The Swirl Wins It For Fashion Friday

In the first lesson in our series we identified the Building Blocks of a Great Wardrobe. One of the items we identified as a must have was the fitted dress shirt. Today is an offshoot of that lesson. While it is true that it is important to have some great basic pieces that will serve as the foundation of your wardrobe, you must also incorporate some patterned pieces that will provide flair. There are some go to patterns that are an obvious choice like zebra or leopard print, but part of being on the cutting edge of fashion is to look for patterns that are somewhat out of the box. I found just such a pattern this week when I went to New York and Company to redeem my City Cash. I was instantly drawn to the swirling pattern of the dress shirt. It was love at first sight and I knew that she must be mine, and one swipe of my plastic later she was.

As soon as it went into the bag, I knew she would be the latest option for Fashion Friday. For this week’s episode of Fashion Friday, I chose a dark denim jean with leather detail surrounding the pocket. I used a metallic skinny belt to highlight the waistline. Metallic belts were a hot trend this season, so I invested in some basic colors that would last from one season to the next. In order to maintain the dressy vibe of the patterned top, I chose a simple black bootie to complete the look. In order to get away from the dark feel of the charcoal and black swirl I paired the top with a green statement necklace for a pop of color.

Dress shirts are staples of every wardrobe. When you are selecting those pieces that will in your wardrobe for seasons to come find the balance of solid and print that will make every day Fashion Friday.

Chubby Cheeks Thinks

long distance love

Five Days Five Ways

To Calm Insanity

Life in a breakdown

Serenity Now

Serenity You

And the Liebster Goes Too Me Yipeee

As a relative newbie to the blogging world I find myself learning something new everyday. There are rules to follow and programs to learn and there are days that you wonder if anyone out there in the universe is listening. Then on Tuesday I got my answer. Someone was listening (thank you Team Fabulicious) and I was nominated for the Liebster Blog Award. Yeah me…I jumped for joy and then I googled. What is the Liebster Blogger award? It is the blogging worlds version of supporting the newbie…in this case me. Seasoned bloggers nominate new bloggers with less than 200 followers as a way to show there support and get the word out. Now that I have accepted the award it is  time to introduce myself to the world and share the love. First the introductions…..

11 Random Facts About Me

1.  I have an unnatural obsession with reality TV
2. I am a closet crafter
3. I think my shoe collection may be taking over the world.
4. My twin 13 year olds may not think I am cool as they are but I know better
5. I am the youngest and I like to tell myself the favorite (but sadly I have no proof)
6. My favorite color is purple
7. I eat cookie dough and cake batter rather than cookies and cake.
8. I was Valedictorian of my high school class
9. I am a complete country music junkie…who doesn’t love Willie and Waylon?
10. I met my husband 15 years ago and I like to think we have a love like Johnny and June
11. I started my blog by accident and I never looked back

11 Random Questions to Answer

1. What is the first thing you do every morning? Check my email, facebook, twitter, and blog stats, then get the bad kids up for school.
2. Favorite Family Activity: we are Nascar junkies and catch a race every chance we get
3. Rain or Snow? Rain, I live in Texas and do not do snow
4. What is your greatest accomplishment? The family and life I have built with my husband
5. If you were invisible where would you go and what would you do? I would sit in a random mall and people watch..shoppers are the best entertainment when they think no one is looking
6. What would you do with a million dollars? Give to charity, pay off my debt, and shop to my heart’s content
7. What is your favorite movie? Gone With the Wind
8. Favorite Song/Artist: Gary Allan…. He Can’t Quit Her
9. If you could go on vacation anywhere right now where would you go? Hawaii…did I mention I hate the cold weather?
10. If your friends had to describe you in one word what wold it be? Honest
11. What is your pet peeve? A person who is two-faced…if you do not like a person then stay away from them and keep it to yourself…there is no need for messiness we are all out of school

And Now the Love

I am nominating 8 bloggers who are also up and comers and have a great message to share.

Vin’s Look Book

My Faves Journal

Mind A Webber

Emily Texas Life

SoutherngrrrlNZ

RRE Jennifer

Lady Bug Wreaths

Style To Envy

The Place For Lace is Everywhere

In our Fashion Friday Series we explored the rules behind wearing lace in the office. Today it’s all about wearing lace in our everyday life. For a long time I avoided lace for fear that I would end up on the wrong end of the style spectrum. I have found recently thought that I am developing a more adventurous side and trying things I have avoided up until this point. My first adventure was in the arena of faux fur and I consider that a success, which gave me the confidence to venture into the world of lace for everyday. I found this particular top at Express and was able to pick it up for only $19 by using a birthday gift card that I received from them. There were two options at the store, one in red and one in black. The black option would have been the safer bet, but I chose to opt for the red by telling myself that this was supposed to about adventure and red was adventure. The following outfit is what I came up with and I am a little proud if I do say so myself.

The short jacket is one of the gems that I picked up at an end of the season sale a few years back. Remember the key to building a cool leather collection is to shop off-season and stock up for next year. So mark your calendars, January is almost here and that means there will be cool leather to be had by all. When you style a short jacket or cardigan for that matter, it’s all about achieving balance. Pair your short jacket with a longer tank or shirt that hits you just below the hip bone.  Be careful of choosing a top that is too short because you will appear shorter. If you choose a tank that it too long, then you appear more sloppy than polished. As for jeans I wore this with a high knee-boot for a biker chick feel, but you could just have easily worn it with a bootcut jean and a black heel that will be a little dressier. The morale of the story is that sometimes an effort to get outside the box will actually make your box bigger, mine did.

On Pins And Needles The Fashion Forward Guide to the Pinstripe

Every great wardrobe contains at least one tailored blazer. Even if you are not a part of the masses that report to corporate America everyday, the tailored blazer is still a wise investment. If style correctly then the tailored blazer will serve you well in every social situation.  The key to selecting a blazer that will convey style in every situation is to look for a classic pinstripe blazer with a twist. The one featured in this piece is charcoal grey so it is neutral enough to wear in an office setting, but the fuchsia pinstripe makes it modern enough that I could wear it in other social settings as well.

The first outfit featured here is the office appropriate option with the blazer. I styled it with a black silk ruffled tank and a black trouser to tone down some of the pinstripe. If your office is slightly less conservative you could choose to add a pink heel for some added flair.

The next option featured is your date night option. The blazer is paired with a dark denim jean and a fuchsia tank that would be appropriate for almost any after 5 setting. This skinny jean could be paired with a killer heel if you want a dressy version or a black patent flat if you are headed out to a more casual setting.

Our daytime option is featured with a distressed capri and the white dress shirt from yesterday’s style session. This most causal option is appropriate for a light lunch or a shop til you drop marathon. Depending on the time of year pair it with a dressy sandal or comfy flat.

The pinstripe blazer is one that will set you apart from the crowd. It is a quick style option that can easily be worn in any social situation. Even if you currently have no pressing need for a tailored blazer, it is an important style element to own. You never know when you may have an unexpected occasion to dress up. In that instance the pinstripe blazer could be the determining factor in what sets you apart from the crowd. At the very least, you could get three new outfits out of the deal.

Linking up today with:

RaeGunWear

Mygirlishwhims

Beacause Shanna Said So

The Tiny Heart

The White Dress Shirt From Wardrobe Staple to Style Icon

Once upon a time, the white dress shirt was relegated to the office and the inner recesses of your closet. It was thought of as part of  your standard dress code and nothing more. That line of thought no longer rings true. The white dress shirt has transcended from simply a staple of your work wardrobe into a piece that can help you achieve true fashion icon status.  In Investing In Your Future, we showcased how you can style your white dress shirt with your power suit in order to create a polished look that is office ready.

The outfit below showcases a terrific option for how to elevate your casual style from that’s nice to must with your white dress shirt.

This casual look was created with a striped Tommy Hilfiger sweater layered over a pinstriped dress shirt. The dress shirt itself has silver thread in the pinstripe that brings out a fashionable flair for what could otherwise be a dull outfit. The necklace is one that I was able to snag for a mere $4.75 by using my come back cash in conjunction with an awesome jewelry sale they were having. The silver in the necklace also helps showcase the pinstripe in the dress shirt and creates an interesting conversation piece to boot.

Another option for adding some flair to your wardrobe is to pair your white dress shirt with your favorite shorts for a fun sporty look as we did in Shorts They Are not Just For Summer Anymore.

However you choose to style it is totally up to you but the important thing to remember is to make the style your own by adding those personal touches that make you unique.

 

Linking up with Mine For The Making