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!!

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.

A little layering

Cardigan: Chadwicks.  Pants: NY & Co.  Pattern Oxford: Express.  Jewelry: Macys.  Purse: Versace.  Shoes: BCBG.

  

Even when I’m dressing more professional for a meeting or such, I like to spice it up a bit with fun pattern and color mixes.  Add a funky jewelry piece for additional sparkle!

I can’t believe it was just mid 90’s last week and this week I’m layering… yep – it’s been 60’s in Cincinnati the last few days.  Crazy!  I like Fall, but the seasons just change too quickly here.  I need some time to adjust and to wear my nice Fall clothing!

What’s your favorite time of year?  (click to vote!)

Wardrobe Weekend

Dress: Susana Moraco.  Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft.  Shoes: BCBG. 

 

After much drama of shoe matching and dress fitting / not fitting (I had to lay off the pastries for a week!), I finally got to wear my weekend-wedding dress.  The wedding venue was lovely, the bride gorgeous, the company fabulous, and the man dashing.  What more could a girl ask for?

The rest of my weekend was spent shopping with my mom, organizing my closet (fall cleaning!), and cooking.  Seriously, I’ve often thought my calling is to be a personal shopper.  If my man turns into a sugar daddy some day and I no longer have to work – then I’ll definitely have to make it happen  :)  either that or I would just stay home, cook and eat all day long watching Frasier, Grey’s Anatomy, and FoodNetwork…

Anywhoo… my mom is a great candidate for trying out my personal shopping skills because I know what her style and lifestyle is, and she trusts me enough to try on everything I pick for her.  Overall – we made out like bandits!  Tons of great sales were going on and it was definitely wardrobe makeover time.

Although the majority of shopping was for my mom, I did find a few items myself including these fabulous Guess heels.  Aren’t they gorgeous?!  I’m in love.

The shopping time inspired me to do some fall cleaning of my closet, so I did my normal semi-annual clean out and ended up with several piles – one clothing pile to give to friends, one for goodwill, one for plato’s closet consignment, and one for alterations.  In addition, I labeled all my shoe boxes with shoe pics so it’s super easy to find what I’m looking for at any time.  How scary is it that I find this activity so much fun?!?

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.

Feeling a Little Mynt-y

After work today we had a farewell party for a coworker, and met for the festivities at Mynt Martini on Fountain Square (Cincinnati, OH).  We had some lovely martini’s and appetizers and I found out that they have salsa dancing on Wednesday nights!  I might just have to pay another visit! 

If you’re a Cincinnatian who is looking for a local hot spot – this might be a good place for you to check out, but 1 tip for you… make sure to ask what their martini nightly special is (a great deal @ $5), otherwise it can become a bit pricey!

As for the clothes – I wasn’t exactly in “bar attire” as I was coming from work, but if I had remembered to pack something to make this look go from day to evening it would have been a silky red ruffle top of some kind   :)

 

Red Ruffle Cardigan: INC.  White Ruffle Top: Chadwicks.  Skirt: Target.  Polka Dot Shoes: BCBG.

Mix it up

 

Floral Top: Target.  Skirt: Newport News.  Shoes: Target.  Bracelet: Forever XXI.

Mixing patterns is all the rage right now -- plaids with floral / stripes with animal / etc…  I love it all and have done some mixing of floral patterns in the past (click here to see one example), but for some reason I haven’t tried it again for quite some time.

I went bold and bright with this pairing, but still kept with the tried and true “balancing act” that I typically use when pairing patterns -- keep 1 bolder / larger print, and 1 more subtle print.  My skirt held the role of bolder colorful larger print and my top held the smaller print role with more subtle coloring.

Have you joined the mix & match trend?

My Favorite!

This is my new favorite outfit of the moment, so please excuse the many pics I am about to show… (drumroll, please)

 

Top: NY & Co.  Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft.  Jewelry: Anne Taylor Loft.  Heech Wedges: Nine West.

Know what you love

Pattern Top: Express. Cardigan: Macy’s.  Trousers: Worthington.  Belt: Love Couture.  Shoes: Stuart Wietzman.

  

This may look like an overly-warm outfit for mid June, but it’s always so cold in the office!!  I typically keep a nice little cardigan on the back of my chair at work in case I need a little extra coverage, so today I decided just to put it on in the morning instead. 

You know I love my belts… so I added this fun mesh flower belt to match my trousers, a colored shoe – and I’m off for the day.

I believe fashion can be easy as long as you know what you love, and aren’t afraid of trying new ways to wear the clothing items you already have in your closet.  I can’t remember the last time I wore the same outfit twice…!

Back to Business

 

Top: Express.  Skirt: Forever XXI.  Boots: Madden Girl.  Necklace: thrift.

I’m feeling much better today thankfully!  It’s warm out but threatening thunderstorms, so I’m wearing my comfy buckle boots just to ensure my tootsies stay nice and dry.

Dreaming of Paris

 

Dress: Bisou Bisou.  T-strap sandals and Purse: Nine West.  Watch: Guess.

Another bright patterned dress today!  Maybe I’m doing a semi-repeat of yesterday because I’m hoping my improved days will last  :) 

Speaking of improved days - I’m reading “Lunch in Paris” and am becoming thoroughly inspired to travel abroad, savor luxurious exotic foods, and do essentially whatever makes me happy.  I love a good book, so this is definitely on my favorite things list.  However, it is becoming somewhat difficult to get out of bed and go to work every day while I am fantasizing about disappearing to the streets of Paris…!

Over the hump

   Vest: Antonio Melan.  Ruffle Top: Express.  Skirt: Worthington.

I’m over the hump for the week, and I’m glad things are finally winding down.  It’s been very stressful and busy lately in both my personal and professional life – so now more than ever I am looking forward to my weekends.  Saturday – you’re only 1 day away!!

pattern, ruffles, and pleats – oh my!

 

 

Cardigan: White House Black Market.  Ruffle top: INC.  Skirt: Target.  Tights: Apt 9.  Oxford booties: Michael Kors. 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s kind of a lot going on in this look – ruffles, bold pattern, pleated and belted skirt, pattern fishnet tights, and detailed shoes… – but I like it!  I think the overall blended color scheme made it not seem overdone for me.

Party Girl

  

Jacket: Macy’s.  Prints Silk Tunic/Dress: Love Culture.  Faux Snake Leggings: Forever XXI.  Boots: Chadwicks.  Necklace: Macy’s.

Going out with the girls on Saturday night!  The group wasn’t actually made up of “my girls” but my friend’s friend’s girls… Does that make sense?  Anyway – it was a great night out downtown eating, a little drinking (some more than others!), a shuffle or two of dancing, and a lot of laughs. 

Sometimes I think I’m made up of 2 different people...  I have the homebody side of me that just loves to be in comfy clothes, cook, watch movies, and cuddle up on the couch with a steaming cup of coffee and a good book.  And then there’s the side of me that’s more outgoing and likes to get out and party it up.  I’m probably much more the homebody now, but it was a nice change to be reminded of the other side too!

Annual Dress Time

 

Dress: Donna Morgan.  Shoes: Stuart Weitzman.

This really must be my spring-time dress, because the last time I wore it was almost a year ago – seriously! 

I don’t typically do layering with this dress, but just dress it up a bit with accessories – either jewelry, belt, or fun shoes.  With the color and print, I figure that’s all it really needs!

Pajamas or Professional?

 

Argyle top: Target.  Pants:  NY & Co.  Pumps: Newport News. 

Yep, I’m going casual and comfortable today!  Some days are just made for that, and today is definitely one of those days. 

This argyle sweater is so cozy I feel like I’m wearing my robe to work.  The only thing that would make this outfit better was if I could be wearing my slippers with it.  Now that would be a fashion statement…!