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

Around the Block

So I do have another maxi dress outfit to share, but I thought I'd interrupt the maxi-mania with not only more pencil skirt love, but bright yellow and happy green color-blocking love. (Also, I can't seem to not wear this denim jacket now. You've been warned.)

Denim jacket - Theory (eBayed) / Green tank - Old Navy / Skirt - Talbots / Belt - LOFT
Handbag - Urban Outfitters / Shoes - Bandolino "Moderngirl" (Endless)

It should not be surprising, but I'd been contemplating (read: obsessing over) the idea of a yellow pencil skirt for a little while now. I mean, 1) it's a pencil skirt and 2) it's yellow. I figured experimenting with brighter colors would be a good way to wear the wardrobe staple in summer off-season - having more fun with them than I might during the regular season. I liked all the bright color blocking I've been seeing on Pinterest and various blogs, too, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to try my own hand at it. Pretty much love it.

Lemony yellow meets kelly green, who run into summer white for a day of colorific fun. Sounds like a good short story. Maybe? Title forthcoming.

Ring - Trina Turk for Banana Republic / Earrings - Banana Republic

True Blue

This outfit seems to have a split personality: spring on top; winter on the bottom. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but it's actually an apt representation of the back-and-forth weather we've been experiencing. I just wanted to wear the top, though, and tights were a requisite for the cold, snowy day. So there it is.

Top - Maurices / Jacket - Maurices / Pencil Skirt - Simply Be / Tights - ? /
Heels - Nine West (via 6pm.com) / Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

I was drawn to the top because of its vibrant color blocking and - you guessed it - stripes. I figured it would be a great option with a black pencil skirt as I've worn it here, or with black or denim skinnies for some other day. I added the off-white cropped jacket for a more casual look (and I loves me a cute cropped jacket), but I couldn't decide if I liked it better half-zipped, left open, or not at all. I felt like I needed to get another color or texture in there, too, but I had limited time to experiment. I'll save that for next time.

Ring - H&M / Necklace - The Limited / Earrings - LOFT

What would you say if I told you I briefly considered mustard tights (with different shoes), though?