50 Shades of Style

fashion

cabi Brand Story

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I recently shared here on the blog that I am a cabi Ambassador for their Spring 2020 Line. Today I want to share with you more about their brand and story. Their story is one based on connection and helping serve women all over the world. They have grown from 12 to thousands of stylists in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

Cabi has created a culture that focuses on helping women – “serving rather than selling” cabi, is dedicated to serving and empowering women in need. They offer career opportunities for women to build a business while still being able to thrive in all areas of her life. 

Cabi has quietly transformed the retail industry through what has become known as the cabi Fashion Experience. By reinventing the way women shop they were able to create profitable business for all involved. A cabi stylist gets to know her clients helping them build a wardrobe right there in her clients home. By doing so she is able to create and cultivate a great relationship. Cabi, believes when a woman can connect with her clients it will bring her success and fufillment in her life. 

Not only does cabi, help serve women here but all over the globe. For every new cabi Stylist, cabi funds a small business loan in her name for a woman entrepreneur in a developing country. They partner with Opportunity  International for the loan and a mentorship program. 

How amazing is that?!? I am so proud to be a part of something so wonderful as a cabi Ambassador. I am also in love with their current Spring Collection so stay tuned as I will be sharing more about the cabi Fashion Experience in my next blog post. We can get into the nuts and bolts of how it all works! 

Here a few looks from the Spring 2020 Line they have it all…they even have a few “athleisure” pieces too take a look…

 

 

Here are the links to the pieces I am wearing in the photos above.

Dashes Sweater

The Fold Pocket Tee

Relax Cropped Legging

Xo, Kelley

Amazon Haul 3

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Who doesn’t love a good haul from amazon?! There is just something about filling up your cart and waiting for the packages to arrive on your door step…I just love it! I teamed up with a few of my fashionista friends and we all picked some of our favorite pieces from Amazon. Head on over to my instagram to check out to see what my gal pals picked too!

I went with a weekend vibe when I was shopping and each item I picked is under $40. Yes you read that correctly, I love a good deal. Now what I will say is that even though these items are inexpensive that does not mean that it lacks in quality. The fit and feel of the clothes and shoes are comfy and soft and I couldn’t be happier with my purchases.

Lets start with my favorite, this adorable leopard printed patchwork cropped sweater It goes perfectly with high waisted denim. What I love about this sweater is that it is versatile and can be dressed up or down. I am rocking it into the weekend with black jeans and tennis shoes; which brings me to my next purchase.

These two tone star fashion sneakers are cute, comfy and affordable! I love a good dupe, drop a comment and let me know if you know what I am talking about. The shoes are only $39 and I am wearing them with more than just this sweater. I love being able to maximize my wardrobe and shoe collection by mixing pieces. Which I have done by pairing these fashion sneakers with another look.

This trendy animal graphic sweatshirt reminds me of my college days. A cute sweatshirt, ripped jeans and a fab pair of tennis shoes. It is so insanely comfortable and completely effortless look and only cost $30! Also, a little style tip…don’t be afraid to add a pair of fun earrings to a casual look to kick it up a notch.

If you know anything about me you know my achilles heel is accessories! I love all things, especially statement earrings and sunglasses. Seriously don’t ask me how many pairs I have. However, what is great about these earrings is the bang for you buck. You get 3 pairs of statement earrings for $18. I also, scored these fabulous sunnies that are another great dupe and already have plans to wear them asap!

 

Here are all of my picks shop away!

 

 

 

My new favorite accessory – Peepers!!

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One thing you must know about me when it comes to fashion is,  accessories are ALWAYS the star of my looks!!  I believe that when it comes to choosing accessories, they allow you to bring out your personality and uniqueness.  What comes to mind when I say the word Accessories?  Most likely you are thinking, a great pair of shoes, or an amazing statement necklace, a wonderful structured handbag right????  Well, I want to add one more important item that I bet NEVER entered your mind……….a fabulous pair of EYEGLASSES!  Think about it, if you wear glasses they are most likely the first thing that people see when they look at you.  So, why not make them take a ‘second look’ by wearing the most fabulous brand of eyewear I have found!  Peepers by peeperspecs!

Where do I even start with all the things I love about Peepers?!  They are so fashion forward with such a unique selection of frames and colors, I actually am more excited about choosing which pair I want to wear with each outfit than anything else.  When you see and feel the quality of their frames, you will be amazed when you find out how much they cost!!!  Their average pair range around $25 which makes me even more excited to share them with you.  Here are some of my favorite pairs that I think you will love.

 

 

 

Lets start with these fabulous and bold Bravado (Blue Light) fames in black.  If these don’t make a statement I don’t know what can.  I love that they come with Blue Light protection, since so many of us spend countless hours in front of a screen.  It is no surprise this pair was chosen as one of Oprah’s New Favorite Frames for 2019!!  They come in a variety of colors and you can even order them with no correction if you just want to use them as a fashion statement!!!

 

 

These Coffee Shop frames in Tortoise Wood were another pair that I knew I needed to have.  Between the oversized thick frames and the contrast of recycled bamboo arms, they will certainly cause you to stand out!  These come in several other color combinations that you are sure to love.

 

These ‘eye catching’ Center Stage Focus frames, shown above in Navy Tortoise, are listed as not only Peepers most popular frames, but also as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things!  These frames also offer their Focus Blue Light protection from harmful side effects that come from our computer and phone screens.  They also come in six other amazing color ways and trust me I will be going back for several more colors.

Last but not least, I am wearing these gorgeous Limelight frames in Gray Tortoise.  This pair gave me a fun animal print vibe when I saw them.  All eyes will be on you in this polished style that suits all face shapes.  They also include  Blue Light protection and comes in four other colorways that will compliment any skin tone.  You can see why these also made Oprah’s Favorite Things list as it did mine!

I can’t say enough great things about Peepers and I feel super confident recommending any of their fashion forward frames for you to purchase for yourself or as a gift.  The fact that they are so affordable makes me love them even more.  Lets face it, if you are like me we sometimes misplace our readers (does that come with age)lol, but seriously, as affordable as they are, you can buy several pairs to leave around the house in case of a mishap.

Now you understand why Peepers is now my New favorite accessory and hopefully it will be yours too!

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

 

 

 

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 ‘Pop’ your neutral looks with color!

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Are you feeling like you are in a bit of a neutral rut when it comes to your outfits?  Are you playing it too safe and basic when you are getting ready every morning?

Well, I have a solution for you for that is so easy to do, your friends and family will think you walked right off the pages of your favorite fashion magazine!

 

Example 1.  Adding a pop of ‘bold color’ to your neutral looks.  Grab your favorite all neutral look, and then add ONE color to make it pop!!!   In this look below, I am wearing my favorite cream linen jumpsuit from Anthropolgie!  I wanted to keep it canvas neutral, so I added these fun raffia mules.  But, watch what happens when I add a BOLD PINK statement earrings from 4th and Jones, it takes the whole look to another level!  Not hard to do right?  Isn’t that so fun??

Anthropologie Jumpsuit

Up close of these amazing earrings!

 

Now let’s take Example #2  –  Here is another look, beautiful white blouse with a blue and white linen striped skirt from The Loft.  This outfit would totally work with a nice nude pump.  But look how by just adding a fun unexpected yellow pump, that is the first think your eyes are drawn too in this picture.  A simple change with big results (if you ask me)!  Once again, something that anyone can do, and your results with be noticed by your girlfriends!!!

Yellow Pumps adding the Perfect Pop!

Example #3 –   So this is a two part upgrade!  I took what would be considered super casual look-  khaki joggers, and a white tee, but I wanted to challenge myself to create a look for a fun date night.  So, I decided to add this fun satin bomber jacket (still considered a neutral) and grabbed a pair of heels to dress it up, but I decided to grab these leopard pumps (to add quite a fun statement) and then to complete our formula of adding one item for that ‘pop’, this bright yellow shoulder bag did the trick (don’t you think)?!

Leopard Pumps and Yellow Purse does the trick!

 

Example #4 – For my last example on how adding just one POP of color to your outfit can elevate your style, I grabbed a pair of dark denim bermuda shorts from Express, and added an amazing BOLD neon yellow top!  YESSSS!!!!  Mission Accomplished!!!  No one will pass you by and keep walking in this number!!!  Super easy, but quite the fun statement!!  You are now a Pro!!!

Bold Neon Top is the star of this look!

 

I hope these examples and simple formula was helpful for you, and now that summer is here, it is time to ADD COLOR!!!

xoxo

If you like this post you can shop all the items here!

 

 

 

 

Versona- A great place to shop for Spring looks!

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I am so excited to share with you in this post, one of my favorite places to shop!   Whether you are looking for a fun outfit, a new pair of shoes, jewelry, sunglasses or the perfect gift, this is a one stop store!!  Lets face it, we are all so busy in our day to day lives.  So,  when you can find a shop where they  have ‘all the things’ that you love (in one place) you have to spread the word!!!  And that would be Versona

One of my favorite things about Versona is they stay up on all the trends!  I was excited to collaborate with them for their new Spring Look Book!  It was so fun to be able to take a ‘sneak peek’, and it did not disappoint!  The colors, prints and fabrics were so vibrant and gorgeous, I couldn’t wait to try them on!   Here are a few of the looks we put together from their Spring Line:

 

Now you know why I was so excited to share with you this amazing store and to make sure you get to the closest Versona, or better yet, check them out online .

One last thing!  When it comes to accessories and  gifts (for any occasion) make sure Versona is the first place to go to shop, because I promise you, it won’t disappoint!  (see below)

I would love to hear from you after you visit Versona and see what fun things you find!

xo,

Kelley