Dress Week: Mixing Decades

Happy Saturday, everyone!

We have been having a lot of 90+ degree days lately.  This season, I am forcing myself to dress for the season and rid myself of the constant need for cardigans and blazers, at least when I'm not at work in my chilly office.

Tunic:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

In the past, I would have thrown a cardigan over this look, even in the height of a balmy Midwestern summer.

Today's look has a modern appeal but references the 1920s and 1940s.  

I am completely inspired by the 1920s.  The decade was such an amazing period of progress and change for women's political and social rights in this country.  With the social changes came a change in fashion.  I really can't get enough of 1920s fashion - so beautiful and interesting.  The dropped waist of this dress and bead necklace is a subtle nod to the flapper era.

With World War II in full swing, the 1940s also brought about a lot of change for women as women were told it was their patriotic duties to join the paid labor force and support the war efforts.  This decade led to war-time rationing, and the fashion of that decade also reflected those changes.  These color blocked bow heels give reference to 1940s fashion.

Necklace:  The Limited (old)
Clutch:  Target

Shoes:  eBay (Available here)
Bow earrings:  The Limited (Similar here)

Mixing fashion from two decades that brought such major change for women feels modern, fun, and just a little bit quirky!

Ring:  LOFT

Do you like wearing vintage or vintage-inspired fashion?  What fashion periods do you find inspiring?

For this tunic/dress in another look, see 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?

Casual Christmas Eve

Hi everyone, and Merry Christmas!!!

I have been sick with the flu and out of commission the bulk of this past week.  I'm finally starting to feel better and am back to posting!

Last night, I went to a casual family Christmas gathering, and this is what I wore:

Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)
Tank: The Limited

Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)
Shoes:  Target (old)

I wanted an outfit that wasn't too dressed up, but that still had some holiday flair.
 
I paired dark denim jeans with my green wrap blouse and gold jewelry for a bit of understated glamour.

Necklace:  Target
Bow earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

Satchel:  The Limited (Available here)

What did you wear for the holiday festivities?

Happy Holidays!

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?

Golden Girl

I realized today that I have inadvertently worn black pants everyday this week.  I do admit that I am a black pants addict.  I collect black pants like some people collect coins or baseball cards.  Even so, I usually try to mix up my style a little more.

Pants:  The Limited (Similar: The Limited )
Patent Heels:  Target

It has definitely been a transition getting back to work after my vacay, so it's not surprising that I have been resorting to trusty favorites.  Do you have any clothing crutches?

Top (Available at The Limited)

Today, I've mixed my black pants with a gold lace peplum-style top that I recently featured on my blog (See here).  Besides lace and peplums, this top also features another major trend for fall - gold.

Bow earrings:  The Limited (Similar:  The Limited)

Bangles:  Target, Claire's The Limited

Lace can look a little too matronly, in my opinion.  The slimmer cut of the pants work best here to keep the top from looking too mature. 

Cardigan:  LOFT Petites

I added the boyfriend cardigan for warmth in the office.  Do you layer for summer air conditioning?