Strike a Cord

I thought I was done with corduroy. I am over bootcut styles in general, and a flared option felt way too Grateful Dead for me. Then, I entered Loft. These skinny cords are the softest, comfiest, flattering-est pair of pants I have ever put on my behind. Considering I bought two pairs (featured in yesterday's post) and the website shows that they've received over 100 positive reviews, I suggest you hit up your local store and pick up a pair...or two.

LOFT skinny cords and sweater, vintage plaid, B. Makowsky purse, Steve Madden booties, Hot Sox socks, Stella & Dot earrings and bracelet, Michael Kors watch, H&M jacket, Foster Grant sunnies

McFly

Despite the fact that I have never watched "Back to the Future" in it's entirety, much to the chagrin of my bf, I like to think that I make up for it by owning a vest that Marty McFly would be proud to don. 

LOFT skinny cords, American Apparel sweater and blouse, J.Crew vest, Steve Madden sneakers, Charming Charlie shades, Nordstrom gunmetal hoops

Tangled Up in Dude

While the focus of this blog is certainly women's fashion, I can't help but have an opinion about how men dress. Especially with a man in my life who dresses so well! Therefore, I figured I would feature some great casual pieces for that special dude in your life to wear. Similar to women's fashion this time of year, men's fashion is all about layers, layers, layers. Blazer over a button down, cardigan over a henley, chambray over a flannel, flannel over a henley...the options are limitless with the right pieces and the right accents.  

1. Chambray button down

2. Brown belt

3. Fitted straight leg jeans

4. Shawl collar cardigan

5. Wool blazer

6. Shades

7. Plaid shirt

8. Lace-up ankle boots

9. Pocket square

10. Henley tee

I hope to make this a monthly or so feature and identify pieces for work, fun, and date nights. After all, a well-dressed man makes for a happy lady...at lease for me it does!

Images via Pinterest

Official

While items like leather, boots, boucle, or suede might signal the changing of seasons to some, I never stopped pairing those textures with my summer staples. Therefore, once I open my tights drawer, it becomes officially fall. Even if they barely offer any coverage, as in the fishnet variety, it still counts. It doesn't hurt that they also made one of their first appearances with camel, cognac, hunter green, and a print that closely resembles fallen leaves. Welcome to Chicago, fall. I am overjoyed to meet your acquaintance once more.

Simply Vera tee, Loft skirt, Gap jacket, Hue fishnets, Nine West booties, Stella & Dot earrings

Fierce

Before getting my haircut, I decided to fashion a bit of a mohawk with the last of my length. My hair grows faster than you can imagine. You'd think with that fact, I'd let it go and take advantage of the ability to gain length quickly. However, with short hair, my bf (who is hair growth challenged) thinks that I am mocking him less. I just think short hair is fierce, so I guess it's a win-win. 

Zara blazer, H&M blouse, XXI trousers, Stella & Dot necklace, Rock & Republic skull earrings, Nine West booties

Sequin Your Day (Part II)

A more casual yet glam interpretation for the sequined tank - boyfriend jeans, high tops, statement necklace, and a blinged out utility jacket. It was perfect for burgers and drinks at DMK with the girls! 

See my work ready outfit with this tank here!

Zara jacket, Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's tank, Gap jeans, Steve Madden high tops, Benetton purse, Stella & Dot necklace, Rock & Republic skull earrings, Charming Charlie shades

Sequin Your Day (Part I)

 I love wearing sequins; however, when I looked at my stock, I didn't have nearly enough. Still don't...I'm talking to you, you, or you  - get in my closet! When it comes to sequins, we so often delegate it for cocktail parties or date nights - why is that? They can be business and weekend appropriate too! While I've been on the "sequins for day" soap box before, we all need many examples before we make the jump into a new trend or make a change in our daily outfit choices. 

Check back tomorrow for my next "Sequin Your Day" post.

Loft trousers, Joe Fresh blouse, Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's tank, NY & Co jacket, Charming Charlie necklace, Nine West pumps

Rock of Ages

After watching "Rock of Ages" last night, I am thankful to have this outfit post on the docket since it felt very 80's and right now, I'm feelin' the 80's. If you haven't seen the movie, it's a bit like "Hairspray," "Footloose," "Dirty Dancing," or "Cry Baby" (some of my all time favorites). The premise? Boy and girl fall in love, then uppity, righteous, or selfish people try to break up the relationship and stifle rock 'n' roll, but despite the efforts, love and rock 'n' roll prevail. The lesson? Don't stop believin' in either...ever.

Elle jacket, Akira skirt & sweater, Jessica Simpson heels, vintage necklace & earrings, Charming Charlie bracelets, Revlon Cherries in the Snow lipstick, Foster Grant sunnies

Varsity Reds

Surprisingly, I was never a football player, but I did have many friends who were during high school (including my now bf). When "Varsity Blues" came out in 1999, my hometown felt a great deal like West Canaan, TX. No, we didn't have Jon Voight as varsity's head coach, our teachers didn't moonlight as strippers, and no one named Billy Bob drove around with a potbelly pig; however, the team did do whatever they wanted (with little consequence) and Friday's in the fall were always spent at McCracken Field, whether you had any connection to a player. I feel like this type of outfit, in our school colors of black & orange, certainly fits the bill for attending a home game. Well, maybe flats instead of stilettos...you know how dangerous traversing that stadium seating can be!

Princess Vera cardigan, XXI peplum tee and plaid shirt, Gap boyfriend jeans, J.Crew belt & purse, Sam Edelman pumps, BCBG sunnies

Cherry Garcia

When it comes to cool treats, I have a few favorites that I don't stray far from: vanilla soft serve with sprinkles, pistachio gelato, and Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia frozen yogurt. I have a strong aversion to melted ice cream, so unless it's frozen almost solid, texture is necessary. These options have the chunky additions of sprinkles, nuts, cherries & chocolate chunks help to make it feel less...soft, smooth, and liquidy. While most recently I've had more of the pistachio variety, I can remember many a night spent studying physics during my junior year of high school indulging in a pint of Cherry Garcia. I should do that again soon...without the physics. 

American Apparel tee, NY & Co skirt, Jessica Simpson heels, Charming Charlie purse & bracelets, Target necklace

Bejeweled

In college, it was Snood, now it's Bejeweled. Who's with me?

American Apparel blouse & skirt, vintage scarf, Aldo heels, J.Crew purse, Charming Charlie bracelets & earrings, Target belt

Heart on My Chest

The phrase, "wear your heart on your sleeve," is not quite obvious enough for my emotional transparency. Not to say that I am emotionally labile or out of control of my emotions; it's quite the contrary. I spend a great deal of time being introspective and becoming aware of my feelings, so they become easier and easier to discuss. Whether they're good, bad or ugly, and whether you've known me for 20 years or 20 minutes, you'll likely hear about 'em. What can I say? I wear my heart on my chest.

Old Navy blouse & sweater, Madewell shorts, bp flats, J.Crew purse, Stella & Dot necklace, Target rings