Styled by Grace | Stripes & Sequins

It’s no surprise that the people I click the most with are ones with similar interests and work experiences… Grace, the trailblazing author of Stripes & Sequins blog, is most well-known for her inspired DIY posts and approachable style and taste – but it’s her background in marketing, retail, and now social media that made me think “Hmmm, I think this girl and I could really hit it off.”  Full disclosure, Grace and I have yet to meet in person – of fast friendship and mutual likeness for each other is purely internet based (yup, it’s one of those wacky blogger things).  I’m not sure how she finds time to manage her uber successful blog while also working full time for the fast-growing jewelry site BaubleBar, but her posts are always so thoughtful and genuine you can tell that she blogs simply because she loves it (just one more similarity we share!).  As if she wasn’t already busy enough, Grace just did a complete re-design on her blog… A darling new logo, fresh and pretty layout, and user-friendly features that let her content shine.  If you haven’t checked it out yet, you have to head over to Stripes & Sequins to take a look!  When I asked Grace to partake in She Wishes She Was Wearing, I knew she would come up with something amazing — she completely out-did herself with an ensemble perfect for the approaching holiday season…

QUESTIONS of STYLE:

.Describe your personal style in five words or less: Classic with an edgy twist!

.Who/What inspires your personal style, influencing what you’re drawn to and what you end up wearing?  My style is influenced by so many things – magazines, blogs, images I pin from Pinterest… but really, I usually end up just wearing what I feel most comfortable in and buying pieces that make me feel happy.

.What is an item you cannot live without or what are some of your wardrobe essentials?  I love my YSL tribute sandals and my Chanel bag.  Both were a splurge but I wear them constantly.  I live in little black dresses, worn in jeans, and cashmere sweaters.  And I’m never without good costume jewelry, but I get bored easily – I’m always mixing things up between my DIY projects and BaubleBar sparkle.

.What is your most recent purchase?  I picked up a few gorgeous tanks from 3.1 Phillip Lim at Otte’s most recent sale.  And I just bought this cardigan from J.Crew.  I just couldn’t resist the sweet pink on pink stripes!

.Where have you found some of your most treasured style items?  I’m so boring.  I shop a LOT online…  Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, ASOS, and J.Crew are my favorites.  My walk home from work is down 5th Avenue and positively deadly  (There is a Club Monaco, a J.Crew, a Zara, a Gap, a Madewell, and a Kate Spade… all within a few blocks.)

.What is your go-to jewelry routine?  There are a few things I wear every day and never take off.  My classic watch, my Cartier Love bracelet, diamond studs, and BaubleBar mini monogram.  The rest of it is a mix – I will either pile on a bunch of bracelets, focus on stacking delicate rings, or go with a big statement necklace.  Lately I’ve been into layering statement necklaces, two at a time..  I haven’t gotten it quite down just yet but the fashion team at BaubleBar is teaching me their ways.

.What are some of your make-up must haves?  Oh boy.  I’m a total beauty addict.  I recently became addicted to this little salve. It’s so pretty on lips and cheeks. I’m never without Bronzer (obsessed with Benefit Hoola) or lip gloss.  I recently got lash extensions, but before that I was addicted to mascara.  (Benefit They’re Real is my favorite!)  I don’t always wear eye shadow, but when I do, I am obsessed with Urban Decay’s Naked Palette.

.If you could meet any designer who would it be and why?  That’s a tough choice – it would probably have to be Diane von Furstenberg.  I admire and respect her so much.  She’s an incredible business woman and has such an eye for design.  I saw her speak at Lucky FABB a year or so ago and she seemed like so much fun.  I’d love to sit down with her over a few glasses of wine and just laugh.

.What’s the best style advice you’ve ever given or received?  To ignore trends and focus on what looks good on me.  There are certain trends I just can’t pull off.  I’ve learned to skip those and focus on clothing and accessories that make me look and feel good!

Truly amazed that this girl put together such a gorgeous look and inspired answers to the Questions of Style while dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy – she is seriously just too good… Make sure you scoot over to Stripes & Sequins to take a peek at the pretty new design!! Thank you so much, Grace!  xx

(01. Creed Love in White Perfume // 02. BaubleBar Mini Monogram Necklace // 03. Isa’s Restoratives Lilac Rouge Salve // 04. BaubleBar Peacock Gem Hoops // 05. Parker Fringe Beaded Dress // 06. NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Rouge Tribal // 07. YSL Tribute Mirrored Leather Sandals // 08. Karl Donoghue Shearling Scarf // 09. Overture Judith Leiber Danielle Faceted Clutch // 10. Deborah Lippman Ruby Red Slipers Polish)