Ode to the Black Suit

I know that most people don't find suits very fashionable or comfortable, but I love them...especially when they are fitted and come in black like this one here.

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

Blouse:  New York & Company

Mixed with a houndstooth bow blouse and pumps, the suit is classic but has a chicness to it.

Heels:  Target
Purse:  New York & Company

Ring:  Earthbound Trading Co.

I always love adding an edgy touch or two to my work looks.  Here, I added a silver knuckle ring for a simple but bold statement.  A black suit offers virtually limitless fashion possibilities.

Earrings:  Target

A few of my favorite black suit looks from the blog archives:

Tuxedo Redux

Suited Up

The Dark Side of the Sun

Neutral Sophistication

Channeling Chanel

Gaga for Lady Gaga

Graphic Flow

Do you like black suits?

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

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Classic Prints

I have noticed over the last several seasons that the trends tend to be getting more classic and wearable.  In fact, a lot of the fall trends seem to simply be repeats of last fall.

On one hand, it's disappointing to not see more new, creative ideas being offered.  On the other hand, being on-trend is becoming easier and less wasteful.

Blazer:  The Limited

This fall, classic prints were all over runways.  Houndstooth plaid was probably the iconic print of fall 2013 (see a recent look here), but leopard print was a close second.  

Billy Reid Fall 2013 Houndstooth Look
Source:  Harpersbazaar.com

Peter Som Fall 2013 look
Source:  Vogue.com

While naturally colored leopard prints will always be a popular classic, this fall, leopard prints in bold and bright colors felt new.

DKNY Fall 2013 look
Source:  Glamour.com

Shell:  The Limited (Available here)

Satchel:  Express

I wore this silky leopard print tank recently with neutral basics for a polished and sophisticated work look.

Shoes:  Target
Necklace:  Target

The weather in St. Louis has been all over the place this summer.  Weeks of cool weather has made me more than ready for fall, but now it's back to sticky sweatiness.  I wore the outfit below to dinner last night with the family.  It has a fall feel but was still breezy enough to survive the heat.

This red leopard print scarf hits on the colored leopard print trend for fall 2013.  

It's always great when you can be trendy while shopping your closet for a piece that's two years old. :-)

Scarf:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)
Tank:  New York & Company
Earrings:  Target, The Limited

Skirt:  The Limited
Sandals:  Target
Purse:  Target (Similar here)

For the camel blazer in other looks, see here and here.
For the faux leather skirt in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Taste of Fall

Blouse:  New York & Company (Similar here and  here)
Blazer:  New York & Company Petites

I'm sooo ready for fall fashion, so lately, I've been incorporating more fall prints and colors into my clothing selections.

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

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Ring:  Earthbound Trading Company

The outfit blends a summery peachy pink with fall-ready houndstooth and burgundy heels for a fun and easy work look that has been perfect for the cool weather we have been having.

Earrings:  The Limited

Are you a fan of houndstooth print?

Stay tuned next week for the start of two full weeks of Fall 2013 Fashion Trends!

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

Happy Monday!

Mondays can be rough.  Returning to work after a weekend of leisure or hectic errands running, returning to our morning work schedules, etc. can be difficult.  Sometimes it's nice to wear a bright color to start the week off right.  

Peplum jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Pants:  The Limited (Sold out on-line)
Shoes:  Target (old)

Today, I paired some of my favorite black and white pieces from this fall with my new red peplum jacket.  Red, white, and black is one of my favorite color combinations. 

Purse:  Express (No longer available on-line) (Similar here)

The color red signifies confidence and power.  It's also just a really happy color!

Bracelets:  Express, Target, Claire's, The Limited
Ring: LOFT

To see more red, white, and black looks, click here, here, here, and here.

Do you have any favorite pieces to get you through the Monday blahs? 

Hope you all had a great Monday!!

The Yin and Yang of Dressing

Hi Everyone!!

Pants:  New York & Company Petites (Available here)
Blazer:  New York & Company (Available here)

As I have discussed previously, I love the look of women in well-fitting suits and traditional menswear fabrics and styles.  

As much as I like dresses, lace, and other "feminine" clothing, there's something about a woman in a tuxedo or suit that I find much more provocative.  

A woman's natural curves, no matter how slight, balance out the "masculine" presence of the suit creating a look that is ultra-powerful, in my opinion.  It's a look that feels complete in that it mixes the hard and soft, "masculine" and "feminine" - the entirety of each of us as human beings.

Today I was inspired by the Helmut Newton photograph, "Le Smoking."  

Le Smoking - Photo by Helmut Newton (1966)

My version adds some 2012 touches - faux leather details on blazer, burgundy patent leather pumps - while keeping the androgynous feel.

Blouse:  New York & Company (Sold out online; see here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Belt:  The Limited

See this great blog post for more discussion on the history and gender-bending impact of the women's suit and tuxedo:  http://monicadmurgia.com/tag/le-smoking/.

Casual Friday, 80s Flair

Happy Friday!!!!  

First, let me apologize for today's pics.  I can't seem to get the lighting right indoors.  :-(

On today's casual Friday, I went with my favorite skinny bootcut jeans and paired them with a houndstooth plaid top and light pink blazer.

Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  New York & Company (Sold out online, view here)

I like how the look is slightly 80s.  The pastel blazer, the pushed up sleeves, and the neck-tie on the blouse all channel the 80s without making me look like an extra from "Pretty in Pink."  

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

I love vintage, but it's very important to me that the any vintage or vintage-feel piece be worn in a modern way.  In my opinion, too much vintage can look a little costumey, which is great for Halloween but not every day wear. 

Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (old)
Bow ring:  The Limited (Sold out online, see here)

Do you like 80s fashion?  What 80s inspired or vintage pieces would you wear?

Bracelet:  The Limited (Sold out online, see here)

Graphic Design

Hi everyone!  Hope y'all had a great day!

Today, I paired my cobalt blue dress with a black blazer, boots, and the houndstooth tights from my September wish list.

Tote:  The Limited
Tights:  The Limited (Available here)

I'm excited to transition this dress into fall with on-trend blue and black. 

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

I added a thick black belt and silver and blue bracelets to complete the look.

Belt:  The Limited (Available in grey here)
Boots:  Payless

Blue and silver bangles:  Express
"Charm" bracelet:  Zoppini
Silver snake bangles:  The Limited

I love how graphic and fun these tights are.  Houndstooth plaid is such a classic print, but it feels bold and modern when woven into a pair of tights.

Do you like houndstooth plaid?

See cobalt dress styled differently here.
See black blazer styled differently here.

Coated Denim & Houndstooth

It's Friday people!!!!

I've been dying to try out my new coated denim.  Today, I decided to try these jeans in a casual Friday look that also functions as an easy day-to-night look.

Jeans:  Target (Available here)
Bag:  Express (Available here)

I love the look of leather, but due to personal beliefs, I choose not to wear it.  These vegan (and cheaper) alternatives are great because you get the nice lightweight feel of denim with the look of leather.  I did notice that during the day (after 8 hours in the office) the jeans started sagging in spots (as you can see in pics), but it didn't bother me too much.

Blouse:  New York & Company (Available in blue and black here)
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

Houndstooth plaid is a perennial fall favorite, and it is big for this fall.  I love this feminine blouse with the high-neck bow and peek-a-boo keyhole neckline.  Adding a blazer dresses the look up a bit for the workplace.

Cuff:  New York & Company (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

I added burgundy pumps for a pop of color and a little bit of extra shine.

With kids, I rarely go out after work, but I would definitely wear this look for a night out with the girls.  Take off the blazer and loosen the neckline, and the look is relaxed and subtly sexy.

Do you like the look of coated denim?

What do you like to wear to transition from day to night?  Check out my blogs next week for a series on day-to-night fashion!

More on the leather trend:  here
More on the burgundy trend:  here