Lookbook: A Spring Statement Skirt

Ann Taylor Skirt; J.Crew Perfect-Fit Long-Sleeve Tee; Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps; Ann Taylor Perfect Skinny Belt; AEO White Chronograph Watch; Tommy Hilfiger Sunglasses, DL40; H&M Earrings; Vintage Bracelet; Banana Republic Classic Trench

I picked up this skirt on sale at Ann Taylor last weekend and couldn't wait to post about it. It's extremely lightweight, doesn't wrinkle easily, doesn't ride up when I’m walking and is easy to pair with a variety of colors. Above, I’m wearing it with a simple mint green long-sleeve tee. I wanted to keep the rest of my outfit understated to highlight the skirt. Typically with statement pieces, I like to down-play other elements of the outfit.

My one issue with this skirt is that it’s about an inch too short (so typical for me!). I would have preferred it to be at knee level rather than above the knee, but the price was right and the colors are gorgeous, so I couldn’t resist!

Elevated Style Tip of the Week: Seek Outfit Inspiration

Outfit inspiration can sometimes come from very obvious places (like the March 2012 J.Crew catalog pictured above!). All you have to do is find something you like online or in a magazine, and then reproduce it with whatever you have available in your closet. It's basically foolproof!

You can even get inspiration from the pose, as I did! Looks like I need to work a bit on my modeling :)

A similar way to get outfit inspiration is to check out how the mannequins are dressed when you're out shopping. Since you know a professional styled them, this is a no-brainer. An added bonus is that if you like the look, you can buy the pieces.

For the most part, I like to come up with my own outfits, but I do have those days—just like everyone else—where I have no idea what to wear. That's when I pull out a J.Crew catalog or my pinterest account!

Lookbook: Navy as a Neutral

J.Crew Perfect-Fit Long-Sleeve Tee; J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton; Ralph Lauren Zabrina Pumps; J.Crew Scarf; DSW Wristlet; Tommy Hilfiger Sunglasses, DL40; Bracelets from H&M and J.Crew

Let's talk about the color navy blue. It's a great color for Spring, but I've always found it difficult to pair with something other than white. Above is an example of how navy blue can be used as a neutral with a vibrant green. If green's not your style, try pairing navy blue with poppy, bubblegum or turquoise. Feel free to use the color swatches below to find something in your closet that might match:

By the way, I mentioned that you'll see me wear lots of pencil skirts! Pencil skirts are definitely flattering for tall women and are worth having in a variety of colors.

Elevated Style Tip of the Week: Put on Some Studs

Want a way to instantly look more polished? Put on a pair of pearl or diamond stud earrings (or look a-likes!). Women have been wearing these timeless accessories throughout history as an elegant complement to their look. Better yet, if you own a pair, they'll match any outfit in your closet!

Here are some of my picks:

Lookbook: Block Heels

J.Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe; J.Crew Classic Mini in Felted Wool; Calvin Klein Blaine Pumps; Forever 21 Bag; H&M Earrings and Bracelet

Block heels are great for tall women because they help balance out height. As you can see, they have just the right amount of mass and structure to support my taller frame.

Besides looking great, an added advantage to wearing block heels is that they are far more comfortable (and less wobbly!) than dainty heels. I can practically run in them! I can also see myself dancing in these...TGIF!

Monthly Style Obsessions: April

1. Pencil Skirts (J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton)
2. Straw Fedoras (J.Crew Factory Open-Weave Fedora with Ribbon)
3. Sperry Topsiders (Women's Montauk Slip-On)
4. Spring Florals (J.Crew Factory Watercolor Floral Cardigan)
5. Vibrant Nail Polish (Essie in Camera)

Lookbook: The Pencil Skirt

J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton; J.Crew Factory Stretch Perfect Shirt; J.Crew Striped Tee; Ralph Lauren Zabrina Pumps; Ann Taylor Perfect Belt; Tommy Hilfiger Sunglasses, DL40; H&M Bracelets; Forever 21 Bag

You’ll see me wear a lot of pencil skirts. That’s because they’re so versatile, work appropriate and flattering on tall women. In fact, any body type can pull off a pencil skirt—as long as it’s the proper length, material and cut.

Here are some pointers for women who have tall pear-shaped figures (like me!)

1. LENGTH: The traditional pencil skirt should fall around the knees or just below.
2. MATERIAL: Something with a bit of structure is your best bet—a thicker material or some texture.
3. CUT: Choose a slim, but not tight fit. You should be able to move, sit, and bend, but the skirt shouldn't be too loose or else you'll look frumpy and shapeless.

I am a huge fan of the J.Crew pencil skirts. Above, I’m wearing the No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Cotton. It comes in a variety of colors (I also have it in Citron, Warm Jade and Smoky Graphite) and is structured, yet comfortable.

Long Tall Sally is Popping up in Boston!

Long Tall Sally is a clothing label for tall women 5'8" and over. I've just recently heard about this brand from my friend (who ironically is only 5'4") and can't wait to check it out.

They're having a pop up shop in Boston on April 28-29 as well as a number of other pop up shops throughout the county. If your interested, check out the link here for more information.

I'll see you there!

Lookbook: Spring Prints and Patterns

J.Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe; J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Medallion Paisley; Ralph Lauren Zabrina Pumps; H&M Bracelets and Earrings; Vintage Bracelets from Grandmother

Who says tall girls can't pull off prints and patterns? Prints and patterns serve to draw the eye to wherever used and can look very polished if done correctly. Here are some do's and don'ts:

1. Do wear prints that balance with your body. For instance, smaller girls should choose small and muted designs, while taller girls can pull of larger and bolder prints such as the paisly in the skirt that I'm wearing. 
2. Do use vertical lines as they will create a vertical effect on your body, instantly slimming you.
3. Don't wear horizontal lines across the widest part of your body (for me, it's my hips!). It will create the illusion of extra width in places you don't want it to.

Elevated Style Tip of the Week: Take a Trip to the Buffalo Exchange

It's that time of the year again—time for Spring cleaning! Instead of tossing your unwanted clothes, why not take a trip over to the Buffalo Exchange to earn some extra cash?  Here's how it works:

1. Bring in your clean, gently-worn unwanted items (clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, etc.). Before you go, call your local store and ask what they're currently buying to get an idea of what they're looking for.
2. The buyer will let you know what they're interested in purchasing and how much they'll try to sell it for.
3. Decide if you want 30% of that in cash or 50% in store credit. If you take the store credit, you have to use it that day. If you take the cash, you don't have to wait until your items sell to claim it (which is awesome). You can just take it and run!

I've been to Buffalo Exchange twice now, after my friend introduced it to me a few months ago. I think it's great because they buy and sell all sorts of sizes—included long sizes. I haven't bought anything from here yet, but my friend has scored a bunch of great deals, including a pair of barely-used Kate Spade pumps for $40 in size 10!

Lookbook: Washington D.C. Days 1 & 2

Banana Republic Classic Trench; Banana Republic Ashley Bow Ballet Flats; Banana Republic Taylor Pushlock Cross-Body Bag; Halogen Floral Yarn Scarf

These pictures were taken on days 1 and 2 of my recent Washington D.C. trip. It was my second time visiting the area.

The weather was a bit colder than expected—hence the trench coat. I wore this coat everywhere. It's the perfect length, hitting a few inches above my knees and it's a classic style that made me feel more like a local than a tourist. 

Above, I'm posing in front of the U.S. Treasury department, which we saw right before visiting the White House. We missed the cherry blossoms by a few days, but found a bunch of beautiful tulips in bloom across the city.

Elevated Style Tip of the Week: Explore Polyvore

I recently discovered Polyvore and fell in love. Now, I can plan my outfits online without having to take a single item out of my closet! Below, you can see the outfits I planned for my upcoming long weekend in Washington DC. The weather is supposed to be mid 60s to low 70s, so I made sure to choose a mix of layers that will work with one another.

Polyvore is fairly easy to use. Essentially, all you have to do is search for the items you want to wear, and then drag them on to the design builder. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

Washington DC Trip by khshea featuring a trench coat