From Taupe to Bottom: Last week’s outfit details!

Last week on the blog, I introduced myself and chose an outfit that I thought would give you, the reader, an insightful glance at what my personal style entails. 

I chose this particular color palette because I truly believe you can’t go wrong with the classics. I kept the overall tone very muted and added a pop of red to catch the eye. The details from Taupe to bottom are as follows:

Sunglasses: Prada SPR 57L Gunmetal Aviators

Earrings: Tory Burch Evie Stud Earring

These Prada sunglasses are one of my all-time favorites. Though their gun-metal color makes them extremely versatile, their fit encompasses a more sophisticated style. For that reason I usually wear them for chicer occasions and leave the everyday endeavors to my Ray Bans aviators. As for my earrings, I almost always choose pearls. These Tory Burch Evie stud earrings are the perfect mix of my southern roots, my favorite designer, and the updated pearl.

Shirt: Tory Burch “Brigitte” Military Shirt

Sweater: Target- Mossimo Gray Scoop Neck Sweater

Bracelet 1: BaubleBar Pearl Cuff

Bracelet 2: Fitbit Flex

This Tory Burch “Brigitte” military shirt is the epitome of a timeless classic. It can be dressed up with a pencil skirt and blazer for work , paired with leggings and a sweater (as pictured) for a more casual look, or for an even more leisurely day it can even be sported with a pair of jeans. As for the Target- Mossimo gray scoop neck sweater, it simply cannot get any more comfortable. The color is one that can be paired with almost any outfit, and just like the shirt it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. 

As for my bracelet of choice, that comes with a little explantation. Pearls have made a huge comeback this season, and I’m not talking about the ones in your grandmother’s jewelry box. I’m talking about the pearls that are now being given a rocker edge. They’ve managed to take on a whole new persona and fashion brands can’t get enough (and clearly neither can I). My favorite look the pearl is pulling off is the chic pearl cuff, like the one pictured from BaubleBar. It’s so easy to throw on and is tremendously versatile. Also making a huge scene on the fashion market is the growing trend of wellness/exercise, which relates to my second bracelet of choice the "fitbit flex". I wear this comfortable and match-all bracelet constantly and love every feature it contains including tracking each step, tracking sleep patterns, and even allowing for a little friendly step competition between friends. 

Handbag: Kate Spade Red Cedar Street Elissa Double Zip

Leggings: Via Spiga Black Cracked Faux Leather

Shoes: N.Y.L.A. Buckled Booties

Now, when it comes to handbags I’m absolutely head over heels for Kate Spade as you’ll find out over the course of my blog. This Kate Spade bag not only is guaranteed to be a conversation piece due to its rich color, but it’s also extremely practical for everyday wear. Therefore, regardless of what your day brings you can stow anything and everything in this multi-compartment handbag.

I also love all things vegan leather (faux leather) this season, whether it’s dresses, skirts, leggings, or tops (not all at the same time of course). That’s why when I found these cracked leather leggings from Via Spiga I instantly had to have them. They have the perfect muted finish that sets them apart from the not so trendy shiny "pleather" pant. Lastly, these N.Y.L.A. buckled booties are a must have for the winter regardless of your height. With their 4 ½ inch heel height, they’re an instant allover body slimmer and outfit maker. 

Taupe-less: Putting it all out there!

Welcome to my blog “Taupe Shop”, a chronicle of all things fashion, beauty, and trend related, infused with my personal must-haves. I want to start off by briefly introducing myself and the inspiration behind my blog.

My name is Francesca Barker and I am originally from Mobile, AL. I attend High Point University in High Point, NC and could not love it more. During my sophomore year, my parents moved to Angola, Africa due to a work assignment given to my dad which leads to the most asked question I have ever gotten: “So where do you go for holidays, breaks, and over the summer?” Thankfully my aunt and uncle live an hour and a half away from High Point in Cary, NC, making it easy for me to go there anytime I need to. For major holidays, I generally meet my parents and brother at a voted upon destination. As for my summers, I have obtained several fashion related internships in locations such as Apex, NC and New York, NY that keep me busy all summer long. Pertaining to this upcoming summer, I will be completing my business degree and minor in marketing from High Point University in May 2015 and have long-term career aspirations in the fashion industry.

As for the inspiration behind my blog, it stems from several small endeavors that have all added up to where I am today. For as long as I can remember I have been tremendously intrigued by fashion. As a ten year old tagging along to my mom’s hair and nail appointments, I do not believe I ever whispered a complaint due to the fact that upon entering the salon I had immediate access to Vogue January-December of that year. After years of gazing at luxury ad after luxury ad, I decided that I wanted to draw some of my own designs. Therefore at age fourteen I began to sketch dresses, purchase fabrics, buttons, and zippers, and ship all of the above, along with my measurements, to my great aunt (a remarkably talented dressmaker who can construct designs without a pattern to follow) in Puerto Rico. She would sew together my designs and send them back to the states, where I would wear them to any semi-fitting occasion (I basically looked for any excuse to wear them). In my room, I constantly had what I called an “outfit board” (which was really just a cork board with magazine cutouts held by a pin) where I would cut out and put together as many outfits from one magazine as I could. However, it was not until college that I realized designing and styling were concepts that were hobbies to me, while marketing became the front runner for what I wanted my career to entail. Therefore I was persistent in attaining internships during my college summers that would allow me to combine the two. I am proud to say that I have worked for several fashion companies including a small retail shop, a designer showroom, a handbag company, and a jewelry company. All of which have contributed to my knowledge of fashion and the industry.

My blog, “Taupe Shop”, was named after my adoration of neutral colors (taupe being towards the top of the list) and love for apparel and accessories (hence the store name Top Shop arose). It will feature posts containing some of my favorite outfits, fashion inspirations, and more. Next weeks post will feature the details behind the outfit pictured. I welcome your feedback pertaining to likes, dislikes, and any other comments you may have!