Styling My Favorite Leather Wrap Belt

Once upon a time there was a belt that I was obsessing over. It was so chic, it could be styled in so many ways... and it was leather! Last summer I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the 'Jessica' belt by ALLSANTAELLA. At first, I'll admit I was a little intimidated on how to wear the belt. I'm not a huge belt person to begin with, but every time I'd see the 'Jessica' belt styled, I would fall in love. I decided to jump right in and I started styling my new leather wrap belt with so many pieces I already owned. Skirts, pants, dresses... this belt was already getting the mileage it deserves. Today on the blog I'm going to show you a couple easy ways to style the ALLSANTAELLA leather wrap belt this summer. Get ready to be inspired.

First I styled my ALLSANTAELLA belt with one of my favorite slip dresses. I love how it dressed up my outfit with a little leather edge. Because my belt is one solid color, it is so easy to pair with both patterned and solid color dresses. Also - this belt comes in several different colors, so whatever your style, ALLSANTAELLA has you covered. I decided to match my shoes and clutch with the black leather on my belt, but it would be so cute to style a contrast as well. Try wearing a black leather wrap belt with camel toned accessories. Or match your shoes and belt while adding a fun contrasting bag. My rule of thumb is to match two of your three accessories for a more minimalistic look.

Next I styled my ALLSANTAELLA belt over a black mini dress and finished off my look with a camel colored suede jacket. Here, I matched my belt with my clutch and added some neutral shoes. I love how this belt added a little sophistication to my LBD. Polished, with a little conservative edge - is that a thing? I can't wait to wear this look on my next date night!

Next I layered my ALLSANTAELLA belt over a pair of high-rise jeans. This is such a fun look for a casual night out. Style with a cute short sleeve shirt, tank top, or body suit... there are literally so many options! To style with denim, make sure you are wearing a high-rise jean because the belt sits at your natural waist. Also, I tucked in my top and bloused it out a little bit. Then I went back and gave the front a re-tuck to really show off the shape of the belt. If you choose to style with a fitted top, tank or body suit, obviously there's no need to tuck. Just be sure your bottoms (whether they are denim, dress pants, or even a skirt) have that high-rise so your belt lays correctly.

Lastly I'm styling the ALLSANTAELLA belt over an oversized button-down shirt. I threw on a pair of black bikers underneath for just a little peek, as my shirt was not quite long enough to wear as a dress. I chose a blue chambray shirt, but you could style with anything from a fun pattern to a plain white. Even a traditional button-down shirt would be so cute belted over leggings or denim. Play around and shop what you already have in your closet. To finish off my look, I layered on a black leather blazer and black moto boots - talk about an edgy street style vibe! I love how the belt looks layered with a leather jacket - it adds such a chic interest to my outfit.

Also, try styling your wrap belt over the top of an oversized or traditional blazer. Pair with dress pants and you're totally office appropriate. Seriously - the styling options are endless!

I hope I've inspired you to give the 'Jessica' belt by ALLSANTAELLA a try. The belt comes in so many fun colors - black, white, nude, olive, and camel. Plus, the belt comes in two sizes which I love - regular and XL. Copy my looks and shop your closet. And remember to have fun! Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

4 Ways to Style A Cropped Sweatshirt

Cropped sweatshirts. We've all seen them pop up in all our favorite stores. But... how do you style them? When they first came out, I was at such a loss. First off, high-rise pants were not a thing yet and I wasn't about to start prancing around with my midriff showing. Poolside, I'm ok with that... but picking up my kids at school or running errands - I need a little more coverage. Today on the blog I'm giving you four styling ideas for a cropped sweatshirt.

First, I'm styling my cropped sweatshirt with a cute pair of high-rise jeans. Whether you call these mom-jeans or high-rise, trust me when I say every girl needs a pair of these in her closet. Wearing just my cropped sweatshirt, high-rise jeans, and a cute pair of trendy sneakers, this look is perfect for school pick-up, errands, or any other casual running around you have to do. Comfortable and on trend. Try a pair of high-rise jeans with a cropped t-shirt or sweater and see how easy it is to style all those cute cropped tops.

Next I styled my cropped sweatshirt with a pair of high-rise biker shorts. High-rise leggings would also work to get this same look. The secret is HIGH-RISE! Again, I styled this look with a cute pair of trendy sneakers, but slides would also be so chic. I finished my outfit off with a crossbody bum bag, but you could also wear this bag around your waist. Or try a cute crossbody bag or backpack. Keep your shoes and bag casual to match this sporty vibe.

Next I layered my cropped sweatshirt over a longer button-down shirt. This gives you the freedom of pairing your cropped top with virtually any bottoms. When I first started purchasing cropped tops, I almost always layered them over a button-down shirt. It was an easy fix. I still love this look. I added a basic pair of black flare pants and playing off the dressy look of my button-down, I added some dressy sneakers and satchel. Whether you decide to layer your crop-top dressy or casual, be consistent with your shoes and handbag. Notice I'm wearing a Reebok cropped sweatshirt, but adding the button-down, sneakers and bag, my sweatshirt brings on a dressy vibe.

Finally I'm styling my cropped sweatshirt over a dress. I chose a dress that was not gathered at the waist, but hangs straight down. My dress falls perfectly underneath my sweatshirt, elongating my body and giving my outfit an effortless vibe. Play around with long and short dresses, keeping in mind the shape of your dress. Again, I styled my look with trendy sneakers, but a cute pair of sandals or slides would also be cute. This is such an easy way to add a little warmth on a cool summer night.

The next time you see a cropped sweatshirt or sweater, I urge you to give it a try. With so many chic ways to style, you'll be amazed at the mileage you'll get from this fun and trendy wardrobe addition. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.

4 Ways To Style A Slip Dress

Let's talk slipdresses. I have been a fan of slip dresses for years. With countless ways to style, I find myself wearing these dresses year round. Now with summer approaching, this is the perfect time to reach for these transitional pieces. Today on the blog, I'm showing you four easy ways to style your favorite slip dress for the warm months ahead.

First, try wearing your favorite slip dress... by itself. I know - shocking right?!? Sometimes I forget how cute a simple slip dress can be on it's own. I styled mine with a pair of dressy sandals for a perfect date night look. Try styling your slip dress with a cute pair of heels or throw a lacy bralette on underneath for added interest. If dressing up is not your thing, bring on a casual vibe with a cute pair of sneakers. Whatever shoes you reach for, make sure you complete your look with an equally dressy or casual handbag... My Chanel bag looks dressy and polished with these sandals. For sneakers, I'd reach for my casual crossbody bum bag or a cute backpack. Styling options are honestly limitless!

For my next look, I layered my slip dress over a graphic tank. This look works great for sleeveless tops, t-shirts, long sleeve tops, even turtlenecks. My rule of thumb is to keep your top fitted. Also, don't be afraid of wearing a patterned or graphic top. The peek-a-boo of the graphic image will bring a fun edge to your outfit. I styled this look with my favorite lug sole boots. You can also try summer slides or trendy sneakers. Because of the edgy casual vibes of this look, stick with casual footwear. Choosing chunky vs sleek will give you an effortless vibe and keep you feeling relaxed and on point.

Another edgy look is to layer a cute graphic tee over the top of your slip dress. Knotting the front of your t-shirt will bring up the hemline, elongating your look - think tall and slender. STYLE HACK: instead of knotting the front of my tshirt, I gathered the front of my shirt with a hair binder and tucked in the tail. This hack not only makes it easier to achieve the look, it won't stretch out your t-shirt. I styled this look with a cute pair of sneakers, but summer sandals would be equally as cute. Similar to my last style, keep footwear casual for a vibe that's edgy and effortless.

Finally, I threw on a hooded sweatshirt and my favorite slides for the ultimate casual, laid back look. In order to complement the way my slip dress hangs, I've styled with a men's hoody. I love the way the bottom hem hangs loose over my dress. Also, I love the oversized look and how it gives me a bit of a boho summer vibe. Again - play around with solids and graphics. Because I'm wearing a big, oversized sweatshirt, I styled this look with my summer slides to show a little skin. If slides aren't your thing, flip flops would look so cute as well.

I hope these looks will inspire you to take a second look at those slip dresses. Remember to shop your closet and get more mileage out of the awesome pieces you already own. Happy styling!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.