Freeze Baby

Dress: Do & Be. Jacket: thrift.  Boots: Rampage.  Tights: Macy’s.  Purse: Jimmy Choo.

What a dreadful day for a dress!  With wind chill it was only 3 degrees in Cincinnati this morning and my freeze-baby ways were most irritating.  However, this was one of the few outfits I actually picked out the evening before work, so I was determined not to change my plans.  I adjusted to the temp by wearing some fabulously worn & warm fleece pants under my dress while I traveled to work this morning.  Don’t worry – I took them off when I arrived @ the office!

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.

Baby Dots

Studded Cardigan: Banana Republic.  Dress: BCBG.  Tights: Simply Vera.  Shoes: Michael Kors.

 

 

If you’re someone who wants to try out an all over pattern, but are nervous about being overwhelmed by the print, I suggest starting with a small print (like the subtle dot pattern in this dress!).  Then, move to bigger, bolder, and more colorful prints as you gain confidence with fun patterns and figure out what works best for you.

Once you’ve mastered wearing all types of patterns, the next step is to start mixing those patterns!!

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!

Fancy Stems

Skirt: Moda Int’l.  Shoes: BCBG.  Cardigan: Macy’s.  Black silk bow top: Newport News.  Tights: TJ Maxx.

 

I love me some tights!!  Colored tights, textured tights, patterned tights… I love them all. 

Why?  Not only because they’re so fun and pretty, but really - what better way to keep legs warm and interesting?!  And what woman doesn’t want to bring a little attention to her stems?

Hidden Spice

Coat: Chadwicks.  Pants: Express.  Top: Newport News.  Shoes: Jessica Simpson.

 

Classically simple today with a black and cream color combo.  Just a hint of spice with a polka dot shoe and a fun furry coat.

Weekend Stretch Wear

Tunic: JCP.  Belt: ?  Leggings: Forever XXI.  Fishnet Stockings: Macy’s.  Booties: Guess.

 

 

Maybe it’s the chilly weather or something, but I haven’t been in a uber color-lovin’ mood of late.  One thing I clearly am still in the mood for is leggings.  They’re so warm and stretchy.  While I wasn’t initially a big fan, now I wish they would always be in style…

One of the reasons I wasn’t a fan at first was that I simply wasn’t sure how to wear them without letting all the “junk in my trunk” hang out.  I saw all these very thin petite girls wearing leggings and thought they just wouldn’t be flattering on me.  That is – until I discovered the tunic (duh), and also tried them more recently with dresses (again duh).  Either way - perfection.

I only have 2 pair of leggings (may buy more this week…), but I definitely put them to use.  Below are a few of my legging ensembles:

Winter Wearable

 Dress: Newport News.  Ruffle Sweater: Chadwicks.  Belt: NY & Co.  Leggings: Forever XXI.  Boots: Gianni Bini.

Hope everyone’s turkey day was fabulous!  I spent a lot of time cooking, eating, laughing, and enjoying friends and family.  Now, I’m breaking out the Christmas decorations, holiday music, and cookie recipes!

When the weather is cold and Christmas is just around the corner, I know it’s time for layering.  I took this light t-shirt dress and made it winter wearable simply by adding a cardigan, leggings, and boots!

Elegant Blue Bridesmaid Dresses

Elegant Blue Bridesmaid Dresses

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.

Two friends - Pont Alexandre III - Paris

Baptiste Giabiconi - Grand Palais - Paris

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.

Trapped in Red - Rue de Rivoli- Paris

Find my roses!

 

I definitely went neutral today, with just a pinch of red wine color in the necklace and shoes.  I also chose fun rose detailed tights to match my rosebud detailed cardigan.  I’m a flower today!