Getting to Know You

Hope you all have been having a great week!

Today's outfit is actually a work look from this summer, but I haven't gotten around to posting it until now.  A soft neutral outfit like this is perfect year-round, and I especially love camel in the fall.

Blazer:  The Limited
Blouse:  LOFT Petites (Similar here)

One of the reasons I haven't posted this look until now is that it really isn't my style.  I like the color combination and the tie-waist blazer is flattering to curves, but the overall look just isn't "me."    The outfit feels very grown-up and professional (like how I think I'm really supposed to dress for work), but I spent the whole day feeling out-of-sorts - kind of like I was in someone else's skin. 

For me, it was a sartorial off-day, but I post it here as outfit inspiration for those of you who prefer a more classic style. 

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

I've recently done a major closet overhaul, moving a lot of clothing to the sale or charity pile.  This blouse did not make the cut.  The jacket is on the chopping block due to a few fit issues (I had the jacket altered a few years ago, and I'm debating the benefit of more tweaks vs. a new ivory blazer).

I'm learning to hone in on my style more.  I used to think that I needed to have a lot of variety of colors and cuts in my wardrobe.  I also got in a habit of purchasing styles or colors that I used to like out of habit, not paying attention to the fact that my fashion tastes and desires had changed over time. 

Bracelet:  The Limited (Available in black here)

I would feel compelled to wear pieces I didn't love simply because I thought I "needed" a lace shirt or brown pants to make my wardrobe complete.  Often times, clothes would sit in my closet after a few wears until I forced myself to wear them (such is the case with today's outfit). 

As I've gotten older, some styles and colors that I used to love now seem aging or stale.  I love fashion, and I'm open to most new styles and trends that coming along, but I'm also learning that liking a particular style doesn't mean it's right for me . 

Over the last few months, I've thought a lot about what I like to wear and have been working to better define my personal style.  I've been working on creating a smaller, more edited closet that balances my aesthetic and lifestyle.  While this will likely mean less variety in my wardrobe, it also means fewer "off" days.  I'll always be up for experimenting with new trends, but I'm learning to take into better account what trends work best with what's already in my closet and with my personal style.  When I find a trend I like, I'm learning to be more patient and wait to find the right style rather than snapping up the first item I find.

For example,  I really loved last spring's dramatic ruffle trend.  Unfortunately, I chose a blouse with less drama and more ruffles - I settled, and I quickly regretted it.  I recently found this blouse from New York & Company which is what I was looking for all along. 

Earrings:  World Market (old)
Shoes:  Target

As my wardrobe becomes less diverse in some ways, I'm looking for more interesting details, like colorblocking, mixed media, zippers, etc. that help make each piece feel unique.

Bag:  ??? (old)

Do you like to wear a lot of colors and styles, or do you tend to opt for the familiar when you shop?  Do you prefer having a small wardrobe of clothes you love or a large wardrobe of diverse pieces?

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

Fall Color Week: Orange Crush

Fall Color Week continues today with orange!

Dress:  LOFT Petites (Similar here and here)

Orange is probably the first color I think about when I think of fall.  Whether pumpkins or the changing leaves, autumn is ablaze with the color orange.

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

Belt:  Torrid (Available here)

Here, I took a dress I purchased over the summer and gave it a fall make-over with a camel blazer and leopard print heels.  

This is one instance where I would have preferred a cardigan.  A camel cardigan would have created a softer combination, making it ideal for dressier Thanksgiving festivities.

Shoes:  Target (Similar here)

It wasn't that cold here today, but tights could easily be added to this outfit to stay warm.

Clutch:  Target (old)

I don't wear much orange, but whenever I do, I usually think I should wear it more often.  It's such a warm and inviting color.

Do you like wearing orange?

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

Blue and Burgundy

Today's look pairs blue and burgundy.  I love that this is a somewhat unexpected color combination but that it really works.  Since burgundy is such a deep, rich shade of red, it can really function as a neutral and work with many different colors.

Jacket:  The Limited (No longer available; see here)
Skirt:  The Limited (Similar here)

I would definitely wear this look to work.  The faux leather and studs add a little edge to the outfit, but the shapes and fit of the pieces and overall feel of the look are very work-appropriate.

Shell:  The Limited (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Clutch:  The Limited

Earrings:  Express (Available here)
Bracelet:  Target
"Evil eye" ring:  H&M

Would you mix burgundy and blue? 

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

One Top, Two Looks

Today, I feature two evening looks featuring the same burgundy chiffon blouse.  I love the tunic length and handkerchief hem of this top!

Blouse:  Converse One Star for Target (No longer available)
Skirt:  The Limited (No longer available; Similar here)
Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)

For the first look, I went monochrome with a burgundy faux leather skirt and burgundy heels. 

I wouldn't normally wear such a long flowy top over a pencil skirt, but I think it works due to the colors and fabric mix.  The only thing I would change is to swap out the black cami for a burgundy one to complete the monochrome look.

Necklace:  The Limited
Cuff:  New York & Company
Clutch:  The Limited

I think this is a perfect going-out outfit for early fall.  When the weather is still warm, but I'm itching for fall fashion, the burgundy color would give me a fall fashion fix.  :-)

In the second look, I paired the top with black skinny tuxedo pants and faux leather jacket with burgundy heels for a more winter-appropriate look.  

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Jacket:  The Limited (Available in ivory here)

Pewter accessories and a fun printed box clutch complete the look.

Necklace:  Express (old)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Clutch:  Target (Available in stores)
Ring:  Purchased at flea market

What do you like to wear for the evening?

Like me on Facebook and upload pics of your favorite going-out looks!

To see this blouse styled differently, see here.

For the faux leather jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, and  here.

Complementary Colors

Today, my look is inspired by a small fashion spread in the recent issue of one of my many fashion magazines (though for the life of me, I couldn't find the article again).  The spread showed burgundy mixed with forest green in looks that I found very fresh. 

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

Purse:  The Limited (old)
Boots:  Payless (old) (Similar here)

I was planning on wearing this before Christmas, but my bout with the flu kept that from happening.  Burgundy mixed with forest green is a slightly unexpected take on the traditional Christmas color combination.  

Necklace:  New York & Company

Tights:  Target (Similar here)

Thankfully, this outfit still works after Christmas because the look isn't "themed" and burgundy and forest are complementary shades that work well in fall and winter.    

Would you wear red and green together?

See this blazer styled differently here and here.
For more on the burgundy trend, see here.

Happy New Year!!!!

Hi everyone, and Happy New Year!!!!

Today, I went out with the family for a casual Italian dinner.  This is what I wore:

Tunic:  Converse One Star for Target (Available in black here)
Blazer:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Leggings:  Wal-Mart (Similar here)
Cashmere scarf:  The Limited (old)

I originally got this flowy burgundy tunic top with the intent of wearing it out on a date with the man.  I decided to take it a more casual direction by pairing it with leggings, motorcycle boots, and a light pink scarf.  The boots were needed for the recent snow, but I also like how the boots give the look a slightly tougher look (see more on the leather trend here).

Burgundy has been the "it" color this past fall (see more here), and I love the mix of burgundy and soft blush pink.  The softness of the pink and flowiness of the top helps offset the dark color palette of the overall look.

Mother-of-Pearl Ring:  Purchased at local jewelry show
Bracelet:  The Limited (old)

Purse:  The Limited (old)
Boots: Target (Similar here)

How have you spent your first day of 2013?  Hope you're off to a great start!!!

Cashmere Cozy

Happy Sunday everyone!

Today, I paired my black skinny pants with a purple cotton/cashmere blend sweater for a comfortable and cozy outfit.  I like that the outfit is basic but refined. 

Sweater:  The Limited (Available here)
Earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Clutch:  Jason Wu for Target

The fit of this sweater is loose without being too baggy and a little longer than other similar sweaters, making it an ideal pairing for dress pants, jeans, leggings, skirts, and more.

V-necks are super flattering for most everybody.  They help elongate the neck and are great for women with larger busts and/or rounder faces.

I added burgundy pumps and green accessories for a few pops of fall color.

Heels:  Target (Available here)
Necklace:  Forever 21
Jade ring:  Vintage (gift)

Hope you all had a great weekend!!

Pajama Party

Today's outfit reminds of classic men's pajamas.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Blazer: The Limited (Available here)

I think of old velvet robes and printed silk button-down pajama tops.  I love the relaxed vibe of the look, but that it was still also put together enough for work.

Blouse:  New York & Company
Purse:  The Limited

I can't wait to style these velvet pants for the holidays.  I'm thinking that a sparkly top or sweater will be the perfect accompaniment for the festivities.

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Necklace:  Gift (old)

A note on fit:  I had these pants hemmed, but unfortunately, I didn't get them hemmed short enough.  When pants are too long, not only do they look a little sloppy and unkempt (and could ruin the bottom of your pants), they can make short legs look even shorter, which I think they are doing here.  Nothing a quick trip back to the tailor can't fix!!!

For more on getting the right fit, see here.
For this blazer in another look, see here.

Autumn Color Story

Today, I was inspired by the gorgeous colors of fall.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Blazer:  New York & Company (Available here)

I chose my camel trousers, added a bright orange sweater, and dark green blazer.  This look is a little preppier than I usually go for, but I do love how this has an almost 1970s collegiate ease about it (think Ali McGraw in "Love Story").  

Sweater:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tank:  Target (Similar here)

I kept the accessories neutral and coordinating in cognac. 

Shoes:  Target (old)
Bag:  The Limited (old)

Do you get fashion inspiration from nature?

Falling for Camel

One of my favorite autumnal color palettes is camel and ivory.  It's sophisticated and rich looking, but what I love most is the softness of the two colors together.  In a season of burgundy, navy, and forest green, camel and ivory are fall's pastels.

Camel pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Purse:  The Limited

So, today, I paired camel pants that I recently purchased with ivory favorites - a sequined blouson-style top and blazer.

Blazer:  The Limited
Ring:  H&M (Available in stores)

See the ivory blazer worn differently here and here. 

Blouse:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target

The orange bag adds a pop of fall color.

What is your favorite fall color combination?  What colors do you like to wear with camel?
 

Fashion by Bob Ross: Fall Color Inspiration

Happy Friday!!

Purse:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target

Today, I was very inspired by fall colors.  I have always loved watching Bob Ross do his amazing artwork on "The Joy of Painting", and I especially love the autumnal nature scenes that he painted.

Bob Ross fall painting

Bob Ross "Evergreens at Sunset"

The mix of browns, yellows, oranges, reds, and greens is just so lovely!
So with all these gorgeous fall colors in mind, I paired my cognac coated denim with a silky citrine blouse, chocolate brown blazer, and orange bag.

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

I got these jeans around the same time as my black ones, but I've had more trouble deciding what to wear with them.  I don't have a lot of browns and warmer colors in my wardrobe, but I was drawn to these pants and their possibilities.

I'd like to find a sweater or blazer that works better with the cognac than this deep brown, but sometimes you have to work with what you have.

Ring:  The Icing

I added this cool snake ring and burgundy nails for one more pop of fall color.

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here) (Styled differently here)

Happy Fall.  Enjoy all the "happy little trees"!!  ;-)