Borrowed From The Boys
Jessica Wagner
The Coolest Loafers Of The Season
Menswear inspired clothing is at it’s best when paired with relaxed, feminine details.
These luxury Gucci loafers have been around for some time (have you seen these ones?) While this style may be nothing new, these particular slides feature a rosy floral embroidery that feels perfect for spring.
When I spotted this pair (at Forever 21 of all places) I had to give them a try. (Alas, this may be the closest I will come to owning the actual high-end set.) This was a definite save, as the splurge was just not in my relative future.
When it comes to fast-fashion vs. luxury brands, weigh your decisions carefully. While I have been lusting after the real deal, I rather save my pennies for a classic Chanel purse or something that I know won’t be off-trend in a few months. That’s not to say you shouldn’t invest in a quality loafer, but you might want to pass on the added details that may not withstand the test of time. The great thing about finding a similar style to a high-end look is that you can stay within your budget. This really allows you to go for a test-drive. Before investing in luxury pieces, say sunglasses for example, spec out a similar pair at a lower price point and see how much you really love them/wear them. Nobody wants those shopping regret blues!
For this outfit, in terms of going for a minimalistic boyish look, I layered my new-found loafers with a men’s vintage tweed overcoat and it’s seriously one of my favorite pieces. Personally, I have found this style hard to come by. Tweed blazers seem to be more abundant in options than the longer jacket style for women, but this coat is such an easy, smart layer any time of year. This one has been in my closet a long time, and shows some wear but I think that’s part of the charm! When searching for one of your own, don’t be afraid to look in the men’s (or little boys!) section.
Keeping it feeling femme with a hint of lace. A white button up shirt can make a subtle sexy play when paired with an eyelash bralette. Button downs should be slightly fitted through the body and hit below the waist. Tuck in the front, for a loose look.
As for the rest, try a slouchy handbag and retro feeling shades. The '90s are here to stay, so why not try a pair of slim oval lenses?
Dark-wash, raw-hem jeans, with an exposed ankle are still rounding out my favorite style denim, and keep it weekend-friendly.
As for hair: casual, effortless, elegance. I can’t wait to share with you guys how my experience using HairStory’s New Wash the last month has been going, but spoiler alert: I am loving my hair and having more fun with it in it’s natural state than I thought possible. Somehow I think we are brainwashed to believe if we don’t spend a certain amount of time tweaking our hair it doesn’t look good, and that’s just not true! I’m so used to having to curl and get those coveted “beach waves” that don’t come easy unless I invest a chunk of time to getting them just so. I have been washing, air-drying and leaving it natural and straight with the help of two other HairStory products, their Hair Balm and Dressed Up lotion. They give it subtle texture and I love running my fingers through it or pinning it up in a “real girl” bun. For some reason I’ve always felt self-conscious about my hair being “flat” or looking “boring” - if that’s the right word. I think my hair is also enjoying the freedom. (Anyway, full post and review to come!)
With Spring close at hand, I am ready to trade in my winter shoes for easy slip-on styles (and as we are about to go see Beauty and the Beast -favorite childhood Dinsney movie- there is no better time to add some rose -themed floral embroidery to your repertoire!) Ever appropriate for that allure of apparent effortlessness. Relaxed and easy as Coca-Cola in a bottle (not Diet.)
Outfit Details:
Jacket: Men's Vintage Tweed Overcoat (similar here) Top: Old Navy Classic White Button Down Bra: Forever 21 Sheer Eyelash Lace Bralette Jeans: Free People Destroyed Ankle Skinny Shoes: Forever 21 Horsebit Floral Loafer Mules Glasses: Urban Outfitters Bag: Zara (old, similar here) Earrings: Stella & Dot Triangle Path Ear Climber Lipstick: Tart Creamy Matte Lip Paint Birthday Suit Nails: Sally Hansen Lavender Cloud
