Cassential Links, 10/22/13

This layered mixed print look is so sweet and cute but still manages to look grown-up!

While the relationship between food intake and body size vary for individual women somewhat, in general, the amount of food consumed by many actresses on TV and in movies is incongruous with their body shapes.  The media has worked to perpetuate a myth of the "eating actress"

Love Jennifer Lawrence for so many reasons, but I really appreciate that she is open about the insane standards placed on Hollywood actresses!

These brave women are speaking out to help break the stigma of sexual assault victims.

Cheryl manages to look both ultra sexy and ultra classy in this chic black dress!

Wondering if a Wonder Woman movie will EVER get made....

I always hated the term "nude" to refer to shades of beige and champagne.  While not an attainable shoe for many of us, it's nice to see that designers, like Christian Louboutin, are more cognizant of the racism in something as seemingly benign as color naming AND actually offering flesh-tone shoes for a larger variety of women.

I recently discovered Kiah and her wonderful blog, "From the Rez to the City."  Love Kiah's fierce style!

Melissa McCarthy's recent "Elle" cover sparks controversy for the continued censoring and differential treatment of those few plus-size celebs who get featured on mainstream fashion mags.  For the record, she reportedly picked the outfit she wore on the cover (and she looks gorg!)

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.

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?

Day-to-night Dress Up

Hi everyone,

Hope your weather is as lovely as ours has been here in the Midwest.  Today was gorgeous, and I celebrated this Wednesday with my favorite black dress made special with this awesome web necklace.

Dress:  Target (see styled here also)
Necklace:  The Limited (Available here)
Purse:  Express (Available here)

I love the artisan feel of this necklace and how well it works with the v-neck line of the dress.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

The blue jacket and navy pumps don't "match" but I like the color range mix from the medium blue jacket to the black of the dress.  Mixing blues and blacks is popular for fall, but I have been semi-obsessed with this color combination since late spring.

An LBD is a no-brainer for day-to-evening work wear.  A black sheath is completely appropriate for the workplace, and the fitted shape with cool jewelry make it perfect for a night out.

Clutch:  Jason Wu for Target (Similar here)
Ring on right hand:  H&M (close-up here)
Earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

To make the look more evening, I added some sexier shoes and a clutch.  I took my hair down from its topknot, and voila - I was ready for an evening out in less than a minute!

I think this look would be perfect for a work-related dinner as it still looks professional, just more relaxed.

Shoes:  Target (old)

A Little Pep(lum) in Your Step

Peplums are huge for fall (more about peplums here).

I am having a little bit of a love affair with the peplum (see previous peplum looks here and here).

Peplums can be super flattering for curvy women.  A properly placed peplum can disguise a belly bulge while minimizing a waist and accentuating curves.

Dress:  New York & Company (Available here)

I love the simplicity and modernity of this dress.  I had the skirt portion of this dress tapered to better accentuate my curves and to make the peplum detail really stand out.

Cuff:  Express (Available here)

I added this modern, sculptural cuff and navy pumps for a slightly unexpected touch.

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

The dark purple cardigan kept me cozy in the chilly office.  I like the subtle pops of color that the cardi and shoes add to the look; however, I would have preferred a cropped bolero-style faux leather jacket to show off the peplum shape.  I am adding that to my October wish list!!

My favorite peplum look to date!!

The Essential LBD

There's a reason the little black dress is so ubiquitous.  It's a great basic that can be accessorized in a myriad of ways to fit your personal style and moods.

Dress:  Target (Similar:  http://www.zappos.com/anne-klein-shift-dress-ak-black)
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar: http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Blazer-With-Roll-Sleeve/y44i6/?iid=2156705&cid=13632&Rf900=1632&Rf-200=5&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=White&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1CbGF6ZXItV2l0aC1Sb2xsLVNsZWV2ZS9Qcm9kLw..)

I got this dress for only $6.00 (Don't you love a great bargain?) and then had it altered to perfection.

Shoes:  Target

Necklace:  The Limited
Cuff:  Old (New York & Company?)

Today, I styled my black dress for a look that I like to call "Creative Corporate."  The black and white color combination is graphic; the shapes are no-nonsense, but the statement necklace and "bondage" sandals add a funkier vibe.

Do you have an LBD?  How do you like to style it?