On The Hunt: Modern Pantsuit (This One’s For You, Stephanie!)

The Huntress-On The Hunt

A lovely reader, Stephanie, requested that I post about pants suits. Now, this was a challenge for me, as I rarely wear pants, if I can help it (see photo below), and even harder was that I rarely like to match tops and bottoms. But, The Huntress doesn’t stop just because things are hard! I really wanted to help you, Stephanie!

i hate pants

So, here are my inspiration photos from Pinterest:

I love the skinny leg and tailored color block jacket of this suit. It suddenly reminds me of a pair of shoes I had when I was a little girl. They were white with a little gold chain. How fashion forward of me!

suit 1

I know this really isn’t a pants suit, but I imagined this is what the suit above would look like if you removed the jacket. Additionally, it has such a classic look without the blazer, that I still think can be worn in the same instance as a pants suit. It may require a cami, but the sleeves diminish the need for a blazer.suit 2This next one is just as classic as the first, except that this one has the added embellishment. Jessica rocks this sequined trim, but that could easily be swapped out for something simpler, like satin or leather…suit 3See what I mean about the leather? It has that polished, yet bad ass look.
suit 5This might be one of my faves. Look at that peplum (oh god, I’m obsessed with peplums!) It’s just so darn classy! I will have to recreate this with some pieces I have in my closet! So chic, I can’t stand it!

suit 7This suit is more of a stylish combo than a real suit, but I think this is what a modern suit should look like. This pretty patterned jacket is perfectly tailored and the pink pants don’t seem as loud, when paired with the jacket. Everything about this says, “Kate Middleton” to me. suit 6This fun jumpsuit is also a great alternative to a pants suit. It still feels very professional, but this punchy color keeps it feeling young and modern. Great for a young office or a day to night look.

suit 41//2//3//4//5//6//7

So enough inspiration-where can you find these things?! Well, Express seems to be the best place to start.

Here is the Micro Dot Suit:

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And here is the Black Studio Stretch Suit:

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Next up, the Black Collection Drew Simply Straight Pants and 2-Button Jacket from The Limited

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Saks Off Fifth had the Purdy Crepe Jumpsuit by Diane Von Furstenberg:

DVF.purdy jumpsuit

Asos’ Goldie Halter Neck Jumpsuit is also a bright alternative!

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The most helpful hint is probably looking for separates from the same places. Check out these shops!

Banana Republic

Ann Taylor

J Crew

J Crew Factory

White House Black Market

Chico’s

Marciano by Guess

Seriously, I may go out and buy some pants suits now! Stephanie, I may be a convert!

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What I Wore: Birthday Month 2015

The Huntress-What I Wore

image Watercolor Blouse: Banana Republic Factory

IMG_4026IMG_4027Black Knit Top: Forever21 Essentials

Leopard Necklace: J Crew Factory (a birthday gift from my darling friend, Meg!) We bonded on this post 🙂
IMG_4024IMG_4025Sparkly Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

IMG_4021Aqua Blouse: Kohl’s, Candies

IMG_4018Pink Blouse: Express, similar

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Happy Birthday, Lovely! This fabulous City Studio junior’s dress was purchased at Macy’s on a spontaneous trip to Manhattan with Iron Man. It’s not sold online, but check in stores!

*You know I don’t talk too much about my personal life on my style blog, but I will say that I hope I mention Iron Man in more future posts 🙂

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Navy Top: J Crew Factory, a gift from my friend, Ashley.

Jewel Candy Necklace: J Crew Factory, ALSO a gift from Ashley! (and her hubs Patrick) It’s so sweet, I just want to eat it! Similar

Scalloped Pink Shirts: So cute, right?!?! Monteau Los Angeles via TJ Maxx

Pink Crossbody: Francesca’s, a gift from my best gal, Sue! Similar

 

And because I loved that outfit SO much, I morphed it into this for work…

IMG_4010 IMG_4013Shoes: Nine West Outlet, old

IMG_4008Floral Dress: Macy’s, Speechless (another Manhattan find…)

image_3With a pair of my favorite Sisters at the Taylor Swift concert!!!

Lace Blouse: Charlotte Russe

Denim: Target

Lace Short Extenders: Grace and Lace, Shorties

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Black Drapey Pants: Joe B via Kohl’s

Geode Necklace: A gift from Barb!! Etsy, via shopgreyweather. SO beautiful, right?! It’s on a 32″ rose gold chain and goes with just about everything. Lovely 🙂

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Pink Blazer: Charlotte Russe

Striped Dress: Monteau Los Angeles via TJ Maxx

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And just because this is so ridiculous, I had to include this photo of me wearing a “real” blanket scarf

These next few outfits seem to be early July favorites as you can see from last year’s post

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Lavender Cardigan: J Crew, Clare Cardigan

Skirt: Banana Republic Factoryimage_7Red Cardigan: J Crew, Clare Cardigan

Polka Dotted Skirt: Banana Republic FactoryIMG_4030Skirt: Banana Republic Factory

And in the spirit of Independence Day, and supporting the financial independence of women everywhere, here are all of the sales I found:

J Crew Factory is having a 50% of EVERYTHING sale, and then ANOTHER 20% off of selected items. Use the code “HOTSALE”.

J Crew is having a 40-60% off final sale items. Use the code “LONGWEEKEND”.

Charming Charlie has a 4th of July sale, Buy 2, Get 1 Free.

What I Wore: New Spring Clothes!

Lots of new clothes being worn this week!

The Huntress-What I Wore

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Typical Wednesday Work Wear!

Navy Top: Uniqlo

Striped Skirt: H&M Outlet (so so so cute!) I should have taken a close-up, because it’s really good quality with a gold zipper in the back…divine

Nude Pumps: Guess via TJ Maxx

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Saturday in the City!

Striped Blazer: H&M Outlet

White Peplum Top: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Necklace: Olive + Piper

Lace Shorts: Charlotte Russe, Similar

Tights: CVS 🙂

Heels: Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx

Black Clutch: Jessica McClintock via TJ Maxx

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Sunday Brunch!

Denim Jacket: TJ Maxx

Aqua Blouse: Candies via Kohl’s (you can’t see, but there are tiny ruffles and esprit dots all over 🙂 love it)

Denim: Van Heusen (so comfy, like dress pants!)

Tan Peep Toe Booties: Jessica Simpson via TJ Maxx

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Pink Striped Tee: J Crew, Painter’s Boat Neck Tee

Pants: Express Outlet, Columnist Skinny, on clearance for $29.99! (they are actually a black and white tweed, but they have a very “denim” look, so I can wear them with tops in colors that don’t necessarily go with black…finally!)

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My Darling Sarah’s Bachelorette Party!

Black Halter Top: New York & Co. (so old, I can’t even remember when it was purchased!)

Aztec Pants: TJ Maxx

Peep Toe Heels: Bandolino via TJ Maxx

Necklace: Olive + Piper

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Moving Day at Work!

Printed Blouse: Banana Republic Factory

Coral Cardigan: Banana Republic Factory

Leggings: Express

Flats: ALDO, Sorah Flats

What I Wore: Early April

The Huntress-What I Wore

As a side note, WordPress has updated their setup and it’s got me all confused. The photos are small, so I’m going to play around this week and try to figure this out. In the meantime, get out your magnifying glass to enjoy these outfits 🙂

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Slouchy top: Divided by H&M (try in-store!)

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Happy Easter!

Floral Dress: Kohl’s

Necklace: Easter Gift! Thanks Dad & Barb 🙂 Olive + Piper

Lavender Cardigan: J. Crew Factory, Clare Cardigan

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Striped Dress: J Crew Factory (scored on their 50% off EVERYTHING sale last week!!!)

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Printed Blouse: Express

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Striped Top: J Crew, Painter’s Boatneck Tee 25% off-SHOPNOW

Checked Vest: J Crew Factory, Black Cape Gingham Excursion Vest, ebay

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Same H&M slouchy top with Olive + Piper necklace!

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Coral Cardigan: J. Crew Factory, Clare Cardigan

White Peplum Top: Ann Taylor Factory

Ripped Jeans: Similar

Necklace: Olive + Piper

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Leather Piped Blazer: H&M, Similar I want that one too, Similar (try in store for exact one!)

Denim: My fave…Nordstrom, Wit and Wisdom

What I Wore: Early March 2015

The Huntress-What I Wore

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Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Denim: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: ALDO, Sorah Flats

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Leopard Blouse: Express Portofino Blouse

Green Skirt: Banana Republic Factory

Coral Coat: J Crew Factory
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Navy Blouse: New York & Co. Factory

Denim: Van Heusen Factory

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Oatmeal Top: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Necklace:

Glasses: Ralph Lauren via Lenscrafters

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Sweatshirt: J Crew Factory Funnel-neck Sweatshirt-Major Clearance! Sold Out now 😦

 

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Seriously, how cute is this striped top?! I couldn’t wait until spring to wear it. It is the Painter’s Boatneck Tee by J Crew (regular store) *SIDE NOTE* The J Crew regular store was having a 30% off sale and with the discount, that was even cheaper than the Factory! Necklace is from Urban Outfitters a million years ago

 


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Snake Print Blouse: Express, similar

Blazer: Charlotte Russe

Skirt: J Crew Factory-Clearance

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Ikat Printed Blazer: Charlotte Russe

White Tee: J Crew Factory, similar

Blue Necklace: Italy…

Blue Pants: Target, similar

Black Heels: Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx

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Sweater: TJ Maxx special, old

White Tee: Same as above

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Sweater: Same as above

Gray Tee: J Crew Factory Tissue Tee

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Striped Tee: Painter’s Boatneck Tee by J Crew

Charcoal Pants: Express (These have been in my closet for years with the tags still attached. They have always been a little too big, but with my love for carbs on the rise, I tried them on and they fit perfectly! Yay!)

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Cute Cute Cute Ruffle Coat: Rampage. I couldn’t find a similar one!

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Cream Embroidered Top: Charlotte Russe

Oatmeal Cardigan: Target

IMG_3930Happy Bridal Shower Day to my Darling, Sarmie!

Yellow Floral Sketch Dress: Charlotte Russe, a few years old

Pearls: Charming Charlie

 

“If the shoe fits”, should I still wear it?

i have nothing to wear

source

No matter what stage of life I have been in, I find it difficult to know what I should be wearing. Are any of you going through the same thing?

I remember being about 16 and shopping at Hollister. I went to pick up a cute top, and a girl who looked 13 came over with her mom and picked up the exact same top. Hmmm, was I too old, or was she too young?

Then a few years later, similar things started happening to me at Forever21, Charlotte Russe, and American Eagle. I mean, the clothes definitely fit me, but did that mean I should be wearing them?

After several unsettling instances, I started going to places like Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor LOFT, Banana Republic, and Express. These places were better, but then I was surrounded by cool moms and business-y ladies. Is it OK that I can wear a mother AND daughter’s wardrobes?

I recently started a new obsession with J. Crew. Of course they have been around for ages, but I feel like they are a good age appropriate store for a 20-something who is closer to 30 than 20.

My conclusion is that by MIXING pieces from Charlotte Russe and J Crew, I can create a unique look that looks expensive and pulled together without breaking the bank.

Check out this post for where I shop.

Where I Shop (For Clothes)

shopping bagssource

Where do I shop for my clothes?

ALDO

American Eagle

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor LOFT

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Factory

Bebe

Charming Charlie

Express

Forever21

J. Crew

J. Crew Factory

Kate Spade Outlet

Kohl’s

Marshalls

New York & Co.

Nine West

Nordstrom

Old Navy

Target

The Limited

TJ Maxx

These are the places I typically shop, but let’s be honest, there have been few stores where I can’t find something that I like. Reading other blogs, Pinterest, and Google searching things I’m craving, has led me to some great online shops for more unique pieces.

Happy Hunting!

Pinspiration: Grey T-Shirt and Jewel Necklace

The Huntress-Pinspiration

I saw my friend pin this last week, and I repined it immediately. I knew it would be a perfect outfit to recreate for you, since I had all of the pieces!

Pinspiration

grey tshirt and jewel necklace

My Version:

IMG_3823 IMG_3822 IMG_3824

I’m pretty impressed with how well this came together!

Army Jacket: Charlotte Russe (old), SimilarSimilar

Grey T-Shirt: J Crew Factory

Nude Tank Top: BeMaternity by Ingrid & Isabel via Target (maternity style was the only one long enough!! womp womp)

Necklace: J Crew

Skinny Jeans: CAbi

Gold Toe Flats: Nine West Sharada via TJ Maxx, Similar (Secret: these are a little too big for me, so I pulled them out for the photo, but you ail rarely see me wearing them!)

Hope you like this outfit as much as I do!

 

Pinspiration:White Button Down and Leather Pants

The Huntress-Pinspiration

Late last night, I realized that I have been so busy this week that I didn’t get to do a Pinspiration post! Even worse, I didn’t even go on Pinterest to find an outfit to inspire me for Wednesday. So I took a few hours minutes browsing and found an outfit to recreate. In my rush this morning, I blended 2 outfits together. This is only unfortunate, because I have all of the pieces to make each outfit individually. But it is what is is for today…

Pinspiration 1white shirt and skinny jeans

Pinspiration 2

leather pants, cardigan, and chambray top

 

And here’s my hybrid:

IMG_3819Taupe Cardigan: Ann Taylor Factory

White Button Down: Boscov’s, Architect Petite (not loving this shirt, so I’m not going to bother linking it) Try this solid onethis subtle striped one, or this polka dotted one from, where else, but J Crew Factory for a better, slimmer fit! Or to get REALLY close to the Pinspiration 1 shirt, try the Endless Shirt from J Crew also.

Pleather Leggings (Pleather in the front, regular leggings in the back-mullet style) are from TJ Maxx

Taupe Boots: Marco Tozzi

The long, white tank I am wearing here is my ancient American Eagle one. After I saw a hole in the side, I FINALLY ordered a long white tank top from Olivia and Jane, which I talked about in this post. I got it on a flash sale a few days ago from Jane.com (WARNING: This site is dangerous!!) I only bought 1, so in case I hate it, I won’t feel bad , and if I love it, I can buy 9 more 🙂