Style

Nena Evans x Petal & Pup: Luxe Edition Collection

My collection with Petal & Pup, the Luxe Edition, is LIVE! I am so excited to finally share these pieces with you. I have been wearing Petal & Pup for years so when they approached me about designing my own pieces with them it was such an easy YES! We spent months fine tuning the vision, reviewing samples, and perfecting every detail. Each piece was created to inspire confidence and elevate your style.

This collection has something for every occasion – show-stopping event styles, pieces for date night, and must haves for the office. My goal was to create pieces that are timeless with modern touches that take the guesswork out of looking effortlessly chic. I am so proud of what I’ve created with Petal & Pup and can’t wait to see the collection on you!

Shop The Collection:

For sizing reference I am 5’8″ and typically a 26/27 in bottoms and an XS/S in tops. 

Shop the Naira Dress

Sizing information: US 2 – choose your size based on your bust since the bottom is flowy. If you have a larger bust size up.

Availability: Global

Shop the Nadia Dress

Sizing information: US 4 – fits TTS

Availability: Global

Shop the Nora Jumpsuit

Sizing information: XS – very forgiving, high stretch material

Availability: Global

Shop the Naomi Dress

Sizing information: Small – TTS, stretch fabric

Availability: US

Shop the Niky Dress

Sizing information: Small – TTS, removable slip underneath

Availability: US

Shop the Natalia Dress

Sizing information: US 4 – runs slightly small in bust, size up if you need extra room in the chest.

Availability: US

Shop the Nyla Jumpsuit

Sizing information: US 4 – non-stretch material. Amazing piece for larger busts. I use a bit of tape up top since my chest is smaller proportionally to my bottom.

Availability: US

Shop the Nita Dress

Sizing information: Small – TTS, high stretch knit. Reversible as well!

Availability: US

Shop the Nisha Dress

Sizing information: US 4 – very structured, no stretch, size up if between sizes or if curvier on bottom.

Availability: Global

Shop the Narissa Top

Sizing information: Small – slightly oversized fit. Size down for a more tailored fit.

Availability: US

Shop the Nissa Top

Sizing information: Small – TTS. Could have also done a XS. Soft, stretchy cotton material.

Availability: Global

Shop the Natalie Bodysuit

Sizing information: XS – TTS. Soft, stretchy cotton material.

Availability: US

Shop the Noelle Blazer

Sizing information: US 2 – very oversized fit. Size down.

Availability: Global

Shop the Noelle Pant

Sizing information: US 4 – Could have also done a 2 as well, but prefer a slightly more relaxed fit in the waist.

Availability: Global

Shop the Nia Top

Sizing information: US 0 – fits perfectly since I have a small bust.

Availability: Global

Shop the Nellie Skirt

Sizing information: Small – TTS, elastic waistband, pull on style.

Availability: US

Shop the Noah Sweater

Sizing information: Small – slightly oversized. Can size down for a closer fit.

Availability: US

Style

Winter White Work Outfit

One of my go-to outfit formulas this time of year is monochrome winter white. It looks luxe, chic, and it’s incredibly easy to achieve. I love playing with accessories and outerwear to make the outfit feel new and fresh every time I wear it. Today I’m sharing an affordable winter white work outfit from Nordstrom. It is the perfect base for creating effortlessly chic outfits all season long.

Click any photo to shop

 

 

Shop more winter workwear below:

 

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring today’s post. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

Note: This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn commission on qualifying purchases.

Shop the Post
Stripe Mock Neck Sweater
Wide Leg Trousers
Reversible Belt
Double Breasted Long Coat
Vakay Sock Bootie
Hazel Pointed Toe Pump
Belted Longline Coat
Urmi Pointed Toe Bootie
Long Double Breasted Coat
Style

Summer Workwear Under $100

Things are starting to look a whole lot more normal and that means office attire is baaaaack! I’m so excited to share 10 affordable summer work outfits from Nordstrom to make going back easier for you and your wallet!

Click on any image to shop!

Outfit Details: Top XS (TTS) + Pants XS (TTS) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Blazer XS (Runs Big) + Similar Top XS (TTS) + Pants XS (Run Big) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Top XS (TTS) + Pants XS (TTS) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Top XS (Runs slightly big) + Pants XS (TTS) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Top XS (Runs slightly big) + Pants XS (Run Large) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Blazer XS (Runs Large, very unstructured) + Bodysuit XS (TTS) + Jeans 25 (TTS) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Top XS (Runs slightly big) + Pants XS (TTS) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Top XS (Runs big, super oversized fit) + Pants XS (Run Large) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Top XS (TTS) + Pants XS (TTS) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Dress XXS (Runs 2 sizes Large) + Shoes (TTS)

Outfit Details: Top XS – Color is Blue Cashmere (Runs slightly big) + Pants Small (TTS – I sized up for a pant look instead of legging) + Shoes (TTS)

Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring today’s post. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

 

Note: This post contains links from which I may make commission.

Beauty

Most Loved Items in April

Today I’m rounding up the Top 10 Bestsellers in April. Not only are they some of my favorites but y’all loved them too! Summer dresses, comfortable work wear, and high quality basics were all the rage!

LITTLE WHITE DRESS

The bestseller all month for good reason! This lightweight mini dress is perfect for spring and summer and is just as comfy as pjs but so much cuter. This LWD has pockets, a tier bottom, and a small keyhole opening in the back. Pair with sandals and a straw hat for your next getaway or layer on a denim jacket and white sneakers for an effortlessly casual spring look. Fit is TTS, but runs a bit short.

SPRING MIDI DRESS

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. How could we go all season without a good floral midi? This one is ultra flattering, lined, and comes in lots of pretty patterns. Even my girlfriends from college are hooked on this dress – it’s SO GOOD! Fit is TTS.

LIGHTWEIGHT WHITE BLAZER

Can we even talk about spring without a white blazer? I don’t think so! This one is a top seller consistently. One of my followers noted “It’s hard for me to find white blazers that don’t make me feel like I’m wearing a lab coat. This one is PERFECT!” You’ll love the lightweight material on this one for warmer months. Fit is TTS.

TIE WAIST COMFY TROUSERS

The ultimate WFH pants! These look professional and polished but the stretchy waistband and relaxed fit makes them perfect for lounging too. Run slightly large.

LIGHT WASH STRETCHY JEANS

My obsession with Express jeans is getting completely out of hand at this point. They have styles for every one and all body types! These are a buttery soft material with tons of stretch, a light wash, with a slim leg opening – perfect for ladies who are looking to ease their way into the world of Gen-Z approved denim. Fit is TTS.

FLATTERING WHITE BODYSUIT

A cult favorite, this bodysuit sucks you in in all the right places but is shockingly comfortable and feels barely there. I put off ordering this one thinking “I already have plenty of basic tanks” – I’m glad I finally caved because I wear this at least once a week! Fit is snug, but TTS.

NUDE LIPSTICK

One of my favorite lipsticks ever is this MAC Satin Finish Lipstick in shade Cherish. It’s the perfect nude color for olive skin tones and is the right amount of pink and brown without making you look washed out. Also it’s affordable!

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

A casual little black dress is essential for spring and summer. It’s so easy to throw on when you’re in a rush and don’t know what to wear. Add sandals, sneakers, or heels to switch up the vibe! Fit is relaxed, but TTS.

BLUSH SPRING TOP

This top is so gorgeous pictures hardly do it justice. The square neck is flattering and the material is screams spring. It’s perfect for a cooler spring day or an evening happy hour when the temps start to drop. Fit is TTS.

CROPPED WIDE LEG TROUSERS

These cropped trousers are affordable and super flattering! I love these for work but you can totally dress them down with a t-shirt and sneakers! Pants run slightly large – size down one.

Style

Spring Capsule Wardrobe

My absolute favorite part about having this space is connecting with so many amazing women all over the world. I love hearing your style stories, swapping fashion tips and tricks, and getting to know you on a personal level. In doing so, many have shared that they like the items they buy but struggle putting outfits together. “Where do I start?” “What pieces do I need in my closet?” “I’m looking to invest in staple items and minimize my closet.” “How do I style _____?”

All of these concerns come can be solved by having great capsule wardrobe (a smaller collection of staple pieces to be worn together and often). Even though a capsule wardrobe isn’t the most practical option for me, I know it can be desirable for women who are looking to minimize or simply make getting dressed easier! What I love about these pieces is that they can be used to create a mini capsule wardrobe or they can be used as a starting point for your spring outfits. Either way you’re going to wear these items over and over again!

Here are some of my favorite spring staple items you need to make putting together effortlessly chic outfits a breeze.

Trench Coat

Outfit Details HERE

Classics never go out of style and there is nothing more classic than a trench coat! Layer this essential piece over jeans and a tee for ultimate cool girl vibes or drape it over your work outfit to add visual interest and dimension to your look.

 

White Jeans

Outfit Details HERE

Skinny, straight, wide leg, cropped – all denim are welcome here! Having a great pair of white jeans is a must for spring and summer. They are the ultimate way to welcome warmer weather while making your outfits look clean, crisp, and cool.

 

Denim Jacket

Outfit Details HERE

Much like the Trench Coat, a denim jacket is a closet staple that never goes out of style. Sure the washes, fits, and cuts change with time but the denim jacket is almost as essential to a great wardrobe as a white button down top. Add it over jeans and a tee to finish an outfit or layer over a midi dress and sneakers for added versatility and style.

 

Duster

Outfit Details HERE

Just because we are gearing up for warm weather doesn’t mean we have to ditch knits altogether! During the transitional months I love to throw on a duster over a tee and denim. The additional layer is both practical and stylish – my fave!

 

Black Jeans

Outfit Details HERE

Black jeans are a year round staple if you ask me! They quite literally go with EVERYTHING but I love them for spring and summer because they’re a bit more unexpected. They make a statement in a crowd of white and light wash jeans and bring a little bit of sophistication and edge to any look.

 

White Silk Top

Outfit Details HERE

The ultimate spring and summer top must be easy, breezy, lightweight, and effortless. This white button down short sleeve silk top is all of that and more. Pair it with loafers and light wash denim during the day or pair with black denim and heels at night – the possibilities are endless!

 

Light Jeans

Outfit Details HERE

Swapping out your black leggings and dark denim for light wash jeans is an easy way to welcome warmer weather. Finding the “right” pair can be a challenge but once you do, you won’t want to take them off! Here are a few of my favorite light wash jeans that I own and love!

 

Black Tee

Outfit Details HERE

This one was almost too obvious to include but I did it anyway. Having comfortable, high quality layering tees is an ABSOLUTE MUST for any closet. Madewell, Everlane, and Express all have great options at different price points. While you’re snagging a black tee, go ahead and grab a white and gray one too – you’ll thank me later 🙂

 

Neutral Knit

Outfit Details HERE

If I could, I would wear sweaters year round. Lightweight knits are a great way to transition away from loungewear and sweats to something that looks more polished but feels just as comfortable. Opt for lighter color palettes and materials during the warmer months to keep your outfits looking seasonal and fresh.

 

The Finishers

Sneakers are a great option for comfort and can easily dress down an outfit and give your look a cool girl vibe.

Easily my go-to shoe, Nude Heels are a closet essential especially for working women. Wear with jeans and a bodysuit for a night on the town or wear with trousers and a blazer to the office.

Style

Dress for Success: How to Style a Pencil Skirt

woman wearing red pencil skirt and tan sweater
woman wearing red pencil skirt and tan sweater
woman wearing red pencil skirt and tan sweater
woman wearing red pencil skirt and tan sweater
woman wearing red pencil skirt and tan sweater

Get the Look:

Recently I’ve been wearing more smart casual than business casual to work. If I’m being totally honest, I’ve gotten pretty lazy with my work wardrobe and the thought of putting a ‘real’ outfit together has sounded more like a chore than a hobby. Throwing on a pair of pants and a sweater has been way more appealing than taking the time to put together a skirt and top and having to tuck it in – yep just saying all these steps is making me tired.

The Pencil Skirt Effect

But recently we had a 60 degree day hit and I knew I had to bust out a skirt before the winter apocalypse. I chose to pair a red skirt with a camel colored cashmere sweater, nude heels, and a leopard clutch. Let me tell you I felt like a changed woman. I was serving up sass, confidence, fierceness – (*cue the Jonathan Van Ness voice*) YAAAS QUEEN! I hadn’t felt this way walking into work in forever. It felt so good to have my groove back. It is amazing how much your clothes can impact how you feel about yourself and even the outcome of your day. In fact, this realization was a subtle reminder of why I started this blog.

A Bit of Reflection

Take Note was created to inspire confidence in women through professional workwear. I’ve experienced the power of a beautifully curated work wardrobe firsthand. A well-tailored pencil skirt can change your demeanor in a meeting, a bold yellow top can change your mood and the perceptions of others, and a good pair of pumps can change your self image. This is the value of fashion. It can bring out the best in you if you let it. Taking the time to thoughtfully craft an outfit isn’t an act of vanity, but an act of self-care – because you are worth it! You deserve to own the boardroom, you deserve to be taken seriously by men in your profession, you deserve to feel good about yourself in your own skin.

xo,

Nena