March 30, 2013

March Madness

While I'm not a basketball fan, I can certainly get on board with the idea of brackets and determining an outfit winner when two are paired head to head.
The edgy plaid blazer.
The fur vest.
The jumpsuit.
The colorblock dress.
The leather peplum.

The preppy plaid blazer.

I won't keep it going to the Elite Eight or Final Four, but which two ensembles would make up your championship game? Or is that just unnecessary since there's a clear winner?
All outfit details available here.

March 25, 2013

Spring Break

Outfit #1 | XOXO jumpsuit, Nine West heels (similar), Kohl's necklace (similar), Stella & Dot earrings, bracelet, and ring
Outfit #2 | Allen B. dress, Worthington blazer (similar), Francesca's earrings (similar), Charming Charlie purse
Outfit #3 | Equipment blouse (similar here and here), Simply Vera skirt, Francesca's necklace (similar), Baccio 6 sandals (similar here and here)

March 24, 2013

Travelin'


I've become quite the traveler this past year. My work now includes it on at least a monthly basis. It's necessary to be comfortable when flying; however, I usually have to go into work before or after my flight, therefore, it's still necessary to be business casual. I always dress in light layers like a chambray shirt, utility jacket, and fur vest. No matter the temperature in the cabin, you'll be ready for it. I also wear a loose fitting or stretchy dress/skirt rather than pants that will wrinkle or a tight waistband that will dig in while you're sitting. And to ensure that I'm not walking around barefoot through security, tights in the winter or ankle socks in the summer with booties are my pick. Lastly, this tote has completely changed my traveling experience since it expands to the size of a carry on, thereby still making it acceptable with my Samsonite to not require any checked baggage!

MNG for Mango dress, Bisou Bisou faux fur vest, H&M jacket, Target chambray shirt, Hue sweater tights, Steve Madden booties, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here), Limited chandelier earrings (similar)

March 21, 2013

Not So Fast


Unless you are a Chicagaoan vacationing somewhere warm like me, you're still experiencing frigidness - thank goodness for Florida! While the calendar promised spring, it seems that the mumblings and grumblings about the cold wil not dissipate for a bit yet. Therefore, keep your sweater tights, wool coats, and gloves in close reach.

NY & Co leather jacket, American Apparel sweater, XXI blouse, Charming Charlie brooch, vintage plaid skirt, Audrey Brooke booties

March 18, 2013

Erranding


Errands is a noun meaning a short journey undertaken in order to deliver or collect something on someone else's behalf. The "errands" I did yesterday were all on my own behalf...DSW, Marshall's, Ulta, Target, and Kohl's. So, that would make what I did on Sunday a..."mision?" Yeah, we'll go with that. A mission for sales and deals on spring shoes and apartment stuff.

XXI stripe tee and bomber jacketa.n.a leather jeansSteve Madden wedge sneakers, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here) and earrings (similar), New York & Co necklace (similar), Stella & Dot braceletTory Burch sunglasses

March 14, 2013

The Importance of Jeans that Fit


Recently, my man realized that he was wearing "too big for him jeans." He sincerely thought that his legs would't fit in "regular" jeans, so he always wore wide leg. Enter the Relaxed Straight fit by Levi's. My mouth literally dropped when he walked out of the room in this outfit for a dinner with our parents. Isn't he handsome?

Just for comparison, check out the before.

Levi's Relaxed Straight fit jeans, Docker's gingham shirt, Stafford plaid blazer (similar),  brown leather belt, Eastland brown boots (similar)

March 12, 2013

Spring Fever

It might be because I am in North Carolina this week and it's a balmy 65 degrees, but I'm thinking spring! It's time to retire my tights and and recreate any of these warmer weather outfits...who's with me?

March 11, 2013

Crush of the Month - B.Jones Style

While I know how much I am inspired by the many, many fashion bloggers who I visit every day, you might not. So, I've decided to showcase one stylish fashionista per month to broaden your scope of inspiration and increase their influence, because they deserve it! My first installment of this series, in giving credit where credit is due, is about Beth Jones.
Beth Jones is the author of the blog B.Jones Style. She has worn many hats in the fashion industry (and been featured in Vogue), but most recently, her role has shifted due to the arrival of her adorable son, Turner. While her style and ability to find gems at consignment and vintage stores was the reason I first started following her, she is especially inspiring in her journey to become comfortable in her post baby body. I give mad props to anyone documenting their dimensions and being so honest with the reality of weight loss from month to month.

Obviously, she had to make changes to wearing her typical high waisted trousers during pregnancy and has had to ease back into them, but she is back full force! I get so giddy to see what unique pieces or styling she is making wearable for the every day. Whether it be overalls, a scarf as a shirt, a turban, or palazzo pants, she rocks it! She is solely responsible for me discovering Crossroads and therefore, making staying on trend less expensive and my closet less overflowing.

To you, Beth!
All images via B. Jones Style

March 10, 2013

A Full Peplum


When peplum first came on the scene, people were skeptical. Now, this silhouette is every where and I'm overjoyed (as I indicated in this post). However, I'm a bit bored with only pairing a peplum top with a pencil skirt. Why not a full skirt? Double the flare, double the fun! That's what I always say...

Worthington peplum pleather top (similar), NY & Co tee, Akira skirt (similar here and here), Hue tights, Nine West shoes, Nordstrom hoops (similar)