OOTD-Stay Cozy

Hi guys!!! So glad to finally see Friday although with snow in the forecast and a house to clean up after the holidays, I'm not so sure I should go home after work. Maybe I'll make a detour to the airport and hop on a plane someplace tropical. I like that idea much better than thinking about cleaning. :)

Since the weather around this part of the east coast has finally started reaching temperatures that resemble winter, I've been craving sweaters. Now sure I have plenty of sweaters already in my arsenal that I could throw on including a few cashmere ones, but I've had my mind set on something that goes beyond the standard Crayola crayon box of colors. This little striped number from Forever 21 certainly hit the spot with some visual interest plus color and I had to get it right away. And right after I bought this sweater, I bought this one from Madewell. I'm in sweater heaven right now and it feels so cozy!

What's your favorite stay warm and cozy item? Scarf, fuzzy socks, faux fur earmuffs?

Outfit Details:

Stripe sweater- Forever 21 (available here and also comes in a red version)

Metallic skirt- consignment find Ann Taylor (similar here and here on sale)

Otk boots- old LOFT (similar vibe here on sale, similar here and here

Blue/brown handbag- old Rebecca Minkoff MAC

Green lionhead bracelet- Fallon

Spike bracelet- BaubleBar (out of stock but there is a waitlist here, similar here and here)

Leopard watch- Timex (similar here and here)

SHOP THE POST

 

What Goes Around, Comes Back Around

Hey, it's you again!!!

Forever 21 Striped Shift Dress, available here

I bought this dress last year and absolutely loved it. It looks so mod and the stripes are a tad more interesting with the different directions. I was quite surprised to see it pop up on the website again but extremely happy to be able to share it with you all. I decided to break it out of the closet again (see original post here and here as a top), but I put a little twist and wore it as a tunic instead:

(excuse the wrinkles, it was a long day sitting)

I highly recommend getting one for yourself. But if this one isn't quite your thing, there are plenty of other options out there too:

Oasis Bold Stripe Shift Dress, $90.90, available here

Kate Spade Andora Zebra Print Dress, $425, available here

J. Crew Stripe Sweater Dress, $140, available here

Lurex Rainbow Cross Back Dress, $160, available here

Heart and Soul Stripe Maxi Dress, on sale $36, available here

Notes from the Dressing Room- Dying to be Forever 21

I want to thank you all for showing me and my blog some love. It gives me the warm and fuzzies inside. If you haven't entered my giveaway yet, get on that here!!!!

I thought I would switch up the outfit posting with a few dressing room reviews from Forever 21. Whether it's a store that you love or hate, you can't deny that there are a million things to try and plenty to love. For some, this store has the stigma of being full of disposable clothes and shoes, which can be true, but I have found some excellent pieces that have lasted me for several years. Can I add that I have had a real leather jacket from F21 since college!!!

I knew these reviews had to go up pronto because this store is a here today, maybe gone tomorrow place. I do want to note that the maxis I tried on were worn with flats and I'm 5'4.

Colorful Maxi Dress, $24.80, available here

I was instantly drawn to the colors of this dress. Seriously, wouldn't it be perfect for strolling around town on a hot weekend or frolicking on the beach. :)  I thought this was a great dress, but if you are in any way modest, this dress might be too low-cut (I was wearing a slip that day, which is what you can see in the middle). It did skim the body nicely and felt great to wear. 

Fit is true to size.

 Leopard Button-Down, $19.80, Not online anymore (Tag# 62097029014)

Colorful Striped Line Blend Shorts, $15.80, available here

I'm so sad that this top isn't online anymore because I thought it was fabulous. The fabric is a bit on the sheer side, but not so much that you can completely see through it. A nude colored bra would probably be all you need. It is cut higher in the front and lower in the back and I think it would make a great substitute for this Equipment blouse. The fabric actually feels substantial and pretty well made.

Fit is slightly big, depending on chest size you could size down.

I also think these striped shorts are great as well. The stripes are done nicely, not too thick or thin and although they are pretty short, these would be perfect for the upcoming super hot weather. I was almost tempted to purchase these, but put myself on a shorts ban for the time being.

Fit is true to size.

 Pattern Maxi Dress, $24.80, similar available here (Tag#00011330034)

I seem to want maxi dresses right now and just thought the detailing on this one was just so pretty. It has a plunging neckline (might want to wear a tank with this one), a tie-waist and ruffle trim at the bottom. It was so incredibly flowing and conjured up images of feeling so lady-like swishing throughout the town. So I had to buy it!!

Fit is true to size.

 Leopard Spots Ruffle Top, $19.80, available here

Suede Eyelet Trim Skirt, $22.80, similar here (Tag# 74687011024)

I'm usually weary of tiered tops because of how they can emphasis the chest in the wrong way, but this one gets a big thumbs up. The tiers aren't a-line and instead hang ever so lightly on top of each other. The orange leopard print is fun and would be perfect with some white jeans or even a cute short skirt like the one here.

Fit is true to size.

Speaking of this skirt, I thought they were shorts when I picked them up and was disappointed to see it was a skirt in the dressing room. This skirt has a beautiful trim, but is incredibly short. It did not pass the bend over test. I'm sure the length could work for some, but think it would have been much better as a pair of shorts and I would have snatched them up if they were.

Fit is true to size.

 Aztec Woven Skirt, $14.80, available here

I saw this skirt online first and was instantly smitten by the colors. It's a bit subdued, but at the same time has some vibrancy when you view it in person. This has a retro vibe and the material feels silky. Unfortunately, I tried this on in my normal size and the waistband was snug, so you might want to size up.

Abstract Woven Pants, $19.90, similar available here (Tag #00011536034)

If you're anything like me, you love a good skirt or dress, but sometimes a girl just wants to switch things up. I thought these pants look extremely easy to put on and go when the weather gets warmer. They definitely are and I kind of like them in theory, but they are just too similar to a pair of pajama bottoms. Plus, the fit leaves much to be desired; diaper bottom is not a good look. I think a more streamlined fit and no elastic cuffs at the bottom would make a world of difference.

Fit is baggy, size down.

So, what's your stance on Forever 21? Love it or avoid like the plague??

I hope you all have a wonderful, long weekend!!!!!

OOTD- Scenes from a Saturday

Fake toilet peeps!! I'm not that crazy!!!

Did you have a nice weekend? Enjoy some Easter yumminess (in the form of candy or dinner)?? I spent my weekend tackling a mile long list of things to do (and still not done crossing everything off) and that included a trip to Ikea for a bookcase. I'm in the midst of a some serious spring cleaning and order is the goal I'm aiming for at home, which can be a problem for someone with pack rat tendencies (seriously, why do I still have receipts from 2008?).

Are you a big vest wearer? Vest give me uniform flashbacks and just always seem a bit stuffy to me. However, this new vest of mine and after seeing a few bloggers wear a really cute Banana Republic moto vest has me rethinking the whole vest thing. I feel like a paring it with a dress, tanks or short-sleeves would give it a chicer vibe. Here are a few that have good potential:

Cotton Slub Sweater Vest, $69.50, available here

Perfect for throwing on with almost anything

Zest Vest, $118, available here

A little bit bohemian

QSW Love Potion Vest, $68, available here

A nice funky option, the back is pretty cute too!

Hepburn Vest, on sale $43.99, available here

Great option for work (minus the little hat)!!

Outfit Details:

White tee- Target

Chiffon feather print vest and olive jacket- Forever 21 (vest available here)

Gray ankle jeans- J Brand

Black wedges- Steve Madden (thrifted)

Black/white striped tote- Rebecca Minkoff (sequin style available here and nice option here)

OOTD- Channeling Teen Spirit

Today's outfit was inspired by this image of Lucy Hale from Pretty Little Liars in Teen Vogue:

(source)

Despite the fact that I'm a woman about her thirties, I have to admit I'm still into teen things. I like to watch Vampire Diaries every Thursday, I still flip through Seventeen and Teen Vogue and I'm still shopping Forever 21 just like my teen self did. What can I say, they are a source of enjoyment and inspiration even though I'm am definitely not the target demographic.

While flipping through Teen Vogue a few months ago, I came across a picture of Lucy Hale wearing an outfit that immediately had my fashion wheels turning. I had a yellow top, a wine colored skirt and a statement necklace. I loved the outfit on her and loved how it came out with what was in my closet. Although my necklace from this past weekend would have been a better choice, adaptations had to be made for office appropriateness (boo!).

I can't be the only one!! What teen-related guilty pleasures do you still indulge in?

Outfit Details:

Yellow twist top- Zara (old) (cute option here)

Black/yellow circle cardigan- Target (option similar to inspiration pic here)

Skirt and pendant necklace- Forever 21

Black pumps- Hot in Hollywood from HSN (available here and they are comfy!!)

Tan trench- Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

OOTD- Out in the Fields

The weather guy told me it was going to be warm and I thought I'd throw caution to the wind and wear white (and I received no fashion citations for not waiting until Memorial Day to break out my white clothing). Although we moved one step up in the spring category with some warmth, the cool breeze wanted to make a serious debut while taking pics.

Do you have an item in your wardrobe that you love, but don't wear very often because you know it will attract attention wherever you go? That would be, what I like to refer to as my jingle-jangle necklace for me. I love the statement it makes, but I sound like I'm ringing Santa's sleigh or something. Oh well, sometimes a girl just wants a little attention. If you start wondering why you think you hear jingle bells, it might be me around the corner.

Outfit Details:

Tan tee- Madewell (available here)

White blazer- Forever 21 (similar here, similar here in linen, similar here)

Denim jeans- Paige Premium Denim

Brown wedges- Dolce Vita for Target (available here)

Statement necklace- Forever 21 (really cute one here and fun one here)

Brown/blue handbag- Rebecca Minkoff

OOTD- Playing with Worms

I was having a case of serious wardrobe dysfunction. I put on this dress all set to head out for work, I looked in the mirror and thought, "oh no, I definitely can't wear this." I've been used to wearing it in the winter with tights and boots, but a glance at my reflection told me that it was a way too short for work with bare legs. Already running late, I threw on some pants and my shoes and made due by making it a tunic instead. Problem solved!!!

Were you the type of kid that played in the dirt? Mr. Worm seems to be enjoying the rain we've been getting. At least, someone's singing in the rain.

Outfit Details:

Striped dress and hat- Forever 21

Black ankle pants- Zara

Red patent pumps- Van Eli

Black patent bow belt- ?? (consignment find)

Bracelets- Mall vendor, Forever 21, J Crew

OOTD-Sparkle Saturday

This sweater has been hanging on the front of my bedroom door since the last time I wore it (in this post). I feel happy just to see it give me a little shimmer. I would wear it pretty much every day if I could, but then that might be a bit weird if I show up at work in the same thing and I'm sure you guys would get tired of seeing it over and over again. The same goes for these jeans as I think they could work with a million things.

The weather was perfect for just wearing my fun sweater and I thought pops of color all around would be perfect. I got so into color that new nail polish was purchased and now my tootsies are bright blue just so I can be well on my way to being a Crayola color explosion.

Are you into the colored denim trend? If you are, what color would you go for?

Outfit Details:

Sequin sweater- J. Crew (available here)

Red ankle jeans- Forever 21 (similar here)

Yellow wedges- Target (same shoe, different color here, similar here)

Bracelets (left to right)- JewelMint, Target, Forever 21

Tan clutch- Urban Expressions (available here in lots of fun colors)

OOTD- Man, I Feel Like a Woman

I'll admit when the whole oxford shoe trend blew up, I was a bit hesitant to get on board. Sure, I would gladly wear a flat any day, but manly looking shoes can definitely be a bit tricky to pull off. My one pair of oxfords have served me pretty well and I think the big key is to add a good dose of femininity to the outfit. Loose hair, a fun bracelet and a tie-neck top were my elements for this outfit. I figured it was a good step until I develop that effortless styling like Alexa Chung. Now, she knows how to rock an oxford:

(Source)

Outfit Details:

Tie-neck tank, oxfords, aviators- Forever 21 (interesting oxford option here, sparkly option here, cool pair here)

Black blazer- thrifted

Black crop pants- Zara

Clear bubble bracelet- J Crew outlet (available here)