a Modern Betty

Betty  [bet-ee]: a beautiful, confident, and fashion forward woman.

I consider myself a modern Betty. In all actuality, we are all Betties. We are beautiful and confident women, who are leading the world with great style. 

Today I am showcasing my inner Betty by wearing kelly green pants, a pink gingham button-up (which is tied at the waist for a relaxed-look), leopard flats, and a lovely white and gold Total Betty Society watch.

This post is inspired by Total Betty Society and their love for fashion-forward Bettys around the world.

Find the Sun Dial Watch I'm wearing, here. Isn't this piece lovely? It's one of my new favorite things and I love that it matches everything in my wardrobe! Be sure to stop by Total Betty Society here and find some timeless pieces that you'll love. I really want to add this necklace, this bracelet, and these earrings, and this headband to my wardrobe.

What are your favorite items from Total Betty Society? 

When you check out, be sure to use the code : Afternoon25 to receive 25% off of your order! Thanks to TBS for graciously giving all Afternoon Style readers this discount!

Additionally, if you become a member of Total Betty Society, you will receive $10 off your first order! This is such an amazing deal. To sign up, simply go here.

gingham top: similar here // kelly green cropped pants: TJ Maxx, similar here and here // leopard flats: MMM // sun dial watch: c/o Total Betty Society  

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The Trend Transition

Can you believe it's already Thursday!? This week has flown by. I am really enjoying my new school and work schedule... I guess time flies when you're enjoying life. Before I know it, it's already going to be February! 

Today I am so excited to be teaming up with one of lovely blogger friends, Lacey from A Glimpse of Glitter for a fun fashion collaboration. 

Every year, there are always new trends that catch on in the fashion industry and they do so fast. Some of these trends die off fast and some of them stay in the spotlight for a long time. Today Lacey and I'd like to share which 2013 trends we think will carry into 2014. After all, I believe that only the best trends stay for years at a time and those trends usually create staple pieces. 

Jessica's trend: leopard & pops of color 

Lacey's trend: black and white & neon

To see Lacey's full look click HERE.

One of my favorite trends from 2013 was leopard print. It's kind of funny because I was also a fan of leopard print as a pre-teen. I actually had a purple leopard bedding set that I adored. That's about as fabulous as it got in 2003, folks. Looking back at that now, I just laugh because it was SO tacky. What was I thinking!? The truth is, I love leopard more than ever now. Not necessarily in purple tones for my bedroom, but in bits and pieces in my wardrobe. Leopard is a bold print and with anything bold in fashion, I personally think less is more. You probably won't find me sporting a long leopard fur coat- simply because that just isn't me. However, you will find me wearing leopard in bits and pieces- a clutch, a headband, a cardigan, or in this case... with some cute ankle strap heels. The key is: pairing neutrals with bold prints like leopard and moderation... all things in moderation. 

Here's a look at how I incorporated bold leopard prints in 2013: 

And here is how I am wearing leopard in 2014...

 These heels are fantastic because they are such a versatile piece that can be used in all four seasons. They are bold, but not flashy. They are subtle, but not boring. 

Another trend that I have loved in 2013 is wearing bright, bold colors. I have had this bright pink scarf for years... I'm talking since 2007ish. I love the color of it and I wear it all the time, after all this time. I think the key to wearing bright pops of colors is just that... they need to be slight 'pops' and not too over the top. 

The shirt that I am wearing is from Sammy Dress... it was the perfect top to pair with these heels because it is a neutral color- gray... not too mention the cute buttoned pockets!

Don't forget to head on over to A Glimpse of Glitter to see how she styled stripes and neon for 2014!

top: c/o Sammy Dress // scarf: gifted & old, similar here // jeans: H&M // heels: Charlotte Russe (sold out) similar here, here, and here // crown ring: c/o Sammy Dress // bag: Aldo (sold out) similar here

Which 2013 trends do you think will carry over into 2014? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Linking-up with: 

Be.You.Tiful You Link Party

Three-fer Thursday Link-up

Trend Spin Link-up

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