Burgundy and Gold

I'm trying to break out of my black pants rut. I love how versatile black pants are and how you can find so many fun textures, cuts, fabrics, and details in black pants.

I know camel isn't a daring leap from black, but I love what a year-round neutral camel is.  It looks great with pastel, bright, or bold colors, as well as other neutrals.

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tank:  The Limited (Available here)
Blazer:  New York & Company

Today, I paired my camel pants with an ivory draped knit tank and my burgundy velvet blazer.

Leopard print heels and mixed bracelets finish the look.

Bracelets (bottom to top):  Express, Target, World Market, The Limited

Necklace:  The Limited (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)
Heels:  Target (Available: here)

It has been snowing all day in my 'hood (that would be the white spots in the last picture).  The past few weeks have reminded me that winter is not over, despite my wishes.  Hope you all are staying warm in your part of the world!!

To see the blazer styled differently, see here and here.
To see the pants in other looks, click here and here.
Top styled differently here.

Neutral sophistication

Today, I paired my paperbag-waist trousers and peplum blazer with a striped shell for a look that felt a little vintage, a little modern.

High-waist paperbag trousers:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)
Peplum blazer:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

The high-waist wide leg trousers and peplum have a 1940s feel, but with the peplum being such a major trend the last year or so, the outfit also feels very modern.

Tank:  LOFT
Earrings:  The Limited

Vintage jade ring:  gift (Similar here)
Vintage jade bracelet:  gift (Similar here)

Wide leg trousers can be tricky on curvy petite frames.  I tend to err on the side of hemming wide leg pants slightly too long to create the longest line possible.
 
I paired the outfit with vintage statement jewelry and a faux croc bag to finish the retro modern look.

Purse:  Express (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (old)

Do you like pairing vintage and modern styles?

Red Pants, White Jacket

Hope you all had a great Monday!

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

Today, I played with color blocking, mixing red pants with a black bow blouse and white jacket.  

Blouse:  Old Navy
Shoes:  Target (old)

I like the simplicity of this look, which also allowed for distinctive accessories like arrow bangles and a polka dot clutch.

Bangles:  Forever 21 (No longer available on-line; may be available in stores)

Necklace:  The Limited (Available )
Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)
Stud earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

If you're dealing with Winter Storm Rocky, stay safe and stay warm!!!

Soft Kitty :-)

Happy Sunday Funday, everyone!!!  Hope you're all having a great day! 

Blazer:  New York & Company
Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)
Satchel:  Target (Available in blue here)

Today, I went for a family brunch with the kids and wanted a comfortable and casual look.

I'm not much of a jeans and t-shirt gal, but when hanging out with the kids, sometimes the situation calls for it.  I like fun t-shirts, and I fell in love with this sweet "Soft Kitty" tee.

T-shirt:  Torrid (Available here)
Boots:  Target (Available here)
Cuff:  New York & Company (old)
Earrings:  Handmade (jewelry show)

If you're a fun of "Big Bang Theory" (in my top 5 of best shows ever!!), then you'll understand the reference.  Enjoy the clips below!

For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.

I See London...

Today's casual look centered around this comfy sweater.  

Sweater:  Forever 21+ (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)
Coated denim jeans:  Target (Available here)

I added coated denim skinnies and these amazing spiked ballet flats I just found.  

Flats:  Target (Available here)

I love getting the comfort of flats with a touch of bad ass. ;-)

I went for dinner later in the day and decided to swap the flats for heels to dress the look up a bit.

Satchel:  Target (Available in blue here)
Heels:  Target (old)

Hope you're all having a great Saturday!!

To see these jeans in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.

Feelin' Lacy

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Today, I wore this great ivory lace top with faux leather Peter Pan collar for a sweet leather and lace look. 

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Lace blouse:  Forever 21+ (Available here)
Clutch:  Target (Available in stores)

Lace can definitely be acceptable at work, but it's important to make sure that you aren't exposing anything. A full coverage tank is a must, and bra straps must be covered.

I wore the ballet flats to work for comfort, but these bow heels would be great for after-dinner drinks or a girls-night-out.

Cardigan:  LOFT Petites (Similar here)
Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)
Ballet flats:  Target

Shoes: eBay (Available here)
Bracelets:   Target (old)
Moonstone earrings:  Purchased at local jewelry show

Would you wear lace to work?

See the pants styled differently here.

Pop of Cobalt

Cobalt blue is such a fabulous color.  It looks amazing paired with so many other colors and with just about every neutral.

Blazer:  New York & Company (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

Blouse:  The Limited
Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)

I look forward to pairing this blazer with a bright sundress this summer, but for now, I kept the look simple with all black pieces. 

Bracelets:  Express and The Limited
Earrings:  New York & Company

Wearing one color (any neutral would do) underneath a bright blazer makes you look long and lean.  If you're new to adding color to your wardrobe, a bright blazer paired with all black pieces is an easy way to start. 

An all-black outfit with a colored blazer is one of my favorite go-to looks (see here and here) as it's a quick and easy way to look great in the morning!

Heels:  Target (old)
Purse:  The Limited (old)

Hope the weather is agreeable in your neck of the woods. We got hit with a major winter storm today!  :-(

Come on spring!!!!

Spring 2013 Fashion Preview: Red, White, & Blue

Red, white, and blue is always a popular color combination on spring runways. Most often, this color combination was done in bold graphic prints, florals, and nautical stripes (a staple of spring/summer fashion).

Peplum jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Currently sold out on-line; available in stores)

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Necklace:  Target (Available here)

Today, I paired navy skinny pants with my graphic print top and red peplum jacket.

This outfit isn't much different than the previous way I styled this top (see here), but I like how changing the blazer and accessories give the outfit a different feel.

Purse:  The Limited
Shoes: Target (Available in other colors here)

"Evil eye" ring:  H&M

I am trying to will nice weather to the Midwest by wearing bright colors and using spring fashion inspiration for my cold weather looks.  It's not working out too well, but a girl can hope!!!

Red, white, and blue looks from spring 2013 runways:

Michael Kors offered preppy, nautical-inspired options. This look would be perfect for a summer barbecue or informal get-together.

Michael Kors spring 2013 look
Source:  www.vogue.com

Diane von Furstenburg spring 2013 look
Source:  www.dvf.com

There was nothing about Diane von Furstenburg's spring collection that I didn't like.  Her global-inspired prints and interesting shapes just feel so perfect for spring and summer!  If you're not into the nautical look, a print like the one above is a great way to wear red, white, and blue!

Do you like wearing red, white, and blue?

Earrings:  The Limited

To see this blazer styled differently, see here.

Brocade and Lollipop Red

On a recent shopping trip, I separately fell in love with this jacquard weave skirt and cheerful red blouse. 

Blouse:  Target Petites (Available here)
Skirt:  Target (Available here)

These aren't two pieces I would normally put together, but I love the color palette.  Teal and coral make me think of the beach, and has long been one of my favorite summer color combinations. I love the idea of winterizing this color combo by adding charcoal and black.  It adds a great punch to a blah winter day.

Turquoise ring:  Target (Similar here)
Tights:  The Limited

The A-line shape is universally flattering  and the tucked-in shirt helps accentuate an hourglass shape.

Blazer:  The Limited Black Collection (Similar here)
Cuff:  The Limited

Shopping tip for petites:  Many retailers carry limited to no selection of petites in stores but have more options on-line.  This blouse is one such example.  My local Target carried this blouse in misses sizes.  I loved it, but the proportions weren't right.  Thankfully, I was able to find it on-line in petites!

Boots: Payless (old)
Purse:  The Limited (old)
Turquoise earrings:  Gift (old)

Do you like to add punchy colors to pep up your winter looks?

Beads and Citrine

Happy Monday, everyone!!

In the spirit of spring, bright colors continue this week. Today, I am pairing a citron faux leather jacket with neutral pieces.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available in other colors here)
Earrings:  The Limited (old)

The tan silky top has pretty beading at the neckline which means you can skip a necklace. I opted to accessorize with only a pair of earrings and a turquoise ring to not overly compete with the beading.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)
Turquoise ring:  Target

The taupe and citron color blocked clutch completes the look.

Clutch:  The Limited (old)

Do you know those amazing photo shoots where the model's hair is blowing perfectly in the wind?

Well in my perfectly imperfect world, the wind was blowing, but my hair was going in literally EVERY direction.  I apologize for the cropped/cut pics today, but they were better than the hair!  (grumble, grumble)  ;-D
Hope you all had a great day!

Denim and Tweed

This is a look from a previous casual Friday at work.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available at eloquii.com here )
Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)

I like mixing tweed with denim and other non-traditional fabrics.  I also like the mix of pastels with off-whites, like this mint and cream combination.

Blouse:  New York & Company (Available here)

Shoes:  Target (old)

This outfit isn't groundbreaking fashion, but it's a good way to do casual at the workplace.  Dark denim is crisp and looks professional.  A slightly unconventional blazer adds a personal twist but keeps the overall look work-appropriate.

I'm usually against any lists that tell people what they should or shouldn't wear; however, we all have to follow certain rules at work.  

Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Ring:  The Limited
Earrings:  Gift (handmade)

Work dress codes vary, so it's important to know yours.  Generally speaking, if your work place allows denim, it's important to keep it fresh and crisp with no holes or stains.  Denim that is super-faded or is overly trendy, such as floral, reptile print, or tie-dye prints, should probably be saved for evenings and weekends.

Do you wear denim to work? 

For this blazer styled differently, see here.

Spring Fever!

Today's pics are of an outfit I wore earlier this week. I wore this digital lace print tee I recently nabbed at an amazing clearance sale at The Limited and my bright pink blazer from last spring.

Blazer:  The Limited (old)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

 The back of the top has a hot pink stripe down the back which gives it an unexpected surprise.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)

Purse:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target (old)

I love how this look is warm but still has a spring feel.  I have spring on the brain in a major way, so this week, I am very influenced by the bright, cheerful colors symbolizing the re-birth that comes with spring.

The black pants, shoes, and accessories ground the look and keeps the look from feeling too springy.  I couldn't help but add my new crystal earrings from the Prabal Gurung collection for Target.  I am in love with these!!!

Prabal Gurung for Target earrings (Sold out on-line; Available in select stores; see here)

Cuff:  New York & Company (old)

The pink color near one's face helps brighten the face and for me, faked a healthy glow as I was sick with yet ANOTHER virus as I was taking these pics.

I'm still sick, so no Valentine's Day plans or fashion for me today. :-(

Hope you all have a wonderful and HEALTHY Valentine's Day!!!!

Prabal Gurung Neon Brights!!!

Hi everyone!

Pants:  The Limited
Blouse:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in some stores, see top and check store availability here)

Monday, I was excited to start wearing the first pieces I snagged from Target's collaboration with Prabal Gurung.  It's still freezing in the Midwest, so I paired my new neon Prabal Gurung pieces with black velvet skinnies and my basic black blazer to stay warm and to keep the pieces work-appropriate.The blouse is just so bright that it really brightens up one's face. 

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Heels:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Available here)

The bangle and pumps are great as colorful accent pieces, without being over-the-top.  I'm also wearing the black and crystal dangly earrings.  I actually wore black pumps to work as I'm still on the fence about whether the four-inch stiletto heel is feasible for my life. I'm also concerned that they are a little too big (I have tiny feet).  Most likely, these are going back, but these shoes are just oh-so-fabulous!!!

Heels:  Target (old)
Bangle:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in select stores; see bangle and check availability here)

Earrings:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in select stores; see earrings and check availability here)
Clutch:  The Limited

 

This is my favorite designer collaboration with Target to date, and I've been following the collaborations since their start.  If only Target would re-stock the pieces so more people could enjoy the collection!!