Style

Style: My Everyday Look

This is my go-to look these days. My favorite cropped skinny pants (they’re on sale, 35% off today), a silk (er, polyester) top, and a cardigan if I get cold. Short, boyish hair, boyish shoes, and big glasses, offset by some serious jewelry and simple but feminine makeup. I’ll probably be packing some variation on this for Alt Summit next week, but I’m undecided about what to wear on my panel. It’s about dealing with negativity, so should probably wear something wildly unflattering on me that will be sure to have people guessing when a pregnancy announcement will be imminent! So… short bodycon dress, yes? Something with a peplum?

Style: January 2014, Making it Lovely

  1. Ultra Skinny Stretch Pants, Gap
    I’ve linked to these before, but that’s because I love them and wear mine often. I’d hate to send you over to a similar looking pair from somewhere else, for variety’s sake, only to find out that they’re terrible!

  2. Plus One Glasses in Maraschino Cherry, Rivet & Sway
    Those mottled tortoiseshell glasses always get me.

  3. Pavé Arrowtip Ring, Madewell
    A little something to work with that bananas necklace.

  4. Ursa Necklace, Loren Hope
    BAM. Now that’s a necklace.

  5. The Kensington Satchel, Madewell
    I carried this around the store with me when I did an event there. It’s the perfect size and shape.

  6. Fidji L061 Shoes, Zappos
    Smart, boyish oxfords, how I do love thee.

  7. Pim + Larkin Bow Sleeve Blouse in Ballet Pink, Piperlime
    Inexpensive little tops like these are a staple of mine. They dress up nicely, tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt, too!

  8. Charter School Cardigan in Gold, ModCloth
    One of my favorite colors to wear. (Maybe because it nearly matches my eyes?)

  9. Écriture de Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner, Nordstrom
    The best liquid liner.

  10. Benefit — They’re Real! Mascara, Sephora
    I tried this on the advice of some mascara-loving friends, and yeah. It’s awesome.

  11. KORRES Pomegranate Lip Butter, Sephora
    Sheer, but still colorful, and good for your lips. Less intense than a full-on lipstick.

p.s. I’m trying something new here. My affiliate program has a ‘shop the post’ widget that I’m embedding below. I included an alternative pair of shoes and another bag that almost made the post. Helpful?

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  • Jane
    January 13, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    Those shoes and that necklace are gorgeous! I can never wear large statement necklaces like that, though. My neck just gets sore and I keep pulling on the necklace, which obviously isn’t a very stylish way to sit through events. How do you deal with the heaviness issue?

    • Making it Lovely
      January 13, 2014 at 1:32 pm

      I’ve never been bothered by a too-heavy necklace. Am I in the minority on that? Maybe I’m just used to them. I do have a pair of giant earrings that I am keenly aware of for the first 20 minutes or so, but then I don’t notice anymore.

  • Rebecca | Seven2Seven8
    January 13, 2014 at 1:30 pm

    This post is inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny (your remark about what to wear on the panel, in particular). I am a pretty-new reader to your blog, though I’ve been redirected here by other bloggers over the years. I know from recent posts you live in a place that gets COLD in the winter. Do you find bare ankles and less than two full-length-sleeve tops sufficiently warm in the winter? Especially in an older (colder) home? I tend to favor socks and boot/straight-cut pants in the winter so I can wear less-graceful footwear and stay warm.

    • Making it Lovely
      January 13, 2014 at 1:41 pm

      Thanks! If it’s snowy out, of if I’ll be walking for a long time, I’ll wear boots instead of shoes. And I keep plenty of throw blankets around the house in case it’s a bit chilly. Bare ankles don’t bother me anymore than a bare face or gloveless hands though. So maybe this would be attire for 30° or warmer?

      • Rebecca | Seven2Seven8
        January 13, 2014 at 2:22 pm

        Ah! Yes. Well, bare ankles and neck do make me colder, but I love those shoes. The second the temps hit about 45-50, and I’m all over bare ankles again.

  • Heidi
    January 13, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    Love, love, love that Loren Hope necklace. You’re absolutely right – that is a necklace!

  • Edmée bijoux
    January 13, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Oh, big crush on glasses ! Too bad, the site is in English … :( (I’m french… ) <3

    Alex – Edmée bijoux

  • Sarah
    January 13, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    I just want you to know (for what it’s worth) that when you post affordable fashion like this, I usually purchase at least SOMETHING of your recommendations.

    This time it was the blouse and the pants.

    Just wanted to inspire you to keep ’em coming.

    • Making it Lovely
      January 14, 2014 at 10:11 am

      I hope you like the pants! I ordered the blouse too, but in red (since I already have another in that blushy pink color that’s similar in shape).

  • Nancy
    January 13, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    I’m so glad someone asked about the cold! I live just across the lake from Chicago in MI and I can’t wear ankle length pants for most of the year because I get too cold! Funny how we all react to the cold differently. I bought these pants on your recommendation and do love them, but sadly I’ve decided they are spring to fall pants only for the same reason as the other comments. I can’t make them work with warm socks unless I have full length boots which I don’t wear inside since we are a ‘take off outside shoes’ house. Anyway, love the lady oxfords and the fashion post.

  • april
    January 13, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    How fabulous that you have nearly golden eyes! And thanks for the link to Rivet & Sway; they are new to me but have exactly the frames I am looking for.

    • Making it Lovely
      January 14, 2014 at 10:16 am

      They’re hazel, so depending on what I wear, they can take on a more amber or green look. Glad you found some glasses!

      • Holly
        January 15, 2014 at 3:33 pm

        I always enjoy your posts, but I enjoy reading your comments even more because you engage the conversation. I also have hazel eyes and they change with my outfits and make-up. I’ve been looking for a classic bag and this one could very well be it and a decent price point too so thanks for that. I’m a “must see in person” type of gal so I might have to head over to Madewell to check it out.

  • Charity
    January 13, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    Nicole, SO excited to hear you talk at ALT!!! I admire your point of view, interior & fashion sense and as a soon-to-be mom…I can only hope I can juggle the way you do! Keep up the great job! -Charity

    • Making it Lovely
      January 14, 2014 at 10:17 am

      Thank you! I hope you’ll come and say hello. :)

  • Julie
    January 13, 2014 at 8:51 pm

    How much stretch to the pants have? I have a similar pair from J.Crew which claim to have a little spandex in them but I it doesn’t seem like there is any, and I like to have a little stretch in my pants so I may have to try these.

    PS. SO wish I was going to be at Alt. 2015 for sure!

    • Making it Lovely
      January 14, 2014 at 8:49 am

      They have a fair amount of stretch, but I’m not sure how they compare to J.Crew’s.

  • Brittany Lauren
    January 14, 2014 at 12:01 am

    I used to love Benefit — They’re Real! Mascara but it lasted 2 weeks. Found it too clumpy and dried up fast. For just a little bit more I will always recommend/push DIOR Diorshow Mascara for amazingness!

    p.s congrats on your speaking engagement!

    • Making it Lovely
      January 14, 2014 at 10:18 am

      I think I bought my mascara maybe 5-6 months ago, and it’s still good. I’ve heard great things about that Dior mascara too though. Maybe I’ll give it a try next!

  • Julia
    January 14, 2014 at 6:00 am

    That mascara is no joke! Also, every girl has to have a nice tight pair of black pants.

  • Kayli Schattner
    January 14, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    I love everything about this look! Looks like something I’d love to have in my closet :)

  • Abby
    January 14, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    Silly question, but what do you wear for socks with this type of outfit? Thanks!

  • lin
    January 14, 2014 at 11:21 pm

    Do the gap pants have pockets? or are the seams just for show? i got the same pants from the gap outlet and no pockets, just faux seams. :(

  • Christine
    January 15, 2014 at 10:29 am

    Your style is always so effortlessly chic, I have no doubt you will rock whatever you wear at Alt. More outfit posts please!