Starts with Inspiration: Kendra's Fashion Challenge - A Trip to Disney's Epcot

Happy Friday! 

When Kendra Thornton, travelling guru, approached me with a fashion challenge to inspire her wardrobe for a family trip to Disney's Epcot, I was instantly intrigued. Even as an adult, Disney World remains one of my favourite places to visit, and vacation packing is always a creative exercise to look fabulous while packing light. 

My go-to trick is creating a base outfit that can easily be transitioned from day to night by swapping layers and accessories. For this particular set, I opted for a silk cami and scalloped shorts for a functional, feminine look. For daytime, this is paired with a light cashmere hoodie (it can get chilly in the air-conditioned buildings), comfortable yet stylish striped flats, and a  stainless steel menswear-inspired watch. I also added sparkly mouse ears so that she can complement her daughters' princess outfits.

At night, the hoodie is swapped out for a cardigan in a hot-for-Spring floral pattern, glamorous pointed flats, and oversized hoops. The pièce de résistance is a match-everything cross-body bag that can be used as a clutch for dinner by simply tucking in the strap while leaving one hands-free for day. 

For more information about Kendra's Fashion Challenge, check out her message below!

I want to take this time to introduce my latest project, "Kendra's Fashion 

Challenge." I am Kendra Thornton a well-known travel expert! I need some 

fashion advice from some of the best expertise fashion bloggers! I'm currently 

planning a trip to Orlando with my family and I'm particularly concerned 

about what I'm going to wear for a day visiting Epcot! I want to look trendy 

and chic with a princess theme! I am letting my girls wear their Disney attire 

and I would like to match along but in a mature way. We will be attending the 

Princess Storybook Breakfast in the morning then off to see Beauty & the Beast 

in the World Showcase France Pavilion! I’m sure we will enjoy some delicious 

French food later when we meet up with my son and my husband. We will then 

take off to the heart of Paris at a charming café! Chefs de France has high 

ceilings, intricate mosaic flooring and expansive windows looking out onto the 

promenade! I can’t wait to try some innovative French cuisine! I was able to 

plan this day with a new booking website that gives great first hand reviews. 

I checked out the website Gogobot and there were endless options offered for Walt 

Disney World hotels and excursions! I am really looking forward to my trip to 

Orlando. Once I figure out what I'm going to wear, I'll be all ready to go! This is a 

destination that's perfect for families with children! I know with StartWithStyle’s help I 

will have the perfect outfit for my day at Epcot!

Details:

Top: J.Crew hoodie,  Dolce & Gabbana cardigan, Equipment camisole, 

Bottom: TopShop shorts

Shoes: Gap flats, Valentino "Rockstud" flats

Jewelry: Michael by Michael Kors watch, Kate Spade hoops

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff "Mini MAC" bag

Image source: Polyvore

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Starts with Inspiration: Neutral Palette

The weather outside is unrelentingly colder by the day, which inevitably leads to daydreams of sunshine and lighter clothing.  There is nothing more feminine and elegant than a clean neutral ensemble.

The beauty about these pieces is that they can all be "winterized" to maximize wear. And come Spring, these will look just as gorgeous styled together. The tank is perfect for layering under a blazer or sweater coat. The skirt can easily be paired with black opaque tights and a silk blouse or light cashmere crew neck. The blazer can be paired with leather pants or dark skinnies, while the cuff is an all-season staple. Don't opt out winter white - the structured cream tote is perfect for elevating a camel coat. And finally, while I wouldn't recommend trekking in the snow with these highly covetable flats, they're perfect for in-office wear when heels just won't cut it.


Clockwise from top: H M sleeveless shirt, Diane Von Furstenberg blazer, Aurélie Bidermann cuff bracelet , Victoria Beckham tote bag, Valentino flat shoes, American Eagle Outfitters mini skirt

Image source: Polyvore



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Starts with Inspiration: Leopard print ankle strap pumps

The perfect accessory to elevate an otherwise neutral outfit - the leopard print pump. I'm especially loving the ankle straps as they add a subtle touch of femininity to the edgy look. Or in the case of the Valentino Rockstuds, a whole lot of glam.

Left to right:

Valentino "Rockstud" pumps (available here), DKNY "Saffi" ankle strap pump, Sam Edelman "Okala" ankle strap pump (available here)

Starts with Inspiration: Smoking Slippers

I'm loving the new smoking slippers being shown for Fall. They are, to me, the  older sister to the ballet flats (which I still love!). But make no mistake, though more mature, a wall-flower this shoe is not. The endless varieties of embellishment and textures for this Fall's smoking slippers will leave you, shall we say, burning with desire? 

Here are my current top three favourite styles:

-1-

First is the B Brian Atwood Metallic Leopard-Print smoking slipper. The embellished suede backstay is what stands out to me here. It's the perfect unexpected complement to an already pretty stand-out pattern. I'm loving the subtle leopard print, while the metallic fabric provides a great "pop".

-2-

Second is the Prada Glitter Logo smoking slipper. A less in-your-face look, but eye-catching nonetheless. I'm loving the light gold and small glitter flecks (I'm not a fan of chunky glitter). I'm imaging these with cropped black skinny pants topped with a polka-dot silk blouse like this one.

-3-

Last but not least is the Valentino Caviar-Crystal Lace smoking slipper. There's really nothing like Valentino's iconic lace pattern. I think the lace is a nice complement to the sometimes more masculine-looking shoe, and provides an unexpected texture to the leather base of the shoe.

So what are your thoughts? Will you be giving your ballet flats a rest this Fall and give smoking slippers a try?

(Image credits for post: Neiman Marcus)

Wishlist: Rose Tones

Just discovered Polyvore, and boy, is this fun!

I'm loving uber-feminine rose tones for late summer. I'm specially featuring my dream Valentino shoes in my first set here, the perfect amount of edginess to balance girlie peplum.

Top: H&M
Pants: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Shoes: Valentino
Clutch: Lanvin (available here)