12 Days of Holiday: Cozy Days

Today's holiday-inspired outfit is great for running last-minute errands, staying cozy at work, or even for sipping cocoa by the fire (wearing slippers instead of boots).

Sweater:  NY&CO. (Similar here and here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

 I used a brooch to close the sweater, but I still kept the fit loose and easy.  I only had one brooch, but using three or four brooches with a similar feel would create a unique look.

Blouse:  The Limited
Boots:  Fergalicious by Fergie (Available here)

Rings:  The Limited (Available here and Similar here)
Brooch: Old (Retailer unknown)

To add a little more holiday bling, I added a few rhinestone rings and earrings (sorry for no-close-ups).  The overall look is somewhat casual, but polished, and VERY cozy!

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

To see this sweater in other looks, see here and here.
For these pants in other outfits, see here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Rocking Tweed

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Hope you all had a wonderful start to your week.  My work week is short this week with the Thanksgiving holiday, for which I'm very thankful!

Yesterday, I gave my tweed jacket a slight rock-n-roll feel that I think still felt professional enough for my business casual workplace.

Blouse: LOFT Petites (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Jacket:  Gap (old)

Black or blush pumps might have worked better for the office, but I have been having a love affair with boots (and subtle rock-n-roll inspiration) this fall. 

Besides, I really wanted to wear my new booties.

Boots:  Fergie by Fergalicious (Available here)
Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

I finally used my Famous Footwear gift card I received from Brown Shoe (details here) on these Fergalicious by Fergie faux suede and leather booties. The height is super comfortable thanks to a hidden platform.  Thanks to wide and thick feet, they are slightly tight (especially on my larger left foot), but otherwise, they're a great boot for work or weekends.  Unfortunately, finding any shoes that fit my feet properly is harder than finding a needle in that proverbial haystack...so I make do.

These boots did not come in wide-width, so if you have very wide feet, these may not work.

Necklace:  The Limited (Available here)
Bracelets: LOFT (Available here and here)

The faux leather tuxedo stripe, bold necklace, and glittery accents add to the rock-n-roll feel, while the tweed and soft pink color help strike a more conservative balance.

Are you a fan of booties or do you prefer another type of shoe/ boot?  Would you wear an outfit like this to work?

For this jacket in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Sweater Season

If you follow my blog, then you know I love jackets, but I wear very few cardigans and sweaters.  

Pants:  The Limited (Available in other colors on-line here)

 I just tend to find most sweaters boring and a little too classic for my taste.   For me, the basic cardigan usually feels too conservative while most attempts at adding additional details and flair leave me cold.

Sweater:  New York & Company (Similar styles here and here)

Blouse:  The Limited

I'm always looking for more unique knitwear because I do love the softness that sweaters provide.  I am definitely drawn to oversized sweaters - grandpa/boyfriend cardigans, cocoon sweaters, etc.  Maybe it's just the desire for comfort and warmth when the temps drop, but I always seem to opt for big cozy sweaters.

I love this tweed sweater coat because of its interesting shape.  The faux leather trim adds a cool detail that makes this sweater feel a little more polished and less casual than most oversized sweaters.

Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target

Ring:  Target

Do you prefer sweaters or jackets?  What shapes and styles of sweaters do you like best?

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

Denim and Tweed

This is a look from a previous casual Friday at work.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available at eloquii.com here )
Jeans:  The Limited (Available here)

I like mixing tweed with denim and other non-traditional fabrics.  I also like the mix of pastels with off-whites, like this mint and cream combination.

Blouse:  New York & Company (Available here)

Shoes:  Target (old)

This outfit isn't groundbreaking fashion, but it's a good way to do casual at the workplace.  Dark denim is crisp and looks professional.  A slightly unconventional blazer adds a personal twist but keeps the overall look work-appropriate.

I'm usually against any lists that tell people what they should or shouldn't wear; however, we all have to follow certain rules at work.  

Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Ring:  The Limited
Earrings:  Gift (handmade)

Work dress codes vary, so it's important to know yours.  Generally speaking, if your work place allows denim, it's important to keep it fresh and crisp with no holes or stains.  Denim that is super-faded or is overly trendy, such as floral, reptile print, or tie-dye prints, should probably be saved for evenings and weekends.

Do you wear denim to work? 

For this blazer styled differently, see here.

Modern Lady

Today, I paired my tweed jacket with my houndstooth tie-neck blouse for a lady-like look.  I like the higher neckline of this blouse with this jacket and that the shapes are classic but modern.

Jacket:  Gap (old) (Similar here)
Blouse:  New York & Company

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (old)

Ring:  Target (Similar here)
Earrings:  Gift (handmade)

The quilted bag finishes off the lady-like look.  I kept accessories simple today with a turquoise ring and handmade quartz earrings.

Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)

For this blouse in other looks, see here and here.
For more on the black and white trend, see here.

I Vote for Sequins, Velvet, and Tweed

Hi everyone!  Hope everyone got out and voted today!

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

Today, I selected my new velvet pants (see here) with my black bow-front blouse and this lovely tweed jacket.  I love the silver threads mixed sewn through the blazer and the unexpected silver sequin detail on the shoulders.  I also love the mix of textures and fabrics.

Blouse:  Old Navy
Ring:  The Limited (Available here)

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

My outfit today is very reminiscent of another recent outfit (see here).  I'm loving fun skinny black pants (tuxedo stripes, velvet, etc.) mixed with modern-looking tweed jackets.

I'm hunting for a light pink or mint top to wear with this jacket.  I love winter white mixed with pastels in the winter time.  

Bracelet:  The Limited (old)

Today, I kept the overall look neutral in black and ivory with just a subtle pop of color with the burgundy shoe.  I added a two-tone chain bracelet and a bow ring for a little feminine charm.

Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Do you like mixing textures in your clothing?

Channeling Chanel

I've been waiting for the temperature to drop so that I could wear this tweed jacket.  It's one of my very favorite pieces.  I love the collarless design and the silver threads.

Jacket:  Gap
Blouse:  Old Navy (Similar here)

I love how the tweed jacket, bow front blouse, and quilted bag have a Chanel vibe.  I love the classic style of Chanel but can't afford the hefty price tags.

Tote:  New York & Company (Similar here)
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Chanel jacket (see more black tweed jackets)

My general view of designer fashion is that it's inspirational, but ultimately not worth the higher price tags.  I can be a little fickle in my fashion choices and like to change my wardrobe up regularly.  Also, unless the piece is truly high-quality enough to last for 20 years with regular usage, $2000 for a purse just isn't very rational,  maybe even a little immoral.

IF I ever decide to save up for a designer piece or hit the lottery, I would definitely choose to invest in a Chanel piece - a quilted bag or a tweed jacket.  I would go with black in a classic style like the jacket shown above so that it would get lifelong wear and hopefully be passed down as an heirloom to my daughter. 

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

Do you have any favorite designers?  What's your take on high-end fashion?

More on Chanel's famous black tweed jacket here at The Guardian

Bracelet:  The Limited (Sold out online; see here)

Tweed, Leather, and Volume

One of the big trends in outerwear this fall is volume.  Voluminous coats were shown by Jil Sander, Michael Kors, Burberry Prorsum, and many other designers.

Now, being petite and extra curvy, I had no intention of partaking in this trend.  Something that would make me appear shorter and wider?  No thank you!!

But, then I spotted this sweater jacket one day while out shopping.  I fell in love the mix of tweed patterns, the faux leather trim, and the floppy collar.

Sweater jacket:  New York & Company (Available here)
Belt:  Express Men/DIY (10+ years old)

I had to go down two sizes from my normal size (not that I'm complaining), and the jacket still seemed a bit too big; however, I also found the overall shape to be more flattering than I would have expected from a jacket with this volume.  

I added a belt to help create a little more shape.  I'd love to find some large brooches to work as closures as well.

This belt was actually a bit of a DIY creation.  I had a worn-out belt from a pair of jeans that I had since junior high.  I loved the sun buckle.  One day (over ten years ago) while out shopping at Express Men with an ex-boyfriend, I came across belts that came with separate buckles so that you could create your own design.  I chose a belt, ripped apart the old belt and added my old buckle to the new belt.  I don't wear it much now, but I still love the buckle so much that it still comes out of the drawer on occasion.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Shoes:  Target (old)
Earrings:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

I actually see a lot of possibilities for this jacket.  I plan on wearing it with slim leg pants, as I've done here, and dresses of similar lengths with tights.

Cuff:  New York & Company (5+ years old)

While admittedly, a jacket with this much volume is not the most flattering fit, finding a piece you love that gives you fashion warm fuzzies is sometimes worth it!

Besides, who wouldn't love a piece with the comfort and warmth of a Snuggie that you can actually wear to work?  :-D 

Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

 Would you wear the oversized outerwear trend?