Simple Black & White

With temperatures sweltering....I can hardly bear to wear anything but cut-offs and a tank!

But, I'm managing to slip into semi-inspired outfits from time to time.  Black & white is an easy pulled together look...and shorts and sleeveless top kept me cool (sort-of, I mean, I can't run around naked).


My outfit: shorts: XXI, shirt: Old Navy, Shoes: BCBG, earrings: Kenneth Cole

Fall Lust List

Is anyone else ready for fall, like I am?! 

I am lusting after a few things for my fall wardrobe...and wanted to share them with you. Trust me, the list is longer than this....but here are a few of my faves I've seen.


What's on your fall lust list?

Weekend Wear

With a house full of people this weekend, I had to have easy to slip on outfits.

It was my son's birthday celebration on Saturday, and we were cooking out and hanging out.  It was a great day, having everyone around, and celebrating my son's b-day! (the outfit was comfy enough to eat too much cake, too!)

My Outfit: Dress: XXI, Shoes: Nine West, Jewelry: Kenneth Cole & Lucky Brand

Happy Birthday Trey!

I added some new looks to the Outfit Inspiration page...check them out!

Happy Hump-Day friends!

Trend I'm Loving.....White Shoes

I NEVER thought I'd see a day when I was promoting white shoes!  I have never been a fan of a white shoe...it has a way of looking cheap, dated, and just stupid. A white shoe has always drawn the vision of a bad 80's Easter Day.


But, I must admit, lately I've been seeing white shoes in a new way!  They are appearing on some super chic women on the street as well as celebs. They are so fresh, so unexpected, so French.  J'adore!


So, I spent countless hours online searching and visitng several shoe stores, until I found a pair that felt like me! BCBG Generation, pointy toes. Yum.

What will I wear them with?? That is the question. I'll let you know when I wear them & how.....but what I'm thinking is I'll keep  "Parisian Chic" in mind when dressing and pair them with skinny jeans, shorts, dark dresses and even dark tights.  What I WON'T be wearing them with is white.

Below are my actual shoes...and a few photos of women wearing white shoes (Of course, SJP does it best!!).

TGIF!

Hello & Happy Friday!!

With not much on my calendar today, I went SUPER casual. Denim shorts, easy top, ankle booties. I'm totally adoring the boots with shorts look right now. Although its steaming hot, I still can't resist. It's just soooo cool looking, you forget how warm your feet are!

Dinner plans tonight....will be changing into pants before going, but think I'll keep the boots!

My Outfit: Shorts: American Eagle, Top: XXI, Boots: Dolce Vita (endless.com), Necklace: XXI, Ring: Kenneth Cole

Maxxed Out

Happy Tuesday!

Today, the humidity was smothering.....I had to go with a dress.

I added a little lace vest over my maxi dress to add 'something' to it.  It took away that Saturday feel...I wore it to work. 

Sometimes I like to add a cropped jacket or an open shirt. Try it to get more use out of your maxi dresses.

My outfit: Dress: XXI, Vest: Zara, Shoes: Nine West, Earrings: Kenneth Cole, Ring: Lucky Brand

Hope you're all having a great week. 

Fedora Friday...

Yesterday was filled with work, errands and appointments. And it was HOT in Houston.

I stayed cool and chic in my H&M Jacket (my only purchase from the new H&M store which just opened near my home).  It was a hit!

Happy Weekend!

My Outfit: Shorts: XXI, Jacket: H&M, Earrings: Kenneth Cole, Ring: Lucky Brand, Shoes: Nine West, Hat: XXI

Flat Line

Since a recent back injury, I've been forced to wear flats.  My doctor has ordered me to...and my back has ordered me to as well.  Never have I been a fan of flats (on me).  I'm 5 foot nothing, like the height heels add, and just feel better, more stylish, sexier, and more confident in heels.  Not to mention 99.5% of my pants and skirts are hemmed to heel height. 

As a closet full of heels stared back at me, I reached into the depths to find some flats. I did find a few, dusted them off, and I have been wearing them with the best attitude I can muster.

I spent many hours searching the web and thumbing through magazines to find photos of outfits with flat shoes that I liked, to get some inspiration. As I am seeing how adorable some of these women look (some even look chic), I have found myself softening up to the idea of wearing flats.

I have added a couple pair to my collection of shoes (without investing too much, as I do hope & plan to be back into my heels soon).  And I have mixed & matched flats into outfits I would have never dreamed of wearing with flats. 

My feet are happy, and I am starting to like some of the looks I've put together. (I can't wait for fall, I do have some great flat boots awaiting)  I've been so limited to what I can wear...so I AM anxious to get back into my heels!

But for now, I rock my flats as best I can and incorporate a few wedges and low heels now & then when I'm having a 'good' day.

Here are some of my flat styles I'm circulating in my wardrobe:

Date Night

Tonight was date night with my son!  One of my summer staples, white skinny jeans, took me from office to dinner.  I paired my white demin with a black hi/lo crepe top and leopard flats.  Added a long black pendant necklace and was simple & casual.

We sat oustide, had a nice italian dinner...and found a cupcake shop called "Treats" across the courtyard after dinner. We walked over and got the yummiest cupcakes I've ever tasted! (his was chocolate & peanutbutter, mine white velvet--never heard of it, but I'm now hooked!) Thankfully, my white skinnies have plenty of stretch in them...

It was a great evening...in a comfy outfit.

My Outfit: Jeans: Else (Macy's), Top: Zara, Shoes: Cole Haan.

Denim on Denim

I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. I'm seeing lots of denim on denim.  At times it makes me wince, and at other times, I'm like 'hmmm, ok, that looks kinda cool', in a Steve McQueen sort of way.

After mining for photos of denim on denim, I think I am almost sure that I still don't know how I feel about this trend.  One thing I do know for sure: like all clothes, how you wear it is really important, almost more so than what you're wearing.

The only way denim on denim can work is to mix contrasting hues (dark with light, no mono-hued mixes).  And, another thing that's really important is to keep it sexy & casual. Unbutton that extra button, leave it partially untucked, tie the waist, wear really feminine or really tough accessories.

I may give it a try one day....and I'll be sure to share.  In the meantime, I've shared some pics to show different ways to wear denim.

So, denim on denim.....a DO or a DON'T?? What do you think?

Photos courtesy of Pinterest

Rain + Rubber Boots

Yes, I have rubber rain boots. Yes, I actually wore them!

It has been raining for days here in Houston, which does nothing good for my hair, my mood or my wardrobe.  Being that life must go on, I had to dress to suit the weather.  I actually have clothes that I consider "rainy day" pieces. (some flannel shirts, tee shirts, polos, some sloppy jeans, and of course, my rain boots)  They are just clothes that I generally wouldn't wear in public, yet have them for yucky days.

Anyway, being that I had to get out in the disgusting weather, I slipped on an off the shoulder tee, my fave skinny jeans and my b&W checked rubber boots.
The sexy tee added some personality & playfulness to the outfit.  The boots, well, just kept my feet dry.

It was as fashionable as I felt I could be.  It worked. My feet stayed dry and I made it through my day. One person even told me I looked "cute".  WOW! 

If you are wanting to try rubber rain boots, just use them in your wardrobe like any boot....wear with skirts, jeans, dresses, whatever. they make them in many styles now: cowboy boots, wedges, lace up, ankle height, classic. You can bring your 'real' shoes with you and slip them on once inside if you prefer not to sport them all day.

Happy Weekend!

My actual outfit: Shirt: Victoriassecret.com, Jeans: Gap, Rainboots: Endless.com

Passion for Fashion

Yesterday, I did a personal style presentation to Salon Darrah's staff in my black tux romper and ankle strap heels,with touches of simple silver jewelry. 

It was rainy and I was not sure what I was going to wear, after many weeks of personal challenges and a fashionless wardrobe. The jumpsuit was a great choice. I felt confident yet understated so the ladies would not be distracted from the presentation. It was a fun morning!  The group was so inspiring and its always fun to share my passion with others who enjoy fashion.


Thanks to Holly at Salon Darrah for inviting me to do a style profile & consultation for all of her stylists!



My Actual Outfit: Romper: ASOS.com, Jewelry: Kenneth Cole, Shoes: Nine West

Hi Friends,

I apologize for having been MIA for so long.....it has been a challenging few months for me.

I promise I'll be up and posting regularly very soon!!

thanks for visiting

Trend I'm Loving...Suits & Tuxedos

I don't know about you, but I'm obsessed with a woman in a suit...and even better, a tuxedo!

This is a trend that comes & goes year after year...and this year, its going strong, and I'm loving it!
Women borrow from menswear season after season in some form or another. 

Being a businesswoman, who attends meetings, trade shows, networking events, I'm always looking for 'serious' clothes to wear, which don't dilute my personal style, or personality.

I find putting on a suit makes me feel empowered, and adding in a tie or vest now & then mixes it up.  I have a pair of white high waisted tux pants, which I plan to wear at a networking event next month. 

I like to keep my shoes and accessories pretty feminine to balance the look....or add a feminine color like pink (see Julia Roberts below).  Or do a whole suit in color, if you're brave!  White suits are hot for spring & summer!

ANY body shape can sport a suit.  Jacket length is what matters.  Also, to add interest, try different pant styles: skinny, straight, wide leg, high waist, etc.  


Next time you have somewhere to go....SUIT UP! 

All photos courtesy of People Magazine

Still in PJ's....

I've been sick, sick, sick since my return from my trip. I apologize for my absence.  Honestly, I've been in PJ's since last Friday (so nothing to share on daily outfits). My closet is sad and lonely.

Hopefully I'll be up and posting my outfits again soon!

In the meantime, I'll share some trends I'm loving. Thanks for following and staying with me.

Have a great Easter holiday.

Trend I'm Loving....White Blazers

So crisp....so cool....so spring!  I've accepted that spring is here, and I'm finally getting excited about my spring wardrobe.  One piece I'm chasing right now is the white blazer. You can put it over ANYTHING. Literally.  Jeans, wide leg trousers, pencil skirt, maxi dress, full skirt, skinny pants, shorts....you name it!

I love this look. It's fresh.  If you know where a great one is that I can purchase-send me the info!

photo courtesy of people.com

Fashionless

I'm back in town...but not back in fashion. :(  I've been sick since my return.  I hope to be posting stylish outfits I'm wearing again soon.

Yesterday's PJs & slippers, and today's jeans and gray tee didn't seem worth sharing. 

I hope you're all having a great (and fashionable) week!

Thanks for your patience....

Business Trip

I'm packing for a business trip...and of course, never feel 'done'.  I have the main pieces packed & ready to go. Now, I'm adding those comfort items, like a cozy wrap, a scarf for my travel hair, and more casual items for nights off. 

Yes, my color pallet is dominated by black...it usually is when I'm on business trips. Black is a homerun everytime.  Dressed up, dressed down-it works. 

The red pants are planned for a social networking event, the pinstripe dress for my speaking engagement, and the black jumpsuit for a big dinner/keynote speaker.  (no telling what I'll actually end up wearing to which events)  I am experienced enough in business travel to know to pack my more comfortable heels, due to all the standing and walking I'll be doing. 

I hope you have a great week!  I apologize in advance for my absence for the next several days.

Casual Friday

TGIF! 

I'll be packing this weekend for a business trip next week. I do not enjoy packing...so much commitment for someone who dresses by mood.  I have to bring SO many options.  I will share my packing list with you once I'm done.

Have a great weekend! Enjoy the spring-like weather, and Happy St. Patty's Day!

My actual outfit: Jeans: Old Navy, Shirt: Ann Taylor LOF, Shoes: Zara, Hat: Target

Pink Pants

O! M! G! 

I finally found some wide leg pink pants....and I can't wait to wear them!! They are at the tailor.  I'm picking them up Saturday.

SJP looks uber stylish in hers...I LOVE them!
 

Photo courtesy WENN.com

Hump Day Hemline

Oh, Wednesday...why do I always feel challenged by you??

If meeting with a banker doesn't get you all jazzed up, mid week..what will? (Yes, I'm being sarcastic)

I thought....hmm, it will be quite entertaining to sit in front of a banker and talk finanical statements, interest rates, business plans, and blah, blah, blah.  Ugh!  Knowing what I was in for, I thought I'd add some excitement with a skirt which looks like an abstract art painting. I LOVE the mood of this skirt, but honestly, don't often feel like wearing it.

I wore it to get  me through hump day; And it did...with a smile. My own little piece of art.  I enveloped it with classics: a netutral shoe, a simple black sweater (love my black!) and a small black bag.  It was a good day, ending with cocktails with business associates. 

And, now, on to Thursday's agenda...

Trend I'm Loving...Polka Dots

I adore polka-dots lately.  Typically, I'm a serious person, with a serious wardrobe, but every now & then, I get the urge to be a little lighter.  Polka-dots is one way I like to do that. 

I've seen dotted ladies all around: in magazines, on websites, and in person; and each time, I find myself smiling. To me, polka-dots are so French...when I wear them, I am the Parisian version of myself....and that makes me feel so ladylike.  Tres' jolie!

My favorite way to wear the dots is to mix prints. I like to pair a polka-dot blouse with a printed skirt or against a contrasting color of trousers, which makes them pop!  I am looking for the perfect dress with a polka-dot print.  When I find it, you'll be the first to know!

Tip:  Stick to small polka-dots not the big cheesy animated looking dots, for your most mature and sophisticated look. If you're going to pair your dots with another print, keep the two pieces in the same color family, and add a neutral shoe, which doesn't compete. 



courtesy People Magazine




courtesy People Magazine



In High Waisted Heaven

This week has so far been filled with meetings, a growing task list, and several wardrobe changes. Yesterday, I wore one of my favorite current trends: the high-waisted trouser (in dark red).  Finally, a woman has pant options which show off her waist. I'm so tired of the low-waisted teenager pants.  Even though I'm 5'0", I have curves like a woman;  hips, thighs, and a small waist.   Trousers with high waists and wide legs also make your legs look a mile long...not something I've been naturally blessed with. I'll take all the help I can get creating that illusion!

The red combined with the leopard is modern yet classic in a way. I love this combo.  Remaining true to my fairly minimal style, jewelry was simple, shoes were nude. 

If you don't have high waisted pants, try a pair. Those of you with hips will love the waist-to-hip ratio, those of you with longer torsos will love the leg lengthening affect, those of you with long legs will love how they show them off! For spring, try colored pants, or white or khaki.  And as always, black is a must. 

My actual outfit: Pants: Zara, Blouse: Ann Taylor, Shoes: Calvin Klein, Necklace: Don't remember, Handbag: Coach

Sunday Brunch

I've been wanting a reason to dress up. I have seen so many women out & about, wearing outfits which force me to take a double take. (Yeah, Ladies!) Then I feel like I want to dress up too!! You don't need a reason, you just need to put on the outfit. 

I love dresses. I'm kind of a hop-between-jeans-and-dresses gal.  There isn't a ton of in-between. I mean, I love trousers.  But I adore my dresses and jeans much more.

I had Sunday Brunch with my good friend and my son.  Perfect reason to dress up! We went to Brennan's...a New Orleans original restaurant here in Houston.  As an homage to my beloved New Orleans, I wore a black vintage inspired dress, by H&M (it was black dots on black, button front, body hugging), a headband with black flowers & beads, and leopard platform pumps...oh, and a black cameo ring.  I felt like a proper Southern lady (being from Louisiana, we do love our head pieces and our cameos).

We sipped mimosas and indulged in amazing food...thanks to my spanx (a must for any dress or skirt day), I didn't bust any buttons on the dress.  It was a lovely afternoon.

My actual outfit: Dress: H&M, Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Headband & ring: don't remember, Sunglasses: Tom Ford

Trend I'm Loving...Colored Tights

Colored tights! I am so loving this trend right now.  Color is HUGE for spring...you'll see color in handbags, pants, dresses, tops, shoes, jewelry...

But, I must say I adore the use of color in tights. This is fashion I can see any woman of any age, any body type wearing. It is a great way to spice up an otherwise minimalist outfit, or if you're brave, add even more interest to an already interesting outfit.  If you're not quite ready to put on bright yellow pants, or a kelly green dress, or a hot pink top, you can take baby steps....with colorful tights, handbag, or a scarf.  You'll be on trend.


 I intend to rock the colored tights for sure! I have a few times this winter, but I'm really looking forward to brighter colors for spring before it gets too warm here in Texas!

photo courtesy of people magazine (people.com)

Last Call

Happy Leap Year! 


Today, I realized it was my last call for tweed this season.  Being the very possible last day of February, I wore my MNG by Mango tweed dress, which I just adore.  It fits like it was made for my body. I had to see two clients today, and this dress suited the day well.


I kept accessorires very minimal.  Nude pumps, bronze (small) jewelry.  I must face the fact that Spring is arriving very soon. The Houston weather already feels like spring. It is warm and humid...(82 degress today)


I promise to wake up and embrace spring color and fabrics as of tomorrow. Although spring officially begins March 21, March 1, to me, begins the spring wardrobe season. I just hope it brings some sunshine too! But, for today, still February, I did enjoy my tweed!


I'm off to change and meet a friend for dinner. I'm thinking jeans and a cool blouse.  Hope your evening is good and you had a chance to wear all the winter outfits you wanted to this season!

My actual outfit: Dress: MNG by Mango, JCP ($25), Shoes: Calvin Klein, Macys ($99), Handbag: Coach (sale price $135)

Blue & Gray

Another weekend of working the home sale for my parents just exhausted me.  I kind of feel like someone beat me up...hence the blue & gray today.  This dress and these shoes matched my mood, my level of exhausted, the Monday blues AND the weather. 

I've been waiting to wear these shoes since I got them on sale at DSW.  (the photo shows my actual shoes)  I was so happy when I slipped them on this morning.  To the shoes, I added my blue dress, a statement necklace and a hammered silver band ring.  Simple, but striking. I typically don't wear much blue.  But blue felt right today.

With the dress as a back drop, the necklace popped and the shoes came in a close second on the noticable scale. The key to a well balanced outfit is to not have too many things going on at once. A good rule is to put it all on, then take off one accessory.  I tend to under accessorize in the NUMBER of things I wear, yet I try to choose pieces that make a statement and don't compete.  So you end up with polished, not boring and not gaudy. I'm choosing my image, I'm deliberately making a statement and I'm not letting the accessories or clothing overwhelm me.  I shine through, they just highlight me. 

My actual outfit: Dress: Ann Taylor ($100), Shoes: MRKT, DSW ($40 on sale), Necklace: Stein Mart (old)



*please note I use pieces which are representative of my outfit. I get as close as I can in order to exhibit the look, mood and structure of what I'm actually wearing. I use actual items when possible.

Denim Diva

You ever put on jeans and just feel like Beyonce?!

I wore skinny J-Brand jeans today, with a draped gray top, with purple ruffle peep toes, topped off with a charm necklace with so much character.  Bang!  My day was challenging, and I faced it like a DIVA!  I went through the day, shakin my booty, feeling confident, and very womanly all at the same time. I actually got things taken care of, and kept my saucy, yet positive attitude all along. 

A great fitting pair of jeans has a way of making you feel empowered, add a pair of heels, and LOOK OUT WORLD!  Know what cut of jeans work for you to feel and look your best. 

For petite ladies like me, you can do a skinny jean or a bootcut or a straight leg...but stay away from a super wide legs, they swallow you up.
Tall women can pull off just about any jean. (lucky you!)  More ample women should stick with straight, wider legged jeans, bootcut, and my faves for your shape are trouser jeans!  Curvy women, no matter the height, be careful with skinny jeans. Fit the widest part of your body and alter the rest to fit YOUR body. Yes, you can alter jeans. I have EVERY pair I own tailored for perfect fit (and confidence wearing them)!

However.....I believe any woman, of any shape can pull off just about any jean cut if you feel confident and use the rest of the outfit to make it work. 

This is a combo that will never go out of style: jeans and high heels....MEOW!

My actual outfit: Jeans: J Brand ($160), Top: Forever 21, Shoes: Steve Madden, Necklace: Zara, actual shown ($19), Sunglasses: Tom Ford, actual shown ($360)

Not Your Grandma's Dress...

This is one colorful outfit! It is not your grandma’s dress.  An abstract art print dress, a cobalt skinny belt, black tights and yellow shoes…now that’s an outfit.  It was a cloudy day, and it has been raining so much, I needed a punch of color.

The black tights against the bright dress and mustard yellow shoes just made my heart sing!  I love the look of black tights against a non-black shoe.  (Like I said, not your grandma’s dress…back in the day, you weren’t suppose to wear tights darker than your shoes.  It’s a trend I am just loving these days. Quirky.  Modern.  Delicious.)    I kept accessories simple, as I often do, with one big gold disc ring.  The dress made enough of a statement all on its own.

I threw on a long black open cardigan when I got chilly at dinner with my family. If you’re looking for ways to transition from winter to spring, try adding a chunky sweater over lighter weight dresses when it’s still chilly out. Use the spring colors, and ground them with winter (black or other dark colored) tights, jackets or other pieces. Mixing textures and fabric weights is a perfect way to slowly bring spring into your wardrobe, yet still be temperature appropriate.

My actual outfit: Dress: Rachel Roy ($120), Belt: Ann Taylor, Shoes: J Crew ($90 on sale)

Rain Rain, Go Away...

I can't remember when I last saw a sunny day in Houston. I'm so sick of the rain.  I know the grass is happy, but my wardrobe isn't.  The rain forces me to choose outfit alternatives, which don't always make me feel at my best. :(

Today, I went with comfy jeans, an easy shirt, leopard scarf, boots, and to cover up a bad hair day (thanks rain), a headband.  Certainly nothing to brag about...

I'm looking forward to clear days where I can wear my suede shoes and dresses without the worry of wet legs!

Rainy days are perfect opportunities to do a cute hat, or headband.  It adds a little personaltiy to your boring jeans and boots outfit, and helps disguise frizzy rain hair!


Jeans: Gap, Shirt: Zara ($60), Scarf: Old Navy ($12-ish), Boots: Nine West ($60), Headband: Ulta ($10). 

Tuesday

Happy Tuesday! 

What a weekend....driving, setting up estate sale, long days...and NO fashion.  I was in jeans, sneakers, and sweatshirts all weekend.  

Valentines Day is a 'holiday' I skip. I worked, had a pedi and ordered pizza.  I felt sexy doing it all...my sweater dress hugged my body and I wore something other than black! Simple. Cool.

If you're going to wear a sweater dress, be sure it fits your body type.   Sweater fabric clings, and not everyone can pull that off...remember the rules for your body.

Dress: Victoria's Secret ($60); Boots: Frye ($400), Handbag: Kenneth Cole ($90), Earrings: Kenneth Cole

Easy Jeans

Yeah....it was a jeans day. Jeans and a black sweater-so easy to pull together. A real staple outfit for me. Add boots and a colorful necklace, and done! I had a ton of things to take care of before leaving town tomorrow, and this was just the outfit to accompany me.

I'll be out of town all weekend, helping my parents organize an estate sale, so I won't have any outfits to share...not any that you want to see.  (I'll be in jeans,tee shirts or sweaters and sneakers...sneakers are one item I don't wear in public, as I don't believe they are public wear. They are work out gear, and I'll be mortified should anyone see me in my home town.  However, I should fit right in, even at my worst-no offense).  Please excuse my absence.  But...a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do.

I'll be posting again next week...have a fabulous (and well dressed) weekend!

Business Chic

Today was a marathon meeting day.  I walked into a meeting with a client at 9:30 AM, and walked out at 3 PM.  Yes...a 5 1/2 hour meeting, including lunch.   Knowing it was a client-focused day, I wore a business casual combination that I love (pencil skirt and button down)...with a little jacket for a nice twist. 

In a pencil skirt and button down, I almost feel like I'm in a power suit.  I adore this combination for business meeitngs and events. It is feminine, yet strong and sharp.  To avoid being 'too' sharp, I added a little capelet with swing, letting my shirt sleeves extend pst jacket sleeves, black tights and tassel loafter pumps (the sturdy heel and masculine style also make me feel empowered). 

The day matched the outfit, I'd say.  Meetings went well, I felt focused and business-like. I even pitched some questions & ideas that were well received.  Would they have been as well received if I were in jeans or something more casual? Who knows...but I do know this: I felt empowered, I felt smart; like a business woman!  Perhaps that was the catalyst for my ideas and confidence to share them in the meeting. 

Tip: Everyone can wear a pencil skirt.  Keep hems at the knee, or just ABOVE the knee. You want to look like a lady, AND a professional.  Pencil skirts are sexy without being revealing, appropriate at any age AND they work for all body types.  If you have a boyish shape, it gives the impression of curves; if you're curvy, it plays up your figure; if you're plus size, it's more flattering than a full skirt. 

My outfit: Skirt: Target ($30), Button Down: Old Navy ($25-30, not exactly sure), Capelet Jacket: Forever 21 (older, don't remember price), Shoes: Levity (DSW, $40 on sale), Necklace: Kenneth Cole Outlet, Handbag: Coach ($320) 



Winter Still...

The weekend is over already…that was fast.  I did get some time to visit Zara and Kenneth Cole this weekend; they are starting to put out Spring fashions, of course. And I’m not quite ready for the lighter clothing just yet. I also checked out the Jason Wu for Target line…I was disappointed, by the look and cut of the garments.

Thankfully, the Groundhog says we’ll be having six more weeks of winter. It was about 70 degrees when I heard that news last week. So, this week’s cool weather in Houston is welcome.  I didn’t get to wear near enough of my winter wardrobe this winter!  A few more pieces will get to come out and show themselves….so my winter wardrobe and I are both happy! 

I spent yesterday arranging fresh items on my go-to rack.  (I keep a clothes rack full with the clothes that suit my current mood or inspiration, or anything that I might want to wear this week…I update it regularly.  It saves time and frustration in the mornings.  I don’t have to dig through my overstuffed closet).  So, I with the rack all refreshed, I already knew what I was wearing today: The red 60s dress. It’s so cute, and only been worn once before. 

The red dress is definitely the show stealer, so I added muted gray suede boots, gray tights and a black/white/gray leopard print scarf.  I also grabbed my white coat on the way out.  Thank you to Mother Nature for the cool weather. 



I love red. I love black.  But, sometimes I feel like red and black together are too harsh, or sort of cheap looking, and predictable.  So I’m substituting gray for black quite often these days.  It calms the outfit down.  Gray is a neutral and can be worn in place of black in almost every instance.  Mix it with colors, other neutrals and black.  If you aren’t already wearing it, try it!

** at the request of some followers, I’ll start telling you what brands I’m actually wearing, and price points so you can find something similar when interested. Photos are representative of my daily outfits.

My actual outfit: Dress:Zara (was on sale last season $30), Scarf: Old Navy (I think around $12), Boots: Gianni Bini (Dillards-last season $180), White Collarless Coat: XXI ($40), Handbag: Coach ($320)

Well Vested

Finally Friday! I had a long week and just sat down to blog for today after a full day at the office, and a hair appointment. So, what did I wear today? Jeans. Well….not just jeans.  Jeans, a leopard blouse, a black vest and my killer lace up platform ankle booties.

I’m not sure what it is about Friday, but something in the air makes me feel a little bit spunky.  Fridays offer me an unspoken liberty in my wardrobe.  Today, I went with a vest and a little leopard.  The vest is just a powerful garment.  I love wearing vests. They define a waist, polish up an outfit and just add enough of a menswear touch to feel tailored. You have a big meeting? An important appointment? A day that requires "guts"?  Put on a a vest! A vest is the perfect armor you need to face your day!


Believe it or not, this is a look a lot of body types can pull off. You just have to adjust it to your ‘rules for dressing your body’. For example, I wore a high heel because I’m short.  I wore a skinny jean because I’m petite. A more ample figure could wear a loose blouse, a vest (leave the vest open), and wear it with boot cut jeans.  A taller woman can wear this look with a flat shoe.  A boy-shaped body (no waist) could add a belt around the waist.  You can add a vest to a dress, a skirt and top, there are options for everyone!



Happy Weekend!