Classy Back to School Fashion Inspiration

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There's something so nostalgic for me about back to school time. Even though it's been a while since I've been in school myself and Lily is still too young as she's just shy of 2 years old, each year I love seeing all of the cooler weather fall fashion in stores, aisles of school supplies and the anticipation knowing cozy sweater weather (with a pumpkin latte in hand) is just around the corner! It also brings back happy memories for me of forming new friendships and the excitement of a new year ahead.

Everyone wants to put their best foot forward on their first day back to school whether they're in Elementary School or heading off to University. While skinny jeans, a stylish top and a cute pair of boots/shoes are basics for back to school attire when it comes to young ladies, it's the accessorizing and finishing touches that set one apart from their classmates. Today I'm partnering with Macy's to share some back to school fashion inspiration focusing on accessories that will polish off any back-to-school outfit with a teen or University gal in mind. However, any woman could easily add these accessories to their wardrobe.

Neutral pieces are always a great investment and can be worn throughout the year for many years to come. A statement ring, playful phone case, flattering pair of sunnies, a classic watch and a cool earthy eye shadow palette by MAC (currently 45% OFF!) will add the wow factor. Polished nails always finish off a look and I love the edginess of these starburst studs. My favorite selection though is an everyday must-have, a great handbag! Bucket bags are definitely on trend right now but what I love most about this one (which is seriously marked down and ends today) is it hits a few different style points: gray & camel neutral combo which can easily pair with white, brown or black; fringe tassel drawstring closure and while it can be worn on the shoulder it's also a cross-body bag. It wins my vote for versatility. Perfect for a gal on the go!

From now until Aug.25th you can get 20% OFF your Macy's back-to-school purchase w/code: BTS at checkout for kids and juniors. If you haven't already discovered the site, I highly recommend using ShopAtHome.com links so you can earn an additional 5% back on your purchase! 

Whether you're headed back to school, are already established in your career or are a stay at home mom, have you found yourself also getting caught up wanting to freshen up your wardrobe with the back-to-school vibe in the air?

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Thanks for stopping by!

XO




*Thank you to Macy's and ShopAtHome.com for sponsoring this post.

Fashion Friday: Target Under $20

After hearing the same request from many of you about fashion posts and what to wear in blog comments, via e-mails, Facebook messages and of course the poll running in the sidebar, we will have regular posts all about classy fashion and how to dress classy. What does this mean? First of all, the items I select in my posts are items I would wear myself and might even have on my wish list, am inspired by or already own. The fashion posts each week will link to the item sources and will share why I've selected them and how they contribute to the overall look and appeal of a classy woman. To kick off the first post of the Fashion Friday series, I thought what better way than to share some fall budget-friendly picks from Target.

While a classy woman invests in key apparel pieces such as denim, black dress pants, trench coats and skirts that are of good quality and built to last, she knows that she can play around a little more with accessories. While she might find a great scarf, watch or sunglasses she'll own for years or even decades, smaller items like bangles, a sleek evening bag or a chic pair of earrings need not break the bank. Even a stylish watch at a desirable price can be a fun way of incorporating a current trend.

Once you've built a solid wardrobe filled with classics (which we'll go into greater detail in weeks to come), a great way to keep your wardrobe fresh and ever-changing is to add new accessories every season. It's the quickest and least expensive way to create new outfits and add versatility. Below are my selections so help you do just that....

31 Fall Fashion Accessories Under $20 from Target

Clockwise from top left: gold dangling earrings / zig-zag bracelets / black filigree earrings /
gold bracelet / black & gold hinge bracelet / Pewter & gold hoops / brown & gold bracelet /
burgundy snakeskin hinge bracelet 

Not wearing accessories is like having a house full of furniture and no artwork, flowers, pillows or rugs! Earrings help draw attention to your face and neckline and are something I wear every day. Bracelets and statement rings help add to the layering of an outfit. I own the black and gold filigree earrings-I adore them with dressier tops! I have my eye on the burgundy and gold clasp bracelet. This season is filled with bordeaux tones and this hinge bracelet is the perfect accessory!

Clockwise from top left: glitter skinny belt / wide brown buckles belt / leopard skinny belt/ brown braid belt /white snakeskin belt / black & silver belt / purple snakeskin belt / 
calf hair leopard belt / red skinny belt

Define your waist with a skinny belt in an unexpected pattern or color. I recently added the gold glitter belt, leopard print belt, brown braided belt and calf hair belt to my wardrobe. You can buy these in a smaller size to fit around your natural waist area to define the smallest point of your body or buy the belt a size or two larger and it can be worn through your belt loops. Wider belts are great for dresses and pulling a skirt and top together without a line of separation.

  Clockwise from top left: White watch / gold round watch /

brown tortoise watch / rectangular gold watch

Grow your collection of watches and include a variety of colors and materials that will go with a variety of outfits. My favorites are the brown tortoise with gold as well as the white resin with crystals and mother of pearl face-I own this Fossil watch which looks very similar. I invested more into it because Fossil watches last forever and I knew it was a classic design I'd have for years to come. Gold tones are quite popular right now and these Michael Kors knock-offs are a great price.

Clockwise from top left:  plaid cross-body / wine cross-body / chocolate croc clutch /

black small cross-body / blue cross-body / snakeskin envelope clutch / 

hunter green croc clutch /burgundy buckle cross-body /

Large handbags are in for fall (and I'll cover those in future posts) but for a night on the town, leave the over-sized bag at home and opt for a cute clutch in a crocodile or snakeskin texture for evening. Pull out the strap and use it for daytime use. Cross-body bags are stylish and easy too-perfect for everyday wear especially for busy women on the go or those traveling by foot who don't want to carry excess weight. Grab a bright or fun color-this year bright, happy colors are in style for clothing and accessories so enjoy!

Kirna Zabete for Target Floral multi-color scarf / Purple solid pashmina

Scarfs are not only chic but they're practical too as the weather cools down. Wearing a lot of neutrals? Break it up with a great pop of fall color! The solid pashmina comes in lots of colors but I just loved purple.

I had a lot of fun putting today's post together and I'm already excited for next week's post which features great fall staples for your wardrobe from a classic brand which happens to be one of my favorites. Now, I'd love to know...what are your favorite ways to freshen up your fall wardrobe with accessories?

XO




*all image collages with text and header created by me, accessory items all from Target

Classy Fall Jewelry by Luxuria!

I am so excited ladies! A few weeks ago my lovely sponsor Vanessa of Luxuria Jewellery asked me if I'd like to review one of her rings. My answer was yes, please! The hardest part was selecting a piece out of her fabulous collection, Since I love purple and fall is already in full swing, I knew I would get use out of a beautiful amethyst ring. I happen to love single stone solitaire rings, cocktail rings and bands that can be worn with anything.

Luxuria is an online jewelry boutique taking inspiration from Riveria-inspired, Mediterranean-designers. All designers are hand-picked to ensure the pieces follow the theme of their boutique. Vanessa started this company in an effort to provide affordable glamour to her friends and clients.

Today, the UPS guy showed up with my ring and I was so excited. I quickly unwrapped the envelope to find this perfect little package:

Vanessa really pays attention the little details even down to the wrapping, everything is so professional. The text on the bag is actually black, my camera flash watered it down.

Once I untied the bows I pulled out the ring and tried it on, just like Cinderella's slipper, it is the perfect fit. It is a channel style band with two rows of sparkly white stones that wrap all the way around both top and bottom (about 80 in total) along with a large band of baguette style amethyst stones ( 20 in total) that also wrap around the entire ring which is rhodium plated to give it its shine. Although it isn't a super skinny band, it is not too wide for your finger at all. It is a substantial band with a lot of presence and is very comfortable to wear.

The stones really sparkle in the sunlight and indoor lighting. The beautiful amethyst stones will co-ordinate with so much of my wardrobe.

What I love about amethyst set in silver is that while it's great for fall it's not too dark to wear in the summer or the rest of the year. Let me tell you, I plan on getting a lot of mileage out of this one!

Here is my ring shown via Luxuria-available in two widths, you can order silver or gold.

The ring was shipped very quickly to me from Spain where Luxuria is located and arrived in excellent condition. Upon opening my package she surprised me with a $25 gift certificate for me to use towards a future Luxuria purchase. I am really blown away by Vanessa's generosity and am feeling very spoiled. 

*Please note that I do not accept monetary compensation for any product reviews and all are based on my personal experience and honest opinion.

I've had my eye on these amethyst earrings and I love how these unique rings were set too with a 'rough cut' but polished appearance. The glamorous cocktail ring at the top of this post is a stunning work of art also, so it won't be hard to find something to spend that gift certificate on!

The best part of Luxuria Jewellery is the price! All of Vanessa's pieces are so affordable and the designs are timeless and elegant, so you'll have them forever. I can see the care that is put into each piece and Vanessa really offers some unique pieces that are perfect for every classy woman. Think of the great gifts her pieces would make for all of the women in your life. Luxuria also offers cuff links for men too.

With Christmas coming up, I hope you'll all take advantage of  the discount that is exclusively available to my Classy and Fabulous readers. By using the code: 'CLASSYWOMAN15', you can choose 15% off of any item OR free shipping from Spain to your doorstep. Simply list which discount you'd like on the order form in the comments box.

Take a peek below at some of my favorite pieces from her collection or click to shop at LUXURIA:

I adore these classic pave-style hoop earrings! Matching rings on the left.

This olive green and amber necklace is gorgeous with matching olive earrings.

I like the unique design of this highly polished silver bangle-it looks like liquid silver.

I'm just so impressed with this luxurious, glamorous and elegant collection. I feel honored that she chose to be one of my sponsors and am just thrilled with my new ring and her kindness. Thank You Vanessa! :) You can also visit her blog called Decadence for Divas to see what else she is up to.

Which piece is your favorite? Also, if you'd like me to review a product or service that you offer, my contact information can be found in the sidebar. If you have been looking for affordable ad space and would like to become a sponsor, I have 3 spaces that will become available as of Nov.1st. The promo rate of just $5 is ending soon, so hurry to take advantage of it! You have until Oct.31st to order and can pre-order several months at that rate.

*images 1,2,5,6,7,8,9 all from Luxuria Jewellery website. Images 3, 4 are my own.