Style Uniform

I have a style uniform - skinny pants, flowy top, blazer - usually in black and cream/beige.

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

I knew I wore this style a lot, but when I wore this outfit, I realized just how much I like this look!!

Jacket:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target (old)

I ran across these similar  looks that I've worn previously:

Quick Picks

Touch of Color

Sequins, Velvet, & Tweed

At ease

Circles and Lines

Hey There Babydoll

When keeping a color palette so simple, mixing textures, patterns, and interesting shapes keep the look feeling fresh.

For example, this top has a great graphic print and cool cutout detailing on the neckline.

Jade ring:  Gift - vintage (Similar here)
Hourglass necklace:  Claire's (Available here)
Purse:  The Limited (Available at Eloquii here)

Do you have a style uniform?

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.

At ease!

Happy Friday!!

For today's casual Friday, I paired a striped tee with this comfy knit military-inspired jacket.

Jacket:  Forenza by The Limited (old)
Tee:  The Limited (Available here)
Satchel:  The Limited (Available here)

I didn't realize until this evening that the stripes on the tee were actually navy rather than black, but I don't mind it with the black pieces and think it will work with both black and navy pieces.

Pants:  The Limited (No longer available on-line, see them here)

Shoes:  Target (Similar here)
Jade ring:  Gift

Military-inspired looks were all over fall's runways (See more here).  To maintain the military theme of the jacket and sailor tee, I added some cute anchor earrings.

Earrings:  Gift (Similar: here)

Stripes never really go out of style, but they are having a major moment this spring.  I can't wait to mix this top with bright colors and even some fun prints.

Oscar de la Renta spring 2013, Source:  Marie Claire

Dolce & Gabanna Spring 2013, Source:  Harper's Bazaar

For on fall's black and white trend, see here.

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!!

Fashion Repeat

Hey everyone!

I'm back after a short hiatus!  I had a major family emergency, which made fashion seem rather unimportant.  As much as I love clothing and having fun with style, I was reminded this week how important it is to put things like fashion into perspective.

Today, I opted for familiar favorites.  This blog is all about real-world style - which means that clothing gets repeated, sometimes often.  

Writing this blog has created a little self-induced pressure to continually come up with new ideas and new looks, but the reality is that most of us have certain looks that we like to wear over and over.  Those are great outfits for those frantic mornings and "I have nothing to wear" days!

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Blouse:  Old Navy

I love my tuxedo blazer, but I struggle with creative new ways to style it.  The champagne color can be difficult to mix with other colors, so I usually opt for pieces in black and champagne to pair it with.

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

I added green pumps and my jade ring to add in a bit of color.  I liked the green color with champagne which makes me think that I should add a blouse or dress in that shade to my shopping list.

Purse:  Express (Sold out online, see here)
Ring:  Vintage (gift)
Earrings:  The Limited (Similar here)

Do you make shopping lists based off what you already have in your wardrobe, or do you shop more on impulse?

Chiffon and Lace and Bows...Oh My!

Hi everyone!

I love pairing looks around accessories.  Sometimes, I'll pick out a necklace or other accessory and plan my outfit around it.  Today, I planned my outfit around these "love" tights.

Tights:  The Limited (Available here)
Belt:  The Limited (Available here)
Boots:  Payless

Yes, it's still a little too hot for tights, but I am READY for fall!  :-)
When you are on a budget, fun and trendy accessories and hosiery can be a wallet-friendly way of updating and transitioning your look.

Dress:  The Limited (Available here)
Leather Tote:  The Limited (Similar:  here)

I purchased this dress over the summer.  It is lightweight and flowy, making it perfect for the hot summer months, but by adding tights and boots, it becomes fall-appropriate.  Using accessories like these fun tights to transition and update your wardrobe is a great way of expanding your clothing possibilities without having to add new items to your closet.

Jade ring:  Vintage (gift)
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar:  here)

This look is ultra-feminine (bows, lace, chiffon, and love), but the color palette and boots toughens the look up enough to keep it from being too girly. 

Honestly, I think I would have preferred this look with some heels rather than these particular boots.  I would definitely wear these boots with this dress again, but with opaque black tights.  Live and learn.  :-)

Do you use accessories and shoes to transition your wardrobe for year-round wear?

Suited up

While I don't always think "high fashion" when I think of a suit, a great fitting suit always feel sharp and sophisticated.  My workplace has a business casual dress code, so I don't have to wear suits, but I often do.  Frigid summertime air conditioning necessitates a top layer, and I tend to think dress pants and cardigans can be a little too conservative and boring if not paired to perfection.

Suit:  The Limited Black Collection (Similar blazer:  http://www.thelimited.com/Black-Collection-Essential-Jacket/2515593,default,pd.html?dwvar_2515593_colorCode=144&start=1&ppid=c1&cgid=suits&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Black; Similar pants:  http://www.thelimited.com/Drew-Black-Collection-Pant/6623054,default,pd.html?dwvar_6623054_colorCode=144)
Leather tote:  The Limited (Similar:  http://www.lordandtaylor.com/newbury-black-leather-tote-bag-9.shtml)

Why I love suits:
1.  The structure and strong shoulders of a blazer accentuate curves, help disguise belly bulge, and helps balance shoulders and hips.
2.  The monochrome of the matching pants and jacket is lengthening and slimming.
3.  Suits are surprisingly versatile - Change your top and accessories and your look goes from preppy to elegant to sexy.
4.  Suits can be broken up, leading to infinite wardrobe possibilities.  Wear the blazer with jeans, shorts, skirts, or dresses. Wear the pants or skirt with different color blazers, cardigans, dressy tops, a jean jacket, etc.

I love sequins!  This top has clear sequins for a subtle sheen that works for work.

Top:  The Limited

Vintage jade and gold bracelet:  Gift  (Similar:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Chinese-Carved-Jade-Jadeite-14K-Gold-Wash-Silver-Bracelet-/160853407840?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item25739c3860 )

Earrings:  Target (Available: In stores)

Do you wear suits?  How do you make a suit "you"?