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!!!

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/.

Snakes on a Date

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Blazer:  New York & Company (Available here) (See blazer styled differently here)
Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)

Today's look is actually from last weekend.  The man and I had a rare movie night.  

We saw "Pitch Perfect" which was great.  I love fun and interesting female characters!

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

Since we weren't going anywhere formal, I kept the look simple with jeans a silky top.

Clutch:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

I LOVE snake jewelry, and I mixed my fun snake ring with a colorful python clutch.  

There's something so sensual and subtly sexy about a snake crawling around your fingers that makes a ring like this perfect for a date.

Ring:  The Icing (Available in stores)

 What do you like to wear on casual dates?