe into spring.  Below are five easy ways to bring a little color and warmth to your style. 

White Denim

If you don’t already wear your white denim all year round, now is the perfect time to bring out this classic pant. White denim is the perfect blank canvas in which to pair bright colors and prints. For me, wearing my white denim jeans gives me an instant warm weather vibe. My favorite pair of white denim is from J.Crew Factory (love the high rise), but these are also good styles: white denim 1, white denim 2, white denim 3.

Floral earrings

A simple easy way to feel those spring like vibes is with a cute pair of floral earrings. I’m all about the flower power and these pretty white and pearl flowers from Sea Marie Designs (thanks for the rec Claire!) are a lovely addition to your wardrobe. These particular ones also come in black and pink!

Gingham

Gingham is the universal print for spring and summer. Adding a subtle touch of gingham with a headband (this one is also from Sea Marie Designs) is a perfect way to add a summer aesthetic to your outfit. You can also try a button down gingham top and pair it with your white denim. I have this shirt in navy, pink and light blue.

Flats

The easiest way to make your wardrobe feel more springy is by swapping out those winter boots for some easy, breezy flats. By mid-February I’ve about had it with wearing heavy boots, so any time the temperature rises above 40 degrees, you better believe I’m bringing out the leopard flats or a pair of loafers.

Bright Handbag

Although I don’t limit this handbag to spring and summer, carrying a handbag in a bright hue always adds an instant warm weather vibe to your look.  In my opinion, color never goes out of style, so don’t be afraid to buy a classic, structured handbag in a bold color. 

These five easy switcheros to your wardrobe will instantly help you feel a little more hopeful that warmer, sunnier weather is on the horizon.  Be bold and bright my friends! 

Sláinte,

Shannon 

SHOP THE LOOK:

CHAMBRAY TOP | WHITE DENIM | GINGHAM HEADBAND | FLORAL EARRINGS | LEOPARD FLATS | KATE SPADE HANDBAG (OLD)

STYLE: MONOCHROMATIC MOMENT

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It’s that time of year where I’ve had enough of winter and am pining for spring. What better way to add a little skip to my step than by pairing white on white with a pop of lavender?!

Wearing white on white (or cream on cream) is classic, simple and clean. Any monochromatic styling is quite easy to do, and funnily enough, the monochromatic look is having quite the moment right now. A monochromatic color scheme can be as much as a statement as patterns and prints. It instantly adds an element of sophistication and style to any look. Dressing head to toe in one color or shade can actually elongate your silhouette and allow you to highlight a certain part of your body.

Styling an outfit with monochromatic colors can include different shades and tints of the same color. I would also recommend adding texture or pattern, which will create some depth and originality. For this outfit pairing, I chose bright white denim with a cream, cable knit sweater. And since it’s the middle of winter in Ohio, I added my lavender J.Crew Factory City Coat to keep me warm.

In addition to white, I also enjoy styling navy and pink monochromatic looks.  Look for a pink look coming soon to my IG! 

Sláinte,

Shannon 

SHOP THE LOOK:

WHITE DENIM | CABLE KNIT SWEATER | CITY COAT | KNIT HAT | BOOTIES

STYLE: CITY COAT REVIEW

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Living in Ohio, you never know what winter will bring.  Some years we experience mild temperatures and very little snow.  Other years we have subzero temperatures and one snow storm after another.  Because our great state is so temperamental, one must have winter attire for every scenario.  

One style of coat that has been lacking in my wardrobe is a nice wool coat. I’ve been eyeing the J.Crew Factory City Coat for several seasons, and this year I decided to ask for it for Christmas.

I’ve been wearing it pretty much nonstop for the last couple of weeks and overall I’ve been thrilled with this coat.  Below you can find my review of the coat, broken down by style, fit and warmth.

STYLE

A classic cut and a pretty feminine color (love this lovely lilac so much) makes this coat stand out. The clean, straight lines and standing collar make it polished and chic. This coat gives me some serious 1960’s vibes and I feel like I’m channeling my inner Audrey Hepburn. Plus, it comes with some nice size pockets and any coat with large pockets is a win in my book.

FIT

The one qualm I have about this coat is that it is slightly oversized and because of that, it can look a little boxy. It’s supposed to be a mid-rise fit, but I’m only 5’2” and it’s longer than I would like. And because of my petite frame, the sleeves and shoulders a bit too big.

WARMTH 

I styled this coat in 18 degree weather so I can definitely attest to its warmth. Comprised of a wool/polyester blend, this coat is warm and heavy, so it doesn’t require layers upon layers. It has a pretty silk lining that adds an extra layer of style and warmth. I wore a tissue thin turtleneck and an open front cardigan underneath and I was perfectly cozy.

Overall, I do adore this coat and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile winter coat.  I think one of my favorite aspects of this coat is how easily I can dress it up or down.  I chose a casual look for this post, but it looks equally stylish with skinny black pants and booties.  

I’ve linked the details of my outfit below, so feel free to get shopping! 

Sláinte,

Shannon 

SHOP THE LOOK:

J.Crew Factory City Coat | Hunter Boots | Longchamp Bag | S.Lynch Knitwear Hat | J.Crew Denim