J'Adore Denim and Stripes

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!  My weekend has been fairly uneventful, which is just fine by me!!  :-)

On Friday, I was off of work, and the man and I attended a reading awards ceremony for two of our daughters.  The ceremony was in the elementary school gymnasium, so it was decidedly casual, but I also wanted a look with some polish.

Jeans:  The Limited Petites

Heels:  Target (old) (Similar here)

I was in a rush to get ready, so for me this outfit was a quick and easy look.  I knew that I wanted to wear my new "J'Adorable" tee by Peter Som for Kohl's.  The rest of the outfit came together fast - first the jeans, then the heels, then the blazer for a bit of warmth on the chilly day.  

Tee:  Peter Som for Kohl's (Available here)

Silver bracelets and cuffs, a bold silver ring, and my fun pop art tote complete the look.

Bracelets and cuff (left arm):  The Limited

Ring:  Earthbound Trading Company

I did not wear any make-up during the event, and I tend to think that when rested, I look very young without make-up.  Is it okay that a friend of my ten year old step-daughter thought that I looked more like her sister than her stepmom?   LOL

When you're very short and have childlike facial features (rounded cheeks, for example), people tend to think you are younger than you are.  It used to bother me a lot as a kid and teenager. 

As an adult, looking young affects how people people see you - some doubt your competence or are less likely to value your contributions because they don't take you as seriously.  Looking young has often felt like more of a burden to me than a benefit.

Maybe because of this, I've never had a problem with aging.  As I'm starting to have more grey hairs and wrinkles, looking young doesn't seem quite as bad, but I plan to happily age gracefully.  :-)

Tote:  Ruben & Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant

Blazer:  The Limited Black Collection (Similar here)

Have you ever been confused as younger or older than you are?  How did it make you feel?

Are you a fan of horizontal stripes?

For these jeans in another look, see here and here.
For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Kiss and Tell

I just wanted to extend a big thank you (and cyber-kiss) to everyone who voted for me for the St. Louis Fashion Blog Awards.  I'm so honored to be nominated and am excited to hear the results tonight at the awards presentation!

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

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Clutch:  Vintage

My almost daily bombardment of requests for your vote is over.  Asking for your vote everyday was not always an easy thing to do.  Doing so felt obnoxious, self-serving, and needy, qualities I generally dislike, and I certainly hope no one was put off by my frequent reminders.

At the same time, I have learned some very important lessons over the last year or so:

1)  You don't usually get what you want unless you ask for it.

2)  People aren't inclined to believe in you and help you work towards your goals if you don't  first show that you believe in yourself.

3)  You have to be your biggest cheerleader.

Heels:  Target (Available in other colors here)

Bold, gutsy, self-assured people often get further in life.  It is not because those people have more education, are more attractive, or are smarter.  It's that those people create excitement in others.  They make people stand up and take notice. 

The daring to show your self to the world is not an innate quality.  While it may naturally come easier for some than others, I definitely believe it's possible to develop these characteristics through affirmative efforts.

I'm s.l...o....w....l.......y learning to become one of those people, but it is a daily conscious process for me to remember to put myself out there and to garner the courage to actually do it. 

Women are often socialized in this culture to not take up a lot of "space", to put others' needs and wants before their own, and to not ask for or demand too much from others.  

Through a lot of reflection on my life, I realize that I was taught these lessons in many ways, lessons that cripple many women from realizing their full personal and social potential.

Asking for what you want, saying "Hey, I'm out here, and I'm fabulous...Notice me" feels "ballsy" because it IS.  So many of us, women particularly, have been taught that doing this is arrogant, selfish, and needy.  

It is not.  

Bracelet:  The Limited

We all have something unique to contribute, and it's in recognizing our own potential and uniqueness that we make ourselves useful to others.  Asking others to take notice of us in a direct way shows confidence.  It shows that we believe in ourselves and the skills, talents, and ideas that we can contribute.  It makes people remember your name and makes them WANT to take a chance on you!

Do you ask for what you want?  Do you like kiss/lip prints?

Blue and Burgundy

Today's look pairs blue and burgundy.  I love that this is a somewhat unexpected color combination but that it really works.  Since burgundy is such a deep, rich shade of red, it can really function as a neutral and work with many different colors.

Jacket:  The Limited (No longer available; see here)
Skirt:  The Limited (Similar here)

I would definitely wear this look to work.  The faux leather and studs add a little edge to the outfit, but the shapes and fit of the pieces and overall feel of the look are very work-appropriate.

Shell:  The Limited (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Clutch:  The Limited

Earrings:  Express (Available here)
Bracelet:  Target
"Evil eye" ring:  H&M

Would you mix burgundy and blue? 

For this jacket in other looks, see here and here.
For this skirt in another look, see here.

I See London...

Today's casual look centered around this comfy sweater.  

Sweater:  Forever 21+ (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)
Coated denim jeans:  Target (Available here)

I added coated denim skinnies and these amazing spiked ballet flats I just found.  

Flats:  Target (Available here)

I love getting the comfort of flats with a touch of bad ass. ;-)

I went for dinner later in the day and decided to swap the flats for heels to dress the look up a bit.

Satchel:  Target (Available in blue here)
Heels:  Target (old)

Hope you're all having a great Saturday!!

To see these jeans in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.

Spring 2013 Fashion Preview: Red, White, & Blue

Red, white, and blue is always a popular color combination on spring runways. Most often, this color combination was done in bold graphic prints, florals, and nautical stripes (a staple of spring/summer fashion).

Peplum jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Currently sold out on-line; available in stores)

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

Today, I paired navy skinny pants with my graphic print top and red peplum jacket.

This outfit isn't much different than the previous way I styled this top (see here), but I like how changing the blazer and accessories give the outfit a different feel.

Purse:  The Limited
Shoes: Target (Available in other colors here)

"Evil eye" ring:  H&M

I am trying to will nice weather to the Midwest by wearing bright colors and using spring fashion inspiration for my cold weather looks.  It's not working out too well, but a girl can hope!!!

Red, white, and blue looks from spring 2013 runways:

Michael Kors offered preppy, nautical-inspired options. This look would be perfect for a summer barbecue or informal get-together.

Michael Kors spring 2013 look
Source:  www.vogue.com

Diane von Furstenburg spring 2013 look
Source:  www.dvf.com

There was nothing about Diane von Furstenburg's spring collection that I didn't like.  Her global-inspired prints and interesting shapes just feel so perfect for spring and summer!  If you're not into the nautical look, a print like the one above is a great way to wear red, white, and blue!

Do you like wearing red, white, and blue?

Earrings:  The Limited

To see this blazer styled differently, see here.

Denim and Tweed

This is a look from a previous casual Friday at work.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available at eloquii.com here )
Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)

I like mixing tweed with denim and other non-traditional fabrics.  I also like the mix of pastels with off-whites, like this mint and cream combination.

Blouse:  New York & Company (Available here)

Shoes:  Target (old)

This outfit isn't groundbreaking fashion, but it's a good way to do casual at the workplace.  Dark denim is crisp and looks professional.  A slightly unconventional blazer adds a personal twist but keeps the overall look work-appropriate.

I'm usually against any lists that tell people what they should or shouldn't wear; however, we all have to follow certain rules at work.  

Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Ring:  The Limited
Earrings:  Gift (handmade)

Work dress codes vary, so it's important to know yours.  Generally speaking, if your work place allows denim, it's important to keep it fresh and crisp with no holes or stains.  Denim that is super-faded or is overly trendy, such as floral, reptile print, or tie-dye prints, should probably be saved for evenings and weekends.

Do you wear denim to work? 

For this blazer styled differently, see here.

Fun with Geometrics

Hope you all had a great day!

Today, I'm pairing a fun geometric print top with neutral work pieces.  The navy and ivory color palette is a softer take on the classic black and white, but provides the same graphic contrast. 

Blouse:  The Limited (Currently sold out on-line; Available in stores)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

Blazer:  The Limited
Heels:  Target (Available here)

I paired the look with gold jewelry and a red clutch for a pop of color.

Clutch: Vintage
Bracelets:  World Market, The Limited

Lately, I've been really into the idea of mixing patterns and textures.  The mix on this look is subtle (herringbone blazer with the printed top), but I'm planning on mixing prints in the same color palette often this spring.  It's a fun way to add visual interest to a look.

Necklace:  The Limited
Earrings:  The Limited

Do you like wearing geometric prints?