Snow and Sable

Happy Friday, everyone!

Hope you all are starting to thaw if you were in the areas affected by the polar vortex.  It is expected to be in the mid-40s in my parts today - downright balmy after this week's sub-zero temperatures!

Today's outfit is perfect for winter evenings.  

I love wearing velvet in the wintertime.  A velvet suit is luxurious simplicity to me, and the soft fabric feels cozy in the chilly temps.  

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

Blazer:  New York & Company (Available here)
Bracelet:  The Limited (old)

I love the simplicity of this look so much that I kept accessories to a minimum and pulled my hair back to echo the streamlined feel.

A black bra or camisole underneath the suit provides a sexy underpinning and maintains the clean lines.

Bra:  Playtex (Available here)
Clutch:  The Limited (Similar here)

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

SNOW!!!

Would you wear a velvet suit?

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

Stay warm, my friends.

Perk Up Winter!

Hope you all have been having a great week!  I have a round-up of holiday looks planned starting Saturday, but I thought I'd finish out the week with a recent work outfit.

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

I gravitate very heavily towards black in the winter, but I've been trying to keep things interesting by incorporating more prints and some bold pops of color. 

Today's look does both, and it also adds two of spring 2014's upcoming trends - sporty influences and color blocking.

The cardigan has subtle color blocking with slightly darker sleeves and lighter red-orange side panels.  The raglan sleeves and zipper closure give it a sporty feel.  Since I love the warmth and coziness of sweaters, I've been looking for more styles that suit my picky palette.  I loved that this cardigan is very simple, but that it's in a season-less bright color and has fun sporty details.  The medium weight will easily allow me to wear this sweater through spring.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)
Cardigan:  The Limited (Available here)

Heels:  Target (old)
Necklace:  New York & Company (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)

How do you perk up your winter looks?

Lemon-Lime Friday

Happy Friday!

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Blouse:  The Limited (No longer available, see here)
Purse:  New York & Company

Today, I paired a citron blouse and faux leather jacket with basic grey work trousers for an outfit that felt cheerful but a bit subdued.

Yellow Bangles:  Express (Similar here) and silver bangles:  The Limited
Ring:  Purchased at flea market

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

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

To see this jacket in another look, see here.
For this blouse in another look, see here and here.
See these trousers styled differently here and here.

Winter Chic

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Tweed jacket:  Gap
Blouse:  Target

Resigning myself to the fact that it's still winter, I decided to wear some of my favorite cold-weather pieces this week.  Today, that piece was my tweed jacket.

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

Necklace:  New York & Company
Ring:  The Limited (old)

I kept a dark neutral color palette and added a green bib necklace and ring with dark purple stones.

What was that I said yesterday about trying to break away from my black pants rut?  I've worn denim, red, and camel pants this week.  Three out of five days ain't bad.  ;-) 

Purse:  New York & Company

To see this tweed jacket in other looks, see here and here.
To see this top in other looks, see here and here.

Burgundy and Gold

I'm trying to break out of my black pants rut. I love how versatile black pants are and how you can find so many fun textures, cuts, fabrics, and details in black pants.

I know camel isn't a daring leap from black, but I love what a year-round neutral camel is.  It looks great with pastel, bright, or bold colors, as well as other neutrals.

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tank:  The Limited (Available here)
Blazer:  New York & Company

Today, I paired my camel pants with an ivory draped knit tank and my burgundy velvet blazer.

Leopard print heels and mixed bracelets finish the look.

Bracelets (bottom to top):  Express, Target, World Market, The Limited

Necklace:  The Limited (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)
Heels:  Target (Available: here)

It has been snowing all day in my 'hood (that would be the white spots in the last picture).  The past few weeks have reminded me that winter is not over, despite my wishes.  Hope you all are staying warm in your part of the world!!

To see the blazer styled differently, see here and here.
To see the pants in other looks, click here and here.
Top styled differently here.

Pop of Cobalt

Cobalt blue is such a fabulous color.  It looks amazing paired with so many other colors and with just about every neutral.

Blazer:  New York & Company (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

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

I look forward to pairing this blazer with a bright sundress this summer, but for now, I kept the look simple with all black pieces. 

Bracelets:  Express and The Limited
Earrings:  New York & Company

Wearing one color (any neutral would do) underneath a bright blazer makes you look long and lean.  If you're new to adding color to your wardrobe, a bright blazer paired with all black pieces is an easy way to start. 

An all-black outfit with a colored blazer is one of my favorite go-to looks (see here and here) as it's a quick and easy way to look great in the morning!

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

Hope the weather is agreeable in your neck of the woods. We got hit with a major winter storm today!  :-(

Come on spring!!!!

Brocade and Lollipop Red

On a recent shopping trip, I separately fell in love with this jacquard weave skirt and cheerful red blouse. 

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

These aren't two pieces I would normally put together, but I love the color palette.  Teal and coral make me think of the beach, and has long been one of my favorite summer color combinations. I love the idea of winterizing this color combo by adding charcoal and black.  It adds a great punch to a blah winter day.

Turquoise ring:  Target (Similar here)
Tights:  The Limited

The A-line shape is universally flattering  and the tucked-in shirt helps accentuate an hourglass shape.

Blazer:  The Limited Black Collection (Similar here)
Cuff:  The Limited

Shopping tip for petites:  Many retailers carry limited to no selection of petites in stores but have more options on-line.  This blouse is one such example.  My local Target carried this blouse in misses sizes.  I loved it, but the proportions weren't right.  Thankfully, I was able to find it on-line in petites!

Boots: Payless (old)
Purse:  The Limited (old)
Turquoise earrings:  Gift (old)

Do you like to add punchy colors to pep up your winter looks?

Chiffon & Velvet

Hi everyone!
We've been having great weather the last few days, but today the temperature started to drop again.  When I left for work this morning, I skipped the scarf, but added it for the much cooler ride home.

Blazer:  New York & Company
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

Scarf:  New York & Company (Similar here)Purse: The Limited (Similar here)
Heels:  Target (Available here)

 I plan on getting this top hemmed as it's a bit too long (story of my life!).  I like that the ivory fabric and sheer chiffon neckline adds a bit of lightness to the overall look.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)
Earrings:  The Limited
Ring:  H&M

To see this blazer in another look, see here.

How's the weather where you live?  How do you adjust your wardrobe to the changing temps?

Happy New Year!!!!

Hi everyone, and Happy New Year!!!!

Today, I went out with the family for a casual Italian dinner.  This is what I wore:

Tunic:  Converse One Star for Target (Available in black here)
Blazer:  New York & Company (Similar here)

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

I originally got this flowy burgundy tunic top with the intent of wearing it out on a date with the man.  I decided to take it a more casual direction by pairing it with leggings, motorcycle boots, and a light pink scarf.  The boots were needed for the recent snow, but I also like how the boots give the look a slightly tougher look (see more on the leather trend here).

Burgundy has been the "it" color this past fall (see more here), and I love the mix of burgundy and soft blush pink.  The softness of the pink and flowiness of the top helps offset the dark color palette of the overall look.

Mother-of-Pearl Ring:  Purchased at local jewelry show
Bracelet:  The Limited (old)

Purse:  The Limited (old)
Boots: Target (Similar here)

How have you spent your first day of 2013?  Hope you're off to a great start!!!

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?