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:

Charming

 Ruffle Top: Chadwicks.  Skirt: Love Couture.  Shoes: Gianni Bini.

No worries – this was definitely not a work ensemble!  I wore this outfit for afternoon weekend shopping with a friend.  We went to Charming CHARLIE and found tons of really cute affordable accessories.  I wouldn’t say this store is the place to go for long standing quality items, but it’s great for trendy items like belts, jewelry, etc… and even have fun clothing and shoes.

 

 

 

 

Satin, Lace, and Scarves

Scarf: H&M.  Blue top: ?  Lace top: Newport News.  Gray Skirt: apt 9.  Shoes: Sam and Libby.

I love scarves, but hardly ever wear them in the summer because it’s just too damn hot!  That said, my office is always freezing and so is the bus that I take from my car to my office building.  I figured that gave me as good an excuse as any to make this scarf a summer attire item.

Another fun item rarely worn are my satin flower “dancing shoes”.  They are pretty delicate, so I always worry about them getting ruined.  Today I told myself that I need to relax and enjoy them!

My last special item of the day was my lace undershirt.  I adore the light pink lace look, but it’s a pain to get on and button in the back.  It’s also not the most comfortable thing, and I am all about being at ease.  I sucked it up today and just enjoyed it for what it was (a bit uncomfortable top that I still adore). 

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?

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…!

Detail Love

 

Skirt: Chadwicks.  Shoes: Steven.  Lace Top: Newport News.

I was going to mix this skirt with a turquoise top, but I just couldn’t find the right one to make it work – so instead I went to good old basic black.

Even when I wear basic colors or structures, I like to have some kind of special interest in each clothing item without overloading or looking like I’m trying too hard.

My Details Today

1. Top = lace
2. Skirt = pattern
3. Shoes = texture & color

Belt It! and… Mix It!

Ruffle Top: INC.  Jacket: Forever XXI.  Belt: Love Couture.  Jeans: NY & Co.  Shoes: Nine West. 

 

You all probably know by know that I love me some belts!  They help show off curves and accent the waistline so well, that I just can’t do without them.

Belts typically don’t work as well with t-shirt material tops, but work great with blousy / cotton type tops.  I wear them whenever I have looser top that may otherwise make me look “boxy” - but with a belt creates a much more figure flattering silhouette.

See an older post of mine for more tips on Belts – How to Wear!

I also love pairing the little bit edgy with the little bit feminine, so the motorcycle jacket with the ruffles felt like a perfect fit for me.  The jacket was a recent gift (ok – really stolen from my mom b/c it was just barely too small for her, but same difference, right?) and I am LOVING it as well  :)

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!

Soaking in the Sun

   

Jean Skirt: NY & Co.  Floral Top: Forever XXI.  Belt: Costume Store.  Shoes: Michael Kors.  Clutch: thrifted.  Bracelets: Walmart.

Going out with one of my girlfriends for a lovely weekend lunch at Bellevue Bistro and then walking and stopping in some of the fun Bellevue main-street shops.  There are so many quaint little stores in Bellevue (and an old fashion ice cream & candy store too!).  It was a beautiful sunny day out too, so we just soaked it all in!

Spring Day #2

     

White Ruffle Button Up: INC.  Pink Lace Cardigan: Forever XXI.  Black Slacks: NY & Co.  Pumps: Nine West.  Earrings: Anne Klein.  Scarf: H&M.

I’m inadvertently carrying on the “spring theme”.  I didn’t even realize it until I posted these pictures – but here I am in pink and flowers again!  LOL

I’ve been trying to get outside the last few days to enjoy the nicer weather – and it’s been wonderful!  I think I need to move farther south so I can have warm weather all the time!

As for the clothes…  pretty business basic (as usual), but I love the lace and button detailing of this blouse.  The only problem is that I find it really hard to wear since the tie at the top doesn’t work with a lot of necklines…  I may try it with some dresses next time around.

Spring Flowers

 

Floral cardigan: Forever XXI.  Ruffle top: Mossimo.  Belt: NY & Co.  Pants: NY & Co.  Shoes: Jessica Simpson.

It’s spring!!!  Time for colors and flowers   :)

I think pink and floral could easily be over the top for work attire, but with the structure and fit of the tops and with the dark traditional business pants – it worked.

Dose of Vitamin C

Dress: Bisou Bisou.  Military style jacket: Macy’s.  Shoes: BCBG. 

I typically stay far away from orange and yellow because it’s just not very flattering to my skin tone – but this bright orange graphic dress just took my breath away!  It’s fun and flirty while still being a bit funky and being very comfortable and functional. 

I mixed it up with a more untraditional cover-up (aka. military style jacket) and some fun striped brown and cream toned shoes.