Sunday, January 30, 2011

Zebra Stripe


T-Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft; Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft Maternity; Jeans: Joe’s Jeans; Shoes: Me Too via DSW; Bracelet: Jewelmint; Sunglasses: Tom Ford


Last week was an incredibly emotional and stressful week. Due to an early week car wreck, an ER and hospital visit, and working from home the rest of the week, you can imagine how I was ready to get out of the house! Saturday morning was full of baby preparations, however, Saturday afternoon and evening were filled with errands, dinner and a movie. Since I hadn’t left the house since Wednesday, it felt great to get dressed and put on makeup. I’ve been doing a little instore and internet shopping lately. Check out my new striped tee from Ann Taylor Loft and cute faux wrap sweater from their maternity line. The sweater was a deal!!!


Speaking of internet, have you heard of the new jewelry line Jewelmint? Jewelmint was founded by Kate Bosworth and her stylist Cher Coulter and sold exclusively online. Every month they will send you a showroom of pieces selected for you based on the style quiz you take when setting up your account. Your first piece is 50% off and every piece after that is only $29.99. If you don’t like that months selections, no problem. Just wait to see what they supply you the next month. You must be a member to join so let me know if you would like an invite. One will be in your inbox within moments! Here is my first piece.



Next week begins the 30 for 30 challenge and I think I’m ready. Monday needs to be a special outfit to close out the month before the limited 30 pieces begin. Stay tuned!


Monday, January 24, 2011

Top Five Trends to Watch in 2011

According to fashion guru Carson Kressley, there are five trends to watch for in 2011. Some of them I agree with and others…let’s just say we agree to disagree.


Wide Pants:


I can totally get on board with this trend. I love the look of wide pants on everyone! They not only lengthen but slim the leg and take on a kind of masculine feel. Paired with blouses or tanks, you can make this 30s staple modern. If you decide to pursue this trend, think Katherine Hepburn. They can also go the route of the 70s, another era I love to rock. To keep them modern, stay away from prints and polyester that will make them too costumey. I found a pair at Talbots that are perfect! I love the drapiness of the fabric and the color selection. They’re a great price as well. 


I also found a pair of wide leg jeans at Ann Taylor Loft that I’ve added to my wish list. I blogged about them in my Post Baby Longing post. I hope to get in them soon!


Bright Touches:


I challenged myself back in early January to get out of my wardrobe rut and start adding different pieces to my daily wardrobe. One of those items was bright tops. In looking at the trends for spring, coral and orange are big. Not only will it add color to your wardrobe, but they’re coming in the form of fun designs and color blocking. I immediately thought of my orange sheath dress I purchased a couple of seasons ago from Ann Taylor. Spanx and a good diet should help me get in that dress by June! In the mean time, I will rummage through my closets and dresser drawers for colorful tops and cardigans to play up pants and jeans. I’m ready for the transition.


Flowers:


I’m not a big floral person so I wasn’t really a fan of this trend. I’ve looked back over old photos on Facebook, I’ve noticed a couple of cute floral tops I wore last summer. Actually, they’ve been in my wardrobe for a couple of seasons now and I’m drawn to one over the other. The one I seem to wear the most is from Forever 21 and it’s more watercolor in design than true floral. It’s light and airy in fabric and now I can’t wait to pull it out again this year. 


I also saw an adorable floral dress from Express in February’s addition of Lucky. I love the colors, the ruffles and the feminine cut. Just hope it’s not as short as it looks in the photo.


Neutrals:


Spring is calling for beige and buff, two colors I love. They are a perfect blank canvas for those bright touches I talked about earlier and so much brighter than that black canvas we often use. I need to start using these neutrals come spring. I often become lazy and rely heavily on black. Sounds like I can’t use that excuse much longer. I’ve always been a huge fan of neutral shoes. As I’ve stated several times, they make anyone’s legs look longer and complement most any wardrobe. They blend in, allowing the clothes to make a statement. (Seen here)


Leather and Lace:


Who immediately thought of Stevie Nicks? I have the 45 LP that I purchased at a flea market as a child. Anyway, I don’t think that’s what Carson meant. I own tons of little leather jackets but not one piece of lace. What comes to mind for spring is my beige leather Susan Bristol jacket and my blush pink jacket from Ann Taylor Loft. Both look great with jeans and pants, but I need to start working them in with dresses and skirts. It also appears that I need to add some lace to my wardrobe. I find lace hard. Sometimes I feel like it can take on a lingerie feel when you really want it to be a work appropriate. Something to play around with in the coming months.


Do any of these items exist in your wardrobe today? If not, will you add any of them? And if you do, which ones? I’m looking forward to digging around in my wardrobe contents and putting things together this spring! Hopefully, I won’t need to make too many trend investments! 

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Garment District Shopping


Coat: Gift via Land’s End; Hat: Jones New York via Macy’s; Gloves: Gift: Handbag: BCBG MaxAzria via Gilt   


Even though today was cold and gray, I really felt the need to get out of the house. So, my ever supportive husband agreed to travel with me to Power and Light so I could stroll the Garment District. I’ve been wanting to check out this little area of local boutiques for some time now and so glad today was the day! They were all having their end of year sales and both of us made out like bandits, as you can see from the shopping bags! Stay tuned for a review of the stores we shopped.


Because we were going to be outdoors most of the day, I knew I needed to add layers. I’ve been wanting to wear my black cashmere t-neck that I got for Christmas and decided to add a silver shimmery tank for both length and layers. With the 30 by 30 challenge just a week away, I have been scouring my scarves drawers for added accessories and found this white and silver one that was perfect with the tank. I paired the whole look my lemon yellow overcoat for color, silver leather gloves and black wool hat. A great ensemble for a day downtown. 



T-neck: Gift via Land’s End; Tank: Ann Taylor; Scarf: Ann Taylor; Boots: Enzo Angiolini

Friday, January 21, 2011

A Second Attempt


Now that I’m feeling a little more comfortable in the black and brown combo, I’ve been thinking about this outfit all week. I purchased this sweater on a trip to NY a couple of years ago and I always seem to forget about it. Not sure why either! I love the length, the contrasting buttons and the weave of the wool. I also like that it has capped sleeves versus long which makes it a little different than the average sweater coat I have in my wardrobe. 


Because of the wooden buttons, I decided the cognac boots would work perfectly. I have always paired the outfit with black boots and it kept the look a little dark. The cognac really helps pull out the color of the buttons and brightens up the look in general. If I wore this sweater combo with black pants, I discovered that I have cognac and black color block pumps that I totally forgot about. If I don’t wear this outfit again this winter, I will definitely add the shoes to my repertoire for next year. Thoughts on my second attempt at black and brown?


Thursday, January 20, 2011

30 for 30 Challenge

I signed up for the 30 for 30 challenge, sponsored by Kendi Everyday, which runs the month of February and I’ve been working feverishly on my list of 30 items to wear. I figure, since I’m challenged in the clothing department as is, why not challenge myself with the limited maternity clothes I have and add accessories that I often forget to use. So far, I have 20 some items chosen and now I’m up to shoes. My categories include pants, sweaters, tops, skirts and dresses. Camisoles/tanks, scarves, outwear and jewelry count as accessories not part of the 30 chosen items. You can only wear the 30 items you picked so it helps you remix and become creative. 


I’ve mentioned the challenge on my Facebook page but not on my blog. As Kendi says, this challenge teaches you how to shop out of your closet, something I preach all the time. My question to you is, if you were to chose only 30 items, which category would you heavily fill in? I have included all the pants/jeans I have and I’m heavy on sweaters and tops. Since this includes weekends, I can’t add sweats because I won’t wear those for work/daily outfits. I sure hope I’m adding the right items. I might even start creating outfits to ensure I have the right items on the list? Does this sound like a challenge you might participate in or something you feel might be too challenging?

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Do It Yourself: RIT Dye Project

Fellow blogger Jessica Quirk at What I Wore is a big fan of using RIT dye on pieces that need a little updating. Lucky Magazine’s February addition has an entire layout of how to dye pieces in your wardrobe that need a little facelift. So, with those two project ideas coming on the heels of one another, I think it’s high time I give it try. If you don’t subscribe to Lucky, no problem. You can get the article from their website or check out Jessica’s step by step guide on today’s post. It seems pretty easy and very cost effective. The only problem now is finding the piece, or pieces, I would like to transform. I’ll keep you posted!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Golden Globes

Tina:


I agree with everything you wrote about the Golden Globes, but you left Helena Bonham Carter off your worst-dressed list!


i for style:


I thought about listing her and then I decided since everyone else does, she wins! She can continue to make a mockery out of fashion because they expect it from her. Does that make sense?

i for style's Best and Worst Dressed - 2011 Golden Globes

Sunday night was the 68th annual Golden Globe awards and for the most part, the award winners weren’t a shock. There were a few surprises thrown in, but it wouldn’t be a great awards show if there weren’t. I’m not sure the same can be said for the red carpet. I have to say, I wasn’t all that impressed and really struggled to find a best dressed! Here is my run down of last nights fashion hits and misses. (Please note, I have not seen E’s Fashion Police as of this post. All opinions are of my own.)


Best Dressed:


Eva Longoria:


Eva looked the best she’s ever looked on the red carpet. I’m usually not a fan of her red carpet choices, but Sunday night she really stepped up. Wearing a black Zac Posen gown with an amazing fish tail train, cap sleeve and beautiful open back, this gown fit her like a glove. I also loved the bow at the waist accentuated by the jewel brooch. The updo was modern and her fresh makeup kept the whole look clean. Great job, Eva!


Awards by Franchise | Golden Globe Awards | Media Awards & Events | Movie Awards and Events | TV Awards and Events | Golden Globe Awards 2011 | Individual | Eva Longoria Parker

Claire Danes:


I love the minimalist movement that is moving into 2011 and Claire knows how to dress for it. Wearing a hot pink dress from the Calvin Klein Collection, she looked effortless. Her side swept updo was a perfect choice to show off the halter and her amazing shoulders. Minimal jewels were a perfect accessory to this full of color dress. The photos don’t do the dress justice. Can I have this body post baby, please?


Actor | RolesClass | Awards by Franchise | Golden Globe Awards | Media Awards & Events | Movie Awards and Events | TV Awards and Events | Golden Globe Awards 2011 | Individual | Claire Danes

Emma Stone:


While we’re on the minimalist movement, I have to give a nod to newcomer Emma. Also donning a dress from the Calvin Klein Collection, Emma looked like she had just been on a tropical vacation in this peach colored dress. Tanned and newly blonde, Emma rocked this stunning backless look with ease. Guess that’s why she was up for Best Actress for the comedy Easy A! Get it? Anyway, I loved that she kept her jewels to small dangle earrings and a metallic clutch. That’s all she needed for this glamorous look.


Awards by Franchise | Golden Globe Awards | Media Awards & Events | Movie Awards and Events | TV Awards and Events | Golden Globe Awards 2011 | Individual | Emma Stone

Mila Kunis:


Wearing one of many emerald green dresses we saw on the red carpet, Mila looked gorgeous in this Vera Wang gown. I loved the one shoulder, ruched and wrapped gown. The detail on the shoulder, and through out the gown, were amazing and the color was so rich. I even liked the train. Simple, not overpowering. Again, the updo was modern and perfect for the gown. She kept the jewels to small dangle earrings and a light cuff. Effortless!


Actor | RolesClass | Awards by Franchise | Golden Globe Awards | Media Awards & Events | Movie Awards and Events | TV Awards and Events | Golden Globe Awards 2011 | Individual | Mila Kunis

Honorable Mentions:


There were other looks on the red carpet that deserve recognition but didn’t receive my vote for best dressed. Dianna Agron wore a beautiful blush J.Mendel gown that was stunning. Perfect for her skin tone and I loved how her jewels complimented the overall look. I would have done something different with her hair, but she looked gorgeous. Fellow Glee costar Lea Michelle wore a pink Oscar de la Renta gown in typical Lea Michelle fashion. The color was pretty but the dress was a little much. Next year Lea, go for something less ruffled and a little more fitted. Speaking of too much dress, what about Olivia Wilde in her chocolate Marchesa gown and Catherine Zeta Jones in her overly tiered green Monique Lhuillier? Girls, it’s the Golden Globes, not your cotillion! 


Also, I have to give a shout out to my fellow pregnant celebs! Natalie Portman in pink satin Viktor and Rolf was glowing but I wasn’t sure if it was from all that pink shining up to her face. I loved how the gown draped but would love to have seen it in a different color. And, could we lose the rose? What was that all about? Jane Krakowski wore a slate grey, one shoulder gown that wrapped her baby pump proudly. Her hair was effortless but her jewels a little over the top. The overall look was shimmering.


Worst Dressed:


My list of the worst dressed could go on and on but I’ve narrowed it down to four.


Julianne Moore:


Were to start with this fuschia Lavin gown? The color was too much, the lavish one sleeve was too exaggerated and the fit was horrible. Taking off the one sleeve and leaving just the jeweled halter would have been progress. Another fitting to take the gown in at the waist and hips would have worked too. The shoes were awful and the tassel bag was all wrong. This was just a nightmare on the red carpet.


Actor | RolesClass | Awards by Franchise | Golden Globe Awards | Media Awards & Events | Movie Awards and Events | TV Awards and Events | Golden Globe Awards 2011 | Individual | Julianne Moore

Leighton Meester:


Leighton looked like she had just stepped off the prairie in this boring Burberry Prorsum dress. It was so dated, so matronly and so wrong! And the shoes didn’t even match the style of the gown! The hair was perfect since it was long and lifeless… just like the dress. One would think with all the fabulous stylist on the set of Gossip Girl, she would have taken a cue from them!


Awards by Franchise | Golden Globe Awards | Media Awards & Events | Movie Awards and Events | TV Awards and Events | Golden Globe Awards 2011 | Individual | Leighton Meester

Scarlett Johansson:


Again, where to start? I guess I’ll dive right in and comment on her Bride of Frankenstein hairstyle. From the front it’s not so bad, but when you get a side view…those clips don’t make it any better! The dress is all wrong for her. Maybe if it didn’t have the flowing sleeves and toile train it would have worked for me. Plus, the color just washed her out. Honestly, it doesn’t even look like her in the photo. Just all wrong!


Actor | Musician | RolesClass | Awards by Franchise | Golden Globe Awards | Media Awards & Events | Movie Awards and Events | TV Awards and Events | Golden Globe Awards 2011 | Individual | Scarlett Johansson

January Jones:


I’m not sure if January just wants to push the envelope or if she just has a bad stylist. Remember that electric blue Versace she wore to the Emmys? Well, she did it again, only this time in tomato red Versace. It needed a lot more fabric across the bust, however, I was okay with the cutouts along the sides. I loved her hair and accessories. Maybe that’s because those looks were soft and minimal compared to the daring look she was trying to achieve. Try again at the SAG’s, January.


Actor | RolesClass | Awards by Franchise | Golden Globe Awards | Media Awards & Events | Movie Awards and Events | TV Awards and Events | Golden Globe Awards 2011 | Individual | January Jones

Other worst dressed worth mentioning were Michelle Williams in a daisy print Valentino gown, Sandra Bullock in a beaded Jenny Packham gown with horrible hair, Ann Hathaway in a bronzed Armani Prive sheath, Haley Berry in a dominatrices Nina Ricci and Nicole Kidman in an ivory Prada gown.


With all the being said, here are my winners for Best and Worst Dressed:


Best Dressed goes to Claire Danes in that stunning hot pink Calvin Klein dress.


Worst Dressed goes to Julianne Moore in that hot mess of a Lanvin gown. 


Photo Credits:


Photograph of Eva Longoria taken from ew.com. Photograph taken by Agostini/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/AP Images.


Photograph of Claire Danes taken from ew.com. Photograph taken by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.


Photograph of Emma Stone taken from ew.com. Photograph taken by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com.


Photograph of Mila Kunis taken from ew.com. Photograph taken by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com.


Photograph of Julianne Moore taken from ew.com. Photograph taken by Evan Agostini/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/AP Images.


Photograph of Leighton Meester from ew.com. Photograph taken by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com.


Photograph of Scarlett Johansson from ew.com. Photograph taken by Evan Agostini/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/AP Images. 


Photograph of January Jones from ew.com. Photograph taken by Evan Agostini/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/AP Images.

Investment Piece


Jacket: Susan Bristol via Millsap’s; T-neck: Ralph Lauren; Skirt: A Pea in a Pod; Tights: Motherhood; Boots: Nine West; Necklaces: Silpada


I knew when I purchased this skirt that I would get a lot of wear out of it, but I had no idea how much! This has to be the third time in less than a month that I’ve worn it! (Seen here and here) With all the colors running through it, how can you not find multiple things to pair it with. I love how the chocolate and beige turned out. I had something completely different planned for the top, but then I found a huge hole at the neck and didn’t have time to repair. So, I turned to a more fitted t-neck and knew I needed to pair it with a jacket. I originally planned to wear denim, but one was too cropped and the other too baggy. This leather one was just right. Actually, I’ve had this leather jacket for at least 10 years. Definitely a closet staple!! It helped brighten up the look where denim might have kept it heavy. I also tried pairing it with my ankle booties but they just weren’t the right look. Tall boots it was! 



I need to get out of house and start taking more photos outdoors, but the weather just isn’t cooperating! Instead, I captured this last minute shot of my favorite camel coat and new hat! I love hats and with snow blowing around this morning, it was a perfect excuse to wear it. 



Coat: Banana Republic; Hat: Gift via L.L.Bean

Monday, January 17, 2011

Black Friday Feedback

I am with you - I like it better without the jacket. Love the look - especially that necklace!

Muted Yet Complementary


Jacket: Anthropologie; T-neck; Target; Jeans: Joe’s Jeans, Booties: Me Too via DSW; Necklace: Silpada


I had a super busy weekend so I decided to take the morning off to re-coup! Actually, we were so busy that I never captured any of my looks! Possibly one to come but not a full on view. Today’s look is some what casual because I decided four hours of in-office-work did not constitute a full-business-casual creation. I’m trying to utilize as much of my non-maternity wardrobe as I can in these last few months of pregnancy and I read somewhere that jackets were great for concealing your bump. Not sure if they meant maternity jackets or not so I went with one that exists in my closet. I like the contrast between the gray, camel and denim, how the colors compliment one another and ties everything together. I paired the look with gray, suede booties and a fun silver necklace. I even went so far as to add eye shadow colors that appear in the jacket. I really like the overall look!


Friday, January 14, 2011

Black Friday


Sweater: A Pea in a Pod; Jeans: Gap; Boots: Habitat Shoe Boutique; Jacket: Millsap’s; Necklace: Forever 21


Today I was going to test out the Parisian look from the Piperlime homepage but I just wasn’t feeling it. I think I’m still hesitant on the pieces I own and making them work. I will have to take time this weekend to put it all together before the unveiling. Knowing that I wanted to wear the new over-the-knee boots, I started there. I landed on a plain black, cowl neck sweater and originally paired it with my Banana Leather jacket. So didn’t work! The jacket was too stark in comparison to the taupe boots and dark top. I then tried scarves but again, no dice. I then focused on three different necklaces and landed on the cute owl. I love him! Lastly, I tried another jacket only because I felt like the outfit needed something else. I picked this taupe leather jacket, thinking the shoes would complement the whole look, but I’m still on the fence. To be honest, I wore it to work and removed it immediately. What are your thoughts? Should have kept the jacket or did I make the right choice in removing it?





Thursday, January 13, 2011

Would You Wear These Trends?

Quite often people.com runs a poll of “Would You Wear These Trends” and I like to browse through the celebrity pictures so see where trends might be going. While browsing through the trends this week, I found several that I either currently rock or have in the past. Below is a photo montage of some the looks I’ve worn that are currently considered trendy by People.


Fuzzy Vests:


I’ve been into fuzzy vests since I started watching The Rachel Zoe Project. I purchased my first one a couple of years ago at the Limited and love it. It’s sleeveless in caramels and browns. I purchased another one this year that is more of a caplet style with short sleeves. I love the contrast between the butter yellow and black. Both are super warm on cold winter days and look great with both jeans and pants. 



Two-Tone Shoes:


I have several two-tones shoes and I wear them often. They are a nice contrast with some looks and help pull everything together in others. These brown on brown shoes are a prime example. I also have a great pair of black/white spectators and of course the new Rachel Comey shoes I purchased last week. Once it warms up around here, I plan to pull them out!




Navajo Prints:


I sported a “tribal” sweater last month and though it’s not truly Navajo in design, I think it compliments the trend. I do remember a Navajo wrap skirt I owned in high school. It was predominately red and black and very Southwestern. I wore with it with either a simple black t-neck, tucked in, or with my black bodysuit and black boots. Super chic!



Belted Dresses:


Why would you second guess this trend? It’s a great way to add color to a sheath dress and create a defined waist. Some dresses come with self-belts but I like to shop for new and interesting textures to add a little more pop. In this example, I went for basic black, but I updated the look with a thin yellow belt and yellow pumps for color. The photo was never captured. Worn, well before I started the blog. 



Turtleneck Dresses:


This is staple in my wardrobe! I actually wore one last week when trying to capture the layered necklace look from The Devil Wears Prada. I even bought a t-neck maternity dress but never took a photo. I was embarrassed by the size of my chest in the dress and didn’t need that documented! 



Emerald Green Dresses:


So this look is clearly from Halloween where my husband and I went as Dean McDermott and Tori Spelling. I was going for her Mommywood book cover, but I would definitely wear this dress out! I love the cut and color and BCBG is one of my favorite designers. I need the right occasion to present itself and with enough time to shed the baby weight! 



Twisted Dresses:


I wore this Diane von Furstenburg dress to a wedding last fall and this is in line with the twist effect that People referenced. The only difference is, this dress isn’t twisted and folded through out the bodice. I would invest in one of those as well.



There were several other trends that were mentioned and ones that I would wear but don’t own. Some that piqued my interest were: quilted leather jackets, sequined black dresses, electric blue pumps and white dresses. We shall see if they make the cut! What, if any, of these trends would you wear?

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Hey guys! I’m working on broadening my audience, so I’ve joined a great blog world called Bloglovin. If you read my blog, Follow my blog with bloglovin. It’s easy, breezy, and makes us both happy. :)

Warm and Fuzzy





Vest: The Limited; T-Neck: J.Crew; Pants: JCPenney; Boots: Nine West; Necklace: Silpada 



One of the “Would You Were These Trends” on people.com was fuzzy vests and I am totally behind that trend. Honestly, I’ve been a part of the fuzzy vest trend for several seasons now. Maybe I’m a trend setter! Anyway, I decided to try and incorporate my vest into my wardrobe today and I love how it came together. If anything, I feel like I should be exploring a small ski town. Drinking lattes at a local coffee bar, shopping in speciality boutiques and dining at the resort by their roaring fire. Actually, that sounds like an excellent trip. Sign me up!


With it being three degrees this morning, I wanted something that would help keep me warm on my walk into the building while remaining functional at work. Instead of just a basic t-neck, I thought cashmere would make the whole look a little more luxe. Normally, I would hook the vest closed but let’s be honest, this vest isn’t coming anywhere close to closure with this belly! I am so happy with this look that I can’t wait for a warmer weekend to wear it with jeans and tall boots. Super cute for a stroll along the Plaza or lunch with the girls!



Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Piperlime

Have you checked out Piperlime lately? If not, head there now! I love to see what’s new and to also check out Rachel Zoe’s Picks. Their website is part of the Gap website that also houses Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athelta. If you are a Gap or Banana Republic cardholder, you can use your card at Piperlime, which is great. They house a vast array of labels so you can find what you are looking for in almost a one stop shop! 


While browsing through their homepage, I stumbled on this adorable ensemble! So French and chic and I’m pretty sure that I can replicate the look on the right. Since I just invested in the Seychelles “Disguise” over-the-knee boot last week, I’ve got the neutral shoe covered. I have my amazing deal of a leather jacket from Banana Republic and I’m sure I have a striped t-shirt in there somewhere. The lace top could prove challenging but I’m sure I can find something. Check later this week to see if I made it work! I will definitely need to invest in the dress on the left! Super cute!!!


Say "oui" to stripes

While here, you need to check out their “Girl on a Budget” link. I am in heaven! I need to start budgeting my money for that spring/summer wardrobe. In the meantime, here are the things I love.



Aryn K Sequined Cardigan



LA Made Randi Sweater



Aryn K Military Jacket



Heather Ruched Dress



Greylin Sleeveless Top



Aryn K Knit Top


All photos curtsey of Piperlime

Monday, January 10, 2011

Wintery Day Part Two


Blazer: Gift; Blouse: Nordstrom; Pants: JCPenney; Fishnets: Hue via Macy’s; Shoes: Moshino Cheap and Chic 


Today was a snow day around the metro. You know those days. Schools are closed, traffic is a nightmare and you still have to get dressed for work! I was super lucky that my hubby was willing to take me to work and because of that, I didn’t have to sport snow boots for the walk in from the parking lot. This was the challenge to work in sleeveless tops under blazers and I think I was able to achieve that look. The mix of orange, gold, olive and deep purple make this colorful top perfect for the chocolate velvet blazer. The brown pants work, but I do wish I had a pair of camel pants instead. I think the camel would help break up the darkness of the ensemble. The shoes help in that area. The mix of dark and light help tie in the colors of the top as do the neutral fishnets. I’ve been wrapped in warmth all day!




 

Ballet Inspired Fashion

With the release of Black Swan, and all the award season buzz around the movie, fashion magazines have been laced with ballet inspired fashion. Based on the romanticism that ballet brings to mind, these soft layers of laces, tulle, feathers and ruffles have everyone feeling like a ballerina. 



I have a completely different outlook when it comes to the romanticism of ballet. I began taking ballet at the age of 5, danced with three youth ballet companies, and performed in numerous ballet productions in the 15 years that I danced. Standard ballet attire wasn’t cute off the shoulder sweaters, tulle skirts and soled flats. We wore standard pink dance tights, leotards and standard ballet flats for barre and center work. We then changed into pointe shoes for the remainder of class and always for rehearsal. During class, you were limited to the amount of clothing you could wear over the leotard and tights, however, rehearsal was a much more casual atmosphere.     


There were bloody feet, bruised and missing toenails, blisters and throbbing muscles. Hair was pulled back in tight buns, never free flowing like you see in photos. Warmer than average studios led to stinky, sweaty dancers. And the studio was one of camaraderie, not fierce competition. There is nothing romantic about being a dancer, however, I wouldn’t have changed anything about my young life as a ballerina.


  


Some of my American Youth Ballet company members during a summer ballet workshop. I am kneeling in the second row, far right. 

Wintery Day

With snow still falling, the roads being a little iffy and early morning meetings, I didn’t get a chance to take photos. I am still challenging myself and will post later today. I am quite happy with today’s choice. I even felt this outfit would transition from day to night by adding jeans and boots for our first Child Birthing class tonight, but due to all the snow, it was cancelled. 


I started thinking about what I would be doing if I didn’t have to work today and all that came to mind was either snuggling up with a good book or watching tons of movies. I could feel myself draped in soft lounge pants, a thick comfy sweater and a heaping cup of hot cocoa with mini marshmallows! Even though I’m at work, I can still partake in the hot cocoa and will be doing so soon! 



If you were taking a snow day, what would you do and what more importantly, what would you wear?