Signing Off...

After much contemplation, I have decided to discontinue the Dress with Panache blog. A new chapter in my life is just beginning; I am a business owner. Between my 9-5 job, owning and running a business, family and marathon training, I simply don't have the time to take daily outfit pictures and to maintain this blog.

I have enjoyed maintaining this blog for the last 18 months and watching my style (somewhat) evolve. Thank you to those who have followed this blog, I have valued your comments and insight.

~Stephanie

Socially appropriate

Today's weather (104 degrees w/ heat index) makes me wish that it were socially appropriate to wear my birthday suit to work. Since that wardrobe choice would most likely get me fired and a psych referral, I weathered the heat today with a skirt and tank. I spotted this skirt at Target during one of my semi-weekly visits recently. I was drawn to the colors of the ocean and the fact that it was on sale was an added bonus.

Today's outfit: Tank - The Limited, Tulip skirt - Target, Heels - Anne Klein, bracelets - Charlotte Russe

Harem

Harem pants became trendy last spring. I was reticent to jump on the trend bandwagon then, however, when I came across this inexpensive pair a couple of weeks ago I was willing to give them a try. I now wish I would have purchased more pairs as they are extremely comfortable and fun to wear.

Today's Outfit:
Sequined tank and floral pin - New York & Company
Harem pants - H&M
"Carrie" heels - Shoedazzle
Bracelet - Lia Sophia

Drawing Inspiration

Many times I draw inspiration from other bloggers. Today's outfit

was inspired by Kyla of Blue Collar Catwalk. Check out her blog, her style is fabulous!

Today's outfit:

Boyfriend blazer - The Limited

Tank - Target

Skirt and bracelet - New York & Company

Heels - Shoedazzle

Necklace - gifted

Leopard Lovin'

I would describe today's outfit as simple, yet sophisticated. The leopard print top and belt and purple heels jazz up a simple black dress.

Today's outfit:
Dress - Ann Taylor Loft
Top and belt - New York & Company
Heels - Jessica Simpson
Glasses - Oakley

Purple and polka dots

Today's Inspiration calendar called for a combination of purple and green. I managed to iron a stain into my white capri pants and was forced to choose a different bottom. The proportion of the outfit is off, but I was in a hurry.

Today's outfit:
Polka dot cami - The Limited
Shrug - Old Navy
Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft
Heels - Guess

Angry owl

I found a new ring at Target last week. It is the face of an owl and I am wearing it on the pinkie finger on my right hand today. Sorry! I didn't get a close-up pic. As we were driving to work today, Rob asked me what I named my ring. He is under the impression that I name my accessories (I don't). He officially named the ring the angry owl. Because it's his personality he proceeded to try to imitate the sounds of an angry owl.

Today's look:

Top and pencil skirt - New York & Company

Flower necklace - gifted

"Angry owl" ring - Target

Heels - Shoedazzle.com

Thursday Lovin'

I love Thursdays! Yes, there is only one more workday until the weekend arrives, but that is not the only reason. After work, I spend a couple of hours with some amazingly stong and imporant women in my life and I get a fantastic workout to boot! First, an hour on the Pilates Reformer followed by 75 minutes of hot yoga. I am not a yoga lover, but I started taking hot yoga a few weeks ago and fell in love with this practice. Posing, stretching, contorting my body in a room heated to 100+ degrees, sounds awful right? That's what I thought too until I tried it. I have never sweated so much in a workout before and afterwards I feel amazing; stronger, longer, calmer.

I'm not workin' for the weekend, I'm workin' for Thursdays!

Today's look:

Dress (that I wish was a smidge longer) - New York & Company

Necklace - Lia Sophia

Wedge sandals - Charlotte Russe

Navy is my favorite neturals to wear in the spring, it provides balance without being too harsh. When dressing this morning, I originally paired this skirt with a navy cable sweater, but it turned out to be the clash of seasons. I needed a "breezy" top to pair with this gauzy skirt and this sheer tank worked perfectly. Of course, I had to add the cardigan to ward off the chill in my over air-conditioned office.

Today's look:
Sheer tank and navy cami - New York & Company
Cardigan - Forever XXI
Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft
Necklace - gifted
Wedge heels - Cynthia Vincent for Target

Challenging

Our weather of late has made dressing a challenge. Highs in the mid 50's, gloomy and rainy. The weather screams tights and boots, but being the middle of May I cannot bring myself to cover up. I'm hoping that dressing for spring/summer will bring on the warmer temps. Rumor has it they will be here by the end of the week.

Today's look:
Sweater - Express

Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft

Earrings - Guess

Bangles - Target

Fringe heels - Madden Girl

Seeing spots

No Friday pants today. I'm meeting friend after work for pedicures, dinner/drinks and trip planning. I don't like to wear pants when I have pedicures - too much rolling. I guess I could have brought clothes to change into, but I was feeling lazy this morning. The Friday pants may return next week.

Today's look:

Dress - Banana Republic Outlet

Cami - The Limited

Necklace - Target

Heels - Calvin Klein

80 cents

I love a bargain, don't you? Thanks to the "Black Friday" app on my iPhone I was able to score this Worthington skirt (brand new) for a mere 80 cents! If you have an app friendly phone, you should download this free app. The app counts down the days until Black Friday and provides daily deals at BF prices. Most of the deals are on electronics, but every once in a while a clothing gem sneaks in.

Today's look:
Polka-dot top - Newport News
Cardigan and black cuff bracelet - New York & Company
Black satin skirt - Worthington (JCP)
Heels - Naturalizer

May Showers

In Cincinnati, May has been the month for rain showers. It seems as if the weatherman are predicting rain almost every day. The rain and clinic dress code at work forced me into pants and close toed shoes today. Despite being covered up, I dressed for spring by wearing one of my favorite color combinations - navy and green. Crisp, clean and polished.

Today's look:

Cardigan and trousers - Ann Taylor Loft

Beaded tank - New York & Company

Scarf - B Moss (I bought this scarf to wear to my Rehearsal Dinner almost 12 years ago)

Silver cuff bracelet - Lia Sophia

Heels - Isaac Mizrahi for Target

Blondie

After 4+ hours at the salon, I am a blonde again. Apparently, red is stubborn and the color didn't want to come out of my hair. There are still some slices of red throughout, but mostly it is blonde. If I ever return to red I don't think I will try to make a direct transition to blonde again.

Today's outfit is another one that I threw together in my head and I am happy with the results. After wearing these heels today, I was reminded why they don't get worn often - they are torturous to walk in. Especially on polished floors!

Today's look:

Dress - GAP

Scarf - Sin City Antiques

Belt - New York & Company

Heels - Shoedazzle

Friday pants, Part 2

I warned you that you would be seeing these trousers frequently. I can't help it, they are so darn comfortable. Had I known I would love them so, I would have ordered multiple pairs.

Today's look:

Silk top and belt - New York & Company

High-waisted trousers - JCPenney

Cuff bracelets - Ann Taylor Loft

Giant flower ring - Macy's

Peep-toe flats - DSW

Too Short or too long

Is this dress too short or are my legs too long? I can't put my finger on it, but the proportions don't seem right. Needless to say, I dont' think I will be wearing this dress to work again. It just seems too short for my office.

Have you noticed that I have taken my picture in a different spot in our living room? The kids have their Legos (literally thousands of them) and they currently occupy the other side of the room.

Today's look:
Dress - thrifted org Target
Necklace - Lia Sophia
Beaded bracelet - X-mas gift from mom
Link bracelet - Tiffany & Co. (gift from hubby)
Wedges - Cynthia Vincent for Target

Brights and ruffles

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I wore bright colors and ruffles. I wasn't sure if this outfit would work when I conceived it in my head, but I adore it! The bright colors are fun and helped to put me in a good mood today. Unfortunately, I wasn't in this outfit very long as I was called to school to pick up a sick kid.

Did you notice I got my hair cut? More hair changes to come...

Today's look:
Ruffled tank - Ann Taylor Loft
Cardigan and pencil skirt - New York & Company
Wedges - Cynthia Vincent for Target

Friday pants

Danielle over at Fell 4 Fahion has a little black dress that she wears and restyles on Monday. I have deemed these pants, my "Friday pants". I can't guarantee that I will wear them every Friday, but I will be wearing them frequently. I have been looking for a pair of high-waisted pants and found these at JCPenney for $10. They are uber comfortable!


You may also notice that I am wearing flats today. I am running the Cincinnati Flying Pig Half-Marathon on Sunday and want to rest my feet/legs until then. If you live in or near Cincy you should come downtown to cheer on the runners. Standing at the finish line of a marathon is inspirational. Watching my husband cross the finish line of his first (and only) marathon inspired me to train for and complete a 26.2 mile race. In October, I will run my 3rd (stay tuned for details).

Today's look:
Top - Banana Republic (thrifted)
Trousers - JCPenney
Necklace - DIY
Bracelet - New York & Company
Beaded sandals - Target

I'm back...Really, I am!

As you may have noticed I have taken a recent hiatus from blogging. The truth is (like many others out there), I am struggling with maintaining this project. Some of it is time, but the root of it is the added stress that it puts on my life. I started this blog for one person, me. Originally, this blog was "look book" for me. A way for me to look back on some of my outfit creations or a reminder of an article I had completely forgotten about. It appears in the fashion blogging world that it is "taboo" to repeat an outfit. Why? I put together some looks that I really like and want to and should be able to wear again. Wearing a new or different outfit everyday is not "real world" and many people (including myself) cannot afford to do that. Starting today, I am declaring that it is o.k. for me to repeat outfits and to post pictures of repeats. In addition, I am going to start talking/documenting other aspects of my life here, such as running. Very soon I am going to start training for a race that I am very excited about and will start documenting that journey here. I do hope that you will continue to follow me.

Stephanie

P.S. I have posted some "looks" from the last two weeks. Check them out!

A case of the Mondays...

Why do Sundays seem to pass so quickly? I am not in any hurry for Monday morning to arrive. To try an beat the Monday blues, I decided to wear this colorful top. It has been in my closet for 2 years, but never worn. The shirt is sheer and I was hesitant to wear it to work. I think I would have preferred it with a skirt, but I had to be in clinic today (had to cover the legs). I received lots of compliments on the shirt, so I will be wearing it again.

I have been wearing my hair off my face lately. I am seriously overdue for a cut (and color) and the weight is too much for the front. Thankfully, it will be sheared on Friday.

Today's look:

Top - Ann Taylor Loft

Cami - New York & Company

Trousers - The Limited

Heels - Carlos Santana

Necklace - gifted

Why didn't I think of this before?

Today I drew my outfit inspiration from Kasmira, who often wears a shrug or cropped cardigan over a dress. I don't know why I haven't thought to try this style for myself. For me the trick is balancing the proportion of the sweater with the skirt length. Often the length of the skirt is too short and the sweater too long. Today I think I achieved the perfect balance!


Today's look:
Sweater - Worthington
Cami - New York & Company
Dress - Old Navy
Necklace - ??
Wooden cuff - Target
Polka-dot wedges - Steve Madden

03.26.10

I am lacking in the creativity department and could not come up with a title for today's post/outfit, so all you get is the date. My brain is tired...

The outfit:

Corduroy jacket - thrifted

Ruffled blouse - New York & Company

Trousers and long necklace - Ann Taylor Loft

Shoes - Madden Girl

Short necklace - gift from lil' sis

Spoon ring - French Quarter NO

Pajamas to work

We have all had days when we wish we could wear our PJs to the office, today was one of those days for me. I can't imagine my co-workers reaction if I showed up to work in sweats or PJs. The fact that I wore flats today put several of them in a tizzy. One stopped by my office to tell me that I should warn people when I wear flats since she didn't know who I was. Apparently, people recognize me by the additional 3" inches on my feet. Because 5-11", red-head females are common in my division (not so much).

Today's outfit is about as close as I could get to PJs and still adhere to the "business casual" dress code. Other than the constant comments/questions about my shoe choice, I was extremely comfortable.

The outfit:
Boyfriend blazer - The Limited (v. old, but so happy I held on to it!)
Ruffled tank - The Limited
Trousers and necklace - Ann Taylor Loft
Bracelet - New York & Company
Sequined flats - DSW

Trench as a topper

This trench was hanging in the "dress" section of the thrift store. As you can see, this garment was not manufactured to be a dress. Wouldn't that be scandalous? I think with the skinny cords it is an excellent topper. Besides it was $2.00, so I think I will wear it anyway I want (except as a dress)

The outfit:
Trench (label cut out) - thrifted
Skinny cords - New York & Company
Orange necklace and heels - Target

Why are my pics coming out so dark? I have every light in the room and in the hall on. WTH?

St. Patty's Day

I am not one for dressing for holidays. I don't believe that you have to wear orange-black on Halloween, green-red on Christmas, etc. But legend has it that if you don't wear green on St. Patrick's day, other people have the right to pinch you. I didn't want to cause bodily harm to anyone today, so I decided to wear these fabulous green pumps.

The outfit:

Corduroy jacket and ruffled tank - Ann Taylor Loft

Lace skirt and watch - New York & Company

Heels - Nine West

Button ring - Etsy

Professor Plum

I haven't worn this blouse nearly enough since I purchased it. I love the all over pattern and the ruffles. Some may think it is not office appropriate since it is sheer, but throw a tank/cami on underneath and it is appropriate for almost any occassion.

The outfit:
Blouse - GO for Target
Black cami (underneath) - The Limited
Skirt - New York & Company
Heels - Jessica Simpson

Sexy Secretary

Do you remember when secretaries (now Administrative Assistants) used to dress up? Maybe some still do, but mine and the others in my department do not. Most of them dress for comfort (i.e. elastic waist pants, tennis shoes, Crocs). If I were an Ad. Asst. I like to think that I would dress like this everyday.
Originally, I thought about putting on a jacket but remembered that I have this cape. I don't wear this enough and thought I would at least get one more use out of it before warmer temperatures arrive.

The outfit:
T shirt - Mossimo (Target)
Skirt - Merona (Target)
Cape - Ann Taylor Loft
Lace tights - Target
Heels - Jessica Simpson
Watch - New York & Company (Black Friday freebie)

Pink and Gray

One of my favorite color combinations! It is finally starting to warm up here, but unfortunately covered arms and legs are still a must. Hopefully, we can be rid of tights for several months.

The outfit:

Dress - Merona (Target)

Cardigan - New York & Company

Tights - Hue

Heels - Shoedazzle.com (October 2009)

Pearls - gifted

It's Friday!! I woke up this morning relieved that I will be getting a break from the alarm clock over the weekend. Then it hit me that tomorrow is my long run day. So, alarm clock it is again. Thankfully I get to rise 90 minutes later than I do for work. Can you consider 6:30am sleeping in?

The outfit:

Jacket - Nicole Miller from Fabulous Furs

Lace tank, belt and skirt - Ann Taylor Loft

Sweater - Old Navy

Leggings - New York and Company

Boots - Kohls'

Bubble gum bead bracelets - Charlotte Russe

Earrings and cuff bracelet - Target

I have been a bad blogger of late. The only thing I can blame this on is my current workload. I am currently in the process of writing grant applications, manuscripts and presentations. I am writing so much at work that the last thing I want to do is blog (write) about my daily wardrobe. have updated the blog with pics from the last week (please scroll down), but you will notice there is very little narrative. I will try to do better in the future.

The outfit:
Grandpa sweater - H&M
Cami - New York & Company
Dress, necklace, and lacy tights - Target
Boots - Rampage

I like animals (prints, that is)

A dove on my shirt and leopard spots on my skirt...What can I say, I like animals on my clothes. This must be a good combination because I received lots of compliments throughout the day.

The outfit:

Cardigan - Kohl's

Long sleeve T - Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart

Skirt and tights - Target

Bracelet - New York & Company

Necklace - gift from dad

Booties - Steve Madden

Nerdy

I have now worn this outfit twice and I love the look. The first time was on the weekend, so it doesn't count right?

The outfit:
Plaid button down - Mossimo for target
Scarf - gift from mom
Skirt - The Limited
Leggings - Target
Boots - Madden Girl

Affinity for (zebra) stripes

Both times I have worn this jacket, I have paired it with a zebra stripe top. I guess in my mind zerbra stripes and brass studs go together.

The outfit:

Faux leather jacket - Macy's

Cami - New York & Company

Cardigan - Old Navy

Trousers - The Limited

Necklace and Heels - Target

Exploding lamp

One of my children (most likely my 4-year old) played with the settings on my camera. This is the best picture I could get. I love how the flash makes the lamp behind me look like it is exploding.

I have to draw attention to these boots. Aren't they fabulous? I have been wanting both a pair of red boots and a pair of Frye boots. It must have been my lucky day when I found these Frye cowboy boots on sale (over $200 off!).

The outfit:
Dress - H&M
Long sleeve T - Ann Taylor Loft
Leggings - New York & Company
Boots - Frye (via Amazon.com)

Turquoise Unitard

With the end of the scarf tucked into the jacket and the similar color of my tights, it appears that I may be wearing a turquoise unitard.

The outfit:
Jacket, turtleneck and scarf - Ann Taylor Loft
Skirt - New York & Company
Tights - Target
Boots - Madden Girl

20 Inches

As of this morning, we had 20 inches of snow in our front yard. Despite alll of our snow, I still had to go to work. I had several meetings today in different buildings which required treks across campus. Normally I would reserve an uber-casual outfit like this for the weekend. But, I didn't trust the grounds crew to have the sidewalks clear, so I dressed for the weather. I was warm and didn't ruin any of my shoes.

The outfit:
Tee - Target
Sweater - Express
Fur Vest - Old Navy
Belt - Ann Taylor Loft
Skinny jeans - New York & Company
Shearling boots - EMU

Cut and colored

I visited one of my favorite places on Saturday, the salon. My red hair was getting orangey, so a color retouch was in order. Red hair has been a fun color for the winter, but I think as the weather starts to warm I will revert back to being a blond.

The outfit:

Silk, ruffled tank and skirt - Ann Taylor Loft
Cardigan and tights - Target
Belt - taken from another skirt/dress
Floral brooch on belt - Target
Bracelet and necklace - New York & Company
Booties - Payless

Undeterred

The cold and multiple inches of snow is not going to deter me from wearing skirts and dresses. I just bundle up and change into boots before heading outside.

The outfit:

Velvet blazer - Mossimo

Dress - Merona

Striped sweater (under dress) - The Limited

Brooch - New York & Co.

Tights - some mass retailer

Booties - Payless

Snowmageddon

We here in the Cincinnati area are still digging out from 8-10 inches of snow
within the last 24 hours. While we haven't seen snow accumulation on the same level as some Mid-Atlantic cities (i.e. DC), this is enough to bring our city to a virtual standstill. Thanks Mother Nature, we have had enough snow, please send spring soon!

The outfit:
Turtleneck - The GAP
Dress - Ann Taylor Loft
Belt - The Limited
Argyle tights - Target
Brown booties - No. 704 b (via DSW) I love these!!

Of course, I changed into my knee-high, sherpa lined Emu boots to navigate through the snow.

Studded

This outfit doesn't work for me, but it was getting too late for me to change. I can't pinpoint specifically what doesn't work (skirt makes me look hippy, patterned, shirt, no tights), I just know I won't be repeating this look again. This just goes to show all of those who follow "fashion" blogs, we don't always get it right. Sometimes concepts in our heads don't translate well in reality. Weren't not all perfect, right?

I do like my new jacket and the boots. I went shopping with my mother-in-law over the weekend to help her build a work wardrobe (she has a new job, yah!) and found this faux-leather jacket for a steal - $23.00. Prepare yourselves now, you will be seeing this alot!

The outfit:
Jacket - Macy's
Zebra print shirt - New York & Company
Skirt - Target
Boots - Shoedazzle (February 2010)
Necklace - Lia Sophia

National Wear Red

Today is National Wear Red day, a day to raise and build awareness for heart disease in women. I try to do my part every year by competing in the Heart Mini Marathon (March 2010) and wearing red on this day. Instead of wearing all-over red, I limited the color to my accessories. You can't tell in the picture, but I am also wearing my AHA red dress pin (fold of the turtleneck).

The outfit:
Jacket - INC
Turtleneck - The Limited
Belt and red flower ring - Charlotte Russe
Skirt and leggings - Kohl's
Boots - Target

Troop Leader

I feel like a Girl Scout Troop Leader in this outfit. Despite looking like I want to sell you some cookies, I was happy with the look (I wish the skirt was a smidge longer). The outfit: Cowl-neck top and dress - Target, Belt - New York & Company, Boots - Rampage, Brooch - Dillard's, Glasses - Oakley

Skinnies to work

Since I knew I had to be in clinic for a short time today, the legs needed to be covered. However, I seemed to forget about the dress code when selecting my footwear. Oh well, I can't be expected to follow all of the rules (especially when they are not empirically based).

The outfit:
Corduroy jacket - Ann Taylor Loft
Belt - from a skirt or dress
Patterned silk top - Banana Republic
Corduroy skinnies - New York & Company
Studded heels - Nicole Miller
Necklace - gifted

Blue Suede Shoes

I love these shoes, but the hidden platform and the high heel make them difficult to walk in (especially when the ground is slick). I generally save them for days when I know I will be mostly in my office. I only had one meeting today and it was in my building, so I used these shoes to add a "pop" of color to this outfit.

The outfit:

Blouse and belt - New York & Company

Cami - Kohl's

Skirt - The Limited

Tights - ?? (Target maybe?)

Heels - shoedazzle.com

Sgt. Pepper

While Rob was taking my picture this morning (still have to set up my new tripod from Santa) he said, "you know what you have to title this post...Sgt. Pepper". I found this jacket at Macy's after Christmas. I had a dress and a pair of leggings in my hand when I spotted to oversize gold buttons on this jacket. When I found my size, I had to purchase it. As an added bonus, it was on sale and I had a gift card. Woo hoo!

The outfit:

Jacket - INC

Watercolor mock turtleneck - Kenneth Cole

Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft

Argyle tights and boots - Target

Watermelon in Winter

When I bought this skirt, I didn't think to pair it with pink. However, I really like this color combination. Unlike yesterday, I did not choose to bare my legs today. Instead, they are covered by nude pantyhose (despise!). I put a hole in my nude fishnets, so I had to suffer in these for 10 hours.

The outfit:

Cardigan and bead necklace - New York & Company

Print cami - Old Navy

Green pencil skirt - Target (love this!)

Black slingbacks - Jessica Simpson

Grin and bare it

It's no secret, I am not a fan of cold weather. I enjoy the transition of summer to fall, with chilly temperatures come tights, boots and sweaters. However, the novelty quickly wears off. After Christmas, I long for warmer temperatures and fewer layers. Unfortunately we have two more months of winter.

Since I knew that I didn't have to venture out of my office today, I decided to forgo tights or pantyhose and bare my legs.

The outfit:

Dress and long necklace - New York & Company

Sweater - Forever XXI

Belt- The Limited

Ombre python heels - Charles David (via DSW)

Short necklace - gift from little sis

It's Friday!!

For a short work week, this seemed like a long work week. I think I am still trying to get back into the habit of getting up every day and putting in 8+ hours in the office.

Tomorrow I am headed to Dayton to spend the afternoon with my mom and sisters. It is one of my sister's birthday, so we will have lunch and then shop. I haven't seen my sister since Christmas, so it will be nice to see her and have a girls day.

The outfit:

Silk top - The Limited

Trousers, earrings and black cuff bracelet - New York & Company

Gray and purple heels - Shoedazzle

Multi-color bead bracelet - Lia Sophia

Layered

I returned to work last week post surgery, but found it difficult to get back into old routines (i.e. taking/uploading pictures for blog). As the ability to use my right arm increases, my getting ready time in the morning improves.

I saw this skirt in my hanging in my closet this morning and realized that I haven't worn it since early last summer. I decided to pair it with a new sweater that I bought on clearance after Christmas. The proportions of the outfit seemed off, but improved with the addition of this denim jacket.

The outfit:
Denim jacket - New York & Company
V-neck sweater and T-shirt - Ann Taylor Loft
Skirt - The Limited
Studded heels - Shoedazzle (January 2010) Note: The hubby now refers to these as my "bondage heels"
Necklace - Sin City Antiques

Out of Commission (temporarily)

I took time off around the holidays to spend time with friends and family. To date, I have not returned to work since I had shoulder surgery on December 29. I didn't figure my followers would want to see daily posts of me in sweats and a hat, so I will resume posting when I return to work next week.

Happy New Year