Leather and Lace

For today's look, I paired a black faux leather skirt with a lace and faux leather top.  

Blouse:  Forever 21+ (Available here)
Skirt:  The Limited (Available here)

I love wearing leather and lace - such a great mix of hard and soft.  

Shoes:  eBay (Available here)

Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)

Such a mix of fabrics could easily translate to a bad 80s combo, but the more modest and modern shapes of this outfit feel spot-on to me.

Clutch:  Target (Available in stores)

This look combines two of spring's major trends - graphic black and white and leather.

For more on the black and white trend for spring, see here and here.

For this skirt in another look, see here.
For this blouse in another look, see 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.

Quick Picks

Do you all have favorites in your wardrobe you just keep grabbing over and over again?

I definitely do!  

Blazer:  New York & Company (Similar here)
Blouse:  Target (old)
Purse:  Express (Similar here)Ring:  Vintage (gift) (Similar here)

Lately for me, it has been skinny pants (especially black) and this blazer with faux leather sleeves and pocket detail.

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

Today, I was in a rush to get ready.  When that happens, I am most likely to pick familiar favorites.

I paired the pants and blazer with a trapeze-style Peter Pan blouse for an easy and comfortable look that also made me feel chic.

Hope you all had a fabulous day!!

To see this top in another look, see here.
See the blazer styled differently here, here, here, and here.

Sweet and Sassy

Hi everyone!  Hope you all had a great day!
 
Today, I paired my jewel collar cardigan with a burgundy dress and bow belt for a look that's a little sweet, a little sassy.

The Peter Pan collar and bow belt add sweet, feminine touches to a basic work look.

Dress:  LOFT Petites (Sold out on-line; see here)
Cardigan:  LOFT (Available here)
Purse:  The Limited (old)

Belt:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tights:  The Limited

Boots:  Payless (old)

For this cardigan styled differently, see here and here.
For this dress in another look, see here.

Do you like to add girlish touches to your outfits?

Winter Sparkle

It feels weird giving this post the title "Winter Sparkle" as we had a high in the 70s today!  Crazy!

Today's outfit was consistent with the season, if not the weather.

Cardigan:  LOFT (Available here)
Blouse:  LOFT (no longer available on-line)

Loving the luxe look of velvet, I paired my burgundy velvet pants with my rhinestone collar cardigan.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Heels:  Target

The look feels "holiday" - the pants and color palette remind me a bit of Santa's suit.  The white top and rhinestone collar make me think of snow and snowflakes.

Bow earrings (Available in-store at Target)

This outfit would work well for a casual holiday party.  In fact, I may wear something similar to this for Christmas as we don't get very dressed up for holidays in my family.

Bow ring:  The Limited (old)

I do think that the flowy, lightweight top was a poor choice with velvet.  Next time, I would pick a more substantial fabric for a more consistent look.

Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Do you add more sparkle to your look during the holidays?

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!!

Daytime Champagne

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tote:  The Limited (Similar here)

Today, I decided to wear my champagne tuxedo blazer and paired my outfit around this jacket.

I bought this blazer to wear for New Year's last year, and I love dressing it up with sparkles and sequins.  

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Necklace:  Target (Available in stores)
Shoes:  Target (old)

Blouse:  Target
Bracelets:  Claire's, Unknown
Zodiac rings:  H&M (Available in stores)

 For a more professional look, I opted for a Peter Pan collar trapeze-style top from last summer.  In my opinion, sheer fabrics are not appropriate in the workplace, so I layered a black tank under the blouse for modesty.

Tank:  Old Navy (Similar here)

Not to change the subject, but I'm watching Project Runway as I type this.  Anyone else LOVE this show?

Fall 2012 Fashion Trends: Collars

One of fall's big trends is detailed collars.

Whether on shirts and dresses or necklaces, this trend is huge for fall, adding a fun and quirky touch to your looks. 

Collar necklaces look great over a collar, or with crew and v-necks.  They expand your wardrobe by allowing you to change up your style with a simple accessory.

The Limited sequin collar top

The Limited Peter Pan collar necklace

Asos River Island Black Pearl Collar necklace

Simply Be ivory lace dress

Do you like the detailed collar trend?