Black for Spring: Aztec Print and Fringe

It's back to an all black look today.  I personally love an all black look for evening and don't see why anyone should stop wearing it in the spring and summer.

Pants:  Target (old)
Fringe top:  Wet Seal (Sold out on-line; See here)

Again, the key to incorporating so much black into the warmer seasons is to keep the fabrics lightweight and to add prints or other design elements that are more typically associated with spring and summer.

The sheer top and lightweight pants are perfect for warm weather.  Fringe is a MAJOR trend for spring 2014, and the print on the top has an easy summer feel.

Ring:  Shoxie.com (Similar here)

My blog profile pic notwithstanding, I'm not someone who likes showing a lot of midriff, but the fringe makes tummy baring a little easier here.  It's covered while not concealing.

For my own comfort level, I would pair a black or beige tank underneath this top as I did here.

Heels:  Target (Available here)

For those of you who are a little more daring, the top looks great with just a bra as well.

Clutch:  Vintage

 A red clutch and sparkly jeweled bangle from Ixora Boutique add fun pops of color!

Bangle:  Ixora Boutique (Currently sold out; See here)

Necklace:  Ixora Boutique (Currently sold out; See here)

 Do you plan on taking part in the fringe trend for spring?  Would you wear a sheer top?

For this top in another look, see here.
For these pants in other outfits, see here, here, here, and here.

Muted and Moody

Happy Saturday, everyone!!  Hope your weekend is off to a magnificent start.

When spring hits, your mind goes towards colorful blooms, but this spring, flowers are taking a decidedly darker turn.  Moody floral prints are a big trend this spring, which is great to me because it's definitely my favorite way to do floral. 

Today, I'm featuring a recent work look that includes a moody floral print. 

Blouse:  The Limited (old)
Blazer:  The Limited (Sold out on-line; see here)

Pants:  The Limited (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)

I've had this top for several years, but I haven't worn it in a long time because it was too long.  For some reason I thought it couldn't be hemmed due to a side zipper, but I was proven otherwise.  I love how the flowers look like they were drawn with charcoals.

The slightly somber feel of the floral inspired me to keep a muted color palette, mixing ivory, black, grey, and pale blue. 

As muted as this outfit is, there's still a lot going on - colorblocked pants, floral print, satin top, and a soft pop of color.

Heels:  Target (Similar here)

Bracelet:  Ixora Boutique (Available here)

I decided to keep jewelry minimal with this look, opting only for a singular silver mesh bracelet from Ixora Boutique.  I love the simple design of this piece - it looks great on its own, but it would also look amazing stacked with other bracelets.

Tote:  New York & Company

Are you a fan of dark floral prints? 

Another moody floral top here.
For this blouse in another look, see here.
For this blazer in another look, see here.
For these pants in other outfits, see here, here, and here.

Quilting and Leather

Hope you're all having a great evening!  Today's post starts with what I wish I were wearing and ends with what I actually wore today.

Top:  Target (Available here)
Purse:  Forever 21 (Available here)

Blazer:  The Limited

The first look would be perfect for an evening out (when the temps start warming up).  I love the cutout on the top and how the quilting on the top echoes the bag.  

The faux leather envelope skirt and booties keep the jacket casual.

Skirt:  Forever 21

Booties:  Target (Available here)

I'm still playing with some of the lovely jewelry pieces from Ixora Boutique.

Necklace:  Ixora Boutique (Available here)

Today, I'm wearing the awesome Soleil pendant in gold.  If you haven't noticed from two of my tattoos, I'm sort of a sun worshipper!  I absolutely love this pendant - the mixed gold and silver metals make this piece super versatile.  Expect to see it on the blog a lot!  :-)

I'm also wearing the moonstone ring again - also a truly versatile piece that works with many different moods.

Ring:  Ixora Boutique (Available here)

My second look for today is just a small twist on the look above.  I swapped out the skirt for satin-trim tuxedo striped trousers, and I was ready for work.  I love how the cutout on this top makes simple black suit look fun.

Pants:  New York & Company Petites (Similar here)

Which look do you prefer?  Do you find yourself attracted to suns or other images/prints?

For the leather skirt in another look, see here.
For the trousers in another look, see here.
For the jacket in other outfits, see here, here, here, here, and here.

Mixing Pinks and Greens (Plus a Jewelry Feature from Ixora Boutique)

Hope you're all having a wonderful Sunday!

I'm enjoying the Oscars while dreaming of warmer weather.  We are in the middle of yet ANOTHER winter storm, but it's March!  It's supposed to be getting warm again!  Come on, spring!!!!!

Today, I'm excited to introduce you to a couple gorgeous pieces of jewelry from Ixora Boutique - a Kitsy Lane store.  I had always liked a lot of the jewelry offered, but I hadn't actually tried any.

Recently, my lovely sister loaned me some samples, and even gifted me a few! 

The jewelry is beautiful in person, and I've been having fun coming up with ways to style it.  Today, I feature these amazing rose quartz earrings (my birthstone) and moonstone ring.

Earrings:  Ixora Boutique (Available here)

Ring:  Ixora Boutique (Available here)

This first look is perfect for evening.  I love that it has a formality that works with the sophisticated jewelry.  I describe this look as romantic rock-n-roll.  

While the outfit is neutral, the pops of soft pink and mint green are right on trend.  Accessories are a great way to incorporate trendy colors into your wardrobe.

Dress:  The Limited
Jacket:  Target
Boots:  Target (Available here)
Purse:  Forever 21 (Available here)

Unfortunately, I did not get a ton of great pics with this look as it was way too cold and I was freezing all my bits off!  ;-/

I love the idea of dressing these pieces up for a night out with a lace dress and leather jacket, but since these pieces already have a formality, I especially love the idea of juxtaposing them with a casual look as I did here:

Jeans:  The Limited
Blouse:  LOFT Petites (Sold out on-line; May be available in stores here)
Ring:  Ixora Boutique (Available here)

Earrings:  Ixora Boutique (Available here)
Jacket:  Old Navy

Soft pink is my favorite color to wear with army green, so I love the mix of this top and earrings with the army jacket.

Bag:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target

Do you prefer wearing formal pieces for evening or in a more casual way?

Shop all the fabulous pieces at Ixora here.

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

For these jeans in another look, see here.
For the pink blouse in another outfit, see here.
For the army jacket in other looks, see here and here.