Texture & Shine

I always love mixing patterns, textures, and various materials, but I especially love doing it with all black looks.

Dress:  Ann Taylor

Blazer:  New York & Company

I paired my black slip dress with a velvet blazer, patterned tights, and glitter heels.  I added a blingy necklace and red satin ruffle clutch to complete the look.

Necklace:  LOFT
Earrings:  Target

Clutch:  Hollywould for Target (purchased from eBay)

I'm doing a holiday outfit collaboration series later in December and decided not to include this look, but it would definitely be perfect for the holidays!  I'd love this for a more formal Christmas party or New Year's Eve event. 

Bracelets (left arm):  LOFT

Bracelet (right arm):  Wet Seal

In lieu of the velvet blazer, you could add a faux fur cropped jacket for a slightly more glam look.

Tights:  Merona for Target (old)

Heels:  Payless (old)

What's your favorite color to wear?  How do you keep monochromatic looks interesting? 

Any holiday plans for which you plan to get glitzed up?

For this dress in other looks, see here and here.
For this jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.

Favorite Pairings

I'm really loving this arrowhead pendant from 11 Twenty Eight, especially paired with my cognac moto jacket. 

Jumpsuit:  Torrid (Available here; Similar here)

This is the third time that I've worn this combo together on the blog.  Here, I give these pieces a sophisticated but casual fall twist with my black jumpsuit and booties.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)

Necklace:  11 Twenty Eight (Similar here)

When I first got this necklace, the first thing I thought to wear it with was actually this black jumpsuit. I love the idea of a minimalist canvas to showcase fabulous jewelry.

Booties:  Target

Satchel:  The Limited

Plus, I think this necklace gives the jumpsuit a really cool vibe that could be appropriate for both casual days and evening, while also being über relaxed and modern.

Bracelets:  Target and Ann Taylor

I wore this outfit yesterday to run errands and for dinner out with my family.  I rolled the legs up a bit on the jumpsuit to give the look a more casual feel, and I just loved the comfortable easiness of this look!

Do you have favorite clothing/jewelry combos that you tend to re-wear?

For this jumpsuit in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For this jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.

Working Plaid

Happy Friday, everyone!

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)

I'm enjoying the day off work for the holidays, but today, I am posting a recent work look.

I paired a black chiffon tank and skirt to create the effect of a dress.  Then, I added a belt, glen plaid blazer, and heart print tights. 

Skirt:  Ann Taylor

Camisole:  LOFT Petites

I thought the lining of this blazer was a spade print, but now I see that it is actually hearts, so I love the mix with the heart print tights.  I also like that the tights are sweet, but that the print is subtle enough for work.

Belt:  The Limited

Tights:  New York & Company (Available here)
Ring:  The Limited

A red clutch adds a pop of color.

Clutch:  Vintage

Boots:  Fergalicious by Fergie

Would you wear heart print tights?  For work?

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

I'm Thankful for...Cozy Knits & Lace

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you here in the States!

Sweater:  Forever 21+ (old)

I admit...I'm not much of a "holiday" person, and the story of the first Thanksgiving leaves me a little annoyed, to say the very least (nothing like completely airbrushing history beyond recognition to tell a pretty story).

That said, there's something about Thanksgiving that I do love - it is a day of giving thanks - a day of being appreciative for the people who have helped make our lives easier over the last year, as well as those who have challenged us to be better/smarter/wiser people, the people who love us, the people who we love. 

It's a day of giving thanks for what we do have, rather than focusing on what we don't.

Skirt:  Torrid (old)

So, today, I remember to feel fortunate for so many loved ones in my life.  As I see five generations of my family in one house, I know how lucky I am to still have my grandmother and how blessed I am for the newest family edition, my great nephew.

Tights:  The Limited (old)

I remember too that family comes in more than one form.  It's not just our blood ties, but also the family that we choose.  I am so fortunate to have a couple close friends in my life.  I am also incredibly grateful for the extended network of friends and acquaintances I have gained through blogging.  The relationships I've made through blogging were not something I ever imagined when I first started.

I am so thankful to all of you who take time out of your days to stop by my blog.  Your kind words, suggestions, and general feedback mean so much to me.  I'm always happy to hear your thoughts, constructive criticism, and ideas for what you'd like to see on the blog!  I'm so inspired by the real human connections I've made through blogging, even if I have never met most of you.

Clutch:  Target (Available here)

Boots:  Target

Now, on to what this blog is all about - everyday fashion for women in the real world! 

Today, I'm sharing my Thanksgiving look.  My family doesn't really get dressed up for the holidays, but I also wanted a look that had a bit of a flair.  I knew that I wanted to wear a cozy sweater, and it had been forever since I wore this one.  I paired it with a lace mini and ankle booties to dress it up a bit.

Ring:  Earthbound Trading Co.

A note about this skirt - I had it in a box of clothes to sell on eBay.  I was planning to get rid of it because I thought that it was too girly and "young" for a mid-to-late thirtysomething.  I didn't really wear it much, and it seemed to just be taking up closet space.

But, recently, I had found myself thinking about the skirt and wanting to wear it.  Not only did I decide that my self-imposed age restrictions regarding this skirt were silly, but I hiked the skirt up a bit and decided to wear it as a shorter mini.  Rules, be damned!! ;-D

Hope you've had a wonderful day, however you're spending it!!! 

For this sweater in another look, see here.
For this skirt in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Holiday Fashion Shopping Guide - 16 Picks to Get You Through All the Festivities

Are you ready for the holiday season?

The winter holidays bring with them so many fun dress-up occasions. With these events brings the challenge of what to wear!

Whether you need a look for an office holiday party, a cocktail party, New Year's Eve, or casual holiday get-togethers, I've rounded up some amazing holiday options in every size for your consideration! I found some great options from Ann Taylor, Roamons, and Torrid (just to name a few)!  Enjoy!

Office Holiday Party:
For holiday office parties, you want a look that is festive, but also conservative. That means minimal to no cleavage, nothing too short, and no over-the-top bling. Think subtle shine and extra trimmings. Think special fabrics in shapes you would normally wear for work.

Torrid – Ruched Sleeve Lace Blazer
Available in plus sizes 0-5X

The Limited – High-Waist Midi Skirt
Available in straight sizes petite, average and tall

Ann Taylor – Sequin Jacket

Available in straight sizes petite and average XXS-XL

I kind of NEED that sequin jacket - just waiting for the right sale!

New Year's Eve:

New Year's Eve is the time to add more flair to your holiday looks. Lots of sparkle and shine. Shorter hemlines work for party time

Wet Seal – Gold Rush Metallic Surplice Romper
Available in juniors plus size 1X-3X

Roamans – Sequin Peplum Tank
Available in plus sizes S-5X (12-40) in black (as shows), boysenberry and marine blue

 

Custom Fit:
All of these pieces can be customized for your body and your preferred length, sleeve length, etc. There's nothing like having a piece made just for you.

Smart Glamour is available in sizes XXS-6X, is fully customizable, and is always made in the USA! EShakti boasts a size range of 0-36W and has an impressive selection of holiday options this season!

eShakti – Baroque Brocade Short Trench Coat

Smart Glamour – Dewitt Lace Dress
Available in six different lace options and five lining colors

 

Cocktail Party:

Holiday cocktail parties call for looks that are sophisticated and have subtle sex appeal. I love the idea of a jumpsuit for a cocktail party as an alternative to a dress.

If you're in the market for a new dress, I'd go with a dress in a simple shape that lets your body stand out but doesn't overpower you. You want people to see YOU, not focus on what you're wearing (though they will be noticing)!

Ann Taylor – Tuxedo Jumpsuit
Available in straight sizes average 00-18, petite 00-16, and tall 0-18

Torrid – Envelope Bodycon Dress
Available in plus sizes 1X-5X

 

Full-On Glamour Girl:

Do you have a glamorous event to attend?

I am really loving velvet dresses this season! They are simple to wear and look so fancy! Channel your inner Jessica Rabbit in a sumptuous fabric, rich color, and maybe even a sexy thigh high slit!

Eloquii – Studio Collection Velvet Gown
Available in plus sizes 14-24 in cabernet (shown) and black

Roamans – Velvety Wrap Dress
Available in plus sizes 14W-34W in boysenberry (shown) and black

Casual:

Have a casual house party or get together to attend? A cozy sweatshirt or sweater is a great choice. Add fun embellishments or metallic detail or opt for an "ugly" holiday sweater that is actually cute!

LOFT – Fair Isle Embellished Sweatshirt
Available in straight sizes average XXS-XXL and petites XXS-XL

Wet Seal – Keep Calm and Bite Me sweater
Available in straight sizes S-L

The Icing:
Don't forget the accessories? Nothing spruces up that LBD in your closet like some sparkly new accessories.

Try an on-trend ear cuff or statement ring. 

BaubleBar – Hermes Ear Cuff Earrings

The Limited – Starburst Statement Ring

Boohoo – Lily Glitter Box Clutch

See anything you love?

Hope this round up helps inspire some ideas for your holiday events. 

I wish I had more dress up opportunities! I just love the luxe fabrics, rich colors, and elegant vibe of so many holiday fashions!

Do you have any fun holiday plans?

Honorable Mentions 6

Happy Monday!

Hope you all had a great weekend and that your week is off to a fabulous start!  I am looking forward to the short work week and spending some time with my family for Thanksgiving.

Today, I'm posting some various looks from the last few months.  Some are recent, some are from late summer.  These looks never made it to the blog for various reasons.  Mostly, they didn't get their own post because they involve favorite pieces or looks worn in similar ways to previous posts. 

This is real-life, and while I seem to always mix my looks up just a bit, sometimes, I just have a favorite way of wearing something and that way gets a lot of wear.

Zebra Sweater with Black
I've already featured this sweater coat with black flare legs and a black flare leg sweater here, but I really do like the simplicity and streamlined feel of pairing it with all black pieces.

For work this season, I've also paired it with black skinnies and a bow blouse and high-waist wide leg trousers and a simple camisole.

 

 

Moto Jacket with Pink, Black, & White
Here, I've styled a black moto jacket with pink and black in two different ways.  The first look is cute for a night out where you just want a fun look.  I paired the moto jacket with pink tulle and my favorite tee for a sassy look.

 

The second look was worn during a recent casual Friday.  Black skinny jeans a blush colored blouse are complemented by a glen plaid infinity scarf.

 

 

Floral Dress
I've shown this floral dress on the blog in a few different ways, but I've also worn it to work with open toe booties and a camel moto jacket and with all black additions.  I do wish that the tights on the all black look were a little less opaque, as I feel like the overall look was a bit too heavy.

 

Leather Pencil Skirt
I have talked here on the blog about how much I am loving this skirt, and it really has been getting a ton of wear!  Here, I paired it with a printed wrap top and cocoon wool jacket for work.  I love the mix of textures and shapes with this look!

There are so many creative ways to change up your wardrobe, but I find that I stick to my personal style and make only subtle changes to my looks.  Even with these small changes though, I find that mixing up my looks in these ways makes my wardrobe feel more expansive.

How do you mix things up?

For more honorable mentions, see here, here, here, here, and here.

See the zebra sweater coat in another look here.
See the high-waist trousers in other looks here, here, here, here, here, and here.

See the tulle skirt in other looks here, here, here, and here.
See the tee in other looks here and here.
See the moto jacket in other looks here.
See the blush top in other looks here, here, and here.

See the floral dress in other looks here and here.
See the tan moto jacket in other looks here and here.

See the leather skirt in other looks here, here, here, here, and here.
See the top in another look here.
See the jacket in other looks here and here.