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

Dress Week: Red, White, and Blue

Hi everyone!

After featuring several evening looks, Dress Week continues today with a recent work outfit.

Dress:  New York & Company (old)
Blazer:  The Limited (old)

Earrings:  New York & Company (old)
Belt:  The Limited (old)

I had been trying to come up with a fresh way to wear this cobalt dress.  Since it's summer, I thought a lightweight white blazer would look crisp and be cool.

Heels:  Target (old)

Red really pops against cobalt, and together, I wound up with a red, white, and blue combo perfect for July!

Bangle:  The Limited (old)

Do you like wearing red, white, and blue?

For this dress in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here
 
For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here

Dress Week: Tribal-Inspired

Global-inspired fashion was a huge trend on spring runways (see more here). 

I've long been inspired by everyday clothing and costume from around the world.  I'm particularly inspired by tribal clothing and jewelry - the rich textures, vibrant colors, and interesting metal work have influenced my home decor, and today, they influence my fashion choices.

Dress:  LOFT Petites (Available here)

Purse:  Target (Available here)

I added a tribal-inspired necklace and zebra print bag to a bright orange dress for a fun evening look.  I especially love the bright orange of this dress paired with the bright citrine bag.  I tucked the strap into the bag to use the bag as a clutch, giving it a slightly dressier feel.

Necklace:  LOFT
Cuff:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Jacket:  LOFT Petites (Available in regular sizes here)

I purchased this strapless dress recently from LOFT.  The fit was a little off, and the dress kept sliding down in an unflattering way.  Since I needed the dress hemmed, I decided to use the extra fabric to add straps to prevent slippage.  

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Little tweaks like adding straps are an inexpensive and easy way to make pieces work for you.  

Do you like tribal-inspired fashion?  What are your fashion inspirations?

For this jacket in another look, see here.

St. Louis Fashion Week - Blogger Nominations

Hope you're all having a great evening.  I have fall fashion on the brain and am loving all the fall fashion on Style.com and in the glossies.

In local fashion news, St. Louis Fashion Week is right around the corner!  I've been to a few Fashion Week events but missed the shows last fall and spring.

Since Fall is this fashionista's favorite season - for fashion and everything else - I am definitely looking forward to attending to see what talented local designers have to offer!

I'm also looking forward to sharing the shows with you!

If you're so inclined, please consider nominating me for the St. Louis Fashion Blog Awards honoring St. Louis area bloggers. 

Here's the link:  http://www.saintlouisfashionweek.com/bloggers/st-louis-fashion-blogger-awards/

Thank you!  :-D

Dress Week: Bring on the Night

Dress Week continues with an evening look in lace.  

Dress:  The Limited (out of stock on-line)

I would wear this dress to an afternoon/evening wedding or for a special date night.  

Jacket:  Forever 21+ (Available in ivory and pink here)

The strapless dress is cool enough for a muggy summer evening, but the cropped tuxedo jacket adds a touch of sophistication that dresses the look up a bit more.

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

Bracelet:  Target
Clutch:  Target

I added in gold jewelry for a little shine.  The neon pink pumps add a fun pop of color that takes black lace in a more summery direction.

Earrings:  The Limited (Available here)

What would you wear to an evening wedding?

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

Dress Week: Fringe Benefits

Happy Monday, everyone!

Today kicks off Dress Week.  This week I'll be featuring dress looks perfect for summer evening dinners, weddings, and more.

Dress:  Eloquii by The Limited

The last time I wore this dress, I paired it with my cobalt moto jacket and neon yellow heels.  Today, I kept the look more simple and summery with coordinating pink heels, a bangle, and easy up-do.

I'm such a fan of layers that wearing a dress without a sweater or jacket feels a little odd and unfinished, but realistically, when it's 90 degrees outside, bare arms is the way to go!

I'm obsessed with fringe, and I love that this dress has a built in accessory with the neckline fringe.

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Clutch:  Target (Similar here)

I wore this dress with flat sandals to run to the grocery store, but it looks much better with heels.  I like the slight ombre effect created with the darker heels.  I would wear this out to a nice dinner.

Bangle:  Prabal Gurung for Target
Earrings:  The Limited

Do you like fringe?

For this dress in another look, see here.

Touch of Boho

Hope you all have been having a great weekend!

Skirt:  Forenza by The Limited (Available here)
Top:  Forenza by The Limited (Available here)

I wore this look to go to lunch and run some errands yesterday with the family.  I wanted an outfit that was casual but cool enough to contend with the 90+ degree heat.

Sandals: Target (old)
Bracelets:  Jodi Arnold for The Limited, Claire's, Torrid

The bandage skirt and breezy flyaway top could have easily taken a more evening turn, but the feather sandals and fringe bag give the look a more casual bohemian vibe.

Purse:  The Limited (Available here)

I love how shoes and accessories can really change up an outfit.  Do you use accessories to give your outfits a different feel?

For this skirt in another look, see here
For this top in another look, see here

I apologize about the quality of today's photos...the sunlight was causing weird coloring and effects.  One of these days, I'm going to figure out the best time of day to take pics!  Any tips from my fellow bloggers?