Structured

I found this jacket at Kohl's over the weekend while I was shopping for my kids. I love the structure of it, the cinch tie at the waist and the ruffle detailing at the neck. Kohl's also has this jacket in gray and black, I may have to go back for another.
When I was planning the outfit in my head, I pictured the scarf around my neck. However, the short length of the scarf didn't work with the neckline of the jacket. I wanted a "pop" of color, so I tied the scarf around my wrist.

Labels:
Jacket - Kohl's
White tank (under jacket) and brown capris - Ann Taylor Loft
Blue floral scarf - B Moss (purchased ages ago)
Brown fringe sandals - Madden Girl

Reaping the Benefits

There are many wardrobe bloggers that find fantastic items at thrift stores. I, however, have not been so lucky. I have tried several thrift stores in my area and each time, I leave empty handed. I can pour over racks for hours looking for the "diamond in the rough" in TJ Maxx, but I have not been fruitful in thrift stores.

Thankfully, there are other bloggers out there willing to scour thrift stores and posting their treasured finds on etsy and ebay for others to enjoy. I purchased this dress several weeks ago from Kimberly's etsy store and have been waiting for warm weather to wear it. Now all I need is a tan.

Labels:

Dress - No tag. Purchased from Kimberly

Belt - Mossimo

Blue wedge sandals - Guess

Pearl necklace and pearl earrings - gifted

Poppy hairclip - Night owl crafts

Do you see the sun?

Usually I crop my pictures because it is still dark when I take them in the am. Thanks to Daylight Savings Time, the sun is starting to rise before I take my picture in the morning. I will have to start taking my pictures outside.

The temperature is supposed to be in the 80s today. This is my ideal weather. I would be happy living somewhere where it is sunny and in the 80s everyday. Honolulu anyone? If I could live anywhere in the world, I would choose Honolulu, HI. I have been twice and long to return. What's not to love? Upscale retailers, surfing and a huge flea market. Do I think that I would miss winter and snow? Not for one second!

Labels:

Blue and white stripe button-down and Navy cami- New York & Company

Brown trousers - The Limited

Orange bubble gum necklace, cut out belt and watch - Target

Brown croc heels - Nine West

Carrie

First, let me apologize for being behing on posting. Life and work have been very busy

and I got behind on blogging. I updated my blog with Friday's post through today.

I feel very "Carrie" in this outfit. In fact, the jacket is from the Patricia Fields collection on HSN. Kimberly owns the same jacket, so it must be in good taste. She wore hers belted, though. I tried belting mine, but it seemed as if there was too much fabric on the lower half of my body and I definately don't need to add any more volume there!

I have been on the lookout for a purple sheath dress to pair with the jacket, but I have not been able to find one that I like. It always seems that when I want/need a specific item I have difficulty finding it.

Labels:

Jacket - Patricia Fields for HSN

Black, tank sheath dress - The Limited

Black shooties - Steve Madden

Watch - Xhiliration

Obedient Patriot

In previous posts, I have made reference to the dress code at work. In my office, pretty much anything goes. However, if I am in the clinic seeing research participants, my legs are supposed to be covered and the shirt must have some sleeve (no tank tops). The last two days (Friday and Monday), I defied the policy and my study participants did not show.
I decided to take a different approach today and follow the dress code in the hope that our visit would actually show.

Labels:
Denim jacket - New York & Company
Red T-shirt - INC
White trousers - Express
Red Floral pin - The Limited
Leopard print shoes - Madden Girl


Wardrobe karma did not help, study participant did not show.

Better in Person

I was flipping through the January 2009 issue of Glamour again over the weekend for wardrobe inspiration. This was the issue that showcased 100 ways to wear what is in your closet. This outfit is a modification of one highlighted in the magazine.
This in one of those outfits that looks better in person and doesn't really photograph well. I received many compliments thoughout the day, but I am not happy with the overall look in the picture.
It looks as if I am wearing all black, but the skirt is a very dark denim. I do like black, but I am not Morticia Adams.

Labels:
Striped sweater - The Limited
Jacket - Mossimo
Denim pencil skirt - Ann Taylor Loft
Choker necklace and pendant - Lia Sophia
Belt - New York & Company
Boots - Xhiliration

Classic

There is nothing more classic than a white blouse and a pencil skirt. I received this scarf from Kimberly's etsy shop and it is fabulouls! The main colors (blue, pink, yellow) make it the perfect scarf for spring. For my 1st wearing of the scarf, I thought I would let the scarf stand out by wearing it with a simple white blouse and this light gray skirt.

Labels:

White wrap blouse - Ann Taylor Loft

White cami (underneath blouse) - Apt. 9

Gray pencil skirt - Ann Taylor Loft

Scarf - Kimberly's etsy store

Blue, patent wedges - Franco Sarto

P.S. My son picked out these shoes for me because he knows that blue is my favorite color and that I love shoes. He was 5 years old at the time!

Lofty

Those of you who visit my blog regularly know that I wear alot of clothing from Ann Taylor Loft. The "Loft" has the same classic style as their parent store Ann Taylor at a more reasonable price point and they have incredible sales. Also, their sizing seems more consistent than other stores. Nine times out of 10, I can choose something off the rack in my size and it fits great. If I could only shop in one store, mine would be Ann Taylor Loft.

So, my question to my readers: If you could only shop in one store, which would you choose? Why?

Labels:
Teal blouse, sweater vest and trousers - Ann Taylor Loft
Silver choker - Lia Sophia
Black & White pendant - deconstructed from a New York & Company necklace
Belt - from a skirt or dress
Silver bracelet - New York & Company
Black peep-toes - Ann Klein

In (the) Navy

I don't know why, but I love wearing navy blue in the spring. Navy always seems clean and fresh and it is very versatile. In fact, I have worn something navy everyday since last Friday. I guess navy is spring's black.

I love everything about this dress except for its propensity to wrinkle. The fit is great, it is washable and comfortable. However, after sitting down in the dress it looks as if I have slept in it.

Labels:
Navy blue shirt dress - Ann Taylor Loft
Orange sweater - Express
Navy Bandana heels - Oh Deer!
Silver necklace - Exhilartion (Target)

Watercolors

When I awoke to rain this morning, I thought of wearing this blouse. It reminds me of a watercolor painting due to the different shades and blending colors. There was a also a chill in the air, so a sweater was in order.

Labels:
Purple cardigan - New York & Company
Silk blouse - Ann Taylor Loft
Navy trousers - Ann Taylor Loft
Navy slingback heels - Steve Madden

Shoe Candy

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I was in Denver last week for a conference. I wasn't able to take pictures while I was out. Scroll down for Monday's and Tuesday's pictures (I just now had a chance to post those).

I am happy with today's outfit. I love the ruching in the T-shirt, it makes me look thin. Originally, I was going to wear cream wedges today when I spotted these leopard print peep-toe pumps. With all of the solid colors in the clothing, adding a pattern keeps it interesting. I don't wear these shoes that often; the pattern, platform and heel height are perfect, but they are PAINFUL! After a day at work it feels as if my feet have been in bondage. Oh, the prices we pay to look fabulous!

Labels:
Navy t-shirt: INC
Pink crochet cami: Old Navy
Gray pencil skirt: New York & Company
Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft
Pink, wooden bangle: Bitten
Leopard print, peep-toe pumps: Mossimo

Tights...In April?!

My body is still on Mountain Time. I did smile for the picture, but I still look so sleepy. Thankfully, I don't travel again until June and I am able to remain in the Eastern Time Zone. Again today, we are expected to have "winter like" temperatures. Didn't Spring start 2 weeks ago? Since I had to be in clinic today, my legs had to be covered (archaic dress code). I couldn't bring myself to wear trousers two days in a row, so I had to pull out the tights again. I am still "willing" spring temps here with the brightly colored jacket.

Labels:

Cropped jacket, patterned T, and eyelet skirt: Ann Taylor Loft

Tights: Target (I think)

Silver studded, peep-toe heels - Nicole Miller

Watch - Exhiliration

Flower pin - Target

Academic

I spent Wednesday-Saturday of last week at an academic conference in Denver. While the information was stimulating the wardrobes of most the attendees were not. Like many of you, I take inspiration from other people; by viewing blogs, leafing through magazines, or others I spot on the street. Despite the lack of trendy style, I was able to draw inspiration from a few, hence today's academic-inspired outfit.

Originally I was going to wear a skirt instead of slacks, but the temperature was predicted to drop to the low 30s by the end of the day.

Labels:

Cardigan - Old Navy

Cream top and gray slacks - Ann Taylor Loft

Scarf - Express (I have had this scarf since high school)
Brown croc heels - Nine West

Watch - New York & Company