Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Mad about Plaid

Before flipping through the January issue of InStyle, I was about to donate my plaid shirts because I thought I looked like a lumberjack or picnic blanket wearing them.  However, the magazine convinced me to keep them and simply style them in a different way.  Plaid shirts are actually a fun and colorful basic to wear out running errands or even dress up for the office.
Some things to keep in mind when buying or styling plaid…
1.       Keep the material in mind – A thick flannel can look a little lumberjack.  Stick with a thinner material or cotton.
2.       Color Counts – Pick a plaid with some color to get away from the cowgirl vibe.  Perhaps a bright green or mix of pinks?
3.       Styling makes a difference – Don’t just throw on a plaid shirt with chunky boots.  Rethink things and pair it with heels, cute flats or maybe a skirt.





Monday, December 26, 2011

a POP of color

I know I’ve said this before, but my go-to winter attire is always a black or grey sweater dress, tights, boots and I’m out the door.  So, the other day when I looked in the mirror, I decided I needed to spice up my drab winter standard with some accessories and color.  Just because it’s cold and dark outside doesn’t mean my wardrobe needs to be the same.  So, I added a fun chunky necklace and a bright pair of heels to brighten things up.
I started to go through my collection of shoes and picked out all of my colorful heels that could easily be paired with black tights to bring some vibrancy back into my dark seasonal dresses…  All of these add a nice pop of color to the standard little black dress.









Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A New Year's Look

It is crazy to think that Christmas is only 12 days away…  Which means that New Year’s Eve is quickly approaching as well.  Since I am heading out of town to ring in 2012, it seemed wise to plan ahead what to bring for the celebration.
First, a travel day outfit.  Sitting on a plane for hours can get quite uncomfortable, so this pair of loose distressed denim and a cozy cardigan will keep me comfy.  Add a scarf and oversized bag for a chic travel look. 




Second, what to wear for New Year ’s Eve.  It seems like sparkle and glitter are the typical trends, as they should be.  However, I took a note from the pages of InStyle and went with a rich dark green color and statement necklace to add some glitz to my party-ready attire.



Tuesday, December 6, 2011

It's the Holiday Season

The holidays are here!  Time for parties every weekend and trying not to eat too many cookies or drink too much Christmas Ale.  Also time to bring out those party-ready outfits.  Isn’t it the worst when you can’t figure out what to wear at the last minute?  So, why not plan ahead?  I was inspired by the pages of InStyle to plan my party attire ahead of time so I’m not stuck wearing last year’s ugly Christmas sweater…  J
An elegant dinner – This outfit is great because it’s not overly “holiday” looking but is still perfectly festive and whimsical.  Pair with patterned tights for cold nights. 


The office party - The office Christmas party can be tricky to balance corporate attire and more playful pieces, but this outfit is full of holiday cheer! 



Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Good things come to those who wait...

Patience is a virtue.  Good things come to those who wait.  Sure sure…  Wait and be patient.  But seriously, aren’t there times when you just want to scream “I want it nowwwww!”  Well, that’s how I felt about these great pair of heels from Ann Taylor, but at over $200 there was no way I was going to pay full price.  So, I patiently waited.  I waited 3 months until they went on sale.  Still, too expensive.  Then, 50% off all sale!  Still, a little much so I kept waiting.  Finally, 50% off sale and a $20 gift card!  Voila!   They are now in my closet.  J  Maybe there is something to be said for a little patience.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Closet Clean-up

I am an organization queen.  The opposite of a hoarder, a slightly OCD clean freak who doesn’t like unnecessary things sitting around.  I love helping my friends clear out their clutter and talking them out of saving a pair of heels worn down to the nubs.  So, when I recently took a good, hard look at my own closet, I realized some things needed to go.  I had multiple pairs of shoes on the floor, with no more room on the shoe rack.  I decided to have a mini closet overhaul and get rid of some things I needed to part with.

I went through my closet piece by piece and plucked out things I didn’t love or haven’t worn in years.  If I couldn’t decide whether to keep or toss, I simply asked myself two questions – 1. Have I worn this in the last 2 years?  And 2. Would I feel excited and pretty wearing this?  If I haven’t worn something in over 2 years, that probably means I don’t love it and if I am not excited to wear something what is the point in keeping it?!

I ended up getting rid of a few things…

6 tops either boring or ill-fitting
1 purse from high school (eek!)
2 pair of heels completely worn down
1 dress which made me look like I was 16
1 pair or jeans (again, from high school)

I feel very good about my closet purge and must remind myself in the future, if I buy one new thing, I must get rid of one old thing! 


Before



Toss!



After

Sunday, November 20, 2011

A little lace

I have never been a lover of lace…  I always thought it was “old” and difficult to pair with anything.  However, I recently spotted this black lace dress and thought it would be perfect for a holiday party.  So, I tried it on and fell in love!  I gave lace a chance and it paid off.  I also grabbed my one lace skirt out of my closet, which I always wear in the fall with a blue button-down shirt.  I tried it with a black sweater for a more seasonal look and was surprised that it actually looked appropriate for winter.  As long as you just wear one lace item at a time and ensure you have a slip or cami to avoid showing too much skin, lace can be a very elegant and classic winter look. 





Sunday, November 13, 2011

HOT Pink

I was recently thinking about how the colors of my wardrobe change so drastically in the fall and winter…  I go from wearing warm oranges, yellows and reds in the summer and early fall, then the first frost hits and I immediately switch to wearing my grey and black sweater dresses with tights and boots.  In comes the winter, out goes the color.  So, I appreciate that InStyle recently featured hot pink on their color crash course page.
           
I couldn’t help but think about how much I love the color pink and how little I wear it.  I grew up in a pink bedroom, wearing pink tights to ballet class and even had a bright pink pair of high top sneakers.  And now although I still love the color, I have very little of it in my closet.  So, I decided to pull out the pink items that I do have and bring a little color back into my grey and black winter attire.  J




Monday, November 7, 2011

Girl Meets Boy...

I’m pretty much the last person who would ever want to dress masculine.  I always pick a dress or skirt over pants, I’m almost always in heels and I am obsessed with having my nails painted.  So, I was skeptical when InStyle featured a “Girl Meets Boy” section in the November issue.  However, as I looked through the pages and stylish outfits, I realized just how “girly” some masculine trends can be.

I was drawn to the necktie page and thought, why can’t a girl wear a tie?  In a more cute and trendy way, of course.  A tie can act as so many different accessories…  A belt, a headband, a bow…  Or worn loosely over a blouse, to look both casual and professional at the same time.  So, even though I will always love pink, bows and have my heels on, I am willing to give these “boy trends” a try.



Thursday, November 3, 2011

Happy Birthday to Shoe!

Birthdays… Who doesn’t love a birthday celebration?  Last week marked my quarter century birthday and I couldn’t help but think about my consistent passion for the last 25 years…  Shoes.  It started at a young age when I would prance around in my Mom’s heels or dress up in Dorothy ruby slippers.  The shoe fetish continued into my adolescent years, trying different trends including Chuck Taylor’s and those chunky Doc Martin’s.  Then, college came, and I destroyed many a heel walking across camps or on the filthy bar floors.  And my obsession continues…  My closet is chock full of wonderfully delightful shoes that make me happy.  J

My Mom, knowing me so well, got me the perfect shoe-themed birthday gift.  First, tiny shoe cookies.  Delish and adorable.

Second, a shoe wine stopper.  Because drinking great wine in a pair of heels is a beautiful thing.


Third, an amazing pair of heels. 


The perfect gifts from my wonderful Mom.  J

Monday, October 24, 2011

Notorious P.I.G

With the upcoming release of The Muppets Movie, InStyle recently did an interview with America’s swine sweetheart– Miss Piggy.  What a style icon with all of her glitz and glamour.  The article highlights her 5 Style Commandments, including “Clothes are like friends:  They should always complement your appearance.”    While reading Miss Piggy’s Style Commandments, I couldn’t help but think of my own personal style rules and what I try to stick to… 
1.       Wear it now.  I’m not a big fan of “saving” clothes for something special.  Granted, if you buy a dress for a wedding, yes you should save it for the wedding and not wear it out running errands.  However, don’t keep saving a top for some special night that you’re waiting to pop up.  Wear it now.  Who knows what could happen tomorrow, and you don’t want to have a “new” shirt in your closet 2 years later with the tags still on because you were saving it.
2.       Build upon basics.  I am a big believer in high quality basics – A nice black skirt, dark denim, a white blouse, black boots.  Take those and build upon them with accessories, sweaters, cute heels.  Don’t go buy a random sparkly sweater you can only wear once because it doesn’t go with anything.
3.       Quality, not quantity.  Ok, let’s be honest.  I like quantity too.  But quality items that will last you years just seem like a better investment.  Perhaps it was ok in college to go buy 10 shirts from Forever 21 for 70 bucks and call it good, however, how long did those shirts really last?  3 nights out then they ripped?  It’s time to invest in items with staying power.
4.       Tailor.  No point in having quality items if they don’t fit.  Find the perfect skirt, but it’s just an inch too long?  Go spend the extra $10 and get it hemmed.
5.       Dress for yourself.  What do YOU want to wear?  Do you want to wear a cute dress to go to the movies and eat popcorn?  Do it.  If you look good and feel good in an outfit, you’ll exude confidence.  And nothing is more attractive.  Just ask Miss Piggy…  She’s the most confident girl out there. 

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Think Pink

It’s October – Not only my favorite month because the leaves are turning bright colors and I will soon celebrate my birthday, but it is also an important month to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness.   So, when companies like LOFT support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and design cute clothes and jewelry for the cause, I’m all in! 
I love the t-shirts that LOFT has designed to raise money for the BCRF, so I had to scoop one up.  I love dressing up a simple shirt in a fun way – With a skirt and heels or jeans and a jacket.  I was even able to pair it with the BCRF bracelet I purchased last year from LOFT.



Great style – All for a great cause!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Hello Lover

Ok, I cracked.  I bought something before my Vegas trip when I said I was going to be frugal.  Whoopsie.  But, I don’t regret it.  J

I had a wedding last weekend and I was really struggling with what to wear.  I didn’t want to purchase a new dress, but all of the dresses in my closet were either too casual or not appropriate for the weather.  So, I went with a simple black dress I’ve had for a few years and decided I would dress it up with shoes.  Therefore, I justified a new shoe purchase.  I went with some amazing leopard print heels, which spoke to me, luring me in.  They looked great with my dress and I managed to wear them all night on the dance floor.  So, even though I slipped up and bought something new before my trip, I know I will pack them and wear them in Vegas as well.  J


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

R.I.P shoesies...

There comes a day in each pair of shoes life when you must lay them to rest…  Either they no longer fit, are out of style, or are so worn down that it becomes unacceptable to wear them in public.  Or maybe they just disappear…  Lost forever on a trip, sitting alone in a hotel room where they were forgotten to be packed or left on a wedding dance floor when you switched into flip flops.  Well, I had to pay my respects and let a pair go the other day.  Their time had come.

I purchased this pair of nude, suede pumps 4 years ago and they have served me well.  Always a great go-to heel that went with anything – jeans for a night out or work pants for the office.  So, when I put them on the other day and the heel wobbled beneath me, I knew our time together was coming to an end.

As I wobbled around on my wiggly heel, I contemplated taking them to the cobbler for a little repair.  However, I realized the cost wasn’t worth it.  I then attempted to fix the poor thing with super glue…  Yes, super glue.  That really did nothing besides getting my finger stuck to a piece of paper for a few moments.  So, with my failed attempt, I decided it was time to say farewell.  Thanks for the great ride, upping my height to 5’6” and supporting my feet through this journey called life.  J  May your soles rest in peace.


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Accessories can save you

As I was chatting with my friend Gina today about our attempts to be frugal before an upcoming Vegas trip, I got to thinking about how I can create different outfits without actually purchasing anything.  And the answer is – accessories!  Jewelry, bags and scarves (which I already have plenty of) can really change a similar outfit into something totally different. 
A plain white t-shirt can really be spruced up with lively accessories.  A bright scarf can add a pop of color and some texture, a long chain necklace can actually make you look taller or by just adding some big earrings, you create an easy yet stylish look.
I recently took a look at some of my statement necklaces that add some zing to a black t-shirt or little black dress.  My flower necklace is fun and flirty, while my brown and crystal necklaces have more of an edgy look for a v-neck top.  Maybe I will even bring some of these necklaces to Vegas with me!  Either way, they will save me from spending “moolah” in the mean time on new things.  Cause I don’t need them.  J

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

UGGly or not?

Although the first day of autumn isn’t until September 23rd, it feels like fall has definitely arrived.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the temperature was 45 degrees last Thursday morning.  I was traveling for work and was ill prepared with one flimsy sweater and my flats.  All I could think about was how I wanted my UGG boots to warm my toes.  That’s right…  It’s fall and my UGGs are coming back out!  I know the boots have gotten a bad rep for being… well, ugly, but I still love them nonetheless.  They are comfy, warm and feel so delightful on your feet. 

But how can you wear UGG boots and get away with it without looking tacky?  First, UGGs with shorts or a skirt are out.  If it is warm enough for shorts, your feet aren’t cold enough for UGGs.  UGGs with leggings are questionable.  Because leggings are so tight, you may end up looking like a stick figure with elephant feet.  My preference is simply skinny jeans tucked into boots.  Clean, makes sense and not too obnoxious. 

Even with all of the differing opinions out there, I’m sticking with my story.  My feet are so comfy and toasty wearing my boots, especially when the crisp fall weather turns to frost and snow.  My warm feet will thank me for it. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Coveting Now - Missoni for Target

Fashion lovers everywhere have been patiently anticipating the September 13th launch of Missoni for Target.  Like a big movie premiere or Black Friday sale, folks lined up outside stores and stalked the Target website to get their hands on pieces from the much-anticipated collection.  So, when the Target website crashed just minutes after the items became available, it was interesting to watch Missoni cult addicts lash out on Target’s Facebook page.  Shoppers completely freaked out…  “I will NEVER get my Missoni rain boots at this rate!!” one consumer said.  Yikes.  I myself was excited about the launch and to look at the items online, however I don’t constitute buying rain boots as a life or death situation. 

Since the 1950’s, Missoni has been recognized worldwide for it’s eclectic, colorful and recognizable mix-and-match patterns.   It’s no wonder that crowds gathered for the launch of this line in order to get a little piece of iconic Italian fashion of their own…  at an affordable price.

I stopped by Target after work on Tuesday to pick up a few things and check out the collection.  By 5:30pm, it was slim pickings.  What was left was cute and eye-catching, but there wasn’t much.  I did manage to grab an adorable and affordable pair of colorful flats, an irresistible pair of socks and a patterned umbrella.  Although small, I’m really happy with my Missoni finds.  I will imagine myself walking the streets of Italy when I wear them. 



And to all those who didn’t get your Missoni rain boots…  Calm down.  There are plenty of boots in the sea of fashion.  J

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Shoe Surprise

Surprise!  Who doesn’t love a surprise?  Well, some people don’t, but I do!  Especially when that surprise is your Mom unexpectedly buying you a cute pair of shoes.  It all occurred when my Mom and I were perusing the end of the summer shoe sale at Dillards.  So many cute shoes at great prices, but most of them were sandals and peep toes on clearance in order to make room for the new fall inventory.  I had my eye on a darling pair of wedges at a bargain price, but still felt they were a little unnecessary since the summer months are over and the temps are cooling down.  And then…  Surprise!  My Mom says she’ll buy them for me!  What an unexpected treat and how sweet of her!  I was thrilled and quickly said “thank you!”  Even though I am bringing out some of my closed toe shoes and boots for the colder months, I will still find a day or two to wear them this season.  And when I do, I will think of the expected sweet surprise from my Mom. 


Monday, September 5, 2011

Working Girl

The Septemeber Issue…  The mecca of fall fashion and what’s to come.  So when the Septemeber issue of InStyle arrived in my mailbox, I quickly grabbed my sunglasses and sat out on a lawn chair to read it cover to cover.  I was happy to see a section on what to wear to work.  I am always looking for new ways to mix things up when I am in the office or attending an event.  So, I took their ideas and grabbed what I had in my closet to recreate some great outfits.  Here are my favorites…

Big presentation
Although I didn’t have cool orange pants like the magazine, I paired my green crop pants with a blue jacket and fun accessories. 



Working lunch
I loved the vibrant print dresses featured on the page and grabbed one of my own with a chunky belt and vintage bag for a professional look.


After work happy hour
I would have never thought to pair my funky boots with a little black dress, but the look worked with a leopard scarf and my glasses.



Hopefully these new outfits will take me smoothly from late summer to fall, atleast until the winter issue arrives.  J

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Seeing Spots - The Leopard Trend

The other day as my Mom and I headed out for a day of mother-daughter bonding over lunch, I noticed the adorable leopard print sandals she was wearing.  Besides immediately stating that I would be borrowing them (we luckily share the same shoe size) I got to thinking about leopard print as a fall trend and how to wear it.  My mom got it right by pairing her shoes with cropped jeans and a black top, however animal print can be tricky. 


With this prominent trend, how can you keep it fun and sassy without looking like, well…  a cougar.  Leopard print in accessories works and adds a unique touch to any outfit.   Head to toe leopard or hot pink leopard print look less refined.  My favorite leopard accessories are below.  Wear them boldly!