50 Shades of Style

fashion blogger

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

 

 

 

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

One Outfit Styled Two Ways

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Since I love fashion and shopping SO MUCH (who doesn’t)?  I have learned to be pretty good at getting the most BANG out of my buck by learning how to take one outfit and styling it two ways, that works for different occasions.

It actually is a really good way to think when you are out shopping.  You need to ask yourself, will I really get some good wear out of this, and would I be able to change it up just a bit, and take it from day to night?

I am excited to show you three different outfits, styled exactly that way.  Day to Night!  So, here we go…………..

 

First up is Athleisure-

Athleisure Day Outfit

Here I have an example of a fun Athleisure outfit that works perfect for daytime.  Whether I need to run errands or meet a girlfriend at Starbucks, I am feeling comfy and chic in this oversized sweatshirt and fun leggings.  Notice the accessories in this outfit (because those are the things I am going to change out to take this into night)!  This fun cross body bag and leopard sneakers add the right touch and pops this outfit just perfectly!

 

Athleisure Outfit for Night

So, notice here how I took the same exact outfit (oversized sweatshirt and leggings) and just added a sleek pair of mules, a fun studded black bag and this amazing black bolero hat!  Now, I am ready to hit the town, whether it is meeting my husband for a date night, or having a girls night out for dinner.  Either way, I am feeling chic, dressy and most of all comfortable!!

 

Example #2 –  Cropped Pants and Blouse Option – Daytime

Cropped Pants and Blouse- Day Outfit

For this outfit which consists of these amazing herringbone cropped pants and fun red Versace inspired blouse, I am styling this for day by choosing the right accessories.  These silver oxford lace up shoes are just the right touch to take this outfit out for a business appointment, luncheon or a fun day of shopping.  I grabbed this clear lucite with black accent tote bag which also adds the right feel for daytime.  Once again, I think this looks daytime chic and also bonus points for it being comfy (with these great oxford flats)!

 

Cropped Pants & Blouse Nighttime Version

Once again, you will see  I just changed out my accessories, adding these sleek black mules (yes, they are one of my favorites), changed out my tote for a fun dressier shoulder bag and grabbed a great pair of sunglasses for the perfect look to head out for an early dinner with friends.  (It really is that easy to do to achieve a different look).

 

Example #3 – Taking an outfit from Desk to Dinner

Blazer and palazzo pants- Office Attire

In this last example, I wanted to show those of you who wear work attire, how easy it is to take this perfect outfit for work and just carry with you a change of shoes, bag and jewelry to swap out when the clock hits 5 o’clock.   I love this particular combo that I put together consisting of this stunning white blazer (which btw we all need to have in our wardrobe) a great grey tank, and these amazing floral palazzo pants!!!! (Obsessed)!  I accessorized this day look with these great suede flats and this white leather bag with fun gold hardware.  I finished it off with some great hoop earrings and a pretty  gold necklace.  So chic for work wouldn’t you say??!!

Work outfit – Styled for a Night on the Town!

So, the clock hits 5pm and all you have to do is take off your jacket, reach into your bottom desk drawer and pull out these gold suede platform mules, the fun leopard clutch (always remember, leopard is a neutral), and these amazing rose gold statement earrings and you are ready to get in your car to head out to meet your significant other (or the girls) either way they will gasp when they see you!!  I mean how easy was that??!!!

I hope this article was helpful to you, and by giving you these examples you will now be able to take some existing pieces already in your wardrobe and use this same formula I gave you to go from day to night!!!

xoxo,

Kelley

 

Classic Black and White

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Classic Black & White Outfit www.50shadesofstyle.com

I believe there is nothing more classic (and simple) to put together than a black and white outfit.  I can’t tell you how many compliments I received when I ventured out today to run some errands around town.

The best part is how affordable these pieces are.  The top and the jeans are from Old Navy (one of my favorite places to shop for basic pieces for my wardrobe).  These black slides are by Steve Madden (purchased on sale from DSW) and this amazing fedora (sounds so fancy) is from……are you ready?????  Target!!!

So, the next time you are having a ‘moment’ and can’t figure out what to wear for the day, go for a tried and true black and white ensemble and watch how many compliments you will get too!