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!!

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.

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!

 

Try try again!

2 versions of the same basic look – switched up with a simple jacket swap!  My special detail of choice was this pretty little headband from Target. 

I’ve tried headbands in the past and they just never look good on me.  Just too bulky and don’t work with my face shape.  However… these new skinny headbands with the little appliqués are adorable and work much better for my hair & face shape.  Success!

 

 

Click below album to enlarge photos:

View Full Album

Time to Present

Blazer: JC Penny’s.  Pant: Anne Taylor LOFT.  Tie: Kenneth Cole.  Oxford: Liz Clairborne.  Shoes: Nine West.

 

I wore this outfit for a presentation I gave which was in front of many of my company’s top executives (including the CEO!).  I wanted to dress “top notch” professional, so a suit and tie was what I went with.  I felt very comfortable with my outfit of choice and thankfully the presentation went very well.

Fall Orange

Silk Pattern Top: Kenneth Cole.  Studded Cardigan: Banana Republic.  Pants: Ann Taylor.  Purse: Nicole Miller.  Shoes: Nine West.

I’m wearing gray again today, however – I have paired it with my statement pops of color.  This bright orange purse seems a perfect match for the crisp Fall weather and my cardigan keeps me cozy through a long work day.

TIP: Details like these cardigan studs and blouse v-neck pleats are great little tricks to bring attention up to the face and neck area.

Preppy Vest

Top & Vest: Express.  Pants: NY&Co.  Pumps: Nina. 

I always feel very “business-y” in a vest.  Maybe because it reminds me of the TV shows of my youth that represented all the smart preppy kids (soon to be business people) in vests.  Remember Jessie Spano from Saved by the Bell?  Look – she’s even wearing a very fashionable headband below!

Equestrian Work Wear?

Blazer: Nordstrom.  Blue pinstripe ruffle oxford: NY&Co.  Skirt: NY&Co.  Boots: Gianni Bini.  Ring: Charming Charlie.  Necklace: Macy’s.

   

Are you a fan of equestrian fashion?

I personally adore it and appreciate the way it can be preppy or edge depending on the items chosen.

That said, I’ve never thought of incorporating it into my work wardrobe until today.  I think the reason I specifically have never worn these boots to work is that I find them most flattering with a shorter skirt or dress (since the boot is flat). 

For whatever reason, I changed my mind today and really liked them with this fitted khaki pencil skirt.  One change I made mid-day was to tuck in the oxford top.  I thought that change brought more length to the leg line, which also helps when not wearing heels to give that silhouette help.

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!

Miss Cincinnati

Top: Ann Taylor LOFT.  Pants: Express.  Jacket: Apt 9.

 

Wrap shirts and dresses have been a popular trend for a while now as they are so flattering for almost all figure types, but this ruffle wrap top actually reminds be of a Miss America sash.  I didn’t even realize it until I looked at my pictures tonight!

I love my ruffle wrap sweater, but God help us if pageant attire is the new trend…!  LOL

My suit rules

 

I got all gussied up today and put on a suit!  I actually have a ton of suits and separates, but I for some reason I hardly wear them of late.  I might, however, start to wear them more often since I really enjoyed feeling so professional today.  I know… I pretty much always dress in professional attire, but there’s just something empowering about putting on a suit.

My suit rules:

1. Must be a perfect fit.  Should sit close to the body, provide structure, and flatter figure without being too tight or revealing.
2. I always look for fun details in a suit, like stitching, buckles, bows, studs – whatever catches your eye. 
3. Make sure the suit is a quality piece of clothing - good fabric / cut / etc…
4. Add accessories to showcase personality.  Funky shoes and a bold necklace do the trick for me.

Foundation Pieces

  

Same top & skirt, 2 varying looks!

Whether you work in a more conservative office or one with a bit more flexibility, you can always find options with great foundation pieces.

Tulip Dress

Dress: Cincinnati Swapped!  Belt: Macy’s.  Bracelet: Forever XXI.

I love the pretty little pearls on the collar of this dress, and the puffy little “tulip” cap sleeves (the hem of the dress reminds me of a tulip too).  What a great swap find!!  It’s a bit long, so I could see how it wouldn’t be a fit for everyone, but it works for me!  It’s also sheer, so you have to wear something underneath; I found a simple black dress worked perfectly.

Inspiration:

Over the hill – 1010 posts and counting!

Skirt: Body by Victoria.  Gathered Mock Turtleneck: Style & Co.  Short Sleeve Blazer: Forever XXI.  Tights: DSW.  Shoes: Marc Fisher.  Necklace: Macy’s.

I can’t believe it – 1010 posts!  I never thought when I started a random little fashion blog to share my daily ensemble choices that it would become a part of my life for the next several years, but nevertheless, here it is!

I decided to count back in hundreds and visit some blasts from the past.  I’d also like to look back and find some of my favorite outfits.  Next week…  :)