Dress Week: Mixing Decades

Happy Saturday, everyone!

We have been having a lot of 90+ degree days lately.  This season, I am forcing myself to dress for the season and rid myself of the constant need for cardigans and blazers, at least when I'm not at work in my chilly office.

Tunic:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

In the past, I would have thrown a cardigan over this look, even in the height of a balmy Midwestern summer.

Today's look has a modern appeal but references the 1920s and 1940s.  

I am completely inspired by the 1920s.  The decade was such an amazing period of progress and change for women's political and social rights in this country.  With the social changes came a change in fashion.  I really can't get enough of 1920s fashion - so beautiful and interesting.  The dropped waist of this dress and bead necklace is a subtle nod to the flapper era.

With World War II in full swing, the 1940s also brought about a lot of change for women as women were told it was their patriotic duties to join the paid labor force and support the war efforts.  This decade led to war-time rationing, and the fashion of that decade also reflected those changes.  These color blocked bow heels give reference to 1940s fashion.

Necklace:  The Limited (old)
Clutch:  Target

Shoes:  eBay (Available here)
Bow earrings:  The Limited (Similar here)

Mixing fashion from two decades that brought such major change for women feels modern, fun, and just a little bit quirky!

Ring:  LOFT

Do you like wearing vintage or vintage-inspired fashion?  What fashion periods do you find inspiring?

For this tunic/dress 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.

One Top, Two Looks

Today, I feature two evening looks featuring the same burgundy chiffon blouse.  I love the tunic length and handkerchief hem of this top!

Blouse:  Converse One Star for Target (No longer available)
Skirt:  The Limited (No longer available; Similar here)
Tank:  Old Navy Petites (Similar here)

For the first look, I went monochrome with a burgundy faux leather skirt and burgundy heels. 

I wouldn't normally wear such a long flowy top over a pencil skirt, but I think it works due to the colors and fabric mix.  The only thing I would change is to swap out the black cami for a burgundy one to complete the monochrome look.

Necklace:  The Limited
Cuff:  New York & Company
Clutch:  The Limited

I think this is a perfect going-out outfit for early fall.  When the weather is still warm, but I'm itching for fall fashion, the burgundy color would give me a fall fashion fix.  :-)

In the second look, I paired the top with black skinny tuxedo pants and faux leather jacket with burgundy heels for a more winter-appropriate look.  

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Jacket:  The Limited (Available in ivory here)

Pewter accessories and a fun printed box clutch complete the look.

Necklace:  Express (old)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Clutch:  Target (Available in stores)
Ring:  Purchased at flea market

What do you like to wear for the evening?

Like me on Facebook and upload pics of your favorite going-out looks!

To see this blouse styled differently, see here.

For the faux leather jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, and  here.

Spring 2013 Fashion Preview: Red, White, & Blue

Red, white, and blue is always a popular color combination on spring runways. Most often, this color combination was done in bold graphic prints, florals, and nautical stripes (a staple of spring/summer fashion).

Peplum jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Currently sold out on-line; available in stores)

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Necklace:  Target (Available here)

Today, I paired navy skinny pants with my graphic print top and red peplum jacket.

This outfit isn't much different than the previous way I styled this top (see here), but I like how changing the blazer and accessories give the outfit a different feel.

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

"Evil eye" ring:  H&M

I am trying to will nice weather to the Midwest by wearing bright colors and using spring fashion inspiration for my cold weather looks.  It's not working out too well, but a girl can hope!!!

Red, white, and blue looks from spring 2013 runways:

Michael Kors offered preppy, nautical-inspired options. This look would be perfect for a summer barbecue or informal get-together.

Michael Kors spring 2013 look
Source:  www.vogue.com

Diane von Furstenburg spring 2013 look
Source:  www.dvf.com

There was nothing about Diane von Furstenburg's spring collection that I didn't like.  Her global-inspired prints and interesting shapes just feel so perfect for spring and summer!  If you're not into the nautical look, a print like the one above is a great way to wear red, white, and blue!

Do you like wearing red, white, and blue?

Earrings:  The Limited

To see this blazer styled differently, see here.

Style and Comfort

Hi everyone!  Hope you all had a great day. 

Today, I paired my painterly tunic (I love this print!) with leggings and a faux leather jacket.  This look is perfect for running errands, shopping, or even drinks. 

Tunic:  Target (Available here)
Jacket:  The Limited (No longer available, see here)

I love how comfortable this look is but that it is so much more put together than sweats.

Satchel:  Target (Available here)
Ring:  Purchased at local jewelry show

Leggings:  Wal-mart (Similar here)
Boots:  Target (Available here)

Do you have any go-to looks when you want to be stylish but super comfortable?

To see this tunic in other looks, see here and here.
To see this jacket in other looks, see here and here.

Casual Comfort

Happy Saturday, everyone!

Today, I had a ton of errands to run.  I wanted a look that was super comfortable and warm.

Tunic blouse:  Target (Available here)
Cardigan:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

Leggings:  Wal-Mart (Similar here)
Purse: The Limited (old)

 I opted for leggings and a cashmere cardigan and then added in a tunic length top and wedge boots for a look that felt very pulled together but completely comfortable and cozy.

Boots:  Target (Available here)
Earrings:  Forever 21 (old)

Tank:  Old Navy (Available here)
Turquoise ring:  Purchased at local jewelry show

Leggings, sweaters, and boots are a common winter weekend go-to for me.  Do you have a favorite winter weekend look?

Tunic Time!

Hi everyone!  On this fair Tuesday, I paired my new green and grey printed tunic with a grey blazer and what have become a recent obsession - black skinny pants.  I really love this pair with the faux leather tuxedo stripe.

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

I recently got this tunic from Target, and I can't wait to style it in different ways.  It's a little hard to see in the picture, but I belted this top to shorten the top for work.  The tunic actually hits me just above the knee.  I think it will look great worn loose with leggings and boots.  I'm also thinking that it would be great with some grey, teal, or white skinny jeans or pants.

Purse:  Target (Available here)
Earrings:  Handmade

"Pisces" ring:  H&M
Turquoise ring:  Purchased at local jewelry show

For more on fall's leather trend, see here.
To see this blazer in other looks, see here and here. 
For more looks with the pants, see here, here, here, here, and here.

Pants: The Limited (No longer available online.  See them here)
Heels:  Target (old)