Fashion Favorites: Red Pants 7 Ways

While black pants will always be my favorite, red pants make a fun and confident statement. 

Looking over the ways I've worn my red pants over the last year, I find that I usually pair them with other neutrals.  I opt for modern graphics and cat prints to complement the bold red.

Here are some of the ways I've worn my red pants over the last year:

Mod Squad

Go Bold, Go Casual

Put On Your Dancing Shoes

Going Bold in the Workplace

Urban Safari

Stripes Week:  Red-y for Work

12 Days of Holiday:  Cozy Days

Would you wear red pants, and how would you pair them?

For similar pants, see here and here.

Stop by for a Spell: Halloween, Part 1

Tonight, on this All Hallow's Eve, I'm bringing you two wicked looks.

Skirt:  Target Petites (Available here)
Shirt:  The Limited (No longer available, see here)

The outfit featured here is what I wore to work today.  Since I can't wear a costume to work, I celebrated during the day by wearing Halloween colors and adding in a few scary touches.

Tuxedo blazer:  Forever 21+
Boots:  Payless

Satchel:  The Limited

I had planned on wearing this outfit during St. Louis Fashion Week but never got around to it.  I am a firm believer that you can mix black and orange any time of the year (as I did here and here), not just on Halloween.  That said, this outfit is perfect for Halloween too!

Necklace:  The Limited

The proportions make this outfit a little less conservative and more trendy than I normally like to do at work, but I made a concession for the holiday.

Rings:  Torrid (Nail ring available here)

The skull and nail rings add a spooky touch without taking the look over the top.  The web necklace completes the subtle Halloween theme.

Bracelets:  The Limited (Available here and here)

Beware!!!!  Another scary look coming up soon!!

For this skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For this top in other looks, see here and here.
For this jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
For last year's Halloween outfit, see here.
For more on fall's midi-skirt trends, see here.

It's My Birthday, and I Can Wear What I Want To!!

So, today was a great day.  It was my birthday, and I was in a really good mood.

The weather was positively dreary though!  Grey, rainy, and chilly.

Dress:  Sophie Theallat for The Limited (Similar here)

Belt:  Torrid (Sold out on-line; May be available in stores)

The man and I were going out to dinner to celebrate my birthday, and I really wanted to wear this outfit.  The weather was not cooperating, but I decided to wear it anyway.

We went out for a nice Italian dinner, so what could be better than a dress that makes me feel like Sophia Loren?

Shoes:  Vera by Vera Wang (Kohl's - sold out on-line)

I like the juxtaposition of the ladylike dress with the moto jacket.  Some would say that these two pieces don't go, but this gal likes her sweet mixed with a little spice.  Leather and lace is a new classic in my book.

Clutch:  Target (old)

As I looked around the restaurant, all I saw were jeans and other casual clothes.  I suddenly felt a little overdressed, but I'd rather be a little overdressed for an occasion than under-dressed. 

After dinner, we picked up the kids from the grandparents and went to DQ to enjoy dessert as a family.  I was DEFINITELY overdressed for Dairy Queen, but as the man and kids loudly and embarrassingly sang me "Happy Birthday," my wardrobe choices hardly seemed to matter.  I felt special and silly and had fun with my family.  Also, the new pumpkin pie Blizzard...not too shabby.

Bow ring:  The Limited

Moto jacket:  The Limited

Who cares if this outfit was not exactly weather or event appropriate?

It's my birthday, and I can wear what I want!    :-D

For this moto jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.

P.S. I altered this dress to suit my needs.  The dress was too long, but hemming meant losing the pretty scallop hem detail.  I opted to have only the lining hemmed to keep the lace and to show more leg.  I love that the flash of skin at the hem echoes the neckline.  The shortened lining creates a longer leg line that I find more flattering for my petite frame.  I am all about making clothes work for my body and for my personal aesthetic.  Alterations are a great way to make that happen.   After all, we should ALL be able to wear what we want EVERY DAY!!

Cozy Day to Night

Happy Monday, everyone!

Hope you all had a great weekend.  I spent the past weekend getting some much needed R&R; 'twas a blissfully lazy time.  :-)

Sweater:  Target (Available here)

Camisole:  LOFT (Available here)
Belt:  Torrid (Sold out on-line; May be available in stores)

As pictured, today's look works well for evening, but this outfit is actually a tweak on a recent work look.  I wore this same outfit to work last week, but changed the accessories a bit to make the look more modest and conservative for work.  

For work, I paired the outfit with ankle booties and a classic work tote.  More importantly, I moved the belt down to the waist to create a blouson-y and less cleavage-y look.

Tuxedo stripe pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Clutch:  Target

Whether for work or play, this outfit is super comfortable, which is becoming more and more of a requisite in my book!

Cuff:  Express
Earrings:  Target

How important is comfort to you in choosing a look?

For this sweater in another look, see here.
For these pants in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Textured Neutrals

As I discussed in yesterday's outfit post, I gravitate towards neutrals in the fall and winter.

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)Camisole:  LOFT Petites (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)

I love today's look.  I mixed black, beige, and navy with touches of gold.  The mix of textures, trims, fabrics, and metal details on the jacket and pants makes the outfit feel both interesting and a little more luxe.

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

Boots:  Payless (old)
Necklace:  The Limited (Available in silver here)

Most importantly, this look is so comfortable!  These booties are my go-to in fall and winter for their comfort and easiness, but they are starting to show some definite signs of wear.  I'm worried I'm not going to be find boots this perfect any time soon!

Earrings:  The Limited
Rings:  Vintage and The Limited

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

For this military jacket in another look, see here. 
For this cami in another look, see here.
For these pants in another look, see here.

For more on the military trend, see here.

P.S. Sorry for the grainy photos the last few days - getting my camera to take good pics after dark (the only time I've had to take pics) is difficult!!

Black and White Cutouts

Hope you've all been having a great week!  It's Thursday, which means the weekend is soon, and I, for one, am ready!!!

Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)
Jacket:  LOFT Petites (Available in regular sizes here)

Today's look is a recent work outfit.  I love this top with the cool cutout detail along the yoke.  The varied lines in the cutouts are pretty bra-friendly too.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Heels:  Target (Available here)

I wore the outfit with black pumps and jacket for work.

Purse:  The Limited (old)
Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

The neon yellow pumps add a fun pop of color that would work week for after-hours.

Earrings:  The Limited
Cuff:  Express
Heels:  Target

For this blazer in other looks, see here,  here, and here.
For more on spring/summer's black and white trend, see here.

Wedged Between...

I can't decide how I feel about today's outfit.  I like each piece individually, but I'm not sure how well all of the pieces blend together as a cohesive look.

Skirt:  Torrid (old)
Blazer:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Maybe it's me, but the outfit seems a little disjointed?  The top and blazer say business, but the skirt and boots say casual.  The boots say fall, but the blouse and skirt in this particular outfit read a little more summer to me.

Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)

Boots:  Target (Similar here)
Clutch:  Target

Any one of these pieces could work in any season.  Any one of these pieces could go casual.  Somehow, together, the individual pieces seem a little mis-matched.  

Bracelets:  The Limited

What do you think?

For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For this skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For this blouse in other looks, see here, here, and here.

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!

Denim Week: Heart On My Sleeve

Today's denim look is a recent casual Friday work outfit. 

Jeans:  Torrid (Available here)
Blouse:  New York & Company (Available here)

I love the Stiletto Skinny Jeans from Torrid.  When I got my blue jeans (see here, here, and here), the store didn't carry different lengths.  Now, Torrid carries both 26" and 28" lengths in this style, so I was able to get these black ones in a better length.  The shorter length works much better for me!

If you're 5'3" or under, you will likely prefer the 26" length for more of a true ankle fit.

Cardigan:  Target (Available here)
Bracelets:  The Limited and H&M

I recently picked up this cardigan with faux leather heart elbow patches.  This is an early fall clothing purchase.  I start thinking about fall fashion when it's still sticky and humid out - probably because I'm longing for cooler weather. 

This summer has had some oddly cool, but delightful, weather, so I was super comfortable wearing this outfit - even in July!

I kept the look simple and neutral for work, but I think this cardigan will be cute with more faux leather touches when fall actually gets here.

Purse:  The Limited

Sandals:  Payless

Are you thinking about fall fashion yet?  Any trends on your radar for fall?

Skirt Week: Cabana Coral

Happy Thursday!

Skirt:  The Limited (Available here)
Tee:  The Limited (Available here)

Today's casual look makes me long for the beach.  It's perfect with a floppy hat for a cantina brunch or for sipping daquiris under a cabana.

I wish I had this outfit during my trip to the Cape, but this outfit works well as a casual summer outfit in the city as well!

Necklace:  The Limited (Sold out on-line; Similar here)

Bracelet:  The Limited (Available here)

The hooded sandals give the draped jersey skirt a little bit of an urban edge that made it perfect for a casual after-work dinner last night.

Sandals:  Target (old)

This skirt fits me longer than it was intended, but I liked the midi-length and decided not to have it altered.

This outfit is not the most flattering in the usual sense of the word. It accentuates my shortness, for example.  I'm okay with that!  There's plenty of tall people in the world - why not embrace petiteness?

See more discussion of the notion of "flattering" here.

What does "flattering" mean to you in regards to fashion?

Skirt Week: Drama Queen

Hi everyone!  Today kicks off Skirt Week, and I'm super excited about this first look.

Skirt: The Limited (Available here)
Clutch:  Jason Wu for Target (Available on eBay here)

Tank:  Torrid (Available here)

I fell in love with this skirt from The Limited the second I saw it and just knew I had to make it mine!  The mini with sheer overlay is a clever and sexy way to show off the legs while still having some coverage.

Shoes:  Target

I hear a lot of petites say that they can't wear maxi skirts because they are too long.  Well, this one was definitely too long, but hemming is generally one of the easiest and least expensive tailoring options.  At 4'9", I have virtually all of my pants and skirts hemmed, even petites sizes.

I had both layers of the skirt hemmed to get the right fit, and I couldn't be happier with the result.

Jade ring:  Vintage (Similar here)

I have some ideas for how to style this skirt for early fall, but after playing dress up for a bit, I came up with this dramatic summer evening look.

I love how these separates create the look of a dress. 

The bold beaded chainlink necklace adds to the drama and really works with this simple color palette and easy, flowy pieces.

Necklace:  Target

Do you like the trend of sheer maxi skirts layered over minis?

For this top in another look, see here.