Bairro Alto is a central district in the capital of Lisbon, and many describe it as a loose association of neighborhoods. Though more quiet in the daytime and perfect for strolling with an ice cream cone in hand, the area apparently becomes bustling with full bars and plenty of nighttime fun later in the evening. If you're looking for that classic Lisbon tram photo/postcard view, chances are you'll capture that shot pretty easily here with all the trams running up and down the hilly slopes of the neighborhoods.
A quick behind-the-scenes fun fact is that we actually shot this lookbook the same day we landed is Lisbon, though we decided to share our day at Pena Palace first. We had always planned to do a lookbook featuring the ever reoccurring Velvet trend, but didn't choose until very last minute to have Bairro Alto as the backdrop! Plush velvet seems to have trickled back onto the runways this season, and it was all too easy to find cool pieces while shopping these past couple of months!
Jess: Wearing velvet is actually very nostalgic for me because I remember how much I used to love and wear this one pair of burgundy velvet pants to school throughout fourth and fifth grade. I seriously hated how uncomfortable any other pair of pants felt (especially jeans), and so I still have very fond memories of velvet to this day. Curating a Fall wardrobe can sometimes be difficult given the inconsistent weather, but pairing colors have always been much easier for me! This skin-tight, mock-neck velvet top is a simple, but extremely versatile piece that can used for layering or tucking into pretty much any pair of bottoms. And of course, my favorite part of the top are the cute mini bell sleeves that make it fancy enough to even sport at a holiday party later next month. I chose to style my top with a festive, patterned skirt and some comfy knee-high boots that kept my legs warm in the early morning and evenings in Lisbon. Berets and fisherman caps have also made their return this Autumn, so I couldn't resist pulling out my black beret I got from Paris two winters ago to complete the look!
Mel: Velvet has been in style for several Fall/Winter seasons now, and this year, it has officially made its return stronger than ever. I scooped up this velvet blazer from Bloomingdale's during their Friends & Family sale and instantly loved the slimming cut of the jacket, the gold buttons and the shoulder pads. This blazer reminds me a lot of the Balmain Velvet Double Breasted but is only about a 10th of the price! Since we were wandering the streets of Barrio Alto while sporting this blazer and I was not in the office, I traded in my work slacks and blouses for some embroidered denim shorts and a simple white tee to for a more casual and day time attire. Honestly, I was reluctant to purchase this blazer initially since it may be considered a one season wear "trend item", though my doubts were quickly squashed when I realized just how many looks I can wear with this one piece! The blazer not only fits right in with my 9-5 workwear wardrobe but can also be worn for a sexy date night out with some leather pants, a silky tank top and some strappy heels.
Outfit Details Jess: Top - Bloomingdale's, Skirt - Lulu's. Boots - DSW (similar)
Mel: Top - Uniqlo , Blazer - Bloomingdales (Aqua), Shorts - Abercrombie & Fitch, Shoes - Tory Burch
