OOTD- A Quiet Change

A recent outfit filled with soft tones had me thinking maybe I should give it another try. I was more set after scoring these pants for a bargain at $20!! As much as I love myself lots of color, I have been craving the total opposite with tans, creams and browns. It's interesting to see how taste can change over time, but that's one of the absolute fun things about fashion. So many styles and things you can try out. Isn't it great?

How has your style changed over the years?

Outfit Details:

Sleeveless x tank, peach knit sweater and necklace- Forever 21 (similar sweater here)

Tan crop pants and belt- J. Crew  (same pant, different colors here)

Patent blue pumps- Talbot (same shoe on sale in limited sizes here)

Handbag- Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Natasha in Chianti (available here)

Spikes, Whips or Chains

A recent trip to the mall had me wandering around Nordstrom, where I spotted a shoe display that had me at hello. I'm sure you all have seen pics around the blogosphere of some lovely ladies sporting the current Sam Edelman's shoe collection of great flats and spikes. They had me further wanting to take the plunge on a new pair when I saw some ladies modeling a few pairs on QVC Saturday morning. Here are some that want to jump into my shopping cart:

Lorissa Pump in Nude, $199.95, available here

Can we say fierce?? And you can be sure no one would dare step on your shoe!!

Adena Flat in Rose Gold, $150.00, available here

Also available in a more subtle black, but you can't deny that this would make quite a statement.

Padma Pump in Leopard, $124.95, available here

On trend with the leopard and has just a subtle hint of studding for those that think less is more.

Pax Ankle Boot in Chateau Grey, $250.00, available here

I've been on the hunt for a fall ankle boot and this one is simple with a bit of edge.

Hera Flat in Black/Nude Patent, $125, available here

This is the shoe that caught my eye in the store. A perfectly classic color palette that could work with almost anything topped with a pretty bow and some spikes. How could I not want them?

Are you a fan of Sam Edelman shoes? Do you like all of the spiky-ness or no? What shoe has caught your eye recently?

OOTD-Fancy Up the Day

I thought I would tackle another difficult cardigan and break out this little flowered number. The floral print and neckline make it a challenge, but I just had to get it that one day in Last Call because it was something different and it was from Marc Jacobs. How could I say no thanks to one of my favorite designers? Instead of going the regular cardigan route, I thought I would make it more of a top instead. It worked perfectly.

Did you guys see my new arm bling?? This is definitely not my standard simple bracelet but I was inspired to buy it after seeing a picture in a magazine of a model wearing a lady-like outfit complete with high leather gloves and two fabulous diamond bracelets that were nothing but bling. It was all very Mad Men-esque mixed with a lady who wears nothing less than diamonds. That's certainly not for my everyday life, but a girl can dream a little.

Do you love that we live in a more casual dress society or do you ever wish people would dress up more often like in the olden days?

Outfit Details:

Floral print cardigan- Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar here)

Gray pants- Madewell (similar here)

Rhinestone flower bracelet- Forever 21 (available here)

Lavender studded handbag- Spotted Moth (available here)

Purple suede bow heels- Milk & Honey (inspired by this designer pair)

OOTD-Color, Color, Spots

What an eventful yesterday!!! My very first earthquake and I was confused and scared as to why the building was shaking while I was at my desk. Good thing it was just a rattle!! I was just about to curl up underneath my desk.

After a slow crawl, I made my way home in one piece as you can see and I had to take pictures of this outfit. Priorities, right? I called to make sure everyone was okay first. I find this polka dot cardigan a bit difficult to style because it usually ends up looking cutesy. But sometimes you have to work with it and I like how all of the colors and components were harmonious.

Did you ever create an outfit that you were really happy about the outcome?

Outfit Details:

Polka dot cardigan and yellow tee- J. Crew (similar cardigan here)

Purple midi skirt and brown belt- thrifted (similar skirt here and here)

Brown quilted handbag- Rebecca Minkoff "Affair" (available here)

Tan platform heels- Miu Miu

OOTD-Just a Squeeze of Lime

Say hello to my newest baby!! Her name is Natash Chianti Marc Jacobs, lol.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!!! I had a lovely one because it involved lobster rolls, a trip to the mall and being a lazy bum on Sunday. I did manage to cross off one item on my to-do list (make some returns), but there are a million more to tackle and the rain this weekend put a kibosh on one of them (I'm going to try dyeing one of my handbags, fingers crossed it comes out wearable).

With the summer winding down, I feel like I have to squeeze out a few more wears on some things in my closet and these shorts are one of them. They have a loose, flowy fit that's perfect for the hot weather. Now, there's a skirt that needs my attention. I haven't worn it all summer and it deserves a little summer fun too.

What item in your wardrobe is requiring tons more wear before packing it away for next year?

Outfit Details:

Lime green tank- Isaac Mizrahi for Target

Flower shorts- H&M (similar in limited sizes here)

Scottie belt- Topshop (similar here)

Olive wedges- Madewell (on sale here)

Handbag- Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Natasha in Chianti (available here)

OOTD- Senorita With a Flower In Her Hair

This outfit was definitely simple, but I had to add a little fun with a pretty, pink flower and my fancy earrings. I'm a firm believer in not letting fun stuff sit in your closet waiting for the right occasion. If I could just find a way to make my jersey gown work (complete with train) for the office, I'd be in business.

Is there anything in your closet that you absolutely love, but never feel like you have a reason to where it?

Outfit Details:

White button-down- Old Navy

Olive knit skirt- Forever 21 (available here)

Black pumps- Hot in Hollywood

Pink flower, crystal drop earrings and black belt- J. Crew (similar pin here)

Striped tote- Rebecca Minkoff Mini Cherish (similar colorway here)

OOTD-You Look So Chanel!!!

That's what my co-worker told me. I'll take it, along with a Jumbo flap, a pair of ballet flats and a real tweed suit with the Chanel logo magically appearing in my closet. Until that happens, my tweed jacket will just have to do. I adore this little jacket with its lovely lady details (bracelet sleeves, collarless, interesting trim).  Fun fashion makes being a woman kind of awesome. Much better than a uniform of cargo shorts and a plaid to. It's enough to have me singing Shania Twain's old song.

If you clicked the link and got the song stuck in your head, you're very much welcome. Let's all prance around today with that running around in our minds. :)

Outfit Details:

Tweed blazer- Banana Republic (similar style here and here)

Lavender tee- J. Crew (similar here)

Gray skirt- ??? (secondhand)

Purple sandals- Loeffler Randall (available here in limited sizes, here in a different color)

Lavender studded handbag- Spotted Moth (available here)

OOTD- Soft and Neutral Don't Equal Boring

 Meet my neighbor, y'all!!!

With the temperatures dipping into a "cool" 80 degree range, I thought it would be safe to wear a blazer. This tan blazer, with one of my absolute favorite linings, was the perfect color to create an outfit of soft tones. You all know how much I love myself some color, so this was a new experiment for me and I have to say I love it. Now I'll be on the lookout for tans, taupes and bone colored items to add a new element to my wardrobe. But that definitely doesn't mean I'll stop loving my hot pink shoes or my red bag.

Is there a color that you usually avoid, but want to try?

Outfit Details:

Tan blazer and sheer snake-print tank- Forever 21 (similar blazer here, similar tank here)

Pink capri pants and belt- J. Crew (pants in other colors available here on sale) (similar belt here)

Tan platform heels- Miu Miu

Tan handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAM (similar here)

OOTD- It's a Leopard Time Repeat!!

Happy Monday!! That's right, I'm not going to have a case of the Mondays and greet this week joyfully. Let's hope that cheer lasts into the week. I hope you all had a great weekend!! I sure did and part of the reason was this leopard number. I wore it two days in a row! The crazy thing is it sat in my closet for at least a month and I came up with outfits for it, but just didn't wear it until recently. I did it for you guys because otherwise you would see it every other day.


What's the one thing in your closet you would wear all the time if you could?

Outfit Details:

Orange dress- H&M (similar here)

Leopard shirt- Forever 21 (similar here in limited sizes, similar here, plus-size top in gray version here)

Striped handbag- Rebecca Minkoff sample

Tan sandals- Belle by Sigerson Morrison

Tan belt- J. Crew

OOTD- Vested Interest

I felt like my wardrobe was missing a good vest, so when this popped up on Old Navy's website, I thought it would be a perfect little addition. However, when I tried to style it over the weekend, I felt like it was giving me a sailor/fisherman vibe. I suppose the belt with the anchor buckle I tried to put on wasn't helping either. Given the inherent casualness of this vest, I thought I would take a stab at making it work...for work. I didn't feel like all I needed was a fishing pole and some bait, but you can bet I would be prepared anyway with all of these pockets.

Is there an item you feel is missing from your wardrobe?

Outfit Details:

Black/white dress- Express via thrift store

Tan vest- Old Navy (available here)

Black belt- J. Crew (similar here)

Twisted sandals- Loeffler Randall (different style, same color on sale here)

Lavender studded handbag- Spotted Moth (available here)

Necklace- JewelMint

Arm party (from top to bottom)- Club Monaco, Gorjana, J. Crew, Target, ASOS

Quick Review- J. Crew Hacking Jacket

When J. Crew fall arrivals became available, I couldn't be happier about the wonderful selection of blazers. The Hacking jacket was definitely one that was tops of my list for the color selection and a chic and timeless shape.

I was biting my nails trying to figure out which one to pick and finally decided on this one:

And the winner is midnight ocean!!! And it finally came in the mail.

After getting measurements with an online specialist, I decided to order my regular size. It fits great. It doesn't feel tight in the shoulders, I can button it up with no issue, I did an arm raise test and it passed. This jacket gets a thumbs up in fit and in the gorgeous shade of blue. It also has cute leather buttons. Compared to the wool of the Schoolboy blazer (which I found to be really thin), this feels like a real wool blazer (it has a nice mid-weight, substantial feel to it). The only issue I had was the fact that the sleeves felt itchy which I found weird considering that the sleeves are lined. If you have sensitive skin this might be a nuisance, but it's not enough to take this baby back. I love my new blazer and wish I could get it in all the other colors!!

P.S. The color looks slightly pale blue in my pictures, but the real color is somewhere in between the lightness of my pictures and the darker hue of the stock photo.

Are you a fan of the Hacking jacket??

Snack Break: Should Be Working, Rather Be Shopping

It's Monday and I'd rather be on vacation. Since I'm not, let's go pretend shopping instead. Here are a few things that are tickling my fancy:

Rachel Zoe Asymmetrical Button Tie Waist Coat, $575, available here

Rachel Zoe has come out with a new collection and I am smitten. I saw a picture of this coat somewhere and absolutely loved it. The contrast of the black buttons and tie belt is perfect with the color of the coat. If I had $600 to spend on a coat, I would be all on this; even if I would probably not wear it often for fear of getting it dirty.

Rebecca Minkoff Covet Satchel in Cheetah, $495.00, available here

All I can think about is a leopard or cheetah print bag for fall. You all know I love myself some Rebecca Minkoff, so this would certainly go on my list.

Rachel Rachel Roy Pleated Aladdin Belt It! Dress, $149, available here

Another Rachel I heart is Rachel Roy. I saw this dress and immediately added to my cart. I love the color, the asymmetrical hemline, the way she put the bow on it to keep if from being a totally sack. My only issue would be that I can't really wear it with a blazer or cardigan when it gets colder because that would totally hide it's wonderful features.

Oh, Lola!, $48, available here

All you have to say is Marc Jacobs and I'm all on it. I've loved several of his perfume scents since he came on the make you smell good scene. Essence will always be my favorite of his, but the new version of Lola is wonderful and needs to take up residence on my dresser.

Kelly Wearstler Perforated Cuff, $225, available here

Kelly of the oh so colorful and glamorous interior design fame has a jewelry collection now. There are such interesting pieces and I think I likey very much!!

J. Crew Tweed Vintage Jacket in Mustard, $198, available here

Tweed!!! Oh, how I love you!!! It was destined that I would fall in love with this jacket, for sure.

West Elm Organic Bird Collage Duvet Cover and Shams, available here

I'm in a serious redecorating/reorganizing mood and new sheets are in order. I think this would make the bed look a little bit more fun, but not in a juvenile way.

Charlotte Olympia Tessa, way to much $$$, available here

Something to make me at least 4 inches taller than I am... yes, please!!! This is my color for fall. I want everything in a nice dark red/burgundy shade.



What do you have your eye right now???