Laid-Back Evening

Happy Friday, everyone!!!

Pants:  Target (old)
Top:  The Limited (Similar here)

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

I love black and navy worn together.  The navy provides a subtle shot of color while the overall effect is a bit gothic glam.

The blazer provides structure to balance the slouchy fit of the pants and crossover top.  The statement necklace, silver accents, and heels create a feel that is just right for evening.

Clutch:  The Limited (old)
Necklace:  Target

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

I love this look - it's SUPER comfortable and feels effortless and cool.

What about you - Would you wear black and navy together?

For these pants in other looks, see here and here.
For this top in other looks, see here and here.

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Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Peplums

Peplums continue to be a major trend this fall. And why not?  They're super flattering and can look retro and feminine or sleek and modern depending on the particular styling.

Blouse: LOFT Petites (Similar here)

Blazer:  The Limited

Today, I paired my lace peplum top from last fall with a simple pair of black pants.  

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

Purse:  Express

I like how the basic pants and champagne tuxedo blazer downplay and streamline the overt femininity of the blouse, making it a great balance for work.

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Peplum looks from the runway:

Prabal Gurung Fall 2013 look
Source:  MarieClaire.com

Calvin Klein Fall 2013 look
Source:  Style.com

Kate Spade Fall 2013 look
Source:  MarieClaire.com

Bracelet:  The Limited

Do you like peplums?  Which runway look is your favorite?

More on the peplum trend here

To see this blouse in other looks, see here and here.
To see this blazer in another look, see here 

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Military

In both fall and spring, military-inspired looks were a major trend.  This look has continued into this fall and is a major source of all the green we're seeing on fall runways (see more here).

Here, I've taken the trend in a more casual direction. 

Jacket:  Old Navy (Similar here and here)
Dress:  The Limited (Similar here, here, and here)

Soccer mom duty has officially started back up, and I spent the day outside (and make-up free!) in 100 degree heat.  I kept the look simple and casual today to beat the heat, giving this sailor striped dress a bit of a bohemian look.  I like how the chain link necklace adds to the nautical vibe.

Purse:  The Limited (Available here)
Necklace:  Torrid

Sandals:  Target

When the temperature cools down, I will definitely be wearing the look with my army jacket and booties.  I'll add black tights when it gets colder.

Here's a few of my military-inspired favorites from the runway:

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2013 look
Source:  HarpersBazaar.com

Prabal Gurung Fall 2013 look
Source:  HarpersBazaar.com

I have to get virtually everything altered to fit properly.  Sometimes, alterations aren't enough to get a perfect fit, but they definitely make a huge difference in how an outfit looks.

Here's a quick before and after:

Purse:  Express

I had the dress hemmed a couple inches.  To get a better fit on the jacket, I washed and dried it. Then, I had the sleeves taken in a bit for a slightly slimmer fit.

The result is loose and comfortable, but much more figure flattering.

Booties:  Target

Do you like the military trend?

For the army jacket in another look, see here.

Please don’t forget to vote here every day through September 16th for Style Cassentials in the Saint Louis Fashion Blog Awards! I'm nominated for "Best Personal Style," "Best Delivery of Personal Style," and "Best Use of Facebook"!! While you're there, check out a very talented group of St. Louis area fashion bloggers!