Crazy for Cobalt

 Hi everyone!

This morning was another one of those mornings in which I had no idea what I wanted to wear.

This is what I came up with in my mad dash to get out the door.

Blazer:  The Limited (For different look with blazer, see here)

Dresses are a great option for looking chic and put-together with ease.

Dress:  New York & Company (Similar: here)
Tote:  The Limited (See here - no longer available)

Cobalt blue is huge for fall, so I'm looking forward to styling this dress for fall when the temperature drops. 

Bracelets:  The Limited, Target

Today, I added softer neutrals and a pops of bright yellow to keep the look more summery.

Belt:  The Limited
Ring: H&M (For close-up, see here)
Shoes:  Target

Feelin Dotty

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Dress:  The Limited (Available:  here)

For work today, I went a little retro with this 50s-inspired polkadot dress.

Jacket:  The Limited

During work hours (that frigid air-conditioning), I wore this cropped blazer.

This jacket didn't have any closures, so I added a hook-and-eye closure to give me more options.  Often times, minor adaptations can transform an "almost" piece into something your really love.

Shoes:  Target (Similar:  here)

 I added these red patent leather peep-toe heels I got for $6.00 at Target (I soooo love my bargains!)

Ring:  H&M
Earrings:  Express (Similar here)

The look is vintage-inspired, but I tried to keep the look modern with the styling.

Love an exposed back zipper!

Fifty Shades of Grey

Well...really only two  ;-)

Blouse:  Target (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar:  here)

I really like a monochromatic look on occasion.  Wearing one color is lengthening, and it doesn't have to be black.  

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

 For a subtle pop of color, I added burgundy patent leather heels.

Beaded Bracelet:  Express (5+ years old)
Metal bracelet:  The Limited (Available here)

Recently, I have been getting into DIY nail art.  I'm not very good yet, but I like the idea of adding more fun and visual interest to a simple look with nail art.

Earrings:  The Limited

Cardigan: LOFT Petites

Are you into nail art?  Do you have any favorite manicure ideas to share?

Biker Chic

Happy Monday Everyone!

Today, I decided to add a little edge to my pink pencil skirt with a black motorcycle jacket-style cardigan and black booties.

Converse One Star Jacket (Available:  Target)
Skirt:  The Limited

I love this cardigan. It gives the look of a biker jacket without the structure or heaviness of (faux) leather.

Top:  Old Navy Petites
Ankle boots:  Payless

I also have a major affinity for snake-themed jewelry.  Maybe because I was born in the Year of the Snake? 

I got this bracelet off eBay.  I have found eBay to be a great source for unique, low-priced jewelry.

Earrings:  Express (old)
Bracelet (Available:  Ebay)

Do you like ankle boots with pencil skirts?

All You Need Is Love

Today, I had some errands to run and wanted to wear my new sweater.  Rather than wear the jean shorts I initially considered, I decided to add a more romantic vibe to the sweater with a tiered lace skirt and simple (and comfortable) ballet flats.  

Sweater (Available: Target )

To ensure the look wasn't too sweet, I added a chain link bracelet.

Bracelets:  H&M, Claire's
Earrings:  The Limited

Novelty sweaters were shown by many designers on Fall runways (See here). The look is fun, easy to wear, and perfect for fall/winter casual looks.

Purse:  The Limited
Shoes (Available:Target)

Skirt:  Torrid

More options:

Old Navy sweater

Target fox sweater

Would you wear a novelty sweater?

All Hail to Alma Mater!

The weather outside is still hot, but I'm ready for fall.  On this casual Friday, I paired denim with a mustard top and a deep purple knit blazer.  I really like the autmnal take on colorblocking.

Bag:  Old - Payless?
Blazer:  The Limited
Top (Available:  New York & Company)

I also realized that I was wearing the colors of one of my alma maters (Go Knox!), which got me thinking.  With Fall Homecomings coming up, wearing your school colors in a look like this is a great way to show school spirit without the usual alumni t-shirt or hoodie.  

Jeans:  The Limited (Similar:  Levi's)Shoes:  Target

This look would work for a reunion brunch.  Substitute the heels with boots or flats, and the look is perfect for a football game.  The look is casual but put-together.

Cuff:  New York & Company (Similar: Express cuff)
Earrings:  The Limited

Do you plan on attending a high school or college Homecoming?  Would you wear a look like this for that event?

Golden Girl

I realized today that I have inadvertently worn black pants everyday this week.  I do admit that I am a black pants addict.  I collect black pants like some people collect coins or baseball cards.  Even so, I usually try to mix up my style a little more.

Pants:  The Limited (Similar: The Limited )
Patent Heels:  Target

It has definitely been a transition getting back to work after my vacay, so it's not surprising that I have been resorting to trusty favorites.  Do you have any clothing crutches?

Top (Available at The Limited)

Today, I've mixed my black pants with a gold lace peplum-style top that I recently featured on my blog (See here).  Besides lace and peplums, this top also features another major trend for fall - gold.

Bow earrings:  The Limited (Similar:  The Limited)

Bangles:  Target, Claire's The Limited

Lace can look a little too matronly, in my opinion.  The slimmer cut of the pants work best here to keep the top from looking too mature. 

Cardigan:  LOFT Petites

I added the boyfriend cardigan for warmth in the office.  Do you layer for summer air conditioning?

More Fall Color: Black and Blue

Hi everyone!  Hope you had a happy Hump Day!

This Wednesday, I decided to play with another color combination trending this fall - darker blues and navy worn with black.  

Ohne Titel Fall 2012 Look

While not the most daring color combo, it's easy to wear and is a darker, more somber take on the colorblocking trend, which I appreciate.

Jacket (Available: The Limited)
Tote:  The Limited

Blouse (Available:  The Limited)
Necklace:  Vintage 1960s Judith Leiber

"Evil Eye" Ring: H&M (Available in stores)
Pants (Available: The Limited)

  
Do you like the blue and black color trend?

Laid-back Polish

Hi everyone! I'm back from vacation.  

Blazer (Available:  New York & Company blazer)
Bag:  New York & Company (Similar:  Silk Elements)
Bracelet - Left Hand (Available:  The Limited)

I hope you enjoyed my picks out of the Fall 2012 runway trends.  

My advice on trends:

• Stay true to yourself:  Don't buy something just because it's trendy.  I used to dress trendier when I was younger, but now, I buy clothing that suits my personality and my body type.  Being in my 30s, I'm more comfortable in my own skin and more attuned to what looks good on my body type. I only featured Fall 2012 trends that I like and would actually wear.  For example, 70s geometric print suits were shown by Prada and other designers on fall runways (See look here).  I prefer a much more classic look and will definitely be skipping that trend.  Picking a few looks or ideas from each season's trends keeps your look current and modern, but helps keep your style uniquely you.
• Don't break the bank:  Style isn't about running out every season and buying a whole new wardrobe, which is great because most of us can't afford to do that.  The key to great style is to learn how to wear what's already in your closet in new ways.  If you have the means, add a few trendier pieces to your wardrobe each season.  Accessories are a relatively inexpensive way to update your look each season.
• Break the rules:  Personal style and fashion should be fun.  While I focus a lot on finding flattering fits, sometimes girls just wanna have fun!  If you're in love with a new color, print, or cut, even if it's not the most practical or flattering, I say go for it!  It's important not to take yourself too seriously (I'm working on this :-D).  Loving your look will make you feel great, and your confidence will shine through!

Now for today's look:

Not quite ready to end my vacation, I wanted to wear something that was easy and laid-back but still polished.  I chose an all black look topped with a light pink blazer for a little color.  I finished the look with silver jewelry.

Silver collar necklace:  New York & Company
Tank:  Old Navy (Similar:  Old Navy)
Crossover top:  The Limited
Pants:  The Limited (Similar: The Limited)

Bracelet (Available:  The Limited)

What's your view of trends?  

What do you wear for work when you want something easy but still want to look put together?

Fall 2012 Fashion Trends: Military

A strong military presence was seen on fall runways. Think strong shoulders, epaulettes, gold buttons, along with shades of olive and black.  This trend is easy to wear to work and translates especially well for outerwear.

From the runway:

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2012 look

Victoria Beckham Fall 2012 look

 More affordable options:

The khaki trench below blends military styling with the classic trench for a modern interpretation of military uniforms.

Simply Be capelet trench coat

ModCloth orange brigade coat

Do you like the military look?

Fall 2012 Fashion Trends: Black and Winter White

Many of fall's fashion trends are very easy to wear and are variations on classic looks.

Black and white were popular neutrals on the fall runways, whether worn separately or together.  Black and white is easily my favorite color combination.  It's a classic combination that's easy to wear, always looks chic, and can easily be transformed to fit a variety of moods.

From the runway:

3.1 Phillip Lim look

3.1 Phillip Lim look

 More affordable looks:

The Limited colorblock top

Black and white suiting was quite popular on the runway, continuing with the colorblocking trend. The color combination is crisp and fresh and so graphic and interesting. Loving suiting and black and white, I am very excited about this fall trend!

Eloquii trimmed blazer

Black and white suiting is easy to wear and will never really go out of style so it makes for good investment pieces. I am jonesing for a new white tuxedo blazer wih black lapels. If I can find some black pants with tuxedo stripes, all the better.

Simply Be tuxedo blazer

Winter white or ivory is softer and more flattering for most skin types than pure white. The old rules of no white agree labor day has long since been abandoned. In fact, white dresses were everywhere for fall.

The Limited colorblock sheath dress

Asos River Island cream dress

Do you like the black and white suiting trend?  Would you wear a winter white dress for fall?