Kick up ‘dem heels!

Black ruffle top: thrifted.  Sweater: Express.  Necklace: Ann Taylor.  Jeans: NY&Co.  Shoes: Stuart Weitzman.

 

It’s a new day and I’m kicking up my heels – and who wouldn’t kick up patent red Stuart Weitzman peep toes?  They’re meant for kicking! 

Fancy shoes call for a little bling (even if I’m in jeans again today…), so I added my favorite chunky necklace of the moment and added it to my layered detailed tops.

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!

Jean Skirt … Jean Pants

Jacket: INC.  White top: JC Penny’s.  Necklace: 2nd hand / Snooty Fox.  Jean Skirt: Ann Taylor.  Tights: Kohl’s.  Boots: Guess.

 

There are a million ways to use the same foundation pieces but still switch up the look of an outfit. 

Going for something more basic?  Stick with jeans and a classic white top with a fun blazer and chunky jewelry.

Looking for just a bit more funk?  Add color or textured tights and trendy boot.

Look @ me necklace

Top: Express. Necklace: Newport News.  Jeans: Ann Taylor.  Loafers: TJ Maxx.

  

Ah, for the love of comfort.  Stretch jeans, suede loafers, drapey sweater = casual love (today anyway).  This was definitely a day I needed some comfort, and my clothes provided it in abundance.  This necklace is also one of my favorites and the colors just have a way of making me smile.

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.

Weekend Blues

Scarf: Gifted.  Blue pinstripe top: Express.  Vest: Thrifted.  Jeans: Gap.  Shoes: BCBG.  Bracelet: Forever XXI.

 

This weekend had a perfect crisp chill in the air.  A vest and scarf were enough to keep me warm! 

I often like to bring in color with shoes, but since I brought in some fun orange and yellow with my other accessories - I kept my shoes neutral (they still had a fun stripe though!).

 

Casual Chic

Jacket: The Limited.  Sweater: Express.  Jeans: Ann Taylor.  Shoes: Nine West.  Ring: Forever XXI.  Coat: Jessica Simpson.

Casual can be chic!  It may not be the most interesting outfit I’ve ever worn, but everything fit well and made me feel good, so that’s what truly mattered to me.  Particularly since this day was a seriously CRAZY hectic day – it was nice to be casual and not have to worry about any “fuss and fluff”   :)

Decorating myself in orange

Nothing fancy today, but I did want to show off my colorful fall trench.  I don’t wear a lot of orange, but somehow this combination just seems to work.

Cardigan: Chadwicks.  Jeans: Banana Republic.  Boots: Aldo.  Gray Ruffle Tee: Express.

I’ve been quite busy lately with work (normal), golf (new & fun!), and (most recently) redecorating!  The change of seasons pushes me not only to update / clean out my wardrobe, but to update / clean out my interior space as well.

In the past, I’ve done a few posts on my closet, however – I’ve still received some requests to post on it again.  I have made just a few updates to my closet, but nothing major.  Do you want to see them? VOTE HERE!

kimono inspired

Red silk tunic: Banana Republic.  Jeans: Anne Taylor LOFT.  

Inspiration: beautiful colors and fabrics…!

Okay, so my outfit is really a far cry from these authentic kimonos, but the red silk tunic did feel somehow reminiscent of them.  This tunic also had a lovely and intricate pattern / weave to the neckline which I fell in love with.  Classic, easy, bright.  Works for me!  Add dark wash jeans and I’m ready for weekend running or a casual Friday in the office.

A little twisted

Blue Knot Top: cable & gaunge.  Earring: Buckle.  Jeans: INC. 

Just a basic casual day, but I do love the special little twisty knot this top has.  Similar to a belt, this knot detailing cinches and accentuates a waistline. 

If you’re like me and you get irritated by a ton a jewelry pieces (sometimes they just get in the way!), I suggest finding clothing items with special detailing so that you still have a uniqueness to your look without having to add all the extras.

Finding the right fit

Sheer Ruffle Top: Express.  Jeans: Anne Taylor LOFT.  Yellow Bracelet: Forever XXI.  Shoes: Michael Kors.

I always share my stories of great finds for the more proportionally curvy bottomed ladies.  I like the curvy fit from Express, and I also like these – curvy fit from Ann Taylor LOFT.  The waist is more fitted that a lot of jeans, and there is considerably more stretch in the hip / thigh area while not being too wide in the rest of the leg.  They also come in this nice dark color which is always flattering.

My Express curvy jeans below:

Day and Evening

Dress: Forever XXI.  Beaded sandals: Steve Madden. 

Print Top: Michael Kors.  Jeans: NY & Co.  Navy criss-cross wedges: Nicole Miller.  Bracelet: Forever XXI.  Rose hairclip: ?

  

It was my boyfriend’s birthday last Friday and although we unfortunately had to drag our butts to work during the day, we had a lovely Friday evening out and spent the rest of the weekend relaxing, spending time outdoors, and visiting family.

Typically, when I go out in the evening - I reinvent what I wore during the day to make it evening appropriate.  This time however, I only kept my rose hairclip and changed up everything else!  I somewhat stayed with the same color palate if that counts for anything…

Studly Shoulders

 

Tee: The Limited.  Jeans: INC.  Shoes: Newport News.  Rings: Forever XXI.

  

Who says you can’t give a little pizzazz to a tee shirt and jeans day?  This was such an easy and comfortable outfit - with just a little bling to mix things up. 

I recently made a stop at The Limited where they were having a phenomenal sale. I purchased my favorite skirt of the moment (I accidentally titled it from the Loft in my last post, but it really is from The Limited!) as well as this studded shoulder tee.  The skirt was $13 and this tee was $4.  SERIOUSLY?!?!  Yes.  Believe it.  The fabrics are so great and both items are machine washable.  I hadn’t been to The Limited in years, but I am now converted.

Tread Carefully

 

Cropped Jacket: INC.  Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger.  Silk Blouse: George.  Shoes: Unisa. 

   

My latest casual Friday look.  I love light silky tops during the summer – they just feel so good and also look fresh and summer-y.  Add a cropped jacket for a little edge (and too keep me warm!) and I’m set for the day.

As training for the upcoming 5K, I’ve been running during my lunch hour and in the evenings.  This hour becomes a great escape from the daily routine and I’m actually enjoying it.  I have to remember to be careful with my heels though… these wedges actually hurt my right ankle, and I’ve had to walk really light on it these last few days.  Ah, the things we do for fashion.

Turquoise Whimsy

Olive Blazer: DKNY.  Red Ruffle Tee: INC.  Jeans: Express.  Shoes: Baby Phat.  Necklace: Vintage Flea Market.

The red, olive, leopard was a natural mix for me, so I stretched myself a bit and added the turquoise!  Yes, a very small stretch, but even a little extra piece of whimsy a day is a good thing  :)

Ruffles Revealed

Blazer: Chadwicks.  Purple Ruffle Top: JC Penny’s.  Jeans: Express.  Shoes: Nine West.

 

Can you see the cute ruffles and rosette?!   :)

Even though it was only a 4 day work week, it still felt just as long as a normal week and I’m so glad it’s Friday! 

I love this little tank, but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to wear it to work or not…  Throwing a casual blazer over it turned out to be a great solution.   Only bummer was that the ruffles were somewhat covered.