Burgundy Suiting

There was a time not too long ago when you wouldn't catch me in an outfit like today's look.  While I might have worn the burgundy pants and definitely would have worn the blazer, wearing them together would have seemed like too much color or too "wild."

Now, the idea of a burgundy "suit" seems fun.  Since burgundy is such a deep shade of red, it has a subtlety that I think works really well for pulling off a colored suit in an office setting.

Blazer:  Ann Taylor Petites (sleeves shortened) (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

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

I kept the shoes burgundy for a clean head-to-toe line and added a black bow-neck blouse for a bit of dark contrast. 

I'm not sure that I would wear this outfit as part of my regular rotation, but it's definitely fun to mix things up a bit and try something new.

Tote:  The Limited

Bracelets:  Express, The Limited

Would you wear head-to-toe burgundy?

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

12 Days of Holiday: Black Swan

If you've been following my blog, you know that I love ballet-inspired fashion.  When I spotted this dress at Forever21+, it had me at the tulle.  The full skirt just feels fun and special. 

Dress:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

Forever 21 can be a pig in a poke for finding quality clothes that look mature enough for a 30-something professional.  When I do find something though, I am usually quite happy with the fit.  Because Forever 21 has more of a juniors' fit, their XL is often perfectly proportioned for my petite curvy frame.

Belt:  LOFT (Available here)

Blazer:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here) - Sleeves shortened

 This dress required no alterations.  While it's a little longer than featured on the web site, I love the longer fit.

I added a burgundy velvet jacket, sparkly belt, and floral satin lace-up heels for an evening feel. 

I decided to skip tights, but you could easily add some glittery or lace tights for a little extra warmth.

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)
Heels:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Available on eBay here)

Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

Right now, I have nowhere special to wear this outfit, but I would definitely wear it for a winter wedding or dressy holiday party.  I don't usually purchase dressier items without some place to wear them, but I think this dress has a classic feel that I will love for years to come.  When an event comes up, I'll have something to wear!  :-)

Bracelet:  The Limited

What would you wear to a formal winter wedding or holiday party?

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.