Monday, March 31, 2014

Mon Nouveau Clutch: A Just Sara Jane Original

A few weeks ago, the incredibly talented Scarlett Ruocco reached out to me about doing a collaboration. Scarlett makes fashionable art that you can wear -- and her work is always hand drawn! (a UK native, she most recently did a shirt with Cara Delevingne eyes). She created this amazing hand-drawn clutch exclusively for Just Sara Jane, collaging various pieces together to give it a signature look. Her creativity is inspiring and I am so grateful to have worked with someone so talented. I styled an outfit around this clutch that was the most JustSaraJane (hello, black, white and leather details!) to celebrate this one of a kind piece in my wardrobe. 

What a truly incredible gift. Thank you Scarlett! For more information about Scarlett and her work, visit her Twitter or Wordpress
x
sjb


Front & back 





Pants: Club Monaco // Shoes: Easy Pickins // Jacket: H&M // Necklace: H&M // Top: Forever 21 // Lips: NYX Matte Red

Monday, March 24, 2014

How to Dress Well in Vintage: The $3 Skirt








Photography by Brandi Whitlock
Shirt: Lucky Brand // Skirt: Vintage // Shoes: Tamaris // Purse: Chanel // Belt: Express // Sunnies: Ray Ban // Lip: NYX Matte Red

Hello, spring? Is that you?

FINALLY! We have been waiting for SO long. Spring is a great time to reassess your wardrobe, but also a great time to recycle pieces (both from your own closet and others'!). Today I'm sharing a look that speaks to how to dress well in vintage! Wearing vintage pieces makes me feel connected to the past. In the case of my family jewelry, it makes me feel connected to my heritage and my ancestors. In the case of thrift stores, it makes me feel connected to a different decade, and like I can pretend to live in a different time. I picked up this skirt for a Scottish party in January (it has kilt-like qualities), but have decided it's going to be one of my style go-to's for spring. I love the length and flow of it -- also good for twirling (as seen in picture 2). But the best part? It was $3! Ok, all together now..."We LOVE vintage stores!" 

Because this skirt is longer and hits at the knee, I chose to highlight the waist by cinching it with a vintage belt (courtesy of my mom's 80's closet). I love using chambray as solid these days, so I opted for a chambray shirt to contrast the plaid in the skirt. When wearing vintage, it's great to pair vintage pieces with more contemporary pieces to give yourself a more modern look. Also, totally disregard sizing. A lot has changed over the years. For additional tips, head over to my column on 6 tips for wearing vintage on bsmartguide.com.

Accessories: all black (what else is new?). My hands are still cold in 50 degrees, so I liked to add a pop of color (and warmth) with the red gloves. This vintage Chanel never gets old. And of course lipstick (in this case, red) always completes my look. There you have it! How to dress well in vintage, and add some SPRING in your step for your springtime wardrobe!

I'll continue to post about dressing in vintage, as I'm always on the hunt for good thrift store finds.

Happy spring, loves!
x
sjb

**Photo credit to the beautiful Brandi Whitlock (c) 2014

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Can't stop the crop.



Jeans: Easy Pickins // Shoes: Easy Pickins // Top: TJ Maxx // Hat: H&M // Purse: Rebecca Minkoff // Lips: Clinique Chubby Stick in Grandest Grape
Today I bring you a spring-inspired outfit with lovely pieces from Easy Pickins - a women's clothing line that toasts high fashion at affordable prices. And it's true! EP has really great and trendy styles, that don't break the bank.

For this post, I'm wearing the Rock With Me Jeans (this girl loves acid wash), and their classic black bootie. The instant I put these jeans on, I fell in love! I always look for a thicker jean fabric when wearing high-waisted pants (it makes me feel more secure). They have a good stretch, are a durable fabric, and cut just in the right place on the waist. WIN!

I opted for a long sleeve crop top (in a fun aztec pattern with my favorite cool colors!) to pair with the jeans. I really like to experiment with wearing crop tops this season. Like so many other pieces in a girl's wardrobe, the crop top is all about proportion. A good rule of thumb for wearing a crop top is to pair with a more conservative bottom (high-waisted pants or pencil skirt). This way, you can show a little skin while still making this trend feel ladylike. Also, it's still 40 degrees in NYC, so pair with pants to stay warm!

I finished the look with Easy Pickins' Classic Black Bootie - an absolute FIND. They are comfy and just the right height. I chose more basic accessories (black shoes, gray hat), as the crop top is a brighter pattern. Added a cuff (very in this season!) and voila - this "hopeful springtime" look is complete.

How do you like to wear your crop top? Share in the comments below.

To shop this look - head over to EasyPickins.com, and don't stop the crop, ladies!
x
sjb

A BIG thank you to Easy Pickins for sponsoring this post.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The best birthday.

Thank you, lovely friends and readers for making last week the best week EVER. My birthday was stellar. I went on an early birthday getaway with my best friends, then celebrated in Manhattan over great food and drinks, and finally, received the most beautiful cake I've ever seen in real life. My wonderful friend surprised me with a cake from KLITTLECAKES -- which was designed specifically for JustSaraJane!

My heart is full, and I am so grateful for the love! Thank you all. I have a feeling this next year will be the best one yet.
x
SJB

**If you need a beautiful custom cake in Manhattan, KLITTLECAKES is your girl (email: klittlecakes@gmail.com or on IG: @KLittleCakes).

xoxo 

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Sweater weather - wear your leather.

Alright friends. The end of winter is in sight and it's starting to warm up (YAS, honey!). That said, it's not yet time to bust out your bathing suits and sundresses. I am always looking for wears to recycle my favorite pieces year round (no worse for the WEAR, amiright?).
Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger // Skirt: Mango // Shoes: Franco Sarto // Purse: Dior // Necklace: J.Crew 
Love a bold lip (Color - Loreal: Divine Wine) 


I paired this leather mini with a chunky sweater. The cream knit sweater adds a softness to the look, which I think is important when wearing leather. This way, I can show off the leather-ness without looking too much like one of the Pink Ladies (although, is there anything really wrong with that?).

Add some leopard booties and a vintage clutch and VOILA. The perfect sweater-weather-leather outfit. Say that three times fast.

Bisous bbs!
SJB

Do you think I like rings? 
Photography by Brandi Whitlock (c) 2014.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Dress for Your Body: 3 Ways to Layer

This article was originally written for Verily Magazine, and appeared on 2/27/14. 

BY SARA JANE BAKER (check out my Author page on Verily!) 

dress-for-your-body-slider
I believe layers do for the body what a cup of hot chocolate does for the soul. There is something that feels so good about bundling up under a sweater, scarf, and a cozy coat (bonus if you can snuggle up to a nearby fireplace). That said, after piling on all the layers, a gal can be left feeling a bit like a toasty marshmallow—especially for those of us who have a naturally curvier figure (that’s me!).

So I bring you three tips on how to dress well in layers that will leave you feeling fabulous and bulk-free.

1. Layer Over a Dress
I like to recycle items in my closet and repurpose them throughout the different seasons. Try layering a crop-top shirt over a solid-colored summer dress. This is a fun twist on the crop-top trend, and sleeveless dresses eliminate bulk in the upper-arm area. Finish the look with a chambray shirt (chambray is the new black, am I right?). I suggest tying the chambray shirt around your waist, which highlights and gives the body a lovely silhouette.

tip-1
2. Play with Textures and Prints

Try mixing an animal print with a classic staple, like a chambray shirt (you may have noticed Ilive for jean shirts), and add a textured coat such as herringbone or tweed. Accessories add dimension to the outfit, so add a thick leather or suede belt to give definition to your waist. (Yay! I can tell you already look fabulous.)

tip-2

3. Balance Bulky Sweaters
When wearing a heavy sweater or cardigan, you can balance the volume with a slim fitting pant like skinny jeans or thick leggings. A collared top looks great under a sweater. Try a collard undershirt in chiffon, silk, or light-denim material. Don’t use layers that are too heavy or baggy—nobody wants to drown in fabric!

If adding a jacket, opt for a cropped style to highlight the waist.
dress-for-your-body-slider
Lastly, think about length and proportion for your body. Longer sweaters and long necklaces will lengthen the torso. Shorter sweaters, layered over a longer fitted shirt will highlight the waist. Long necklaces elongate the middle (added bonus, long necklaces can usually be found at vintage stores—hello, thrift shop!)

tip-4
Images by Martim Thomaz