Winter Trends: Fur

On each Thursday for the rest of December, fellow petite plus blogger Irene of Petite Plus, Meow! and I will be sharing our takes on some key winter/holiday trends.  Today, we are starting with one of my favorite fabrics - fur - only faux, of course!

Jacket:  Eloquii (Available in blush pink here)

While it is typically a fall and winter staple, faux fur returned big last year, and the momentum hasn't stopped.  This year, statement furs were a huge hit on runways, so I decided to try out my long-haired black fur jacket in a party look that would be great for New Years' Eve or a holiday party with friends.

Dress:  Eloquii (Available here)

I paired my fur jacket with a faux leather bustier dress and glittery heels.  I love the mix of textures in an all-black look.

For a little added shine, I finished the look with gold dangly earrings and a gold beaded velvet clutch. 

Earrings:  Eloquii
Ring:  LOFT

I love that this look is kind of quiet due to the color palette but that it still makes a statement.

While my faux fur took center stage, Irene's fur collar adds a more subtle wintry touch to a pretty purple bodycon dress.  Her booties keep the look a little more informal and perfect for keeping tootsies warm in the dipping temperatures.  Her look would be great for an office holiday party or for sipping on some nog at a happy hour.

Irene of Petite Plus, Meow!

Head over to Irene's blog to see more of her look or follow her on Instagram or Facebook!

Glasses:  Tory Burch
Clutch:  The Limited

Are you a fan of wearing faux fur?  How will you be rocking it this season?

eShakti Holiday - 70s Child

I am a child of the 70s...born in 1977.  I've always been attracted to styles that would have been popular around that time - slinky fabrics, maxi dresses, and bohemian looks with a touch of glam.

Tie Front Sequined Crepe Tunic:  c/o eShakti (Temporarily out of stock - see here)

Recently eShakti reached out to me regarding their amazing selection of holiday fashion, and I had the opportunity to pick out a new piece.

Shoes:  Simply Vera by Vera Wang

There were so many pretty options from gorgeous vintage-inspired looks to glam sequins to modern classic capes. 

Seamed Empire Waist Polydupion Dress

Sequin front cotton knit tank top

Black Wool Blend Cape

With such an amazing selection, I was a little overwhelmed at first, but I finally decided on this lace-up tunic accented with tonal sequins. 

Earrings:  Locally purchased

It has a 70s bohemian feel that I love, but the black color, sequins, and crepe fabric keep it from reading too casual or grungy.

70s inspired bohemian looks were a big trend on spring 2015 runways as were babydoll dresses, so this tunic feels as current as it does retro.

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

Ring:  The Limited

I've styled the tunic simply here, just opting for lace-up heels to play up the lacing detail on the dress.  Since the dress is so short, I'd pair it with leggings, jeans, or opaque tights for everyday wear.  I'd wear this look to a New Year's party with some glittery tights like these or these.

For reference, I chose the custom fit option, using my specific height and measurements.  I also chose a custom styling option and opted for 3/4 length sleeves.

Are you a fan of eShakti?  Have you tried their custom options yet?

Do you like bohemian styles?

Holiday Black & White

Happy Monday!!

Jumpsuit:  Torrid (Available here; Similar here)

My holiday collaboration with the lovely Irene of Petite Plus, Meow! starts next week, but I've been having fun playing around with holiday looks, and I came up with a few extras, including this one.

Blazer:  LOFT Petites

Heels:  Target

I wanted to create a holiday look that had a laid-back feel, but that also felt dressy enough for a party.

The first thing I thought of was my black jumpsuit!  I added an ivory floral jacquard blazer and basic pumps. 

Necklace:  New York & Company

Then, I finished the look off with some major accessories - a long lariat necklace, beaded ear cuffs, and a bold clutch.

Lariat:  New York & Company

Ear cuffs:  Eva Mendes for New York & Company (Sold out on-line; May be available in stores)

Clutch:  The Limited

Would you wear this look for a holiday event?  Where to?

For the jumpsuit in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.
For the blazer in another look, see here.

Workin' into the New Year!

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone!!!

New Year's Eve is one of my favorite holidays, second only to Halloween.  New Year's Eve reminds me of the cyclical nature of time and of all life.  I love the idea of rebirth and renewal that a new year brings.  As 2012 draws to a close, I am reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the last year and looking forward to 2013.

I'm not a major resolution maker, but I do take the opportunity of New Year's to think about my goals and plans for the next year and to reflect on how I can make myself a better person than I was the last year.  One of my great sources of joy in 2012 has been starting this blog and watching it grow.  I'm still in the infantile stages, but I am excited and eager to continue this journey!

I had to work today, but I still wanted a bit of a festive look for the day.  I am always up for a tuxedo-inspired look, and I love the simplicity of this monochromatic look.

Blazer:  The Limited (No longer available on-line; see here)
Top:  The Limited (Available here)

Pants:  The Limited
Heels:  Target (Available here)

The draped Grecian-inspired knit top is super comfortable, and the draping is flattering.

My plans for New Year's include watching movies, playing Wii, and drinking sparkling grape juice with my kiddos, which means I'll probably be in sweats tonight.

Necklace:  World Market (old)
Purse:  The Limited (old)
Ring:  The Limited (old)

Going out for New Year's?  Would love to see your looks!  "Like" me on Facebook and post your New Year's looks!

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve!

See you in 2013!!!

Christmas Sparkle

Happy Holidays, everyone! 

Today, I wore one of my favorite looks. 

Blouse:  Gap (old) (Similar here and here)
Blazer:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

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

This sequin top has multi-color metallic sequins, which makes it really versatile.  

Paired with the champagne blazer, the sequins on this blouse remind me of champagne bubbles.  The look feels super festive, and with a great clutch, would be great for a New Year's Eve out with friends.

Satchel:  The Limited (Available here)
Earrings:  The Limited (Similar here)

Rings:  New York & Company

Do you have any exciting plans for New Year's Eve?  What do you plan on wearing?

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!

Holiday Dressing

Stumped with what to wear for the holiday season's gatherings and festivities?

I love holiday fashion!  I would happily wear glitter, rhinestones, velvet, and lace almost every day of the week, especially when it's cold outside.

Here's a gathering of some of the outfits I've worn so far that would be perfect for holiday parties or gatherings.

Don't like all my black?  You could easily substitute red, burgundy, emerald, silver, gold, sapphire, or winter white in places where I'm wearing black.

Happy Holidays!!!

Winter Sparkle

Casual Festive

Velvet Ingenue

Tuxedo Styling

Channeling Chanel

Birthday Suit

I Vote for Sequins, Velvet, and Tweed

Party Time! Excellent!!!

Workaday Elegance

Party Time! Excellent!!!

Today, we had our annual holiday party at work.

I wanted a festive look that was still work-appropriate.  That meant no cleavage, no short skirts, etc.

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

Blouse:  The Limited (No longer available on-line, check local store for availability)

As you may know by now, I love menswear-inspired pieces, especially tuxedo looks.

I chose my velvet skinny pants with this sequined bib-front blouse and tuxedo blazer from my December Wish List.  To add more sparkle and feminine glamour, I added a shiny pewter clutch, these pretty vintage-inspired earrings, and patent leather black heels.  I also wore this fun ring because you know, what says "holiday" more than a rhinestone gecko?  ;-D

Ring:  Target (Available in stores; Similar here )

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

Earrings:  Target (old)

I don't get nearly enough chances to wear sparkle, so today was fun!

Do you have any office-related holiday parties to attend?  What do you plan on wearing?