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.

Keep or Return?

Dress:  Torrid (Available here)

Clutch:  The Limited

I bought this dress at Torrid not too long ago, but I'm pretty sure that I am going to return it.  

Necklace:  Target (No longer available on-line; see here)

Shoes:  Target (Available in other colors here)

I love the retro shape of it, but I'm not sure I'm in totally in love with this floral print.  I'm also not sure the strapless fit works for me in this particular dress.  If I keep it, I would get it hemmed an inch or two to fit right above or at the knee rather than below the knee.

Bracelets:  Express; Target

I had fun taking pics in this dress, but I just don't see it as being a mainstay in my wardrobe.

What do you think - keep or return?

If you dress for it, will it come?

Well, we are expecting snow this weekend!!!  So much for spring weather anytime soon (grumble, grumble)!

Peplum blazer:  Target Petites (Available here)
Pants: The Limited (Available here)

Feeling the urge to bring on spring, I chose a fresh and spring-y color palette of navy, coral, and white.  Polkadots feel happy and always make me think of spring.

Cuff:  Express
Shoes:  Target (Available in other colors here)

Top:  Forever 21+

I've been trying to think of more fun and trendy ways to wear my several pairs of dress pants.  I find them to be the most work-appropriate pants; however, I find that they can get dreadfully boring and sometimes stodgy.

I am not a fan of a super-classic or preppy style, so I like that the trendy peplum and bold cuff add in a little of my own flair.

Tote:  The Limited (old)

Do you wear dress pants for work?  How do you make them more stylish and more "you"? 

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

Put on your dancing shoes!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  Ann Taylor Petites (No longer available on-line; see here)

Today's evening look would be perfect for dancing. This top makes me want to shimmy every time I put it on!

Previously, I have worn this top to work under blazers, but I always thought it was more appropriate as an evening top.

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

Paired with red pants, a polka dot clutch and simple stilettos, this outfit is fun and says that you don't take yourself too seriously.

Bangle:  The Limited

What would you wear to go dancing?

Like me on Facebook and upload a pic of your favorite dancing/evening look!

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

Hello Kitty

Happy Sunday!

Cardigan:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tee:  Torrid (Available here)
Coated denim jeans:  Target (Available here)

A few weeks ago, we had a birthday party for my youngest kiddo who was turning five.  The theme of her party was Hello Kitty.

I've loved Hello Kitty ever since I was a kid, so I have a few Hello Kitty tees that I sometimes wear when I'm going super casual.

Since my daughter's party was Hello Kitty-themed, it seemed like the purrr-fect (sorry, couldn't resist) time to wear my fun Kitty with glasses tee.  Girls with glasses are very cool!  ;-D

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Bracelet:  Gift (old)

I paired the tee with my coated denim and a colorblocked cardigan to give the overall look a little more of a grown-up feel.

Do you ever wear novelty or character tops?

To see this cardigan styled differently, see here and here.

Red Pants, White Jacket

Hope you all had a great Monday!

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

Today, I played with color blocking, mixing red pants with a black bow blouse and white jacket.  

Blouse:  Old Navy
Shoes:  Target (old)

I like the simplicity of this look, which also allowed for distinctive accessories like arrow bangles and a polka dot clutch.

Bangles:  Forever 21 (No longer available on-line; may be available in stores)

Necklace:  The Limited (Available )
Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)
Stud earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

If you're dealing with Winter Storm Rocky, stay safe and stay warm!!!

Circles and Lines

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Today, I chose my favorite monochromatic color palette and mixed textures and prints to keep the look interesting.

Coated denim jeans:  Target (Available here)
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

Tank:  The Limited
Satchel:  The Limited (Available here)

Scarf:  The Limited
Earrings:  Express

The herringbone blazer and stripes in the scarf play off of the circles on the scarf and polkadots on the blouse.

The quilted satchel and striped bangle adds more texture and subtle print to the look.

Bangles:  Target
Shoes:  Target

Do you like mixing textures and patterns?

Fine and Dandy

Today I was Inspired by menswear. I pulled my vest from the back of my closet and paired it with my favorite black suit.  

Suit:  The Limited Black Collection (Similar pants here; Similar vest here; Similar blazer here)

I have worn vests off and on since junior high school. I have never stopped liking them, but for some reason, I find my vest to be an occasional piece that I only put out a few times a year.

Belt:  The Limited
Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)

I love the look of traditionally masculine looks, like this three piece suit, on women.  The polkadot scarf, worn like a necktie, adds a slightly quirky touch.  It also helped conceal cleavage during work hours.

Scarf:  The Limited (old)
Shoes:  Target (old)

Menswear inspired fashion was very popular on fall runways, so this outfit feels right on trend but very "me" at the same time.

Lest the look be too masculine, I wore my hair down and threw on a cuff to give it that feminine mix.

Cuff:  The Limited
Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Do you have items in your wardrobe of which you don't want to let go, but that you don't wear too often?

Do you like the menswear look on women? 

Indian Summer Polkadots

Hi everyone!

As much as I love fall fashion, I was starting to mourn the loss of bare legs.  Thankfully, our cool fall temperatures were replaced by a high of 81 degrees today, so I seized the opportunity to go without tights for at least one more day.  

Dress:  The Limited (Similar here)
Cardigan:  Converse One Star by Target (Available in grey here)

I paired my polkadot dress with my motorcycle-style cardigan and added burgundy patent leather heels.

Tote:  The Limited (Similar here)

I love the mix of the ultra-feminine dress and the cardigan with just a touch of attitude.

The burgundy heels keep the look from looking too summery.

Zodiac Rings:  H&M (Available in stores)

Heels:  Target (Available here)

When it's cold out, what do you miss most about Spring/Summer fashion?

Feelin Dotty

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Dress:  The Limited (Available:  here)

For work today, I went a little retro with this 50s-inspired polkadot dress.

Jacket:  The Limited

During work hours (that frigid air-conditioning), I wore this cropped blazer.

This jacket didn't have any closures, so I added a hook-and-eye closure to give me more options.  Often times, minor adaptations can transform an "almost" piece into something your really love.

Shoes:  Target (Similar:  here)

 I added these red patent leather peep-toe heels I got for $6.00 at Target (I soooo love my bargains!)

Ring:  H&M
Earrings:  Express (Similar here)

The look is vintage-inspired, but I tried to keep the look modern with the styling.

Love an exposed back zipper!

Olympic Fever!

 

Inspired by the colors of the British and American flags, today's look is another attempt at the continuing color blocking trend.

I love that the blazer has a polkadot lining.  I'm borderline obsessed with polkadots. 

Pants:  The Limited (Similar:  https://www.thelimited.com/Exact-Stretch-Bootcut-Pants/6438716,default,pd.html?dwvar_6438716_colorCode=150&start=2&ppid=c2&cgid=pants&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Black)Jacket:  The Limited (Similar:  http://www.thelimited.com/Knit-Jacket/2825701,default,pd.html?dwvar_2825701_colorCode=795&start=8&ppid=c8&cgid=jacket-blazer)

Leather and metal cuff:  old - New York & Company?

Rondell crystal earrings:  The Limited (Available: http://www.thelimited.com/Rondell-Earrings/1611046,default,pd.html?dwvar_1611046_colorCode=100&start=16&ppid=c40&cgid=earrings)
Flower studs:  The Limited (Available: http://www.thelimited.com/Modern-Flower-Stud-Earrings/1614058,default,pd.html?dwvar_1614058_colorCode=13&start=16&ppid=c16&cgid=sale-jewelry&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Silver)

Blouse:  The Limited (Available:  http://www.thelimited.com/Bow-Front-Sleeveless-Shirt/4523318,default,pd.html?dwvar_4523318_colorCode=244)
Tote:  New York & Company (Similar:  http://www.shopstyle.com/item/silk-elements-sally-beauty-retro-chain-tote/298729940)
Shoes:  Target (Similar:  http://www.zappos.com/nine-west-rocha-black-patent-pu)

I rarely wear button-down tops because I find it difficult to find ones that don't gape open too drastically.  Often button-down tops simply don't accommodate a larger bust.  Button placement is also an issue - due to a shorter stature, the button placement is often in the wrong place.  This top provided ample bust room, and the button placement was great. The self-tie bow also helps provide bust coverage, just in case.

To avoid gaping, the button placement should fall across the fullest part of the bust.  If you don't mind the hassle, double-sided tape or even Velcro or a hidden snap could help prevent an unplanned peep show.

Another issue with many button-down tops is that they are usually too long.  I was able to get this one hemmed due to a longer tail, and now the length is perfect.

Do you wear button-down tops?  Do you have issues with fit?  If so, what are your solutions?