Style Inspiration from Garner Style

I don't wear a ton of prints, as I tend to tire of them quickly.  That said, I'm always attracted to tribal-inspired prints.  Lately, I've also really been into the combination of blue and yellow, so when I saw this easy top from The Limited, I decided it was a must have.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)

Blazer:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

My outfit today is very loosely inspired by this recent look by Chastity over at Garner Style. 

Source:  Garner Style - "Swooning in NYC"

I am always amazed by the feminine and funky looks that Chastity puts together, and this look is definitely a favorite.  The tribal print dress is gorgeous, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm just a little jealous that I don't have that beautiful lemon clutch!!!

I added in a lemon twist with a cute charm bracelet I recently picked up on clearance at Ann Taylor.  I substituted a white jacket for the white belt and opted for beige booties instead of citron sandals.

Booties:  Target (Available here)

Instead of the domino bangles (note to self - get one of these), I added a yellow howlite necklace necklace.

Necklace:  eBay (Similar here)

My manicure was based on a photo posted by Chastity on her Facebook page. 

Photo:  Garner Style Facebook page

I love navy matte nails and create this look often, but I had never thought about adding the one glittery nail.  Realizing that I already had the Essie glitter polish, I decided to make this look happen!  :-)

Bracelet:  Ann Taylor (Sold out on-line; Similar necklaces here and here)
Clutch:  The Limited (Similar here)

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

Again, today's outfit is only very loosely based on Chastity's look, and I had to work with what I had.  While her look was for a fashion event, mine was for work in a corporate office. 

Style inspiration is everywhere, and I love the idea of taking an idea you love and making it work with your closet and lifestyle.

From where do you draw style inspiration?

For these pants in another look, see here.
For the jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Green with Envy

Hi everyone!

I am super excited about today's outfit.  I recently picked up this colorblocked skirt from Ann Taylor.  I love the emerald green color mixed with black.

I paired the skirt with a fun fringe top and tuxedo style blazer for a little added flavor to my work look.

Skirt:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)
Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)
Tights:  The Limited (old)

I love pairing typical "evening" pieces like this fringe top with more basic, but interesting, pieces that allow me to have fun with my work wardrobe.

Cuff:  Express (Sold out online)

Earrings:  The Limited

The best part?  Emerald green has been named the color of 2013 by Pantone, which means that my favorite color will now be readily available in stores this year!!!

Clutch:  The Limited (old)
Boots:  Payless (old)

Do you like to incorporate "evening" pieces into your daytime work looks?  Are you excited about emerald green being the "it" color for 2013?

For more on Spring 2013's Fashion Color Trends, see here.

Subtle Sparkle

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope you all had a great weekend.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

I love a look with a little bit of edgy glamour.  One of my favorite things about the fall holiday season is definitely the fashion.  Fancy fabrics, embellishments, and sparkle - from Thanksgiving to New Year's, fashion is just a little more fun.

During the fall and winter months, I definitely opt for a lot of black, but mixing textures, silky fabrics, and embellishments keep me from getting bored.

Lace blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

Today, I opted for a monochromatic look, adding in just a few small pops of color with burgundy heels and periwinkle nails.

Today's look was all about the subtle sparkle, mixing matte black pieces with glitter, gems, and rhinestones.  

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Ring:  The Limited (old)
Nail polish:  Essie "Bikini So Teeny" and "Stroke of Brilliance" (Available at Target)

I chose hematite-colored rhinestone bow stud earrings, bangle, and this oversized bow ring.  The glittery nail polish adds a bit more sparkle.

Bangle:  Target (old)

The blouse adds extra embellishments, and the lace blazer adds a bit of texture.

Bow earrings:  Target (Available in stores; Similar here)
Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

It can be difficult to decide how much "holiday cheer" is acceptable in the work place.  Obviously, work place dress codes vary greatly.  I work in a fairly conservative field with a business casual dress code.  I probably push the envelope some days in regards to what's appropriate for my job, but I generally try to tow the line.
Do you like to dress up your work looks for the holidays?  How much sparkle do you think is "just right" for work?

Halloween Sequins

Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween is my favorite holiday!  A day of playing dress-up?  Yes, please!  Sign me up!

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Old)

Unfortunately,  I couldn't go to work in a costume, so instead, I decided just to have fun with the classic colors of Halloween by incorporating them into my work look.

Cardigan:  Converse One Star by Target (Available here)
Shoes:  Target (old)

I chose my black tuxedo stripe skinny leg pants and black biker-style cardigan.  Then, I opted for my coppery orange sequin top with sheer black overlay for a subtle, work-appropriate display of sequins.  I added orange and black glittery nail polish and a slightly gothic-looking ring.

Ring:  Claire's (old)
Bracelets:  Claire's, Target, The Limited

Earrings:  Express (Available here)

Lastly, I added large gold disc earrings, paying homage to the almost full moon.

Hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween!!!

P.S. Hope all of you in the Northeast are staying safe.  Sending lots of positive, healing energy your way! 

Birthday Suit

Blazer:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

What did you think I meant?  ;-D

Hope you all had a fabulous day!  Today is my birthday, and I wanted a special look that really captured the essence of my personal style.

Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)
Tank:  The Limited (Available here)
Necklace:  The Limited

The man treated me to a black velvet suit and this lovely green blouse for my birthday.  

The entire velvet suit seemed much too formal for the workplace, so I decided to skip the velvet pants and paired the velvet blazer with simple skinny black pants.

Purse:  Express (Available here)
Shoes:  Target

Velvet is probably my favorite fabric.  I just find it so sensual and sexy.

I remember seeing velvet suits by Tom Ford for Gucci in a magazine back in 1996.  I was a college student who was just starting to get out of her grunge phase.  

I was so enamored with the Gucci suits.  I loved the strong look of the women walking down the runway in this traditionally masculine look.

A 2012 Gucci velvet look:

Gucci Velvet Tuxedo Suit, Source: Saks Fifth Avenue

A velvet suit is so perfect for more formal occasions. I would definitely wear the full suit for a work holiday party.  I would also wear with the suit with a slinky top for a special date night.

Would you wear a velvet suit?

Fifty Shades of Grey

Well...really only two  ;-)

Blouse:  Target (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar:  here)

I really like a monochromatic look on occasion.  Wearing one color is lengthening, and it doesn't have to be black.  

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

 For a subtle pop of color, I added burgundy patent leather heels.

Beaded Bracelet:  Express (5+ years old)
Metal bracelet:  The Limited (Available here)

Recently, I have been getting into DIY nail art.  I'm not very good yet, but I like the idea of adding more fun and visual interest to a simple look with nail art.

Earrings:  The Limited

Cardigan: LOFT Petites

Are you into nail art?  Do you have any favorite manicure ideas to share?