The Dark Side of the Sun

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! 

Pants:  The Limited Black Collection (old)
Blazer:  The Limited Black Collection (old) (Similar here)

Today's look is the epitome of my style - simple black, somewhat androgynous pieces, mixed with a few unique or trendier touches.  

To mix the look up and give the outfit a sexier and cooler vibe, I added in an on-trend cropped bustier top and neon yellow pumps. 

Top:  Target (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Belt:  Express Men (old) + older buckle
Clutch:  Target (Similar here)

Finishing off this look, I added a sun-buckled belt, bangles, and crystal dangly earrings.  

I love the little pops of yellow on the top and the pumps which bring it out.  The silver sun is cool in contrast to the warm golds, oranges, and yellows that typically make me think of sunlight. 

Earrings:  Prabal Gurung for Target
Bracelets:  Express and The Limited

In astronomy, the dark side of the sun refers to the area of the sun that we don't usually see.  Here, it refers to the cooler/darker color combination and a side of me you don't usually see.

In a continued effort towards complete self-love and self-acceptance, I find myself reaching for pieces that only a few months ago would have been outside of my comfort zone.  As much as I loved the midriff trend, I wasn't sure it was for me. 

I'm 35, and I wore cropped tops back in my early twenties.  Was I too old to wear this trend again? 

I also don't have the same tummy that I did in my twenties.  Was I simply too fat to wear the trend?

At the end of the day, my love of fashion has won out against any self-doubt.  My artistic spirit has conquered my critical one. 

To paraphrase Neil Armstrong, that's one small step for womankind, one giant leap for this woman.   :-)

More looks with this blazer here, here, here, here, here, and here.
To see matching skirt in other looks, see here and here.

True Romance

Today's black and white look features a color blocked chiffon dress with pretty pleating detail.

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

Belt:  The Limited

I added a cropped jacket, knotted belt, and floral lace-up heels.  

Shoes:  Prabal Gurung for Target

I love that this look has a very romantic vibe.  

I also really love this dress, but I have difficulty styling it.  Dresses offer limited styling options anyway, but so far, I've only paired this with black blazers and jackets.  I think the dress might work with pastels like mint or pale pink, but I still seem to reach for the black to wear with it.

Purse:  Target (old)

How would you style this dress?

For other ways I've styled this dress, see here and here.
For more of spring's black and white fashion trend, see here.

Mint to Be

Today, I paired this faux leather gored skirt with a mint crochet tee and beaded chainlink necklace.  

Skirt:  The Limited (Available here)
Heels:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Not available on-line; available in some stores; see here)

For work, I kept the look simple (and warm) with a classic black blazer, black mesh tights, and ankle boots.

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tote:  New York & Company (Similar )

I debated whether to wear the cropped blazer or classic suit jacket this morning.  I opted for the longer blazer for work, but after seeing the pictures, I definitely prefer the cropped jacket with this look as the proportions work better together.

I had originally conceived of this skirt and top as part of an evening look.  Floral lace-up heels from Prabal Gurung's recent line for Target and a straw clutch help make the outfit evening-ready.  

I love the fresh and modern shape of this skirt.  Leather is somewhat unexpectedly a major trend for spring.  Expect to see many leather and faux-leather options in stores this spring.

Earrings:  The Limited (Available here)
Necklace:  Target (Sold out on-line; may be available in some stores)

I'm also super excited about all of the mint green items popping up in stores.  It's one of my favorite colors!

Clutch:  Target (old)
Bracelets:  Express, Claire, local jewelry show

Would you wear a faux leather skirt in spring? Will you be wearing mint green this spring?

To see cropped blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.

See classic blazer in other looks, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Double Peplum & Prabal Gurung for Target

Today's evening look is all about the peplum (oh, and these awesome shoes!)

Blazer:  Target (Available here)
Dress:  New York & Company (Similar here)

I paired a black peplum dress with a white peplum jacket for an on-trend mix of black and white.  Peplums can be super flattering and are great at disguising a tummy.

I would wear an outfit like this on a romantic dinner date.  It could also work for a business or other work-related evening function.

Shoes:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Available in select stores.  See here)

I am so in love with these heels form Prabal Gurung's line for Target!  They are romantic and sexy at the same time and are a great statement shoe with a relatively simple outfit.

Cuff:  The Limited (old)

As a day-to-night option, this evening look could easily be a transformation from a day outfit.  For day, the strappy floral heels could be replaced by a simple lower-heeled pump and the pewter clutch replaced with a work satchel.

Earrings:  Prabal Gurung for Target (Sold out on-line; Available in some stores; see here)

Clutch:  Target (Available here)

What would you wear for an evening work event?

Like me on Facebook and upload your favorite evening looks!

For this dress in other looks, see here and here.
To see this jacket in another look, see here.
For more peplum looks, see here, here, here, and here.

Spring Fever!

Today's pics are of an outfit I wore earlier this week. I wore this digital lace print tee I recently nabbed at an amazing clearance sale at The Limited and my bright pink blazer from last spring.

Blazer:  The Limited (old)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

 The back of the top has a hot pink stripe down the back which gives it an unexpected surprise.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)

Purse:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target (old)

I love how this look is warm but still has a spring feel.  I have spring on the brain in a major way, so this week, I am very influenced by the bright, cheerful colors symbolizing the re-birth that comes with spring.

The black pants, shoes, and accessories ground the look and keeps the look from feeling too springy.  I couldn't help but add my new crystal earrings from the Prabal Gurung collection for Target.  I am in love with these!!!

Prabal Gurung for Target earrings (Sold out on-line; Available in select stores; see here)

Cuff:  New York & Company (old)

The pink color near one's face helps brighten the face and for me, faked a healthy glow as I was sick with yet ANOTHER virus as I was taking these pics.

I'm still sick, so no Valentine's Day plans or fashion for me today. :-(

Hope you all have a wonderful and HEALTHY Valentine's Day!!!!

Prabal Gurung for Target

I have been eagerly waiting for the latest designer collaboration with Target.  Prabal Gurung's collaboration hit stores and the net today, and I just had to go to my local Target to check it out!

The collection is available in limited supply and for a limited time only.  The clothing comes in misses sizes up to size 16.
Unfortunately, my favorite piece of the collection was sold out on-line and in-stores before I had a chance to get it.  ;-( 

I'm hopeful that someone will return this top in my size because word has it that no further shipments will be made.

This heart lace top is just gorgeous and so fun.  It would be perfect for Valentine's Day.

Prabal Gurung for Target lace overlay top

Overall, I was very impressed with the design and quality of this latest collaboration.  Unlike some of the collaborations of the past, the price points, quality, and design were all spot-on.  The tops appeared to be true to size, but the skirts and dresses seemed to run about a size smaller than normal.

Other favorites from the collection:

Prabal Gurung for Target colorblocked dress

Prabal Gurung for Target red ruffle dress

Prabal Gurung for Target heels in "Meet the Parents" print

These two red dresses would be great for Valentine's Day.  The colorblocked dress didn't catch my attention at first, but it is soo flattering thanks to the strategic colorblocking in the waist.  The ruffle dress is so romantic, and ruffles are a major spring trend.
The floral lace-up shoes are just so romantic and sexy.  They would look perfect with either of the dresses above.

Prabal Guring for Target "First Date" print top

Prabal Gurung for Target heels in "Nolita" print

Prabal Gurung for Target enamel bangle

I love the neon colors of these pieces above.  The kaleidoscope print top looks more expensive than it is and the striped pumps are actually brighter in person than they appear in the photo, making them a great match for the top.

Prabal Gurung for Target crystal teardrop pendant

Prabal Gurung for Target crystal teardrop earrings

These crystal earrings and pendant remind me of an oversized version of a set I had as a kid.  The pendant has more of a casual vibe, but the earrings would be perfect for an evening out.

Do you plan on getting any of the pieces from Prabal Gurung's collection for Target??