Singin' the Blues: Attention!

Hi everyone.  I apologize for cutting Fall Color Week short and being absent over the last few weeks.

I have a ton of reasons for not posting, but I think it comes down to an issue I've dealt with off and on during my adult life.  I go through periods of over-stress (usually coupled with sleep deprivation).  When these happen, I develop a generalized apathy and melancholy that leaves me unfulfilled by things I love, like blogging.  I'm working through it, and thankfully, some of the recent stressors have reduced or disappeared. 

I have several posts lined up for the next week, so hopefully things will be back on track soon!  Thanks so much for sticking with me!!!

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

Today, I'm starting with Singin' the Blues Week - a week of one of this fall's hottest colors!

The color navy is the subtlest and easiest to wear of the blues.   It's perfect for conservative work places, but it functions well as a neutral for many occasions.

For years, I wasn't a fan of navy as I saw it as too conservative and classic for me.  I love classic, but it has to have an interesting modern or tough edge.  Somewhere along the line, I became a navy convert, especially when worn with other neutrals as I did here. 

Purse:  Target (May be available in stores; similar here)

Shirt:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

When done in streamlined shapes, navy brings with it much of what I love about black - it's dark, it's sleek and sophisticated, and it is forever versatile.

Today's navy look also plays into fall's military trend (see more here).  I love how military pieces like this blazer look very polished and even just a teensy bit edgy.

Heels:  Target (Similar here)
Bracelets:  The Limited (Available here)

Are you a fan of navy?

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

Black and White Cutouts

Hope you've all been having a great week!  It's Thursday, which means the weekend is soon, and I, for one, am ready!!!

Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)
Jacket:  LOFT Petites (Available in regular sizes here)

Today's look is a recent work outfit.  I love this top with the cool cutout detail along the yoke.  The varied lines in the cutouts are pretty bra-friendly too.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Heels:  Target (Available here)

I wore the outfit with black pumps and jacket for work.

Purse:  The Limited (old)
Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

The neon yellow pumps add a fun pop of color that would work week for after-hours.

Earrings:  The Limited
Cuff:  Express
Heels:  Target

For this blazer in other looks, see here,  here, and here.
For more on spring/summer's black and white trend, see here.

Easter Teal

This Easter, I decided to get more dressed up than usual.  Usually holidays are casual affairs in my family, but I felt like wearing my new teal eyelet dress.

Dress:  Old Navy (Available here)

I really like the fit and flare shape of this dress.  Super fun and flattering!
I love bright greens and yellow together, so I paired my dress with neon yellow heels and matching necklace.

Necklace:  The Limited (Available here)

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Bangle bracelet:  Target (old)

I have this clutch that I haven't used in years.  The brown color is a nice contrast to the bright colors

Clutch:  Loeffler Randall for Target (old) (Available here)

Hope you all had a great day, and again, Happy Easter to those who celebrate!!

Red Pants, White Jacket

Hope you all had a great Monday!

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

Today, I played with color blocking, mixing red pants with a black bow blouse and white jacket.  

Blouse:  Old Navy
Shoes:  Target (old)

I like the simplicity of this look, which also allowed for distinctive accessories like arrow bangles and a polka dot clutch.

Bangles:  Forever 21 (No longer available on-line; may be available in stores)

Necklace:  The Limited (Available )
Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)
Stud earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

If you're dealing with Winter Storm Rocky, stay safe and stay warm!!!

Casual Festive

Hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

I wanted a comfortable outfit that was somewhat casual, but festive.

This is what I came up with:

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)
Jeans:  Target (Available here)

I realize I wear a lot of black - I can't fight it; I just really like it!

Heels:  Target

This outfit is a little different for me as I almost always wear layers, even in the summer time.  It was a warm Thanksgiving this year, so I decided to skip the extra layer of a cardigan or blazer.

I accessoried with a bold cocktail ring with purple stones, but let the embellishments on the top speak for themselves.

Ring:  The Limited (old)

Do you have a basic formula for dressing with which you tend to stick?  For me it's pants or jeans, a blouse, blazer or cardigan - usually in shades of black and white.
 
Hope you're having a great Friday!!