Casual Friday: Monochromatic Dots

Happy Friday everyone!  Hope you all have had a great week!  I'm excited for the weekend in which I hope to catch up on some sleep!!!  I have a few things to do this weekend, but I'm definitely hoping to make this weekend a more low-key time.  

Shirt:  Who What Wear x Target (Available here)

If I make it out of the house, it will definitely be in casual looks like this denim outfit.  I am a big fan of Torrid's jeggings in extra short length. 

Jeans:  Torrid (Available here)

Boots:  Sonoma life+style from Kohl's

They offer the best fit in denim that I have had in years!!  Plus, they are super comfortable which is a must.  I avoided jeans for a long time because I found them too uncomfortable.  So glad that I found this style because it's perfect...with no alterations!

Clutch:  Who What Wear x Target (Available here)

I paired the jeans with a matching top and scarf from the Who What Wear line for Target.  I am OBSESSED with this whole line and always look forward to the new collections.  This top and scarf are from the early fall collection, but both pieces are still available (and now on clearance) if you're interested!!

Scarf:  Who What Wear x Target (Available here)

Tank:  Old Navy (old)
Glasses:  Valentino

Have you checked out the Who What Wear line for Target?  Torrid jeggings?  Where do you find your jeans?

Imitation Game: Rosie the Riveter

The first thing I thought of when I saw this navy herringbone jumpsuit from eShakti was Rosie the Riveter.

Jumpsuit:  eShakti

So, from the start, I knew that I wanted to have some fun with this jumpsuit and play fashionable ode to Rosie, and what better time to play The Imitation Game than Halloween?!

Heels:  Target

If you're not familiar with the iconic Rosie the Riveter photo, it was used as part of a propaganda campaign to encourage morale among workers.  

Women had been encouraged to replace men in the factories while they were enlisted during World War II.  While women's increased labor force participation was part of the impetus that led to the women's rights movements of the 60s & 70s, the image of Rosie was not originally intended as the feminist figure she has become.

Women were encouraged through propaganda that it was their patriotic duty to join the workforce and to help support the war effort, but once the war was over, women lost their jobs and were told it was their patriotic duty to return to the home and to give up their status in the paid labor force.

While the war greatly increased women's labor force participation, the figure of Rosie the Riveter also overshadowed the fact that many women had already been in the paid labor force.  Poor white women and many women of color had been working outside of the home already.  This fact tends to get ignored.  While some women began fighting to get out of the kitchens, many women were already in the labor force, working for much lower wages than men, some working as maids and nannies for the very women that Rosie represented.

As problematic as she may be, the figure of Rosie is still important.  While she certainly didn't start out as a feminist icon, many feminists have taken this iconic image of the past and have separated it from its original meaning to create an empowering figure.

The labor force participation of "Rosie" and other women helped lead to greater economic and social independence of women.  It also became part of the impetus for the women's rights movements which helped improve the status of all women.

Now that you know the history, let me talk about my outfit a bit.  While not practical for real factory work, I went with red peep-toe heels to add a fashion touch to my look.  I actually wore this very look (including scarf) over the summer while running some pre-wedding errands.  So even though it is a little costumey by modern standards, it still makes for a fun look.

For my costume, I also added a button to my collar.  I didn't get a good pic of it as the light kept blurring the words, but I figured it fit today's theme.  The button features the Marie Shear quote, "Feminism is the radical notion that women are people."

Scarf:  Amazon.com

Yes, we can do it!  It's a good mantra for life, and ultimately, it's an empowering message.  Women aren't strong because we have muscles on our arms...we're strong because we do what needs to be done.  We take care of business at home and in the paid labor force.  Economic circumstances still impact a women's "choice" of whether to work or not.  It's important though that we respect these choices as there is no wrong or right choice.  It's also important that we continue to work for greater economic freedom for ALL women so that we can ALL do it no matter what "it" looks like!

Happy Halloween!!

Did you dress up?  Would love to see your pics!  Share on Instagram using hashtag #SCHalloween!

For the jumpsuit in another look, see here.

Preppy Poppy

Hi everyone!

Today on the blog, I'm featuring a recent work look that was definitely a step away from my typical style.

Skirt:  The Limited (old)

Blazer:  Outback Red by The Limited (Similar here)

I love classic pieces, but I usually like adding a little edge or romance to what I am wearing.  I don't usually go for preppy looks, but I thought this was a fun, nautical-inspired venture away from the norm.

Blouse:  The Limited

I've had this skirt for a few years now, but I don't wear it a lot.  I can never decide if it needs to be hemmed about an inch, and while I like the skirt, it never feels quite like "me."

I usually look at it and think how I should wear it more.  The stripes on this skirt are dark navy, so I am able to wear it with navy or black, making it a fairly versatile piece.

Shoes:  Target (old) (Similar here)

While the overall look has a preppy polish that is perfect for work, the bag keeps the look fun and helps make it a little more me.

Tote:  Ruben & Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant

Bracelets:  Zoppini and The Limited

Are you a fan of preppy looks?

For this skirt in another look, see here.
For this blouse in another look, see here.
for this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.

Sweet Romance

The first time I styled my polka dot dress from eShakti for the blog, I wanted to create a womanly, slightly edgy feel.  Today, I decided to play up the sweetness of this dress.

Dress:  eShakti (Available here)

Bow accents on the bag, sandals, and bracelet add to the sweet romantic feel of this vintage-inspired silhouette.

Purse:  The Limited
Bracelets:  The LImited

Love the vintage-inspired feel - and my daughter makes a cameo :-)

I haven't had a chance to wear this dress out yet, but I would definitely wear this look as is for a daytime summer date.

Sandals:  Payless (old)

The low-heeled sandals are comfortable and perfect for a casual stroll.

Earrings:  The Limited

What would you wear for a daytime date with your boo?

For this dress in another look, see here.

Fashion Favorites: White Blazer, 6 Ways

Blazers are a major staple in my closet, and this white blazer is one of my favorites.
This white blazer has a slightly cropped shape, making it flattering for petite figures.  I love this particular blazer with pants, dresses, or skirts, making it super versatile.

Here are some of the ways I've worn it:

With an LBD for work

The Essential LBD

With a heart print blouse and ballet flats

Hearts Afire

Springy with a green pencil skirt and floral

Spring To It

With faux leather for warm weather edge

What's Black and White (and a little red) All Over?

With soft blue and greys for an easy-going evening look

Blue & Neutrals

With red and black for a graphic pop

Red Pants, White Jacket

Are you a fan of white blazers?

Playful Patterns

Hi everyone, and happy Friday!!!

Dress:  LOFT

I hope today's look puts a smile on your face because it certainly does mine! 

As most of you probably know by now, black and white is my favorite color combo and I love mixed prints.

Cardigan:  Torrid

Shoes:  Target (old)

The fit and flare shape of the dress and red peep-toe heels lend the look a retro vibe.

I only wore this outfit long enough for pictures, but I would definitely wear it to a bridal or baby shower or for another fun or festive occasion.

Clutch:  The Limited

And because joy is so often found in play...

Have a great weekend everyone!!  :-D

For this dress in another look, see here.

In The Mood For Polka Dots

Today's look was definitely inspired by my mood.  I've been feeling a little uncharacteristically melancholy the last few days.  That feeling has made me gravitate towards black and darker colors.

Dress:  The Limited (Similar here)
Blazer:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

Usually, I am inclined to pair this dress with bright pops of color and play up the fun, feminine vibe of the dress.  Today, I wanted to give the dress a little more of an edgy, artsy feel.

I added one of my favorite necklaces, a bold cuff, and lace-up shoes.

Ring:  LOFT
Necklace:  The Limited (Similar here)

I paired the dress with my cropped tuxedo blazer.  I'm a naughty fashion blogger for wearing this jacket three times in two weeks, but I'm really loving it.  It's hard for me to find a cropped blazer that is actually short enough for my petite frame.  This one is perfect!  I'll be on the hunt for more 21" long blazers.

Cuff:  New York & Company
Shoes:  Target (old)

These shoes are full-on Monet (I watched "Clueless" last night :-)).  They look okay in the pictures, but they are so old and worn out.  I love these shoes, and I haven't found a shoe that I like enough to replace them yet.  These shoes are interesting and super comfortable - a combination that's very hard to find. 

I develop very little attachments to clothing, but I find it very hard to get rid of shoes.  It's hard for me to find comfortable heels that fit my tiny, wide feet.  These shoes are actually a little big, but they're so comfortable, I've gone through two pairs. 

While I often shell out considerable money for clothing pieces I love, I have typically gravitated towards inexpensive shoes.  If I can't find shoes that actually fit my feet, I figured why spend a lot of money on them?

Recently, I've been checking out some custom shoe web sites, like Shoes of Prey.  I'd like to have better fitting, more high-quality shoes, even if that means having a much more edited shoe wardrobe.   

Purse:  Express

Have any of you ever purchased custom-made shoes?  Were you pleased with the results?

To see this dress styled differently, see here.
For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Graphic Flow

Pants:  Target (old)

Today's black and white look pairs silky pajama style pants with an asymmetrical trapeze tank.

Tank:  Target (old)

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

Neon pink heels add a pop of color and the polka dot clutch adds another fun graphic print to the look.

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Ring:  Purchased at local jewelry show

I love this look!!  It's super comfortable and is such a relaxed way to look chic while going out.

Cuff:  The Limited

Slouchy pants and a trapeze tank definitely break the fashion rules for short curvy girls, but who cares?  Rules are meant to be broken, right?! ;-D

Today's look also provides a segue into this week's feature - black and white!  All looks this week will feature this major spring trend!

Hope you enjoy!!