Friday, November 21, 2014

Black and White Advice

Black Faux leather sleeveless dress

With all the money that vanishes from our bank account during the holiday season, I have put my selfish shopping habits on somewhat of a hold and have been focusing on reworking items I already own. This topic seems to be the current focus of discussion over the last week or so on my blog.

I am 100% guilty of getting caught up with wanting new pieces that "such and such blogger" has or running out to grab the new pair of boots my girlfriend just purchased, but let's be honest, this time of year is serious budget crunching time. Can I get an Amen?

I think as women, or the majority of women, feel the need to buy, buy and buy some more. Is it just me? I don't know. Maybe it's a part of wanting to be accepted. Feeling worthy. Being on trend. Desiring what other women have and wear. Keeping up with the Joneses. Building confidence. Hopping on board with what magazines, celebrities and "it" bloggers are telling us we "need". Get it before it's gone! It's on sale! Everyone is wearing it! This is the trend of the year! Don't miss out! Don't be left behind! And the story goes on and on.

Now, I am not saying that there is anything wrong with any of these mentalities or statements. I have fallen victim to them all and still do. Again, we are women.

All I am trying to convey today is that you do not have to rack up credit card debit, spend your entire paycheck or dig into your savings account for clothing. Yes, purchasing clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry gives me pleasure...lots of pleasure...in moderation. Ironically, I have learned that taking pieces I already have hanging in my closet seem to bring more pleasure. Ross sure does appreciate it.

Everything I am wearing in today's post is far from new. Again, I went back to the basics of classic pieces, incorporated some print and texture and added a bold lip for a sophisticated and timeless holiday style. 

This look is easy to recreate with items you have in your closet. If you don't own a leather dress, try a basic black skirt with a white button down. Don't have animal print pumps? Slip on a bold, solid color pair of heels like red, blue or magenta. Also, accessories are key for completing a style. Dress up your black and white pairings with a statement necklace or eye-catching clutch.

If you take more time focusing on what you already own instead of what you think you need to buy, I have a feeling you will surprise yourself by how many new outfits you can come up with. I know it's been eye-opening for me. 

Happy holiday shopping in your closet.

Holiday party outfit idea
Leather dress with cheetah and bow accents
How to layer a sleevless dress for fall and winter
pony hair cheetah accesories
black and white holiday outfit idea
Clare V Leopard Clutch
Black leather fit and flare dress with leopard accessories
Vince Camuto Leather Dress (option here and here) // Joe Fresh Top // Nine West Spotted Animal Print Pump (option here and here) // Clare V Clutch c/o // Forever 21 Necklace (option here, here and here) // Lilac Bijoux Bow Bracelet (option here

SHOP A SIMILAR STYLES


Have a great weekend and thanks for reading! xoxo

Shanna

37 comments:

Jeanne said...

So cool and inspirational!Perfect outfit!
♥XO♥

Jeanne

http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

Adriana said...

You look so pretty!
xx

www.theblackblush.blogspot.pt

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

what a lovely dress, you look dashing! have a great weekend lady.

xo
PinkSole

Charming Lucy said...

I love that you already had all of these items in your closet. I think I am going to do a shopping halt after Christmas. I need to wear some of the items I already own and stop buying things that will simply hang in my closet forever. I asked for a leopard clutch for Christmas. I am hoping Santa puts one under our tree! Have a great weekend! Susan

Angela said...

Love the dress Shanna!Very chic!
http://palsywalsyblog.blogspot.ca/

Unknown said...

It can be hard to have self control when you see so many cute things, I'm guilty of it too. I've gotten to the point where I limit myself to a few things each month and I don't even open the emails from my favorite stores. Love this dress, it's perfect for the holidays!

Erica McLeod said...

An important reminder for us all. I certainly have fallen into the habit of continually buying things I don't need or see that others have. Thanks for the inspiration.
Erica
www.thedecorina.com

Kimberly said...

I love this post so much - I have been thinking a lot about excessive consumption lately and have been tossing around a few ideas for ways to get rid of that attitude/habit in myself. It's hard doing what we do because people want to see some of the latest styles when they visit our blogs, but it's also important to balance that with showing how to wear/use what you already own.

Nicole said...

You look so freaking adorable, Shanna!! Funny you should choose this outfit to post today. I have a wedding I am attending tomorrow and I have a black skater dress that I was thinking of wearing over an oxford button down because I didn't want to spend money on a new dress at this point. Now I feel like I am right on target. Love your blog, as always. Happy weekend!!!

Unknown said...

Love the dress and how you styled it!

pinkandnavystripes.com

Marta said...

You are looking super cute in this festive outfit, love that you already had these pieces in your closet!! Such a great message today especially coming from you pretty lady:)
Marta
www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com

Straight A Style said...

Great post. You are so right, it is hard not to get caught up in the "I need this because everyone has it" or the "I need something new to share." Love how you reworked pieces you own. This is the perfect holiday outfit!

xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds

V @ X-tremely V said...

Great post Shanna! And that outfit looks great on you!
I have really tried to work with what I have recently, but due to a slight weight loss a few months back most things are too big..Yeh and Boo!
Scarves have helped a lot this season in reworking old tops and sweaters though! Happy Weekend!

A Labour of Life said...

great outfit and great backdrop. I am finding it fun and exciting to shop my closet lately, new ways of mixing, different accessories and sometimes thinking you have found a great new combination only to realize you wore it exactly the same way last year, obviously a winning combo then.

Helene in Between said...

such a good lesson- we all could really just shop our own closet more often than not! and I love this beautiful outfit!

Unknown said...

This entire outfit is so adorbs! I am fascinated with how you paired the glitter, the leather and the leopard all in one so perfectly. This outfit truly inspired me, thank you. =) You are the epitome of chic! xx

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Darcy said...

It is so awesome you had all of these pieces in your wardrobe! It is definitely hard to not go out and purchase new clothing constantly... especially here in blog land. But I find i get a lot personal satisfaction when I find new ways to wear the pieces already in my wardrobe!
www.amemoryofus.com

Unknown said...

SHANNA I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS LOOK! You look drop dead gorgeous! What an inspirational outfit!

Unknown said...

What pretty look!


A vintage outfit on lb-lc fashion blog
GIVEAWAY HERE

Alberto Hugo Rojas said...

BEAUTIFUL PICS
PERFECT TIME

Unknown said...

I struggle with this every day. I need, I need, I need. NO. I don't need. I just went through a major closet clean out and am trying very, very hard to put together outfits with what I already have. It's challenging, but I am doing it ;-) I love your whole look and what a cute setting!

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

Awwww...you look SO pretty! Is this that same dress I loved that you got before the rs conf? Loved it then...love it now! I've been shopping less recently myself. Although all of these sales are making it VERY hard!!! Hope you have a great weekend.

XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife

Tori said...

Not only do you look fab--but I loved reading your post! I have def. being trying to "shop my closet" more these days and you gave some great tips!

Tori
FashionBlingGirlyThings

For the Love of Leopard said...

Oh girl, I fall victim to this all. the. time. It's bad. I love this look and it's great that you were able to repurpose items already in your closet! You're an inspiration, as always!
xoxo Danielle
For the Love of Leopard

Jeans and a Teacup said...

Love the leopard with the leather! And sometimes I feel like I can't post a new outfit unless I'm showcasing something new. But I definitely agree that we should shop our own closets more!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

Caroline said...

Okay, first of all, this outfit is one of my favorites from you ever! LOVE that leather dress & the leopard details. Very season appropriate :) Secondly, the sentiments of this post are one of the reasons that you are a favorite blogger with everyone!

Laura Mitbrodt said...

I love your leather dress!
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com

Always Maylee said...

That dress is really gorgeous on you. And you look so classy and chic (as always). This christmas I have focused pretty much all my attention on presents for baby girl (can you blame me) that I've sorta forgot about things I want for myself! You're right though, I should totally do a good ol' shop my own closet, since a lot of the clothes haven't been worn since before I was preggo!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

All That Glitters said...

My post from yesterday was super similar...we must be on the same wave length:) I agree entirely! Love that dress:)

Kristina said...

I love this dress, especially with the bow belt! I love buying new things, but I also love the tried and true pieces in my closet.

Kristina does the Internets

Janeane of Designing From My Closet said...

Your outfit is super cute! And I love that you "shopped your closet". I just finished a 30 day shopping ban that has really changed my view on my wardrobe. I keep wondering, as a newer blogger how my lack of purchasing is going to effect the relevancy of my blog with those wanting the latest and greatest. I am currently working on a post of my experience and it should be up next week. I hope it gets women thinking and take it in a positive way as I intend it to be. It was lovely to read your post today!

Janeane
www.designingfrommycloset.wordpress.com

Sarah Tucker said...

Gorggorggorg!! Man, my friend is gorgeous!

Daily Style Finds said...

So true! It is so easy to get wrapped up in buying more and more - especially when you see how cute it looks on a blogger (and the instant need kicks in). I have decided my closets are overflowing with sweaters - more than are needed for winter - so I am trying to wear each one of them and not buy anymore! It is a struggle but a goal of mine.

Lisa @ Daily Style Finds

(If you are looking for a little extra cash to go shopping this Christmas season, be sure to stop by my $200 cash giveaway.)

Kelly said...

What a pretty dress, I love the black and white with pops of leopard!

xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

Ashleigh said...

Love this! I love the necklace you paired it with.
-Ash
www.stylizedwannabe.blogspot.com

kelly said...

You have amazing style !! So glad I found you!

Unknown said...

Shanna you look absolutely stunning, and adoring this entire look. Just beautiful!
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