Special Occasion Thursday

Jumpsuit: Bar III via Macy's; Jacket: My Mom's;

Shoes: Seychelles via Habitat Shoe Boutique; Belt: ??;

Jewerly: Silpada; Shades: Prada

I love a jumpsuit these days. They're easy to style, super comfortable and perfect for day or night. I purchased this little number in early summer and was saving it for a special occassion. Then I asked, why? I just wasn't feeling it this week in terms of styling my wardrobe and found myself lost for something to wear yesterday. That was until I found this hanging with my "fun going out" clothes. Since going to work is about the only going out I do, that's when Thursday became a special occasion.

The jumpsuit is strapless so a jacket was a must. I tried a couple of leather ones but they made it a little too conservative. This little vintage item of my mom's is just the right denim for pretty much anything in my closet that needs a jacket. To add to the plain elastic waistline, I tried a couple of belts and landed on the little metalic one. It just worked so well with the silver gray background. The shoes where a pain in the rump because the length is tricky. Not long enough for heels and not short enough for flats. These Seychelles, the best investment sandal ever, was just a tad too high but I think I got away with it.

Isn't the pattern awesome! I just wish the legs were a little wider. And, if only my hips were much smaller! I have the most amazing vintage belt that belonged to my mom. I "stole" it in high school, back when I was much thinner, and never gave it back! I will wear that belt again....

Wardrobe Buzz!

I didn't get a photo taken yesterday because frankly I ran out of time. That just means I can wear the outfit again and you won't know it's a repeat! Brilliant!

So instead of a wardrobe post, which included a fall trend, I am going to show you a couple of things I've purchased and can't wait to see in real life. Items ordered via the web can either be gravely disappointing or positively thrilling! I'm hoping for the latter.

Leather Mini: ZARA

I am so excited for this little skirt.I've been pricing them out and this was by far the best bang for my buck. I love how streamlined the skirt is. I've seen some that flare more then hug. I'm hoping it fits. I've never ordered from ZARA before. Fingers crossed!

Hot Pink Pumps: Steven by Steve Madden
Aren't these AH-MAZ-ING! The color is so bold but what really drew me to the shoe was the heel. I love how it wraps around your ankle! Simply giddy over these!



Bow Tie Dress: Theory

Theory is one of my favorite labels. I recently saw a similar version of this on one of the many blogs I follow. Actually, she was a guest blogger and she recently wore a long-sleeved mini dress to a wedding. To quote Peanut Butter Fingers, "....they are conservative on top, but flirty and fun on the bottom." Can you see this paired with the shoe above??? I sure can!

I have ordered a few things from Rue La La and Gilt recently and they have been gravely disappointing. But, I love that they have free shipping if you don't want to keep the item AND I receive credit towards my next purchase. And you know there is going to be a next purchase!

How do you fair when you order online? Do you fear it or embrace it? I personally love to shop online. It's a little ray of sunshine sitting on my doorstep welcoming me home after a long day at work! Shear joy!

Something About Lemonade

Sweater: Coach (gift); Tank: Ann Taylor Loft; Pants: J.Crew;

Shoes: Banana Republic; Bracelets/Earrings/Rings: Silpada

You know the saying, "When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade", right? Well, this lemon was too sour. What I'm trying to say is that this outfit, in my opinion, was just all wrong. I love the sweater, I love the pants and I love the shoes just not all together. Actually, these pants aren't the original pant I had picked. They were entirely too long so I need to get them hemmed. (Just one more thing on the "to-do" list!)

Turns out, I'm the only one who didn't like the outfit. My mom gave it a thumbs up when I dropped off McKinley and a couple of co-workers made postive comments as well. I guess I didn't need to be so sour over this look after all.

This sweater has such a wonderful memory. My mom and I took a girls trip to LA a couple of years ago to visit her childhood friend Joan who is also surrogate aunt to me. Their friend Ethel flew in as well and we had such a wonderful time! One day we headed to Rodeo Drive for a lovely afternoon of shopping, eating and site seeing. This sweater was purchased on that particular day. The sales people at Coach loved us and who wouldn't! Four lively women throwing money their way, what's not to love??

(Joan, my mom, me and Ethel)

As for this last photo, I know it's the same pose, but I love that it's a little lopsided. But, that's how I felt yesterday so it's perfect!

Color Slump

Dress: Milly via Rue La La; Sweater: J.Crew;

Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden;

Rings: Gorjana; Earrings: Gift

 I have noticed over the past week or so most of my looks have contained either black or gray. I don't think I'm depressed but maybe it's my subconscious telling me I am. Well, even if that's the case, I love these colors. Together they are rich in tone but separately, they are a blank canvas for the bright colors that are continuing into fall and winter. 

I purchased this dress from Rue La La while I was still pregnant, hoping it would fit later in the year. When I tried it on a couple of months ago, no dice. I'm so happy that it now zips all the way up and doesn't pull!  It's the little things!

The thing that caught my eye were the button and chains. Little elements like this make a gray jersey dress so much more than just a little shift dress. And the shoes have been in my closet since a NY trip with my friend Jennifer in either 2008/2009. I may appear to purchase and purge shoes all the time, but timeless styles like these will stay in my closet, and yours, for years!

The Plaza Art Fair

   80th Annual Plaza Art Fair

Photo taken in 1932 

Yesterday we attended the Plaza Art Fair, a yearly exhibit of art, pottery, jewelry and other media from around the country. This is such a great weekend for Kansas City. It is the "it" thing to do that weekend as people from all over the metro convene on the Plaza for great art, as well as, to sample great food and drinks by local Plaza restaurants. Live bands play from several stages throughout the Plaza and the people watching is amazing! So, what does one wear to this lively event...

Jacket: Banana Republic; Top: Ann Taylor Loft; Jeans: Target

Shoes: Born; Necklace Banana Republic; Earrings: ??;

Ring: Street Vendor in NY; Shades: Prada

It was a cool morning with bright sunshine. In the actual sun, I could remove my jacket and bask in the early fall warmth. But once we moved into the shade, I need my jacket again. There is a lot of walking and it always amazes me when I see women in high heels, tall boots or in anything that doesn't resemble "sensible walking shoes". Now, that doesn't mean you have to wear your sneakers to the event. I tried to wear something that looked cute without looking athletic.

This military jacket has been an amazing investment. Seen here and here. That and the statement necklace. (Funny how I seem to wear them together, but haven't since my pregnancy.) One of the jewelry artisans was so intrigued by the necklace, and I think a little underwhelmed, when I told her it came from Banana Republic. I will be interested to see if she makes something similar to it and showcases it next year. I did buy a piece from her. Her name is Lisa Williams and here is her website. Great pieces that are very affordable. I will debut mine later this week. 

If you live in the Kansas City area, and you've never experienced the art fair, you really should go. Friday night is the liveliest night of the event. If you are up for a party, that's the night for you. I love going on Sunday afternoons, especially when the day is as gorgeous as yesterday was. You owe yourself a visit.

Plaza Art Photo courtesy of The Country Club Plaza.

Date Night #2

Blouse: Just Cavalli via Rue La La; Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft;

Belt: J.Crew Outlet; Shoes: Ann Taylor;

 Necklace: Tori Spelling via HSN

 I have been waiting for the right occasion to break out this blouse and Saturday night was the perfect night! Joel and I had our second date night since April, long overdue, and it was a great evening. We had dinner at a local steak house and saw a fantastic production of The Drowsy Chaperone starring tons of our friends. Wonderful conversation with my hubby over dinner and huge laughs to end the evening. Perfection!

There are several things I will do differently with this blouse next time around, but overall I think it came together fairly well. I'm not used to tucking in my tops and I don't really have the right belts to accomodate. My hips are obviously larger than my waist so I need larger belts for jeans and pants. This little hot pink number was just a tad too small but worked for a last minute fix. And, I think I'll pair it with black or a cheetah print next time.

I love this necklace but I haven't really had the right top to wear pair it with until now. Because it's multi-layers the pearls are too tight with a t-neck, which I tried last winter. You really need an open neckline. And, because the sleeves are so dramatic, it needed a little drama in the accessories department as well.

A great example of a ladies tuxedo shirt. And the silk felt amazing!

Next time I might try skinny jeans and over-the-knee boots or winter white pants and amazing shoes. This is the kind of top that you can make casual or take uber dressy. I love a good versatile piece!

Fall + Jeans = BOOTS

Sweater: BCBG Max Azria; Tank: Target; Jeans: Target;

Boots: Steve Madden Luxe; Scarf: Target; Bangle: ??; Rings: Gorjana

Today is the first day of fall so that means it's the first offical boot day for this girl! These are the new boots I blogged about a few weeks ago. What I love about them is that they can be worn folded, as seen below, or tall. I'm loving this cognac colors as I now have three different pairs of boots in this color, however they are all different in style and heel heights. Yes, I can justify having all three!

The neutral pallatte of the sweater was my canvas for the fall floral scarf. I've worn it once before with a plain white tee, jeans and flats. Scarves are an inexpensive way to add detail and color to something as simple as this sweater or tee.

I'm thinking we need to go back to early evening when capturing photos. This morning light is too dim. In this instance, the early bird doesn't get the worm, or a good photo!

Happy Friday! 

MNG by MANGO - Styled My Way

Dress: MNG by MANGO; Tights: We Love Colors;

Shoes: Moschino Cheap and Chic; Belt: Anthropolgie;

Necklace: Banana Republic; Ring: NY Street Vendor

Back in March I blogged about JCPenney and their affordable lines of clothing brought to you by higher end designers. MNG by MANGO is one of those affordable lines. This was actually featured as an early spring dress, but I think the colors lend themselves to fall. And, let's be honest, I couldn't get my leg in this dress before now! That's mostly the reason why I'm styling it for fall!

The tobacco color is one of my favorites for fall and I like the use of a navy stripe versus black. The dress came with a self-belt, a super long thin tie, so I swapped it out. I was completely unsure of shoes. I tried on tall cognac boots but they were the wrong shade. Then I saw these two tone heels hanging in the closet. The patent portion of the heel is just about the same color as the dress and I like that the dark brown goes with the belt. Not too match-matchy.

What I Wore and Kendi Everyday turned me onto these tights. These bloggers breath life to their winter wardrobe just by adding colorful tights. I'm trying to learn from their example. This particular brand is called We Love Colors and do they! It is the widest variety of tights I've ever seen. They have every color imaginable and different grades of opaque. The ones I'm wearing are their simply put...solid colored tights which are 100% opaque nylon...in navy. I know, I know. Of all the colors to choose from I chose navy. I'm easing into this colorful look. I love the feel and will be ordering more!

These photos are a little dark, taken fairly early this morning, but I like them. Kind of an old, grainy negative feel. A little antiqued and perfect for the color of the dress. It was totally planned that way! 

Mad Men Styled My Way

Sweater/Tank: Ann Taylor; Skirt: Kate Spade via Sample Sale;

Belt: Ann Taylor; Tights: Hue; Shoes: Jessica Simpson;

Earrings: Hope Faith Miracles; Cuff: Banana Republic

I was super excited that yesterday was chilly enough for tights and because of that, I knew I would wear either a skirt or dress. As I began to plan the outfit, I could see it turning into my version of a Mad Men look. I love how Mad Men has revived the look of the 60s and that Banana Republic created a line of clothing around the show as well. Such a classic, ladylike look amung all the low waist jeans and mini skirts you see these days.

Besides the tights, this look started with the skirt and I added on from there. Next came the sweater and then the black tank. I tucked in the tank which left a boring waistline so I added the little faux snakeskin belt. And finally the patent leather round toe heels.

(Looks from the Mad Men Collection from Banana Republic)  

The buttons are tiny crystal buttons that look like little flowers. I went with crystals for jewels as well. I chose the Mystical Flowers from the Hope Faith Miracles line and a large vintage inspired cuff.

Would you say I achieved the Mad Men look?

Photo of the Mad Men line from Banana Republic courtesy of Crash Collective

http://crashcollective.com/uncategorized/banana-republic-to-launch-mad-men-collection/

My Missoni

Dress: M Missoni via Gilt Groupe; Shoes: Jimmy Choo;

Necklace: Banana Republic; Handbag: Badgley Mischka (gift);

Shades: Prada

This is my very first M Missoni that I purchased earlier this spring from Gilt Groupe. Now, it's not THE Missoni, who can truly afford that, but I feel like I'm one step closer. With all the hoopla around the Missoni for Target, and the haters that judged us for shopping, I decided to break this out of my style file.

I love the colors! So unusual but so complimentary. Come true fall, I plan to pair this with tights and tall boots or booties. I have the perfect gray pair of each that will take this dress to a more casual place.

I'm not trying to show off my bum. We wanted to capture the pattern. Why the pattern appeared on my bum is a good question. I don't really need to draw attention to that region!

Accessorizing was fun! I thought the tough chain choker would help keep the look from going too ladylike. Same with the bag and its over sized buckles and chains. But, I still kept that ladylike feel with sleek heels. You gotta have the sleek heels!

Blue Monday

 

Top: Ann Taylor Loft; Tank: Ann Taylor; Pants: J.Crew;

Belt: Banana Republic Outlet; Shoes: Kate Spade (gift);

Top Necklace/Bangles: Silpada; Bottom Necklace: Gift;

Shades: Prada

I'm often blue when it comes to Monday's. You know, the weekend is over and it's back to the grind. However, the only thing blue about my day yesterday was my outfit! The pants were purchased from J.Crew online and were originally $128. I bought them for $29.99!!! Who cares if they fall about in three weeks, they were only $29.99! Actually, I have them in my pre-baby size and they truly are the best trousers. 

I love this top. Super comfy and roomy! I'm thinking of ways to transition it to winter. I'm sure I can layer it under a cropped sweater, right? In the mean time, I'm going to pair it with jeans, pants and possibly skirts.

I wasn't sure if my shoes would be too dressy for the more casual inspired look, but I think they blend really well. They were part of my "all about shoes" Christmas last year and I'm just now getting around to wearing them. Shame on me!! 

I love the new change of scenery. My husband and I are carpooling this week so on our way to pick up McKinley I asked him to stop at this little park by my parents house. I am going to make it a goal to find new places to take photos, but I can't promise you won't see the same ol' backyard backdrops. It's like an early New Year's Eve resolution!

The Zoe Report's Fall Trend - #4 Choose Your Choker

The last fall trend on The Zoe Report's Fall Trend list was chokers. Chokers and statement necklaces are still a huge trend and I love it! They can add pazazz to an otherwise dull outfit. And, they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Invest in one or two, but not more than that. You will find that you reach for the same one over and over again because of how special it is. I have actually collected a few over the past year or so and I find that I go for the same ones! Here are my examples:

Rachel Zoe has her own line of accessories on QVC and several chokers to choose from. This a great horseshoe choker and it comes in silver and gold!



Well, that's it! Four fall trends to watch for and I was four for four!! Not sure if that means I'm trendy or just a follower. Whatever it makes me, I love that I'm in sync with THE Rachel Zoe! BANANAS!