Ensemble of Elan

Farewell, Friends

We’ve had a lot of fun over the last year and a half, but all good things must come to an end. Thank you to everyone who has been apart of this incredible journey with us ❤

Xoxo,

S & H

Video Taken & Edited by: Daniel Nansel

Music in Video by: Yuni Wa

Photos Taken By: Daniel Nansel

Photos Edited By: Hannah Lewter

Pink + Red: How to Rock Clashing Colors

Hello lovelies!

Spring has officially sprung, and we are loving the fresh color combinations that are blooming this season.

As you can probably tell, one of our favorite color combos is pink + red.

A year ago–hell, even a couple months ago–if you had asked either one of us what we thought about a pink and red outfit, we probably would have encouraged you go with either pink OR red and add some neutrals to keep your look balanced and not over-the-top. (Sorry, went into stylist mode for a second.)

But now, we are kind of loving looks that are over-the-top.

When paired together, pink and red clash in a way that’s somehow charming and delightful. Especially when it’s a red jumpsuit paired with a pink blazer or vice versa. (Can you believe we found every one of these pieces at Goodwill?!)

If you want to try out this trend for yourself, our advice is to grab all of the pink and red pieces in your closet and lay them out on your bed

Try out different combinations of pieces and don’t get caught up in whether or not they match–they are not supposed to!

If the clash bothers you too much, add another pink or red piece in a different shade (like Hannah’s beret).

It sounds counterintuitive to add yet another clashing piece, but having three clashing shades together can actually give you that cohesion you are looking for.

We would love to see some of your pink and red outfits, so please feel free tag us in them on Facebook or Instagram!

Xoxo,

H & S

Photos by: Daniel Nansel

Editing by: Hannah Lewter

Damsel in This Dress

Go back in time and ask any of us at five years old where we wanted to be in twenty years,

I guarantee it would be right here.

Wearing a couture gown,

Modeling alongside a stallion

for a lavish photoshoot.

As we would have then,

we adorned ourselves with flowers,

And held hands as we smized

and slayed before the camera.

We felt glamorous and beautiful and powerful

Even as the wind whipped our faces and the mud soaked our shoes.

It didn’t matter.

We were exactly where we wanted to be.

Laughing. Loving. Creating.

XOXO,

Sabrina, Hannah, and Emily

Photography by: Hannah Hall

Edited by: Hannah Lewter

Clothes by: Romas by Linda Rowe Thomas

Spring Break on Perdido Key: Recap & Recommendations

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Hello lovelies!

Are you as excited as we are that spring is finally upon us?

Following the brutal winter we had here in Arkansas, we were ready to get a head-start on the warm weather, so we and our close friend, Brooke Rainwater Smith, decided to plan a girl’s trip to the beach in Perdido Key, Florida.

Even though two of the three of us have graduated from college and don’t even technically have a spring break anymore, we decided to embrace our youth and take our first-ever spring break beach trip.

Overall, it was an absolute blast—we ate pounds upon pounds of crab legs (except Sabrina because she would go into anaphylactic shock), sipped on bottomless mimosas, and danced at FloraBama like there was no tomorrow.

One of our favorite parts of the trip was the FOOD. If you are ever in the Perdido Key/Orange Beach area, you must check out Another Broken Egg Cafe.

Because Peach Cobbler Waffles. Fried Chicken Benedict. Southwestern Skillet Hash.

Need we say more?

We also had a grand ole time at The Wharf whilst window shopping, playing putt-putt golf, and riding the Ferris wheel— with frozen daiquiris in our hands at all times, of course. Several of the restaurants in this entertainment center even offer ‘penny cocktails’, where you can get a cocktail a day for literally a penny!

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We must warn you, though, the beach was not nearly as warm as we expected it to be. In fact, we were only able to truly enjoy one day of sunshine during the three and a half days we were there.

But we did take full advantage of that one day by starting with beachside yoga in the morning (as relaxing as you would expect) and ending it with several hours of soaking up the sunshine, reading books, and sipping on hard lemonade.

This trip was an unforgettable bonding experience for all of us, and it was the break from reality we needed before we dive headfirst into Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week next week.

Xoxo,

Slarf, Bumpkin, & Petri

(Yup, those are our nicknames we gave each other on the trip. Can you guess who’s who?)

Hannah’s Wearing:

Sabrina’s Wearing:

How to Reach Your (Maxi)mum Style Potential

The maxi dress is a tricky one to conquer. Sure, you can just throw one on with a pair of heels and be done with it, but if you style it the same way every time you wear it, you are going to grow tired of that dress (and we can’t have that!).

The key to unlocking the full potential of your favorite maxi dress is learning how to style it in multiple ways so that it doesn’t feel like you are wearing the exact same outfit over and over again. How, you ask?

Cinch It With a Belt
A loose-fitting maxi dress is a staple you can always feel confident in, no matter if you are feeling fit as a fiddle or a little bloated.
For those times when you want to show off your rockin’ bod, cinch your dress with a trendy belt to accentuate your waistline.

Add a Cozy Sweater

Layering on a sweater is one of our signature tips for making a dress feel like new, and this holds true for maxi dresses too!

Changing how the top of your dress looks makes that piece feel like a chic, brand-new maxi skirt.

Make It Office-Friendly
Not sure how to style your maxi for your 9-5? It’s simple: add other pieces that you already wear to the office.
This can be a plaid blazer, a button-down layered underneath, or your favorite pumps.

Top It Off With Great Accessories

People say, “I love a good dress because it’s already an entire outfit!”, but we believe an outfit is never truly complete without the perfect accessories.

If your maxi is a neutral color (or even if it’s not), liven it up with a velvet or faux fur crossbody bag plus a pair of statement ankle boots.

Hannah’s Wearing:

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Photos by: Durrell Green

Happy One Year to E of E!

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On this day in 2017, we took a leap and published our first-ever blog post. Writing this one year later, I truly cannot believe where that blog has taken us. During that time, we created some truly meaningful content, met countless incredible people, hosted our first ever fashion show, launched our online store, and have now joined the team behind Romás by Linda Rowe Thomas, a world-renowned fashion designer right here in Little Rock.

Not every step of the way was easy—in fact, most of them weren’t. We spent almost an entire year working our asses off with little to show for it before everything started to fall into place.

But I would not trade one minute of it—good or bad–for the world because it has brought me to where I am today. To be honest, we may not be able to dedicate quite as much time to creating full blog posts for E of E this year with our other responsibilities, but we would rather do fewer, better posts than compromise on quality.

We are incredibly excited for all of the opportunities this year holds, and if you want to see even more of our adventures, head over to Instagram and follow @romasbylrt !

-S

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Blush Pink Top, Sneakers, and Sunglasses

Did you know that we almost didn’t start our blog on this day last year? Sabrina and I were both having doubts about it, and I remember Sabrina turning to me and saying that we just weren’t ready, that the website wasn’t just right, etc (she’s a bit of a perfectionist). I remember telling her that we will never be ready, but that it was time.

And man, I am so glad we started Ensemble of Elan.

From writing about the might of femininity in one of our first posts, “There’s Power in Pink & Polka Dots” (still one of my personal faves to this day) to discussing science and going green in “Science Not Silence,” I’ve poured my heart and soul into this blog, and it’s given back to me tenfold. It’s given me a voice, it’s given me endless opportunities in the fashion industry, but most of all, it’s given me an amazing family of creatives who share the same passion as I do.

-H

Our one piece of advice to you–if you are trying to convince yourself to take the plunge and go after your dreams–is to just do it. You would be amazed at what you can accomplish in only a year. Even if you are afraid of wasting your time on something that may never come to fruition, just remember that that time will pass by regardless. It’s up to you how you use it.

We’ll leave you with some of our favorite quotes from blog posts past:

“If you do feel way out of your league or completely terrified that people are going to discover that you actually aren’t as intelligent or creative or whatever as people think you are, keep going. Someone (probably a lot of someones) saw something in you, even though you couldn’t see it yourself. Try to give yourself a little credit, and if that’s still difficult for you, remember it’s better to be humble and keep striving to better yourself than to think you are the most amazing person who has ever existed and stay exactly where you are.”- Half the Story

“To us, dress with purpose means to present yourself to the world with intention. Intention to freely express your true self. To empower yourself and inspire those around you. And to shine a light on the issues that are near to your heart.”

–Dress With Purpose

“We’re encouraged to step out of preconceived notions for what is traditionally feminine in order to rise up the ladder, but I think in doing so we’re ignoring the fact that there’s a lot of power in femininity. There’s a lot of power in polka dots.”

–There’s Power in Pink & Polka Dots

Photos by: Errick Jacson, The Gray People Photography, The Green Brothers, Rainwater Reflections Photography, Nicole Morgan, Demetrius McCullough, and yours truly 😉

Winter Outfit Ideas That Are Anything But Dreary

Are you in a winter fashion rut? (Don’t fret, it happens to the best of us.)

By the time mid-January rolls around and you’ve exhausted the number of sweater and jeans combinations you can throw together, what on earth are you supposed to wear and feel amazing in?

We’ve got you.

Throw in a Pop of Color

Many people tend to gravitate towards neutrals in the wintertime, but you don’t have to wait until spring to start rocking your favorite hues!

Pull that brightly colored sweater out of your closet and wear it with pride.

Lavender is Pantone’s color of the year, so you might want to get a head start by wearing this shade before you start seeing it everywhere.

Wear Something Metallic

Yeah, yeah, we know you’re wondering how we can consider an almost entirely gray outfit to be “fun”, but let us prove it to you.

The key here is adding something metallic, like these sneakers.

The eye-catching metallic combined with the on-trend plaid trousers and an edgy beanie makes this look unconventionally exciting.

Rock Your Spring-iest Embroidery

Embroidery has been going strong for a while now, and it isn’t poised to slow down anytime soon.

So, look forward to spring by wearing your favorite embroidered pieces now!

A pair of embroidered booties or an embroidered leather jacket adds a fresh touch to any outfit (and will remind you that spring isn’t far away!)

XOXO,

S & H

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Hannah’s Wearing:

T’Neria Ransom’s Wearing

Moving Up

2017 brought about many great moments, but it was also one of the most challenging years of my life. From starting Ensemble of Elan to putting on our first fashion show and opening our online store–it flew by in a whirlwind of hard work and dedication.

Now going into 2018, I am simply elated for the new opportunities that are in front of me.

I’m going into the last half of my junior year, and I’m taking classes that challenge me as a creator and a student. I’m taking my first watercolor class, braving Spanish ll, and diving deeper into my marketing minor.

I’m also starting an internship with local fashion designer, Linda Rowe Thomas. I can’t wait to be in an environment surrounded with beautiful fabrics, innovative design, and raw inspiration. In this internship I’ll get a first-hand look at what it means to be a designer and to assist in editorial shoots.

On top of all of this, I have finally gathered the courage to pursue modeling professionally, and I put in an application to be a model at Sculp agency. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed modeling for our own photoshoots, and I think I am ready to take it to the next level.

When I was a kid and used to think about what I wanted to do when I got older, I remember knowing that I wanted to be in the creative industry- and that still hasn’t changed.

There’s something amazing about your childhood dream beginning to come into fruition. I can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store.

-H

When people ask me what I do, I usually tell them “many things.” I work as a personal stylist and shopper for Google’s innovative new app, Tailor; I (obviously) operate this fashion blog and our online store; and I am about to embark on two new adventures: interning at a fashion house and pursuing modeling professionally.

When I want something, I will do whatever takes to get it.

For a long time, I yearned to work in the fashion industry, but being from Arkansas, I didn’t know quite how to do it. So, in 2017, I took some leaps of faith and planted the seeds that have blossomed into the opportunities I have before me now.

I want to learn the ins and outs of the fashion industry from every angle: designing, marketing, modeling, merchandising–all of it.

So, this year I am doing all of it. With my master’s degree under my belt at last, I can fully focus on growing in both my craft and my character (yup, I did just borrow that line from my cover letter).

We are almost to the one-year mark of the blog that started it all, and I would not have traded this past year for the world. We’re moving up, and I’m so grateful to all of you reading this because it would never have been possible without you.

-S

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Hannah’s Wearing:

| Goodwill Turtleneck Sweater (similar) | Goodwill Knit Pencil Skirt (similar) | Old Navy Burgundy Pea Coat | Goodwill Multicolor Faux Fur Clutch

More Than Just a Pretty Face

Gigi and Bella Hadid. You probably know them as the faces of fashion houses and the faces on magazine covers. The ones who jet set around the world to glamorous photoshoots and post Instagram stories of themselves with teddy bear face filters.

But, they are more than that.

Why is it that when someone is naturally inclined towards playing the piano or building a model rocket, they are applauded for it, but when someone has a talent for modeling, they are dismissed as just a pretty face?

Let us tell you, modeling is a helluva lot more work than you think it is. It’s standing out in the freezing cold for hours to get the perfect shot. It’s putting on some hip hop music and practicing different expressions in the mirror for hours on end.

It’s essentially creating and embodying an entire character in just one still frame.

Gigi and Bella are some of the best at it, and we frequently turn to them for both modeling and fashion inspiration (can you guess who was inspired by whom?).

Sure, having a pretty face helps, but not everyone can do it.

There are plenty of beautiful people out there who don’t know the first thing about modeling.

But we do know a few things about it, and it is still a daily challenge for us. If you don’t believe us, just come shoot with us sometime! Or think back to the last time you had photos done and recall that the way you held and moved your body naturally did not look natural on camera.

Modeling is an art, and it’s a skill. And it’s one that deserves your respect.

xoxo, S & H

At Long Last, An Ensemble For You!

We started Ensemble of Elan almost a year ago, and our intention was never for it to be just a blog.

We always wanted to do something more and provide our fans with a tangible way to join in on this experience with us.

Over the course of 2017, we learned that starting a business takes a lot of trial and error. We began by offering a wardrobe creation service where we helped clients clean out their closets, alter their current clothing items, and find new ones from our original collection. That did not last long, so we then thought about starting a clothing rental service where fellow fashion bloggers could rent clothes for their photoshoots.

Long story short, neither of those ideas turned out to be feasible because they cost too much money & effort, and we could not make it profitable and keep it affordable.

So, we decided to go back to an idea that was simple and relatively inexpensive: an online clothing shop.

We launched our debut collection last Friday, and we will be releasing new items on a weekly basis. Almost all of the clothes we are wearing in this shoot are from the collection (Save for the metallic coat. We did not have a warm enough coat in our collection for the below freezing temps, so sue me -S).

We hope you love these pieces as much as we do, and please let us know if there is anything else you would like to see in the shop!

Xoxo, S & H

Photography by: The Gray People

Editing by: Hannah Lewter

Hannah’s Wearing:

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Happy Holla-Days: Style Tips For The Season

The season of sequins, velvet, and faux fur is upon us, so don’t let this once-a-year opportunity pass you by without unleashing your inner glamazon. Here’s how!

Go Monochrome

You don’t have to wear a crazy color to make a bold statement this holiday season.

If you are someone who tends to flock to neutral shades, kick those neutrals up a notch with texture and intricate details.

This outfit is all-black, but still maintains visual intrigue with the embroidery on the jacket, the velvet texture of the jacket and pants, and the mesh socks.

Black is (and always has been) the new black.

Be Extra

If you pick up an oversized sequin blazer at the store and think, “This is too extra,” it probably isn’t extra enough.

You know how style influencers turn every head in the room when they walk in?

By being extra.

Embrace your love of the extravagant, and you will be sure to have all eyes on you.

Remember Stay Warm

Don’t make the mistake of putting together a charming dress-and-booties outfit and forgetting to think about your outerwear.

Take it from an expert, you will freeze to death and not be able to enjoy your outfit at all.

Spring for an on-trend coat, such as one with faux fur, that will make your outfit even more glamorous (and cozy).

Wear Something You Wouldn’t Otherwise

The holiday season is the time to buy those wide leg, velvet pants that you know you’re probably only going to wear once. Because if those pants are truly amazing, once is enough.

The key is to not hold back on that outfit if you have one shot to make it work.

Jazz it up even more with a sparkly mini bag, chandelier earrings, and a plunging top for an unforgettable look.

Hannah’s Wearing:

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Rickei Jackson’s Wearing:

Sydney Mullins is Wearing:

Photos taken by: Nicole Morgan

Edited by: Hannah Lewter

Layer Your Way to the Best Winter Ever

Falling snow, freezing temperatures, waking up to ice on your windshield, what’s not to love about winter? (Alright, we get it.)

BUT, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the cold a little as you count down the days until spring. How, you ask? By expertly layering your clothes.

Most people hate the cold, but I love it.

I can’t get enough of the glistening Christmas lights and winter accessories that make their first appearance right about now. Yet, I would be lying if I said I loved everything about winter. I am not a fan of the the unpredictable weather of Arkansas, nor do I love when it gets dark so early in the day. It makes it almost impossible to gather the strength to leave my warm, comfortable bed every morning.

The best way I have found to face the winter cold with a smile on my face is to layer it up. I personally tend to stick to mostly neutral hues with an occasional pop of color, and I add visual interest by mixing different textures and patterns. But if you like to inject more color into your winter wardrobe, feel free to mix and match classic and unexpected color combos to your heart’s content.

One last thing to keep in mind: in places like Arkansas, the temperature can go from 30 degrees in the morning to 60 in the afternoon, so wear layers underneath that are stylish. That way, you can peel off layers if you get warm and still feel fashion forward!

-H

I love a good sweater/jeans/ankle boots outfit as much as the next girl, but after months of wearing almost exclusively that one outfit formula, it can start to feel a little drab. Considering we still have at least two more months of sweater weather ahead of us, I had to find a way to make my ensembles a little more interesting.

One of my favorite ways to breathe new life into a sweater is to layer it with a dress. For this outfit, I layered a fitted turtleneck under my favorite LBD, but I also love layering a sweater over a dress to make it feel like a skirt. This is the perfect solution for all of you ladies who are not sure how to wear a dress in December without freezing to death!

Finally, don’t put yourself in a box when it comes to layering. Style your ankle boots with long socks to get that layered feel and keep your legs toasty. Layer the hood of your sweatshirt over your beanie for some modern, skater-inspired vibes. The more you layer, the warmer (and snazzier) you will be.

-S

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Hannah’s Wearing:

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Us

We really try to put ourselves out there with this blog, but it’s impossible to share absolutely everything about ourselves and still make it align with our creative vision. So for all of our loyal followers, we thought we’d share some insight so all of you can get to know us a little better on a personal level!

If you didn’t already know, I have three sisters who are twenty-three, nine, and five years old (the estrogennnnnn- I know). Although I’m such a city girl, I love to go camping and hiking; my favorite smell is actually pine trees, I cannot get enough of it! Even though I don’t show it in most of my photos, I wear glasses so I can see the board in class and drive without killing myself and others. My favorite drink is Cream Soda, and my favorite candy is literally anything sour (but best of all is Juicy Drops, a rare gem found at only the most elite gas stations).

I do not have a dog of my own, but I have become Max’s Godmother over the years, so he is basically my own.

And to get a little bit more personal, I never thought I had the skills or the determination to run a fashion blog, be a fashion photographer, or put on a freaking fashion show, but I’m glad I learned that about myself through Ensemble of Elan.

I’m excited to see the other things we’ll learn along the way.

-H

Aside from this blog post, if you go back through all of our previous ones, you will notice that I almost NEVER wear necklaces. I think I literally own three necklaces: one silver, one gold, one rose gold. I’m a clothing maximalist, but definitely more of a jewelry minimalist.

This was one of my absolute favorite shoots because I got to do it with my favorite little potato. Many of you have seen Max featured on our Instagram page, and some of you were lucky enough to meet him at our model fittings for the fashion show. If you are confused as to why we call him Glarf, it’s because when my boyfriend and I first adopted him, he had severe heartworms and would make this noise that sounded like “glarf.” The name stuck because of how well it matched his personality, and now we call him Glarf, Glarf-tato, Glarfity, what have you. (You would just have to meet him to understand his Glarfiness.)

Last but not least, when I’m not shopping, styling people, or studying (which I should definitely be doing right now), you can find me planning elaborate future vacations down to the most minute details, cozying up on the sofa watching any TV show created by bonafide genius Michael Schur (Parks & Rec, Brooklyn 99, The Office), or stalking my personal idols, Karlie Kloss and Gal Gadot, on Instagram.

-S

One last thing that most people don’t know is that we almost always take our own photos for the posts! Unless you see “Photography by __________”, we did all of those photos ourselves. 😉

Hannah’s Wearing:

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Maximalists Unite: Color & Pattern Mixing Edition

You always hear about minimalism with its capsule wardrobes and neutral color scheme, but what about maximalism? The philosophy behind it is that ‘more is more’ (as opposed to ‘less is more’), so we teamed up with the queen of color and pattern, Georgie McCarthy of The Style Transplant, to bring you our favorite maximalist looks.

Sabrina always gets mad at me because I love black. I love to pair black on black. It’s so chic and minimalist, but Sabrina always reminds me that it just looks so flat, so I have (begrudgingly) started incorporating more color into my wardrobe.
The color red has always been an emblematic one for fashion, from Cindy Crawford’s 1991 plunging Versace gown at the Oscars or Bella Hadid’s sexy silky red dress with a startlingly high slit. It’s fierce, rebellious, and definitely not a color for the faint of heart.

When it comes to making a statement, red is the quintessential declaration of female power.

For my look, I played with an analogous color scheme (colors that blend well because they are closely related). I paired my cherry red midi skirt with a dark maroon cropped sweater, then I used a black leather jacket and black patent booties to balance out the red. You can find unique color combinations by simply matching colors to their neighbors on the wheel! All in all, don’t be afraid to play with color, even if you’re more of a neutral clothing lover like me.

-H

Pattern mixing is all about having fun and pushing your creative and personal style boundaries.

I use pattern mixing as a way to drive myself and my style to an unexpected and more playful place. You really have to think more consciously about putting two patterned pieces together, as opposed to the ease of a plain t-shirt with black jeans.

My favorite way to mix patterns, whether it’s in my artwork or in my personal styling, is to combine florals–like my blazer–with more geometric prints like stripes, plaid, or gingham–like my skirt. This makes for a surprising juxtaposition of which not many people would conceive. For fall pattern mixing, in particular, I recommend playing with those dark florals and autumnal plaids, for an unexpected fall twist.

-Georgie McCarthy, Fashion Blogger

I’ll admit, I’m still a pattern-mixing novice. I most frequently stick to neutral, solid-colored clothes with an occasional splash of pink or red thrown in. But, I’m really trying to branch out of my comfort zone and incorporate more pattern mixing into my looks because the bloggers and influencers I admire most are the ones who can flawlessly make two entirely different prints look they are a match made in heaven.
Georgie is definitely one of those bloggers. I was inspired to buy this multi-color floral pattern shirt because I’ve spent the last couple months admiring how she melds color and pattern together to create outfit masterpieces.

The best pattern-mixing looks effortless, but you can only get to that level through trial and error.

I tried this shirt with plaid trousers, a striped mini skirt, and red embroidered trousers before I settled on this cropped pinstriped pair of pants. If you are trying to freshen up your wardrobe by mixing patterns, don’t be afraid to try multiple outfit combinations until you find the one that feels just right. (Trust me, you’ll know it when you feel it.)

-S

Hannah’s Wearing:

Also, be sure to head over to The Style Transplant to check out Georgie’s take on the collaboration, where we discuss the benefits of the blogging community!

Bienvenue en France: The Fashion Capital of the World (And Our Hearts)

There are many things that inspire me about France. From France being the first to ban “too thin” models (a monumental step in the right direction of lowering the rates of eating disorders in the modeling industry) to electing President Macron instead of succumbing to the nationalism that is sweeping the rest of the world, France always seems to come through as a beacon of hope in our modern world.

Recently, France announced legislation that will require French fashion magazines that photoshop or retouch their photos to mark those images that have been retouched.

It’s empowering to see such the home of the global fashion capital make such a bold move. Exposing young girls to impossible body standards has resulted in extremely high rates of anorexia and bulimia in the fashion industry.

France is the first to embark to this journey towards a more body-positive world of modeling, and I hope America follows the same path.

-H

Did you know the word “culture” actually comes from France?

Cristina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barney and Southgate College in London, told Live Science, “ ‘Culture’ derives from the same French term, which in turn derives from the Latin ‘colere’, meaning to tend to the earth, grow, cultivate, and nurture.

I love how the French embrace their culture through style and sophistication. Their public spaces strike such a regal tone. Paris, for example, is known to many as the home to high-end fashion houses, such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Chanel. Many French people dress in an elegant, professional and fashionable style, but it is never over-elaborate. A few of my favorite typical outfits include long coats, scarves and berets, which make me feel as though I could be in Paris.

-Emily Moore

I was lucky enough to visit France four years ago when I studied abroad in Europe.

One moment I will never forget is lying the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower, nibbling on pain au chocolate and watching this icon of Paris sparkle against the night sky.

What I love about Paris is that it somehow—impossibly—feels both timeless and cutting-edge, especially when it comes to fashion. I’m sure you’ve heard the term “effortless French girl style” more times than you can count and have never been quite sure what it meant. But this is what I think it means.
French women know how to be sexy without necessarily being too revealing. They tend to wear fewer, higher-quality clothes, and they have an inclination towards menswear-inspired pieces, which makes every outfit feel as though it has a story.

I absolutely adore this oversized blazer, but I think a piece like this only works when it is paired with something a little sexier, like a little black dress. I imagine this as something a French girl would wear after she goes out to dinner at Pierre Gagnaire and steals her man’s blazer for warmth while they place a lock symbolizing their love on the Pont Des Arts bridge. (*Sighs wistfully*)

Anyways, after writing this and reminiscing, I think I’m going to have to drown my inner travel bug with a giant glass of merlot, macarons, and Chanel No. 5. Otherwise, I will definitely blow my entire paycheck on the next flight to Paris. Cheers!

-S

What to Wear For Fall When It Still Feels Like Summer

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, for which we will receive a small commission if you click on our link and buy a clothing or accessory item. Our opinions on those pieces are always our own! ❤

Pumpkin spice lattes and leather jackets are taking over Instagram once again, but if you live in the south, you know it feels less like fall and more like mid-July right about now. It’s t-shirt weather from sunup to sundown most days, which can be incredibly frustrating for us cold weather-loving ladies.

But, we can’t let that deter us from rocking the latest and greatest fall trends right alongside our favorite bloggers and Instagrammers! We just have to find those select few pieces that make us want to eat some warm pumpkin pie instead of feeling like we’re baking in the oven right alongside it. Here are our favorites:

The Kimono

If you want to feel like a real-life fashion superhero, step out onto your city streets (the sidewalks, actually) wearing a pair of sky-high heels and a billowing kimono.

You will fall in love with the kimono, not only because it makes you believe for a split second that you are literally Wonder Woman, but also due to the fact that this trend works in all seasons.

In the summer, you can throw a kimono over a mini skirt and a tank top, and in the winter, you can wear a long sleeve blouse under it and add some skinny jeans. It’s the perfect layering piece!

Velvet

And if a kimono makes you feel like a superhero, velvet makes you feel like a queen.

Velvet was a breakout trend last season and it is well on its way to taking the top spot this season. From ankle boots to bodysuits, you can find virtually any clothing or accessory item in velvet!

This fabric instantly makes you look glamorous, and it’s actually more breathable and comfortable than you might think.

The Mini Skirt

Mini skirts of all shapes and sizes are taking over 2017, which we love because this piece is subtly sexy and can be styled in nearly endless ways.

We personally love wearing our mini skirts with kimonos and heeled shoes, but you can also wear yours with tights, a sweater, and over-the-knee boots when cooler weather finally graces us with its presence.

Embroidery

Is it too soon to call embroidery a classic?

We dearly hope that embroidery sticks around forever (or at least until the end of our lifetimes) because if there is one trend that guarantees you will receive a ridiculous number of compliments, it’s embroidery.

Particularly embroidered footwear. (AKA the holy grail of fashion.)

An embroidered pair of ankle boots adds a fashion-forward edge to any look without also having the heat-retaining properties of embroidered jeans or an embroidered sweatshirt.

What are some of your favorite trends to wear during the transitional months?

Hannah’s Wearing:

Sabrina’s Wearing:

The Fashion, Friendship, and Feminism of The Bold Type

Fashion Outfits: Gray Tee, Black Hat, Striped Pants, and White Clutch

We love The Bold Type because it doesn’t hide its femininity.

Unlike a lot of other shows and movies, this one does not portray liking fashion and makeup and manicures as a weakness.

Rather, The Bold Type uses classically feminine ideas as a vessel to show that badassery can come cloaked in Givenchy.

Despite the somewhat predictable plotlines and borderline cheesiness, this show passes with flying colors when it comes to the three F’s:

Fashion, Friendship, and Feminism.

(Like seriously, is that our perfect slogan or is that our perfect slogan?)

Statement Purse Strap and Off-The-Shoulder Top

Fashion Ideas: Striped Pants, Gray Tee, and Black Hat

Off-The-Shoulder Top and Statement Earrings

The Fashion

Sometimes we have to ask ourselves: does Scarlet have hallways or runways? With Jane, Kat, and Sutton strutting down them in leather pants and thigh-high boots, we sometimes feel as though we’re in the front row at a fashion show rather than a high-rise Manhattan office building.

We were hooked on The Bold Type as soon as we saw this trio dressed to the nines, holding hands, and screaming into the passing subway train in the opening scene. We were confused, but we were hooked.

J, K & S are bold in their love lives, their careers, and their fashion. And obviously it helps that they don’t exactly have to follow an “office dress code.” We will never forget when Sutton walked into work wearing a plunging, form-fitting jumpsuit; it gave us goosebumps (and near heart attacks).

When we were putting together our own outfits for this post, we constantly asked ourselves if we were being “bold enough.” These three are always ahead of the fashion curve, so we did not want to settle for anything less.

Wide Leg Pants, Strappy Heels, and A Floppy Hat

Off-The-Shoulder Top and Statement Purse

The Friendship

The always-have-your-back brand of friendship in this show feels like a breath of fresh air after decades of being fed stereotypes about selfish, backstabbing female friends.

No matter what life throws their way, Jane, Sutton, and Kat always show up for each other.

When Sutton was afraid to take a position as an underpaid assistant to further her dream of having a career in fashion, Kat offered up her own apartment where she could live rent-free to put her financial worries at ease.

When Jane faced her fears and got tested for the BRCA gene mutation, Kat and Sutton dropped everything to come with her and hold her hand, both while she got tested and while she learned her results.

And when Kat started to question her feelings towards Adena and own sexuality, Jane and Sutton helped her accept herself as she was, even if she didn’t fully understand it.

Fashion Ideas: Statement Strap Purse and Leather Pants

Neutral Outfit Inspired by The Bold Type

The Feminism

We could write an entire post about the feminism in this show (and we probably will eventually), but for now we will focus on one facet: Jacqueline Carlyle.

Jacqueline is the Editor-In-Chief of Scarlet magazine, and she turns the “Miranda Priestly” character on its head by coupling her authority with compassion and vulnerability, particularly in the season finale.

(We won’t ruin it for you, but it is a must watch).

Women in power are often portrayed as “bitchy” or “unlikable,” but Jacqueline is neither. She knows what she wants and how to get it, but what sets her apart is that she pays as much attention to the means as she does to the ends. She listens, she apologizes when she makes mistakes, and she welcomes fresh ideas, even if they are not her own.

Jacqueline demonstrates exactly how the ability to empathize is a competitive edge.

We want a boss like Jacqueline. We each want to be a boss like Jacqueline. And so, we will leave you with one of our favorite quotes from her, which perfectly captures what many of us see as the essence of the female experience:

“I expect you to have adventures. I expect you to fall in love, to get your hearts broken. I expect you to have sex with the wrong people. To have sex with the right people, to make mistakes and make amends, take a leap and make a splash. And I expect you to unleash holy hell on anybody who tries to hold you back.”

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Hannah’s Wearing:

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To Save Money, Splurge on What You Really Want

I know what you’re thinking after reading that, but hear me out.

For my entire life, I’ve been a fashionista on a budget. That means that after I browse Pinterest and stumble upon the dress or purse of my dreams, I usually scour the internet to find an acceptable substitute to save money.

Yet, nearly every time, I’ve found that the substitute doesn’t quite curb my craving for that piece. Then, I either throw my hands in the air and splurge on the item I originally wanted, or I toss the substitute into the back of my closet, never to be worn again.

I recently—finally–came to the conclusion that it would be better for my happiness (and my wallet) if I just bought the item I really wanted in the first place.

Otherwise, I will have completely wasted my money on something that I don’t even like, or I will have spent my money on the cheap substitutes PLUS whatever the original piece costs.

For example, I’ve been coveting these vintage, high-rise Levi’s for months now, and I’ve done my best to find a pair of jeans that fill the “vintage jeans void” in my wardrobe. I never really found an affordable substitute that had all the features I wanted, so I ended up paying $98 for this pair from Revolve.

To many of you, that may not sound like a lot of money to spend on a pair of jeans, but for me, it is. I typically find my jeans at TJ Maxx or thrift stores, so I had a difficult time hitting “complete order” on this one.

Yet, I’ve never been so glad that I did. These are absolutely everything I ever wanted out of a pair of jeans, and I know I will no longer need to shop for substitutes because I am finally satisfied.

Because I’m starting to splurge on the clothing and accessory items I really want, I’m not able to buy quite as many clothes, but that’s alright. I’m much happier with my fewer, better pieces than I ever was with my cheap substitutes.

So, even if you have to wait a couple months to save up the money to buy that Prada bag or that Beach Riot swimsuit, do it. Don’t buy the cheap knockoff.

I promise it will be worth it, and once you have that piece in your arms, it will leave you wanting for nothing.

-S

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Photos by: Durrell Green and H+L Creations

The Weird Off: Zara vs. Goodwill

Lately, the two of us have been in a “weird off” of sorts when it comes to choosing outfits for shoots. Our taste in fashion has definitely gotten funkier, so we can’t always find what we’re looking for at stores that mostly focus on basics, like H&M or Express.

We each chose statement tops and eccentric footwear on our trip to Nashville this past weekend, where in between watching the eclipse in the band of totality (life-changing) and eating at the Cheesecake Factory (SO good), we noticed that one of us was all decked out in Zara (H) and the other in Goodwill (S).

The realization that these are the two places we most commonly turn to for quirky clothes made us ask the question of who is weirder: Zara or Goodwill?

The outfit I’m wearing is almost entirely from Goodwill, which is quite a change for me because I’m usually the one in the all-Zara outfit. But, Hannah has lured me into her thrifting ways, and now I’m completely addicted to hunting for the strangest pieces I can find hidden in the overcrowded racks of secondhand clothing stores.

Goodwill is the place where people donate anything and everything, and as a result, you can find literally anything in there (I once found a Christian Dior shirt that I will not shut up about). You do have to hunt for those pieces, though, because most of them will not jump out at you from the moment you walk in the store.

You need to filter through every single piece on every single rack sometimes to find that one piece that takes your breath away. But rest assured, when you do find that one silk top with the puffy sleeves that tie back to the days of the Revolutionary War (like this one), it will give you chills because you know you will likely not ever meet another person who owns that shirt. As someone who loves to stand out, I can’t beat that.

-S

I think if there’s one thing we can rely on when it comes to being fashion forward, it’s the element of surprise. From fishnet socks to statement earrings (like Sabrina’s here), this year has been one for the books when it comes to odd fashion trends.

First, let me say that I have always been–and always will be–the thrifting queen. Until recently, I only ever used to shop at secondhand stores like Goodwill whenever I was looking looking for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Yet in the months since we started Ensemble of Elan, I’ve become more and more enamored by online brands that are known for their out-of-the-box, statement pieces.

The one place I can always find the on-trend, Pinterest-worthy pieces is none other than Zara. Every time I visit their site, I fall in love with everything from their funky flare pants and open back button downs (and then get my heart broken when all of the clothes in my cart go out of stock, because they’re so popular)! I snagged this off-the-shoulder top and polka-dot mini skort during one of Zara’s amazing sales for under $30.

Thrift stores will always have a special place in my heart for finding unique vintage pieces, but there is also something about Zara that makes my heart flutter.

-H

Geometric Sunglasses & Statement Earrings

Goodwill and Zara are odd in each of their own magnificent ways, and honestly, we cannot choose whom to award the title of “The Best Place to Find Weird Fashion.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Hannah’s Wearing:

Sabrina’s Wearing:

The Best Place to Find Chic, Affordable Office Wear

Gray Striped Dress and Statement Earrings

As someone who has spent most of their life thrifting, investing in high quality pieces can come with some personal challenges because the prices are usually quite a bit higher than what I’m used to. I was apprehensive when we went shopping at the Banana Republic Factory Store because this brand is known for quality clothing and slightly more expensive prices. I told myself to tread carefully because I didn’t want to end up spending my entire paycheck on a pair of pants!

Yet, I was happily surprised to find that almost everything in the store was 40% off, including the clearance section (my fave), which made their clothes very affordable. I loaded up my arms with at least twenty pieces before heading to the dressing room, so obviously I loved their sense of style. It was incredibly hard to narrow it down because they had so many cute pieces, but in the end, I decided to go for a sleek pair of gray, patterned pants, a white blouse with statement sleeves, and another plum and black lace top!

I was able to get all of these pieces for $100, which may sound like a lot to my fellow thrifters, but if you consider how long these pieces are going to remain in good shape and in style, it’s really quite the bargain!

-H

Gray Banana Republic Pants and White Top

The #1 question I get asked by fans is: “Where is the best place to find chic, affordable clothes for the office?” I have several places in mind that I usually tell them, but one of my new favorites is the Banana Republic Factory Store. Here, you can find all the same high-quality pieces you’ve come to know and love from Banana Republic, but you can get them at a fraction of the original cost (and you know how fond we are of that!).

I think it’s smart that Banana Republic tends to stick to fairly classic styles and silhouettes, but throws in some trendy details, like statement sleeves, open shoulders, and fun floral prints. This makes it easy to find pieces that will be in style for years, but still feel modern and fresh!

While we were shopping here, I found so many tops and pairs of pants I wanted to buy, but it was love at first sight when I put on this dress, purse, and sunglasses. The versatility of this dress drew me to it because I can pair it with loafers in the summertime, and throw on a pair of ankle boots and a cardigan for the colder months. I still cannot believe I got this entire outfit for $100, and I know these staple pieces are going to serve me well for years to come.

-S

We will be hosting the Friends & Family event with Banana Republic this Saturday (the 19th) at their Little Rock Outlet location, where you can get 40% off your entire purchase and enjoy some complimentary styling assistance from us!

We hope to see you there and can’t wait to help you look and feel your best!

The Brunette Salad: Making a Style Icon Accessible

If you know anything about anything in fashion, you know who Chiara Ferragni is.

But, if you are a fashion novice, it’s essentially our civic duty to fill you in. Chiara Ferragni started the world’s most popular fashion blog, The Blonde Salad, and over the past eight years, turned it into a fashion empire (Harvard Business Review even did a case study on her success story!). She also started her own Chiara Ferragni collection and boasts over ten million followers on Instagram.

Sheer Pearl Top, Denim Skirt, and Velvet Sneakers

Basically, she is blogging badass #1. As such, her eccentric sense of style can feel a little out of reach for us normies. But as your resident fashion gurus, we are here to help you appreciate her sense of style and even make it your own.

Let me start by saying that until about six months ago, I did not really care for Chiara Ferragni’s sense of style. I thought her looks were strange, and I did not understand how she gained millions of dedicated followers. But then we started this blog, and everything changed. Having to put together intriguing outfits on a daily basis has pushed my creativity beyond my wildest dreams, and it was then, and only then, that I could truly begin to appreciate Chiara’s sense of style. (And now she is my fashion muse.)

I love Chiara because she puts pieces together that should not work, but she makes them work. She is willing to take some daring fashion risks, and honestly, they don’t always pay off! But that makes me love her even more because she is willing to go that far outside the box and put in the effort to constantly evolve her style. And when her outfits do work (which is like 98% of the time), they absolutely blow me away.

When I’m looking for fresh outfit inspiration, I usually go to her Instagram feed instead of browsing Pinterest. When I’m out shopping for new clothes or putting together outfits in front of my mirror, I ask myself, “Would Chiara buy this?” or “How would Chiara style this?”. The key to putting yourself in this mindset to not try to copy her looks exactly. Just look for specific elements that she frequently wears, like I did with these platform sneakers, a sheer top, and a mini skirt. Chiara is all about getting creative, so it would be a disservice to everything she stands for if you simply recreated one of her looks. Choose an element (or two or three), put your own spin on it, and run with it!

-S

I have a confession. I am currently obsessed with turning shirts and dress backwards. Weird, right? Well, that’s exactly what I did to this dress. I found this velvet, vintage dress at Goodwill and loved the beautiful colors, but I hated the neckline. As I was trying on this dress at home, inspiration suddenly struck, so I turned the dress around and unzipped the zipper a bit to make it a bit more sexy like Chiara’s style, and viola! It was like an entirely new dress with a different neckline!

I’ve always loved thinking outside of the box when it comes to fashion, which is why I’m so inspired by Chiara Ferragni’s style! Her eccentric, weird outfits get my creative juices flowing because she puts so many odd elements together that normally wouldn’t go together, but they always somehow complement each other.

Being daring in your style takes bravery, and Chiara Ferragni is the epitome of that. She is never afraid to wear outrageous, crazy pieces, but she ties it all together through her styling. I chose to be a little more weird with my styling by doing space buns and going for a pair of mule loafers instead of heels (which is hard for me because I love heels with dresses!). What I’ve learned from Chiara Ferragni’s style is that it’s okay to dress sexy and wear whatever the hell you want.

Sometimes we forget that everyday you get to choose how you present yourself to the world, so rock those silver metallic loafers or that completely see-through dress. When it comes to style, just be yourself.

-H

“My secret has always been to be true to myself.”

-Chiara Ferragni

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Hannah’s Wearing: