Getting to Know You

Hope you all have been having a great week!

Today's outfit is actually a work look from this summer, but I haven't gotten around to posting it until now.  A soft neutral outfit like this is perfect year-round, and I especially love camel in the fall.

Blazer:  The Limited
Blouse:  LOFT Petites (Similar here)

One of the reasons I haven't posted this look until now is that it really isn't my style.  I like the color combination and the tie-waist blazer is flattering to curves, but the overall look just isn't "me."    The outfit feels very grown-up and professional (like how I think I'm really supposed to dress for work), but I spent the whole day feeling out-of-sorts - kind of like I was in someone else's skin. 

For me, it was a sartorial off-day, but I post it here as outfit inspiration for those of you who prefer a more classic style. 

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

I've recently done a major closet overhaul, moving a lot of clothing to the sale or charity pile.  This blouse did not make the cut.  The jacket is on the chopping block due to a few fit issues (I had the jacket altered a few years ago, and I'm debating the benefit of more tweaks vs. a new ivory blazer).

I'm learning to hone in on my style more.  I used to think that I needed to have a lot of variety of colors and cuts in my wardrobe.  I also got in a habit of purchasing styles or colors that I used to like out of habit, not paying attention to the fact that my fashion tastes and desires had changed over time. 

Bracelet:  The Limited (Available in black here)

I would feel compelled to wear pieces I didn't love simply because I thought I "needed" a lace shirt or brown pants to make my wardrobe complete.  Often times, clothes would sit in my closet after a few wears until I forced myself to wear them (such is the case with today's outfit). 

As I've gotten older, some styles and colors that I used to love now seem aging or stale.  I love fashion, and I'm open to most new styles and trends that coming along, but I'm also learning that liking a particular style doesn't mean it's right for me . 

Over the last few months, I've thought a lot about what I like to wear and have been working to better define my personal style.  I've been working on creating a smaller, more edited closet that balances my aesthetic and lifestyle.  While this will likely mean less variety in my wardrobe, it also means fewer "off" days.  I'll always be up for experimenting with new trends, but I'm learning to take into better account what trends work best with what's already in my closet and with my personal style.  When I find a trend I like, I'm learning to be more patient and wait to find the right style rather than snapping up the first item I find.

For example,  I really loved last spring's dramatic ruffle trend.  Unfortunately, I chose a blouse with less drama and more ruffles - I settled, and I quickly regretted it.  I recently found this blouse from New York & Company which is what I was looking for all along. 

Earrings:  World Market (old)
Shoes:  Target

As my wardrobe becomes less diverse in some ways, I'm looking for more interesting details, like colorblocking, mixed media, zippers, etc. that help make each piece feel unique.

Bag:  ??? (old)

Do you like to wear a lot of colors and styles, or do you tend to opt for the familiar when you shop?  Do you prefer having a small wardrobe of clothes you love or a large wardrobe of diverse pieces?

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

Textured Neutrals

As I discussed in yesterday's outfit post, I gravitate towards neutrals in the fall and winter.

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)Camisole:  LOFT Petites (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)

I love today's look.  I mixed black, beige, and navy with touches of gold.  The mix of textures, trims, fabrics, and metal details on the jacket and pants makes the outfit feel both interesting and a little more luxe.

Pants:  The Limited (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)

Boots:  Payless (old)
Necklace:  The Limited (Available in silver here)

Most importantly, this look is so comfortable!  These booties are my go-to in fall and winter for their comfort and easiness, but they are starting to show some definite signs of wear.  I'm worried I'm not going to be find boots this perfect any time soon!

Earrings:  The Limited
Rings:  Vintage and The Limited

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

For this military jacket in another look, see here. 
For this cami in another look, see here.
For these pants in another look, see here.

For more on the military trend, see here.

P.S. Sorry for the grainy photos the last few days - getting my camera to take good pics after dark (the only time I've had to take pics) is difficult!!

Blue & Neutrals

For work today, I paired my blue skinnies with a printed tank and black blazer.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Top:  Forever 21+ (Available here)
Blazer: The Limited (Similar here)

I originally tried this outfit with a white blazer and grey heels for a softer, more spring-y look. 

Blazer:  The Limited

The hemline of this top is longer in the front, and the top has a tulip hem in the back.  I like the idea of the longer black blazer for work as the fit of the blazer conceals more of the top and dresses the look up a bit. 

Bracelet: The Limited (old)
Heels:  Target (old)

Heels:  Target (Available here)
Purse:  The Limited

Both looks are a little more casual than I usually prefer to wear to work, but I dig the relaxed, slightly rock-n-roll vibe of the white blazer look. 

Purse:  Target (Available here)
Earrings:  Target

Which look do you prefer?

Hope you all had a great day!!!




For these pants in other looks, see here and here.
For the white blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Where's Spring?

Ugggghhhhhhh!  I am sooo tired of the cold weather we keep having!  It's the first day of spring, but the temperature is anything but spring-like.  

The sun was shining, but I was freezing while taking these pics!!!

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Top:  Forenza by The Limited (No longer available on-line; see here)

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

This cold weather is leaving me in a little bit of a fashion rut.  I have bare legs, bright colors, and sandals on the brain, but the weather isn't cooperating.  

In a fashion rut, I always seem to stick to my comfort zone - neutral (okay, black) pieces in comfy shapes.

I wore the black heels (first pic) for work to help polish up this somewhat more casual look.  I would grab the studded flats to run errands or go shopping after work.

Necklace:  Target (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)

Purse:  The Limited (old)

The white tote gave a touch of spring to the outfit.

How's the weather in your area?  

For this blouse in a different look, see here.
For this jacket styled differently, see here, here, and here. 

Style Uniform

I have a style uniform - skinny pants, flowy top, blazer - usually in black and cream/beige.

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

I knew I wore this style a lot, but when I wore this outfit, I realized just how much I like this look!!

Jacket:  The Limited
Shoes:  Target (old)

I ran across these similar  looks that I've worn previously:

Quick Picks

Touch of Color

Sequins, Velvet, & Tweed

At ease

Circles and Lines

Hey There Babydoll

When keeping a color palette so simple, mixing textures, patterns, and interesting shapes keep the look feeling fresh.

For example, this top has a great graphic print and cool cutout detailing on the neckline.

Jade ring:  Gift - vintage (Similar here)
Hourglass necklace:  Claire's (Available here)
Purse:  The Limited (Available at Eloquii here)

Do you have a style uniform?

Leopard & Neutrals

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Jeans:  Target (Available here)
Blouse:  New York & Company

Today, I mixed my cognac coated denim with a chiffon leopard print top and black cardigan.

Cardigan:  LOFT Petites (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target

I love the mix of cognac, ivory, and black.  The leopard print, texture of the jeans, and bangles add visual interest.

Scarf:  Paul Harris (15+ years old)
Bangles:  The Limited, Claire's, Target

The scarf added needed warmth while also providing a shot of flattering ivory which really brightens the face.

Tote:  The Limited (Similar here)

Do you like mixing neutrals? 

To see top styled differently, see here.
To see jeans styled differently, see here

Thanks for reading!  Have a great weekend!!!!

Mixing Neutrals + Spring 2013 Inspiration

Hey everyone!

Hope your Tuesday was a great one!

Pants:  The Limited (Similar:  here)
Blazer:  The Limited
Purse:  Target (Available here; see satchel here)

I have been playing around with non-black neutrals, so today, I decided to mix grey with navy.  It's not the most exciting color combo, but I love the idea of mixing neutrals in a streamlined, modern silhouette.

I was also inspired by pics from the Spring 2013 runways.  As excited as I am for coated denim, burgundy and hunter green, and jacket weather, I can't help but feel a bit excited about what's on the fashion horizon for Spring.  My inspiration for today was the gorgeous brights shown by Diane von Furstenberg. 

Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2013 look

I added an aqua silky tank and aqua and citron bracelets to add a little "Spring" to my early Fall outfit.  

Bracelets (l to r):  Target, Express, The Limited

Top:  New York & Company
Necklace:  New York & Company (Similar:  here; See necklace with different look here)
Shoes:  Target (Available: here)

My outfit is less full-on bright and more business casual than DVF's looks, but I love the overall color combination.

Do you like mixing neutrals?  

Would you wear head-to-toe brights as shown by Diane von Furstenberg?

Chocolate Watercolors

As is probably obvious by now, black is by far my go-to neutral.  Whether worn with other neutrals, brights, pastels, deep colors or head-to-toe, I can't seem to get enough of the color black.  

In my opinion, it is easier to look chic, modern, and edgy in black (which is my preferred style) than it is in browns.

For home decor, I love warm earthy colors in shades of brown and green.  Black seems sterile and cold for a home environment, but when it comes to fashion, I veer towards the completely opposite direction.

I scarcely wear brown because I rarely seem to find the right combination of browns that I don't find to be too dowdy or conservative, especially when it comes to work wear (brown dress pants, skirts, for example).

Suit:  The Limited (old) (Similar jacket:  see here; Similar pants:  see here)
Top:  The Limited (old)

Today, I decided to wear my chocolate brown suit that hasn't left my closet since last January.  I think the suit is slightly large and am thinking that this suit may be ready for resale (more discussion here).  That said, I love the pretty sorbet colors and watercolory pattern of this top.  I also think the mix of dark brown and grey is classy.

Shoes:  Target (Similar: See here)
Earrings:  The Limited
Bracelets:  The Limited

What is your perspective on wearing shades of brown?  Do you like them?  Do you find them harder to wear than black?  Why/Why not?

Does your personal style match your tastes in home decor?