1 Piece, Multiple Ways

As promised on Tuesday, today we are showing you how to wear this amazingly versatile MinkPink Vest ($130) five different ways. (The fifth way is not shown in photos).

Look 1: The vest is tied with it's sash and worn as a dress. By throwing on a delicate necklace and some amazing heels-you are ready for a night on the town.

Look 2: Throw the vest on as a topper. With a long sleeved blouse or tee (depending on how casual you want to be), a pair of (of-the-moment) distressed jeans, and some opened-toed heels you'll be looking gorgeous for any event for which you plan to attend.

Look 3: With a sleeveless white button-down, a black skirt, and some black booties, the vest acts as a jacket or a trench coat for a sexy date night look.

Look 4: Throw on some white jeans, a cranberry top, some heels, and this long-vest for a extra layer to an insanely stylish look for a seamless transition from an afternoon coffee-to-dinner with girlfriends.

Look 5 (not shown): Pair this over a dress for an end of summer soiree or in the fall over a long-sleeved dress for a stunning layered look.

Huge Sale at AR Boutique

Come in to Alysa Rene today to grab up some of the great sale merchandise that is now 50% off! There are some great basics as well as statement pieces that should be added to your closet for now and later!

Investment Pieces

Investment pieces are a topic that is covered with great frequency in the fashion industry. What is and is not considered an investment piece? If it's expensive, is it an investment piece? If it's cheap, is it trash fashion? What can and cannot be an investment piece? What are investment pieces? There are so many questions surrounding this topic, so I'm going to try to be as concise as possible while I answer some of these pressing questions regarding investment pieces. So here we go.

What is an investment piece? 

They are articles of clothing (a blouse, a skirt, a pair of shoes, a bag, and so on) that are classics. They will never go out of style, and usually (there are exceptions to every rule) they are seasonless or year-round staples. Examples of such pieces are: A perfectly tailored little black dress, or the perfect khaki trench coat.

If an article of clothing is expensive, does that make it an investment piece?

Not always. You have made an investment by buying an expensive piece, so by the literal definition you have an "investment piece". However, by the fashion definition, if you spend $2000 on a pair of flat, denim, Chanel Espadrilles with the white interlocking c's all over them-are those seasonless? No. Are those timeless? No. Are you going to tire of them after a period of time? Chances are likely that they will end up on your "worst buys" list.

If an article of clothing is cheap, is it trash fashion?

Now trash fashion is a cheap article of clothing that you wear once or twice, it may or may not fall apart in the washing machine afterwards, and you are okay with that fact. The reason you are seemingly okay with it fall apart is because you spent $15 on a shirt at a bargain store with the idea of each wear costing you about $5 a time. (The math: $5 x 3 wears = $15). However, you can also spend $28 on a white classic Michael Stars tank top, and chances are you could go a decade without needed to replace it. So, the price does not necessary equate to a investment article (although our hope is you would only invest your hard-earned money on true investment classics).

    

Above we put together five investment pieces that we will curate below with the hopes of explaining to you why these are investment pieces.

First, we have this collard, white button-down top (MinkPink, $80), and while the bell-sleeves err on the side of trendy, the white button-down top is a true classic. The reason we picked this top in particular is because it has the most flattering gathered waistline, a bit lower-than-usual neckline where the buttons start, and the bell sleeves draw attention to a thin wrist rather than arms that you might be trying to camouflage.

Secondly, we have this nude pump (Sergio Zelcer, $120), which is listed by Nina Garcia (fashion editor of Marie Claire magazine) as one of the 100 pieces every stylish woman should own. This nude pump is in a league of it's own. The lines and textures on this shoes are different than most, yet the silhouette and the pointed toe keep this heel extremely classic and ready to go with any outfit in every season.

Later on this week (on Friday), we will be showing you how to wear this vest (MinkPink, $130) four different ways. This vest isn't just versatile though, this vest makes a statement in a very classic way. The black color and the waist sash make this more of a trenchcoat/topper than a vest but as shown in the photo, you can also wear it as a little black wrap dress. (Multiple uses is always a winner in our book).

 

Next we have this western inspired belt (B-Low the Belt, $150). Belts are an often overlooked accessory (shoes and bags get all of the attention), but it can transform an outfit from a "meh" to a "wow" just like that. Belt a black dress or a long men's shirt and you have yourself a stylish outfit. This belt costs a little more than traditional, but it will garner you several compliments and it will pull together outfits in a pinch.

Lastly, we are lusting after this bison Italian leather handbag (Juan Antonio, $588). Now this by the literal and the fashion definition is an investment piece. There are so many great things about this bag, but one thing that really stands out to us is the quality of craftsmanship and the uniqueness of every single bag he makes. Each bag is bespoke, because it is hand-stitched, hand-distressed, and hand-dyed. There are only a few in the store so hurry in! This will be a piece that you can pass down that will only get better with wear and age.

Fringe Players

The easiest way to be kicked to the fringe of popularity is to be without one of these gorgeous pieces of clothing in your closet come fall. The flirty fringe on each of these items add just the right amount of edge and flare to any outfit that you are planning on wearing in the seasons ahead. 

 

If you are all in on the fringe bandwagon, try out the sexy date night dress by Fifteen Twenty that incorporates this season's "it-color", and both the "cold-shoulder" and the fringe trend. If you're a little more hesitant to jump into the deep end with these fringe-y items, try the B-Low the Belt handbag in a muted gold or the Dolce Vita Booties, and you will be the envy of every trendsetter.  

1. Lovers + Friends, $218-

2. Tart Collections, $139-

3. Dolce Vita, $180-

4. Streets Ahead, $220-

5. Tart Collections, $139-

6. B-Low the Belt, $429-

7. Tart Collections, $179-

8. Fifteen Twenty, $148-

Add to Your Jewelry Collection: JEWELRY SALE

Come into Alysa Rene Boutique today to shop our amazing Jewelry sale! If you're looking for some great pieces for yourself or a gift for a friend, you will not be disappointed. These gems will be sure to dazzle.

Back Details that Wow

If you are a Trace Adkins fan or have ever heard the song Badonkadonk, you know the lyrics, "We hate to see her go but love to watch her leave". You also know exactly what Trace was referring to when he wrote the lyrics for this song. However, in the case of these awesome pieces, he could just as easily be talking about looking at these eye-catching back details. Right now at Alysa Rene Boutique, there are some stunning back details on everything from basics to cocktail party dresses and even cool fall booties. Come and check them out!

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Trina Turk, $238-

2. Australia Luxe Collection, $325-

3. Tart, $158-

4. Vintage Havana, $68-

5. Tart, $120-

Closet Add: 7 Must-Haves for Fall

Sometime shopping for the Fall can be overwhelming, so we've put together a collection of the 7 must-haves for Fall that will update your wardrobe while keeping you classic and always a fashion force among your friends.

The Thermal: Free People, $78-

The Perfect LBD: Norma Kamali, $99-

The Classic Earrings: Crystals From Swarovski, $49-

The Audrey Glasses: Kamali Kouture, $98-

The Saucy Date Top: Fifteen Twenty, $148-

The Perfect Jeans: Hudson (Krista Skinny), $189-

The Pump: Sergio Zelcer, $120-

God is in the Details

When does a garment become a special piece of clothing that you cherish for a lifetime? When that garment has the necessary details to garner compliments year after year from best friends and strangers alike. Above of four pieces that will do just that.

All Pieces Currently Available at Alysa Rene Boutique.

Attending: 7th Annual Summer White Party

This Saturday is the 7th annual Summer White Party located at the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park (outdoors), and the Bloch Lobby (indoors). This fundraising event is hosted by the Young Friends of Art, and over 400 people will be in attendance. All of the proceeds support the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

The theme this year is "When in Rome", where the attendees will experience the grandeur of the Roman Empire.  This year, they will celebrate the exhibition Luxury: Treasures of the Roman Empire, which features items used by the Roman elite. Members attending the event will be invited to an exclusive hour of pre-party festivities. Summer White Party sells out each year and everyone dresses to impress, so make sure you stop by Alysa Rene Boutique to check out these beautiful dresses and many more.

Event details:
Members-Only Hour – 7– 8 p.m.
Public – 8– 11 p.m.
All tickets are $80
www.summerwhiteparty.org

Packing for the Lake: 6 Pieces, 3 Outfits

Heading to the lake for the weekend? Here are 6 pieces you can pack in a tote that will make 3+ cute, easy, and lake ready outfits.

 

 And here is how to put the pieces together.

You might want to pack a sweatshirt as well, because it can get chilly on the lake at night. Alysa Rene has a super cozy one that says, "i love sundays" in a really great navy blue color. Go check it out!

Baby, You're a Firework

Click on photo to enlarge.

1. Crystals From Swarovski $49, Fifteen Twenty $148, B Low the Belt $150 , AG Jeans $245, Dolce Vita $84

This is such a cute outfit for the July Fourth. The top is sexy without being over-the-top, the jeans are slightly distress which makes the outfit a little more casual for watching fireworks in the grass, and the Swarvoski Crystals are the most beautiful light blue that will add a little bling to this outfit. (Bonus points: all of these outfits contain year-round pieces...perfect for fall). 

2. Zancanelli (sapphire stones) $168 , Fifteen Twenty $168, Dolce Vita $140

This outfit is a little cooler for the lake. A breezy bright blue dress, a gorgeous necklace/earrings pair from a local designer, and a pair of low-key sandals is a great option for your Fourth of July plans.

3. Michael Stars (PUR), Fifteen Twenty $128, Hudson Jeans $148, Kristin Cavallari $140

Have you seen a top that is any cuter than this tie-dyed option? I love this with a pair of white jeans, an open-toed wedge bootie, and a hat to block the sun from your eyes and face!

4. Kamali Kouture $98, The JetSet Diaries $179,  Dolce Vita $140

This outfit is backyard BBQ and sparklers ready. The romper is a cute take on the traditional bandana pattern, paired with sunglasses to avoid squinting to see the cherry bombs, low-key sandals that are easily paired with various outfits, and a belt that really accentuates the waist.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

All items available at Alysa Rene Boutique.