The Portofino Shirt

Currently craving: The Portofino Shirt

This shirt comes in a variety of colors and styles - color block, studded, and even polka dots!

Professional for work, and pretty enough for date night!

And today only you can take $25 off your $75 purchase with code 1110.

Outfit posts via Instagram

I'm not quite in the habit of taking outfit pictures but I'm trying to do better and at least take pics with my phone and post to Instagram! Here are a few as of late.

You can follow me on Instagram: here!

Feeling Fall

Happy Friday and happy belated October! I can't believe it is already October!

I have to work this Saturday at our residential facility so I have today off! I've been thinking about doing a fall wishes blog post for awhile now, so it's finally time!!

1. Tunic Sweater - $24.99 - I have this and love it! So cozy and easy to wear!
2. Cable Sweater - $39.99
3. Fur-Trim Puffer Vest - $79.95
4. V-Neck Sweater - $24.94
5. Bailey Button - $165
6. Striped Turtleneck - $22.95
7. Frienzzi Leather Boot - $139 - I'm not in the market for leather boots, but these caught my eye!
8. Marisa Straight Leg Corduroys - $59.50 - I love my teal ones from last year - plus this is an easy way to be in style with the popular burgundy trend!

Check back later for a fall nail polish post!

Work Wear: Tops

When I was younger, back to school shopping was my favorite. I would spend hours sitting in my bedroom with the school supply list. I loved getting binders organized and getting excited for the new school year. That anxious unknown feeling was so energizing! I know Mom would take us clothes shopping for a few new pieces or an outfit or two, but what I remember more clearly is the school supplies! Strange.

I think going back to work has a similar feel for me. While a trip to Staples is not on my to do list (unless I get there on Monday and they don't provide me with a legal pad! Then I will have to buy my own! I'm all about taking notes!) I'm eager to wear my work clothes that have just been hanging in my closet waiting for some love, and possibly incorporate some new favorites to put a little extra pep in my step! Don't you just feel wonderful and in charge when you are dressed your best and put together?

I mentioned the other day after cleaning out my closet that I could use a few more dressy work tops. Here are a few that have a classic feel (read "won't get tired of"), can be worn with pants or a skirt (even jeans on casual Friday!), and can transition from summer to fall and winter with the appropriate cardigan or jacket!

1. Lace Yoke Ruffle Sleeve Easy Tee - $49.90
2. Henley Peasant Blouse - $46.90
3. Short Sleeve Contrast Fabric Easy Tee - $39.90 *my favorite! tried this on and love the color!
4. Bow-Front Sleeveless Shirt - $25.74 - on sale!
5. Henley Peasant Blouse - $46.90
6. Ruffled Raglan Sleeve Pleated Blouse - $49.90

Scary Statement

jacket: H&M, sweater: Forever 21 (similar), pants: Loft, shoes: Privo, necklace: Mimi's*

During the 21 Day Challenge last fall one prompt was to wear statement jewelry. I wore this necklace then, and think I've only worn it one other time! It really is a wonderful necklace, but it's somewhat intimidating to me!! For the most part I prefer delicate necklaces - and this certainly isn't delicate! I think I also worry that it's too bold for work. Today I overcame my fears!

*I purchased the necklace @ Mimi's, but it appears to be sold out. Shop Design Spark has the exact same thing! It comes in coral too!

Have a great weekend!

Open to Interpretation

Anyone else ready for the weekend? Woo I'm pooped!!

Today is the second to last day of the challenge with Freckles in April - I have thoroughly enjoyed it! Today we used this image for inspiration and interpreted it our own way!

Originally I had planned to wear my off white cable knit sweater, but it was in the 50s and that just wasn't going to work!

jacket: AE (forever ago), top: Loft, skirt: Limited, shoes: Bandolino, necklace: SMV Designs (similar)

My work isn't a very dressy place, and I'm much more of a pants person anyway (hello not shaving legs regularly.. ahem.) so it felt nice to be a littler more dressed up today!

Tomorrow we are supposed to wear something that scares us. My husband suggested I wear all brown and go as a bed bug. Muwahahaha. Hilarious. But not quite what Kayla had in mind, I'm sure! Stay tuned! 

P.S. The skirt I'm wearing from the Limited is now on sale and a great alternative to the $100+ J Crew skirt from the inspiration image!

The Blouse

After my post about feminine, flowy blouses being on trend I was inspired to compile an assortment of beauties! There are so many styles and options! It was seriously hard to stop at 12!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

What do you think? Are you convinced?

Cardigans

Husband asked what I was blogging about and I said "cardigans" - and I'm  pretty sure his mind went to The Cardigans and Lovefool! "..Love me, love me, say that you love me!" :)

ANYWAY. After getting freezing rain Friday night and taking at least 30 minutes to free my car yesterday, my mind is ready for Spring!!! How about you??

I really want to invest in a few more cardigans. Cardigans help make some tank tops more work appropriate and quickly change an outfit! I have a few but would like to pick up some other styles and colors!

Here are a few I like! Gotta have a couple of white cardigans and neutrals plus colors! Variety people, variety!

1. Boyfriend Cardigan - $49.90
2. Open Stitch Cardigan - $59.90  *love this with and without a belt!
3. Stripe Cotton Boyfriend Cardigan - $59.90
4. Saddle Shoulder Cardigan - $39.99
5. Dolman Sleeve Cocoon Cardigan - $59.90
6. Perfect Cardigan - $24.94
7. Boyfriend Cardigan - $49.90
8. Shirred Shoulder Cardigan - $34.9
9. Factory Cody Cardigan - $54.50

Are you a lovefool for cardigans?

P.S. Claire and I are going to do Freckles in April's Winter Challenge! It starts tomorrow (with layers!) if you want to join in on the fun!

Aqua Pencil Skirt

My sweet mother in law got me this skirt for Christmas! I wore it to the annual family new year's day party but haven't had a chance to wear it again. Here are 3 ways I would like to wear it!

blouse, bag, earrings, scarf, shoes, belt, skirt

cardigan, earrings, top, shoes, belt, skirt

earrings, belt, clutch, top, shoes, skirt

Express Dolman Sweater

Today for Work It Wednesday, I'm showing 3 ways to wear this metallic dolman sweater from Express!

Work Wear

Jacket, Flats, Earrings, Ring, Scarf, Pants

Loving Fall - optional accessory: pumpkin spice latte

Boots, Nail Polish, Jeans, Scarf, Earrings

Casual Weekend Chic

Earrings, Denim Shirt, Boots, Scarf, Pants

Wool Blazer: 3 Ways

Happy Wednesday!! Today for Work it Wednesday I'm showing three ways to wear this wool blazer from H&M.

Wear to Work

sweater, purse, bracelet, shoes, pants

 Date Night

jeans, earrings, shoes, top, clutch

 Weekend - I'm thinking a pumpkin patch would be just perfect!

boots, blouse, bracelet, pants

P.S. Do you prefer Bloglovin' as your blog reader? You're in luck! SWC was just added to Bloglovin' this morning - check it out!

Why can't you be blue over me?

In a search of animal print flats last night (no luck! however I did pick up these lovelies!), it was hard to miss a new trend for fall: cobalt blue. These shoes were practically yelling, "look at me! look at me!" Beautiful BRIGHT colors, but not practical for my lifestyle, except maybe that first pair!

Here are some more practical ways to incorporate cobalt blue into your fall and winter wardrobe!

1. Cutaway Neckline Shirt - $24.99
2. Twist Detail Drapeneck Top - $24.99
3. Front Shirred Tank - $39.90
4. Brittney Skinny Leg Jeans - $98
5. Swoon Skirt - $39.99
6. Draped Cardigan - $29.99
7. Ruched Sleeve Tee - $18.83 *my pick!
8. Merino V-Neck Sweater - $39.90

Are you lonesome for cobalt blue?

Workiversary!

Happy 1 year work anniversary to me! No I did not come in to work today to cheering, balloons, and a cookie cake. Not even an "attagirl" or a pat on the back. I guess my manager forgot to pencil in my work-iversary. But that's ok folks, my mom made me dinner and even baked cookies. Moms are the best!

I'm not sure if it's the weather (rain), or recovering from a busy weekend, but I'm pooped! Time to change into comfy comfies (although this outfit is pretty darn close!) and watch Food Network!

The details - skirt - NY&C outlet (new this weekend!), top: Target clearance last year (similar), jacket: Gap, necklace: Banana Republic outlet (new this weekend!), bracelets: Charming Charlie and .. no clue - purchased for sorority dance, belt: Limited, shoes: Toms (not pictured)

Happy hump day, readers!

Yeah Girrrl

The End! We did it! 21 (..err 12) Day Challenge, we rocked you!

Today, we work it without limits! Our choice!

This was actually an outfit I put together as an option for the monochrome day, but ended up going a different route! I like it a lot and will definitely be wearing it again!! I'm also combining some of my favorite challenges in addition to the monochrome - new hair (the same side braid), statement jewelry (ring), and something unconventional (wearing a dress as a skirt)! A conglomeration, if you will.

The details - top and dress: Old Navy, belt: Limited, ring: gift

Special thanks to my bro for being photographer! More reflections on the challenge tomorrow!

Casual Friday?

Made it to Friday, again! Thank you, thank you!!! It's been quite the interesting week and I'm definitely ready for the weekend! Not much planned except for family dinner for the mom-in-law's birthday!

At my agency we get to take part in casual Friday if we don't have client visits. Some people (in my humble opinion) take the dress code way too loosely, even on Fridays. Personally, I'm all about the dressy jeans - we're still working here... are sweat pants and ball caps really necessary? Moving on.

Conveniently, today's challenge is too "jazz up your jeans." Love it- speaks to my heart! ;)

I braided the side of my hair! Can you tell?

The details - cardigan: Express on super sale last year, top: Limited a few years ago, jeans: Gap, shoes: Sofft, earrings: gift from Limited

Btw I kept my sweater on all day @ work! No dress code violations here!! Does your agency allow you to wear jeans on Fridays?

I love Claire's look - and love that she has kids Toms!

The details- Shirt and Jeans: Loft, Belt: Otavalo Market in Ecuador-made by hand, Shoes: Toms Kids-better support than the adult shoes!   

P.S. Claire informed me that she braided her hair today too!! We're so on the same page!! Must be the social work bond! ;)

Vibrant Flame

The other day I shared my love for J Crew's fall line. I picked up this shirt on sale, and love the color: Vibrant Flame. It's delicious, bright, and perfect for right now, work, and fall!

As part of Work It Wednesday, I'm showing you three ways I plan to style this top!

Late summer: clutch, earrings, shoes, jeans

Work wear: purse, earrings, skirt, belt, shoes

Fabulous fall: jacket, shoes, clutch, jeans

I'm really loving the animal print flats and tan clutch!! What do you think?

Red & Pink

J Crew has a couple of great looks for Fall. I especially love this:

Guess what? Red & Pink is another big trend for Fall - a continuation of the color blocking trend we've seen the past few seasons.

Source

Fellow bloggers:

1, 2, 3

Marie Claire Sept 2011

Convinced?  

A couple of outfits I put together using bottoms from my red pants post!

Tops: 1, 2, 3
Bottoms: 1, 2, 3

What do you think? Would you wear pink and red together?

The Shirt Event

Do you ever shop at The Limited? Right now they have a "Shirt Event" going on with 40% off shirts and shirt dresses.

Here are some of my picks!

1. ruffled cutaway neckline shirt - $29.94 -comes in 4 beautiful colors!

2. trench shirt dress -$53.94 -how great is this dress? I'm a sucker for plum..

3. bow front shirt - $28.14 -also comes in fuchsia

4. cutaway neckline shirt - $23.94

5. soft belted shirt - $35.94 -really like this one! 

6. tiered sweater vest - $29.94

Perfect items for work, in my opinion!

New For Fall: Red Pants

One of my favorite things about fashion is watching a trend trickle down from the runway to stores in the mall. I've noticed a lot more red in stores and flyers than usual, particularly red pants! Wouldn't you know, this Fall red pants are a huge trend!

Fashionologie

DKNY

 Express

 Talbots

The Limited

                                                               

As a result, it seems stores are pumping up their red collections, but not just in pants! Want to get in on the red trend at a more affordable price?

1. Bateau Neck Dolman Sweater - $46.90

2. Gathered Collar Ruffled Front Top - $49.90

3. Dolman Sleeve Button Down Shirt - $59.90

4. Sleeveless Military Shirt - $39.90

5. Zelda Skinny Jean Legging - $69.90

6. Cassidy Cigarette Ankle Pants - $64.90

7. High Waist Pencil Skirt - $59.90

8. Signature Fit Sateen Straight Leg Crop - $69 *I especially like these! 

What are your thoughts?

Lunch Time Shopping

It's Friday (like you didn't already know this..)!! Bring on the weekend!! YES!

On my lunch hour I stopped by Target and was thrilled to see so many beauties on clearance!!!

1. & 3. Micro Rib Tank - $9.00 - OK this isn't on sale, but comes in great colors!
2. Cecila Woven Skirt - $13.48
4. Lila Sleeveless Top - $11.48
5. Morgan Knit Top - $11.48

Hopefully you will have the good fortune of finding this perfect work skirt at your Target! $13.48!! OMG!

This beautiful eggplant scarf is also on clearance! $6.48!

Productive lunch hour!