Stripes & Polka Dots

Today's work look takes a nautical inspiration.  I love playing with prints, and mixing stripes and polka dots is a fun and simple way to do it. 

Skirt:  The Limited
Tank:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

The striped A-line skirt (it has pockets!) complements the coral dotted tank.  The navy blazer and pumps pull the look together and make it perfect for work.

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)
Shoes:  Target (Available in other colors here)

Necklace:  The Limited (Available here)

I love that the color blocking on this necklace also creates a striped effect, adding to the pattern mixing of this look.

Satchel:  The Limited (Similar here)

Do you like nautical-inspired looks?  Would you wear mixed prints?

For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.
For this tank in another look, see here.

Zesty Lemon and Lace

I love unexpected pieces that pop into my life.  

Pants:  The Limited (Sold out in navy on-line; Available in black here)
Lace tunic:  Forever 21+ (Available  here)

I was very excited to find this lace top from Forever 21+  It's long enough to wear as a dress (once I find a suitable lining), but I also love it over skinny pants.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Tank:  Target (Available in other colors )

Remember how I said that petite girls have to be careful not to go too long with tops?  Tops that hit mid to upper-thigh are a no-no (unless you really love them, and then, do whatever you want!).  I think a knee-length top like is a different story.  It works here because the pants are kept narrow.

I threw on my lemon yellow faux leather jacket and added a clutch, and I was good to go!  

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

Metallics and Lace

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Pants:  The Limited (Sold out in navy; Available in other colors here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)

Today, I decided to wear my new gold jacket.  I love that this jacket is super lightweight but looks like leather and suede.

Jacket:  The Limited (Similar here)
Purse:  The Limited

Shoes:  Target (Available in other colors here)
Bracelets:  The Limited; Target

I paired the jacket with a matching beige lace and gauze top and navy pants to keep the metallic subdued enough for work.
 
I love mixing neutrals in interesting shapes and textures.  The bold green pendant adds just the right amount of color.

Necklace:  Forever 21
"Evil Eye" ring:  H&M

Do you like mixing textures and fabrics for interesting neutral looks?

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

Going Bold in the Workplace

Today, I paired my red pants with a geometric print tunic.  I toned down the look for work by adding a navy blazer. 

Blouse:  The Limited (No longer available on-line; May be available in stores)
Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)

Bright colors and bold prints are great, but wearing too much of either in a more conservative work place can be tricky.  Mixing bold colors and prints with neutrals in classic shapes, like this navy blazer, is a great way to show confidence and sass without being too extreme.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Heels:  Target (Available in other colors here)

Snake bracelet:  eBay (Similar here)
Necklace:  The Limited (No longer on-line; May be available in stores)

A delicate necklace, stud earrings, and a statement bracelet accentuate the look but don't go too bold.

Earrings:  The Limited (No longer available on-line; may be available in stores)
Clutch:  Vintage

Do you like wearing bold prints and colors to work?  How does your workplace dress code affect your fashion choices?

To see these red pants styled differently, see here and here.
To see this blouse styled differently, see here and here.
To see this blazer styled differently, see here, here, and here.

Shopping Failures and Pitfalls

Happy Friday everyone!

I've been trying to add more color to my work outfits this week.  I really love wearing black and dark neutrals in the fall/winter time and tend to use a lot more color in the summer when my style gets more bohemian and more casual.

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)
Jeans:  The Limited
Clutch:  The Limited

In an effort to add some color splashes to my blog posts, I wore this lime and taupe blouse with teal and yellow beads in a causal work look. I was drawn to the color when I bought this last spring, but I haven't worn the blouse much.  It would look great with teal pants or a skirt or toned down with taupe or navy, like I did here.  

I can think of several different outfit possibilities for this blouse, but at the end of the day, I've come to the conclusion that it's been hanging in my closet not getting worn simply because it just isn't me.  It's a pretty blouse, and I would like it on someone else.  I think this one just goes down as one of my shopping blunders. 

Blouse:  The Limited
Heels:  Target (Available here)
Bangle:  Target (old)
Earrings:  The Limited

Over the years, I have gotten better at avoiding shopping pitfalls.  I used to buy lots of multiples, but then I would get bored with wearing the same thing everyday in a different color.  I still buy multiples on occasion (especially shoes since I have a lot of trouble with fit), but when I do, I do so with more purpose.  Buying multiples of everything discourages creativity in your wardrobe and gives you fewer options for mixing and matching.

I also used to purchase items when they were on clearance sale simply because they were a great deal.  I still love a bargain, but I have learned to weigh the benefit of having a wardrobe of pieces that I want to wear often vs. a closet full of clothes that I find "just okay."  The likelihood is that the higher priced item has more use value and will get worn more often than items purchased simply for their low initial costs.

Nowadays, I have largely learned to purchase items that I really love rather than just pieces that are "nice" or "cheap."  I have learned to appreciate having less clothes, but spending more money for quality.  I've also learned that having a large diversity of clothing isn't necessary if you are comfortable in your personal style and know what you enjoy wearing and feel comfortable in.  

Unfortunately, this top was a bit of a blip in my improved shopping skills.  I had noticed this blouse when it first came out, but it wasn't something I liked enough to purchase - even after several shopping trips.  At some point, I decided to buy it because it was a pretty color, or on sale, or it was different than other things in my closet.  I can't really remember.

What I do know is that it hangs in my closet simply because I didn't listen to my shopping instincts.  I was attracted to the color and the beading.  The problem was that I settled for an item that wasn't quite my personal style.  

Assessing your closet and making a running shopping list can be a great way of avoiding some of these shopping mistakes.  It helps focus your shopping to avoid impulse purchases and mistakes that initially look tempting due to price, color, or attractive store displays.

How do you avoid shopping blunders?

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!!