#OOTD – Smart Casual (cont)

Although smart-casual “dress code” is quite popular it’s also vague leaving it open for interpretation.  For most people seeing the word casual brings sweatpants, jeans & t-shirts to mind.  Minus the sweatpants, that’s not completely off.  I view smart casual as polished informal wear i.e. jazzed up denim & tees.  Others will beg to differ and say although the word casual is involved that you should avoid jeans and opt for trousers or a skirt.  Like I said, it’s open to interpretation…

Take for instance the outfit I wore yesterday:

Black & White Patterned Tank with Lace Detailing

Black Blazer

Dark Denim (cuffed above the ankles)

Black Primadonna Collection Heels

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I find myself dressing this way more often than not.  Although I may not wear heels everyday I try to find ways to look “dressed” while also staying comfortable.  My base outfit usually consists of a basic tee & my favorite skinny jeans.  I then add a statement necklace, a blazer or moto jacket and a pair of pointed toe flats creating the perfect smart casual look.  Feel free to share your thoughts or feedback on how you dress smart casual…

As always – comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx

#OOTD – Smart Casual

This afternoon I was invited to join my niece & her Little Flowers group for an afternoon tea.  Instead of wearing a dress I opted for a smart casual outfit – blouse, black pixie’s & open-toed strapped heels. Smart casual is open to interpretation but I view it as polished, informal attire; something that can be worn to dinner, work, church or in this case an afternoon tea.

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With little time to get my hair done these days my roots have started to grow & darken.  What else can I do but embrace it!  My new trick for hiding my lovely original dark hairs…pulling the sides into a high bun & curling the rest.

As always – comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx

Wild about animal print

Animal print is fun to experiment with, on-trend for fall & easier to pull off than you think.  I have to admit, I used to be one of those people who were hesitant to wear animal print.  Sometimes an all-over print can be overwhelming or come off as kitschy.  However, there are simple ways to incorporate animal print into your wardrobe without cheapening your look.

From shoes to handbags & everything in between, these designers’ take on animal print is anything but tacky.  If you see something you love, click on the picture & you will be redirected to the correct site.

Sam Edelman ‘Delilah’ Calf Hair d’Orsay Pump & ‘Alaine’ Scalloped Flat both in Nude Leopard

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Betsey Johnson Mosaic Gold & Leopard Watch

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Michael Kors Jet Set Leopard Calf Hair Crossbody

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Equipment Brett Dress – Alfalfa Multi Cape Town Collage Print

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Storets Leopard Mesh Blazer

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One of my favorite trends for fall is treating animal print as a neutral.  This is especially great if you’re new to the animal scene like myself.  By subtly incorporating a print such as leopard or snake-skin into your outfit you’re creating a statement look that let’s face it, everyone will want to copy!  Take the Sam Edelman leopard pumps for example, pair them with red pixie pants & a black sheer blouse and you have a beautiful, bold outfit or pair the Michael Kors leopard crossbody with dark denim & a striped top for an exciting mix of patterns.  Regardless of how you decide to wear animal print this fall have fun with it, don’t worry about rules & take lots of pictures!