Indoor Games

Ah, indoor pictures. I both love and hate you. I love the fact that I don't have to venture somewhere outside and play the "I'm just looking down at the sidewalk over here, while that random tripod is just standing in front of me" game every time cars drive by. I hate the fact that I don't have an empty wall or a neutral backdrop anywhere in my cramped little apartment and that getting the right lighting will always be a challenge. For better or worse, however, indoor pictures have only been an occasional occurrence so far this "winter."

Top - Banana Republic / Pencil skirt - eloquii / Shoes - Max Studio (via DSW)

Burgundy and leopard continue to inspire all my fall wardrobe choices. It is been my favorite fall combination, that's for sure, and one I'm not done with yet! I grabbed the top online with one of Banana Republic's weekly 40% off coupons to (partially) appease my obsessive hunt for more burgundy goodness. I sure didn't need it, but I obviously had to have it. Obviously. It's difficult to tell from the pictures, but the yoke of the top is a panel of sheer material, creating a unique mixed media effect that makes it much more than your average top, burgundy or otherwise.

Ring - Banana Republic (gifted) / Necklace - The Limited / Earrings - The Limited

Speaking of BR, has anyone else taken advantage of their totes amazing "Twelve Days of Joy" campaign? Special offers and free gifts December 1-12! My faves? Samples for Benefit Cosmetics (as a true Sephora junkie, I can never pass up make-up samples), a $10 voucher for movie tickets to see Les Misérables (a no-brainer!!) and a sample of Garrett's Popcorn (Chicagoans will know the well-earned fame behind their cracktastic bites). I'm just stunned by the freebies going around this holiday season!! Sign me up! (Says I, as I slather my lips with the Fresh Mini Sugar Lip Treatment I got from Sephora for my birthday reward.) It makes it easier to spend money on other people during the holidays if I can still stock up... =7

Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

Double Duty

Oh, hello there! Once again, an extended vacation gets the best of me. Also, weekend 1 of 2 of Nutcracker madness. As far as events go, this one is so aptly named - we never get through unscathed... But here I am! The first half of the season is winding down, and so am I. In spite of 70 degree weather today...in December...I have Christmas decor up and have already watched my favorite holiday movies a few times. Now if temps could just drop back to the 30s and, you know, it would snow. (I'm not hopeful.)

When I rotated my closets for fall, I decided I would keep a couple of my favorite maxi dresses on hand and challenge myself to style them for cooler weather. Since one of my favorite layering options for a maxi was a belted cardigan, I knew where to start. Add a scarf and flat boots, and done! It's so easy, so cute, and so shamelessly comfortable, that I plan to find a few permutations of it with the many cardigans/belts/scarves I own...

Maxi dress - Old Navy / Jackie Cardigan - J. Crew / Boots - Coconuts (gifted)

Scarf - Banana Republic / Belt - The Limited / Earrings - Ruche / Nails - Essie Smokin' Hot

I love the rich blues and purples of this rendition the most, though. (It even inspired my current blog template!) It feels autumnal all on its own.

Handbag - Steve Madden / Ring - H&M

Classic Mustard

Navy and mustard. Striped tee and pencil skirt. Boots and jacket. Classic combinations that always work.

Ring - Ruche / Necklace - Banana Republic (eBayed) / Earrings - Ruche

I've been through three yellow pencil skirts now, and this Lane Bryant one is by far the best. It's their classic ponte pencil skirt that I wish they would stock year round in all manner of seasonal colors. (Still looking for a pumpkin orange one!) This one came in yellow, red, teal and black and - wouldn't you know it - I bought it in all of the three colors. (I most certainly don't need another black one.) Length, color and fit is perfect on all three!

Striped top - Banana Republic / Denim jacket - Theory (eBayed) / Pencil skirt - Lane Bryant /
Boots - Ciao Bella (via DSW)

I think this was my first boot wearing for the season, too. It felt wonderful to finally break them about again - as if they were the true herald of autumn. (Aside from that whole leaves thing, anyway.) I had to polish 'em up, but they're still in pretty good shape. I was afraid I'd need to replace them after wearing them out during last fall's Boston trip, but I think I can get at least another year out of them!

I can't believe that Boston trip was almost a year ago already. We won't be able to make the trip again this year, which saddens me a bit, but I am looking forward to spending more time at home for the fall break. That's right, a week of vacation time, staring NEXT WEEK! Time to organize the chaos that is my jewelry collection, hang Christmas decor, make lots of crock pot recipes (the goal for most of the winter, as it happens), and - oh yeah - gorge ourselves on turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing... Bring on the holidays!

Handbag - Steve Madden

Something Blue

My Thursday nights have become jam packed with TV shows these days. Grey's Anatomy (uh, the most depressing season ever so far - and that's saying something), Glee (another show I keep watching despite better judgement, even though tonight's cover of No Doubt's "Don't Speak" was pretty awesome) and Project Runway (I think I watch mainly to follow along with Tom & Lorenzo's recaps) keep me unproductive and up late. I'm lucky if I manage to clean the kitchen after dinner! I mean, priorities, people.

And I gotsta catch up on my posts! It's a little anticlimactic when you go two weeks (or so...) before you get to write about a day in a life of an outfit. (Ooh, that sounds like a fabulous blog name.) This outfit, for example, was worn on one of the hotter days of the summer and, uh, that's about all I can remember. BUT BUT! The tank I scored on mega-sale at Banana Republic! And it's cute and fitted and it was just the thing for a casual summer day.

Ring  and Earrings - Ruche

It was also one of the many outfits in the past few weeks that have resurrected my love of these jeans. Other than the nastiness of hot summer days, I'm not sure why I've practically demoted them to the dark recesses of my closet. Like they weren't special enough, or something. The thing is, they fit like a freakin' dream and make me feel good no matter what I wear them with. I thought a few times of getting a new pair for the sake of something new, but then I realized that I couldn't possibly find anything better than these. I'm not at all sure why it's taken me so long to realize that.

Cardiwrap - Maurices / Henley tank - Banana Repulblic / Jeans - Lane Bryant /
Sandals - Nine West /Handbag - Banana Republic

Both bank account and self-confidence thank thee. And the many fabulous fall outfits to come.

Okay, okay - I'll go clean the kitchen now.

Ray of Sunshine

This denim pencil skirt has become another one of those clothing items I put on when I'm at a loss for what else to wear. It's the best kind of dressy casual.

Sweater - Banana Republic / Pencil skirt - Dorothy Perkins / Belt - The Limited /
Sandals - Christian Siriano for Payless

I always love it with a belted cardigan (exhibit 1 and 2), so I thought I'd try it belted with this pretty yellow boatneck sweater, itself a recently recovered closet gem (and yes, the same as this one). I don't totally love it with the belt (I think it might be a piece best unadorned), but I liked it less so without. I experimented with a few colors - tonal yellows, animal prints - but in the end I liked how the dark turquoise picked up the colors in my shoes.

Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Ruche / Nailpolish - Sag Harbor (Essie)

Such a pretty sweater, though. The trio of buttons on each shoulder, the open neckline, the every-so-slightly puffed sleeves - one of Banana Republic's nicest, more understated pieces from way back when. I simply must find more ways to wear it.

Handbag - Urban Outfitters

Blue Collar

I truly believe what I said the other day about ankle pants being a casual chic girl's best friend. I didn't want to just wear jeans and I didn't want to commit to trousers (and none of them like me right now anyway). Ankle pants are the perfect in-between.

Blue sweater - Banana Republic / White button-up - Lane Bryant /
Black ankle pants - Lane Bryant / Wedges - LOFT

Actually, I could have worn black trousers now that I look at these pictures, and I would have loved it. This particular outfit is inspired by one of my favorite Anne Hathaway ensembles from Devil Wears Prada. I can't find a full size screen shot that shows her own long wide-legged bottoms, but a picture of the top half of the outfit might give you enough of an idea of the look I was going for.

I simply adore the buttoned collar under the bateau neckline, layered with chains. Menswear-meets-Audrey-Hepburn chic. I'd worn a version of this with a black sweater long ago, but I thought I'd pull this pretty baby blue sweater out of retirement to revisit it for spring, adding oranges and corals for pops of color. Of course, I have no Chanel in my closet, so a few long chains of lesser birth had to do.

Clutch - eloquii

Incidentally, this is about the only way I'll consent to wearing a white button-up.

Ring - H&M / Necklaces - The Limited (I think?) / Earrings - LOFT /
Nails - Tart Deco (Essie)

March Madness

Well, I had a joyous, productive vacation and, as always, it is hard to go back to work and all other manner of one's normal routine. In fact, I might have also taken off yesterday in an effort to recoup before I had to dive back in. I would have loved another week, of course, but I'm quite happy to report an extra day did quite nicely. I spent most of last week completing apartment cleaning/organizing projects, with windows wide open and music blaring, dressing in cute (and blogged!) outfits to run errands about town. I spent the weekend in WI with family, enjoying a little shopping and much-needed pedicures with mom and sister. All in all, delightful, relaxing, and totally rejuvenating.

Blazer - LOFT / Striped top - Banana Republic / Scarf - Banana Republic / Skinnies - Gap

I'm kind of enjoying the vacillation between mid-summer and early spring, though. (March madness, indeed.) I get to break out cute tops, skirts and sandals one day (and all of last week, really), getting to layer with blazers and scarves the next. Never a dull (sartorial) moment. Wearing scarves with my hair down reminds me that it's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay past time to get a hair cut, though.

The scarf, a recent acquisition, was the star of this particular show. I love its color palette of blue, pink and a splash of orange; it just might be a herald of my ideal spring/summer wardrobe. For some reason, I've been all about stripes with printed scarves lately (easy pattern-mixing, methinks), so that plus blazer, skinnies and nude heels came together for yet another (and last for a while) leisurely girl-around-town outfit.

The colors of the scarf, and of the luminous spring foliage behind me, brought much-needed color to the day, as well. Cloudy and chilly, it was a day that reminded us all that, yes, it's still March after all.

Ring - Ruche / Scarf - Banana Republic / Earrings - Lane Bryant

Pretty sure I've found a favorite new photo location, however...

Shoes - Nine West "Hollyce" (via Zappos) / Handbag - Tano

Go Green

I'm not a lick Irish, but one of my good friends/co-workers is, and since she was throwing a St. Patrick's Day bash this past Saturday (beginning at 10am, I should mention), I wanted to pay my respects. A green zebra print seemed like just the thing.

I knew we'd be walking the mere 5 blocks to her house, especially since the weather was simply divine that day, so walkable footwear was necessary. (In fact, we snapped these pics on our way home!) Walkable footwear typically mandates wearing a skirt as well, since pants or jeans likewise requires heels to lengthen out my stumptacular legs. Happily, this perfect denim pencil skirt from Dorothy Perkins had just arrived on my doortep a few days before, and I didn't want to wear anything else. Can the length and deep indigo color be more ideal??? Incidentally, this is about my third order from DP in two months. I'm soooo very hooked. More DP goodies to follow over the next few posts, by the way...

Cardigan - Banana Republic / Camisole - Anthropologie / Pencil skirt - Dorothy Perkins /
Sandals -  Moda Spana (via  Endless.com)

I always like belting a buttoned-cardigan-pencil skirt combo. When wearing anything untucked over a skirt, Tim Gunn's rule of thirds is best obeyed if I can create more definition at my waist. (This is also why I don't need a belt when tucking pieces in - the waitband creates that definition for me.) But what color, I pondered? Well, gold, of course! That was the only answer for the rest of my accessories, too.

Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - Maurices / Belt - Talbots /
Ring - Ruche / Sunglasses - LOFT

Blog and Learn

This outfit is brought to you by more leopard and teal! I had forgotten about his top in my small arsenal of teal choices, so I thought I'd take it out for a spin.

Top - The Limited / Skirt - Banana Republic (thrifted) / Belt - Old Navy /
Heels - Christian Siriano for Payless / Clutch - eloquii

I liked it the last time I had belted it, but this iteration doesn't quite do it for me. There's something about the top's proportions that just don't lend itself well to belting with contrasts, at least on this short-waisted bod of mine. In fact, I removed the belt - the lone leopard print - near the end of the night. In hindsight, I would have done without the belt (or the with the same tone-on-tone belt as last time) and worn my perfect leopard print heels instead. Oh well, that's why I blog, I guess: Take pictures and learn!

Ring - Banana Republic / Necklace - Banana Republic / Earrings - Anthropologie

Shoe-In

Sometimes it's just about the shoes. Alright, more often than not it's about the shoes, but this one really was about the shoes. I mean, how else does one celebrate prematurely warm (albeit windy) spring days than with bright-colored open-toed amazingness? Sheesh, what am I doing to do when it's officially spring? (Stay tuned, I guess...)

Blazer - NY&Co. / Striped top - Banana Republic / Skinnies - Gap / Sandals - Nine West

Skinny jeans had to play somewhat of an equal part too, though, since I knew they would best showcase these hot pink babies. But what next? Oh, stripes, you say? Stripes that just so happen to echo the pink of the shoes? Oh, yes! But what to do for another layer? Something neutral, something structured. My love-hate relationship with blazers was to continue with this simple, basic beige version that gave just enough shape to the waist, and just enough (casual) work-appropriate balance to the outfit.

This is actually one of the few, rare times I didn't cuff my skinnies, either. I tend to prefer them cuffed when I'm wearing heels - the proportions seem a bit better on me. But I confess I like the bunched-up-ankle look here. They give my leg a longer line (which I need) and, more importantly, they seem to bring more attention to the fabulosity of the shoes.

Snakeskin clutch - eloquii

Here's the real kicker (no pun intended): the shoes are comfortable, too!

Ring - Ruche / Earrings - ? 

Now I just need a pedicure...

Leap of Faith

A leap year outfit (yes, I'm a little behind) has to be something out of the ordinary, I think - or at least out of the ordinary for the wearer. Thus, colored ankle pants!

Jacket - LOFT / Striped top - Banana Republic / Ankle pants - Talbots / Heels - Banana Republic

In truth, I've worn the pants before, feeling somewhat uncomfortable in them at the time. But I really wanted to celebrate the unseasonably warm springtime day with something nautical and colorful, so I lept for it. I love the coral and navy combination so much that I might have to do it again! Thanks to the longer lengths of the jacket (one of my favorites) and top (stripes!), I felt a little more covered and therefore more comfortable this time around.

The weather had to be out of the ordinary as well, I guess. Windy as hell and a balmy 68 degrees surely qualifies as such, no? I definitely wanted to take pictures outside, but the wind just didn't want to cooperate. Sure, the effortless windblown look is nice on occasion, but these gusts could have knocked me over if I let them. Perfect hair shots are replaced by goofy outtakes with me holding hair in place.

Rather than default to a white belt (and I really wanted a belt), I aimed to incorporate a third color - something on the darker end (it looked better with the jacket), but something that looked just as good with the color of the pants. Green? Not dark enough, and I wanted to save that for my handbag. (See below.) Teal? Teal! I was surprised how much I liked it against the navy, especially since it's not a typical combination.

Ring - Ruche (gifted) / Belt - The Limited / Necklace - Banana Republic (eBayed) /
Earrings - Ruche / Nailpolish - "Cute as a Button (Essie)

As if the wind wasn't enough, the sun/shade ratio in my usual photo locations weren't cooperating either, as you can tell by the shadow of my tripod and camera. Classy, eh? Oh leap year, you got me.

Handbag - Banana Republic