Weekend Wear - Skinnies

It took me awhile to adopt skinnies.  As a busty hourglass, they aren't my number one silhouette.  However,  I finally caved.  After seeing my self in them in photos from last Hanukkah, I left them in my closet for awhile.  However, I think my weight lifting routine has made a difference.  For the first time ever I have done a lot of leg exercises: squats, lunges, dead lifts, step ups.  More on the weight routine later.  I also think that the mirror at our new Marshalls (where I took these photos) is perhaps more flattering than the mirror in my 1965 bathroom at work.

Old Navy Sweetheart skinies; NY and Co. cami, ON cardi, Gap flats. Coach bag,

Do you like skinny jeans?

Thanks for stopping by!

Outfit of the Day - Winterizing

Talbots Petites jacket, Gap tank and belt, Old Navy skirt and tights, Sofft booties.  The skirt is cotton from this summer.

I think many attempts at winterizing summer items with black tights and shoes just look stupid.  It's saying, "look at me, I'm edgy and fashiony."  When really the person is probably just cold.

I think summer pieces can be winterized if they are darker colors and have some weight to them.  I won't wear this skirt in January, though!  Common sense figures in here somewhere.

Thanks for looking!

Outfit of the Day - Black to Black

I rarely wear all black, but I was feeling under the weather today.  Wearing black makes me think of the Smith's line, "I wear black on the outside 'cause black is how I feel on the inside." Yeah, Morrissey.

So here is the outfit featuring the black lace Casual Corner blouse:

 It was hard to photograph in a bathroom mirror, but this is the black lace blouse under a black denim military jacket from Old Navy.  Gunmetal Coach outlet bag.  Ann Taylor Loft Julie pants and Nine West wedge boots (not pictured).  You can also see my DIY charm necklace.

Do you do all black sometimes?  Have a great day!

Back After a Busy Break With an Outfit Backlog

Hi everyone! I know it's been awhile.  I have had some personal and family stuff going on this last month...a big birthday for my son,  holidays, an ill parent, a new niece -- it's been crazy. But I'm still here and I still have a lot to say.

Believe it or not, it's still not fall here in Missouri.  It was close to 80 degrees today.  Growing up, I do remember occasionally wearing shorts on Halloween.  And also winter coats.  Crazy midwestern weather is always a challenge for dressing.

I'll share with you some last outfits of summer.

The point of this outfit is that real people have to repeat their clothes.  I don't always have something new to wear.  I've worn this black and white sleeveless Merona dress for you before.  I have a Tahari flowy cardigan over it. However, what made this outfit were some snappy red accessories.

Red lips. A great accessory.  This is Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Raspberry.

Red crystal bracelet. It's brighter in real life.

Not red, but Nine West gladiator sandals.

Red beaded statement necklace, from JC Penney.  It's a brighter red in real life.

Piece de resistance: Hayden Harnett Lorca in Ruby. Bought during one of their super duper sales.

Next:

I love purple, especially against neutrals.  NY and Co. tank and cargo pants.  Gap cardi. Payless wedges.  Rebecca Minkoff Mantinee satchel (purchased from someone on a blog).  Do you wear rolled cargos? I never thought I would and now they are one of my most favorite trends.

Next:

Random work outfit. Loft cardi, pants and scarf with the RM bag.  My preciousssss.  In winter I tend to wear black pants to work several times a week. I'm trying to break out of that this year.

I wore this outfit to one of my sister's baby showers.  The aforementioned NY and Co. gray cargo pants, a Talbots Jacket, J Crew silk cami and Coach outlet bag.  I have on a chain necklace from Forever 21. I think I wore the purple peep toes with it.  The shower was at a chic dessert restaurant in St. Louis and so much fun.

Another nod to my preppy heritage.  Talbots yacht skirt and kelly green flats, Lauren polo shirt, J Crew Tartine sweater and vintage Gucci courtesy of my mom.

Tucker for Target blouse, black linen pencil skirt, Old Navy belt (it had a bow on it that I cut off) and Coach outlet bag.

Well, I guess we're all caught up! Thanks for stopping by.  How are you transitioning to fall?

Don't Knock Forever 21

As a 40-something professional mom, you wouldn't think I'd frequent Forever 21.  But I do. I admit, just looking in there is overwhelming.  It seems disorganized, and for me searching for something I saw on a blog or in a magazine is next to impossible.  The staff is not helpful.  There's usually a line for the fitting room.  And face it, it's probably not worth my time because it's juniors sizing, so very little would even fit.  Have you ever tried to find a large at F21? I'm convinced they just don't have them.

OK, so what do I like at F21? Accessories!  They are inexpensive, on trend, and all contained in their own little area.  Usually there is a table or two with accessories on or around it.  I just make a beeline for the table and ignore the rest.  I don't care for the faux leather bags, but the faux leather belts are just fine, as are the scarves, necklaces and bracelets.  I don't wear regular sunglasses (mine are Rx) but they have those too.

Here are some of my treasures:

On the left is a multi colored scarf.  It has the perfect amount of volume and streaks of my major wardrobe colors against a neutral background that contains brown and black.  

Next is a knock off of the Anthropologie Stormy Seas necklace.  Yes, the charms are plastic but you have to get really close to tell.  Plus the small beads are silver; Anthro's are gold.  I usually prefer silver when it's available.

Third is a long multi chain necklace in silver for when I need to add a little rocker to my outfit.

Fourth is a gold necklace in turquoise.  I love turquoise, I didn't have a long turquoise necklace and for $5.88 I can stand gold.

Here is the same necklace in silvertone with white beads. Old Navy shirt.

All of these items combined set me back less than $30.  They aren't going to last forever, but with gentle care and a ziplock bag (to prevent tarnishing) they are holding up just fine.

So next time you're at the mall, don't walk past F21!