Resort Wear 2017 – Evening Wear

Welcome to the last segment of our 2017 Resort Wear series!  The focus this week is on evening looks.  Whether you are planning a candlelit dinner on the beach or a night of bar-hopping, we’ve got your looks covered.

Romantic Waterfront Dinner Date

You’ll look stunning for your waterfront or beachfront dinner date in this silk one shoulder by BCBG.  The dress is paired with low-heeled, nude sandals – one of my favorite pieces to travel with as they go with virtually EVERYTHING you might want to wear in the evening.  Black, white, brights, pastels, skinny jeans; these sandals will work with them all. Dramatic drop earrings and a Caribbean-bright clutch complete this look.

 Resort Wear Evening - Candlelit Dinner on the BeachHappy Hour Bar Hopping in Town

For a night of bar hopping in town, I found an strapless maxi dress with an amazing knot detail in the back.  Throw on a pair of flat sandals and a denim jacket and you’re ready to go.  The white Everlane backpack can be used while sightseeing during the day and carried by it’s top strap at night.

Resort Wear Evening - Bar Hopping in TownDinner and Resort Activities with the Kids

A detailed black lace tunic and low heeled sandals dress up a pair of neutral ankle pants for an early dinner with the kids followed by activities at the resort. The peach wrap will help keep off the evening chill.

Resort Wear Evening - Dinner and Activities with the Kids

Spot On! 5 Ways to Love Leopard


While especially on-trend this fall, leopard hasn’t always dominated the urban jungle! 

When movie star inspired, mass-produced fashions came into vogue in the mid-1920s, leopard print rose as a symbol of status and high fashion.  In the late-60’s the pattern took a nose dive and was considered somewhat cheap and tacky until making a comeback via a few female rockers (notably Grace Jones & Debbie Harry) in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  As a self-professed long-time lover of leopard, I’ll argue that this print is a timeless classic. 

Check out five of my favorite ways to wear leopard below!

Via Spiga Leopard Print Coat – $198

Via Spiga has created some version of this jacket every year for as long as I can remember.  This year’s model features a flattering A-line shape and slightly subdued leopard print.  Great, wearable, statement-making topper!

Via Spiga Leopard Print Coat

Chico’s Hadley Accessories – $25-80

While only a few pieces are shown here, small leopard accessories are great for adding a fun pop to neutral basics.  Belts, scarves and watches are other easy ways to incorporate the print.bracelet earring ring

Signet Bag in Leopard – $298

Cross-body bags are so useful for fall – they keep those hands free for picking apples and for photos in the pumpkin patch!  Picture this cute (but roomy enough for essentials) leopard version with jeans, a white tee, black cardi and boots.  Suddenly weekend basics aren’t so boring anymore!f5236-leopard%20multi-d0824202

Leopard Scuba Pencil Skirt – $89

Leopard in the workplace?  Unless you work in an ultra-conservative field, you can get away with leopard by keeping the look office-appropriate.  Pair a printed pencil skirt with solid black or tan blouse or sweater and heels or black tights with boots.  For a date night look with the same skirt, don a silky black cami, strappy heeled sandals and black bomber or denim jacket.

 

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Leopard Inset Tuxedo Flats – $40

Last but by no means least, leopard flats are a must-have!  And at $40 – this pair is a deal!  For work/business casual you could pair these with a black dress or crops and a blouse.  Or try them casually with a denim shirtdress and black scarf.  Lots of options for adding a bit of GRRRR into your life!

NOTE: For more on the history of leopard prints, check out this article on Mental Floss.

This week’s blog is posted in memory of Lakewood, Ohio’s Jen Verrillo of TheBroadsSide.com.  I’ve been cracking up all weekend reading your hysterical posts and am heartbroken for your daughter that you left this earth so soon.  When she’s older I’m sure she’ll get comfort (and a huge laugh) from reading your posts! Rest easy funny girl.  Am glad you are wearing leopard in this picture.

jen

Babes on a Budget: Each Piece Under $50

While last week’s post was filled with champagne wishes and caviar dreams, this week’s is firmly planted in reality.  No matter what your budget, polished style is within your reach!  Below are some looks from a few of my favorite budget-friendly stores: Uniqlo, Target and H & M.  Uniqlo and Target are great for basics; Uniqlo’s tees, Merino wool and cashmere sweaters can’t be beat in terms of quality for the price and are Natty Gal favorites.  H & M is a great budget go-to for trendier pieces.

Business Casual

 

WOMEN CASHMERE BLEND BOAT NECK SWEATER WOMEN TWEED ANKLE LENGTH PANTS
162850_6_1400x1400WOMEN IDLF TOTE BAG

 

  • Uniqlo Cashmere Blend Boat Neck Sweater: $49.90
  • Uniqlo Tweed Ankle Length Pants: $39.90
  • Payless Millie Block Heel: $29.99
  • Uniqlo IDLF Tote Bag: $39.90
  • Target Natasha Necklace: $29.99

 

Weekend Casual
 
WOMEN ULTRA LIGHT DOWN COMPACT VEST WOMEN CASHMERE BLEND TURTLENECK SWEATER
Women's Utility Boyfriend Straight Leg Jean - Crafted by Lee®
Women's dv Aria Booties 

 
Kept the vest and turtleneck the same color in this look.  The ribbing in the sweater combined with the sleek quilted fabric of the vest give an interesting texture contrast.  A lace-up wedge bootie or slip on sneaker would look great with this too.

  • Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Compact Vest: $39.90
  • Uniqlo Cashmere Blend Turtleneck Sweater: $49.90
  • Target/Lee Utility Boyfriend Straight Leg Jean: $29.99
  • Target dv Aria Booties: $34.99
  • Target Faux Leather Slouchy Hobo: $27.99

 

Date Night
 
WOMEN SKINNY STRAIGHT JEANS
 Women's Stacy Stretch Booties - Mossimo Black™ Women's 3-Ring Long Necklace - Silver (34)
  •  H&M Open Shoulder Blouse: $34.99
  • Uniqlo Skinny Straight Jeans: $39.90
  • Target Mossimo Black Stacy Stretch Booties: $37.99
  • Target 3-Ring Long Necklace: 16.99
  • H&M Shoulder Bag: $17.99