Christmas is a comin’

Blazer: Michael Kors.  Silk top: Cache.  Shoes: Steve Madden LUXE.

I’m embracing 1/2 business, 1/2 casual today.  Even though our work dress code has relaxed of late, the overall atmosphere is still pretty conservative, so I figure the 50/50 split should work well.

Christmas is on its way and I’ll soon be baking cookies, singing holiday songs, and wrapping more presents!  I just have to get through the work week - and Santa here I come!

I’ve done quite a bit of shopping already, but still have a few more items to go.  I heard a really cute idea today that suggested girlfriends swap Christmas ornaments with each other vs. expensive gifts.  What a cute idea!

One step @ a time

Blazer: Michael Kors.  Blue Ruffle Top: George.  Pants: Forever XXI.  Shoes: Nicole Miller.

I’m wearing jeans to work!  Okay – they’re not jeans jeans, but they’re gray jeans, so I figure I’m taking baby steps with this whole casual at work thing  :)   

I kept the look sleek with a black blazer (I’m in love with the zipper detailing) and a silky ruffle blouse.

It’s a new day

Shorts: Banana Republic.  Tights: Macy’s.  Shoes: Nicole Miller.  Pink Ruffle Top: Target.  Vest: Antonio Melan.  Bracelets: Thrifted.

 

 

It’s just been announced that we can wear “whatever we want” at work, which definitely open a door to fashion creativity.  At least that’s how I registered that announcement…  While I think of that decision as a great way to give employees more freedom, most people seem to automatically assume it means “wear jeans every day”.  I actually got several comments / questions when I showed up in something other than jeans after the announcement! 

While jeans may be an American staple and while I definitely appreciate them from time to time, I don’t think I’ll be making them my 5 day a week work wear attire. 

With this change - I would like to find more ways to be a little more funky and fun in my everyday business looks – while still keeping the chic simplicity that I like as well.  May sound like a difficult combo, but I’d like to try and make it work!  This outfit was my first effort  :)  What do you think.  Did I succeed?

It’s all in the details

Sweater: Express.  Skirt: Target.  Shoes: Jessica Simpson.  Bracelet: Forever XXI.

 

The detailing of this turtleneck might be hard to see in the photos because it’s black, but it has the same gathering details as my other Express sweaters from last couple weeks.

 

I love detailing!!  Whether it’s bedazzling, studs, lace, fabric knots, or ruffles – a little something special always makes a big difference in a look becoming uniquely yours.

Ever Changing

 

 

I’ve never been one to wear outfits the same way time and time again.  I like to switch things up, even if it’s basic changes like switching color combos. 

I find it’s pretty easy to add variety if you just add one different item, accessory, or color to your outfit each time you wear it. 

This look for instance was changed simply by adding tights and a different color jacked.  All the basics remained the same.

Belted Blue

Dress: Banana Republic.  Cardigan: Forever XXI.  Belt: Charming Charlie.  Shoes: Mossimo.

 

Back to color today!  I think I just get in more of a neutral mood come fall time, and have been wearing more grays, etc… of late – so the bright blue was definitely called for.

A super easy way to “spruce up” a normal dress?  Add a belt & a fun cardigan!  Not only are the changes quick and easy, but these simple changes are done with items that everyone has in their closets!

Your opinion?

 

This dress was another fabulous Cincinnati swap item.  I’ve admired it on Kasmira for quite some time, so was so happy to snag it for myself!

I’m next planning on wearing it with some colored tights and possibly a fun cropped jacket.

How would you wear this dress?

Sweater Love

Sweater: Express.  Pattern Oxford: Express.  Pants: NY & Company.  Boots: Aldo.  Necklace: Lia Sophia.

 

Keeping it clean and simple today, but I will say the one special thing for me is that I adore this sweater.  I’m not normally a “buy in pairs” sort of girl, but with this sweater I did!  I bought 2, but had to seriously resist the urge to buy one in every color…  I like the comfortable neckline that can be worn plain or easily layered, I like the slimming gathering detail down the front, and the cotton has a wonderful soft but stretchy feel to it.  Yes, Fall is upon us and I’m embracing it!

Girly Girl

Navy Tie Top: Forever XXI.  Short Sleeve Cardi: Macy’s.  Belt: Gifted.  Skirt: Mossimo.  Shoes: Fioni.

 

It’s hard to tell in the above pic, but this little sweater has the most precious rosettes!  I always adore those feminine soft details.  Silk bow, rosettes, pleated skirt, pink belt, ruffled polka dot peep toes… yep, definitely a girly girl today.

Toasty Warm

Pink Cardigan: Worthington.  Pinstripe Button-Up: Express.  Cotton Tee: Gap.  Pants: Banana Republic.  Belt: Express.  Necklace: Ann Taylor.  Shoes: MaxStudio.

More layering today!  A chill is still in the air, so I’m dressing for warmth.  That, and I actually haven’t been feeling too well this week (you may have noticed less posts than normal).  I’m starting to feel better now – thank goodness – but whenever I’m feeling under the weather I like to dress toasty warm.

A little dressy

Green Dress: Chadwicks.  Print Tie Top: Mossimo.  Belt: Bargin Box Thrift.  Shoes: Nine West.

Some may tell me these colors don’t “go”, but I challenge them and say that they do!  :)

I like to bring fun color and a bit of pattern into outfits whenever I can, and overall I think the blend worked as the main focus was still on the green dress. 

This belt was a stellar find for $1 while I was in Hilton Head.  It’s a little old-school, but I think maybe that’s why I like it…  LOL

Forgotten

 

I always refer to this blog as my little fashion diary.  It’s a reminder of all my good and bad days – not to mention good and bad fashion choices.  We all have them! 

This pic is actually a few weeks old, but I just found it so I figured I’d go ahead and share this extra “diary” entry. 

I hardly ever wear tops tucked in because I just find it less comfortable, but with these pants I try to find tuck-in options as it shows off the cute waist-line buttons.

a little sheer – a little sturdy

Skirt: NY&Co.  Shirt: Express.  Shoes: Anne Klein.  Earrings: Macy’s.

Blending clothing textures is always a great easy way to keep interest in an outfit.  This print top is light and sheer, so I paired it with a heavier (sturdy!) utility style jacket for contrast.  It was also helpful to have layers as I often get cold in the office.  Finally, I kept a neutral shoe - and since I left off the color there, I decided on bright earrings to finish the look.

Color of the day

Polka Dot Ruffle Blouse & Cardigan: NY & Co.  Skirt: Mossimo.  Heels: BCBG.  Purse: Gucci.

   

There are moments when I get bored looking at my sage green photo backdrop, however I don’t have a handy photo taker with me throughout the day and the only time I have to take a fashion shot is 2 minutes before I run out the door to work in the morning, so green backdrop it is.

Sometimes I’ll take a photo by my fireplace or on my porch, but the outfits don’t always display quite as well.  Today I did step outside my box and actually tried out my bright bathroom for my photo of the day!  Okay, so the color is a bit overwhelming… but maybe a nice change from the normal sage?  Hopefully, it can remind you to have a bright and happy day!

Pink, orange, polka dots, stripes, ruffles, buckles… if you only read this description, it might seem that there’s to be a lot going on in this outfit, but together it’s definitely not that much.  Adding a solid tone sweater / cardigan / or jacket of any kind can really tone down a look that might have otherwise been a little busy.  If you’re more of a busy-lovin’ gal – by all means, leave the sweater off!

 

Color Mixing Classics

Red ruffle cardigan: INC.  Brown Ruffle Top: Antilia Femme.  Skirt: The Limited.  Shoes: BCBG.

 

It’s very common place (and beautifully classic) to see red, white, and black paired together – but I liked adding the brown for a different take and I think it worked nicely.  

Yep, I wore my sassy BCBG shoes to work again.  From my Too Sexy for Work? post, these bad-ass heels got a vote of 77 (63%) who said they were work appropriate and a vote of 45 (37%) who said they were not work appropriate.  I went with the majority vote!!

I only wear these shoes with a skirt or dress as (in my mind) they are really meant for “show” and just wouldn’t be done justice hidden under pants!  So, I just make sure the dress or skirt is conservative enough to work with a sassy shoe.