Dress Week: Mixing Decades

Happy Saturday, everyone!

We have been having a lot of 90+ degree days lately.  This season, I am forcing myself to dress for the season and rid myself of the constant need for cardigans and blazers, at least when I'm not at work in my chilly office.

Tunic:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

In the past, I would have thrown a cardigan over this look, even in the height of a balmy Midwestern summer.

Today's look has a modern appeal but references the 1920s and 1940s.  

I am completely inspired by the 1920s.  The decade was such an amazing period of progress and change for women's political and social rights in this country.  With the social changes came a change in fashion.  I really can't get enough of 1920s fashion - so beautiful and interesting.  The dropped waist of this dress and bead necklace is a subtle nod to the flapper era.

With World War II in full swing, the 1940s also brought about a lot of change for women as women were told it was their patriotic duties to join the paid labor force and support the war efforts.  This decade led to war-time rationing, and the fashion of that decade also reflected those changes.  These color blocked bow heels give reference to 1940s fashion.

Necklace:  The Limited (old)
Clutch:  Target

Shoes:  eBay (Available here)
Bow earrings:  The Limited (Similar here)

Mixing fashion from two decades that brought such major change for women feels modern, fun, and just a little bit quirky!

Ring:  LOFT

Do you like wearing vintage or vintage-inspired fashion?  What fashion periods do you find inspiring?

For this tunic/dress in another look, see here

Leather and Lace

For today's look, I paired a black faux leather skirt with a lace and faux leather top.  

Blouse:  Forever 21+ (Available here)
Skirt:  The Limited (Available here)

I love wearing leather and lace - such a great mix of hard and soft.  

Shoes:  eBay (Available here)

Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)

Such a mix of fabrics could easily translate to a bad 80s combo, but the more modest and modern shapes of this outfit feel spot-on to me.

Clutch:  Target (Available in stores)

This look combines two of spring's major trends - graphic black and white and leather.

For more on the black and white trend for spring, see here and here.

For this skirt in another look, see here.
For this blouse in another look, see here.

Feelin' Lacy

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Today, I wore this great ivory lace top with faux leather Peter Pan collar for a sweet leather and lace look. 

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Lace blouse:  Forever 21+ (Available here)
Clutch:  Target (Available in stores)

Lace can definitely be acceptable at work, but it's important to make sure that you aren't exposing anything. A full coverage tank is a must, and bra straps must be covered.

I wore the ballet flats to work for comfort, but these bow heels would be great for after-dinner drinks or a girls-night-out.

Cardigan:  LOFT Petites (Similar here)
Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)
Ballet flats:  Target

Shoes: eBay (Available here)
Bracelets:   Target (old)
Moonstone earrings:  Purchased at local jewelry show

Would you wear lace to work?

See the pants styled differently here.