Winter Trends: Velvet

As 2016 comes to a close, so does my winter trend series with Irene of Petite Plus, Meow!  For our final installment, we are talking about our favorite tactile treasure - velvet. 

Dress:  Smart Glamour (Available here)

I love wearing velvet - it is just so soft and comfortable, and it's hard to resist touching the fabric while you're wearing it! 

Irene and I both stuck with pretty velvet dresses in neutral shades.  I'm wearing a grey Joan sheath dress with customized 3/4 length sleeves and full skirt from Smart Glamour.  The dress has a cutout detail which gives it a little extra flair.

Glasses:  Valentino

Clutch:  NY&CO

Heels:  ASOS

To dress the look up, I added gold lace-up heels and gold jewelry.  I love the contrast of grey and gold.  Silver is more expected, but I think gold creates a more sophisticated mix.

Bracelets:  LOFT

Irene styled a taupe bodycon slip dress for a recent holiday house party.  She layered her dress over a black tee for a cool 90s feel.

Irene of Petite Plus, Meow!

See more of Irene's look on Instagram or Facebook or head over to Petite Plus, Meow! to catch up with what's new on her blog.

Necklace:  Express

Hope you enjoyed our winter trends series!  

Look back at our featured trends of faux fur, gold, and sparkle, and stay tuned for tomorrow's Casual Friday post - my last outfit post of the year!

Do you enjoy velvet?

Manic Monday: Jingle Bells

With many of us gearing up for the holidays, my work style definitely reflects this festive, most-dressiest of seasons. I'm not taking any days off for the holidays this year, but I figure my office clothes can still be a little fancy.

Dress:  ELOQUII (Available here)

For today's post, I am wearing a bell sleeve velvet dress from Eloquii.  Velvet is such a fancy fabric, but it's also a soft and comfortable option, making it perfect for spending the day in the office.

Booties:  FarylRobin Fawcett

Earrings:  Gift

The collar and bow neckline makes this a conservative option for the office, while the bell sleeves definitely make this a fun choice for work.

Clutch:  The Limited

I added rose quartz accessories for a soft accent.  I love the look of soft blush pink against black.  Against black velvet, it creates such a romantic feel.

Glasses:  Valentino

Ring:  The Limited

Are you working through the holidays or do you have some planned time off of work?

Wild Card Wednesday: All The Bells & Whistles

Whenever the holidays approach, I find that my work style gets a little more fancy.  This season is no exception, and this look is a perfect example. 

Skirt:  ASOS (Sold out; Similar available here)

Trench:  Booohoo Plus (Available here)

Between the velvet skirt, metallic shoes, satiny camisole, and faux fur clutch, this outfit has all the bells and whistles.

Camisole:  Who What Wear for Target (Available here)

Shoes:  ASOS

Glasses:  Valentino

I love the pastel grey mixed with soft pinks - it's an unexpected combination for fall.  A simple silver necklace ties in the shoes. 

Necklace:  New York & Company

Clutch:  ASOS

Does your work style get dressier around the holidays?  What "special" fabrics do you enjoy wearing - velvet, faux fur, satin, sequins, metallics?

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate!!

Manic Monday: Nudes & Neutrals

After a brief hiatus from my blogging schedule, I feel like I'm finally starting to get back on track!  I'm back with another Manic Monday with today's work look centered around a nude-to-me dress from ASOS. 

Dress:  ASOS (Available here; available in Curve in black or navy)

I love soft peachy colors like this dress, especially when paired with black and soft neutrals like a pale grey faux fur scarf.  Nude colors can be tricky to pull off - picking one that is slightly darker than your skin tone but with the same coloring (for me, nudes with peachy or warm undertones work best) helps eliminate the washed out effect.

Cuffs:  INC by International Concepts (Available at Macy's here)

My love affair with faux fur continues.  Last week, I showed a fun faux fur evening look (see here), but I went in a more daytime direction today by pairing a faux fur scarf, cuff, and clutch with my dress and a work-friendly blazer.

Jacket:  Apt. 9 Petites (Available at Kohl's here)

Clutch:  ASOS (Sold out on-line; see here)

Ring  The Limited

Booties:  Betseyville (Available at Target here)

I adore the draping on this dress.  It really adds a ton of interest to an otherwise simple dress. 

Tights:  Eloquii

As much as I love this winter styling, I am also really looking forward to pairing this dress with soft neutrals and shades of blue this spring.

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Scarf:  The Limited (Available here)

Earrings:  The Limited

Are you a fan of faux fur?  How would you style this dress?

On The Fringe

I tend to have fancy tastes but not a fancy lifestyle, so I've been looking for a fun date night dress that isn't super dressy and that's also versatile enough to wear for daytime as well.

Enter this amazing dress from Alice & You!

Dress:  Alice & You (Available at ASOS here)

Booties:  Mossimo for Target (old)

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

The forest green color and velvet made this an instant crush for me, but the fringe and easy shape pushed it over the edge.  I had the sleeves and hem shortened to work better for my petite frame, and I just love the results.

Necklaces:  Forever 21 and The Limited

Here, I'm pairing the dress with casual fringe booties for a laid-back date night.  The fringe and mini length of the dress give it more of a bohemian rock-n-roll flavor and keep it from feeling too dressy.  

Clutch:  The Limited

It was fairly warm when I was taking these pics, but I would add tights to stave off the winter chill. 

Earrings:  The Limited

I love that this dress is a take on the 70s trend without going too retro.  Somehow, it also reminds me of clothes I wore in the 90s while still feeling fresh.  Quite an accomplishment for a little mini dress!

Do you like fringe?  Velvet?  Are you a fan of the 70s trend?

P.S. For a slightly dressier date night recently, I skipped the necklaces and went with these earrings and these booties.

Holiday Fashion Shopping Guide - 16 Picks to Get You Through All the Festivities

Are you ready for the holiday season?

The winter holidays bring with them so many fun dress-up occasions. With these events brings the challenge of what to wear!

Whether you need a look for an office holiday party, a cocktail party, New Year's Eve, or casual holiday get-togethers, I've rounded up some amazing holiday options in every size for your consideration! I found some great options from Ann Taylor, Roamons, and Torrid (just to name a few)!  Enjoy!

Office Holiday Party:
For holiday office parties, you want a look that is festive, but also conservative. That means minimal to no cleavage, nothing too short, and no over-the-top bling. Think subtle shine and extra trimmings. Think special fabrics in shapes you would normally wear for work.

Torrid – Ruched Sleeve Lace Blazer
Available in plus sizes 0-5X

The Limited – High-Waist Midi Skirt
Available in straight sizes petite, average and tall

Ann Taylor – Sequin Jacket

Available in straight sizes petite and average XXS-XL

I kind of NEED that sequin jacket - just waiting for the right sale!

New Year's Eve:

New Year's Eve is the time to add more flair to your holiday looks. Lots of sparkle and shine. Shorter hemlines work for party time

Wet Seal – Gold Rush Metallic Surplice Romper
Available in juniors plus size 1X-3X

Roamans – Sequin Peplum Tank
Available in plus sizes S-5X (12-40) in black (as shows), boysenberry and marine blue

 

Custom Fit:
All of these pieces can be customized for your body and your preferred length, sleeve length, etc. There's nothing like having a piece made just for you.

Smart Glamour is available in sizes XXS-6X, is fully customizable, and is always made in the USA! EShakti boasts a size range of 0-36W and has an impressive selection of holiday options this season!

eShakti – Baroque Brocade Short Trench Coat

Smart Glamour – Dewitt Lace Dress
Available in six different lace options and five lining colors

 

Cocktail Party:

Holiday cocktail parties call for looks that are sophisticated and have subtle sex appeal. I love the idea of a jumpsuit for a cocktail party as an alternative to a dress.

If you're in the market for a new dress, I'd go with a dress in a simple shape that lets your body stand out but doesn't overpower you. You want people to see YOU, not focus on what you're wearing (though they will be noticing)!

Ann Taylor – Tuxedo Jumpsuit
Available in straight sizes average 00-18, petite 00-16, and tall 0-18

Torrid – Envelope Bodycon Dress
Available in plus sizes 1X-5X

 

Full-On Glamour Girl:

Do you have a glamorous event to attend?

I am really loving velvet dresses this season! They are simple to wear and look so fancy! Channel your inner Jessica Rabbit in a sumptuous fabric, rich color, and maybe even a sexy thigh high slit!

Eloquii – Studio Collection Velvet Gown
Available in plus sizes 14-24 in cabernet (shown) and black

Roamans – Velvety Wrap Dress
Available in plus sizes 14W-34W in boysenberry (shown) and black

Casual:

Have a casual house party or get together to attend? A cozy sweatshirt or sweater is a great choice. Add fun embellishments or metallic detail or opt for an "ugly" holiday sweater that is actually cute!

LOFT – Fair Isle Embellished Sweatshirt
Available in straight sizes average XXS-XXL and petites XXS-XL

Wet Seal – Keep Calm and Bite Me sweater
Available in straight sizes S-L

The Icing:
Don't forget the accessories? Nothing spruces up that LBD in your closet like some sparkly new accessories.

Try an on-trend ear cuff or statement ring. 

BaubleBar – Hermes Ear Cuff Earrings

The Limited – Starburst Statement Ring

Boohoo – Lily Glitter Box Clutch

See anything you love?

Hope this round up helps inspire some ideas for your holiday events. 

I wish I had more dress up opportunities! I just love the luxe fabrics, rich colors, and elegant vibe of so many holiday fashions!

Do you have any fun holiday plans?