Subtlety

Just one outfit photo today, life is a little hectic around here.  This sweater always reminds me of the beginning of the Sex and the City movie, where Carrie is walking around NYC in that white bodycon dress with the ginormous white and gold flower.  This is a little more subtle:

Happy Holidays!

Sweater: Limited

Blouse: Ann Taylor

Pants: Dalia Collection via Marshalls/ TJ Maxx

Watch: Tourneau

Ooh La La

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Bonjour.  It seems stripes and scarves are both very French, at least according to all the guides on the web.  So I feel like I should be carrying a baguette in these photos, or sipping wine at the least. Nope, it's the usual, rushing out the door on my way to work.

    I am a bit of a Francophile; I started learning French in elementary school and continued throughout high school.  In college I spent three months in Strasbourg, and I went back another summer later on.  For those who may not be familiar, Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and has belonged to both countries, but is currently French.

    There's actually a book, Lessons from Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris , written by an American exchange student in Paris.  I unfortunately did not have such a style education, if so I probably would not need this blog!  (Note: I have not read this book and get no commission for the link, it's just something I came across while on the web).

    I really wish I had paid more attention to street style there, but that was before I began people watching ( and to think, it wouldn't have been rude to stare there )!  To be honest, I just remember everyone wearing black all the time, but my first stint there was during the winter so that's not surprising. 
    Anyway, I did not set out trying to look French (whatever that includes) or any other nationality, but when I look at these photos that's what came to mind.  If any French women want to school me, I look forward to the information until I can get my hands on that book.  A bientot

Linking with Visible Monday

Turtleneck: Walmart
Dress: Kohls
Scarf: India, gift
Boots: Etienne Aigner Celina

Architectural

So I wore this last Friday, when it was seventy five degrees outside, and not today, when it's in the thirties and raining.  Just to clarify for anyone who lives in the area and is wondering why there is sun on our driveway (of course, we always have the sun shining down on us and birds singing in the background ;) )

The architectural lines on this blouse drew me to it; it's unlike anything else I wear.  The skirt I chose because the diagonal stripes seemed interesting and more flattering than straight horizontal stripes on my lower half.  Both are Target purchases but not purchased together.  Fortuitous since they are the only navy items I own.  The real challenge will be styling them with other items and especially with black, which predominates my closet.  Stay tuned!

With a blazer over it for work

Linking with Pleated Poppy and Style Elixir


Blazer: Banana Republic Outlet
Blouse: Target
Skirt: Target
Boots: Naturalizer Juletta
Watch: Tourneau

Weekends

This past weekend we went to the Children's Hospital Holiday Parade.  This is what I wore:

With Matching Diaper Bag- A must- Ha!

This has been my weekend uniform lately: jeans, plaid shirt, vest, boots.   Easy, warm, and a step up from a long sleeved tshirt (which is what I'm wearing right now, lol). 
A couple of more pics from the parade:

Jacket: Wilson's Leather
Vest: Olive and Oak via Marshalls/ TJ Maxx
Blouse: Target
Jeans: Old Navy
Belt: Nordstroms
Booties: DSW

Pretty Pinks and Python

This outfit made me happy.  I spent all day trying to figure out what it was, the pretty scarf, the jacket, the booties?  I never figured it out, but I did have a noticeable spring in my step all day.

As promised, a blazer look

Let's start with the scarf. It's a really pretty salmon color.   I know, I really should learn the proper way to tie one.  Aya was nice enough to send me a video, but I couldn't open it last night, and once the clock hits midnight I turn into a cranky pumpkin.  Maybe next time.

 

The dress underneath is cool geometric colorblock dress I bought years ago in New York.  I'm already thinking of different ways to style it.  It's a flattering knit.

Oops,when I got to work I realized the pleats on the jacket were stitched since it was brand new.  Fixed that.

Now this jacket.  You may remember that I bought two jackets for my birthday, one being the mustard one that has been featured a couple of times.  This is number two.  Also a beautiful pink color.  This one is perfect for the monsoons that we have here.

The description left out the pretty lining, which was a nice surprise when it came in the mail.

And now, the booties- python print with buttons on the sides!   Need I say more?

Linking with Vodka Infused Lemonade and Modern Modesty

Jacket: Wilson's Leather

Scarf: New York and Company

Dress: NY 

Booties: Unlisted via Marshalls/ TJ Max 

Cyber Monday

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  We went to my parents' house for lunch.  On the way back we stopped to feed the baby.  We pulled in at 5:52 PM.  A couple of brave ladies were waiting in the cold outside Old Navy.  I figured it would open at 6, and since we were there, maybe I would do some shopping.  But when I asked those ladies, they informed me that the store was opening at 8 PM!  I hope they got a great deal, and not pneumonia!

I didn't do any Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping.  The funny thing is, I did buy a laptop this weekend.  My husband and I have been sharing one for years, and when I saw the Black Friday specials, I thought this might be the time for me to get a separate one (especially since we both need it at night; he's currently patiently waiting while I type this).  Not willing to risk my life (really, towels?), I started looking online.  Once I decided on the right one, I clicked, and... it was sold out.  I went down my list, and of course all the deals were gone, even though it was the day before Thanksgiving.  Then I called the closest Staples, and they had one in stock!  They don't hold computers, so I immediately went down there, and...it was gone.  Although I guess I got revenge because they had to watch my two year old run up and down the aisles squealing with delight and stopping occasionally to hug me and hide from his Dad while they looked for the missing computer.  So then I came home, looked online, and ended up buying a nicer one that was in stock and on sale.  All in all I do think I got a good deal, and I can't wait to try it out.  So it was a cyber weekend for me, I guess, just not how retailers intended.
Since I didn't go clothes shopping this weekend, you are stuck looking at pieces you have seen before from my closet, though not in this combination.

Superman pose

The best part is the coincidence of nails matching the blouse!

 Linking up with Not Dead Yet Style Visible Monday

Blouse: Target
Sweater: Old, don't remember
Necklace: "
Belt: Calf hair, Nordstrom's
Pants: Loft

Casual Friday

Our office does not do casual Friday.  Since I had to go in today, the day after Thanksgiving, I made it casual Friday.  I chose to wear my distressed faded jeans with holes in both legs.  Um, no.  I still wanted to look professional, so I wore my nice dark jeans that are more trousers than jeans.

I'm really digging the whole jacket as blazer look.  One of these days I'm going to have to try wearing a blazer as blazer look.

I had hoped these socks would photograph better.  They are light pink with polka dots in different shades of brown.

 

Turtleneck: Walmart
Jacket: Not sure, I want to say Kohls?
Jeans: Salt Works NYC via Loehmann's

Skulls

Not a lot of great photos recently, it's been rainy and dark here.  I do like this outfit, though.

This is my one and only cashmere sweater.  Rodney bought it for me for Christmas one year when we were dating.  He remembered me saying (actually I think he asked, because I can't imagine why I would say) that I had never had a cashmere sweater.  It looks navy here but it's a really pretty purple-blue color.

Close up of the skulls

 And it's the skulls belt again.  I love wearing it to work, I feel so rocker chic and rebellious, even though the rest of the outfit is anything but.

I'm going to miss not wearing this necklace after January 1.  Hmmm, since Christmas is coming up again, maybe I should mention to Rodney that I only have one cashmere sweater...;0  (Just kidding)

Sweater:  Lord and Taylor
Blouse: New York and Company
Pants:  Dalia Collection via Marshalls/ TJ Maxx
Belt: Target

Leopard Print

Today's Third Thursday Linkup is Animal Print.  I debated linking my python print booties (stay tuned) vs this leopard print belt, but the belt won.  I love it because it's calf hair, which just has an elegant feel to it.  I paired it with my new yellow jacket, which I actually wore all day in the office.  I took a cue from Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen and used my jacket as a blazer, something I would not have thought to do.

           

On another note, someone in the office commented on how I have been dressing lately.  I had to smile on the inside. I haven't told anyone about this blog, and the fact that she noticed a step up in my style is proof (if I needed any) of its success so far.

 

Zipped Up

Jacket:  Wilson's Leather
Blouse:  Ann Taylor
Belt: Nordstrom
Pants: Loft

Scarf 101

Scarves have always been associated with the chic and sophisticated in my mind.  I love the look of scarves, but rarely wear them.  When I started this blog I knew one of my goals would be to figure out how to wear a scarf like a professional (is there such a thing- a professional scarf wearer? Sign me up!).  This is my first one of the season.  Don't tell anyone, but I cheated. This is an infinity scarf, so all I had to do was loop it around my neck a few times, and voila (see- French- chic and sophisticated already!)

Because you can't see the sequin on sequin very well, the blouse underneath is this one.   If you follow this blog you know that I have gone from no sequins in the daytime, to sequin blouse, to now sequin blouse and blazer together all in six weeks.  At this rate I may have to add sequined pants to the ensemble by New Year's!
Don't worry, I don't own sequined pants.  I do have a glittery skirt though...;)

Scarf: Kohl's
Blazer: American Eagle
Blouse: Loft
Pants: Loft
Watch: Tourneau, husband

Linking up with Not Dead Yet Style

Have you seen it?

This belt has it in for me.
I bought this beautiful tweed herringbone vest three years ago, when I was pregnant the first time.  Since fastening it was not an option, I guessed at the size and kept it in my closet for a future un-pregnant state.  When that time came around, I put it on, and could not understand the fit at all.  The top half fastened without a problem, but I had to tug and tug to even get the hooks on the bottom half near each other, much less fastened.  I know I'm pear shaped, but come on.
So it sat in my closet for a few years and I finally took it out this fall, determined to either alter it or donate it.  That's when I realized that there was a belt looped in the back, holding the bottom half open.  Duh.  I took it out, and the vest magically and easily fastened (in fact, it's a size too big, but hey it works).

I loved wearing it to work for the extra warmth more than the look.  But somewhere between the office and home in the evening the belt fell off ( it was loosely tied on), so now there's no belt.   All part of its master plan. If you find a brown leather belt lying around, let me know, ok?

Blouse: Loft
Vest: Marshalls/ TJ Maxx
Pants: Loft
Shoes: DSW
Watch: Tourneau, husband

Flawed and Fabulous

I'm not sure how familiar you are with Dove chocolates.  The wrapper has sayings on the inside, like a fortune cookie's tastier cousin.  I had to share one from today:

Words to live by.

Anyway, today's outfit was super comfortable.

I had always worn my boots with tights or trouser socks, so I decided to look online and see what else is out there.  It turns out there is a whole new world of boots and socks that I knew nothing about- check out this slide show.  It defnitely got my mind turning as to the possibilities.  For now I played it safe(r) and kept the pattern hidden.


 

Dress: Kohls
Cardigan: Anne Klein via Marshalls/ TJ Maxx
Boots: Naturalizer Juletta Gray via Macys
Socks: Target
Watch:  Tourneau, Husband

Yellow Jacket

This is one of my birthday jackets!  It's been sitting in my closet for over a month, waiting for the big day.  I bought this one initially, then found one in real leather.  I ordered that one as well, but believe it or not the real leather looked more fake than the fake leather.  The fake leather also fit better, so I kept that one.

I feel like a poster for fall today,  not only because of the jacket but also the colors I am wearing: mustard jacket, navy belt, burgundy shoes.  Did I leave out any fall colors?  And how cute is this rhinestone belt!  I wore it with the clasp in back so that the stones would show in front, but it was a pain after I drank a Coke and had to keep going to the bathroom.

And I finally got my nails redone this past weekend. I knew I was remiss when a woman who had been in the hospital for over a month, she literally almost died, looked at me and told me I needed to get my nails done!

I stuck with the color changing polish. This one is teal when my fingers are warm and purple when they are cool.  They are prettiest however when they are teal with purple tips.


Jacket:  Wilson's leather
Blouse:  Ralph Lauren via TJ Maxx
Pants: Dalia Collection via Marshalls
Belt:  Limited
Watch:  Husband

C'est La Vie

I bought this "jacket" at a tween store in upstate New York, one I realistically probably should not have even been in.  My husband HATES the buttons. Of course I think they make the jacket.  And now that I have started reading blogs, I can't help but think that it looks like something Blair from Atlantic-Pacific would wear (but with a much cooler rest of the outfit - probably a midi ruffled skirt).

I hate that you can't see my bracelets well. They are a set of three that I bought in Oaxaca, Mexico.  I first saw them in a store.  I didn't buy them, and when I went back I could not find the store again.  Then I saw them at a street stall, but they were at a much higher price. That made no sense, since the stall obviously has less overhead.  But when I tried to point that out to the gentleman running the stall, he got quite angry and called me a liar!  So then I magically managed to find the store again and buy them for a lower price.  While I'm walking home, consoling myself about at least buying authentic Mexican handiwork, I notice that the back of the tag says "Made in USA."  How do you say C'est la Vie in Spanish?

Jacket: Upstate NY
Pants: Dalia collection via Marshalls/ TJ Maxx
Shoes:  DSW
Watch: Husband
Bracelets:  Oaxaca, Mexico

Recycling

I am a firm believer in reusing things.  Since I missed the opportunity to wear this blouse all summer, I tried adding a sweater underneath to make it appropriate for fall. Truth be told, I was on the fence about wearing sleeveless to work anyway, so this saves me the decision.  I have my niece to thank for this blouse. When she was visiting us last summer we went to the outlets, and she picked up this blouse. She ended up not liking it in the fitting room, and obviously I did.
The blouse has fine silver vertical lines in it.  I didn't wear any jewelry because I did not want to distract from it, but I think next time it could use a necklace.

 

Since my slacks are all from three plus years ago (pre babies), the style has changed to a more fitted leg.  Actually I am not sure these fit well even back then, since I have had a tendency to wear baggy clothes in the past. Of course, now that I read style blogs, I am so much smarter (eyeroll).  I have an order of pants in the mail to me now as I type.

I didn't get a jacket photo before I left the house, so work bathroom photo it is!  This is my "Matrix" jacket, but I liked it with the outfit.


Blouse:  Banana Republic Outlet
Pants:  Dalia Collection via Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Shoes:  Life Stride, DSW
Watch: Husband