Black for Spring: Straw and Spectacle Print

Today, I continue with my series on wearing black in the springtime.

Dress:  eShakti (Available here)

Here, a linen/cotton blend keeps the dress lightweight and easy.  Natural fabrics are a no-brainer in warm weather as they "breathe" better than synthetics.

Shoes:  Target (Similar here and here)

Straw accessories like this fedora, clutch, and wedge sandals are perfect for lounging in the sun.

The evil eye ring adds a tongue-in-cheek reference to the print of the dress.  The quirky spectacle print just has such a fun spring/summer feel!

Fedora:  Target (Available here)
Earrings:  Express

Clutch:  The Limited
Ring:  H&M

Again, eShakti gets it so right with this dress.  The print is unique, the color palette is easy, and thanks to the custom fit option, the fit is impeccable!  Also, like their other dresses, this dress has pockets!!! 

I think I am slightly addicted.

Would you wear a spectacle print dress?

Whimsy for Work

Hope you all had a great week and are enjoying your weekend!

I've spent the last two weeks in suits, so yesterday, when I had the opportunity to have a little more fun with my work look, I seized it.

Blazer:  Torrid (Available here)
Blouse:  Forenza by The Limited

"Evil eye" ring:  H&M
Bracelets:  Target, World Market

While I try to maintain a fairly conservative look for work, I do love adding a little whimsy sometimes through bold color choices, pattern mixing, and fun accessories like my "evil eye" ring and snake earring (close-ups here and here, respectively).

Pants:  The Limited
Purse:  Target (Available here)

Shoes:  Target

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

Spring 2013 Fashion Preview: Red, White, & Blue

Red, white, and blue is always a popular color combination on spring runways. Most often, this color combination was done in bold graphic prints, florals, and nautical stripes (a staple of spring/summer fashion).

Peplum jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Currently sold out on-line; available in stores)

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

Today, I paired navy skinny pants with my graphic print top and red peplum jacket.

This outfit isn't much different than the previous way I styled this top (see here), but I like how changing the blazer and accessories give the outfit a different feel.

Purse:  The Limited
Shoes: Target (Available in other colors here)

"Evil eye" ring:  H&M

I am trying to will nice weather to the Midwest by wearing bright colors and using spring fashion inspiration for my cold weather looks.  It's not working out too well, but a girl can hope!!!

Red, white, and blue looks from spring 2013 runways:

Michael Kors offered preppy, nautical-inspired options. This look would be perfect for a summer barbecue or informal get-together.

Michael Kors spring 2013 look
Source:  www.vogue.com

Diane von Furstenburg spring 2013 look
Source:  www.dvf.com

There was nothing about Diane von Furstenburg's spring collection that I didn't like.  Her global-inspired prints and interesting shapes just feel so perfect for spring and summer!  If you're not into the nautical look, a print like the one above is a great way to wear red, white, and blue!

Do you like wearing red, white, and blue?

Earrings:  The Limited

To see this blazer styled differently, see here.

Day to Night Fashion - Weekend Edition

Hi everyone!

Hope you had a lovely weekend.  Sorry that I haven't posted in a few days.  I was feeling under the weather, and I figured no one wanted to see me in my sweatpants and ratty t-shirts.  :-)

Today, I bring you the last installment of this week's series on day to night fashion.

Today,  I attended a kid's birthday party and ran some errands.  This is what I wore:

Tote:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Bracelet:  The Limited (Available here)
Zodiac Rings:  H&M (Available in stores)

I kept the jewelry more simple with some silver rings, stud earrings, and a thin bracelet.  Ballet flats and a tote were functional for running errands.

For a casual Sunday night date night, I added some heels, bolder jewelry, and a clutch. 

Coated denim jeans:  Target (Available here) (Styled differently here)
Blouse:  The Limited
Cardigan:  Target Petites (Available here)

Earrings:  Target
Cuff:  New York & Company (Similar here)
Clutch:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target (old)

Hope you enjoyed my series on day to night fashion!

How do you transition your wardrobe from day to night?

Sweet and Salty

Happy Thursday!

I'm obsessed with faux leather this fall.  These pants are my first September wish list purchase.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Top:  Torrid
Tote:  The Limited

The leather tuxedo stripe is cool, and I like that the pants are slim fit but not super skinny.

I paired these pants with a comfy crochet and sequin tank from summer and my pale pink blazer.

To bring the look together, I added a skull scarf.  The scarf is a total knock-off of Alexander McQueen's famous skull print scarf; however, unlike the hefty price tag of the McQueen scarf, I acquired this scarf for next to nothing.  

While I love a fabulous accessory and will occasionally splurge for a piece I love, I prefer inexpensive accessories to vary and update my wardrobe each season.

Zodiac rings:  H&M
Bracelet:  The Limited

I love how the faux leather and skulls add a salty touch to the sweet crochet of the top and pink of the blazer.

Blazer:  New York & Company (Available in black online here)
Scarf:  eBay (Available here)

To keep the look more professional at work, I used the scarf as a purse accessory rather than as a focal piece of the outfit.  

For evening, I could easily throw on the scarf to toughen (and warm) up the look.

Clutch:  Target (old)
Shoes:  Target (old)

The faux leather details and slim fit of the pants make these an easy day-to-night piece.  Switching out the work tote for a clutch and rocking the scarf, I'd wear this outfit to dinner, for drinks, or even a first date (if I were single, of course). 

Day-to-night Dress Up

Hi everyone,

Hope your weather is as lovely as ours has been here in the Midwest.  Today was gorgeous, and I celebrated this Wednesday with my favorite black dress made special with this awesome web necklace.

Dress:  Target (see styled here also)
Necklace:  The Limited (Available here)
Purse:  Express (Available here)

I love the artisan feel of this necklace and how well it works with the v-neck line of the dress.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

The blue jacket and navy pumps don't "match" but I like the color range mix from the medium blue jacket to the black of the dress.  Mixing blues and blacks is popular for fall, but I have been semi-obsessed with this color combination since late spring.

An LBD is a no-brainer for day-to-evening work wear.  A black sheath is completely appropriate for the workplace, and the fitted shape with cool jewelry make it perfect for a night out.

Clutch:  Jason Wu for Target (Similar here)
Ring on right hand:  H&M (close-up here)
Earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

To make the look more evening, I added some sexier shoes and a clutch.  I took my hair down from its topknot, and voila - I was ready for an evening out in less than a minute!

I think this look would be perfect for a work-related dinner as it still looks professional, just more relaxed.

Shoes:  Target (old)

Getting the Right Fit

Finding clothes that fit off the rack is nearly impossible for the curvy petite woman.

Most of my clothes are altered, especially suit jackets.

AFTER

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

I love blazers for their structure and versatility, but without a good fit, they can look very sloppy.

BEFORE

When I bought this suit, the jacket's sleeves were too long, the arm holes too large,  and the shoulders too wide.  The pants were "short" fit, but they were also a bit too long.

While it's difficult to get a perfect fit without having an item made especially for you, a good tailor can get you close.

When purchasing a blazer, you should buy to fit the largest part of you.  Letting a jacket out is usually not as an option as manufacturers do not leave a lot of excess room in women's clothing.  Even if there's enough extra fabric, letting a jacket out may lead to unsightly holes depending on the color and fabric.

Bracelets:  The Limited (Available: here and here)

Ideally, if you can wear petites, do so as a petite jacket will be better proportioned all around, making the need for alterations fewer (and usually leading to a better fit after alterations).   

Now, my suit flatters my body and doesn't make me look like a kid playing dress up. :-)

Shirt:  The Limited

Extensive tailoring doesn't come cheap, so it's important to weigh the use value of the clothing item against the cost of getting it tailored.

A grey suit is classic, is functional for a conservative work place like mine, and is perfect for job interviews, so in my opinion (and for my life), it's worth it to invest in the tailoring.

Today, I paired my grey suit with a purple floral knit top that has a surprise back.

Lose the jacket, add some dangly earrings and a clutch, and you have a suitable (pun totally intended ;-D) look for an after-work dinner out.

Shift into Fall

Shift dresses were all over Fall runways as were color blocked black and white looks. 

Dress:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Today, I combined the trends in this great 60s-inspired mod shift dress.  This ponte knit dress is surprisingly substantial, which means that it will transition well to cooler temps with opaque black tights and boots.

Necklace:  Target (See here)
Shoes:  Target
Purse:  The Limited

Since the weather is still mild, I paired my dress today with my Grecian/bondage heels and one of my favorite necklaces.

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

Cuff:  New York & Company (close-up here)

Dresses are easy to transition a look from day to night.  For after-work happy hour, I would simply trade my tote for a bright clutch.

Do you like shift dresses?  Do you like the black and white trend for fall?

Saturday Soccer Mom

Today, I had errands to run and my son's soccer game to attend, so I needed a look that was comfy and casual.

Dress:  Target
Boots:  Target (Similar here)

Not being much of a jeans and t-shirt gal, I opted for the always comfy maxi dress and paired it with my moto cardigan and motorcycle boots. 

The look is super comfortable, and I love transitioning my summer maxi dresses for fall.

Cardigan:  Converse One Star for Target (Available here)
Purse:  The Limited

I kept the look super low-key with no jewelry and no make-up.

What do you like to wear for weekend errands and kids' sporting events?

Coated Denim & Houndstooth

It's Friday people!!!!

I've been dying to try out my new coated denim.  Today, I decided to try these jeans in a casual Friday look that also functions as an easy day-to-night look.

Jeans:  Target (Available here)
Bag:  Express (Available here)

I love the look of leather, but due to personal beliefs, I choose not to wear it.  These vegan (and cheaper) alternatives are great because you get the nice lightweight feel of denim with the look of leather.  I did notice that during the day (after 8 hours in the office) the jeans started sagging in spots (as you can see in pics), but it didn't bother me too much.

Blouse:  New York & Company (Available in blue and black here)
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

Houndstooth plaid is a perennial fall favorite, and it is big for this fall.  I love this feminine blouse with the high-neck bow and peek-a-boo keyhole neckline.  Adding a blazer dresses the look up a bit for the workplace.

Cuff:  New York & Company (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

I added burgundy pumps for a pop of color and a little bit of extra shine.

With kids, I rarely go out after work, but I would definitely wear this look for a night out with the girls.  Take off the blazer and loosen the neckline, and the look is relaxed and subtly sexy.

Do you like the look of coated denim?

What do you like to wear to transition from day to night?  Check out my blogs next week for a series on day-to-night fashion!

More on the leather trend:  here
More on the burgundy trend:  here

Simply Burgundy

Burgundy is the "it" color of the season.  Like many of Fall's trends, burgundy is an easy-to-wear classic. (More on fall's fabulous color here)

Today, I think the accessories are what make this outfit work.  The pants and cardigan are simple, basic, and let's face it...a little boring.  The burgundy top has fun detail but is more casual.  

The burgundy patent heels and faux croc bag with gold hardware look much more expensive than they are and elevate the outfit.

Purse:  Express (Available here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

While not on my official "September Wish List," I've been searching for a smaller black bag with gold hardware.  I saw this bag and fell in love with how luxe and edgy it looked.

Top:  Converse One Star for Target (Available here )
Cardigan:  Target Petites (Available  here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

My obsession with snake jewelry continues!  today, I wore this fun snake earring with a simple pyramid stud in the other ear.

Earring:  eBay (Available: here)

Outtake: 
And sometimes, you just wanna be silly!
Inspiration:  Austin Powers - "You're an animal...You're a tiger."  :-)

Mixing Neutrals + Spring 2013 Inspiration

Hey everyone!

Hope your Tuesday was a great one!

Pants:  The Limited (Similar:  here)
Blazer:  The Limited
Purse:  Target (Available here; see satchel here)

I have been playing around with non-black neutrals, so today, I decided to mix grey with navy.  It's not the most exciting color combo, but I love the idea of mixing neutrals in a streamlined, modern silhouette.

I was also inspired by pics from the Spring 2013 runways.  As excited as I am for coated denim, burgundy and hunter green, and jacket weather, I can't help but feel a bit excited about what's on the fashion horizon for Spring.  My inspiration for today was the gorgeous brights shown by Diane von Furstenberg. 

Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2013 look

I added an aqua silky tank and aqua and citron bracelets to add a little "Spring" to my early Fall outfit.  

Bracelets (l to r):  Target, Express, The Limited

Top:  New York & Company
Necklace:  New York & Company (Similar:  here; See necklace with different look here)
Shoes:  Target (Available: here)

My outfit is less full-on bright and more business casual than DVF's looks, but I love the overall color combination.

Do you like mixing neutrals?  

Would you wear head-to-toe brights as shown by Diane von Furstenberg?