Think Spring. Desperately Think Spring!

The sun is shining and it's actually starting to feel like spring around here. This was a ROUGH winter and pretty much everyone I know is looking forward to warmer weather. I can't wait until my first beach day! It's amazing how 45 degrees feels so incredible right now. Yesterday was the gloomiest, rainiest day and it was chilly to boot. Today feels like an entirely different season and I can't tell you how excited that makes me!

Before I head out for my morning run, I thought I'd give everyone a little springtime outfit inspiration.

Since we all work for a living, I thought I'd start with a great look for the office. I am currently obsessed with the idea of a monochromatic white outfit paired with the super trendy rose gold:

Cream and Rose Gold by rtboo featuring Topshop

For a punch of color, I added the light coral bag that works perfectly with the rose gold. I would love to wear an outfit like this to a business meeting. It's powerful in its simplicity. And who wouldn't take you seriously if you were dressed like this, am I right?

Next, I felt inspired to put together a fun, light, springtime outfit perfect for a date night out. It's restaurant week in Portsmouth this week and I can totally see myself strutting down the cobblestones on my way to an amazing dinner. My date? Who cares when I look this fabulous and am about to eat something really delicious. It's a minor detail I'll figure out later.

Date Night by rtboo featuring a bracelet bangle

And last but certainly not least in my springtime inspiration post is the perfect weekend outfit. Whether you are running errands like grocery shopping or a trip to Home Depot or an afternoon shopping with the girls, or even a quick pedicure, this outfit is perfect. Colorful, comfortable, stylish- what more do you need? (I personally need my summer feet, actually. They are SO not ready for sandals!)

Errands by rtboo featuring flat shoes

So there you have it- some springtime outfit inspiration. I hope this helps you feel like spring is actually arriving. It helped me a little.

Now it's time for me to head out for a quick run. Maybe one of these days I'll post about workout fashion. Or not. I'm not a fan of being sweaty.

Thanks for reading!

You Pick!

I've been keeping very busy lately with various projects lately, but the most recent was the RPM Challenge. For those of you unfamiliar with this project, it's actually a really cool concept. Essentially, musician (bands, individuals, whatever) sign up for the challenge on February 1st. From that point, they have one month to complete and record an entire album of music- either 10 songs or 35 minutes. The music must be all original and while it's ok to write the music ahead of time, all recording must take place in those 28 days.

When you're done, you hand in your album and bask in the glow of having completed a difficult challenge. (How many people do YOU know who have recorded an entire album of their own original music?) There is no prize, no winners or losers. If you finish, you win. Well, I finished. I wrote an album this year and I'm actually kind of proud of it. It was inspired by the song I wrote for Olive and Marek's baby shower last summer and that song was the jumping off point of the album. I decided to write an album for and about children and I decided to write it all for ukulele and voice. (One song has an awesome harmonica added to it, but other than that, all uke and me.)

Throughout the process, I drew inspiration (and tons of encouragement and support) from my many friends who have children or know children or just like children. They sent me their kids artwork, told me stories about them, shared photos, ideas and experiences with me that truly served as inspiration for nearly every single song. One friend suggested I set up a performance of these songs at her local library, and I'll admit that at the beginning of the challenge, the idea of performing hadn't even crossed my mind. But once the album was finished and it was receiving such a positive response from so many friends and their kids, I decided to go for it. I set up the performance and it's happening in late April.

Which brings me to this question: What do YOU think I should wear? I created a polyvore set of outfits that I could put together using items already in my closet. I'm just not sure which one I want to go with. So, could you please vote on which one you think is best?

#1: Purple jeans, chambray top, yellow belt, neutral oxfords.
#2: Green dress, polka-dot scarf, boots.
#3: Dark wash skinny jeans, plaid top, mint chuck taylors.

Library Performance by rtboo featuring long sleeve shirts

I think it's important to wear something colorful and light-hearted, but I just can't decide. Please leave a comment and let me know your favorite! And if you want to know about the performance so you can attend and bring your children, just email me! I'll give you all the details!

It's Cold.

This morning as I write this post, the temperature outside is in the low 20's. So I can think of nothing more appropriate to write about than outerwear. It's obvious, I know, but I promise to include lots of pretty looks.

I've said before here on the blog that I love winter because with the outerwear look, you're essentially getting to put together two outfits every day. It's double the fashion! How can that be bad, right? So, today I just want to show some fabulous outwear pieces to jazz up your closet this winter.

For starters, get yourself something with fur. Faux or real, whatever you prefer, although real is always SO incredibly warm. I know a lot of people take issue with real fur for the cruelty aspect, but fortunately there is a LOT of really great faux fur out there right now. Shop around- you'll see what I mean.

If you're new to fur, go for accents of it as an introduction. It will seem far less overwhelming:

Fur by rtboo featuring American Eagle Outfitters

A fur collar, or trim on your cuffs, or even a fur hat will all add a touch of elegance and opulence to your winter outerwear. Even a scarf or head wrap added to a basic wool coat can completely transform your look.

My second favorite choice for this season is the quilted look. It's been around for a few seasons now, but it's more streamlined and sporty than ever. There are also some more sophisticated quilted options out there so you don't have to feel too dressed-down in them. There are poly-fil options as well as down and other feather options, so pick your fave.

Quilted by rtboo featuring a j.crew vest

I love how geometric the quilting can be- which, by the way, is another trend for this season- linear, geometric patterns will be everywhere.

What's your go-to outerwear look? Do you have a collection of coats and accessories, or do you have one classic staple that you wear just about every day? Leave a comment and tell me!

Wear This: Leopard and Cream

Leopard print, oh leopard print. You are sometimes so tricky to wear, aren't you? I have some leopard print heels that I wear every now and then and a fabulous leopard print dress that will be great for a date night one of these days. But aside from that, I don't often head in the leopard print direction when I'm out shopping. Here's why: it's a tricky print to wear. Seriously tricky. Why so tricky? Because if the garment is just a smidge too tight, or the top is on the borderline of being too low-cut, or the hemline on the dress is just a half inch too short, then your leopard print look is suddenly SLUTTY. We try not to do slutty here on S...tNB, so I'm going to tell you how to wear leopard so that you ALWAYS look classy. We're classy here on S...tNB, okay?

For starters, all of those things I just mentioned- low cut top, too tight anything, too short skirt or dress- avoid them all when wearing leopard print. And that goes for anything you pair WITH something leopard print. (By the way, this goes for cheetah and zebra and basically any animal print, but since leopard is far and away the most popular, I'll be using it in this post.) By this I mean that if you are wearing a leopard-print skirt that is an appropriate fit and length, you should still be careful not to wear a top with it that is too low cut, etc.

Second, try to pair leopard with something other than black. Black is so harsh and also such an obvious choice for a neutral. Think outside the box and wear something else- camel, chocolate brown, or my personal favorite neutral for leopard: CREAM. It's the perfect combination of soft and edgy.

Leopard and Cream by rtboo featuring a black pencil skirt

As you can see from the polyvore set above, it works for casual outfits as well as dressy looks. You can wear this to the office or out on a date. It's just as good a look for lunch with your girlfriends as it is for parent/teacher night.

A final tip when wearing leopard print is to keep your accessories minimal. It's fine to add a pop of color with your shoes, a bag or even a statement necklace, but if you do so, stop there. Don't over-accessorize and definitely don't wear multiple bold pieces. After all, the leopard print is pretty bold on its own, so too many other bold, eye-catching pieces along with it and you'll just end up looking like a mess. Trust me on this.

I think I may have just inspired myself to go shopping for more leopard print pieces for my wardrobe. Having a style blog is really not good for my checking account.

Anyway, enjoy your day, everyone and as always- thank you for stopping by and reading!

Persimmon Pants

I'm the absolute worst when it comes to dry cleaning. I hate dealing with it, so I usually wait until the end of a season to bring everything in. Then I promptly forget that I've got clothes waiting to be picked up until months later and suddenly I'm getting phone calls from the cleaners saying, "Come get your stuff!" I did that recently, I'm ashamed to admit. But the great part about doing that is seeing what fabulous stuff I forgot that I own! I picked up a few things this week and among them was my oh-so-stellar pair of red velvet pants! I love these pants!

Anyway, rediscovering these pants reminded me of a conversation I had with Beth a little over a week ago. We were walking down to the SoWa vintage market in South Boston (more on that soon) and a woman walked by in a pair of bright green pants. We started talking about this fabulous new trend of brightly colored jeans and pants and Beth mentioned that she's been wanting a pair of fabulous red pants for a while now. But not true red, more like persimmon or rust. Something that works for fall, but that could also be somewhat season-less. And let's face it, doesn't everyone need a pair of completely fabulous persimmon pants? No doubt.

So, to inspire all you lovelies out there, here are my picks in a range from dark orange to deep burgundy, from skinny to wide-leg, high-waist to hipster, there's a pant here for anyone and everyone, I promise:

Persimmon Pants by rtboo featuring a cropped trousers

"But just how do you wear such a bold pant, Renee?" you ask. I know, it can be tricky.

For starters, the fit has to be impeccable. Take them to a tailor and get the length just right. Nip the waist, the thigh, the ankle- whatever it is that needs tweaking, have them do it and make sure these pants perfectly tailored. There is no other way, truly.

Next, find some rich, neutral pieces to layer onto the look- colors like chocolate brown, charcoal grey and creamy white will all work beautifully. Go with whatever compliments your skin tone, or what you like best. You can't go wrong. As long as your shade of pants isn't too close to pumpkin orange, you could even pair them with black. But be careful- too pumpkin-y and then combination with black just screams, "I love HALLOWEEN!" And I, personally HATE Halloween. But regardless of your feelings towards the holiday, you probably don't want your sartorial choices to be telling the world that you love Halloween. Just sayin'. Also, avoid a bold print. You want the pants to be the focal point, so any eye-catching print will likely just compete with them. So not cool.

Finally, add some complimentary accessories and head out the door confident in the knowledge that you are seriously ROCKING red pants. Then leave a comment here and tell me how awesome it felt. No, seriously. Leave me a comment- you know how I love them!

If you're having trouble picturing the look, here's some inspiration for you:

More Persimmon Pants by rtboo featuring a green t shirt

I think I've inspired myself to wear my red pants this week! Off to the closet I go- gotta plan the outfit!

Have an awesome day, everyone! Thanks for reading!

Jersey is Your New Summertime Friend

It was rainy last Wednesday and I needed something comfortable to wear. I started digging through my closet and drawers and kept coming up empty handed. My plans included running a few errands and then seeing a movie with some friends. All I could decide on for my outfit was that I needed to wear my wellies, because of the weather. It was warm and rainy. I wanted to look cute, but be comfortable as well. Finally, I was able to put this look together:

Sorry for the poor quality photo. I never took a picture that day, so I had to re-create it and the lighting and my camera aren't cooperating today. But, you get the idea. It's an adorable outfit, perfectly comfortable for sitting in a movie theatre, running errands in the rain and hanging out with girlfriends. 

What helped me finally get out the door that morning was remembering one thing: when in doubt,  wear jersey. Jersey dresses were once a staple of my wardrobe, but have taken a backseat to dresses in other fabrics like cotton, linen, chiffon and sateen. I have a handful of jersey dresses, but it was this grey one from Old Navy that did the trick. 

Fit & Flare Tee Dress, Old Navy, $17.50 (on sale right now!) 

P.S. I'm showing you the green because I was SO torn when I bought it. I opted for the neutral, but part of me wants to go back and get this vibrant green version! Leave a comment if you think I should! 

Anyway, the thing about a jersey dress is that it's casual and comfortable, so you'll never be accused of being overdressed when you wear one. But you'll also look put-together. Jersey is one of those magical fabrics that hugs your body in just the right way. Why else do you think they make t-shirts with it? The jersey used in this dress is super soft and even feels a little luxurious (if you can believe that). 

If you don't already have an LJD (Little Jersey Dress) in your closet, run out to Old Navy immediately and get yourself one (or five). Need some inspiration? Look no further. I'm sure you can picture yourself in any of these looks whether it's to wear to a trip to the farmer's market or for a walk in the park or a lunch with your girlfriends. Seriously, jersey is your new summertime friend. You will thank me, I promise. 

The Magical Jersey Dress by rtboo featuring old navy

Keep the look simple and you'll never go wrong. Add a straw fedora or a printed scarf or even some funky boots for a little pizzazz, but ultimately you'll discover that a simple jersey dress looks pretty great on its own and with minimal accessories. Thank you, Old Navy for these and many more options. (Nope, this post wasn't sponsored by Old Navy, I just really like all the jersey dresses they have right now.) 

Have a great day, everyone! 

How to Wear Rose Gold

Rose gold is everywhere these days. It's such a trendy metallic, but people have asked me, "How do I wear it? What goes with it?" The answer is simple: the easiest way to wear rose gold is with shades of pink! It's so feminine and sweet. Think of it as a monochromatic outfit- head-to-toe blush. It's quite pretty:

Rose Gold & Blush by rtboo featuring leather handbags

Rose gold is softer than yellow or white gold, so your outfit approach should be, too. Blush is a great color regardless of skin tone and rose gold only accentuates the positives of blush. But, if head-to-toe pink just isn't your bag, try one of these combinations:

Rose Gold Accent by rtboo featuring vintage dresses

In any case, the following are the Do's and Don't's of wearing rose gold:

- Do keep your look uncluttered and allow the rose gold piece to be the focal point or featured item in the outfit.
- Do feel free to mix in white or yellow gold in addition to the rose gold. Mixed metallics are perfectly fine, despite what your grandmother might try to tell you.
- Do avoid pairing rose gold with colors such as purple, burgundy or black- you can do better.
- Don't let this trend intimidate you! Go out and try it today!

Have a great day, everyone and thank you for reading!

The Colored Jeans Thing...

I am in love with all the brightly colored jeans that can be found in just about every store out there right now. Target, Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, to name just a few. I've got a few pair of my own- a fabulous bright kelly green from the Gap and a purple-ish pink that I got at TJ Maxx. They are literally everywhere you look- I've even seen them at work, on customers AND on employees. That's where my issue starts.

The thing is... they're still jeans. They're still casual. In my opinion, they're not always appropriate for a professional setting. But, to be fair, it is an extremely fine line. If you work in an industry that encourages fashionable as well as professional dress, it can blur the line even further. So, to help all of you out there who want to sport a pair of bright, colorful jeans while still maintaining the correct office dress code, here's how you wear them:

First, what NOT to do:

- Do NOT wear jeans with rips, tears, stains or distressing of any kind.
- Do NOT wear similarly casual pieces such as sneakers, vans, sandals and jersey tops (t-shirt material)

Pretty simple so far, right? Next, what you SHOULD do:

- Choose dressy pieces to elevate the look and keep it from becoming too casual.
- Choose conservative tops that are clearly work appropriate.
- Accessorize for a dressier look.

Here are some polyvore sets demonstrating the right way to wear colored jeans for a professional setting:

Colored Jeans Part 1 by rtboo featuring low rise jeans

As you can see above, all three looks utilize a dressy, work-appropriate top and some kind of conservative heel. Any of these looks could also be elevated with some jewelry- a long necklace or a great pair of earrings, maybe even a cuff bracelet.

And some more options:

Colored Jeans Part 2 by rtboo featuring sleeveless tops

If all you have is a simple shell to go with your jeans and you don't feel quite dressy enough, add a blazer! It's a sure-fire way to make those colored jeans more "business casual" and less "hanging out with friends casual."

How do you feel about this colored jeans trend? Are you loving it? Hating it? Wishing you could wear it to work? Leave a comment and tell me your thoughts. And as always, thank you for reading!

Minty Mint: How to Wear It

On Sunday, a reader left a comment asking about how to wear the new color trend, mint. It's true that it's a little tricky. And what good is loving a trend if you're not sure how to make it work? Choosing the right neutral is key. I recommend grey, navy or cream and here are a couple of outfits demonstrating how that would work:


Mint & Grey:

Mint & Grey by rtboo featuring steve madden

Think of the mint as a version of lime which always looks great with just about any shade of grey. It's a little creamier, but it still works with the coolness and the season-less nature of the grey.

Mint & Navy:

Mint & Navy by rtboo featuring retro shoes

Whether a preppy, buttoned-up look, or a casual afternoon-downtown look, navy is a lighter, easier dark neutral to pair with this color. While the combination of black and mint may be a little too "mint oreo cookie," the navy is a softer approach.

Mint & Cream:

Mint & Cream by rtboo featuring slim fit jeans

Since the mint is already so creamy, it's natural to pair it with CREAM! Obviously this works much better in the spring or summer, where the other two options are a little more versatile, but either way it's lovely.

I hope this is helpful to those of you trying to figure out how to make the mint trend work for you. Feel free to leave a comment if you have more questions! And as always THANK YOU for reading!

Transitioning Your Style

Mastering the art of Day-to-Night outfit design is no small task. Going from the office straight to a dinner date and looking appropriate for both? What about a day spent in client meetings followed by a dinner party? Difficult at best. Day and evening wear are each designed to serve their own unique functions, but not everyone has time to run home between work and an evening event to completely change her outfit. So how do you make daytime outfits transition easily into evening looks? The key is in layering and accessories.

Let's start with this leather skirt and blousy top combination:

Day to Night by rtboo featuring hammered metal jewelry

For the office, keep the look monochromatic and buttoned-up. Close-toed shoes over tights, a fitted blazer and conservative accessories make it completely work appropriate. Remove the jacket and switch out the accessories for pieces that a little more dressy and you're ready for a romantic dinner date. Removing the tights and jacket exposes a little more skin without being too provocative. It's far too much skin for work, but just right for a dinner out. 

The leather skirt and flowy top are both very "evening," so covering them up a little and using accessories to keep them more conservative helps them to transition from day to night. Removing the extra layers (blazer, tights, close-toed shoes) and adding more evening accessories allows them to function with their true intention. 

The same concept can work with a cocktail dress. Imagine it's spring and you're a real estate agent. You have to show a house to a client in the early afternoon and then immediately head over to a bridal shower for one of your girlfriends. There's no time for a full outfit change, so what you wear has to work for both:

Day to Night- Bridal Shower by rtboo featuring a linen jacket

In both of these outfits, the accessories as very neutral and even though I've chosen two different shoes, it would actually be fine to wear the close-toed shoe for both if you wanted to. Simply tuck the smaller clutch bag into the larger tote and when it's time for the costume change, simply remove the jacket, pull out the clutch and switch your shoes. Done! 

Of course, transitioning an outfit isn't always about going from day to evening or casual to formal. Ultimately, it's all about looking appropriate no matter where you are coming from or where you are going. Look at the pieces in your closet in terms of how versatile they are- what items are appropriate for multiple situations? Can you wear that circle skirt to volunteer in your grade-schooler's classroom as well as to the office? What pieces can you layer together to either dress an outfit up or down? What simple accessories can you change out to make a dress look completely different? 

Here's some more inspiration for you:

Running errands before a casual date:

Transition outfit by rtboo featuring j crew

From a business lunch to a PTA Meeting:

Transition Style 2 by rtboo featuring coast shirts

Another work life to personal life transition:

Transition Style 3 by rtboo featuring a wool blazer

I hope this post has inspired you to look at your clothes and accessories in a new way. Leave a comment and tell me what you think and as always, thank you for reading! 

Tim Gunn's Style

We're all so familiar with Tum Gunn's fabulous, tailored suit look, but over the last few years, he's branched out a bit. On the most recent episode of Project Runway, he sported a look that was more playful and even youthful. Rather than wear his standard suit with a patterned shirt and tie, he wore dark wash, fitted jeans with the hem rolled into cuffs, kind of reminiscent of the 50's. He was still polished and professional, not to mention impeccably tailored, but I just adore how he played with the whimsical feeling and added just a touch of nostalgia to an otherwise basic look.

I created a polyvore set inspired by this outfit. I hope my gentlemen readers will consider this look at some point:

Tim Gunn Style by rtboo featuring flat shoes

If not, maybe just the tailored jeans and blazer look? I'm a fan.

Accessories Anonymous: What I'm NOT Buying

In this economy, we often find ourselves counting our pennies and making sacrifices here and there to keep our budgets balanced, or just to make ends meet. If we find ourselves with a bit of a windfall, it's easy to run right out and spend it on something we've been coveting. But as much as I'd love to have new duds constantly streaming into my closet, I know that's unrealistic. It's those times that I decide to window shop either in person or on the interwebs. It's the most fun to do online because you don't even have to use any gas or bother putting on make-up.

So, in the spirit of not spending, here are the awesome accessories that I will not be buying anytime soon:

What About Bauble? Necklace, Modcloth, $21.99

I love this necklace. I love the color, I love how it's ENORMOUS and I love its price. Juhree and Sadie both have this exact same necklace in other colors, but this peachy mauve is practically irresistible to me. I will, however, resist. 

White Bloom Studs, Bauble Bar, $24

I love these earrings for the opposite reasons I love that necklace. They are dainty and cute and a little understated. They would work with just about anything from jeans and a cute top to a cocktail dress, they'd be great at work, on a date or out with the girls. Also, they remind me of the giant flower on Carrie Bradshaw's white dress.

Foliroli, Aldo Shoes, $40

You all know how much I love a cute brogue, but when it's also in a luxurious peach suede that's just oh-so feminine, I start to drool uncontrollably. I just stuffed a hunk of bread in my mouth to sop up the saliva. Sorry if that was an over-share. 

RED Valentino Bow Leather Satchel, Nordstrom, $595

O.M.G. I have no words for this bag. That's not true. I have loads of words for it: precious, feminine, lush, delicious, soft, gorgeous, supple, flawless and swoon-worthy to name a few. Too bad my birthday has passed already this year. 

I know this post is focused on accessories, but I can actually picture all of the items above working so harmoniously with this adorable dress from Modcloth: 

In Sage You Will Dress, Modcloth, $74.99

Don't believe me? Look at them all together and you will: 

What I'm NOT Buying by rtboo featuring a keyhole dress

So there you have it: an adorable outfit complete with amazing accessories that I will most definitely NOT be purchasing anytime soon. That, my friends, is self restraint. 

Know Your Neutrals

I'm forever encouraging my readers (and my friends and family) to be bold with their wardrobes and wear more daring colors. I've been known to wear head-to-toe color, whether monochromatic, prints or contrasting solids. However, I know that not everyone is comfortable in that much color and it is far more reasonable to pair a bold color with other neutral items. The question remains, however- which colors work best with which neutrals? There is no doubt that some choices are better than others, so why not try some of these combinations next time?

The most common neutral of all is obviously black. It is slimming and appropriate for just about anything- work, date night, cocktail party, formal event, etc. To make black even more bold, pair it with a jewel tone:

Black + Jewel Tones by rtboo featuring rose tights

As you can see, the jewel tones really pop against black in a way that no other neutral can quite achieve. I love how it works so well regardless of how dressy or casual the outfit. Amethyst jeans or emerald satin- it's all fabulous.

Probably the second most popular neutral is beige. Whether in the form of a pair of khaki trousers or a camel trench coat or nude shoe- beige is everywhere you look. It works with just about any color of the rainbow, but for added impact, pair it with a primary color:

Beige + Primaries by rtboo featuring a khaki shirt

Sometimes beige gets a bad rep- it's too preppy or too dull or just too... beige. A bright primary like royal blue or even a secondary color like kelly green makes it fresh, youthful and dynamic.

Some people (like me) prefer a richer color than beige for their favorite neutral. Chocolate brown, or any darker, richer brown than basic beige pairs beautifully with bright pastels. It's a surprising combination, but very harmonious:

Chocolate Brown + Bright Pastels by rtboo featuring opaque stockings

Chocolate brown is probably the trickiest neutral because you really do need just the right shade for it to really work. A true pastel washes out next to rich chocolate brown, while jewel tones have a tendency to compete too strongly with it. But combine the two into a bright, jewel-like version of the pastel color and you have the perfect compliment to chocolate brown that is also bold and daring.

Grey is perhaps the best neutral color out there. It can be warm or cool, and it is essentially season-less. The best way to make grey daring and exciting is to pair it with a citrus:

Grey + Citrus by rtboo featuring bow flats

Grapefruit, lime, lemon, tangerine- any of these bright citrus-y colors are the perfect match to just about any shade of grey. They obviously work well in the spring and summer, but try wearing them in the cooler months and you'll find they're actually very versatile colors when paired with grey.

Finally, one of the most difficult neutrals to wear: white. I prefer a cream or ivory version, unless I'm going for a very stark nautical look. But to make it work for everyday pair it with milky pastels:

Cream + Pastels by rtboo featuring salvatore ferragamo

True pastels shine next to a milky white and are just so darn feminine. It may not seem as bold as some of the other combinations above, but wearing a lot of white is actually quite bold all on its own. Pastels can soften a harsh white garment like no other.

I know what you're thinking: "She forgot navy!" It's true- navy is one of the most popular neutrals we have, so why didn't I specify exactly which type of color works best with it? Well, simply put- it works with everything equally. Navy can handle jewel tones, primaries, bright pastels, citruses, and true pastels! Check it out:

Navy + Anything! by rtboo featuring nylon stockings

What can I say? It's the magical neutral! Take a few minutes tonight and go through the neutrals in your wardrobe. Try to find a different combination with some of the bright colors in your wardrobe and see what you come up with! You might discover a new outfit you didn't even know you had!

Have a great day, everyone and as always, thanks for reading!

TV Inspiration: The Brady Bunch

This week, I've been writing TV-inspired posts and today is no different, except that it's also my birthday and so I've decided that I get to be a little self-indulgent with today's post. I've always been a huge fan of The Brady Bunch. I love that quirky family and I especially love their 70's style.

Most TV shows favor the women when it comes to bold fashion, but not this one. Nope. Check out Greg in that print shirt and cream pants. Now that's a bold look! Even Peter with his rainbow stripes and Mike in his not-so-subtle patterned shirt outshine poor Alice with her basic blue maid's uniform. I think Jan's dress is my favorite in this photo, but typically Marcia takes the cake when it comes to style. 

I believe this is from the Davy Jones episode (a personal favorite), but isn't that outfit just adorable? I would absolutely wear something like that today- it's not nearly as dated as you might think. In fact, to prove that her style isn't nearly as wacky as you might think, I've put together a polyvore set with four different looks all inspired by the one and only Miss Marcia Brady: 

Marcia Brady Inspired by rtboo featuring high heels

My personal favorite is the green dress with the mustard tights and tall gogo boots. To channel Marcia, all you really need to do is focus on bold color AND print along with slim silhouettes and shorter hemlines. It's a cinch, really. 

Ok, that's enough self-indulgence for the day. I'm off to get my hair chopped off, followed by dinner and a Facetime date with my boyfriend. It's a low-key birthday, but that's how I like it. Have a great day, everyone and as always, thanks for reading! 

TV Inspiration: Downton Abbey

Yesterday, I posted a blog inspired by the fashion of the leading ladies in Mad Men. Today, I'm taking you back a few more decades to the 20's and 30's styles of Downton Abbey. For anyone who hasn't seen this show, do yourself a favor and go watch the first season. You'll be hooked immediately. Even if the melodrama of uppity British aristocracy wasn't enough, the clothes on this show are absolutely to die for! Beaded sheaths, stunning jackets, fascinators and hats galore- it's a fashion dream!

My favorite part of getting dressed every day is accessorizing, so let's look at some stunning Downton Abbey-inspired accessories to make every outfit just a little more glamorous:

Acacia Bracelet, Jenny Packham

Can't you see this bracelet with  fabulous party dress? Something completely luxurious, of course. 

Style My Sunshine Hat, Modcloth

It's hard to picture yourself strolling through the grounds of a British estate on a warm, sunny, spring day, but this hat certainly helps me imagine it. 

Natasha Couture Multistrand Necklace, Nordstrom

I love how the ladies of Downton layer long beaded necklaces over their stunning beaded dinner dresses. Watching the show, you can hear the sound they make when the beads bump against each other. No matter what crisis is being discussed, I'm always distracted by that sound. 

Nina Ricci Leather Gloves, Barney's

What Downton Abbey-inspired post would be complete without a stunning pair of long, elegant gloves? This show makes me want to wear gloves all the time. It also makes me want to wear evening wear to dinner every night, but that's another issue.... 

Speaking of evening gowns... 

Downton Abbey Inspired by rtboo featuring a slip dress

Do you have a TV show that inspires you? Whether it's for the fashion, the scenic design, the music- leave a comment and tell me what you love about it! 

TV Inspiration: Mad Men

Lately, I've been watching a lot of older episodes of Mad Men on Netflix and while the drama is certainly riveting, it's the clothes that always get me. At first, I thought I'd put together a simple set inspired by the leading ladies:

Mad Men Inspired by rtboo featuring a v neck dress

But that wasn't enough. I had to put together a set for each of them to feel like I'd really done them justice.

Betty makes me cringe- the way she treats Sally, her quiet desperation, her sudden explosions- she's a complex character, no doubt. She seems to have the most variety, too- evening dresses, day dresses, even pants and maternity wear.

Betty Draper Inspired by rtboo featuring a green dress

Peggy is hands-down the most drab of them all, but it suits her personality:

Peggy Olsen Inspired by rtboo featuring high heels

Trudy is just so light-hearted and fun- I always love her dresses with their full skirts and fun prints:

Trudy Campbell Inspired by rtboo featuring short heel pumps

Joan and her wiggle dresses are always so stunning. So fitted, elegant, form flattering, and always in bold colors:

Joan Holloway Inspired by rtboo featuring patent leather pumps

What TV show characters inspire your daily fashion? Check back soon- this week I'm focusing on TV-inspired fashion!