50 Shades of Style

Fashion

Wooden Ship Knits- Fall in love!

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I want to share with you an amazing eco-friendly company that is passionate about providing high quality products to their customers with really unique sweaters that I have fallen in love with!  Meet Wooden Ships.

They are family owned and operated company that started 25 years ago.  The amazing founders, Paola and Mark are passionate about taking care of the planet and giving back.  Read more about them and their mission here .

Let me start with this adorable fox sweater , that is absolutely perfect for fall.  I styled it with a pair of dark denim and a pair of fabulous orange suede booties.  (I have linked a similar pair below). I kept it classic, easy and received so many compliments on my look that day.

 

My other absolute favorite is this cozy cropped ‘ride sweater’ .  I styled this sweater with a pair of black denim along with a pair of combat boots to give it a little edge.  Don’t be afraid to pair the sweater with something as simple as a pair of black leggings and throw a pair of ‘over the knee boots’ to complete your look.

 

I can’t say enough about the quality and fit of these sweaters.  For me when shopping for sweaters it is all about the material.  Wooden Ships knits are cozy, and soft on the skin and they have the most adorable designs.  Be sure to check them out and leave a comment below and let me know which one is your favorite.

 

XO

 

 

Amazon Try on Haul

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I am so excited to share with you my first ever Amazon Try-On Haul.  I have never really ordered clothing before from Amazon, so I did a bit of searching to see what I could find that would be great pieces for fall and winter.  I started with three pieces of clothing, a beautiful double breasted trench coat, a super fun graphic sweatshirt, and very chic cable knit turtleneck dress.

I couldn’t believe when I was about to publish this post, I got a notice that my trench coat (pictured above) already sold out!!!!  I have linked a very similar option, also beautiful (it is pictured below with my other picks).  The thing I wanted when looking for a coat, was  a color that would stand out.  This gorgeous ice blue is exactly what I was hoping for.  It plays off of denim and black so perfectly and I love that it is such an unexpected color when it comes to a winter coat.

I thought it would be fun to style the Ciao sweatshirt and the turtleneck dress two different ways to give you some other ideas on how to wear them.  Isn’t it amazing how just changing up a few things in a look, such as a pair of shoes,  can be a game-changer?  As far as the fit and fabric on both of these pieces, I am very impressed and I feel like they run true to size. The sweatshirt is comfy and cozy.   I am wearing a size Small in the sweatshirt and an XS in the turtleneck dress.  Believe it or not, this dress is not itchy at all, it feels soft against my skin.

Make sure to check out my other selections that are listed below.   I hope you loved my picks as much as I do.  Make sure to check out my Amazon Highlight Button on my Instagram page where I will archive all of my try-ons for you…

 

XO

Still ‘WILD’ about Peach!

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A while back I introduced you all to my favorite activewear line Peach ! I am here to say that they are still my #1 go to for athleisure wear but also amazing wardrobe Fall and Winter wardrobe staples with the launch of their new Autumn 19 Collection ‘Into the Wild’ !

Let’s start off with this fabulous look that to me fall under athleisure wear AND also casual chic style!  I am wearing their Kora Pullover in this rich color Garnet (size S).   The satin detailing along the sides is gorgeous and the fit is a relaxed fit.  I sized up one size to give me a bit more length for wearing with leggings.  And speaking of leggings, can we just please talk about these FABULOUS Nina Leggings also in Garnet! (Size XS). These are beyond show stopping, with their leather-like front they will truly elevate any look!  I love wearing these pieces together, but they totally stand on their own.  Both pieces come in other colors but I highly suggest the garnet color as I promise you will get heads to turn in this beautiful rich color!

Now, to demonstrate my comment about how Peach is now my ‘go to’ for wardrobe staples, this amazing Mara Moto Jacket (sz XS) is from their new Autumn Collection!  I selected this beautiful Khaki color, but it also comes in a beautiful shade of olive.  This jacket is made of a stretch vegan suede, and has fabulous silver hardware details.  You won’t believe the best part of this jacket…….wait for it……..it is MACHINE WASHABLE!!  I promise this piece will be on major repeat for me all Fall and Winter!

I might have saved the best for last!  You all know much I love wearing dresses, and this gorgeous Marula Dress in black (sz XS)  jumped off the page for me and I knew I needed it in my closet ASAP!  It is the absolute perfect combination of Chic and Comfy!  The fabric is a French terry with polished satin details along the sides which elevates this dress to the nines!!!  I love it paired here with snakeskin boots, but I also can’t wait to style it with some fun sneakers for an edgy street style look.

You all know that I only share what I love and would wear myself and I am so honored to be a Peach Ambassador.  I am so impressed with all the pieces that I own from them and I give them the highest recommendation.  Make sure to check out this Autumn 19 Collection and don’t hesitate on ordering as their pieces tend to go fast as they are truly the ULTIMATE in style and quality.

 

XO

 

How to look ‘Slimsational’!

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I am super excited to introduce you all to SlimSation , a women’s clothing line that offers a ‘state of the art’ flexible tummy control panel in every piece of clothing they offer!  (Can I get an Amen)!  I was so excited then they contacted me to ask if I would like to try out a pair of their pants to see how I like them and share them with you all!  I didn’t hesitate for a second and was so excited for their arrival!!

 

I selected their Knit Ankle Pant in black and I am wearing a size 2 (which is the smallest size they offer).  I would recommend sizing down one size in this style pant, as I usually wear a size 0 and I had ample room in the fit.   They are a pull on ankle pant with hem vent &their amazing tummy panel (Yay)!  I am obsessed with their fabric as it is still in the high 90’s here in Florida, and they are so breezy and cool to wear.  Oh, and the best part is the range of sizes they offer in their pants, from size 2 to size 24w!  Fabulous!!

As you can see in the above image everything you are going to achieve when ordering one of their amazing selections of pants!  I can’t recommend SlimSation enough, and I highly encourage you to try a pair!  Who doesn’t want to look 10 pounds lighter and at the same time look so classic and chic!  Thank you so much Slimsation for letting me share the ‘Good News’ to my friends here at 50 Shades of Style!

 

XO

Labor Day Beach Essentials!

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It is hard to believe that Summer is almost over!!!!  With that being said, I am looking forward to our annual Labor Day beach vacation for one last ‘Big Hurrah’ to Summer!  I thought it would be fun to share with you all a few of my ‘Beach Trip Essentials’  I am currently loving and taking with me!!

Let’s talk bathing suit, hat, and shorts!  This is how you will basically find me as I sit poolside (facing the ocean, under a huge umbrella)!  Yes, that is right, I am not a fan of getting sandy (don’t laugh) and I definitely am done with the days of ‘oiling up’ and tanning myself as golden as I could get!  No way, No more!!  I am in LOVE with this new bathing suit I found on Amazon, the quality and fit is AMAZING!!  I have always loved wearing cut-offs to the beach with my bathing suit.  These are my FAVORITE shorts!  They are the perfect length (gone are the days of short shorts) easy to get on and off, and if we decide to grab a quick bite to eat on the beach, I feel totally comfortable wearing them in the restaurant.  Probably the most important thing that I make sure I am ALWAYS wearing at the beach is a great hat!  Even when I am sitting under a huge umbrella, I always make sure I have a hat on to protect my face from getting sun!  This hat is the perfect size and I absolutely love its color and design!

 

Now let’s talk Beach Bag!!!  Oh, do I have an AMAZING one to share with you all from a company I just was introduced to, called Dewdrop Designs!  They are an American-made collection of lifestyle accessories that evoke a sense of wanderlust!  They have so many amazing themed bags, unique pieces of hand crafted jewelry and accessories.   I selected the Eat, Beach, Sleep, and Repeat Canvas and Leather Tote made from sturdy leather and recycled canvas!  I absolutely love it as it not only makes a great beach bag, but it also is a perfect ‘Getaway Bag’ and I am purchasing a few more as they make the perfect gift for that special person in your life.  My favorite thing that sets Dewdrop Designs apart are their monthly one of a kind sales!!  These sales are offered to their Dewdrop Design client email list, and they are all exclusive products that are not offered elsewhere! So, make sure to sign up to be a part of their email list so you benefit from these private monthly sales!

 

 

You can’t go to the beach without a great book can you?   I want to share with you all the book I am currently reading and is absolutely life changing for me!  ‘Fear is My Homeboy’ by Judi Holler.  I can’t say enough great things about this book.  I am a huge fan of personal development books and if this book doesn’t light a fire under you, I don’t know what will!  Promise me you will pick this book up and read it (you will thank me later)!

 

Well, that is it for now!  I hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend and maybe grab a few of my favorites to take with you, as I know you will love them as much as I do!!

 

XO

 

 

 

A Unique Watch I’m Loving | JORD | Wooden Watch

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I am so excited to be introducing you all to an amazing watch company named Jord Watches!  Possibly you have never heard of them either, but that is about to change!!  I received an email from a representative from Jord several weeks ago, asking if I would be interested in trying out one of their watches and thus share it with you all by giving a review.  I have to be honest, I was a little bit nervous for several reasons. 1. I am very particular about who I choose to partner with as I will only share with you all things that I have tried, tested and love!  2. You know how much accessories mean to me, so it has to be very special and unique to catch my eye! So, when they sent me a link to select one (from their many styles) that I would like to try, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away as much as I was from these beautiful watches! See below the gorgeous watch that I selected:

 

I selected the Cora Polaris in Walnut and Midnight Blue!  Can you believe how gorgeous it is?  This particular model features an automatic self-winding movement. The open heart dial gives a glimpse of the movement below, and hand-set Swarvoski crystals adorn the beautiful midnight blue showpiece dial in the pattern of the Little Dipper!  I am in love with the bracelet style band and a measuring tool is available online to print off and measure your wrist so the watch will fit perfectly!  They think of everything! Oh, and don’t worry, your extra links will be in the box.

 

 

I am so impressed with this watch as I have never seen anything quite like it! I love how it adds another level of style to my outfits with the unique wood and metal design.  It is truly a collector’s timepiece!

Besides the Cora Polaris, JORD offers many types of watches. The styles are designed to complement and enhance anyone’s style. JORD’s newest interchangeable watch, the Harper, comes with a custom watch box. JORD is releasing new watch designs and I am so looking forward to them! And if you own an Apple watch, they also design wooden and leather Apple bands! 

Great news, Jord and I are partnering on a giveaway for 1 lucky winner to win a $100 gift card toward the purchase of one of their beautiful watches.  Even if you are not the winner, you will be emailed a code for 10% off your purchase just for entering! The contest will end on 9-13-19 and codes will be emailed after the giveaway closes.

 

 

With the holidays upon us, I can’t recommend Jord watches enough!  These timepieces make great gifts that are sure to be remembered and treasured because JORD offers quality watch engravings and box engravings. Visit Jord Wood Watches to browse all of their beautiful selections, and don’t forget to enter the Giveaway. Hopefully, you will be selected as the winner!   Good Luck and if you have any questions feel free to leave me a comment!

Enter the Giveaway through the link here: https://www.woodwatches.com/g/50shadesofstylebykelley 

XO

 

 

 

Five ways to wear leopard!!

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I have to say I am SUPER EXCITED about today’s blog post!  Why do you ask?………….Because I love to incorporate leopard when I can in my outfits!

There are so many ways to do this, from ALL OUT to just a subtle touch.  So, depending where you fall in this category, let me show you some examples of how to accomplish this, starting with ‘just a sprinkle’!

#1.  Hair Accessories

Since leopard is the rage right now, you can find some really fun hair accessory pieces and sprinkle it in this way to get your feet wet.  🙂  Whether you select a fun headband like I am wearing or a scarf, or leopard scrunchie, that would be the easiest way to start!

 

#2.  Add a leopard purse OR shoe

First of all notice I said add a leopard purse OR shoe, not BOTH!!  That would be too much!  Look how each look pictured above because that much more interesting by adding a leopard print to the mix.  Super easy to do right?  Make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article when you are finished reading to see all these great pieces that you can shop directly from here.  🙂

3.  Add a fun leopard skirt

This is probably my most favorite way to add leopard, a leopard skirt!  Whether it is a pencil or a maxi skirt, this is the look I love to style the most.  Just add one of your favorite graphic tees, and you have the perfect ‘casual chic’ look, and you will be the envy of all your girlfriends (trust me)! 🙂

 

#4.  Add a great leopard jacket

So, hopefully I have gotten you excited about what a game changer adding leopard to your look can be!  Are you feeling a bit more comfortable about stepping up your leopard game?!  If so, let’s add a leopard jacket to the mix!  This is really a simple formula (don’t be scared) just start with something all black, like in this example above I am wearing a fun black jumpsuit (notice I am wearing black shoes too) providing the perfect canvas to introduce an amazing jacket!!  (p.s. I will have some good ones linked at the end of this article for you) Trust me on this one, add a great jacket (like above) to your wardrobe to add an amazing impact to your ‘style game’!

 

#5.  Add an all leopard piece

Yes!  We graduated all the way to wearing an ALL LEOPARD for the main course!!!  What do you think?  It looks really great right?  Not too much right?!  Whether it is an all leopard dress (as seen above) or a maxi dress, or a jumpsuit, you will look like you walked right off the cover of your favorite fashion magazine!  But, there are a few rules you need to follow to pull of this look.  1.  Keep the accessories very subtle.  No, wild earrings, shoes, or purse.  In the photo above, notice you can’t even really see my earrings (I am wearing gold hoops BTW) and my purse if solid black.  This is really important to follow along, also notice my shoes are really toned down.  The 2nd rule to pulling this off is really simple, BE CONFIDENT!

I promise you can pull this all leopard look off, but you need to ‘feel the part’ to ‘look the part’, so hold your head up high when you walk into the room looking like the million bucks that I know you are!!!

 

 

 

 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is Live!!

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The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is  here!!!  Today is the first day for Early Access (Nordstrom cardholders can shop starting at 12:59pm ET until 7/19!  (see more explanation below). This will be my first #NSALE as a full-time blogger!   I am so excited to share with you all the amazing things you need to know to make the experience FUN, help you look as CHIC as possible, and most importantly SAVE YOU MONEY on some great pieces!!

For only a few weeks each summer, Nordstrom makes shoppers’ dreams come true by offering BRAND NEW ARRIVALS (for both summer and fall) at unbelievable sale prices for a limited time. This popular event is what shoppers know today as the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Key Dates

Early Access: 7/12-7/18

During Early Access, Nordstrom cardholders get to shop the Anniversary Sale a FULL WEEK before it opens to the public.  In order to shop Early Access this year, you MUST be a Nordstrom cardholder.  If you are not currently a cardholder, you can apply for a Nordstrom Credit Card here to make sure you score the best deals before Public Access.

Public Sale 7/19-8/4

For non-card holders, the Anniversary Sale opens to the public on Friday, July 19 and wraps on Sunday, August 4. Nordstrom historically restocks items that have sold out during the Early Access window, so be sure to keep an eye out!

Top Brands to look for!

Unlike previous years, this year there are no brand restrictions during the Anniversary Sale!  Hooray!!  Here are some of the projected Top Picked Brands to look for in this years sale!

  • Halogen
  • BP
  • Vince
  • Leigh
  • Zella
  • Barefoot Dreams
  • Uggs
  • Madewell
  • Topshop

 

Let”s talk trends!

I thought it would be fun if I highlighted a few categories and trends that I feel you should consider adding a piece or two to your wardrobe that will be featured in the Anniversary Sale!  The #NSale is a great time to start stocking up on fall-ready items and great transitional pieces. The sale is also great for trendy pieces because you are buying them at a discounted price (hooray!), and we never know when a trend will die, so we don’t need to worry and feel guilty!

Brights and Bolds!

Good News!  Bright colors are going to be transitioning to fall this year!  A pop of color always is the answer to brightening a cold and gloomy day. There are so many ways to incorporate colorful pieces to ‘brighten’ your outfit — and hopefully your mood!  Consider adding a bright sweater, or a fun bold coat, or possibly a red or yellow shoe to liven things up a notch from those traditional fall colors that you might normally wear.

Here are my favorite picks from the sale for you to shop:

 

 

 

Tame your Wild Side!

Animal prints are bigger and better than ever!!  Get ready to see a lot of snakeskin this fall (Yay!) as well as zebra, tiger and of course leopard.  The key to styling an outfit with animal print is to make sure it is used in the perfect way to achieve a chic look!  I believe an animal print mixes well with any other print (i.e. floral, plaid, stripe, etc) and any color palette .  Treat it like a neutral!

Here are my favorite picks for you to shop:

 

 

Mad for Plaid!

There is definitely an up-tick in checks and tartans heading into fall!  I absolutely adore wearing plaid.  There are so many great ways to wear plaid, whether it is in a great blazer, a tailored pair of pants, or a classic skirt, I really encourage you to add to some plaid to your wardrobe.  If you want to just dip your toe in the water, start with a fun pair of plaid shoes and I promise you will be asked, “Where did you get those fabulous shoes?”

Here are my favorite plaid picks for you to shop:

 

 

Denim on Denim!

Denim is definitely something I feel like you should be shopping in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Three trends to watch out for:  Flares, Skinny, and Straight.  I myself will be on the lookout for some updated straight-legged jeans (with some interesting frayed or jagged edges) to add to my closet.  Denim is so easy to pair with just about anything as you can dress it up or down as you choose, and don’t rule out a denim on denim outfit (since you know that is one of my favorite looks to wear)!

Here are my favorite denim picks for you to shop!

 

 

Autumn Hues!

One of my favorite things about fall fashion is being able to wear those gorgeous autumn hues.  Rich tones of orange, browns, and greens are definitely something you want to always add to update your Fall wardrobe.  Just talking about Fall puts a smile on my face (as I am typing this right now in 95 degree temps)!  It is definitely my favorite season of the year!!!

Here are my favorite picks in this category:

 

 

Boots and Booties Galore!!

Shoes are ALWAYS where it’s at during this sale. One thing I will say is sizes start to sell out quickly,  so don’t take too much time deciding if you should hit ‘add to cart’ or not!  I can honestly say the sale prices on boots and booties (remember these are NEW STYLES) are really great and these will be pieces you will have in your closet for a LONG TIME!!  (Win-Win)!

Here are my favorites and you will be so happy at the prices!!

 

I hope you like my picks and my main purpose is to help you get some beautiful yet AFFORDABLE pieces that I feel the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale offers!  I will be sharing more picks that you can shop from starting July 12th (when the Early Access goes Live) on my Liketoknowit profile as well as my Instagram Stories throughout this sale!  As always feel free to leave me a comment or send me a DM through @50shadesofstylebykelley on Instagram.

XO

 

 

 

 

 

How to wear denim on denim!

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One of my favorite looks to style is wearing denim on denim!  Have you ever tried it?  Well, I hope after reading this post, you will be excited to give it a try.  So, let’s start with something easy yet very chic.

So, if you want to play it safe, there is nothing better than a great all denim dress.  When the temps are rising in the summer, a classic shift dress works perfectly and can be worn to a number of occasions.  This particular dress shown above is a darker wash, lightweight denim and I think it is perfect for brunch, a work function and even church.  The fact that it is a dark wash really makes the difference I believe, in why it works for a dressier daytime event.  When it comes to accessorizing dark denim, my suggestion is keep the purse and the bag light. (especially in the summer).  You can see, I chose neutral tones, in all of my accessories above and it creates a really nice blend.

 

Next, we are going to pair two  denim pieces together and create an outfit.  It might sound like too much, and that you couldn’t see yourself doing it, but I hope from seeing the look above, you see that it looks great!  I started with this great midi-length denim skirt, and added a slightly lighter shade chambray top.  Yes, they are right next to each other and it works perfectly.  In fact, I think it looks very chic, and I bet you your friends will tell you how much they LOVE your outfit when you try this!!  Once again, I kept the accessories, light, and in this case, added fun bright colors.  They work perfectly together, as you want your denim pieces to be the canvas for these colors to work off of.  Am I winning you over yet?   Okay, let’s keep moving.

 

Okay, this is basically a play off of the last denim on denim skirt I showed you previously, but now we are going to take this look ‘on the town’!!  So, we are starting with this adorable denim frayed skirt, took the same top as previously shown, (which is also a little bit of a lighter wash than the skirt) and now we are going to take this up a notch!  How do we do that?  We do it with the accessories, which you all know I believe are the ‘star’ of any look!  So, since we are wanting this to be a ‘fun night out’ look, we need to add some amazing shoes and a gorgeous bag.  I would say we hit a ‘home run’ with these multi-colored snakeskin booties and this rich colored velvet bag!  Can you see how that totally changed everything!!  Pretty easy formula wouldn’t you say?

 

Lastly, I want to show you that you can mix you denim with other colored denim!  Now, don’t go crazy with this.  I would just keep it monochromatic for the most part and have your one piece be the different color.  It is really important to keep your shoes black as well, to achieve this affect.  So, in this example we are taking an all black denim look and adding the blue denim jacket as the ‘pop’ and focal piece of this look.   Do you see how your eye gravitates towards the denim jacket?  This trick really will set up apart and you should feel very proud of yourself for pulling off such a chic look.

I hope these examples gave you the confidence to put together your ‘own’ denim on denim looks and I would love to hear from you how you did and most importantly all the great comments that you are going to get!

xoxo

My new favorite athleisure line…..Peach!

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If I have to be honest,  you will find me in activewear most days of the week!    Between my workouts, and accomplishing all of my errands that I typically have in a day (can you relate?) it just makes the most sense.  But, I do have two major requirements when shopping for athleisure wear!  It must be comfortable, and most importantly it must look stylish!!

Well, I have fallen in love with a new women’s athleisure line that exceeds my expectations.  The line is called Peach, and they have versatile comfy styles you’ll LOVE on repeat for gym, work and play!!  I am also excited to have been selected as a member of their Peach Ambassador Team!

In the photo above, I am wearing two pieces from their Summer 19′ Collection.  The Mayra Tank $45(wearing an xs) and the Santo Legging $79 (wearing an xs) in the color Pacific Blue.  I love the cut of this tank as I feel it is flattering on all body types, and it is hard to describe how beautiful the blue is on these leggings!

When they describe their line as versatile, I feel like this next look says it all!  I have styled this look for a lunch with my girlfriends, and you would never know these are athleisure wear pieces!  I could be heading to a doctors appointment, or a planning meeting for a fundraiser I am apart of, and I feel as stylish as ever, but most importantly comfy and cool!  I live in Central Florida, and our temperatures have already hit the mid 90’s and I do not break a sweat in these clothes!!  The think I am most excited about is how perfect these clothes are for my upcoming beach vacation!

The Mayra Tank $45

The Verano Pant $89

My last look to show you is this gorgeous Isla Dress (wearing an xs) in the gorgeous color Pacific Blue ($99).  This dress features a sheer ‘peekaboo’ stripe overlay with a under slip layer, to create the perfect summer look!  You will be the envy of all your friends when you show up at the next barbecue wearing this beauty!  Not only is this dress so flattering, but this moisture wicking fabric will keep you as cool as can be!

In closing, I can’t say enough about the quality of fabrics they use as well as the impeccable fit of each item I ordered.  I also wanted to mention that I love that their sizes range from xs to xxl.  Something that more brands need to do!  I hope you will take my recommendation and order these pieces and also check out the other gorgeous styles by clicking this link and I can’t wait to hear back your raving reviews as I know you will fall in love with them like I have!

xoxo