Get Your Motor Runnin'

Hope you all had a great day!

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

Maybe I'm craving a road trip because today's work look is loosely inspired by the road.  I started with a faux leather jacket perfect for riding the road on a motorcycle (it's actually quite warm even if not a proper "leather").

Jacket: The Limited (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (old)

Purse:  The Limited
Necklace:  Express

Then, very literally, I thought of the colors of the road and added a hematite grey necklace and traffic line yellow tank.

To make the look a little more work appropriate, I added high-waisted trousers and a basic work bag. 

Ring:  Local flea market

Snake bracelet:  Torrid (Available here)
Earrings:  The Limited

This outfit could easily transition from day to night by swapping out the tote for a more fun bag like this or this.

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

Business Casual

Happy Wednesday!!!

This morning was another morning filled with scrambling to find something to wear.  I really hate those mornings where I'm staring at a closet full of clothes feeling like I have nothing to wear!  Does that happen to you ?

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

I decided to mix classic work trousers and a bow-front blouse with my quilted faux leather jacket.  I like this take on business casual - it doesn't feel too stuffy and formal but still looks professional.

I've also been loving mixing primary colors lately, so I added earrings with yellow stones and a red tote.

Blouse:  The Limited
Tote:  The Limited

Earrings:  The Liming
Zodiac ring:  H&M
Shoes:  Target (old)

Do you have a work dress code?  How do you infuse your personal style and tastes into your work wardrobe?

To see this blouse styled differently, see here and here.
For this jacket in other looks, see here,  here, and here.

Style and Comfort

Hi everyone!  Hope you all had a great day. 

Today, I paired my painterly tunic (I love this print!) with leggings and a faux leather jacket.  This look is perfect for running errands, shopping, or even drinks. 

Tunic:  Target (Available here)
Jacket:  The Limited (No longer available, see here)

I love how comfortable this look is but that it is so much more put together than sweats.

Satchel:  Target (Available here)
Ring:  Purchased at local jewelry show

Leggings:  Wal-mart (Similar here)
Boots:  Target (Available here)

Do you have any go-to looks when you want to be stylish but super comfortable?

To see this tunic in other looks, see here and here.
To see this jacket in other looks, see here and 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!!!

Romantic with an Edge

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Today, I chose my ivory chiffon colorblocked dress and paired it with my faux leather jacket.

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

I love the hard and soft mix of the fabrics.  Maximizing your wardrobe by transitioning pieces, like this flowy chiffon summer dress, into cooler weather is a great way to get more bang for your buck with your wardrobe.  The fabric and style of this dress is the easiest for transitioning into colder months, in my opinion.

The small fishnet knit of these tights and Swiss dot pattern adds visual interest, but is still subtle enough to not overpower the entire look.

Tights:  Target (Similar here)
Boots:  Payless

The ankle boots and romantic silver locket finish the hard and soft balance of today's look.  The red tote adds a bright pop of color.

Tote:  The Limited (Available here)
Locket:  Target (old)

How do you transition summer pieces into fall and winter?

For more on fall's leather trend, see here. 
For more on fall's black and white trend, see here. 
For this dress worn differently, see here.

Black is the New Black

Some people may find an all-black look boring.  While I love color, I love mixing textures and shapes of black pieces to create all-black looks that are interesting and flattering.  I love how all-black looks can go from edgy to romantic to classic to gothic depending on how you style them.

Just this week,  I've worn three black outfits:

Monday's three-piece suit look was classic, but quirky and masculine.
Tuesday's Chanel-inspired look was classic modern with a touch of romance.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Dress:   New York & Company (Similar here) (Styled differently here)

Today's all-black look is modern and edgy.  I paired my new black quilted faux leather jacket with my black peplum dress.

Shoes:  Target
Earrings:  Target

A black bag and silver earrings complete the simple look.

Purse:  The Limited

For more on the peplum trend, see here.
For more on the leather trend (and my views on real leather), see here.

How do you like to rock all-black looks?

September Wish List

So, due to too many recent shopping binges, I've decided to put myself on a bit of a shopping diet.

For now, I'm budgeting myself a modest $150 a month for new clothing, shoes, and accessories purchases, including alterations.

Here's what's on my September wish list.  I never shop without coupons, rewards, sales, etc., so I'm hoping that I can score all of these items and stay within budget! 

PONTE KNIT DRESS
I love the comfort and substantial-ness of ponte knit (also tends not to wrinkle too much).  This dress comes in a ton of great fall colors and has pockets (which I LOVE).  Just have to decide between the gold and the orange. :-)

Target knit dress

FAUX LEATHER PENCIL SKIRT
I can't decide right now whether I want this burgundy faux leather skirt or a black faux leather/ponte knit rendition that will be available in stores on September 6th. 

The Limited faux leather pencil skirt

FAUX LEATHER JACKET/BLAZER The number one item on my fall shopping list has to be a faux leather blazer or jacket.  It's a basic item, in my opinion, but I have yet to find one that I absolutely love.  I have my eye on a few from The Limited that are supposed to debut later this month.  The blazer featured has cool faux leather trim, but I want one with more faux leather detail.

FYI:  The Limited is currently having a suit promotion - free pant or skirt with purchase of any jacket

The Limited faux leather trim blazer

FAUX LEATHER TRIM PANTS
I love the faux leather trim on these pants.  They aren't available yet, but since they are already being featured on The Limited's web site, I think (hope) they will be available soon.  FYI:  The Limited offers free pants hemming for Couture cardholders, so this is one alteration, I won't have to factor into my budget.  :-)

The Limited pants

HUNTER GREEN
My favorite color is green, and I'm totally feeling this darker shade for fall.  Not sure if this sweater is what I'll be opting for, but I'm definitely looking for a staple piece in this color.

New York & Co. 3/4 sleeve cardigan

FUN PRINT TIGHTS
I purchase a pair of these lattice design tights every year.  They are fairly durable, and I love the design.  How cute are the houndstooth print tights?  So much more fun that plain black hosiery.

The Limited lattice tights

The Limited houndstooth tights

For more on the leather trend for fall (and my views on real leather), please see here.

What's on your September/fall wish list?  

Do you make a budget for clothing purchases?  If so, how do you determine your budget amount? 

What's your shopping style?  Do you splurge a few times a year, purchase weekly/monthly/etc.?

Fall 2012 Fashion Picks: (Faux) Leather

Hi everyone!  

I apologize for the lack of posts the last few days as I've been without adequate internet access.  

I'm on vacation, so this week, I will be blogging my picks out of the fall 2012 trends.

Leather (or faux leather) is everywhere for fall.  I am sooo coveting a cropped leather jacket. It's an edgier alternative to the black blazer but almost as versatile.

I'm on the fence about whether to buy a leather jacket or a vegan alternative.  As a friend to animals, I prefer animals wear their own skin.  I seldom buy real leather, and when I do, I usually opt for vintage or used pieces to be more animal and environmentally friendly. 

A major issue with finding a leather jacket is fit.  Jackets made of cotton, wool, or synthetic fabrics can generally be altered to fit.  Leather and faux leather is harder to alter, so finding a jacket that fits both a curvy and a petite frame has proven difficult, but my search is on!

Here's my picks for the leather look:

 Asos Curve leather biker jacket

Simply Be black and chocolate PU biker jacket

I was loving the look of this ponte knit and faux leather tee from The Limited.  While I love The Limited, this top did not live up to my hopes.  It had a boxy, unflattering fit and looked a little inexpensive.  If I can find something similar though, I'm on it!  Such an edgy but conservative addition to a work suit.

The Limited faux leather tee

The Limited has some other faux leather pieces coming out on September 6, including a pencil skirt and jacket.  I will definitely be checking them out!

I am seriously considering a vegan leather pencil skirt this fall.  Who doesn't love a skirt that lets you live out your inner bad girl self while at work in an office?  Or is that just me?  ;-D

Tinley Road vegan leather pencil skirt

Do you like the leather trend?  Do you wear real leather?