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!

 

Blues Fear - Vendôme - Paris

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.

What makes me happy

Red Dress: Ann Taylor LOFT.  Sparkle Shoes: Nine West.

 

   

This is another date night pic from our lovely stay-cation and the man actually allowed me to post a picture of him too!!  Isn’t he dashing?  (gush)  :)

This red dress was a labor of love.  I spied on it and tried it on 4 times before purchasing.  Initially it was about $170, then it was on sale for $90 range, then $50 when I actually purchased it (if I remember correctly it was only $50 b/c I got a coupon via advertising).  While I love holding out and getting items on sale, often that luck doesn’t happen. 

If you know you have to have something – then I say spend the $$ – but if you can afford to give or take, then hold out and you may find a fabulous deal!  Another tip to finding deals is to know the store.  Is it a store that often has sales or coupons?  Is it a store that only holds a few sizes of each item in stock and easily gets picked over?  etc… this will ensure you shop (and save!) wisely.

Nine West shoes found on discount @ TJ Maxx.

If you couldn’t tell, sales (& my man!) make me happy  :)

Over the knee boots

Boots: Roxana.  Jeans: Banana Republic.  Top: Forever XXI.  Jacket: Worthington.  Necklace: Ann Taylor LOFT.  Purse: Jessica Simpson.

 

I actually had a week off work last week, and while I spent a lot of time in my pajamas (we took a stay-cation), there were a few nights that were spent out on the town with my man.

I’ve been loving over the knee boots for quite some time, but hadn’t found any that fit my legs (seriously – do they think normal women have thighs the size of toothpicks?!?).  I found these boots and they were not only a perfect fit, but had the shape, style, and ruffle detailing that fit me to a tee!

 

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!).