Search Results for: label/Rule of Three

White Skirt | Three Ways

July 6, 2016

Some style posts are well-thought-out…maybe an article of clothing I fell in love with and wanted to create a post around (like these yellow espadrilles), or an idea that formed from a number of reader-requests (like most of these Five Ways, and the whole Work to Weekend series). But some style posts happen organically without my even realizing it…like this one.

I picked up this white midi skirt for our trip last month, and before I knew it, I’d worn it so many different ways in my day-to-day life, that I realized it was a wardrobe staple worth sharing.

Paired with heels and statement jewelry, it was the perfect mix of stylish and casual for speaking at the Bloom Conference in May. I tied the gingham shirt at the waist for a bit more panache.

Gingham Shirt | Similar Necklace | Hoop Earrings

For a second look, I went with a classic Summer medley of red, white and blue. Our founding fathers really knew their color combos, right?! This was after a day on the water, so the hat disguised my lake hair, and the lightweight off-the-shoulder top and espadrilles made it look like I’d given the look a lot more effort than I really had.

When Mr. SP is taking the photos, there’s usually a lot of laughing…hence the big mouth and spread nostrils.

Off-the-Shoulder Top (long sleeve version here) | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings

Some days it’s too hot even for shorts, so I reach for a breezy skirt like this one…and it doesn’t get much easier than a muscle tank and sneakers. Super casual, definitely comfortable, but still full of style.

Playing with that whole ‘Power of Three’ rule, the addition of tassel bracelets and a hat elevate the look even more.

Sugarplum Style Tip: Knotting your tee or popping the collar gives your outfit a dash of pizzazz.

I could have kept going with more outfits…in fact, I wore the skirt on our trip, and again for a recent Date Night…so I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot of it. Which was your favorite look of the three? See more Summer Style here, and find all my Five Ways posts here.

{Shop More White Skirts}

{Shop These Outfits}

Rule of Three

October 30, 2015

Happy Friday! Thanks for all your encouragement on yesterday’s {One Room Challenge} update, I need all the good mojo I can get! I know I’ll have a room to share by the reveal date…I’d just rather it be complete!

For today’s Fashion Friday, we’re revisiting The Rule of Three, this time with my latest plaid obsession (see the dress worn {Now & Later} too).

The Rule of Three, or Power of Three, is the principle that things that come in threes are inherently funnier, more aesthetically pleasing, or more effective, than other grouped number of things.

So what’s so special about a third piece? Well, it adds pizazz to an otherwise basic outfit, making you look more stylish and put together. Essentially, it’s a simple trick that creates more chic outfits.

Many consider the top and bottom to be the first and second pieces, with a jacket, sweater, vest or statement accessory as the third piece. I prefer to take it a little further #surprisesurprise…with my entire base outfit being the first piece, and layering on extra elements as the second and third pieces. Let’s demonstrate…

{ONE // Base Outfit}

{TWO // Base Outfit + Belt}

{THREE // Base Outfit + Belt + Necklace & Bracelet}

{FOUR // Base Outfit + Belt + Jewels + Vest}

Yep, I added yet a fourth piece…no shocker there. But as the weather cools, the opportunities to bring on more layers increases. Sure each outfit is cute on it’s own, but there’s no question the Power of Three reigns true in creating a more stylish outfit.

I just can’t help myself, I adore this dress and building outfits, so how about we go again?!?

{ONE // Base Outfit}

Plaid Dress | Booties (similar) | Sunglasses | Watch | Spike Bracelet | Earrings

{TWO // Base Outfit + Necklace & Bracelet}

{THREE // Base Outfit + Jewels + Cardigan}

{FOUR // Base Outfit + Jewels + Cardigan + Hat}

I’m not saying that in order to look polished or be stylish, you must have a third piece, but you’d be surprised by how much more put together you’ll look, and feel, if you take the time to add an extra element or two to your outfit. Are you a member of Rule of Three Fan Club? Have you started implementing the formula in your daily outfits? Happy Halloween weekend, lovebugs!

{Shop More Plaid Shirtdresses}

Thank you, Mary Summers, for the fabulous pictures, and Bailey at The Dallas Arboretum for a fun afternoon!

Winter Brights | Stripes & Puffer Vest

February 1, 2017

Today we’re continuing the {5 Ways} series around wearing Winter Brights, and this outfit is packing a fun punch! (See Day 1 of pink and navy here, and yesterday’s pink and red here.) This combo is speaking my preppy love language, but the boots give it a little edge, and the bling a touch of sparkle.

I love piling on the layers for added pattern and color, but also so I can skip the heavy coat (most days anyway)! It’s the little touches like combining stripes and gingham, and the addition of fun accessories, that take this casual outfit to the next level. It’s easy to throw together, and comfy to wear, yet so effortlessly stylish. (Rule of Three in the houuuuuuuse!)

I’ve worn these boots almost daily since finding them…the block-heel provides so much stability and support, and they’re as comfy as a flat boot. Plus, I adore the cognac shade, and you can’t beat the price!

Fit Tip: The boots ran a little snug for me, so I sized up half-size.

Boots

#jumpingfail

Puffer vests are a great way for adding warmth and color, but not a lot of bulk…see more styles with them here, here, here, and here. Wow, clearly I’m a fan of the puffer. How about you? Do you like all the layers, or do you prefer to keep your outfits minimal?

{Shop this Outfit}

See more styles in this Winter Brights Series:
Pink & Navy
Pink & a Pop of Red

*Photos by the darling & talented Mary Summers*

Sugarplum Style Tip | How-To Tie a Blanket Scarf

December 6, 2016

Thanks so much for all the love on our Christmas tree (and cozy pajamas!) yesterday! I’m thrilled you like how the holiday decor fit with the new Dining Room, and I’m excited to share more of the house with you in the coming weeks.

Today’s post is answering one of my most-asked questions….how did you tie your scarf?!

It seems easy enough, right?! After all, Pinterest and Instagram is full of people prancing around in darling scarves.

Yet somehow, when we try to wear one, we end up looking like we’re being attacked by said darling scarf! #fail

Granted some scarves are too big, and do overwhelm the person prancing about (in my very opinionated opinion). But many just need a little finessing, so here’s a step-by-step guide to hopefully help!

ONE // Start with a square scarf (most blanket scarves are square…some are rectangular, but I avoid most of those because they create too much bulk around your neck, unless you wear them draped, or as a shawl).

Southwestern Scarf

TWO // Fold scarf diagonally to create a triangle. (I don’t have the wingspan to show the whole scarf, but trust me, it’s a triangle.)

THREE // This step is easier to show than explain, but I bunch or roll the scarf until I’m holding either side of the point. This cuts down on the excess material, and therefore, bulk.

FOUR // Drape the ends over your shoulders, but don’t pull back so tight that the scarf covers your face. We aren’t trying to be bandits.

FIVE // Cross the ends behind your head, and pull to the front. Note the distance between the scarf and my face. #thisisnotastickup

You can leave the ends loose like this, or go on to the next step.

SIX // Loop the ends in front, and pull just tight enough so the flap of the scarf covers it.

And voila! Sometimes you have to zhush it a bit more by pulling the scarf away from your face, or pressing the folds down so they don’t block your vision. If you get too flustered, take it off and start again. You know how sometimes it takes a second or third attempt to get a good ponytail?! Scarves are kind of like that.

Speaking of ponytails, I usually wear my hair back with a blanket scarf (just to cut down on the amount of stuff bunching around my neck), but I forgot a hair tie. #badblogger

We’re not looking for perfection though, blanket scarves look best when they’re a little messy and relaxed.

Infinity scarves are an easy way to get the look if you’re not on-board the blanket scarf train. I just loop it around my head twice, then finagle the material until it lies mostly flat.

Here’s a handy-dandy graphic I whipped up, because it’s what bloggers do.

So was this tutorial helpful? Are you a certified scarf whisperer now?! #thatsarealthing Did you also notice how simply changing the scarf mixed up the entire outfit?! Just like the Power of Three, I could do a whole series on the Power of Scarves! #challengeaccepted Plus, they make excellent gifts for girlfriends, moms, sisters, teachers, and dogs.

And let’s not forget gifting ourselves. (Because who’s going to put something in your stocking if you don’t?! #amIright) 😉 Santa is bringing me this one. And maybe this one, since it’s half-off! Don’t overlook the Men’s department too, after all, scarves are mostly gender-neutral and one-size-fits-all!

{Favorite Scarves to Get & Give}

{Shop My Outfit}

Photos by the crazy-talented & always-darling, Mary Summers.

*This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothes, ideas, and scarf-whispering are my own. #stillarealthing Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*