Back to Basics

Let's face it, even in NYC, there are days when you are not in the mood to get all gussied up. 

So go ahead girl, make it a casual Friday, but when you're dressing down, pick classic pieces and you'll be sure to look classy. 

BLOUSE: Nordstrom Lush Tee + CAMISOLE: MOSSIMO DUTTI (last season- love THIS season's top) + DENIM: J Crew Toothpick Jean + OMBRE SCARF: Joe Fresh + SHOES: Marc Fisher (sold out online- still in store at Macy's) SIMILAR LOAFERS: These or These

What's more classic than jeans and a white t-shirt? I absolutely love this LUSH TOP because the light material and flowiness of the shirt is a big step up from a regular cotton tee. It looks great with jeans or even tucked into skirts, and the higher neckline is great for showing off large statement necklaces. 

I actually found this top in the B.P. (aka juniors) section of Nordstrom. While there are definitely things I would not buy as an adult in that department, I get a lot of great deals on classic-with-a-twist looking pieces that are a fraction of the price of the designer women's department there. This top is now only $20 on the Nordstrom website.

These J. Crew toothpick jeans. Buy them. They're perfect. A good weight, but stretchy, the midrise sits on my hips perfectly, makes my butt look good, has a classic medium/dark rinse, and they don't get too tight around my ankle. I actually bought mine in the "ankle" version, so I just flip the bottom to give them a tiny cuff (I am not into big cuffs...) and they look so cute with all my flats, sandals and heels for warm weather!

DROP EARRINGS: ANTHROPOLOGIE + BANGLES: SOUTH MOON UNDER (old) & MICHAEL KORS + BAG: MICHAEL KORS HAMILTON TOTE + RINGS: MADEWELL (part of set) & FOREVER 21

Did I mention these shoes?? I try and try to like flats, but they are always cutting into my heel or flapping off my food every other step. I just can't get it right. Enter the loafer- they are SO comfortable. Forgo the slipper-esque moccasin look and go with a bit more structured-toe loafer style. That, paired with a crisp, bright white leather and tiny chain detail is an old-school trend I am so glad to be back this season.

Photos by Jia of Catwalk-Chic

☮♡&ladybugs,

Ashley