Manic Monday: Orange You Happy?!

Orange is one of those colors that can feel equally as bold as red, but it has a warmer energy.  While red can feel a little ferocious (not a bad thing!), orange feels sunny, dynamic, and inviting. 

I feel like it's a great color to wear to work for those very reasons.  It instantly puts me in a good mood, and orange often has that affect on people around you.

Skirt:  Eloquii (No longer available)

For today's look, I paired a silk button-down blouse in a pretty tangerine color with a simple A-line skirt.  I am definitely starting to think about fall fashion, and I loved that this look had a bit of a fall feel to it. 

Blouse:  Eloquii (Available here)

Booties:  ASOS (Available here)

Tote:  Target (Similar here)

Since it is still summer, I wanted to keep the overall color palette light so I added an aqua tote.  The mix of orange and aqua is one of my favorite color combinations and reminds me of the beach.

Glasses:  Coach

Locket:  Vintage

The overall look was simple, chic, and perfect for work!

For a more subdued and sophisticated take on orange, try pumpkin and rust oranges.  Pumpkin was a hot color on fall runways, so expect to see more of it as the weather cools down.  Wear it now with white, denim, turquoise, or blush pink for a summery desert/Southwestern feel.

Left to right:  Who What Wear Slip Dress; Prints Charming

Navel orange, peach, and coral are all easy shades for most people to wear and look great year-round.

From left to right: The Printed Midi; Nudes & Neutrals; Imitation Game:  Simply Cyn

Do you like to wear orange?

See more ways to wear orange from my previous Color & Confidence series here and here!

Prabal Gurung Neon Brights!!!

Hi everyone!

Pants:  The Limited
Blouse:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in some stores, see top and check store availability here)

Monday, I was excited to start wearing the first pieces I snagged from Target's collaboration with Prabal Gurung.  It's still freezing in the Midwest, so I paired my new neon Prabal Gurung pieces with black velvet skinnies and my basic black blazer to stay warm and to keep the pieces work-appropriate.The blouse is just so bright that it really brightens up one's face. 

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Heels:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Available here)

The bangle and pumps are great as colorful accent pieces, without being over-the-top.  I'm also wearing the black and crystal dangly earrings.  I actually wore black pumps to work as I'm still on the fence about whether the four-inch stiletto heel is feasible for my life. I'm also concerned that they are a little too big (I have tiny feet).  Most likely, these are going back, but these shoes are just oh-so-fabulous!!!

Heels:  Target (old)
Bangle:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in select stores; see bangle and check availability here)

Earrings:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in select stores; see earrings and check availability here)
Clutch:  The Limited

 

This is my favorite designer collaboration with Target to date, and I've been following the collaborations since their start.  If only Target would re-stock the pieces so more people could enjoy the collection!!

Olympic Fever!

 

Inspired by the colors of the British and American flags, today's look is another attempt at the continuing color blocking trend.

I love that the blazer has a polkadot lining.  I'm borderline obsessed with polkadots. 

Pants:  The Limited (Similar:  https://www.thelimited.com/Exact-Stretch-Bootcut-Pants/6438716,default,pd.html?dwvar_6438716_colorCode=150&start=2&ppid=c2&cgid=pants&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Black)Jacket:  The Limited (Similar:  http://www.thelimited.com/Knit-Jacket/2825701,default,pd.html?dwvar_2825701_colorCode=795&start=8&ppid=c8&cgid=jacket-blazer)

Leather and metal cuff:  old - New York & Company?

Rondell crystal earrings:  The Limited (Available: http://www.thelimited.com/Rondell-Earrings/1611046,default,pd.html?dwvar_1611046_colorCode=100&start=16&ppid=c40&cgid=earrings)
Flower studs:  The Limited (Available: http://www.thelimited.com/Modern-Flower-Stud-Earrings/1614058,default,pd.html?dwvar_1614058_colorCode=13&start=16&ppid=c16&cgid=sale-jewelry&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Silver)

Blouse:  The Limited (Available:  http://www.thelimited.com/Bow-Front-Sleeveless-Shirt/4523318,default,pd.html?dwvar_4523318_colorCode=244)
Tote:  New York & Company (Similar:  http://www.shopstyle.com/item/silk-elements-sally-beauty-retro-chain-tote/298729940)
Shoes:  Target (Similar:  http://www.zappos.com/nine-west-rocha-black-patent-pu)

I rarely wear button-down tops because I find it difficult to find ones that don't gape open too drastically.  Often button-down tops simply don't accommodate a larger bust.  Button placement is also an issue - due to a shorter stature, the button placement is often in the wrong place.  This top provided ample bust room, and the button placement was great. The self-tie bow also helps provide bust coverage, just in case.

To avoid gaping, the button placement should fall across the fullest part of the bust.  If you don't mind the hassle, double-sided tape or even Velcro or a hidden snap could help prevent an unplanned peep show.

Another issue with many button-down tops is that they are usually too long.  I was able to get this one hemmed due to a longer tail, and now the length is perfect.

Do you wear button-down tops?  Do you have issues with fit?  If so, what are your solutions?