Feminine Monday

Hope you all had a wonderful Monday...or at least as wonderful as a Monday can be anyway!  ;-)

Dress:  The Limited (Similar here)
Jacket:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

Today, I styled last year's high-low dress with a pink draped-front blazer.  I added in feminine touches with the bow belt, and knotted satin sandals.

This probably wasn't the most professional, office-y outfit, but it was super comfortable.  I do miss the fashion freedom I experienced as a college instructor (my previous career).  I would have worn this to teach and not thought twice about it! 

Belt:  The Limited (Similar here)
Sandals:  Payless

Necklace:  Target
Earrings:  The Limited (Similar here)

I do enjoy high-low dresses and find them to drape in flattering ways.  They also give you the best of both worlds - the ease of a maxi, while showing off cute shoes.

Do you like high-low dresses?

To see this dress styled differently, see here.

Crop it Off

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Blazer:  Forever 21+ (Available here)
Blouse:  Old Navy Petites

Pants:  New York & Company (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (old)

Today I topped off basic black work staples with a cropped pink blazer with faux leather lapels.  

Bracelets:  Express (here) and Target

I had initially considered wearing my black tuxedo stripe skinnies (see here).  The wide-leg pants are a slightly less modern choice; however, they seem more elegant and work appropriate with the cropped blazer.

Cropped blazers are super flattering for petites as they really work with smaller proportions.  I can't wait to wear this blazer with flowy dresses when the temperature warms.

Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Do you like cropped blazers?

See blouse in other looks here, here, and here.
See pants in other looks here and here.

Soft Kitty :-)

Happy Sunday Funday, everyone!!!  Hope you're all having a great day! 

Blazer:  New York & Company
Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)
Satchel:  Target (Available in blue here)

Today, I went for a family brunch with the kids and wanted a comfortable and casual look.

I'm not much of a jeans and t-shirt gal, but when hanging out with the kids, sometimes the situation calls for it.  I like fun t-shirts, and I fell in love with this sweet "Soft Kitty" tee.

T-shirt:  Torrid (Available here)
Boots:  Target (Available here)
Cuff:  New York & Company (old)
Earrings:  Handmade (jewelry show)

If you're a fun of "Big Bang Theory" (in my top 5 of best shows ever!!), then you'll understand the reference.  Enjoy the clips below!

For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Soft and easy

Lately, my main priority in fashion has been comfort.  I don't know if it's the onset of cold weather, daily stressors, or something else, but I find myself with a strong desire to wear sweats to work everyday.

Blazer:  New York & Company
Blouse:  LOFT (No longer available on-line, see top here)
Silver locket:  Target (Similar here)

Since I can't do that, my second choice has been to choose easy, flowy pieces.  Today, I opted for my ivory chiffon babydoll top (quickly becoming a new favorite) and paired it with a light pink blazer and grey pants for a soft and feminine work look.

I love a pastel color palette like this during winter.  Mint, light pink, and soft blues mixed with ivory, grey, or taupe reflect both the iciness of the season but also a desire for softness in contrast to the harshness of winter.

Pants:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)
Heels:  Target (old)
Rondell crystal necklace:  The Limited

Purse:  Target (Available here)
Handcuff bangles:  The Limited (no longer available)

Do you favor certain colors or color combinations during winter?

See this blouse in other looks here and here.   
See this blazer style differently here, here, and here.

Casual Friday, 80s Flair

Happy Friday!!!!  

First, let me apologize for today's pics.  I can't seem to get the lighting right indoors.  :-(

On today's casual Friday, I went with my favorite skinny bootcut jeans and paired them with a houndstooth plaid top and light pink blazer.

Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  New York & Company (Sold out online, view here)

I like how the look is slightly 80s.  The pastel blazer, the pushed up sleeves, and the neck-tie on the blouse all channel the 80s without making me look like an extra from "Pretty in Pink."  

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

I love vintage, but it's very important to me that the any vintage or vintage-feel piece be worn in a modern way.  In my opinion, too much vintage can look a little costumey, which is great for Halloween but not every day wear. 

Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (old)
Bow ring:  The Limited (Sold out online, see here)

Do you like 80s fashion?  What 80s inspired or vintage pieces would you wear?

Bracelet:  The Limited (Sold out online, see here)

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). 

Laid-back Polish

Hi everyone! I'm back from vacation.  

Blazer (Available:  New York & Company blazer)
Bag:  New York & Company (Similar:  Silk Elements)
Bracelet - Left Hand (Available:  The Limited)

I hope you enjoyed my picks out of the Fall 2012 runway trends.  

My advice on trends:

• Stay true to yourself:  Don't buy something just because it's trendy.  I used to dress trendier when I was younger, but now, I buy clothing that suits my personality and my body type.  Being in my 30s, I'm more comfortable in my own skin and more attuned to what looks good on my body type. I only featured Fall 2012 trends that I like and would actually wear.  For example, 70s geometric print suits were shown by Prada and other designers on fall runways (See look here).  I prefer a much more classic look and will definitely be skipping that trend.  Picking a few looks or ideas from each season's trends keeps your look current and modern, but helps keep your style uniquely you.
• Don't break the bank:  Style isn't about running out every season and buying a whole new wardrobe, which is great because most of us can't afford to do that.  The key to great style is to learn how to wear what's already in your closet in new ways.  If you have the means, add a few trendier pieces to your wardrobe each season.  Accessories are a relatively inexpensive way to update your look each season.
• Break the rules:  Personal style and fashion should be fun.  While I focus a lot on finding flattering fits, sometimes girls just wanna have fun!  If you're in love with a new color, print, or cut, even if it's not the most practical or flattering, I say go for it!  It's important not to take yourself too seriously (I'm working on this :-D).  Loving your look will make you feel great, and your confidence will shine through!

Now for today's look:

Not quite ready to end my vacation, I wanted to wear something that was easy and laid-back but still polished.  I chose an all black look topped with a light pink blazer for a little color.  I finished the look with silver jewelry.

Silver collar necklace:  New York & Company
Tank:  Old Navy (Similar:  Old Navy)
Crossover top:  The Limited
Pants:  The Limited (Similar: The Limited)

Bracelet (Available:  The Limited)

What's your view of trends?  

What do you wear for work when you want something easy but still want to look put together?