Pep Club

I begin with a few thoughts: 1) veggies drizzled with beurre blanc is a little like devils dancing mischievously in heaven; 2) wine and/or a perfectly brewed/frothed latte makes most, if not all, things better; 3) it's no wonder I can't get my weight under control when my life seems to revolve around the glorification of food and drink; 4) I ate my veggies today!

Peplum is the one trendy trend that I've not always had a lot of confidence wearing, and one I can't say I've fully jumped aboard. I understand the "theory" behind it: create a smaller waistline by way of a slightly exaggerated hip. But it's that whole exaggeration of the hip that I don't wanna always, ya know, exaggerate. Moderation is key! But you know me, I'm such a sucker for this kind of silhouette, so I had to give it fair play. I've indulged in only a few pieces so far: a cute printed top and a faux-peplum dress (but I dunno if side gills really count =7), both from Dorothy Perkins. And then I stumbled upon this delightful little color-blocked incarnation from Ruche - neutral black and tan set against a vibrant blue is totally up my alley - and I caved. Besides, color-blocking + peplum = double trend score!

Top - Ruche / Pencil skirt - Charter Club (Macy's) / Heels - Max Studio (via DSW) /
Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

I will admit the top is a wee bit smaller than I would like, but it didn't come in a bigger size (boo) and I thought I could make it work. And I hate paying for return shipping. And I really liked the top. I really love it with this slim black pencil, and to be honest, it will probably be the only way I'd want to wear it.

In other news, I wait with bated breath for Sephora's VIB discount in order to chip into my growing wish list. I'm especially in the market for a new eye cream. Thinking about Ole Hendrickson, but do ya'll have any faves?

Necklace - The Limited / Ring & earrings - Ruche

Blank Canvas

Let's start off the week with a great little dress, shall we? This Dorothy Perkins dress was one of those peplum finds that I had stalked forever online. The color I really wanted was a luscious grass green, but, alas, it sold out in my size before I could make up my mind to pull the trigger. The blank canvas of nude turned out to be a happy (and more versatile) runner up.

I use to have (well, still have but it nowhere near fits) a flannel caramel-colored sheath from Banana Republic that I always wanted to wear with a green belt. It never did fit (and it's time for me to give it up, methinks) so the outfit idea continued to languish. So this nude dress sprung to my mind as a way to finally wear the combination. The dress is best worn with a belt, actually, so it was fate!

Dress - Dororthy Perkins / Belt - Banana Republic /
Clutch - eloquii / Heels - Nine West "Bigspender" (via  Endless)

Lest a dress nearly the color of my skin wash me out, colorful accessories were necessary. The belt was already a given, but the combination of other accessories would plague me. I don't think I hit the right mark with this particular combination, but I couldn't resist the punch of green and coral. (Truthfully, I just couldn't resist wearing these shoes!) I will say that the necklace is closer to the green of the belt than these pictures let on; they seem more complementary in real life. As a whole, the outfit might be a case where a little more editing was necessary, and I confess myself feeling somewhat self-conscious for much of the night on that score, but there it is. Funnily enough, I received several compliments on the necklace and quite a few on the shoes. So maybe I shouldn't have hung so tightly to the belt, eh?

Necklace - Modcloth (gifted) / Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - Anthroplogie /
Nailpolish - Re-fresh Mint (China Glaze)

That's the nice thing about a blank canvas, though; the options for next time are endless!

The Heart of It

Peplums are all the rage this spring, I hear. Trend or no, I wanted to get my hands on some. Dorothy Perkins, a site I stalk daily, has the corner on the peplum market, it seems, so I didn't have to look very far. Just once little search for "peplum" yields an ample number of crazy cute options - dresses and tops, prints and solids. What to choose! This darling pink heart-print top was one of the first items to hop in my cart. A graphic print dress and nude-colored dress were next to follow. I'm quite close to pulling the trigger on this contrast print one, too.

Peplum top - Dorothy Perkins / Pencil skirt - Dorothy Perkins

I can't get over how perfectly this top fits, though. If I wasn't confident in DP sizing before (I'm a solid 14, a full size down from my usual US size), I surely am now! I mean, even the sleeves are perfect. I was afraid they'd be really tight and therefore unsightly, but they sit neatly on top of my broad shoulders. Sure, the top is a little snug across my bust, but that was almost unavoidable; still, even that isn't very noticeable. And it's darling, darling, darling. I've done it up rather casually here with a denim pencil skirt (DP again!), though skinnies would be a great option too.

Handbag - Urban Outfitters / Sandals - Payless

I already have a few minor changes in mind for the next time I wear it: these cute strappy turquoise wedges I just picked up and other turquoise accessories. Naturally, I look forward to dressing it up as well!

Ring - Ruche / Earrings - LOFT