Pick Your Perfect (Pencil) Skirt - Part 1

Pick your Perfect Pencil Skirt by amyshaughnessy on polyvore.com

Fashion trends come and go, but there is one classic silhouette that has been with us for a long time and will continue to persevere through all of the crazy trends - the pencil skirt. It is a timeless piece that works on most (I venture to say all) body types. Done the right way, you can confidently sport one of these skirts.

If you are tall, then the longer pencil skirts (hitting just below the knee) will look great. However if you are petite, choose a length that hits just above the knee. This will give the illusion of a longer leg. In my opinion, heels look best with a pencil skirt. Heels will add length (which most women love). Choosing a nude or flesh colored heel is the best way to achieve this elongated look.

I have chosen several different styles of pencil skirts above to fit many different tastes. I think my favorite are the peplum skirts (although the floral skirts are pretty as well). Which is your favorite?

Stay tuned for the next segment in my Pick Your Perfect Skirt series!

Inspired by Classy Kate

When it comes to classic-chic dressing, one person comes to mind: Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge exudes such a beautiful, quiet elegance with the clothing that she chooses. Nothing about her wardrobe is tacky, over-the-top or cheap looking, in my opinion. Last night I was scrolling through some of her 'best-dressed' photos that InStyle compiled on their website. (You can see all of the different looks here). There were several pictures that I adored but one stood out immediately. The Duchess wore a custom Temperley London gown to a premiere not that long ago. I thought that the black lace gown was so beautiful, elegant, chic, etc. I thought I would try to find a few black lace dress options that emulate the grace and elegance of the gown she wore that night not too long ago.

Of course these dresses are not replicas in any shape or form but they still have that beautiful elegance to them that remind me of the dress that she wore. If these dresses are not in your budget, I did find other options here, here, and here. I just couldn't fit all of the dresses onto one collage! (If you prefer white, here is an option).

I think it is refreshing to see a young woman in the spotlight who dresses in a beautiful, classic style. What are your thoughts? Do you like the way Kate dresses?

Black Lace Dress by amyshaughnessy featuring milly dresses

Camilla and Marc three quarter sleeve dress
$483 - shopbop.com

Notte by Marchesa black gown
$446 - theoutnet.com

Lela Rose scoop neck dress
$1,495 - shopbop.com

Milly dress
$355 - shopbop.com

Mostly Sunny/Partly Cloudy

One Jumpsuit Done Two Ways by amyshaughnessy featuring zara bags

I was looking through some of my favorite websites, trying to decide what my next post would be on when I saw this jumpsuit. I hate to say that it 'jumped' out at me (so cheesy, I know), but it did. I immediately knew that it was a piece that could be styled many ways. For time's sake, I chose two different looks.

The first look (mostly sunny) is styled specifically for the hot, sunny days that are most certainly ahead of us. I really like pairing aviators and a fedora together. They just seem to be a natural match. The scarf adds a little visual interest to the top of the jumpsuit and looks chic with the hat and glasses. The stacking rings are another cool accessory in an all-together cool look. This is a look that is completely 'me' and I would wear it in a heartbeat! (Did I just call myself cool? Because I'm most certainly not! More like, borderline nerd with hopefully decent taste).

The next look (partly cloudy) is probably more appropriate for those cooler, cloudy days that hit in early spring. Just because the weather may be cool and cloudy, doesn't mean your outfit has to be drab! The bright blazer will keep your arms covered and keeps the jumpsuit from looking too summer-like. I really like the floral scarf with the hummingbird bracelet. The bracelet and delicate earrings keep this look pretty and elegant.

I found several different blazers (here and here) that I thought would be appropriate with this second look as well. Take your pick!

Have a great Wednesday!

* For some reason the rings did not show up in the thumbnails. Here is a link to the website where you can purchase them.