May 2013
10 posts
10 tags
OUTFIT : Out to Brunch
We were in Wine Country this weekend for this sweet couple’s wedding + I convinced the Mr. to shoot with me by bribing him with a night in Napa and (quite possibly our favorite thing in the whole entire world) BRUNCH.
We ate a Farmstead and it did not disappoint us. We had a cocktail that even Ron Swanson would enjoy. In short, it was glorious.
It was the perfect chance to wear my new...
10 tags
OUTFIT: Rompin' Around
So if you want to know how I really feel, here goes it…
I LOVE rompers. Why? I don’t really know, maybe because we always want something we can’t have.
What I mean by that is there really are not many rompers out there for tall women? T A L L ladies out there Can I Getta Witness please? I cannot tell you how many times I thought I’ve found a killer romper, only to...
9 tags
INSPIRATION: Be Free.
Since I was a child I have always wanted to be further along than my current state. In high school I wanted to be in college, in college I just wanted to be done with school, when I started learning photography I just wanted to be shooting for JCrew within 6 months of picking up a camera, now I want 50,000 hits a day on a blog that is fairly new.
We all long for freedom.
I think I’ll...
8 tags
OUTFIT: Well Pencil Me In
We have been so excited to hear the feedback from the new series we launched on Monday! We are seriously so grateful to the women who are joining us in styling our staples - the best part is that it’s a total inspiration to us too in this blogging journey.
Today we wanted to share more details and outtakes from our outfits on Monday - partly because Michelle + Jessie took such great photos...
23 tags
The Refined HOW TO STYLE YOUR STAPLES Series: The...
The Pencil Skirt. Every woman should have at least one if not multiple. As a working woman on-the-go; it’s one of those wardrobe pieces that you cannot live without!
Our favorite place to get pencil skirts you ask? JCrew’s No.2 Pencil Skirt does it right every time!
There is such freedom in wardrobe staples. BUT if you’re anything like me, then you get stuck wearing your...
2 tags
INSPIRATION : Perspective
This is my little family. I love them with all my heart.
But I don’t always act like it.
With my actions, I act like my phone is my life. That email is the most important part of my day. I am constantly struggling to stop opening instagram and facebook to see what’s happening out there in social media land.
I read something this week that helped put into words a desire of my...
7 tags
OUTFIT: an American in Paris
In T-Minus 20 days the Mr. + I will be frolicking around the streets of Paris and I am SO excited.
I might already be outfit planning. Last time we were in Paris was 2 years ago while on a backpacking tour across Western Europe and I packed like it was spring break… and it rained. I’m not gonna lie being unprepared makes me cranky.
This time, I’m layering with knits and...
9 tags
OUTFIT: Navajo + Denim
As I shared with you last week, I fell in love…with thrifting.
This lovely navajo wrap dress is fabulous! (I’ve worn it 3x in the last 7 days…oops #sorryimnotsorry)
What I love about this dress is that it’s a classic A-line silhouette (universally flattering), and I just think wrap dresses are a wardrobe staple!
Now that I’ve got the thrift-ing bug I’m...
7 tags
INSPIRATION: Make-up in a Minute
Yesterday I was running around like a mad woman, and brought my make-up bag with me in the car because I thought I was going to have ALL of this time before my meeting to put on my make-up.
The only problem with my plan was EVERYTHING. I was sort of running late, which I hate, so I had to just go to the basics with my make-up.
Literally in less than 7 minutes I went from make-up-less H O...
4 tags
OUTFIT : Snedges + Basketball
SNEDGES.
Love them or love to hate them, either way they make you feel something, and I like that about them.
What I truly love about fashion is trying something new, and seeing what happens.
I wore the snedges on their maiden voyage in Vegas and the conversations that the snedges started were PRICELESS. People loved them.
Now, I don’t think they actually loved them, I think they love...
April 2013
14 posts
12 tags
OUTFIT: A Girl + Her Hi-Tops
So, I fell in love.
Like hard.
With my White Converse Hi-Tops.
I want to wear them ALL THE TIME, and guess what? I’m going to.
A few weeks ago my friend Jen was visiting from NYC, and we went thrift shopping with my roomate Erica in LA.
FYI…I have Thrift Anxiety. I’m trying to get better, but it’s so overwhelming. Thankfully Jen and Erica gave me an inhaler,...
11 tags
INSPIRATION : Minty Fresh
Nothing makes me happier than mint accents and a little peachy pink to go with it.
I may or may not have already purchased that necklace #sorryimnotsorry
1- summer straw hat
2 - karen walker sunglasses
3 - cambridge satchel co.
4 - fan fringe necklace
xo,
Em
9 tags
OUTFIT : little striped mini
// photos by Rachelle Derouin
It’s still only slightly spring in San Francisco - that’s what we love about it right? It’s always changing it’s mind. One day it’s 80 and the next 68 and foggy. Whenever I’m headed up there for a shoot I bring about 3 layers of sweaters + jackets and it’s a good day when I don’t need all 3 of them.
The...
14 tags
OUTFIT: Blazers + Ballcaps
Pssst…here’s a secret…I am a bit of a tomboy.
Wearing hats makes me one happy camper, because I can look cute and get away with not having to mess with my hair (which most days I don’t spend more than 5 minutes on).
You have seen me wearing 31 Bits A L O T, but really their jewelry just goes with my style so well. They’re necklaces are a go to for me!
...
6 tags
INSPIRATION: You Are More Beautiful...
Me. Make-up Free after Yoga yesterday via my iPhone.
“You are more beautiful than you think” -Dove Campaign
I consider myself a pretty confident woman, but it’s amazing to me how differently I feel without make-up.
In the Bible God talks about the world before sin entered into it. He said man and woman lived together naked and without shame.
That statement boggles me....
9 tags
OUTFIT : Work it
The season to be married is upon us. Spring is out in full force and while I sometimes long to be looking for a fun floral dress to wear to a wedding I’m not normally one of the guests. I’m behind the camera.
Not that I’m complaining. I swear it. It’s always fun because people usually seem surprised that I’m not just in a plain black shirt and pants. (Admittedly...
10 tags
OUTFIT: Country B O H O
The key to dressing in Southern California is layering.
This really works for me because I’m always looking for new ways to wear old pieces.
This outfit is so me; it’s like a southern bohemian jumbalya or something.
Lace: Check.
Polka Dots: Check.
31 Bits: Check
Cowboy Boots: Check.
My favorite N E U T R A L colors: DEFINITE Check.
Basically all the essentials.
So...
6 tags
INSPIRATION : Tenderness
7 tags
OUTFIT : Grandma Style
You know you’re running a blog with the right partner when, independently of one another, you choose basically the same blouse to blog on the same week. I guess given our devotion to J Crew it’s not that surprising, but STILL.
Really the real winner here is this blouse! So versatile you can wear it with jeans or a chiffon skirt and pumps. I’ve actually found myself wearing it with...
19 tags
OUTFIT: Yep In My White T E E...
errr…my version of the white t:)
Basically, all it is jeans and a white shirt? Boring right? (Well…here’s a little secret, I’m not the biggest risk taker in my wardrobe. Neutral colors are my best friend, and I’m kinda ok with that).
How do you keep such a simple outfit interesting? Here are my thoughts :
Fabric + Texture + Cut: Yes; it’s a simple...
16 tags
Shhh...Sunday Sneak Peak
Photo by Michelle Kim.
Outfit details tomorrow…
11 tags
INSPIRATION: Lately
This week has been full of adventures. Here’s what has been keeping me occupied…
NYC: I mean when is it not on my mind? Vampire Weekend: in anticipation of their new album, I’ve been listening to them non-stop. (Listen to Diane Young now…baby baby baby)
LA LookBook: this is a sneak of my latest LookBook shoot for LA Shoe company Olivia Childs.
#YOLO: Life is far too short to...
15 tags
OUTFIT: Wednesday B L U E S
Happy Wednesday Friends! If you haven’t noticed…I wear lots of B L U E, here, and here again…OOPs #sorryimnotsorry.
Blue works for me, so I wear lots of it. Look in your closet: what are the top three colors in your wardrobe? Chances are those are actually the colors that look best on you, your skintones, your eyes.
What’s your it C O L O R? Find it, and...
9 tags
OUTFIT: Spring Flowers
photos : simply jessie
floral dress : vintage (similar) / skirt : urban outfitters / belt : banana republic (old) / ballet flats : jcrew / satchel : coach willis satchel
I’m sure that little girls playing dress up and fashion stylists/bloggers everywhere have been hip to the idea of wearing a dress under a skirt for a long time.
It’s probably...
March 2013
13 posts
5 tags
INSPIRATION: Finding Stillness in the Chaos
Photo by: Kat Harris
Some days, let me try and be a bit more honest…most days I feel as though I am treading water. Rapidly swirling my tired legs and arms in the stormy waters I feel as though I can hardly get air.
It is exhausting. I am exhausted.
For the past year I’ve been a major ‘Yes’ person.
Any opportunity big or small, paid or per gratis, I’ve taken with the hopes.
...
21 tags
OUTFIT: That's a Wrap
A few weeks ago we talked about wardrobe staples. The Little Black Dress was our topic of conversation. Have you found yours yet?
Today I bring to your another wardrobe staple: The Wrap Dress. I am a dress girl through and through, and here’s why: they are so easy! You slip a dress over your head, and you are instantly more put together. People always ask me how I can photograph...
11 tags
OUTFIT : Vegas Baby
A few weeks ago Kat + I went to Vegas for WPPI, the annual wedding + portrait photographer conference. It’s basically an excuse to get together with some of our photographer friends from around the country and dance and have a good time. ‘Cause you know most of the time we are all working from home in our sweatpants … it’s nice to remember we aren’t all alone.
...
14 tags
INSPIRATION: The Effortless Chic
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of hanging with and photographing (Southern lady in LA) Jen of The Effortless Chic. She is so cute and uber sweet!
We found this perfect wall to shoot her fabulous lace ensemble from Madewell! Check out her outfit post, and where you can pick up the lovely lace ensemble HERE.
All photos by: Kat Harris
And a few behind the scenes shots never hurt...
19 tags
OUTFIT : Blue Swag
One dress four ways.
Upon first glance when I saw this Amazing Cobalt Blue Dress at Madewell I wasn’t completely sold. BUT then folks I tried it on, and DIED; the length, the a-line cut, the stretchy ponte fabric; it all made me melt.
I knew I wanted the dress, but wasn’t convinced I needed it. Then, walking around the store I thought of at least 4 different ways I could wear...
7 tags
OUTFIT : Polka dots + Pleats
I’ve been incredibly inspired since we saw the JCrew Fall Presentation at Fashion Week to mix more prints in my outfits.
I find that prints in the same color family work well for me, as I usually tend towards solids in most of what I wear on a daily basis. My next plan of attack is mixing more stripes and florals with polka dots.
I’m also having a momentary love affair...
7 tags
INSPIRATION : Rodney Smith on Fashion
Yesterday while driving home from a photography conference in Las Vegas, I listened to something that struck me at my core and immediately I knew that I needed to share it today on The Refined Woman.
Rodney Smith is an incredible photographer - every single one of his images literally melts my face off with it’s intentionality and beauty. So I was amazed to hear his deeper thoughts on...
OUTFIT : Grey on Grey on Grey
Bows and Color Blocking, oh yeah and neutral colors. Yep, for some reason this Spring i cannot get over these three things.
Living in Southern Californina I do not have a ton of winter clothes, so I try to work with my spring/summer pieces in ways that I can wear them year round. My lace JCrew shorts and white collared Ralph Lauren cap sleeve are two of my summer staples.
Today I...
8 tags
OUTFIT : Stripes + Chambray
dress : madewell / chambray : jcrew / belt : jcrew / flats : madewell / necklace : 31 bits / watch : michael kors / satchel : dooney + bourke / glasses : warby parker ”preston” sandalwood matte
I am always running late and I’m always realizing I needed to leave the house like 5 minutes ago. I think it’s a genetic defect....
12 tags
A Refined Woman | Brynn Watkins
1. Who is Brynn Watkins, and, aside from Being Elliott, what are some other projects you’re involved with?
I am a woman who is always looking for the next thing. I am always looking forward to the next step, the next collaboration or the next styling job. I love making connections and meeting new people with interesting life stories so I can learn and gain knowledge from...
5 tags
OUTFIT : Em + The LBD
I loved Kat’s post on Monday about the importance of the little black dress. It really shows how deeply we love a good black dress.
So when considering the styling for our launch shoot with Bess it was kind of a no-brainer to go LBD. If there is anything we want you to take away from The Refined Woman, it’s that style doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. All it takes...
10 tags
OUTFIT : Kat + The LBD
“A girl should be two things: Classy + Fabulous” Coco Chanel
Timeless.
Tailored.
Classic.
The Little Black Dress.
There are a few non-negotiable staples to every ladies wardrobe:
Little Black Dress
A Tailored Black and Navy Blue Blazer
White Silk Blouse
Pencil Skirt
Classic Black Pumps
Dark Denim Skinny Jeans
Photo by: Bess Friday; Hair + MU: Priscilla Francine
...
4 tags
The Battle to Be True
(photo by Bess Friday)
I have started and re-started this post so many times.
Last week I read two articles that cut me to the core and I knew right away I wanted to write a response of my own to the discussion’s started in The Circus of Fashion and Blog is a Dirty Word.
But I kept putting it off. Because there are so many different things on my mind as I have reflected on what it...
February 2013
15 posts
10 tags
OUTFIT : Little Grey Shift
I have to admit, when I first saw this dress I was not a fan; it felt way too business’y for my liking. Do I want to be professional? Absolutely, but this dress on the hanger just wasn’t doing it for me.
Even when I tried it on I felt like I was wearing a giant sac. (Ladies I am 5’10, and no where near a size 2).
Enter my amazing Refined Friend Em. This lady has...
10 tags
OUTFIT : Emerald + Aqua
We might need to stage a high-waisted intervention. Because it’s pretty much ALL I WEAR (No, really though.)
There’s something about it that makes me feel both feminine and polished and a little 50’s housewife. I like all of those things.
This is an outfit I would wear to meet with a client - it’s professional while still being stylish. Plus emerald! So hot...
5 tags
Start Doing Things You Love...Today
Life is too short not to get up and go for it. So go on…get up…go for it!
And then don’t look back. Ever, and then we’ll have a giant dance party. I promise.
XOXO,
Kat + Em
14 tags
OUTFIT : Popped Collars + Penny Loafers
If you know me you know I love me some popped collars and prep, BUT you also know that I’m a bit of a hippie at heart (yes I actually do crave Kale Juice…I know it’s weird).
You can see my love for prep and bohemia all mixed together in this outfit: pearls, penny loafers, and popped collars. My bohemia shines through with my glasses, denim on denim and yummy fur...
9 tags
Reflections from The Refined Woman on NYFW
“What we found though is that if you are kind, and if you work hard, amazing things can happen. There is no industry this doesn’t apply to—even fashion, as intimidating as it can seem.” -Em
We could not be more honored to be a guest Writer on Darling Magazine today!
Em shared some of her thoughts on NYFW and Darling shared some of their favorite images we shot during our snowy NYC...
10 tags
OUTFIT : Pop of Red
One thing I loved seeing at New York Fashion Week was some incredible vibrant Reds on the runway. So this week to kick off a little runway to reality, Kat + I have two NYC outfits with a pop of red.
While I would have loved to have a different jacket to share with you, the other reality for this California girl is that I just don’t have that many fun coats. It just doesn’t...
30 tags
Refined at Fashion Week: Day V
Our travails at Fall 2013 New York Fashion Week have come to an end for now, and I can honestly say this has been my most favorite Fashion Week experience. Maybe it was because I was with my partner in Crime (Em), maybe it was that we got to attend shows of some of our favorite designers (Billy Reid, Trina Turk + JCrew), but I think a big part of it was all the new + old friends we got to meet...
13 tags
Refined at Fashion Week : Day IV
What Kat wore for the most epic day of our collective lives.
Blazer : Zara / Top : Madewell (similar) / Headband : Forever 21 / Skirt: Madewell / Shoes : JCrew
On to more from the Runway! I saw so many incredible gowns that I considered changing my profession to actress just so I could have an excuse to go to a movie premier or, you know, THE OSCARS, so I could wear...
23 tags
Refined at Fashion Week: Day III
There has never been a post this long in the history of The Refined Woman because there has never been a day so epic to recount.
Though I am a fan of the Hyperbole I promise I am not exaggerating when I say yesterday was the day that all the dreams our little hearts could hold were fulfilled.
Lest you think I still exaggerate. Let me begin with some images. I keep looking at them to remind...
8 tags
Refined at Fashion Week: Day II
We have been neck deep in all things fashion this last week, and let me tell you it has been every girls dream! (Aside from no sleep, little eating, and walking through ice while wearing heels…but hey #fashionweekproblems)
Fur Coat: Buffalo Exchange…and get over it I paid $2 for it (similar).
Maxi Dress: Anthropologie; it’s on sale, go get it NOW.
Tights: Target
...
23 tags
Refined at Fashion Week : Day 1
This week in honor of New York Fashion Week Kat + I are excited to share with you the highlights of everything we have been up to, what we are wearing (see also : The Woes of Being a Southern California Girl in A Snowstorm) and what we have been seeing on + off the runway.
We feel so grateful to be here experiencing all of this and so looking forward to sharing our highlights with you.
...
3 tags
The Refined Woman NYC Playlist
Well; it’s real folks. Em and I made it NYC late last night, and spent the evening catching up with friends over cocktails and quinoa.
Little did we know we have entered Blizzard weekend in the city. Everyone is preparing for what seems like Armagedon. You would have thought we would’ve looked at the weather report a little more closely.
First stops first before the shows today:...
11 tags
Elements: The NYC Travel Edition
Tomorrow morning bright and early Em and I are heading to NYC for New York Fashion Week. We are so excited to run around the city, meet some new blogger friends, photograph some runway shows, and let’s be real…we cannot wait to eat our way through NYC!
Before we leave, we wanted to leave you with our top 11 NYC travel essentials. Don’t leave home without these...
