Have Yourself a Very Plaid Christmas

Shop this look: J. Crew Factory turtleneck // Plaid scarf (similar) // Leather skirt (similar) //

HUE black tights // Tom's wedge booties // Kate Spade watch

During the holidays, I can never wear enough plaid. It is a classic and festive print that never goes out of style, and never fails to get me into the spirit. If you are unsure how you feel about plaid (or don't like to go as overboard as me when it comes to the holidays), try this look. A plaid scarf is a subtle way to rock the trend and it pops nicely against a simple gray turtleneck, black leather skirt and booties. 

Stay tuned for more holiday looks!

xo, Annabeth

Ultimate Gift Guide 2016

Shop this look: Forever 21 dress (sold out, similar here and here) // Kate Spade watch //

Halogen flats (similar here and here) // Kendra Scott earrings

The holidays are finally here! That means it's time to decorate the tree, watch Christmas movies and give gifts to your loved ones. I also can't wait to celebrate the season in festive looks like the one above. Need advice on what to put under the tree? Look no further than my second annual gift guide. And stay tuned for more holiday outfit inspo soon!

For the prep:

Shop this look: 1. J. Crew factory puffer vest // 2. Daniel Wellington watch // 3. J. Crew Factory necklace // 4. Neiman Marcus monogrammed Longchamp tote // 5. Tory Burch flats // 6. Ralph Lauren perfume // 7. H&M sweater // 8. J. Crew Factory scarf

In the words of Taylor Swift, they "never go out of style." You can't go wrong with timeless designs and quality materials. 

For the lady:

Shop this look: 1. H&M sweater // 2. Kate Spade phone case // 3. Rebecca Minkoff bag

4. Kendra Scott earrings // 5. Flower Bomb perfume // 6. BP heels // 7. Kate Spade jewelry box

8. J. Crew Factory scarf

For the girly-girl, keep things sweet with a little sparkle and lots of pink. 

For the trendsetter:

Shop this look: 1. Topshop sweater // 2. Nordstrom hat // 3. Nordstrom scarf // 4. Bauble Bar jewelry

5. H&M fur keychain // 6. Adidas sneakers // 7. Stella McCartney bag // 8. H&M skirt

We all have that friend who looks like they have one of the Kardashians' stylists on speed dial. Stick with chic, minimalist gifts. 

For the traveler:

Shop this look: 1. L.L. Bean jacket // 2. J. Crew factory hat // 3. Sorel boots // 4. J. Crew Factory passport case // 5. Urban Outfitters map poster // 6. Ray Ban sunglasses // 7. Longchamp weekend bag // 8. J. Crew Factory turtleneck

For the girl always on the go, give her the gift of well-made, versatile items.

What are your go-to gifts?

xo, Annabeth

Outfits for Every Thanksgiving Celebration

1. With the family 

Shop this look: H&M sweater // H&M denim skirt // Dolce Vita boots

Tory Burch fringe bag // J. Crew Factory earrings // Topshop scarf

A Thanksgiving at home with the family should be all about comfort — with your clothes and food. A chunky sweater and denim mini skirt are casual (and are not too tight so you can eat as much as you want). Glitzy earrings and a patterned scarf make the look more polished.

2. Friendsgiving

Shop this look: H&M dress // Sam Edelman booties // Rebecca Minkoff bag

Kendra Scott bracelet // David Yurman bracelet // Hinge hat

Friendsgiving is one of my favorite traditions because I get reunite with some of my best friends after being away at college. We catch up, cook and, of course, take lots of photos, so it's fun to dress up a bit for the occasion. This lace dress has a classic neckline so I gave it some edge with lace-up booties — I call it pilgrim chic.

3. Restaurant Thanksgiving

Shop this look: H&M dress // Bauble Bar earrings // Topshop skinny scarf

Valentino studded flats // Chloe bag // Tom Ford nail polish

I've never been to Thanksgiving at a restaurant, but if I did, I think it would be fun to experiment with fall colors and other trends. After all, if the look is a flop, at least there will not be many people out and about to see! This mustard velvet dress is very unique and I think shades of blue on a skinny scarf (worn around the neck or as a headband) and studded flats would complement it well. 

What are you wearing for Thanksgiving?

xo, Annabeth

November Neutrals

Shop this look: H&M dress // Kendra Scott necklace // Kendra Scott earrings

Tom's wedge booties // Tory Burch bag // Revlon matte lipstick

This simple H&M dress has been on major repeat lately because it is cozy and chic. It looks great with a big blanket scarf during the day and a sparkly statement necklace at night. Also, since I paired it with neutral suede booties, it is fun to add fun pops of color with an emerald green bag and purple lip. Maybe winter isn't so gray after all. 

Stay tuned for holiday outfit inspiration soon!

xo, Annabeth

A Trip to the Orchard

Location: Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch in Champaign, IL

Shop this look: Forever 21 sweater // Felt hat (similar) // Zara jeans

Louis Vuitton bag // Tom's wedge booties // Kendra Scott earrings

There is nothing more quintessentially fall than a trip to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch! The Curtis Orchard is right around the corner from the University of Illinois, so I have gone every year as a student. It always gets me into the spirit of the season when I enjoy their hot apple cider and apple doughnuts while searching for that perfect pumpkin. I think the pumpkins inspired this look — I'm loving this festive burnt orange sweater from Forever 21. It is actually a crewneck, but is loose enough to wear off the shoulder. This look will definitely be on repeat all season long.

What is your favorite fall look?

xo, Annabeth

Off-shoulder in October

Shop this look: H&M off-shoulder top // Joe's Jeans skinny jeans // Kendra Scott necklace

Kendra Scott earrings // Tory Burch tote // Franco Sarto flats

Happy fall everyone! I am so happy that the weather is finally cooling off and I can start rocking my favorite seasonal trends — like this off-shoulder top. For a list of the styles I can't live without, read my fall fashion guide in The Daily Illini. Another trend I love that I didn't mention in the article is cropped jeans that are ripped on the bottom. It is a subtle but stylish trend. Since they are cropped, they end at just the right length for a short person like myself and I don't have to worry about getting them hemmed like most of my other jeans. I especially love this dark-rinse style from Joe's Jeans. Get them now while they are on sale!

In other news, I got to go home this past weekend and see my sister before her homecoming dance. Is she stunning or what? 

Shop this look: Fringe dress (similar here) // TOMS wedge booties 

Get ready for more fall fashion inspiration on the blog soon!

xo, Annabeth

Friday Faves: Fall Edition

Friday Faves 9/16 by annabeth2 featuring vanilla candles

It's finally the best day of the week — Friday!!! I am so ready for a relaxing weekend after a busy week of classes, work and sorority recruitment. One of my favorite weekend pastimes is shopping, whether it be at the mall or online, so I've decided to start "Friday Faves" to highlight sales, trends and specific styles on my radar. Right now, I am loving darker florals to transition into fall fashion, like the H&M dress shown above. I recently ordered it online (for under $50 I might add) along with the olive green off-shoulder top. The off-shoulder style was one of my favorite spring/summer trends so I am excited to see that it is continuing into the colder season. I also cannot rave enough about this gold Kendra Scott necklace. You can wear it long or tie into a choker, but either way, it makes a statement with any outfit. And anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with deep reds and purples in the fall. These rich hues never go out of style. Click the images to shop and stay tuned to see how I style some of these items. 

What's on your wishlist?

xo, Annabeth

Until Next Time, New York

 Location: East Village, NYC

Shop this look: Nordstrom blazer (similar) // Navy tank // Gap patterned shorts

Via Spiga sandals // Tan purse (from Italy, similar here)

As I write this post from my philosophy class in a building surrounded by cornfields at the University of Illinois,  I can't help but miss my neighborhood in the East Village this summer (and the Insta-worthy stairs of nearby townhouses, of course). In New York, you can never run out of fun things to do, between the shopping, restaurants, college bars and more. I especially loved discovering vintage clothing stores, going to free concerts and festivals in the parks and trying Afghan and Indian food for the first time. Since I worked every day 9 to 5, I would explore the city at night after my shift. I love this outfit because it was a stress-free style to quickly change into after work. The blazer from work gave the outfit polish, while patterned shorts made it a more casual, fun night look. I think this is a great outfit for the first few weeks of school as well. 

Be on the lookout for back-to-school and fall fashion posts soon!!

xo, Annabeth

My #nsale picks

My #nsale picks by annabeth2 featuring a travel wallet

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of my favorite events of the year — think brand-new fall clothes, shoes and handbags discounted nearly $100 off their full price. The only catch is that you must be a Nordstrom cardholder to unlock these insane deals. Since I am living in New York this summer, I was disappointed to learn that there is a not a Nordstrom in the city (although there are a few Nordstrom Rack locations — hello, sales every day). However, I have still been able to shop the sale online. Above are some of the #nsale items on my wishlist. Click on the images to shop. As you can see, I am loving deep reds and suede for fall like the Halogen lace-up flats ($59.90, $89.95 after sale) and comfy, cozy basics like the Vince Camuto sleeveless sweater ($45.90, $69.00 after sale) and AG 'The Legging' Ankle Jeans ($163.90, $245.00 after sale). All of these items will go back to full price on August 8 so shop til ya drop ladies! 

What is on your #nsale wishlist?

xo, Annabeth

Flight Attendant Chic

Bonjour! This post is alllll about my love for this season's neck scarf trend! Even though I will probably never make it look as chic and effortless as the French, I love this classic accessory because its adds a touch of elegance and fun to any outfit. So far I have styled my polka dot neck scarf with a simple white dress and a white tank/striped skirt combo (I love mixing the polka dots with other patterns). I also think it would look great with an off-shoulder top. If you are a bit unsure about this trend, tie the scarf to the handle of your favorite handbag. However, I am warning you now: you may be stopped on the street and asked if you are a flight attendant (this happened to me, but you know what, flight attendants always look great!). 

Location: The High Line, NYC

Shop this look: Zara white tank // Zara striped skirt (similar) // Polka dot neck scarf (similar) // 

Tan handbag (from Italy, similar here) // Kate Spade sunglasses

Location: SoHo, NYC (a.k.a my favorite place in the city so far)

Shop this look: Old Navy white dress (similar) //  Louis Vuitton purse // Via Spiga sandals // 

Pandora mother-of-pearl ring

Neck Scarves by annabeth2 featuring halogen scarves

xo, Annabeth

Summer Internship Style

Shop this look: J. Crew Factory dress // Mark and Graham monogram necklace

Tiffany pearl earrings // Pandora mother-of-pearl ring // Franco Sarto heels

Greetings from the Big Apple!! I am so excited to spend the summer here as a copy editing intern at The New York Times. Previously, I had only been to NYC for two days on vacation with my family so it is quite the adjustment living here (especially navigating the subway). However, I am so lucky to have some great friends and fellow interns at The Times who are always there to explore with me and help me find my way! Since I am working five days a week, get ready to see lots of work outfits on my blog and Instagram (@stylebyannabeth). On this post, I am sharing my top-three internship style staples.

1. Dresses with classic silhouettes: It is already so hot in the city, so dresses are my go-to when I get ready for work. I can't imagine how uncomfortable it would be to wear suits in the summer like many guys have to! When shopping for work dresses, I always look for A-line and high-neck details because they look more professional. However, professional doesn't have to mean boring. Mix it up with fun colors and prints, like my navy chevron/striped number shown above! 

2. Neutral flats: As I am only 5'3," I prefer to wear heels with most outfits. However, it is obviously not practical to wear my stilettos as I run to catch my train and brave the crowds in Times Square on my morning commute. Therefore, my beloved heels stay in my bag until I arrive at work. Lately, I am loving my Franco Sarto tan lace-up flats for my walk to work. They are extremely comfortable and stylish enough that I have even forgotten to change into my heels.

3. Roomy tote: I have raved about my Longchamp Le Pliage Tote in countless blog posts, so it almost goes without saying that it is the perfect work bag. I've had mine for over four years and it has held up remarkably despite all the places I have carried it. It is durable enough to hold my laptop and fashionable enough to act as a purse for dinner with friends after work.

Shop this look: J. Crew blouse (similar) // Banana Republic pinstripe skirt // Franco Sarto lace-up flats // Longchamp tote

What are your style staples for work?

xo, Annabeth

Spring for Style: My favorite 2016 trends

Shop this look: Old Navy gingham tank // White Joe's jeans // Old Navy suede black sandals (here and similar here) // Mint green earrings (similar here) // Marshalls bangles (similar here and here)

Daniel Wellington watch // Tan purse (purchased in Italy, similar here)

Happy Saturday everyone!! Spring has finally arrived in Illinois and I can't wait to spend the whole day outside with my family! Need some outfit inspo for warmer weather? You're in luck because I rounded up my must-have trends for spring 2016!

I love the effortless look of these off-the-shoulder tops! They can also easily transition from day to night — just swap your white jeans and sandals for a leather skirt and heels and you are ready to go!

Gingham made my list of trends last spring, and I'm sure it will again next year. There is just something so light and fun about the print that just screams spring to me! It is also SO easy to find this year. I've already spotted gingham at J. Crew, Old Navy, Ann Taylor and Topshop, to name a few.

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with the colors blue and white. So naturally, I am all about the Oxford stripe trend! This season, I want to pair my staple blue and white tops with fun pops of color like a light pink skirt.

This ultra-feminine trend reminds me of my other favorite part of spring besides the fashion — the flowers! You'll look pretty as a peony in these delicate designs.

Confession: The last time I owned a denim skirt, it was a super-short, ripped version from Abercrombie in eighth grade, and it was probably my favorite item in my closet. However, I will be the first to admit that the new revival of the trend is much classier, with longer hemlines and cute details like buttons, pockets and stripes. I recently bought a denim skirt with buttons down the front like the picture on the right and it is sure to be a staple this spring and summer.

What are your favorite spring trends?

xo, Annabeth