Eyelet & Denim

For the last casual Friday at work, I paired an orange eyelet blouse with dark denim and a black blazer. 

Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)

This is definitely a go-to casual Friday look for me (dark jeans/blazer).  It's relaxed but still feels very professional and put-together.

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (old)

Necklace:  The Limited (Available here)
Purse:  The Limited (Available at Eloquii here)

I love this shade of orange mixed with black.  It's such a great color pop.  A Deco-inspired necklace with paler orange stones added a touch of bling to the look.This blouse definitely makes me think of spring and summer, but it's still been too cold here to be too serious about spring fashion (despite my better wishes).  It does appear that spring is on the horizon though, and I for one can hardly wait!

I am looking forward to pairing this top with white bottoms and turquoise!

Hope you all have been having a great weekend!!!! 

See similar looks here and here.

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.