OOTD- A Touch of Leopard Never Hurts

I felt like it was time for my green blazer to make another appearance. I seriously heart this blazer and want to wear it often. Don't you just love those kind of clothing finds?

I remember spying this particular dress in a magazine thinking how utterly feminine and cute it was and when I found it in the store, I instantly headed for the register to make it my own. Unfortunately, I've only worn it once before and it sits all lonely in my closet. And then my magical green blazer saved the day by adding some depth that I think keeps this dress from going to the Sunday church outfit territory. And then a little bit of leopard never hurts either.

Outfit Details:

Dress- I "Heart" Ronson (similar here, here

Green blazer- Zara (same here)

Brown belt- thrifted

Leopard flats- Magnolia (adorable alternative here, similar here, more casual alternative here)

Lilac studded bag- Spotted Moth (available here)

White studded bracelet- Forever 21 (similar here)

OOTD- You're a Crafty Little Vest

You guys, I love myself some tweed and was happy to score this blazer at the thrift store several weeks ago:

But tweed with pastel colors just conjure up images of an Easter outfit or something a much more, shall we say, mature woman might wear. I haven't discovered a way to make such a tweed color pattern look a lot chic and hip. So, I got a little scissor happy and made it something a bit more wearable.

This I can handle!! I'll admit that I'm not the most diy kind of gal (and it's a good thing you can't inspect the inside), but hopefully sometime in the future I can have a designated sewing space to get creative. My next project is to make a few friendship bracelets.

I like the way this outfit turned out. I added some extra pattern and color all around. And I would like to note that my bf is so proud of himself for putting me together since he picked the top and told me to change my shoes, lol. He claimed the ones I had on before were boring and these blue babies added a nicely needed pop. What do you think, does he have abilities to be my assistant stylist??? :)

Outfit Details:

Tweed "vest"- Kasper (thrifted)

Blue/white tank- H&M

Gray ankle jeans- J Brand

Purple clutch- Rebecca Minkoff (similar available here)

Blue suede pumps- Zara (really good alternative here)

Cat eye sunglasses- Forever 21 (available here)

Bracelets (top to bottom)- Gorjana (available here in lots of colors, Accessories and Beyond (available here in silver metal, Forever 21 (available in silver here)

OOTD- Green with Envy

My day started super early yesterday for a conference. A day full of sitting and listening required me to come up with something professional, but most importantly comfortable. With all of the talk over the internet about Zara's new collection and their intense love of color blocking, I knew a trip would have to be in order for me. I got my chance last week and I was so incredibly happy to load up my arm with some many colorful items to try. And although my heart was a little set on a hot pink blazer (only one in the store and not my size, boo hoo), this green beauty made the cut. I think it's the perfect marriage of 9-5 business without being stuffy.

Outfit Details:

White/black ruffle tank- TJ Maxx find (similar but pricey and cute here, similar here)

Black skinny pants- Madewell (on sale in some sizes here)

Green blazer- Zara

Lilac belt- J. Crew (similar here)

Black pumps- Hot in Hollywood (available here)

OOTD- Small Step to Blocking Color

I've been in a skirt mood lately and after deciding to nix wearing pants yesterday, I figured I would take one of my favorite skirts out for a spin. This little hot pink number was purchased for my birthday a few years ago and it still manages to make me happy.

I'm very excited to try out the color blocking trend that's big this season, but am seriously lacking the bold color in bottoms. I look in my closet and wish for a pair of purple pants (a la DvF) or an orange skirt (like here). Until those magically appear, I took a small step with the shoes and skirt. Next step is to make Crayola proud with a brightly inspired ensemble.

Are you color blocking yet? Show me what has inspired you with this trend?

Outfit Details:

Cashmere tee- Banana Republic

Pink silk skirt- J Crew

Blue suede pumps- Zara

Gold choker Astoria necklace- JewelMint

Gray handbag- Botkier

OOTD-Don't Step on My Blue Suede Shoes

It's pouring buckets as I type (with thunder), so Friday's high temps and sun was the perfect opportunity to break out my new suede shoes. Bright and bold colors are the "trend" of the season, but can you really go wrong with such vibrancy and pop? Sometimes I like my work clothing to have a feeling of fun or as if I'm headed to a party later. That hasn't translated to a ballgown under a blazer, but I'm pretty sure that wouldn't really fly, even if I dared to try it.

Are you daring to try bold color this season? If so, what color are you looking forward to wear?

Outfit Details:
Blue cardigan- Madewell
X print sleeveless top- Forever 21 (available here)
Gray ankle length denim- J Brand (via Ebay)
Yellow belt- Anne Klein (secondhand)
Blue suede pumps- Zara
Blue handbag- Forever 21

OOTD- Confetti Fun Like the Party Cake

Do you love khaki? It conjures up images of a uniform to me, especially since I had to wear them when I volunteered at a museum once and at a part-time gig ages ago complete with a badge and name tag. My bf jokes that we should dress up in our khakis one day, find a red shirt to match and play tricks on the staff and patrons of Target. I can totally see him getting us busted by acting crazy on the store intercom system asking for price checks on things that don't exist.

Since buying this skirt earlier this year, I've only worn it a few times. Besides being a wrinkle monster, I've been trying to rack my brain and figure out how to make it less of a standard issue item. I figured I would ground it with some black, then I layered on some jewelry and added a touch of color. I'm rather certain I wouldn't be mistaken for a Tar-jay team member in this ensemble.

Outfit Details:

Black tee- American Apparel

Blazer- Jones of New York (thrifted)

Khaki skirt- Zara

Pink patent belt- J Crew

Black pumps- Taryn by Taryn Rose

Black handbag-??? (some Italian brand)

In the Dressing Room- Shopping at Anthro, Zara, & Barneys COOP

I decided to stop into the city after work on Friday for a little retail therapy and to see what was out there in the stores. Let's just say it was a bit disappointing, but I didn't leave completely empty-handed.

One of my stops was to Barneys COOP just to see what was on sale. I tried on the cutest blouse from Parker with sail boats on it. Alas, it was not meant to be and that can be blamed on my girls being a bit too big for it. Pulling across the chest and flashing everyone would not be a good look. I can't subject anyone to that picture, but I can show the adorable print. :)

I love J Brand jeans and have a few pairs. After seeing this on several celebrities I decided to see what the fuss was about with the cargo skinnies. I do need a nice casual weekend pant, but this was not working for me. Oh well, the search continues.

J Brand Houlihan Cargo, available here

Another stop was Zara to load up on skirts. I've been hunting for a cute tan color skirt, but tried on a few others too. That included this black button front number:



Although I liked this skirt, it was a no go for me. I'm short-waisted and this came up a bit too high, plus I do need to breathe during the day. There was little give in the elastic waist and it's best that I not pass out in my clothing, especially in the summer.


I can't resist an animal print anything, so I was seriously intrigued with this next skirt. I decided to give it a try.





I was crushing on this skirt and it gets mucho extra points for pockets. I didn't leave the store with this one either. I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend $80 on this particular silk skirt (I felt like my butt looked twice as big due to the poofiness in the skirt) and no offense to the dog, but if it was a cuter breed, I might have been more inclined to pull the trigger.

I skipped off to Anthropologie to indulge in fantasies of living a semi-bohemian lifestyle that required fancy skirts and dresses. That's just not me and I'm not sure Anthro is completely my style, but I can't deny that it's a great place to find something fun, unique and most definitely feminine.

Flowering Pasture Blouse, Dolan, buy it here

Really like, but most definitely sheer. Might consider it at a sale price

Lane Change Skirt, Girl from Savoy, buy it here
As you can see a big thumbs down for me. I felt like I was wearing an apron and this did nothing for my figure




Rift Valley Shorts, Corey Lynn Calter, buy it here
This was such a fun pair of shorts, but I wasn't sure if it was love. This also comes in a giraffe print too (me and those animals again) that I really like. This will go on the wish list.

Grand Island Dress, LA Made, buy it here

Excuse the face in this pic, but it is telling. This is a big fat no for me. It has a straight jacket look and wasn't working for my figure, although I love that drapey neckline.

After constant changing, some sucking in to fit a few things and a couple of battles in my brain about whether I should get this or that, I made it home with my wallet still intact and one little bag. To be debuted very soon... its searching my closet for cute friends to go out with, lol.

Gossip Girl photo courtesy of gossipgirlshow.com