The Perfect Spring Jacket

You asked for the perfect Spring jacket...



...here are a few of my favorites!

Styling: Mixing Color + Print

One of the very frequent emails that I receive from my readers asks for styling suggestions for mixing color and print into one outfit. I could tell you that this strategy is extremely thought out and particular but in all honestly, the less thought the better and the only rule of thumb is balance.  


If you're wearing a dress that is overwhelmed by print, break it up with a patterned belt in the complete opposite color + scale. If you're going for a more saturated look {like a floral suit} then pair this with crisp basics, colorful accessories, and allow the suit to be the star. The thing in common between these images is balance + my trick for obtaining this look is allowing your eye to scan from the top to the bottom of your outfit. If your eye stops on a particular area, then you're probably too imbalanced. Here are a few suggestions:

If you'd prefer to focus the outfit on bold color, then choose one piece of clothing in a subtle pattern {like this yellow Joie top!} to break up the solid hues. If you have one piece of clothing in a bold print {like these Sandro shorts}, pair with a white top to make the pattern pop plus a few colorful accessories and metallic shoes to add some depth! 

*Metallic accessories + shoes are an excellent balance to bold colors and prints!



When mixing prints, balance is incredibly important. One pattern can't outweigh the other, they have to compliment each other. I personally don't think I can pull off a full floral suit, that is why this polka dot - stripe combo is right up my alley. 

So go test the waters, don't be afraid to take some risks, keep balanced, and be confident! Style should be easy, don't over think it. 

PS: I am sharing some stylish sandals for warmer days ahead in my Closet Confidential column on La Dolce Vita today!

Giveaway: Calypso St. Barth - CLOSED

Happy Reader Request Week! Let's start with a giveaway.

I have teamed up with Calypso St. Barth to celebrate their Generations of Style campaign + the release of their new mommy and me tunics. I have blogged about my love of Calypso St. Barth before and was thrilled when they asked me to participate in spreading the word on their new lovely new campaign. 




I chose the Lulu Celaya Print Tunic, I love the mix of florals with the aztec border + although it is still pretty chilly in Chicago, I can see this getting a ton of wear in the summer as a bathing suit cover up or paired with neon pink shorts. So, lucky for you, Calypso St. Barth is offering the Lulu Celaya Print Tunic to one stylish reader!

To enter: Please leave a comment below telling me how you would style the Celaya Print Tunic, a winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, May 2nd, 8am EST.  {only one entry per person}

Note, for all of you stylish mama's out there, this campaign is made for mommy + daughter! How adorable would matching tunics be for you and your mini me? 

This giveaway is now CLOSED.

---------

Congratulations, Kaity! You have won the Lulu Celaya Print Tunic. I will be emailing you shortly :)

No purchase necessary; void where prohibited. By entering into this sweepstakes, the entrant acknowledges that they are eligible for this sweepstakes according to all laws set forth by their state of residency.  Not valid outside the US.

Announcing: Reader Request Week



I am thrilled to announce that on Monday I am going to kick off a week long series of posts answering questions + showing appreciation for my amazing readers! I have received countless emails requesting specific posts and advice on the blog world but I don't always have the opportunity to answer every question - my hope is that this week of posts will help with that issue! I have a few amazing giveaways to introduce and numerous posts scheduled for each day, it's going to be like a little blog party over here so I hope you pop in!

PS: I am sharing 5 things that you most likely don't know about me on Christin's blog today and a guide to Chicago on Amanda's blog!

{image via, Cavalli ClutchDannijo EarringsZara Heels}

Get the Look: Tailored Polka Dots



I love this combination of polka dots, a blazer, white denim and a necessary pop of neon. These ballet flats are extremely appealing to me, not only because of their highlighter color but I love the feminine laser cut detail. A pretty balance to a structured outfit. Wouldn't they be fun with a mini dress or hot pink jeans, too? Yes, I think that would be quite nice. 

{image via}

What a Flirt


H&M Scalloped Flats  //  Anthropologie Staghorn Reef Earrings  //  Loren Hope Roxy Necklace is Rose Quartz  //  Anthropologie Enameled Tab Cuff  //  Illesteva Leonard Acetate Sunnies  //  Atomic Salt + Pepper Shakers  //  Deux Lux Empire Clutch {$102 + so fun!}  //  Mango Pleated Skirt  //  Geode Trinket Pot  //  Ban.do Crystal Crush Bobbi

Is it just me or do all of these pieces make you feel flirty? I don't know if it is the sweet blush color, soft gold accents, or delicate details but I want to add all of these to my home/wardrobe. None of these cost a hefty penny, and I admit that I did just purchase these salt + pepper shakers for my future home {their flirting worked}. Next, I have to have this Deux Lux Empire Clutch. I love the mix of feminine + edgy glamour and have no doubt it would be the perfect finale to any outfit. Don't you think?

So tell me, what's flirting with you these days?

PS: A few weeks ago, I met with the lovely Nicole and we spent two hours exploring her wardrobe and shopping her closet. She wrote the sweetest post about our appointment {seriously has me grinning ear to ear} and I'd love for you to pop over and see what I'm all about. If you're interested in my services, contact me for more information!

Recent Inspiration


{feminine chambray}


{easy chic ensembles}


{polka dot details}

Just a few recent images inspiring my daily outfits + client projects. 

{images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Everything Nice

I have posted about this skirt before, and now it is finally available {unfortunately for a pretty penny of $850}. I would pair this beauty with chambray, polka dots, or a neon tee. How would you style it?

Lately via Instagram


Jordan almonds, my favorite Easter snack. Saturday morning client meetings. My new Loren Hope necklace and favorite Michael Kors wedges


Pretty tulips on Michigan Avenue. A bit of E-Consulting work for a client! Productive days thanks to my Rifle notepad. Webster, constantly keeping me company. 


A peplum top for date night. A cheesy dinner. Gus, such a gentleman. Cloudy Chicago. 


I've been living {understatement} in my new shoes. Paired with coral denim, chambray, + polka dot pants. I have also been pretending that I am back in Europe and enjoying an obscene amount of croissants with my morning coffee, whoops! {I just went back through all of my Europe photos and was sick with wanderlust, where shall I go next?} I love the neutrals at my family's home in the suburbs, so cozy + comforting. My mom is a pretty talented interior designer, did you know that?

How was your weekend?

{all images taken via instagram @lizschneider_}

Weekend Style



An outfit for brunching with friends followed by client meetings + a night on the town. Now if only Chicago were experiencing some sunshine and warmer temps! 

Wherever you are, I hope you're enjoying a stylish weekend!

Get the Look: Olivia Palermo Style



Oh wouldn't it be lovely if we could all dress like OP on a daily basis? Note to self: take the plunge and invest in floral pants. Happy friday!

{image via}

J.Crew Escape


The new J.Crew catalog has me wishing I could jump on a plane to California with a few girlfriends in tow for a weekend of palm trees, mojitos, and chic attire. Do you have any fun vacations planned?

{images via J.Crew}

Around Here


Two new tops added to my closet: Heat Index Tank {$68} and Peplum Ponte Tank {$78}


Hi, Webster!


New Loren Hope Baubles: Samba Necklace, Sophia Studs, and Cleopatra Necklace.


The happiest shoes I own.


Pops of color in my closet.


Coffee table collection: Coasters, Candle, West Elm tray


Happy hardware for an upcoming project {I also love these}.  


Gold leaf polka dots painted on a linen lamp shade + a Diptyque candle.


A new homepage on Elizabeth Schneider Style!

I am also over at Aspiring Kennedy, sharing the one place in the world I would love to wake up in with a few fabulous bloggers. 

You can also find me at A Creative Day, participating in Eileen's Everyday Series. 

Finally, I am thrilled to be a new contributor on La Dolce Vita, in a new style column titled "Closet Confidential." I'll be posting a few times a month but today I kick start the series with the topic of effortless style. Pop over and check it out

Whoa, what a day! Enjoy :)

Citrus Inspiration


Feeling inspired by my favorite citrus fruits, such happy hues for sunny days!

{image 1, 2}

The Perfect Heel


If you want to take one piece of advice that I offer up on this blog, then listen here people, Michael Kors has created the perfect heel. It flatters your foot, shows off some good toe cleavage, has a subtle and sexy heel height, and is comfortable. I purchased these this past weekend + immediately went online and purchased them in navy, too. Not only are the rope wedges perfect to pair with sundresses and summer soirees but the patent option would be ideal for work and more formal events. Honestly, if you are searching for a heel to take you into the coming months, I recommend you invest in a pair. There are so many amazing color + texture combinations that you can't help but find your sole mate {har har}!

The Perfect Summer Dress



There is something about a pretty dress that makes me feel ultra girly and effortlessly styled. I mean, let's think about the dress for a second...one piece, one statement, effortless, mindless, pretty. That is how I like to dress, one piece that makes me feel feminine. ASOS is the first place I look when hunting for the perfect warm weather dress. Not only are their pieces fun + flirty, but they have a crazy amount of options that are budget friendly while looking expensive, which is hard to come by. So if you are on the hunt for a few options that won't break the bank, head over to ASOS and add a few of these cute little numbers to your closet. 

A Fresh Start


Yesterday I made a giant to-do list for the week ahead. Aside from my typical tasks, I listed a few goals for the week:

1. Dress for work every day.
2. Reply to emails as they come.
3. Do your hair.
4. Keep your desk clean.
5. Start each day with a happy song.
6. Load up on the bracelets.
7. Save your money.
8. Don't sweat the small stuff.

A much better way to welcome a Monday, don't you think?

{image via}

Weekend Style



Two perfect outfits to spend your weekend sipping champagne with your favorite people. I hope you're enjoying your Saturday!

Cheers!


How lovely would it be to enter the weekend in this chic all black ensemble, twinkling lights, and a bubbly glass of champagne? Let's all plan on getting a bit dressed up and enjoying a couple of days off, I think we deserve it. Plus, what are weekends for? Yes, chic outfits and yummy cocktails.

Happy Friday!

{image via Emerson Fry

Tips for Organizing Your Closet

Good morning! Today I thought I would share a few tips for maximizing your closet. For the most part, I try to keep my closet in line, but there are times when I haven't noticed its slow path to destruction and all of a sudden I am left with serious disorganization and a hatred for everything that I own. I honestly believe that by keeping your closet up-to-date and organized you will have a new found appreciation for your wardrobe, so I will use my closet as an example:


So clearly there are a few issues here:

1. Order. Although this is a tedious task, keeping your closet in order can minimize your dressing time by leaps and bounds. I prefer to keep my closet divided by tank tops, short sleeve tops, long sleeve tops, collared shirts, sweaters and then pants, which you will notice in the top hanging row, followed by dresses and skirts on the bottom hanging row. On my shelves I have shorts, scarves, jersey coverups/dresses, bathing suits, and a few rows of shoes. After I divide each item by type, I then like to organize by texture and color {clearly this is not necessary for everyone, but if you are anal like me then I highly suggest this order}. It is so much easier to piece together an outfit when you are able to move smoothly through your closet!

2. Clutter. This is an issue we all deal with. There are pieces that are easy to forget and there are pieces that we save for years in hopes of wearing for a very specific occasion that never comes to be. We all accumulate stuff, mindless and meaningless stuff that just seems to take up space. Let's get rid of the clutter! Not only does it weigh down your closet but every time you open those doors to get dressed this daunting mess is going to weigh you down, too. So, throw pieces aside that can easily be loved by someone else and take them to a Goodwill drop off. You will feel good about de-cluttering your closet and helping someone in need with your neglected piece.



{note: not all of this was given away, a few pieces were saved for next winter :) }

3. Space. Space is not always available when it comes to closets {especially for us renters} so after you are done de-cluttering, it is time to maximize your space. I like to do this by using the same hangers throughout my closet {I like these because they don't allow garments to slip}and distinguishing what can be folded and what has to be hung. I know not every closet has shelf space available, which is why I also have a dresser that stores my jeans, workout clothes, jersey tee's, and intimates, but if you are someone who hangs everything then I would suggest you start folding down your sweaters + tee's {they are the easiest and less likely to wrinkle}. This will open up so much space.

4. Flow. Your closet should be a place that you truly enjoy! Obviously, it is not always going to look like this, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't get excited when we open the doors. Create a space that allows you to feel good about yourself, and that makes it easy for you to create your own personal style on a daily basis. It is important for you to see the connection between every piece of clothing you own {hello, that is why we have our own individual style!} so make sure you have a flow. This is why order is so important, it helps the flow come naturally!






Ok, so order, clutter, space, and flow. Let's remember these, ok? Because after you tackle your closet, you will be left with a pretty space that you can be proud of that showcases your fabulous wardrobe!


Alright, people! Go conquer those closets, you'll feel 10 pounds lighter after you do!

Get the Look: Polka Dots + Color



What is my favorite thing about this look? Just how effortlessly chic it is, so few elements and such a statement. That's the way you do it, folks. 

Current Favorites

Elizabeth Schneider Style has some new Current Favorites posted for Spring! Some you've seen {I need to bite the bullet and purchase these}, and some are new delights for your pretty eyes. Either way, enjoy!



Looking for a Spring closet overhaul? If so, email me! Not only do I like to style, but I have a slight obsession with closet organization, because the only way to have a productive closet is to surround yourself with pieces that you love. I know that is easier said than done, which is why I am here to help. My services are detailed here, and what better way to jump into warmer weather than with a little styling gift to yourself. {A little self promotion never hurt anyone :) }

Recent Mini Moments






Confetti Shoshanna Dress {from last year, similar to this cut}, Diptyque Vetyver Candle {my favorite!}, Anthropologie sunglasses {in stores}, Chanel and Her World by Edmonde Charles-Roux, Katie Ridder Rooms, Glamorous Rooms by Jan Showers

A few recent mini moments that I had to capture. 
 

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