Singin' the Blues: Attention!

Hi everyone.  I apologize for cutting Fall Color Week short and being absent over the last few weeks.

I have a ton of reasons for not posting, but I think it comes down to an issue I've dealt with off and on during my adult life.  I go through periods of over-stress (usually coupled with sleep deprivation).  When these happen, I develop a generalized apathy and melancholy that leaves me unfulfilled by things I love, like blogging.  I'm working through it, and thankfully, some of the recent stressors have reduced or disappeared. 

I have several posts lined up for the next week, so hopefully things will be back on track soon!  Thanks so much for sticking with me!!!

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

Today, I'm starting with Singin' the Blues Week - a week of one of this fall's hottest colors!

The color navy is the subtlest and easiest to wear of the blues.   It's perfect for conservative work places, but it functions well as a neutral for many occasions.

For years, I wasn't a fan of navy as I saw it as too conservative and classic for me.  I love classic, but it has to have an interesting modern or tough edge.  Somewhere along the line, I became a navy convert, especially when worn with other neutrals as I did here. 

Purse:  Target (May be available in stores; similar here)

Shirt:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

When done in streamlined shapes, navy brings with it much of what I love about black - it's dark, it's sleek and sophisticated, and it is forever versatile.

Today's navy look also plays into fall's military trend (see more here).  I love how military pieces like this blazer look very polished and even just a teensy bit edgy.

Heels:  Target (Similar here)
Bracelets:  The Limited (Available here)

Are you a fan of navy?

To see this blazer in other looks, see here and here.

Ode to the Black Suit

I know that most people don't find suits very fashionable or comfortable, but I love them...especially when they are fitted and come in black like this one here.

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

Blouse:  New York & Company

Mixed with a houndstooth bow blouse and pumps, the suit is classic but has a chicness to it.

Heels:  Target
Purse:  New York & Company

Ring:  Earthbound Trading Co.

I always love adding an edgy touch or two to my work looks.  Here, I added a silver knuckle ring for a simple but bold statement.  A black suit offers virtually limitless fashion possibilities.

Earrings:  Target

A few of my favorite black suit looks from the blog archives:

Tuxedo Redux

Suited Up

The Dark Side of the Sun

Neutral Sophistication

Channeling Chanel

Gaga for Lady Gaga

Graphic Flow

Do you like black suits?

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

Get Your Motor Runnin'

Hope you all had a great day!

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Tank:  Target (Similar here)

Maybe I'm craving a road trip because today's work look is loosely inspired by the road.  I started with a faux leather jacket perfect for riding the road on a motorcycle (it's actually quite warm even if not a proper "leather").

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

Purse:  The Limited
Necklace:  Express

Then, very literally, I thought of the colors of the road and added a hematite grey necklace and traffic line yellow tank.

To make the look a little more work appropriate, I added high-waisted trousers and a basic work bag. 

Ring:  Local flea market

Snake bracelet:  Torrid (Available here)
Earrings:  The Limited

This outfit could easily transition from day to night by swapping out the tote for a more fun bag like this or this.

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

Taste of Fall

Blouse:  New York & Company (Similar here and  here)
Blazer:  New York & Company Petites

I'm sooo ready for fall fashion, so lately, I've been incorporating more fall prints and colors into my clothing selections.

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

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Ring:  Earthbound Trading Company

The outfit blends a summery peachy pink with fall-ready houndstooth and burgundy heels for a fun and easy work look that has been perfect for the cool weather we have been having.

Earrings:  The Limited

Are you a fan of houndstooth print?

Stay tuned next week for the start of two full weeks of Fall 2013 Fashion Trends!

For this blazer in other looks, see here.
For this blouse in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.

Flower Child

Happy Monday, everyone!

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

Today's look pairs my peony pink pants with a great floral blazer I recently got from Torrid.  

Blouse:  Torrid (Available here)

I wasn't sure I would like the bright pants paired with such a bold print blazer, but I love it.  The black top and sandals help temper the bright colors and bold print. 

Necklace:  The Limited
Sandals:  Payless

I added gold jewelry and a large white satchel.

I can't wait to pair this blazer with a striped top or dress!

Do you like floral blazers?

For these pants in another look, see here.

Seersucker for Summer

Looking office-appropriate in the summer is often a challenge for me.  

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

Summer makes me long for maxi dresses, tees, and flirty skirts and dresses - clothes that are perfect for casual events and evening wear but not so great for work.

Seersucker is one of those great summer fabrics that helps bridge the gap between casual and work.  Paired with black skinny pants and a bow-front blouse, the seersucker blazer has enough polish for work.

Blouse:  Old Navy Petites (old)
Clutch:  Target (old)

Sandals:  Payless

The cotton fabric is breathable and cool, while the jacket still takes away air-conditioning chill.

Jade ring:  Vintage (Similar here)
Necklace:  Target

How do you summerize your work wardrobe?


For this blazer in another look, see here.
To see this blouse styled differently, see here, here, and here.

Ruffles for Work

Ruffles were a huge trend on spring runways.  Many designers showed huge, exaggerated ruffles for a dramatic flair.

For today's look, I chose a more low-key version of this trend, pairing a ruffle-front tank with my work essentials.

Pants:  New York & Company Petites (Available here)
Blazer:  New York & Company Petites (Available here)

This ruffle top and pink blazer are ultra-feminine and almost too frothy and sweet for me.  I paired the blouse and blazer with more masculine trousers for a look that feels more balanced.

Blouse:  LOFT Petites (Available:  here)
Quartz Necklace:  Earthbound Trading Company (Similar here)

Shoes:  Target (old)

The windowpane check on the pants adds visual interest to the outfit but remains a subtle detail that doesn't overly compete with the ruffles.

The soft ruffle top and pink color help lighten the pants up and give them a more springy feel.  These pants definitely read more fall/winter to me, and I'm looking forward to pairing these pants with a leather or tweed jacket when the weather cools back off. 

Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Do you like ruffles?

Urban Safari

Happy Friday, everyone!!!

Today's post features an outfit that I wore to work yesterday.

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available in other colors here)

I paired red pants with a black wrap top, camel blazer, and leopard print heels.

I originally conceived of this outfit with just a simple black silky tee, but I decided that I wanted a slightly longer and more detailed top.  The pics with the plain top are from this past weekend (before my haircut).

Top:  Old Navy Petites
Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Purse:  Express (Similar here)
Necklace:  Forever 21 (Available here)

I love that this look has a slight safari feel with the camel jacket and leopard print.  The red makes the look perfect for navigating the urban jungle!  ;-)

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

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Would you pair red with leopard print?

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

Spring To It

Today, I bring you a professional spring work look.

Skirt: The Limited (Similar here)
Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

I paired a green pencil skirt with a white top and jacket.  To add some visual interest, I added this floral scarf.

Top:  Torrid (old)
Scarf:  The Limited (No longer available on-line; see here)
Bracelets:  Express, Target

This outfit is quite conservative, more conservative than I usually go for.  I like it though because it feels so fresh and springy with the combination of green and white.  It's a great way to bring a little of the joy of spring into the office.

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

Hope you all have a great day!!

For this skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.
For this top in another look, see here.

Wonder Woman

Something about this outfit reminds me of Wonder Woman.  I think it's a combination of the gold hardware, the red, and just how powerful I feel in this look.

Dress:  New York & Company (Similar here and here)

I wore my peplum dress with a red blazer and added in black and gold accessories.

Jacket:  The Limited (Sold out on-line, may be available in stores; Similar here)

I feel super put-together in this look and ready to take on the world.  RAAAAWWWWWWRRRRRR!

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

Do you have an outfit that makes you feel powerful?  What makes you feel like a superhero?

Purse:  Express (Similar here)
Ring:  LOFT (Similar here)

For this dress in other looks, see here, here, and here.
To see this blazer styled differently, see here.