Spring Blazer

Spring Blazer

I’m loving this tweed blazer for spring!

If there’s a trend I’m already seeing for spring, it’s the mix of suit pieces with casual. It’s not a new trend, but for springtime, it’s a great opportunity to take a bright and colorful blazer and pair it with a vintage style sneaker and jeans. It’s also a great way to take your suit pieces from work and get some extra use of them as more of an everyday look. I’m all about versatile pieces. As far as the sneakers, these Nike’s are trending and I love the chunky style heel.

I’m wearing a 4 petite in this tweed blazer and it fits true to size. I paired it with a basic crewneck t-shirt, a colorful headband, a blush purse, and oversized sunglasses. The jeans are some of my favorite ankle jeans from Abercrombie and I wear them regularly! I consistently wear a 27 short in their sizing which translates to a 4 petite.

Similar options for this outfit:

Similar to the Nike’s are these white lace-up sneakers.

Similar bag option is this beige bag.

Similar blazer style is this chambray blazer from Loft.

Happy shopping!

-xo

Darcy

Life at Light Speed!

Life at Light Speed!

Hi my friends!

It has been awhile since I sat down and wrote a post! Life is going full steam ahead and I am happy to say that I am 7 months pregnant!

My first trimester I dealt with difficult morning sickness. Second trimester was much better. The third trimester is uncomfortable and pregnancy heartburn is no joke. Baby boy is looking healthy and will be arriving late spring! We have a couple of names picked out and are looking forward to starting this new adventure as parents.

I really didn’t dive into maternity specific fashion till I was partially through my second trimester, but I have found that PinkBlush has great maternity fashion that’s well priced! This t-shirt dress comes in a ton of colors and can be styled a ton of different ways! It’s a snug fit and I’m wearing my true size of small, but I would recommend sizing up if you want more room. To see the full post visit my LTK.

–xo

Darcy

Fall Fashion 2021

Just a sneak peek into fall fashion 2021! Lots of faux leather, pinafores, and windowpane skirts and dresses! These previews from LOFT and Ann Taylor are making me want a pumpkin spice late and a cozy blanket next to the fire place. What are you craving about the fall season? Drop your fall wish list in the comments below!

First up is a look into LOFT’s fall line.

Second up is Ann Taylor’s fall collection. I am loving all of their plaid pieces!

-xo

Darcy

Styling Faux Leather Leggings 3 Ways

Styling Faux Leather Leggings 3 Ways
Who doesn’t love Spanx! They are so flattering while keeping you ever so stylish. I am sharing 3 ways to style Faux Leggings from Spanx for fall weather!

Before I discuss styling Faux Leather Leggings 3 ways, lets talk more about the product. These Spanx leggings retail for $98.00, so they aren’t cheap, but I compare them to a good pair of jeans. You will have them a long time if you care for them properly and you can style them in SO many ways. The leggings come in regular, petite (yay!), and tall sizes. I wear a small petite and I still found them a touch long and tucked the bottom under. Overall, they are a great pair of leggings and I look forward to wearing them on repeat!

Let’s head into the styling!

For my first look I paired the Spanx Leggings with a Softspun Pullover Hoodie from Gap and Cloudfoam sneakers in a black color. I love Adidas for tennis shoes and the Cloudfoams are great as more of a fashion shoe, as well as working out. I go with the rule that they are still a legging and you have to cover your butt! A top that’s longer is necessary (times have changed, but I still think your booty needs covering).

For my second look, I paired the Spanx leggings with the Dillion Utility Shirt from Banana Republic. I love the light chambray fabric and color paired with the darkness of the legging. The button up comes in both petite and non petite sizes (I wear small petite). I finished the look with a black bootie. I can’t share this exact boot because it’s a last year style, but I am sharing the Nadalie Pointed Toe Bootie from Nordstrom and the Vince Camuto Bibestie Bootie from DSW. Both are great and stylish black boot options!

Finally, I paired the Spanx leggings with a a long black open cardigan and a floppy felt hat. I have a basic black t-shirt underneath. My cardigan recommendations are the Open Front Cardigan from Nordstrom or the Open Stitch Cardigan, also a Nordy find! For the floppy hat, Target has a great option from New Day and Nordstrom Rack has the Wide Brim Wool & Leather Fedora. For the shoes, I wanted this look to be a little more edgy and paired the leggings with a lace up combat boot. This pair of Forget Yesterday Black Combat Boots from Red Dress are SO cute!

To shop all these looks in their entirety head to my page in the free Liketoknow.it app! I hope you liked this week’s post about Styling Faux Leather Leggings!

-xo

Darcy

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Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Once a year, Christmas comes in August in the form of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It’s the biggest sale of the year for the company and it chance to snag some AMAZ-ING deals. I am giving you the scoop on how to shop (early access begins today 8/4) and opens to everyone on August 19th. I’m also sharing my favorites in different categories so that you can see some of what’s shoppable ahead of time!

This year, you are able to preview what’s included in the sale ahead of time online! You definitely don’t need a Nordstrom card to shop, but it does help with accessing the sale a few days early. I recommend bookmarking this page and coming back when you’re ready to shop! Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts for everyone on August 19th. Make a plan for what you like ahead of time because items will sell out. Knowing what you want means a quick checkout and ensures you get what you’re looking for!

I spent a day browsing through all the sale items and I am so excited to shop! There are some really great things included! I get a small commission if you use the links I provide to shop, but I genuinely enjoy creating content and sales aren’t my no. 1 priority. I also have all the items features below over on my LIKEtoKNOW.it page and that page is shoppable as well. I have included items in beauty, winter/fall coats, fall favorites, shoes & accessories, workout wear, and jeans/leggings. By the time you view this, some items might not be in stock, but I will do my best to share replacements and updates on LIKEtoKNOW.it!

Why is this sale so great?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is an opportunity to try pieces you wouldn’t go for first. If you already have a similar piece, I recommend trying something new! Go for what you really want vs. what you need! For beauty, if you are low on a certain product, it’s a great time to restock because prices go back up August 31st. I will add a bonus board of things that have been added and it will be featured on my LIKEtoKNOW.it page the week of 8.10! Stay tuned and follow me on LIKEtoKnow.it if you haven’t already! Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale should be easy and fun!

Beauty Sale Picks

  1. 1. Jumbo Size Detox Original Scent Dry Shampoo – I personally LOVE Drybar and cannot live without their products.
  2. 2. Rose Gold Eye Brush Set
  3. 3. TULA Daily Probiotic + Skin Health Complex Dietary Supplement
  4. 4. Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Set
  5. 5. Sunday Riley Good Genes Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment Home & Away Kit
  6. 6. PMD Clean Facial Cleansing Device
  7. 7. MAC All Star Face Palette
  8. 8. Oribe Full Size Gold Lust Dry Shampoo & Dry Texturizing Spray Set – Another personal favorite!
  9. 9. Too Faced Plump Lips & Sexy Lashes Duo
  10. 10. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Duo
  11. 11. MAC Haute Gossip Mini Lipstick Kit
  12. 12. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder & Primer Duo
  13. 13. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser Home & Away Set

Fall Favorite Picks

  1. 1. BB Dakota Plaid Boyfriend Blazer
  2. 2. V-Neck Long Cardigan
  3. 3. Leopard Print Smocked Mock Neck Blouse
  4. 4. Leopard Print Smocked Long Sleeve Minidress
  5. 5. Smocked Neck Long Sleeve Blouse
  6. 6. Lace Sleeve Stretch Crepe Blouse
  7. 7. Suede Miniskirt
  8. 8. Velvet Trim Felted Wool Panama Hat
  9. 9. Long Sleeve Thermal Henley Top
  10. 10. Fluffette Slipper
  11. 11. Feather-L Genuine Calf Hair Loafer
  12. 12. 2-Pack Slouchy Ribbed Crew Socks
  13. 13. Flutter Sleeve Smocked Neck Blouse

Coats & Jackets Sale Picks

  1. 1. Giraffe Print Car Coat
  2. 2. Los Gatos Fleece Vest
  3. 3. Faux Shearling Moto Jacket
  4. 4. Double Face Wool Coat
  5. 5. Notch Collar Wool Blend Coat
  6. 6. Wubby Fleece Pullover
  7. 7. Water Resistant Moto Detail Trench Coat
  8. 8. Utility Jacket

Jeans & Leggings Sale Picks

Shoe and Accessory Sale Picks

Workout Wear Sale Picks

  1. 1. Moto Mesh Zip Hoodie
  2. 2. Live In Jogger Pants
  3. 3. Power Crop Top
  4. 4. Love Tie Dye Tank
  5. 5. Restore Soft Pocket Jogger Pants
  6. 6. Summer’s Here Tank
  7. 7. Swift Run Sneaker
  8. 8. Stamina Sports Bra

I hope you fun shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year and I would to see what you end up with! Send me your comments and questions!

-xo

Darcy

How to Dress for Important Life Events

How to Dress for Important Life Events
Purchasing a home is the biggest financial decision you will ever make. It’s a stressful and rewarding time that causes a whole range of emotions from the highest of highs to low moments of frustration and anxiety. What should you wear to important life events like a home closing, big presentation, or huge job interview? I’m here to help you dress the part because what you wear impacts how you feel about yourself and how other people will perceive you. You also want to look put together and exude confidence in the moments that matter most.

My husband I recently purchased our second home together. Knowing how to dress for important life events is part of playing the game and I wanted to dress well for our closing. Dressing the part made me feel confident in my decision making and I didn’t want to look sloppy. I’m showing you what I wore on that big day so that you have a good idea of what to wear to your home closing when that day happens (or any big meeting that’s in your future!)

Onto the outfit!

I wore these Carrson Heels from Steve Madden. An alternative to the tall version is the Irenee Sandal, also by Steve Madden. It’s a touch shorter and a little more demure. A heel is a must and if you don’t like a tall style, shorter versions are always an option!

I paired the heels with a Petite Strappy Cami from Banana Republic and Petite Modern Sloan Skinny-Fit Washable Pants, also by BR. Other options are these Richmond 7/8 Pants by Boden. They come in a TON of colors like Lupen and Moroccan Blue. These Slim Fit Stretch Crepe Pants are available in petite sizes are a great alternative. They will be included in the big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in August! I love bright colors, but during big events, less is more. Neutrals and basics don’t necessarily equal boring. You can stand out, without overdoing it!

My blazer is an older version from Ann Taylor, but Boden’s Smyth Ponte Blazer comes in petite sizes. It is available in a wide range of colors ranging from Berry Sorbet to Black. Other options are the Petite Classic-Fit Washable Blazer by Banana Republic and the Notch Collar Cotton Blend Blazer from Nordstrom that will be included in the Nordy Sale!

If you have major milestones coming your way, I I hope this post helped you think about how to dress for important life events. It’s a hectic time and what you wear shouldn’t be stressful! Dress comfortable, dress confident, and the world will open up for you!

-xo

Darcy

DIY Tie Dye Fashion

DIY Tie Dye Fashion
Tie dye has never fully gone out of style, but it seems that in the last year or two, it has come back in a big way. Space dye is incredibly popular and you will find it in lounge-wear, graphic t-shirts, scrunchies, and hats. This week, I’m sharing my DIY tie dye project and showing you how to get cute, on trend fashion without having to break the bank!

DIY Tie Dye fashion is super easy to do and it’s only a little messy (most kits come with a set of gloves). To start, I bought two basic white t-shirts from Michael’s and a tie dye kit. I am going to be honest with you, tie dye kits are hard to come by right now and I was kind of shocked by this! It’s another thing that quarantine has made difficult to get. I found a kid’s tie dye kit (made for young girls) at Target and I only used the dye, containers, and rubber-bands. I skipped assembling the tie dye swirl spinner! This is the Swirl & Style kit that I used. It would be a great family activity if you have kids looking for something to do.

Let’s talking about tying styles!

I used two different methods on the shirts for tying. For the first one, I used the swirl style method before adding the rubber-bands. Some people use a fork in the middle of the shirt and swirl it, but I just used my hands and started with a twist in the middle while the shirt was flat on the table. I did the first shirt in purple, blue, and a few squirts of green. For the second shirt, I wanted to try a free form style and just tied knots in different parts of the shirt. I dyed shirt number two with purple, yellow, and red.

The kit came with ten dye packs and i used a total of five tablets. I mixed the dyes in the sink (follow the instructions closely on this) and did the dyeing portion in my garage. I spent about ten minutes on each squirting the dye and getting it in the creases. Make sure you flip it over and do the back of the shirt as well! A lot of people forget about the backside. I photographed the shirts the morning after (they need to sit for about 8 hours to dry). I left them overnight and then rinsed them in the sink. It’s recommended to do this for the reds/purples because those colors bleed.

How did they come out? You tell me!

I really liked how shirt number one came out with the purple and blue. You can see the swirl and it isn’t overdone. I honestly don’t enjoy shirt two as much. The yellow overlapped with the purple in spots and created a brown color. I also don’t enjoy the more haphazard pattern. I would do a different set of colors for shirt two, but am still pleased that I have a couple of fun new shirts to wear out!

Finally, I am sharing how I styled shirt number one below. I am wearing Raw Hemmed Crop Jeans by Top Shop and Havana Sliders by Steve Madden. These jeans fit snug! I am normally a 27 which is equivalent of a 4, but in these jeans I’m a 28. My other recommendation is the Wedgie Jeans by Levi. I wear a 28 x 28 because again, they are a snug fit. It is getting later into summer and that means stores are starting to sell out of certain clothing items (sandals, shorts, etc), but check out my LikeToKnow.it page for links to similar styles! The app is free and will give you access to all my looks. I knotted the tie dye T-shirt in front for shape and paired it with silver hoop earrings.

I am also including my top tie dye finds if you aren’t into DIY-ing and want to do a little bit of shopping! Shoes, t-shirts, lounge-wear, hats, and dress are all included!

-xo

Darcy

The Return of the Wide-Leg Jean

The Return of the Wide-Leg Jean
Skinny jeans and high-waist pants have been the in-trend for a number of years now, but if you remember the 00’s, you remember the trend was low rise jeans and boot-cut jeans. After a long period of being dormant, wider leg are finally making returns to the mainstream!

I am giving you the scoop of how to style a wide-leg jean (in case you’ve forgotten, it’s been a while). I am also giving you my top ten choices to rock a boot-cut or flare jean.

First off, lets discuss the difference between flare and boot-cut jeans before we dive into how to style a wide-leg jean. A flare leg has a narrow knee and a wide-leg opening vs. a boot-cut jean that is not as tapered at the knee. A boot-cut is less dramatic (slightly more practical) and more of a 00’s jean and a flare is more classic and carries a 1970’s vibe. The biggest modern twist with both boot-cut and flares is that cropped styles are popular in both, meaning your have a lot of options in terms of styling and shoe selection. My outfit is a cropped retro flare look and I’ll be sharing it below.

Now let’s talk about styling!

For this week’s look, I paired my High Rise Wide-Leg Crop Jeans from Gap with a balloon sleeve top! I’ve said it before, but Gap knows jeans. They turn out a quality jean in a variety of styles and lengths and I return to their jeans over and over again. This Mock Neck Top from Banana Republic is almost identical to mine and is light and feminine. The Zala Wedge Platform Sandals are from Chinese Laundry and Kristin Cavallari is a shoe wizard. She’s a petite girl who makes short legs look fantastic. For me, platforms give me confidence and the wide-leg of the jean is offset by the height of the shoe. These jeans are high-waisted and they make me look taller than I am. Why? The wide leg is drawing the eye upward and creating a nice even symmetry with my top half. The high waist is also flattering and balances the wide style of the leg opening.

Here are my selections for both flare jeans and boot-cut jeans! All pairs have a petite option and include a couple cropped styles that are more popular than traditional jean lengths right now.

Styling a wide-leg jean is fun, flirty, and classic! I hope you feel inspired to try something new!

-xo

Darcy

10 Best Biker Shorts for Women

10 Best Biker Shorts for Women
In last week’s post, I discussed 3 ways to style women’s biker shorts. I have heard back from many of you and want to share the 10 best biker shorts for women that are out there!

Biker shorts really are a flattering and fun trend if you find the right pair. I suggest first figuring out what your goal is in wearing them. Are you looking for casual pair that can go from gym to errands, or are you looking to push the envelope and go more fashion forward? Once you determine where and when you’ll be wearing them, biker shorts will be a standard wardrobe piece in your closet. This top 10 list of biker shorts for women was compiled off of top reviews, price tags, and most importantly comfort & style!

Let the list begin!

First off are the All Eyes on Me Silver Grey Snake Bicycle Shorts by Mint Julep. If you want a fun short, these shorts are SO cute. They have a fun silver-snakeskin sheen and a high-rise waist. These shorts also have a longer inseam ensuring they don’t ride up as is typical of shorter length biker shorts.

2. Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short – These shorts by Lululemon are some of the most technical on this list and are a really great option for being active. These training shorts come in over 11 colors (grey, olive, orchid, etc) and come in a 6″ option or an 8″. Their signature Everlux fabric is designed to be breathable and lightweight. I highly recommend these shorts for runners or gym goers.

3. BCG Women’s Essential Bike Shorts – Looking for the most economical choice for bike shorts? Look no further. These bike shorts from Academy Sports + Outdoors are $4.99. That’s right, FOUR DOLLARS & NINETY-NINE CENTS. They come in a ton of different colors and are not compression based, meaning you aren’t being restricted. Reviews say that the quality is great despite having such a low price point.

4. Spanx Faux Leather Bike Short – This list wouldn’t be complete without an inclusion from Spanx, the king of shape-wear. These faux leather shorts are perfect for dressing up a graphic t-shirt or adding some edge to an outfit. “Flat gut and great butt,” is the motto and the power waist-band is designed with flattery in mind. They are also designed to eliminate any muffin-top mishaps and are are oh so stretchy.

5. Onzie High Waist Bike Shorts – These shorts by Onzie come in a high waist style and fun patterns such as Leopard and Camo. The mid length thigh allows for the short to be styled in a number of ways and they are extra stretchy! Seeking versatility? This pair is ideal for you.

Halfway through the list!

6. J. Crew Biker Short in Signature Flex – These bad boys from J. Crew are fantastic when it comes to durability. They are designed with movement in mind and we all want a short that moves with us and not against. The Flex shorts are designed with weekend activities in mind and have a pocket in the back to stash chapstick or keys. The colors are limited to Navy and Black, but the standard colors are versatile and you have tons of options for styling.

7. Free People Seamless Rib Bike Shorts – Ladies, these Rib Shorts are FANTASTIC! They are the perfect pair to make bike shorts fashionable. They come in a number of sparkle styles (absolutely gorgeous), as well as a Peach and a White. These shorts are not workout friendly, but are perfect for lounge or going out. They also retail for $20.00. SCORE!

Finally heading into the top three!

8. Good American Icon Bike Short – If we want to talk about who made bike shorts fashionable, look no further than the Kardashians. These biker shorts by Khloe Kardashian’s company Good American are designed to be breathable and have a four-way stretch. They are high-waisted, hit mid thigh, and are compression based. Reviews also praise their lack of sheerness which is hugely important. If you are aiming to for one of the most flattering pairs, these shorts are high on the list!

9. Mint Julep Get Active Bicycle Shorts – I shared these shorts from the Mint Julep before, but they are fantastic! These bike shorts are a great length (no riding up here) and not restrictive. They are lightweight, durable, and have great stretch. Also, they are versatile and can be worn as gym wear or paired with a blazer for a dressier look.

To wrap up the list, at number 10 is the Everlane Perform Bike Short. Everlane always creates minimal and clean designs and these bike shorts are no exception. They come in Copper and Black and have an extra high-waist design. There are also minimal seams for added comfortable and sleekness. Additionally, these shorts have a built in pocket making it ideal for a phone. These shorts are also breathable and lightweight for hot summer temps.

Overall, I hope my list of 10 Best Biker Shorts for Women is helpful and useful as you hunt for that perfect pair of shorts!

-xo

Darcy

Styling Bike Shorts Three Ways

Styling Bike Shorts Three Ways
Bike shorts are in! What was once only favored by avid bikers on long rides across tough terrain, is now in style. Honestly, fashion is funny that way and I love its inability to be predicted. I am going to share with you three ways to style them so that you can rock the next big trend!

I have been skeptical of styling bicycle shorts because I’ve worried that I’m too old to rock what the young one’s wear. As a number three creeps close to the front of my age, I’ve questioned my ability to look good in a biker short. Biker shorts are also spandex and that’s all that needs to be said about that. BUT, if I can do it, you can too!

For each of my outfits, I will be using the Get Active Bicycle Shorts in Navy from the Mint Julep. I will link all the products that I can again at the end of this post!

Now onto the first look!

For my first look, I am wearing this Coco Graphic Tee from Alex Erinn that is so soft and comfy. If you haven’t looked at Alex Erinn’s shop, I highly suggest you do! All of their pieces are fun, feminine, and well priced! Use Darcy15 at checkout to get 15% off of your order.

I paired my first look with slider Havana Sandals by Steve Madden. It looks like DSW is largely sold out of the sandals in black, but they do have a bright yellow color, as well as an animal print pattern that would be perfect with a black biker short. I tied the t-shirt for a more structured look and if you don’t a lot of extra shirt to knot, I recommend using a skinny hair tie in the same color as the shirt to knot it.

Next look!

For my second biker short look, I paired the shorts with my trusty Travel Tans from Steve Madden, a white halter tank, and a Banana Repubic Utility Shirt in Chambray Blue. This look isn’t overdone in part because the loose fitting nature of the top counters the tightness of the short. Opposites DO attract!

And now my final look!

For my third and final look, I paired the bike shorts with a white t-shirt, and blue blazer in corduroy from J. Crew. The corduroy tends be a seasonal item, so I am linking other options at the end! I paired this look with Tommy Hilfiger Lightz Sneakers in red, white, and blue. I love mixing the formal nature of the blazer with the laid back vibe of the biker short. Think structured movement up top vs. fitted on bottom.

While styling bicycle shorts in different ways can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy (and fun!) Fashion is all about pushing our boundaries and if it’s not challenging you, it’s not changing you.

Below are most of the featured items or similar options for this post.

-xo

Darcy