Summer Series Finale: Tropical Print

My love came when I saw Lulus post the cutest summer dress. So who better to describe this adorable print then the site that started it all. “Whether you’ve got Spring Break in your sights or your rear-view, live up those piña colada pipe dreams all the same in these hotter-than-the-tropics prints! From palm fronds to hibiscus, black and white to rainbow bright, tropical prints are riding a heat wave straight through our hearts and into our closets as we gear up for sunny days and rising temps. Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and some sweet shades… it’s a jungle out there.”

So click on the pictures and
get shopping this adorable print!

 

Comment below! Let me know what you think of this leafy tropical print. Too much or just the right touch for summer.

The Effortless Dress

I’ve been in love with the shift/t-shirt/ swing dress whatever you want to call it. They are amazingly simple but can be used as a blank slate. Pumps, gladiators, statement necklace to layered bracelets, the possibilities are endless. The t-shirt dress will always be in style, no matter what season. Summer with sandals or winter with tights and boots, above are the best baggy tee dresses I’ve seen and below I’ve linked some more so you’re sure to find a good one! All under $100! SO get in we’re going shopping bitches!

So dress them up or down it doesn’t matter. But tag me on Instagram @theoxfordguide but until next time loves.

White Before, After & During Labor Day

We’ve all heard it before:  Don’t wear white after Labor Day or before Memorial Day.

Well, we’re in spring and just a few weeks away from Memorial Day, so it begs the question:  Is it okay to bust out the white skinny jeans or the white cut off fringed jean shorts? Or is this still not acceptable? Like the person who said navy and black don’t go together, this is one of the biggest fashion myths in history, and if you’re anything like me, you want to know where the rumors started and if they’re really true or not.

Well, now that winter is over and (unless you live in the Northeast and had that recent snow squall) we are on our way to a new wardrobe! Spring is tough because it could be cool in the morning and heat up throughout the day so layers are a must. I love white especially once all the snow melts. Pictured below are some amazing ways to incorporate white while staying warm for potentially brisk days.

All winter I’m bulky and trying to keep my toes from falling off, so it’s nice to wear some crisp new colors. I wear white year-round and during the summer love to pair it with tans, khakis, beige, and nudes to give it a clean, minimalist, and chic look.

Their Way

Shop Styles Under $100

So get shopping and tagging me on Instagram @theoxfordguide. Comment below I’d love to hear your thoughts on this once fashion faux pas! Until next time my loves!

Denim Vest? Don’t Mind if I Do!

Not all fashion trends are worth the effort, especially if you’re old enough for it to be your second time around (think neon colors, acid washed jeans, and pleated silky shorts.) But, the denim vest is an exception. It’s such a versatile piece, I dare say anyone could make it work.

Here are some reasons I love the denim vest:

• it’s a perfect layering piece for transitioning into Fall
• provides a great barrier for modesty when a tank top is a little too tight
• provides a structured look when wearing unstructured pieces/outfits
• disguises and hides lumps and rolls in the mid-section
• dresses down a fancier outfit
• gives you an edge

There are some things we need to focus on though when wearing the denim vest because we want to be more Tiffany Thiessen and less Tiffany Amber Thiessen. So remember that shades and distress level of the jean matters especially when you are wearing jeans. The length matters too because you don’t want to look like a 16 year old, you want to rock the vest on a more upscale level because let’s be honest, most of us are rocking it for the 2nd time around.

 

Click to Style

 

Click to Buy

 

Just because it’s basically summer, doesn’t mean we have to stop layering our clothes. That’s why pieces like denim vests exist, for the sole purpose of giving our outfits some dimension. Whether you’re going for a clean look with whites and a lighter wash, or fulfilling your inner rock star with ripped jeans and a vintage tee, there are many ways to integrate a jean vest into your wardrobe.

Comment below and tell me your thoughts!

 

 

Circle Skirts

Although it’s been a long, cold spring, it’s time to break out those sundresses, skirts, flats and pastels! If you feel like your legs aren’t quite ready for that trendy pair of high-waisted shorts, throw on a dress or skirt. I personally love wearing high-waisted skirts because the style gives the appearance of longer legs. I also like tucking my shirts in because it allows for the entirety of the skirt to be showcased and looks more put together. Skirts and dresses are freeing and feminine, which I also love. But there is nothing more perfect than the circle skirt.

I’m a big fan of circle skirts, because they fit for every occasion – from leather jackets and sturdy boots, over sweet ruffled blouses and peep-toes, to blazers and pumps. No other skirt allows more styling interpretations. This is the one bottom that should hang in every wardrobe.

 

Their Way

 

Your Way

Too many cute styles, pattered to solid to scalloped, the possibilities are endless! Comment below on your thoughts! Will these skirts adorn your closet? Let me know!

The Girl That Loves

A huge shout out to The Girl That Loves for this amazing tulle skirt. There are so many ways you can wear this piece. A while back I wrote an article all about Tulle Skirts, giving so many different options and styles to wear them. Below is a fun shoot I had today showing off my The Girl That Loves skirt in Blush!

– J. Crew Tee and Necklace – BCBG Flats –
– The Girl That Loves Tulle Skirt-

Have fun with fashion and mixing and matching! There are so many ways to wear the clothes that you have right in your closet! So remember email me at any time with questions at theoxfordguide@gmail.com or find me on Instagram @theoxfordguide

Until next time beautiful,

Boots: Fab Finds Under $100

As much as I love summer, I must admit I greet the coming of Fall with great enthusiasm. Okay, I will admit it, I am completely head over heels in lust for boots. Fall will be here any day so it is time to starting shopping. Is it just me or is there an abundance of fall boots this season that are incredibly adorable and cost efficient? And not to mention that the weather is getting much more hospitable for actually wearing boots. In fact in the coming days I will be likely wearing only boots for a while as we are prepping for a serious cool down here in Pennsylvania.

Below are all different types of boots! The one thing they have in common is that they are under $100! Because between paying for student loans and groceries I really must slow it down on spending. Plus a pair of Frye boots are not in my budget JUST YET! So enjoy and comment below are your favorite style!

 

So until next time and remember follow me on Instagram @theoxfordguide ❤

Everyone looks good in Valencia

There are so many reasons I hate social media and fashion together. I don’t want to see 40 pictures of the same outfit at different angles… I get it you put together a cute outfit you want everyone to see. When I post about clothes or fashion I try to offer a bit more but I still fall into that “typical girl” trap. We have all done it (just take a look around @theoxfordguide and you’ll see) I take some pretty awful pictures! I don’t have the time to have a photo shoot every day so I improvise, so quality is out the window! So I complied some of my favorite styles of pictures that at the time seem like they would be so cute but trust me they’re not!

The awkward Instagram shots

Holding the phone above your head

The completely headless shot

 

Your clothes strategically placed on the floor

What you think it looks like:

 

What it actually looks like:

 

Driving- WHAT THE HELL?

 

The Beach Pictures

Terrible shot

Your knees that looks like hotdogs

The bikini bottom crotch shot

The obvious staged grouping of things

 

Your Starbucks Order

Next to some flowers

With your Macbook

In your hand

The stolen Tumblr quote-picture
(because every great quote had a random picture and filter)

 

Your Alcoholic Beverage

Your Nail Polish

So remember the golden rule, if you don’t have anything good to post, don’t post anything at all! There is no need to force a picture becuase you “have to post”! I would rather 1 picture a week of amazing quality than 40 pictures a day of nonsense

What do you guys think? Email me at theoxfordguide@gmail.com!

So until next time my loves,

LBD: Fab Finds Under $50

The Little Black Dress is a girl’s go-to for ANY occasion. I am sure that it is anyone’s “go-to”. In the event that you have a date or you are invited to a party, and you don’t know what to wear, then I suggest you to choose a little black dress. If you don’t have, you must buy immediately.  From satin, chiffon, silk and jersey pick the material that fits your occasion.

The little black dress is often credited to the infamous Coco Chanel. The concept was radical at the time since black was considered a morbid color for fashion. Now, the piece has gone on to become a staple in almost every woman’s closet. From the classic sheath dress like the one worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast in Tiffany’s to a modern backless dress, the possibilities are endless!

Incorporating your own unique style into wearing the perfect black dress is the reason this is such a stand-by in the fashion world. Enjoying the fun of dressing for a special party or a big event can be a great time to explore trends. Mixing some of the latest styles in shoes or handbags with a classic little black dress is adventurous without being too edgy.

 

I adore the little black dress! Try laying long necklaces or throw on a statement necklace or two! Stack those bangles or do a double gold cuff! And shoes! The possibilities are endless! From scrappy sandals to sky high pumps heels are my go to! But don’t count out sandals (especially gladiators – high or low) and flats! Get crazy! Use your blank canvas to your advantage! It will only make the outfit “more you”!

So I want to hear from you and how you style you LBD! Remember email me at theoxfordguide@gmail.com or find me on Instagram @theoxfordguide ❤️

Summer Scarves

So for some reason I am trying to take all of my fall favorites and incorporate them into ALL seasons! Scarves are my go to accessory in the Fall and Winter seasons but they add so much color to an outfit and I think they could be a great summer accessory. The summer scarf makes for an easy and affordable way to dress up your wardrobe. Tie your hair up with it when you’re sitting by the pool and wrap it around your neck when the sun starts to set. Comfy outfits like a T-shirt and jeans, can easily be dressed up with a colorful scarf.

To begin your summer scarf journey, be on the lookout for vintage scarves at your local thrift shops and consignment stores.. Finding cheap, high-quality scarves is ridiculously easy. I also recommend hunting for new handmade ones—there are gobs on Etsy that are positively drool-worthy. See below for some of my favorite places to find Once you’ve built up a happy collection, try to style it your own way!

Just remember the golden rule of scarves: There’s no wrong way to wear one.

But I do have some tips and tricks:

Try to wear bright colors and patterns
You need lighter fabrics- cotton, linen, silk
Scarves are usually tight in the winter so wear them loose in the summer
Tanks to dresses try a scarf all different ways, even how you tie it
A scarf isn’t just for your neck, try it as a head wrap for a effortless boho look

 

Their Way

 

So here are some of my favorite places to buy scarves!

Do you like to summer scarf trend or do you think we should keep them for fall and winter?

Let me know what you think I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your ideas on how to style so remember Instagram me @theoxfordguide or email me at theoxfordguide@gmail.com!

Stay cool,

xoxo
Ellen