The Devil Wears Asos

Recently Asos contacted me about creating a DIY Halloween costume using picks from their online store.  I have been wanting to try Asos, but had not yet taken the plunge, so I was more than excited at the chance to try a few pieces from the store using the gift card that they generously provided. 

Skirt:  The Limited

Top:  Ann Taylor Petites

 

Cape jacket:  Boohoo.com (Available here)

I've also mentioned before that Halloween is my favorite holiday, so the opportunity to dress up...yes, PLEASE!!

After perusing all of the fab Halloween accessories and thinking about what I already had in my closet, I decided to be a devil!  In retrospect, with the all black look, maybe I should have been a vampire or bat, but who says the devil always has to wear red?

Heels:  Simply Vera by Vera Wang

My devil incarnation is more Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled than full-on Beelzebub.  

The faux leather skirt and fitted peplum top feel a little femme fatale, while this awesome cape jacket I recently got from Boohoo adds a mysterious touch.

Stockings:  Wal-mart

Then, comes the really fun part of my look - the pieces I got from Asos, of course! 

Devil horn hair clips reveal my "true" colors.  The horns don't always come out, but when they do...beware!!

Horns:  c/o Asos (Available here)

The spider web gloves add a spooky touch, while the fang clutch is ghoulishly cool.  I will be using this clutch all year!!

Clutch:  Asos (Available here)

I also added in spider studs, a snake ring, and a deep purplish red lip.

Spider earrings;  Target
Ear cuff:  Torrid

Gloves:  c/o Asos (Available here)

I feel devilishly sexy in this look!! 

While I love my costume, I would definitely wear this outfit again sans the devil horns. 

The structured pieces and mix of black textures really speak to me.  In fact, I might just have to wear this on my next evening out!!

Did you dress up for Halloween?  Are you a do-it-yourself costumer? 

Check out Asos' DIY costume shop here!

For the skirt in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For the top in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.
For last year's witch costume, see here.

Winter Chic

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Tweed jacket:  Gap
Blouse:  Target

Resigning myself to the fact that it's still winter, I decided to wear some of my favorite cold-weather pieces this week.  Today, that piece was my tweed jacket.

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

Necklace:  New York & Company
Ring:  The Limited (old)

I kept a dark neutral color palette and added a green bib necklace and ring with dark purple stones.

What was that I said yesterday about trying to break away from my black pants rut?  I've worn denim, red, and camel pants this week.  Three out of five days ain't bad.  ;-) 

Purse:  New York & Company

To see this tweed jacket in other looks, see here and here.
To see this top in other looks, see here and here.

Golden Girl

I realized today that I have inadvertently worn black pants everyday this week.  I do admit that I am a black pants addict.  I collect black pants like some people collect coins or baseball cards.  Even so, I usually try to mix up my style a little more.

Pants:  The Limited (Similar: The Limited )
Patent Heels:  Target

It has definitely been a transition getting back to work after my vacay, so it's not surprising that I have been resorting to trusty favorites.  Do you have any clothing crutches?

Top (Available at The Limited)

Today, I've mixed my black pants with a gold lace peplum-style top that I recently featured on my blog (See here).  Besides lace and peplums, this top also features another major trend for fall - gold.

Bow earrings:  The Limited (Similar:  The Limited)

Bangles:  Target, Claire's The Limited

Lace can look a little too matronly, in my opinion.  The slimmer cut of the pants work best here to keep the top from looking too mature. 

Cardigan:  LOFT Petites

I added the boyfriend cardigan for warmth in the office.  Do you layer for summer air conditioning?

Fall 2012 Trends: Peplums and Lace

As I have already featured in my blog, peplums are a fun and figure-friendly trend that is continuing into fall. I recently purchased two peplum style tops and am considering a peplum dress.  

Lace is also having a major moment this fall, ranging from vintage, grandma-inspired lace looks to neon lace.

My favorites from Fall runways:

Alice + Olivia lace peplum dress

 Altuzarra Fall 2012 peplum look

More affordable options:

Asos peplum top

Love the bow detail and aqua color of the top above.

Simply Be black peplum dress

Asos Curve lace dress

Torrid lace inset blouson top

The top below mixes the peplum and lace trends for a sophisticated look that can be dressed up or down.

The Limited Corded Lace Shell

If you would like to try the lace trend, but don't want to invest much, lace tights may be a great option.  Target usually carries lots of fun lace tights in the fall, including bright colors.  It's a great way of giving your look a trendy pop without breaking the bank.

Do you plan on trying the lace or peplum trends?

Pretty Peplum

Peplums are everywhere this year.  This trend was all over Spring 2012 runways and is continuing into Fall 2012. 

Peplums have a long history.  They started during the 1800s, were re-invented in the 1940s, and came back with a vengeance in the 1980s.  Today's version of the peplum feels fun and fresh.

Peplum top:  New York & Company (Available:  http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/prod/New-Arrivals/Tops/Mixed-Print-Peplum-Sleeveless-Blouse)
Purse:  Vintage

While it may seem counter-intuitive to add fabric to the hips, the peplum is surprisingly flattering.  The flared bottom helps whittle waists and balance curves.  

Skirt:  The Limited (Similar:  http://www.thelimited.com/Black-Collection-Inset-Yoke-Skirt/7263244,default,pd.html?dwvar_7263244_colorCode=144&start=6&ppid=c6&cgid=skirts&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Black)

Shoes:  Payless (Available: http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?catId=cat10088&subCatId=cat10289&skuId=092545075&productId=69844&lotId=092545&category=&catdisplayName=Womens) 

Today's look combines the 1920s Deco print and pleats of the top with a 1940s silhouette.  I paired the look with a vintage clutch from the '80s and added in a modern sculptural cuff.

Cuff:  New York & Company

Earrings:  New York and Company (Available:  http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/prod/Accessories/Jewelry/Earrings/Deco-Disc-Post-Earrings)

I love how this look is inspired by several decades but manages to look very 2012.