The Future's So Bright...

I am probably dating myself with this title, but this neon jacket is so bright, it literally makes me want to wear shades!

Jacket: Torrid (Available here)

I would still like to have this dress hemmed an inch or two, but I don't hate the current length. I just prefer a bit of skin showing between my boots and hem.

Dress:  Eloquii (Available here)

Boots:  Target (old)

Clutch:  Target

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein

I love that today's look is bright and cheerful for winter. It has a springy feel, but the high boots and slightly thicker fabrication of the dress helps keep it just right for February chill.

Earrings:  Prabal Gurung for Target

How do you brighten things up during the dreary days of winter?

For the dress in another look, see here.
For the jacket in another look, see here.

Brighten The Day

Hope you all have been enjoying the holiday season. 

Jacket:  Torrid (Available here)

It's been a super busy season for me due to increased work demands.  I apologize for being away from the blog a lot lately.  Between work, an upper respiratory infection, busy kids' schedules and holiday events, life just keeps getting in the way!!  I also had a minor car accident last week, and during my off-hours, I have been taking some prescription meds that make me virtually useless.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

Heels:  Target

Even though my work schedule shows no signs of improving any time soon, I hope to get back on track with blogging by planning ahead with some blog posts and getting things scheduled.

Clutch:  The Limited

I'm starting today with this fun and easy look that is versatile for work or play.  In the past, I have shied away from wearing so many bright colors to work, but I wasn't feeling well last week and just wanted to wear something "happy."  The bright colors make me nostalgic for my late 80s fashion, but the overall has a quieter sophistication that works for my current preferences and lifestyle. 

Camisole:  LOFT

These simple black skinnies and camisole are my go-tos for layering on more interesting pieces, and I love how the black really lets the neon fuchsia and yellow pop!

Necklace:  Target (old)

Do you have any colors or pieces in your wardrobe that you turn to for a pick me up when you're not feeling well?

Kaleidoscopes

I saw this dress while shopping at Target, and I just had to grab it.  The neon kaleidoscope print is so cool.  It also has a cute cutout back detail that will be great for when I wear this for more casual occasions.

Dress:  Target (Available here)

Since I wore this to work, I added my trusty blazer to give the dress a little more professional polish.

Blazer:  Eloquii

Booties:  Target (Available here)

The neon necklace helped pull the look together and added a fun touch.

Necklace:  The Limited
Ring:  Torrid

Cuff:  New York & Company

I didn't snap a before look, so I'm posting the photo of the dress from the web site to show you the alterations I made. 

Source:  Target.com
BEFORE:  Has double-layer hem

It's difficult to see, even on the web site photo, but the dress had a double layer, which created almost a ruffle effect at the bottom hem.  I wasn't crazy about this part of the dress, and since the dress was a little too long, I simply cut the bottom "ruffle" out of the dress.  I prefer the simpler silhouette of the dress, and I'm all about free and easy alterations!!

Never be afraid to change how a piece is made to suit your own preferences and to get the right fit.  If you're willing to take those steps and trust your gut, you can really make mass-produced clothing your own.  While shopping, I often think about how I can change pieces to accomodate my needs or preferences.

I can't wait to wear this dress with sandals for a easy summer look!

AFTER:  One layer - easy, peasy alterations

Do you have any tricks for making your clothes and accessories work for you?

Satchel:  The Limited

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

Dress Week 2: Metallic and Fringe

Hope you all had a fabulous Valentine's Day and weekend!

My honey was busy studying this week for a licensing exam, so we decided to postpone our plans for a weekend getaway for later this month.  Instead, we enjoyed a quiet Valentine's Day dinner at a new Mexican restaurant we discovered and then went shopping for household supplies.  You know what - it was so much fun!  It's so rare that we have the opportunity to do simple errands together. It may not seem like much, but just spending the alone time together was very lovely! :-)

Dress:  eloquii by The Limited (old)

Blazer:  The Limited (See here - no longer available on-line)

I'm continuing with Dress Week tonight with this fun fringe dress.  I featured a very simple styling of this dress to accommodate the sticky heat and humidity of last July during my first Dress Week here.  Now, the weather is decidedly colder, so I added a blazer with metallic lapels and high boots. 

I first envisioned this outfit with crochet tights and ankle boots, but I'm so over winter and wearing tights that I opted for these boots to add the needed leg warmth (sheer or printed tights could still be added for extra warmth).  I like the length of this dress well enough with heels, but I'm thinking that it should have been shorter to wear with high boots - to give it a more evening, less business-y feel with the blazer.  What do you think?

Boots:  Payless (old)

What I love about this look is how the metallics and fringe give the outfit a little bit of a rocker edge.  And, the hot pink is just so cheerful for the winter time!

Earrings:  The Limited (old)

Bracelets:  LOFT (Not available on-line; may be available in stores)

This dress was my only purchase from eloquii - a plus-size line that was previously owned and operated by The Limited.  I'm excited to announce that eloquii is coming back very soon!!  The company is under new ownership, so no word on what the style direction of the company will now be, but it's great news for plus fashionistas! 

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

Did you shop at eloquii?  Are you a fan of high boots?

For this dress in another look, see here.
For this blazer in other outfits, see here and here.

Dress Week: Fringe Benefits

Happy Monday, everyone!

Today kicks off Dress Week.  This week I'll be featuring dress looks perfect for summer evening dinners, weddings, and more.

Dress:  Eloquii by The Limited

The last time I wore this dress, I paired it with my cobalt moto jacket and neon yellow heels.  Today, I kept the look more simple and summery with coordinating pink heels, a bangle, and easy up-do.

I'm such a fan of layers that wearing a dress without a sweater or jacket feels a little odd and unfinished, but realistically, when it's 90 degrees outside, bare arms is the way to go!

I'm obsessed with fringe, and I love that this dress has a built in accessory with the neckline fringe.

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Clutch:  Target (Similar here)

I wore this dress with flat sandals to run to the grocery store, but it looks much better with heels.  I like the slight ombre effect created with the darker heels.  I would wear this out to a nice dinner.

Bangle:  Prabal Gurung for Target
Earrings:  The Limited

Do you like fringe?

For this dress in another look, see here.

Make It Pop

Happy Saturday, everyone!

Today, I bring you a fashion experiment - me playing around with bright and neon colors.  I like the colors together, and that it's a twist on mixing primary colors - which is a favorite combo of mine.

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

I've never been a huge fan of throwing on different colors for the sake of it.  As much as I like colorblocking, the trend was way overdone for my taste and I haven't been a huge fan of much of the color mixing looks I've seen.

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

Bracelet:  Target (old)

I'm on the fence about whether I would actually wear this out.  I like it better than I thought I would, but I still prefer a look that incorporates neutrals more.

What do you think?  Would you wear a colorful look like this?

For this blouse in other looks, see here, here, and here.
To see these pants styled differently, see here, here, and here.

Because We Can - Bon Jovi :-D

Last night, the man and I went to a Bon Jovi concert.

Tie-dye jeans:  Torrid (Available here)
Jacket:  The Limited (Available in ivory here)

I wanted a casual look with a bit of an 1980s vibe.  The neon yellow stilettos and neon pink shirt gave a nod to all the fluorescent colors of the 80s without looking like a costume.

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

Earrings:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Available in stores; see here)

The concert was amazing!  We had great seats (10th row).  The music was wonderful, and Jon Bon Jovi is as sexy as ever!  :-D

A few of my poorly made videos:

 What would you wear to a rock concert?

See jeans in another look here.
See jacket in other looks here, here, here, here, and here.

Prabal Gurung Neon Brights!!!

Hi everyone!

Pants:  The Limited
Blouse:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in some stores, see top and check store availability here)

Monday, I was excited to start wearing the first pieces I snagged from Target's collaboration with Prabal Gurung.  It's still freezing in the Midwest, so I paired my new neon Prabal Gurung pieces with black velvet skinnies and my basic black blazer to stay warm and to keep the pieces work-appropriate.The blouse is just so bright that it really brightens up one's face. 

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Heels:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Available here)

The bangle and pumps are great as colorful accent pieces, without being over-the-top.  I'm also wearing the black and crystal dangly earrings.  I actually wore black pumps to work as I'm still on the fence about whether the four-inch stiletto heel is feasible for my life. I'm also concerned that they are a little too big (I have tiny feet).  Most likely, these are going back, but these shoes are just oh-so-fabulous!!!

Heels:  Target (old)
Bangle:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in select stores; see bangle and check availability here)

Earrings:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in select stores; see earrings and check availability here)
Clutch:  The Limited

 

This is my favorite designer collaboration with Target to date, and I've been following the collaborations since their start.  If only Target would re-stock the pieces so more people could enjoy the collection!!

Prabal Gurung for Target

I have been eagerly waiting for the latest designer collaboration with Target.  Prabal Gurung's collaboration hit stores and the net today, and I just had to go to my local Target to check it out!

The collection is available in limited supply and for a limited time only.  The clothing comes in misses sizes up to size 16.
Unfortunately, my favorite piece of the collection was sold out on-line and in-stores before I had a chance to get it.  ;-( 

I'm hopeful that someone will return this top in my size because word has it that no further shipments will be made.

This heart lace top is just gorgeous and so fun.  It would be perfect for Valentine's Day.

Prabal Gurung for Target lace overlay top

Overall, I was very impressed with the design and quality of this latest collaboration.  Unlike some of the collaborations of the past, the price points, quality, and design were all spot-on.  The tops appeared to be true to size, but the skirts and dresses seemed to run about a size smaller than normal.

Other favorites from the collection:

Prabal Gurung for Target colorblocked dress

Prabal Gurung for Target red ruffle dress

Prabal Gurung for Target heels in "Meet the Parents" print

These two red dresses would be great for Valentine's Day.  The colorblocked dress didn't catch my attention at first, but it is soo flattering thanks to the strategic colorblocking in the waist.  The ruffle dress is so romantic, and ruffles are a major spring trend.
The floral lace-up shoes are just so romantic and sexy.  They would look perfect with either of the dresses above.

Prabal Guring for Target "First Date" print top

Prabal Gurung for Target heels in "Nolita" print

Prabal Gurung for Target enamel bangle

I love the neon colors of these pieces above.  The kaleidoscope print top looks more expensive than it is and the striped pumps are actually brighter in person than they appear in the photo, making them a great match for the top.

Prabal Gurung for Target crystal teardrop pendant

Prabal Gurung for Target crystal teardrop earrings

These crystal earrings and pendant remind me of an oversized version of a set I had as a kid.  The pendant has more of a casual vibe, but the earrings would be perfect for an evening out.

Do you plan on getting any of the pieces from Prabal Gurung's collection for Target??