A Day of Style at Monmouth Racetrack

On Sunday, I attended a fabulous outing to the Monmouth Park Racetrack with America's Best Racing. I'm always looking for something new to do on the weekends, so naturally- I said yes! The date I chose to attend this event happened to be none-other-than... the Haskell! This day of racing is a big deal in the local equestrian world. It's what they've been waiting all summer for!

I've been to this racetrack before since it's very close to my home, but the atmosphere there on Sunday for the Haskell was nothing I have experienced before. It was so fun to be apart of! The crowd was widely diverse. There was everyone from the elderly to children and even some groups of cute guys. My favorite was, of course, the fashionistas! It was fun to see so many come out in pretty summer dresses paired with fabulous hats!

 

America's Best Racing treated us like royalty! They had this amazing bus that we sought refuge in several times for the air conditioning. It was pretty hot out, so it was nice to have a place to cool down. Victoria, with America's Best Racing, gave us a tour of the park and gave us some pointers on placing bets. We even got into this private area where the horses do a lap with their jockeys before heading into the next race!

There's so many different techniques to placing a bet. Some choose it based on the horse's name, while others dive into the horse's stats to pick the one with the best odds. Me and my friend Jen placed a bet for the first time and chose the horse with my lucky number, 11! It must have been our lucky day because... we won! It was a small bet, so I won't be quitting my day job or anything- but it was really fun to win.

Today is actually Jen's birthday. Happy Birthday, Jen!

The racetrack was having a "Best Dressed" competition sponsored by Lilly Pulitzer. Of course, I couldn't pass up a photo opp with this beauty! How amazing is this?

Thank you for a great day, America's Best Racing!

8 Must-Haves to Celebrate the Reboot of Rainbow Brite

Alice + Olivia Unicorn Flats // ASOS Unicorn Stud Earrings // Topshop Irridescent Pencil Skirt

Charlotte Russe Rainbow Patent-Strapped Sandals // Topshop Rainbow Gem Clutch

Baublebar Rainbow Crystal Cord Necklace // Sophia Webster Pump // Modcloth Unicorn Wallet

Rainbow Brite is back and (hopefully) better than ever! That's right fellow 80's babies and pop-culture enthusiasts- just weeks ago it was announced that this old favorite is getting a modern remake. Emily Osment will star as the voice over for Rainbow Brite in this animated television show. 

In true The Closet by Christie style, we're celebrating this news with a fashion list. Here's  

8 Must-Have's to Celebrate the Reboot of Rainbow Brite!

Style on a Budget: Bow Blazer

Let me take you on a journey through one of my latest Style on a Budget escapades! 

I am not a budget shopper at heart. I have always been the impulse-type shopper. I want what I want, now! But being a young twenty-something, it isn't always easy to keep up with my ever-evolving style and expensive taste. The truth is, you can have impeccable style while on a budget. It just takes more work!

More recently, I discovered the many joys and perks of internet shopping. While lounging on my couch, I browse my favorite stores sales pages. The websites nowadays have banners and e-blasts when they're having a big, site-wide sale. Sites like Banana Republic often have sales with discounts as big as 30-40%, while sites like White House Black Market slowly marks down items as time passes. Cha-ching! I can have what I want and at the price I can afford.

I'm obsessed with bows! So when I discovered this amazing blazer on White House Black Market's website, I knew it was a match made in heaven. This blazer has me written all over it! But- womp, womp- it was $150. It wasn't a good time for a splurge, so I had to sit this one out. As a frequent shopper of White House Black Market's sale page, I knew they would mark it down eventually. I just had to wait! 

Then it happened. Yes, they marked it down! First it went down to $69 and then right as I was about to buy it, it went down to... $35!

 When I was awaiting the blazer's arrival to my house, I had hoped that I would love it as much in person. And I did! It has a flattering fit and the bow is detachable for more versatility. It love that it's classic black and white. It has that Audrey Hepburn and Old Hollywood vibe to it!

What an amazing find!

Linking up today with my blogger pals, The Tiny Heart and Penniless Socialite! Click below to join us:

 

How To Layer For The Summer

You may be thinking "layering? for the summer?" Most people's minds are on sundresses, shorts, and sunglasses- but when you work full-time, it can be difficult to come up with looks that are both weather and office appropriate. I'm getting tired of the bright dress and blazer pairing, so I decided to play with light layers!

Not sure how to pull off this look? Don't worry; I'll show you! Here's How to Layer for the Summer!

Key layering pieces:  Apt. 9 by Kohls Floral Statement Necklace

Banana Republic Striped Sleeveless No-Iron Top // Banana Republic Anna Cardigan in 'Pebble' 

I love this layering technique because it produces such a cute, preppy look! By following a few guidelines, you can style this for a hot summer day and then transition it to autumn. 

1- Material Girl: The fabric is the most important! Choose a lightweight, breathable fabric; particularly for the cardigan.

2- Go Sleeveless: Choose a sleeveless top for your bottom layer. My favorite layer-top is a sleeveless oxford top. Believe it or not, these were really hard to come by this summer. I found a few at Banana Republic!

3- Less on Bottom: That's right; less is more for the bottoms! Choose a skirt or shorts to maintain a cool, summer look.

4- Make a Statement: Add a fun statement necklace for your final layer! This will give your look an extra flair and yet another layer.

This great summer layering technique will leave you with endless possibilities in and out of the office! Transition your summer pieces to fall using different materials to get the utmost usage from your favorite clothes, or just have fun with creative office looks like I did.

5 under $50: Nautical Style

Gap Striped Canvas Tote // Humble Chic Anchor Print Scarf // Alex & Ani Nautical Bangle

Sperry Top-Sider Floppy Hat // Modcloth High Waist Shorts

Nautical is a style I always turn to at this time of year! Anchors, ropes, stripes- it all just reminds me of summer. And it's not just reserved for the shore. Whether you're sitting by the pool, hanging at the race track, or running errands- you can rock this style anywhere!

This super chic and classy style may look expensive, but you don't have to break the bank to incorporate some nautical in your closet! Here's my 5 under $50: Nautical Style.

5 Fab Buckle Sandals for Summer

J.Crew Ankle Wrap // Minnetonka Monaco Fringe

MICHAEL Michael Kors Platform // Sole Society Textured High Heel // Candie's Gladiator

Buckle up- it's the big shoe trend of the summer! That's right, it's all about buckle sandals this season. You may be under the impression that there's not many ways to design buckles. The truth is, it's actually a surprisingly versatile style. Designer's are really thinking outside of the box when creating these sandals! 

 

Whether you are loving many buckles, one oversized buckle, or a tiny buckle- there's a style out there for you. Here's my favorite 5 Fab Buckle Sandals for Summer!

Styling a Fresh, Feminine Denim Vest Look for Summer

This summer, and even last year, is all about the denim vest. This is a must-have staple that every woman should have in her closet because it is so versatile! Whether you layer it over a feminine sundress, a cool romper, or pair it with a boho style maxi skirt- there's a way to style it for any season and any personality.

Here's a few tips for styling a fresh, feminine denim vest look for the summer!

 

Like my look? Add any of these garments to your denim vest look to add an extra ounce of femininity!

Fit-And-Flare Skirt

This is my absolute favorite type of skirt because it makes for an extra girly style and that perfect silhouette. I chose a blue and white striped fit-and-flare skirt for a nice, summer vibe.

Wedges

Heels give your legs a nice, feminine silhouette. I chose wedges so I could get that same look, while maintaining comfort and that summer style.

Full Hair

Voluminous, loose curls are all the rage right now! There is no other hair style that makes me feel more feminine and lovely than this. Vivian Vo-Farmer has a fabulous tutorial on Youtube for getting this look using a curling wand (check it out: Vivian Vo-Farmer's Voluminous Curls Tutorial Video).

 

 

Step it up a notch! To dress up this look, try adding a touch of glamour by amping up your jewelry and accessories.

Statement Necklace
This is sure to dress up any look! The more jewels, the better!

Glitter Belt
More glitter, please? Yes! Adding a glitter anything to your look will always glam it up.

Clutches
Since we're used to seeing these paired with an evening look, it can upgrade any day-time look from casual to chic. I chose a neon clutch with a simple silhouette- perfect for the summer!

 

LC Lauren Conrad Denim Vest // Apt. 9 Essential Cami // Merona Glitter Braid Belt 

// LC Lauren Conrad Striped Circle Skirt // A2 by Aerosole Wedge Sandals // 

Merona Neon Crossbody // Cadiz Jewel Pendant by Prima Donna c/o Lucky FABB