Mostly Monochrome

March 19, 2015 Kelly Donohue

March 19, 2015

Los Angeles, CA

We’ve all got solid color separates in our wardrobe. Essential to our everyday, these staple pieces are truly great for any season.

Today, I’m sticking with separates that are both similar shades of gray. When pairing pieces that are within the same color hue, I find, that if done right, the outcome can be as striking as wearing a bold pattern or vivid color. The key is to mix different textures and designs. It doesn’t have do be anything dramatic but you’ll want to make sure that the fabrics and cuts are different enough from one another so that variety and depth is added where it otherwise may be lacking.

The ruffles and sophisticated structure of this peplum top from Ruche contrasts perfectly with my light-wash, more casual, denim skinnies. I cheated and added a touch of color with an orange statement necklace but since I am new to trying out this trend, I figured I’d start off slow. Mixing blacks, whites and neutrals are a great place to start. We all have to start somewhere, right? I’m hoping to become brave enough to pull off a brighter, bolder monochromatic look by the end of spring/beginning of summer. What do you guys think of mixing similar shades? Any pros out there?

Peplum Top: Ruche http://bit.ly/1EiyiPZ

Gray Skinnies: Nordstrom

Necklace: J. Crew (Similar here)

Bracelet & Rings: Madewell

Black Pumps: Aldo (On Sale)

Shop This Look:

Photos By: Courtney Locks

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September 5, 2014 Kelly Donohue

September 5, 2014

Los Angeles, CA

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, everyone is gearing up for cooler temperatures, the return of cozy nights, and apple flavored EVERYTHING. The change of seasons brings about a wonderful opportunity to allow us all the chance to refresh our tired summer outfits. However, to all of you who tend to jump the gun and overdress, don’t make that mistake this year and find yourself sweating in your best dress at the office! September often brings about some of the warmest days of the year, meaning your wardrobe really doesn’t and shouldn’t undergo a drastic shift- at least right away. Sure temperatures are bound to drop a bit, especially in the east coast, but I have found that there are great ways to transition your summer clothes into fall with the addition of a few basics.

I took one of my favorite denim summer dresses, from Urban Outfitters, and simply added a navy and white cropped turtleneck from ZARA and booties from Ruche. I eliminated the summer sandals and bohemian necklace and voila the dress is instantly transformed into a classic fall look. It is still breezy and light enough for warm days but the turtleneck adds a layer of warmth for chillier temperatures, making this a perfect outfit for this time of year. You can really achieve this look with any of your favorite basic summer dresses. I say basic because I think I lot of prints might make pairing tops a bit more challenging but you can certainly play around with that. Add a tomato or a mustard colored turtleneck and make this look really pop!

Dress: Urban Outfitters (Similar)

Booties: Chines Laundry via Ruche

Turtleneck: ZARA

Rings: TOPSHOP

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Get These Booties!

Photos By: Courtney Locks

Labor Day Weekend.

August 30, 2014 Kelly Donohue

August 30, 2014

Santa Monica, CA

While I don’t necessarily love the idea that Labor Day signifies the end of summer (I go into great detail about it in this post from last year), I cannot deny that the gorgeous weather and long-weekend festivities that usually coincide with this holiday are pretty great. Instead of heading out of town like the rest of the city, I am soaking up the HOT California sun and enjoying what this place has to offer. Catching up with friends, stopping by the beach, browsing around the local farmers markets and reading poolside are pretty high up on my to-do list this weekend. And hey! I may even try to catch up on some work.

I am such a big fan of this trapeze denim dress from TOPSHOP. It is such a fun style and serves as a wonderful canvas for accessorizing. I chose to dress it down today for some ocean side weekend activities with my Sperry seacoast canvas sneakers, beachy blue beaded necklaces from Old Navy, and a sun-shielding fedora from ASOS. This dress has infinite options for accessorizing. Dress it up with some booties and slicked back hair, or keep it Boho with a headband and some Birkenstocks. Whatever you choose, make it your own! That is what I love about dresses like this one, they give you the option to accessorize in so many different ways, which truly individualize the outfit!