Sometimes Simplicity

Sometimes you just want simplicity in your life and in your wardrobe.

Pencil skirt:  Target Petites (Available here)

Blouse:  Target (old) (Similar here)
Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)

Today's look combines a basic black pencil skirt and blazer to a grape purple tank for an easy work outfit.

I wore this outfit a few weeks ago when the weather was still a bit warmer, but you could easily add printed tights or black stockings for a little extra warmth.

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)
Boots:  Target (old)

Necklace:  New York & Company (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)
Ring:  Earthbound Trading Co.

Do you like wearing simple outfits like this one here?

For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For this skirt in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For more on fall's midi-skirt trend, see here.

Simply Navy

I love the simplicity of today's look.  There's nothing overly special about any of the particular pieces, but the long block of navy just feels so streamlined and sophisticated.

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

Wrap top:  The Limited (Available here)
Purse:  The Limited

I do love my wrap-style tops, real or faux, and this one is super comfortable as the front is woven, but the back is modal knit.

Heels:  Target (Available here)
Necklace worn as a bracelet:  The Limited

I wore this outfit to work yesterday with the navy heels, but I also really like the neon yellow pumps.  The navy heels finish off the clean monochromatic look, but the yellow pumps add a fun and unexpected pop of color to this simple outfit.

Heels:  Target (Available in other colors here)
Tank:  Target (Available in assorted colors here)

 Monochromatic looks were a popular trend on spring's runways (see here).  While these looks were usually shown in bright colors, navy is a more toned-down way to wear the trend for the office.

Earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

Would you wear a monochromatic look?  Which shoes do you prefer?

For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.
To see these pants styled differently, see here, here, here, and here.

Monochromatic Minimalism

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!

Today's black and white look was inspired by one of my favorite major fashion trends of the 90s - minimalism.  

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

I spent my formative fashion years, high school and college, in the 90s.  The 90s saw the height of grunge, a look I spent many years rocking.  At the time, I was quite inspired by both the street and high-fashion aspects of the grunge movement.  

Around that same time, minimalist looks began being featured by many designers.  Calvin Klein was one of the leaders in this trend and was definitely one of my favorite designers of the time.

Mid-90s Calvin Klein
Source:  www.thewickedwallflower.com

Taking 90s minimalist inspiration to 2013, I paired black skinny pants with a black and white jacket and simple grey top.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)

I cheated a little with my "black and white" theme by adding in touches of soft grey, but I love the overall effect of the neutrals paired together.

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)
Ring:  The Limited (old)

To maintain the minimalist effect, I fought the urge to add a big statement necklace and kept my accessories pared down to only a pair of silver earrings and silver band.  I finished the look off with a white and pale grey clutch.  

Shoes:  Target (old)

I tend to see perfume as a bit of an accessory, often choosing my fragrance based more on what I'm wearing than specific occasion.  Today, my look inspired a few spritzes of one of my favorite fragrances, CK One.  In 1994, Calvin Klein released this zesty, unisex scent and it's been one of my regulars ever since.


Do you like the minimalist look?  What are some of your favorite fragrances?

Fifty Shades of Grey

Well...really only two  ;-)

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

I really like a monochromatic look on occasion.  Wearing one color is lengthening, and it doesn't have to be black.  

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

 For a subtle pop of color, I added burgundy patent leather heels.

Beaded Bracelet:  Express (5+ years old)
Metal bracelet:  The Limited (Available here)

Recently, I have been getting into DIY nail art.  I'm not very good yet, but I like the idea of adding more fun and visual interest to a simple look with nail art.

Earrings:  The Limited

Cardigan: LOFT Petites

Are you into nail art?  Do you have any favorite manicure ideas to share?