On Safari...

Don't I wish! Instead I am attending an all-day seminar today, so comfort was in order. I took another stab at pattern mixing today (skirt and belt). I think it "goes" well, since the width of the belt is not that large and the black and white in the belt mimic the colors in the skirt.

I like this jacket in theory. The bottom of the jacket hits me at the top of my hips, yet in the picture it makes me look short-waisted.


Labels:
Safari jacket - Old Navy
Belt - Target
Skirt - New York & Company
Slingback heels - Jessica Simpson
Necklace - Old Navy??

Menswear

During my early college years, I became fond of the "menswear" look for women. My wardrobe consisted of lots of vests, wide leg trousers and wingtip shoes. I even owned a necktie (which I am pretty sure I still have). I think I developed that style as a rebellion to my elementary and secondary school uniforms. For 12 years, I wore skirts and white blouses to school. When I arrived at college I think I just needed a change. My style eventually evolved and sadly I discarded the aforementioned items. I wish now I would have kept at least the vests.

I wasn't brave enough to incorporate the necktie today, besides I wanted to inject some color into this otherwise neutral outfit. Instead, I tied my scarf like a tie.

Labels:

White tuxedo blouse - New York & Company

Vest - Mossimo

Black trousers - New York & Company

Black peep toe heels with silver studs - Nicole Miller

Turquiose scarf - Forever 21

Watch - Target

Silver spoon ring - French Quarter (New Orleans)

Earrings - crafted by me

Mixing it Up

I am not one for mixing patterns. I think other people do a great job of pattern mixing, but when I do it it looks as if I got dressed in the dark. Today I am documenting my attempt at mixing patterns. I played it safe by choosing a shoe that almost acts as a neutral, the navy bandana print pumps to pair with this floral skirt.

The skirt is part of The Limited's spring 2009 collection. I fell in love with the print, but also with the fact that it has pockets. More designers should start incorporating pockets into skirt and dresses.

Labels:

Denim jacket - Ann Taylor Loft

Light blue tee - Ann Taylor Loft

Skirt - The Limited

Navy bandana heels - Oh Deer!

Flower pin - The Limited

Silver earrings - New York & Company

Transitioning

I stood in front of my closet Monday night thinking Ihave nothing to wear. I frequently have these thoughts as the seasons transition. I find the winter-spring transition the hardest one to make. How many layers should I wear? Tights or no tights? What colors are appropriate? To make this transition easier, I often wear neutrals with pops of color. My solution for today was to pair this dress with turquoise. The dress came with a matching skinny, tie belt. I decided to replace it with this wide brown belt with tortouise buckle.

Labels:
Dress - Merona
Turquiose cami - New York & Company
Heels - Carlos Santana
Necklace - some Target brand (I found it in the clearance bin)
Wooden bracelet - Ann Taylor Loft

Favorite skirt

This is my favorite skirt, the length and fit are perfect. It is starting to wear and I am on the lookout for a new, black pencil skirt but I haven't been able to find one that I like as much.



After selecting this outfit, I had a difficult time deciding which shoes to wear. I have a pair of green heels, but the color is wrong for this sweater. I decided on pink shoes and thought these went perfectly.





Labels:
Green cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft
Green Lace cami - Merona
Skirt with belt - Apt. 9
Shoes - Naughty Monkey
Pearls - gifted

Defying the Dress Code

My corporation has an archaic dress code. The dress code states that legs and feet must be covered. I inquired about this when I started and was told that bare legs aren't professional. Apparently sweatsuits, crocs, and flip flops fit the dress code, because that is what alot of people choose to wear despite the fact that they have meetings or escort visitors around the organization. Today is not unusaul. I often defy the dress code, leave the pantyhose/tights at home and defend that I look more professional than most of the people I work with.

Close up of necklace.

Labels:

Dress - Old Navy

Navy cami - New York & Company

Shoes - Oh Deer!

Necklace - Etsy

Watch - New York & Company

Seeing Spots

Polka dots are my favorite pattern. I can't get enough of them. I like the large polka dots in this blouse, although the cut of this blouse is not my favorite. I have this blouse for almost a year, yet this is only the second time I have worn it. It has an A-line shape which is flattering in a skirt, but not necessarily in a top. I tend to like tops that are cut closer to the body. Next time I will try belting it, but thought a belt would be too much with the jacket today.

Do you like my floral bracelet? It is really a pin that I attached to a hair tie in order to wear it on my wrist.







Labels:
Jacket - Ann Taylor Loft
Polka dot blouse - Newport News
Trousers - The Limited
Polka dot peep toes - Madden Girl
Red flower ring - Charlotte Russe
Red flower pin - The Limited