dress up files - a chicago fashion blog

Going Tribal

T by Alexander Wang t-shirt | Zara tribal skirt | Rag & Bone/Target cardigan

Luv AJ Crystal Cross Necklace | Phillip Lim shoes (similar) | Balenciaga Part Time bag

I love the vibrant colors, textures and patterns on this bold skirt. I kept the rest of the look pretty neutral with a casual tee, tan sandals and a navy bag. The weather has been beautiful here in Chicago but it can still get chilly when you're in the shade. So, I added this textured boyfriend cardigan to complete the look.

Other styling ideas: For daytime, a worn in denim jacket or chambray shirt could easily top this look as well. For evening, I would pair it with a leather moto jacket (this Mackage version currently 33% off!!) or a white blazer.

Dressy Overalls

TopShop Overalls | Urban Outfitters Blouse | Schutz Pumps | Chanel Handbag | ebay Cap

When I saw that overalls were making a comeback, I definitely hesitated at first but in the end, I'm glad I took the plunge. These overalls from Zara are actually a great fit and fit is absolutely essential with this trend.

Today's overalls are slimmer and sleeker than their counterparts from the 90's, so I wanted to try dressing them up with a silk blouse, pointy toed pumps and a classic handbag. One of the perks of having a blog is that it pushes me to take more risks with my personal style and pairing these items together definitely was a little out there for me. But really, it's just clothing and if you can't have fun with it, then why bother, right?

Thanks for reading!

Author: Jiye "Gia" Lee

Texture Games

Forever21 Sweater | 7 For All Mankind Snakeskin Pants | J.Crew Necklace (similar)

Phillip Lim Sandals (similar) | Balenciaga Bag | Giles & Brother cuff

Pairing textured snakeskin pants with a textured sweater was a bit of a risk but I made it work by sticking to a monochromatic grey color scheme. I'm kind of loving how the different textures are playing off each other and adding a lot of interest to an otherwise simple look. I added my go-to nude sandals and finally a navy handbag for just the tiniest bit of color. Now, go find some texture to play with!

Mother's Day Giveaway

I've teamed up with a group of fabulous bloggers to bring you something very special for Mother's Day. One very lucky reader will have the chance to win a $500 Visa Gift Card to buy their Mom (or themselves) a great Mother's Day gift.

To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter below and complete as many entries as possible. You will earn points for each item completed - remember, the more entries you complete, the better your odds will be at winning this amazing prize! The $500 Mother's Day Giveaway will run until 11:59 PM t Friday 10th March 2013 and is open to participants worldwide.

The winner will be notified on Mother's Day!

So, now all you have to do is enter, meet these other lovely bloggers, and start thinking about how you would spend your Mother's Day gift. Leave a comment and tell me how you would spend your $500 for Mother's Day.

fashion-a-holic // The Serena Saga // Fuggs and Foach

Hot Fun Stuffs // LA by Diana Live Magazine // Dress Up Files

Ava Grace's Closet // fashionchalet // Not Dressed As Lamb

Sandy a la Mode // What Jean Likes // Chicago Chic

[oomph.] // The Awkward Magazine // The Chic Sheet

Click HERE to enter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions:

The Mother's Day Giveaway is for one USD $500 Visa Gift Card. This giveaway is open internationally to people 18 years and older. The giveaway will run from Wednesday May l 1st, 2013 12:01 AM to Friday 10th May 2013 11:59 PM. ALL mandatory entries must be completed in order to win, including the winning entry. Once you have completed the mandatory entries, the optional bonus entries will be unlocked. Optional bonus entries are not required to win, but will increase your chances of winning. ALL entries WILL be verified, so please be honest in completing the entries. The winner will be announced on this Rafflecopter after the winner's entries are verified and the winner is contacted via email. To claim your prize, please respond to the email within 24 hours, failure to do so will result in a re-draw. Once the winner has been selected, the decision is final. This giveaway is not affiliated with Visa, Facebook, Bloglovin, Google, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media platform.