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.

Stop by for a Spell: Halloween, Part 1

Tonight, on this All Hallow's Eve, I'm bringing you two wicked looks.

Skirt:  Target Petites (Available here)
Shirt:  The Limited (No longer available, see here)

The outfit featured here is what I wore to work today.  Since I can't wear a costume to work, I celebrated during the day by wearing Halloween colors and adding in a few scary touches.

Tuxedo blazer:  Forever 21+
Boots:  Payless

Satchel:  The Limited

I had planned on wearing this outfit during St. Louis Fashion Week but never got around to it.  I am a firm believer that you can mix black and orange any time of the year (as I did here and here), not just on Halloween.  That said, this outfit is perfect for Halloween too!

Necklace:  The Limited

The proportions make this outfit a little less conservative and more trendy than I normally like to do at work, but I made a concession for the holiday.

Rings:  Torrid (Nail ring available here)

The skull and nail rings add a spooky touch without taking the look over the top.  The web necklace completes the subtle Halloween theme.

Bracelets:  The Limited (Available here and here)

Beware!!!!  Another scary look coming up soon!!

For this skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For this top in other looks, see here and here.
For this jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
For last year's Halloween outfit, see here.
For more on fall's midi-skirt trends, see here.

Foulard Me Once...

Today, I am featuring two ways of styling my foulard blazer from last year.

Blazer:  The Limited (old)

Skirt:  The Limited (Similar here and here)
Purse:  The Limited

This past week, I wore this the pants look to work.  Over the summer, I shopped my closet and created this skirt look.

Shirt:  The Limited (Similar here)

Shoes:  Target (Similar here)

While I find the skirt look very figure flattering, it feels a little too "Real Housewives" for my personal taste.  

Belt:  The Limited
Necklace:  Torrid

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Shirt:  The Limited

The pants outfit is a little more low-key and feels a little less fussy, making it much more of a go-to option.

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

Which look do you prefer?

Do you shop your closet to try out new combinations?

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

P.S. I had some alterations done to the blazer between the photos of the two looks.  The pants outfit reflects the shortened and slimmed sleeves and side tucks from underarm to waist.

Pencil Me In

Many in the body acceptance movement would say flattery-schmattery, that worrying about traditional constructs of figure flattery (taller, thinner equating better) is a waste of time and that promoting such is regressive or unenlightened.

I tend to disagree with that idea somewhat.  While I generally say, wear what you want (and I sometimes wear pieces that aren't traditionally flattering to appease my fashion desires), I think most of us are drawn to what makes us look most streamlined.  Most often, the pieces that make us look taller and thinner are those that show off our bodies in the best of ways.  

Skirt:  Target Petites (Available here)
Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Earrings:  Target

For example, pencil skirts are super flattering for most curvy women.  They show off curves while creating a streamlined silhouette.  In a pencil skirt, you're certainly not hiding fuller thighs or a fuller bottom.  You're showing them off in the best of ways!

Ankle boots:  Payless

I am especially in love with this new pencil skirt I just picked up from Target.  Because it's knit, this skirt is a little more fitted and pencil-y than I am usually able to get from other pencil skirts (even after alterations).  

I'm also in love with the on-trend midi length of this one.  I've largely moved passed the high-low look, but I have to admit, I love the way that it really adds a lengthening element to this skirt.  I manage to look taller in what I usually think of as an awkward skirt length.

Bracelet:  eBay (Similar here)

Clutch:  Vintage (eBay)

Full disclosure:  The first time I featured this skirt on my blog, I was wearing a misses size.  I had only thrown the outfit on for pics and hadn't worn it out yet.  When I realized that the skirt was available in petites on-line, I decided to give the petites version a try.  I was in between sizes on the misses skirt, had opted for the larger version, and wasn't 100% content with the fit.  The petites version in the same size provided a more streamlined fit without being too tight.  The difference between the petites and misses size was slight, and probably imperceptible to most, but it made this picky girl happier!

I'm always excited when I can wear a new item without spending time and money on alterations!

How much does figure flattery play into your fashion choices?

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

Green with Envy

Hi everyone!

I am super excited about today's outfit.  I recently picked up this colorblocked skirt from Ann Taylor.  I love the emerald green color mixed with black.

I paired the skirt with a fun fringe top and tuxedo style blazer for a little added flavor to my work look.

Skirt:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)
Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites (Available here)

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)
Tights:  The Limited (old)

I love pairing typical "evening" pieces like this fringe top with more basic, but interesting, pieces that allow me to have fun with my work wardrobe.

Cuff:  Express (Sold out online)

Earrings:  The Limited

The best part?  Emerald green has been named the color of 2013 by Pantone, which means that my favorite color will now be readily available in stores this year!!!

Clutch:  The Limited (old)
Boots:  Payless (old)

Do you like to incorporate "evening" pieces into your daytime work looks?  Are you excited about emerald green being the "it" color for 2013?

For more on Spring 2013's Fashion Color Trends, see here.

Croc N' Roll

Feeling inspired by bright colors this week, I decided to wear my green pencil skirt.  

Skirt:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tank:  Old Navy Petites
Jacket:  The Limited (styled differently here)

The last time I wore this skirt, I didn't get the proportions correct (see here).  

Today, the shorter jacket and loose, but not too long, top complement the shape of the pencil skirt.

Boots:  Payless

I added a little bit of a rock n' roll vibe to my work look by adding ankle booties rather than pumps.

I love adding a quirky, fun touch to my work clothes, and today, I added this rhinestone alligator ring.

Ring:  Target (Available in stores)
Bracelets (l to r):  Jodi Arnold for The Limited; ? unknown - old; Claire's; The Limited; The Limited

The ring feels a little tongue-in-cheek when paired with the faux crocodile bag

Purse:  Express (Available here)

Do you like to add a fun touch to your work looks?

Fashion Miss

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

Today, I decided to play around with color.  I mixed this kelly green pencil skirt with a blue bow-front top (see top styled differently here).

Skirt:  The Limited (Similar:  here)
Top:  The Limited (Available (Available:  here)Purse:  New York & Company (Similar:  here)

Bracelets:  Target, The Limited

I added black shoes, handbag, and cardigan to tone the colors down a bit.

I love shopping in my closet and trying to come up with new looks. Playing around with fashion like this leads to both style successes and failures.

I would classify this look as a bit of a fashion miss due to the proportions.

Cardigan:  LOFT Petites
Shoes:  Target

This boyfriend style cardigan is a bit too long for this look.   A shorter fitting cardigan would have been more flattering.

I would consider wearing this skirt and blouse again, but I would wear it with a shorter cardigan or blazer for a more proportionate and shapely look.

Do you like to experiment with mixing your clothes?  Do you have any memorable style misses?

Biker Chic

Happy Monday Everyone!

Today, I decided to add a little edge to my pink pencil skirt with a black motorcycle jacket-style cardigan and black booties.

Converse One Star Jacket (Available:  Target)
Skirt:  The Limited

I love this cardigan. It gives the look of a biker jacket without the structure or heaviness of (faux) leather.

Top:  Old Navy Petites
Ankle boots:  Payless

I also have a major affinity for snake-themed jewelry.  Maybe because I was born in the Year of the Snake? 

I got this bracelet off eBay.  I have found eBay to be a great source for unique, low-priced jewelry.

Earrings:  Express (old)
Bracelet (Available:  Ebay)

Do you like ankle boots with pencil skirts?

Pretty Peplum

Peplums are everywhere this year.  This trend was all over Spring 2012 runways and is continuing into Fall 2012. 

Peplums have a long history.  They started during the 1800s, were re-invented in the 1940s, and came back with a vengeance in the 1980s.  Today's version of the peplum feels fun and fresh.

Peplum top:  New York & Company (Available:  http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/prod/New-Arrivals/Tops/Mixed-Print-Peplum-Sleeveless-Blouse)
Purse:  Vintage

While it may seem counter-intuitive to add fabric to the hips, the peplum is surprisingly flattering.  The flared bottom helps whittle waists and balance curves.  

Skirt:  The Limited (Similar:  http://www.thelimited.com/Black-Collection-Inset-Yoke-Skirt/7263244,default,pd.html?dwvar_7263244_colorCode=144&start=6&ppid=c6&cgid=skirts&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Black)

Shoes:  Payless (Available: http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?catId=cat10088&subCatId=cat10289&skuId=092545075&productId=69844&lotId=092545&category=&catdisplayName=Womens) 

Today's look combines the 1920s Deco print and pleats of the top with a 1940s silhouette.  I paired the look with a vintage clutch from the '80s and added in a modern sculptural cuff.

Cuff:  New York & Company

Earrings:  New York and Company (Available:  http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/prod/Accessories/Jewelry/Earrings/Deco-Disc-Post-Earrings)

I love how this look is inspired by several decades but manages to look very 2012.