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?