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.

One Year and Running Strong!

Wow!  Today marks the one-year anniversary of my blog!!

Skirt:  Handmade

On my blog's 1st birthday, I thought I'd celebrate with a special look that makes me feel like a bit of a cupcake!!

In the first year of writing, I've posted 250 blogs, learned a lot, and had so much fun sharing my love of fashion with you.


I'm so thankful to all of you who have supported my blog, and I'm excited to have "met" so many very awesome people over the last year!

I have some ideas and a few changes for my blog which I hope you will enjoy.  Details coming soon!

Top:  Forenza by The Limited

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

In celebration of my blog's 1st birthday, I'm offering my first giveaway.

One lucky winner will receive their very own tutu skirt!

I had my skirt hand-made by a local crafter, and you can get one made to fit you in the color or colors of your choice (maximum of 2 colors).

Here's how you enter: 

      1)  Leave a comment here on this blog post with the color or
           colors of your choice and a method of contacting you.

      2)  Like my Facebook page ("Style Cassentials") and leave a
           comment on the page with your color/colors of choice.

      3)  Share a link to this post on Facebook or Twitter and leave
           another comment here on the blog stating your method of 
           sharing.

Each method of entry will count as one entry with a possible number of three entries.

Last chance to enter is Thursday, August 1st at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Winner will be chosen at random, and the winner will be announced this Friday, August 2nd.

P.S. Tutu skirt not your style?  You can have one made for that special child in your life instead!

P.P.S.  These skirts are sheer - I am wearing a slip.

Please invite your friends to enter!  The more the merrier!!

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

Sorry...This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.  Another giveaway coming soon that's open for everybody!

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.

Ballerina Fantasies

I have always loved ballerina-inspired fashion.  For years, there wasn't a wrap sweater that I could resist.  I love the color palette of ballet clothes - soft mints and pinks mixed with blacks, greys, and ivories.

Tulle skirt:  Custom-made

Blazer:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

I've been obsessed with tulle skirts ever since Sex and the City.  I am in LOVE with the mint tulle dress and cream jacket Carrie wears in Paris during the final episode.  

Source:  Loyola Looks

Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)
Amethyst necklace:  Target

This skirt was custom-made for me, and I just love it!  I can't wait to style this skirt in a variety of ways.  I imagine it with cute flats and a chambray shirt (if I can ever find one that fits across the girls).  I also imagine wearing it very literally with a wrap sweater. 

Today, I dressed the look up with a cropped tuxedo blazer and stiletto lace-up heels.

Shoes:  Prabal Gurung for Target (No longer available; may be available)
Clutch:  Jason Wu for Target (Available on ebay here)

I'm taking a trip to New York soon, and I was planning on saving this look for my own Carrie moment, but I couldn't resist sharing it with you sooner!!

Ring:  Torrid
Bracelet:  The Limited

Bow earrings:  The Limited (Similar here)

Do you like tulle skirts or other ballet-inspired fashion?

Touch of Color

Hope you all had a great Hump Day!!

Cardigan:  LOFT Petites (Similar here)
Blouse:  Gap (old)

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

Today, I paired neutral pieces with green color blocked heels and a jade ring for a few pops of color.

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Bracelets:  Target, World Market

Purse:  The Limited (Sold out on-line)

Ring: Vintage (gift) (Similar here)
Earrings:  Express 

To see this blouse styled differently, see here.

Do you like adding small doses of color to neutral looks?

Work that Dress

Today, I chose my black dress and ivory tie-waist blazer.

Dress:  Target (Similar here)
Blazer: The Limited (old)

Tights:  The Limited
Boots:  Payless

Something about this outfit makes me feel very powerful, like I could take on the world.  To me, it's the perfect look for a board meeting, an office presentation, or for any event in which you'd like to project confidence and competence.

It's easy in its color palette and fit, which gives it a sophisticated edge.

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

Jade ring:  Vintage (gift) (Similar here)
Bracelet:  Vintage (gift) (Similar here)

The howlite beaded collar necklace looks a little bit like bones or animal teeth, adding a bit of fierceness to the look.

The printed tights add a little bit of a personal touch.

This is my version of power dressing!

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

Soft and easy

Lately, my main priority in fashion has been comfort.  I don't know if it's the onset of cold weather, daily stressors, or something else, but I find myself with a strong desire to wear sweats to work everyday.

Blazer:  New York & Company
Blouse:  LOFT (No longer available on-line, see top here)
Silver locket:  Target (Similar here)

Since I can't do that, my second choice has been to choose easy, flowy pieces.  Today, I opted for my ivory chiffon babydoll top (quickly becoming a new favorite) and paired it with a light pink blazer and grey pants for a soft and feminine work look.

I love a pastel color palette like this during winter.  Mint, light pink, and soft blues mixed with ivory, grey, or taupe reflect both the iciness of the season but also a desire for softness in contrast to the harshness of winter.

Pants:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)
Heels:  Target (old)
Rondell crystal necklace:  The Limited

Purse:  Target (Available here)
Handcuff bangles:  The Limited (no longer available)

Do you favor certain colors or color combinations during winter?

See this blouse in other looks here and here.   
See this blazer style differently here, here, and here.

Hey there, babydoll!

Happy Friday, everyone!

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

I've been sick all week, and this morning, I felt very fatigued. I wanted a comfortable outfit for work that would help get me through the day.

Flats:  Target (Still available in select stores)
Cardigan:  Converse One Star by Target (Available here)

I don't opt for flats as often as I should (we all know how bad heels are for us, right?), but I was so excited to wear my new green ballet flats, which I got for a steal for $6 at Target.  I had eyed them late this summer, but passed them up.  When I saw them again on clearance, I knew I had to have them.  They are my favorite shade of green.

Paired with black slim-cut pants, I feel a little Parisian.  The ivory baby-doll top is a little voluminous, but the cardigan helps temper some of the volume.  I love the tie-back neckline of the blouse.

Ring:  H&M
Earrings:  The Limited

Fun accessories, like my purse necklace and "evil eye" ring finish the look.

Necklace:  Vintage Judith Leiber (Similar here)

Hope you all had a great day!  Happy Weekend!

Purse:  Express (Available here)

I Vote for Sequins, Velvet, and Tweed

Hi everyone!  Hope everyone got out and voted today!

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

Today, I selected my new velvet pants (see here) with my black bow-front blouse and this lovely tweed jacket.  I love the silver threads mixed sewn through the blazer and the unexpected silver sequin detail on the shoulders.  I also love the mix of textures and fabrics.

Blouse:  Old Navy
Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

My outfit today is very reminiscent of another recent outfit (see here).  I'm loving fun skinny black pants (tuxedo stripes, velvet, etc.) mixed with modern-looking tweed jackets.

I'm hunting for a light pink or mint top to wear with this jacket.  I love winter white mixed with pastels in the winter time.  

Bracelet:  The Limited (old)

Today, I kept the overall look neutral in black and ivory with just a subtle pop of color with the burgundy shoe.  I added a two-tone chain bracelet and a bow ring for a little feminine charm.

Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Do you like mixing textures in your clothing?

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?