Purple polish

Happy Thursday, everyone!  Hope you all had a wonderful day!

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Blouse:  Target (Similar here)
Ring:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

Today, I mixed eggplant purple with black and grey for one of my favorite fall color combinations.

Pants:  The Limited (Sold out online, see here)
Shoes:  Target

I was excited to add this fun pewter fringe clutch that I recently unburied.  I thought I must have given it away, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it stuffed away in a drawer.It also has a fun story.  A few years ago, I won a national design/styling contest offered by The Limited.  My prize was a $2000 shopping spree and a trip to Miami, FL to shop with The Limited's VP of Design.  This clutch was one of my picks.

I love that it gives my work look just the slightest rock-and-roll vibe.  The blouse and clutch both have subtle python textures.

Clutch:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)
Necklace:  Express (old)

Do you have any favorite fall color combinations?

Blazer styled differently here and here
Blouse styled differently here

Hearts Afire!

One of my favorite color combinations is the classic black, white, and red.

Blouse:  New York & Company
Blazer:  The Limited

This sweet heart-printed blouse and heart-shaped locket is a romantic take on a casual work look.

I like that the white jacket makes the red pop and keeps the color bright near my face.  The darker bottoms help balance the look and keep the jacket from looking summery.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Shoes:  Target

I am not a huge fan of prints as I get bored with them easily, and they are sometimes less versatile than solids.  I love heart prints though and like that this top is super feminine but not too girly.

Clutch: Vintage
Earrings:  The Limited (Sold out online, see here) and Claire's

Silver Locket:  Target (Similar here)
Tank:  Old Navy (Similar here)

 Do you like heart prints?

Fashion Repeat

Hey everyone!

I'm back after a short hiatus!  I had a major family emergency, which made fashion seem rather unimportant.  As much as I love clothing and having fun with style, I was reminded this week how important it is to put things like fashion into perspective.

Today, I opted for familiar favorites.  This blog is all about real-world style - which means that clothing gets repeated, sometimes often.  

Writing this blog has created a little self-induced pressure to continually come up with new ideas and new looks, but the reality is that most of us have certain looks that we like to wear over and over.  Those are great outfits for those frantic mornings and "I have nothing to wear" days!

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Blouse:  Old Navy

I love my tuxedo blazer, but I struggle with creative new ways to style it.  The champagne color can be difficult to mix with other colors, so I usually opt for pieces in black and champagne to pair it with.

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

I added green pumps and my jade ring to add in a bit of color.  I liked the green color with champagne which makes me think that I should add a blouse or dress in that shade to my shopping list.

Purse:  Express (Sold out online, see here)
Ring:  Vintage (gift)
Earrings:  The Limited (Similar here)

Do you make shopping lists based off what you already have in your wardrobe, or do you shop more on impulse?

Casual Festive

Hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

I wanted a comfortable outfit that was somewhat casual, but festive.

This is what I came up with:

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)
Jeans:  Target (Available here)

I realize I wear a lot of black - I can't fight it; I just really like it!

Heels:  Target

This outfit is a little different for me as I almost always wear layers, even in the summer time.  It was a warm Thanksgiving this year, so I decided to skip the extra layer of a cardigan or blazer.

I accessoried with a bold cocktail ring with purple stones, but let the embellishments on the top speak for themselves.

Ring:  The Limited (old)

Do you have a basic formula for dressing with which you tend to stick?  For me it's pants or jeans, a blouse, blazer or cardigan - usually in shades of black and white.
 
Hope you're having a great Friday!!

Velvet Ingenue

Happy Tuesday!!!

Cardigan:  LOFT (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

Today, I wanted a comfortable outfit because I had errands to run after work.  I also wanted a slightly festive look since it was my last day at work before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Tank:  Target
Flats:  Target

I chose my black velvet pants and this pretty embellished cardigan.  I paired the outfit with flats to keep the look more comfortable, which also makes the outfit more casual, in my opinion.  

If I were to wear this outfit to a holiday party, I would add more sparkly jewelry, a pair of heels, and a fun clutch.

Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

The ballet flats and faux-Peter Pan collar add sweet touches that give this look a slight ingenue quality.

Bow Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

If you are interested in this cardigan, I would suggest going down a size or two.  I personally found this cardigan to run large.  I went down a size, and I still think it was a bit too big.Hope you all had a great day!!

The Cat's Pyjamas

Happy Monday, everyone!  Hope you all had a great day! 

Dress:  The Limited (Available here)
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

Today, I played up this fun leopard print of this dress with a black blazer and black and gold accessories.

Purse:  Express (Available here)
Belt:  The Limited (Similar: here)

 I love the pop of color with the bright geranium nail color.

Tights:  Torrid (Available here)
Boots:  Payless

The holidays are on my mind this week. What are your Thanksgiving plans? 

I have thoughts of pumpkin pie cheesecake and my mom's mashed potatoes in my head.  I also have thoughts of giving thanks.  I am thankful for so many things this year.  Among the many things, I am thankful to be more financially stable this year and thankful for fashion, which gives my life passion.  I am so thankful that I was able to get my blog off the ground this year and am very thankful to all of you, my readers!

Bracelets:  Target, Claire's; gold bangle (unknown)

See you tomorrow!

Hey there, babydoll!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Blouse:  LOFT (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

I've been sick all week, and this morning, I felt very fatigued. I wanted a comfortable outfit for work that would help get me through the day.

Flats:  Target (Still available in select stores)
Cardigan:  Converse One Star by Target (Available here)

I don't opt for flats as often as I should (we all know how bad heels are for us, right?), but I was so excited to wear my new green ballet flats, which I got for a steal for $6 at Target.  I had eyed them late this summer, but passed them up.  When I saw them again on clearance, I knew I had to have them.  They are my favorite shade of green.

Paired with black slim-cut pants, I feel a little Parisian.  The ivory baby-doll top is a little voluminous, but the cardigan helps temper some of the volume.  I love the tie-back neckline of the blouse.

Ring:  H&M
Earrings:  The Limited

Fun accessories, like my purse necklace and "evil eye" ring finish the look.

Necklace:  Vintage Judith Leiber (Similar here)

Hope you all had a great day!  Happy Weekend!

Purse:  Express (Available here)

Pajama Party

Today's outfit reminds of classic men's pajamas.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Blazer: The Limited (Available here)

I think of old velvet robes and printed silk button-down pajama tops.  I love the relaxed vibe of the look, but that it was still also put together enough for work.

Blouse:  New York & Company
Purse:  The Limited

I can't wait to style these velvet pants for the holidays.  I'm thinking that a sparkly top or sweater will be the perfect accompaniment for the festivities.

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Necklace:  Gift (old)

A note on fit:  I had these pants hemmed, but unfortunately, I didn't get them hemmed short enough.  When pants are too long, not only do they look a little sloppy and unkempt (and could ruin the bottom of your pants), they can make short legs look even shorter, which I think they are doing here.  Nothing a quick trip back to the tailor can't fix!!!

For more on getting the right fit, see here.
For this blazer in another look, see here.

Tuxedo Styling

As much as I love embellishments, sometimes the simplicity of a simple tuxedo or suit is all you really need.

The tuxedo jacket and tuxedo striped pants create the look for which I was going.  

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here and here)

Pants:  The Limited (No longer available on-line, see here)
Tank:  Target (Available here)

The simple knit tank keeps the suit from looking too evening.

Purse:  Express (Available here)
Heels:  Target (Available here)

To maintain the daytime look, I kept the jewelry simple and chose daytime shoes and handbag.

Bow earrings:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

What is your personal style??  Casual? Business? Preppy? Bohemian? Evening?

Subtle Sparkle

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope you all had a great weekend.

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

I love a look with a little bit of edgy glamour.  One of my favorite things about the fall holiday season is definitely the fashion.  Fancy fabrics, embellishments, and sparkle - from Thanksgiving to New Year's, fashion is just a little more fun.

During the fall and winter months, I definitely opt for a lot of black, but mixing textures, silky fabrics, and embellishments keep me from getting bored.

Lace blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

Today, I opted for a monochromatic look, adding in just a few small pops of color with burgundy heels and periwinkle nails.

Today's look was all about the subtle sparkle, mixing matte black pieces with glitter, gems, and rhinestones.  

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Ring:  The Limited (old)
Nail polish:  Essie "Bikini So Teeny" and "Stroke of Brilliance" (Available at Target)

I chose hematite-colored rhinestone bow stud earrings, bangle, and this oversized bow ring.  The glittery nail polish adds a bit more sparkle.

Bangle:  Target (old)

The blouse adds extra embellishments, and the lace blazer adds a bit of texture.

Bow earrings:  Target (Available in stores; Similar here)
Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

It can be difficult to decide how much "holiday cheer" is acceptable in the work place.  Obviously, work place dress codes vary greatly.  I work in a fairly conservative field with a business casual dress code.  I probably push the envelope some days in regards to what's appropriate for my job, but I generally try to tow the line.
Do you like to dress up your work looks for the holidays?  How much sparkle do you think is "just right" for work?

Black and Yellow

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Today was a casual day at work, so I chose my favorite jeans.  I think these skinny bootcut jeans are the best fitting jeans I've ever had.  They have a lot of stretch, so they are super comfortable, but they retain their shape during the day without bagging the way that a lot of stretch denim does.  

Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

I added my trusty black blazer and a citrine silky blouse for a happy pop of color.

Please forgive the lint on my jacket.  I only got a few pictures in when the camera needed a re-charge.  It was then that I noticed the white lint.  :-)

Purse:  Express (Available here)
Bracelet:  Target
Shoes:  Target (old)

Hope everyone has a delightful weekend!

Romantic with an Edge

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Today, I chose my ivory chiffon colorblocked dress and paired it with my faux leather jacket.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Dress:  The Limited (Available here)

I love the hard and soft mix of the fabrics.  Maximizing your wardrobe by transitioning pieces, like this flowy chiffon summer dress, into cooler weather is a great way to get more bang for your buck with your wardrobe.  The fabric and style of this dress is the easiest for transitioning into colder months, in my opinion.

The small fishnet knit of these tights and Swiss dot pattern adds visual interest, but is still subtle enough to not overpower the entire look.

Tights:  Target (Similar here)
Boots:  Payless

The ankle boots and romantic silver locket finish the hard and soft balance of today's look.  The red tote adds a bright pop of color.

Tote:  The Limited (Available here)
Locket:  Target (old)

How do you transition summer pieces into fall and winter?

For more on fall's leather trend, see here. 
For more on fall's black and white trend, see here. 
For this dress worn differently, see here.

I Vote for Sequins, Velvet, and Tweed

Hi everyone!  Hope everyone got out and voted today!

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

Today, I selected my new velvet pants (see here) with my black bow-front blouse and this lovely tweed jacket.  I love the silver threads mixed sewn through the blazer and the unexpected silver sequin detail on the shoulders.  I also love the mix of textures and fabrics.

Blouse:  Old Navy
Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

My outfit today is very reminiscent of another recent outfit (see here).  I'm loving fun skinny black pants (tuxedo stripes, velvet, etc.) mixed with modern-looking tweed jackets.

I'm hunting for a light pink or mint top to wear with this jacket.  I love winter white mixed with pastels in the winter time.  

Bracelet:  The Limited (old)

Today, I kept the overall look neutral in black and ivory with just a subtle pop of color with the burgundy shoe.  I added a two-tone chain bracelet and a bow ring for a little feminine charm.

Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Do you like mixing textures in your clothing?