Stripes Week: Crochet Flowers

Happy Friday, everyone!

Today, I end Stripes Week with another work outfit, and I figured why not wrap it up with more black and white!

I like that the stripes on this top aren't literal but created out of the pattern of the crochet flowers.

Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites
Jacket:  LOFT Petites (Available in regular sizes here)
Tote:  New York & Company

The textured detail of the top adds visual interest to this outfit, and the blue pants add just enough color.

Pants:  The Limited (Available in other colors here)
Heels:  Target (old)

Sorry for only two pics - I have had a squinty-eyed smile ALWAYS, and my eyes were closed in EVERY other picture.  ;-D

Hope you enjoyed Stripes Week!

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

P.S.  Check out this awesome young lady from my hometown!  Link to her Facebook page here.  Trendy juniors clothier Wet Seal has developed a plus size line, and Karrie recently caught their attention.  Her dreams of becoming a model are about to come true!  Kudos to Wet Seal for appreciating diverse beauty.  Karrie is so awesome and determined - a true inspiration!

Second Time's a Charm

Hope you're all having a great Saturday!

Today, I styled my ivory lace dress with a black jacket and wedge sandals.

Dress:  LOFT (Available here)
Jacket:  LOFT Petites (Available in average sizes here)

Shoes:  Target (Similar here)

I added in a few pops of color with the jade ring and yellow bag.  I really like how the bag, bangles, and shoes help tie the ivory and black together to create a more cohesive look.

Purse:  Target (Available here)

The first time I wore this dress, I added a green jacket and yellow sandals (see here).  I liked the color combo but wasn't fond of the overall look. 

Bracelets:  Target, Express, The Limited
Jade ring:  Vintage (Similar here)

I think this outfit works much better!

Lacy Day

Dress:  LOFT Petites (Available here)
Blazer: LOFT Petites (Available here)

Hope you're all having a great weekend!

Today's outfit was a recent work look.  I really love this dress.  It's lace with crochet bib-front detail. 

Lately, I have been all about interesting textures and fabric details.  I tend to wear a lot of neutrals, so cool fabrications help keep the pieces from being boring.

As much as I love this dress, this is an overall look that I felt was just an "almost." 

The yellow sandals weren't my favorite with this look.  I didn't think I had any shoes that I would like with this outfit, but later I remembered that I had some canvas wedge espadrilles that would have been perfect.  Next time I wear this dress, I'll remember!

Also, my peach lip color was a little too light for my skin tone, but I love the look of a more nude lip with a smoky eye.  I'll have to do some more experimenting to get the right nude.

Seeing my looks in photographs helps me assess overall styling.  If you're on the fence about whether an outfit or overall look is working, taking a few quick photographs of yourself is definitely a styling tip that I would recommend.

For this jacket in another look, see here.

Soft Separates

Today's look features a spring-ready work look.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)

I paired navy trousers with a mint crochet top and ivory herringbone blazer.  

Blazer:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

I love the softness of the colors of the top and jacket and the crisp contrast with the navy.  Mint is one of my favorite colors and paired with ivory, reminds me of the beach for some reason.

Earrings:  Hand-made

.The crochet and herringbone print add visual interest, but the overall shapes and cuts of this these pieces are very office-appropriate.

Ring:  Purchased at local jewelry show
Tote:  Target (old)

Do you like mint green?  What is your work dress code?
 
For this top in another look, see here.
To see this blazer styled differently, see here and here.
To see these pants in other looks, see here, here and here.

Spring To It

Today, I bring you a professional spring work look.

Skirt: The Limited (Similar here)
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

I paired a green pencil skirt with a white top and jacket.  To add some visual interest, I added this floral scarf.

Top:  Torrid (old)
Scarf:  The Limited (No longer available on-line; see here)
Bracelets:  Express, Target

This outfit is quite conservative, more conservative than I usually go for.  I like it though because it feels so fresh and springy with the combination of green and white.  It's a great way to bring a little of the joy of spring into the office.

Shoes:  Target (Available in other colors here)
Purse:  The Limited (Similar here)

Hope you all have a great day!!

For this skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.
For this top in another look, 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.

Sweet and Salty

Happy Thursday!

I'm obsessed with faux leather this fall.  These pants are my first September wish list purchase.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Top:  Torrid
Tote:  The Limited

The leather tuxedo stripe is cool, and I like that the pants are slim fit but not super skinny.

I paired these pants with a comfy crochet and sequin tank from summer and my pale pink blazer.

To bring the look together, I added a skull scarf.  The scarf is a total knock-off of Alexander McQueen's famous skull print scarf; however, unlike the hefty price tag of the McQueen scarf, I acquired this scarf for next to nothing.  

While I love a fabulous accessory and will occasionally splurge for a piece I love, I prefer inexpensive accessories to vary and update my wardrobe each season.

Zodiac rings:  H&M
Bracelet:  The Limited

I love how the faux leather and skulls add a salty touch to the sweet crochet of the top and pink of the blazer.

Blazer:  New York & Company (Available in black online here)
Scarf:  eBay (Available here)

To keep the look more professional at work, I used the scarf as a purse accessory rather than as a focal piece of the outfit.  

For evening, I could easily throw on the scarf to toughen (and warm) up the look.

Clutch:  Target (old)
Shoes:  Target (old)

The faux leather details and slim fit of the pants make these an easy day-to-night piece.  Switching out the work tote for a clutch and rocking the scarf, I'd wear this outfit to dinner, for drinks, or even a first date (if I were single, of course).