Favorite Pairings
I'm really loving this arrowhead pendant from 11 Twenty Eight, especially paired with my cognac moto jacket.
This is the third time that I've worn this combo together on the blog. Here, I give these pieces a sophisticated but casual fall twist with my black jumpsuit and booties.
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| Jacket: The Limited (Available here) |
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Necklace: 11 Twenty Eight (Similar here)
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When I first got this necklace, the first thing I thought to wear it with was actually this black jumpsuit. I love the idea of a minimalist canvas to showcase fabulous jewelry.
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| Booties: Target |
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Satchel: The Limited
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Plus, I think this necklace gives the jumpsuit a really cool vibe that could be appropriate for both casual days and evening, while also being über relaxed and modern.
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Bracelets: Target and Ann Taylor
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I wore this outfit yesterday to run errands and for dinner out with my family. I rolled the legs up a bit on the jumpsuit to give the look a more casual feel, and I just loved the comfortable easiness of this look!
Do you have favorite clothing/jewelry combos that you tend to re-wear?
Honorable Mention
Hope you all had a great weekend and that your week is off to a fabulous start! I am looking forward to the short work week and spending some time with my family for Thanksgiving.
Today, I'm posting some various looks from the last few months. Some are recent, some are from late summer. These looks never made it to the blog for various reasons. Mostly, they didn't get their own post because they involve favorite pieces or looks worn in similar ways to previous posts.
This is real-life, and while I seem to always mix my looks up just a bit, sometimes, I just have a favorite way of wearing something and that way gets a lot of wear.
Zebra Sweater with Black
I've already featured this sweater coat with black flare legs and a black flare leg sweater here, but I really do like the simplicity and streamlined feel of pairing it with all black pieces.
For work this season, I've also paired it with black skinnies and a bow blouse and high-waist wide leg trousers and a simple camisole.
Transitioning a Maxi Dress
I generally think of maxi dresses as warm weather wear, but there's no reason you can't transition a favorite maxi for cooler weather.
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| Dress: LOFT Petites |
Adding a heavier jacket and boots help offset the lighter weight of the dress.
I kept my legs bare in these pics, but to combat the cold, I would simply add some fun tights. The flash of a printed tight would add flair to a laid-back fall look.
I kept my legs bare in these pics, but to combat the cold, I would simply add some fun tights. The flash of a printed tight would add flair to a laid-back fall look.
For jewelry, I played with the notion of time by adding an hourglass pendant and infinity ring.
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| Necklace: Claire's |
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| Boots: Target |
Do you wear maxi dresses in colder weather? How do you style them for the lower temps?
Gearing Up For Winter
Happy Wednesday!!
Hope your week is going well and you're staying warm if you've been caught in this Arctic weather. We've been faced with record cold temps, but the weather is starting to warm back up a bit.
I am doing my best to stay cozy, wearing my favorite cold weather staple - warm, oversized sweaters.
I am doing my best to stay cozy, wearing my favorite cold weather staple - warm, oversized sweaters.
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| Pants: The Limited |
I immediately fell in love with the drapey fit, interesting neckline, and teal color of this sweater. The sweater has buttons at the neckline to close the sweater, or it can be worn open for a cascading fit. It does run a tad big, and I probably could have sized down, but the large fit in this style didn't bother me.
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| Booties: Payless |
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| Cuff: The Limited |
I wanted to keep everything else sleek, so I added black skinnies, a silver cuff, and cutout booties.
Whether you're still having moderate temps or experiencing record cold, winter is right around the corner for those of us in the northern hemisphere.
Whether you're still having moderate temps or experiencing record cold, winter is right around the corner for those of us in the northern hemisphere.
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| Ring: Earthbound Trading Company (old |
Oh, For The Love of a Skirt (Dressing For Our Bodies vs. Dressing For Ourselves)
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| Skirt: The Limited (Available here) |
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| Jacket: Forever 21+ (old) |
Firstly, I reject the notion that I have to show off my form for a male gaze or to follow anyone else's fashion/body ideals. Whether it's the burqa or the bikini, women's clothing choices are so often the subject of social and cultural scrutiny. I abhor this. Our bodies belong to ourselves, and we owe no one the authority to decide for us how to adorn them. Sometimes I love wearing form fitting clothes or exposing certain body parts. More often at this phase of my life, I love loose, drapey clothing that is comfortable but also fashion-forward.
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| Boots: Payless (old) |
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| Cami: The Limited (Available here) |
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| Clutch: Target (Available here) |
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| Cuff: Express |
As much as I've come to love my body in its entirety, I'm not really one to show off my extra belly fluff. In an effort to disguise a larger tummy profile that I'd like, I often sacrifice showing off my curves, opting instead to skim over them with a blazer.
I can tone the skirt down with a relaxed top, or if I desire, I can use it as a base to accentuate my curves as I did here today. The stretchy fitted camisole tucked into the skirt accentuates my waist and shows off my bustline. The cropped jacket adds a little coverage and warmth (it WAS snowing! LOL) but doesn't break up the silhouette.
I think it's much more fun to defy our own! :-)
Taxi Cab Confessions
When I first put this outfit together, I was attracted to the graphic combination of the printed tights and the bright yellow dress. I'm still digging this outfit, but after seeing it in pictures, I realized that I look a bit like a taxi cab!!! LOL
Since I'm wearing a taxi cab look, I guess it's only fitting that I give some confessions.
Loves: Blazers (duh!), kettle cooked chips, cats, everything Joss Whedon
Dislikes: Sneakers, spinach, big dogs, Two and a Half Men
I've been engaged three times, but so far...never married! (LONG STORY!! LOL)
Loves: Blazers (duh!), kettle cooked chips, cats, everything Joss Whedon
Dislikes: Sneakers, spinach, big dogs, Two and a Half Men
I've been engaged three times, but so far...never married! (LONG STORY!! LOL)
I'm still having fun with printed tights while the weather is somewhat cooperating. I like the juxtaposition in this look of the lightweight dress paired with black and the heavyweight wool jacket.
It makes the dress wearable for fall, while giving a balance to the look.
It makes the dress wearable for fall, while giving a balance to the look.
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Boots: Fergalicious by Fergie
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Both the jacket and dress I'm wearing are from various collections from the Eva Mendes line for New York & Company. I have been generally impressed with this line since it first came out, but I will say that sizing is a bit all over the place, often running on the bigger side. If you're not typically a straight size shopper, but wear up to a size 20-22, I would recommend you checking out some of the pieces if you're a fan. Don't be afraid to try something on, or go into a store that typically doesn't carry your size because you might just be surprised by what you find!!
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| Tote: New York & Company |
Caped Crusader
Can I tell you just how happy I am that capes are back in style?
I had a cape style jacket several years back, and I wore that thing to death.
This fall, I'm resisting the urge to buy up every cape style piece I can get my hands on. While I'm not buying all the capes, I have indulged on a few caped items, including this cape jacket from boohoo.com that I recently featured on my Halloween post.
Today, I'm back wearing it again with all black, but this time, I went for an easier silhouette by adding it with a belted trapeze dress. The sleeves of the dress add a little warmth and coverage, but the sheerness helps provide a lightness that sets the black pieces off from one another.
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| Boots: Payless (old) |
Like a lot of you across the States, we are having winter temperatures right now, so I paired these pieces with tights and high boots to add some additional warmth. It's hard to tell in the pics, but you can actually see a sprinkling of snow on the ground behind me. Yikes!! I'm not ready for winter!
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| Tights: The Limited |
Taking pics after work has proven difficult since the end of Daylight Savings Time. It's always dark, so I have to get better at taking photos on the weekend - the only shot I have at getting light!!
The darkness is hiding some of the details of this look that I would have loved to have shown off better. :-/
The darkness is hiding some of the details of this look that I would have loved to have shown off better. :-/
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| Clutch: The Limited Cuff: The Limited |
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| Ring: Earthbound Trading Co. (old) Necklace: Express (old) |
I just talked on the blog yesterday about my move towards minimalist accessorizing, but for this look, I'm actually accessorized quite a bit with lots of shiny silver and pewter metals. The same look, with more blingy jewelry, would be perfect for an upcoming holiday party.
I wore this look to work yesterday, which was possibly a little dressy for the office, but sometimes, it's fun to be the diva....which a cape most definitely makes me feels like.
I wore this look to work yesterday, which was possibly a little dressy for the office, but sometimes, it's fun to be the diva....which a cape most definitely makes me feels like.
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| Belt: Torrid |
Less Is More + Karma Mantra Jewelry Feature
I used to be quite the queen of embellishment. I loved tons of jewelry and would often create new ways to wear it, like pinning brooches on headbands or using various necklaces as bracelets. I was never one to take off that extra piece of jewelry before I left the house. If anything, I'd add another!
I used to be quite the queen of embellishment. I loved tons of jewelry and would often create new ways to wear it, like pinning brooches on headbands or using various necklaces as bracelets. I was never one to take off that extra piece of jewelry before I left the house. If anything, I'd add another!
In more recent years, I have become much more streamlined and minimal with my accessories. I'm still a fan of jewelry, but I tend to take a more subtle approach with it nowadays.
That's one of the things that attracted me to this simple beaded bracelet from Karma Mantra. When Karma Mantra reached out to me regarding a collaborative opportunity, this lovely mix of black labradorite, red jade, and rose quartz seemed a great choice.
That's one of the things that attracted me to this simple beaded bracelet from Karma Mantra. When Karma Mantra reached out to me regarding a collaborative opportunity, this lovely mix of black labradorite, red jade, and rose quartz seemed a great choice.
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| Blouse: The Limited |
Rose quartz has long been a favorite stone of mine. It's often called the "love stone" - a stone of unconditional love that it supposed to help open you up to love in all its forms. To me, love is the strongest force of nature...why not metaphysically channel as much of it as possible?!
I love that Karma Mantra uses stones and designs inspired by founder Romell Bhaala's travels all over the world.
I love that Karma Mantra uses stones and designs inspired by founder Romell Bhaala's travels all over the world.
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| Jacket: The Limited |
Keeping with the simplicity of this piece, I went with an all black tuxedo-inspired look. Red peep-toe heels and a fun clutch add a bit of flair while the overall look is sleek and streamlined.
I prefer the sleeves of the jacket pushed up to show off the bracelet, but, my oh my...it is cold in my neck of the woods!!!
I prefer the sleeves of the jacket pushed up to show off the bracelet, but, my oh my...it is cold in my neck of the woods!!!
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| Heels: Target (old) |
Working 9-5,
I decided to wear my plum print dress with a matching plum blazer.
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| Dress: The Limited |
I don't wear a lot of warmer colors and don't have much in the way of browns and tans, but I have found myself reaching for them more this fall.
This pair of cognac heels are the the only pair of shoes I have that works with this dress. I don't like nude pantyhose, so I'm on the hunt for a pair of tights that will work with this dress so that I can wear it in the cooler months, especially considering this was likely my last bare legged day until spring.
This pair of cognac heels are the the only pair of shoes I have that works with this dress. I don't like nude pantyhose, so I'm on the hunt for a pair of tights that will work with this dress so that I can wear it in the cooler months, especially considering this was likely my last bare legged day until spring.
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| Blazer: LOFT Petites |
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| Shoes: Target (old) |
I mentioned that shoes are on my wish list this month - perhaps a pair of cognac high boots. They would look great with this dress, and I have other dresses and skirts that would look good with such boots as well. They would be a versatile addition to my shoe wardrobe.
For this look, I wanted to play up the purple color that is the base of the dress by adding more purple. I like that this deep plum almost acts as another neutral while having a softness and warmth that my favorite neutral, black, does not.
For this look, I wanted to play up the purple color that is the base of the dress by adding more purple. I like that this deep plum almost acts as another neutral while having a softness and warmth that my favorite neutral, black, does not.
A gold belt helps cinch in the waist and create a more flattering fit to this A-line dress.
While I used the cognac tote for work, an amber clutch (such as the one featured here) could easily be substituted for a dinner to drinks look.
While I used the cognac tote for work, an amber clutch (such as the one featured here) could easily be substituted for a dinner to drinks look.
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| Tote: old? Cuff: New York & Company
War and Peace
Happy Tuesday! Hope your November is starting out well, and you've adjusted to Daylight Savings Time. I'm not happy that it's dark when I leave work now, but it is what it is. :-)
Today, I'm featuring a look I wore to a recent fashion show. My coverage of the show is coming up soon, but I thought I'd post my outfit first.
This look is a tweak on an outfit I actually came up with for last year's fall Fashion Week. I call this my "War and Peace" look.
I've talked about how much I love balance in an outfit, and I think this look has just that.
It has softness (dress) and structure (blazer) and more metaphorically, it's a balance of two forces - love and hate, peace and war. I combined my "love" print tights with a military blazer and a bullet pendant.
Since I was anticipating having to stand for part of the event, I wanted some fairly comfortable shoes, so I went with my open-toe booties.
The Devil Wears Asos
Recently Asos contacted me about creating a DIY Halloween costume using picks from their online store. I have been wanting to try Asos, but had not yet taken the plunge, so I was more than excited at the chance to try a few pieces from the store using the gift card that they generously provided.
I've also mentioned before that Halloween is my favorite holiday, so the opportunity to dress up...yes, PLEASE!!
After perusing all of the fab Halloween accessories and thinking about what I already had in my closet, I decided to be a devil! In retrospect, with the all black look, maybe I should have been a vampire or bat, but who says the devil always has to wear red?
My devil incarnation is more Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled than full-on Beelzebub.
The faux leather skirt and fitted peplum top feel a little femme fatale, while this awesome cape jacket I recently got from Boohoo adds a mysterious touch.
Then, comes the really fun part of my look - the pieces I got from Asos, of course!
Devil horn hair clips reveal my "true" colors. The horns don't always come out, but when they do...beware!!
The spider web gloves add a spooky touch, while the fang clutch is ghoulishly cool. I will be using this clutch all year!!
I also added in spider studs, a snake ring, and a deep purplish red lip.
I feel devilishly sexy in this look!! While I love my costume, I would definitely wear this outfit again sans the devil horns. The structured pieces and mix of black textures really speak to me. In fact, I might just have to wear this on my next evening out!!
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Slip Into Black
I'm excited that the work week is almost over, and we're expecting an unseasonably warm weekend! I'm looking forward to fun fall weekend plans - a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a fashion show, and pumpkin picking!! :-D
I'm excited that the work week is almost over, and we're expecting an unseasonably warm weekend! I'm looking forward to fun fall weekend plans - a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a fashion show, and pumpkin picking!! :-D
I'm also seriously contemplating Halloween costumes. It's my favorite holiday, mostly because I love the fun of dressing up. I'm planning a make-shift costume to wear while taking the kids trick-or-treating!
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| Dress: Ann Taylor |
While my mind may be more on costumes, today, I'm talking alterations.
I previously featured this dress here in a petite x-large and found the fit a little large. I mentioned that I wanted to give it a go in a average size large. The overall fit of the dress was a bit better, but it was even longer than the petite dress, which was already too long.
So, I had it taken up to a below-the-knee length and had the side slits raised.
So, I had it taken up to a below-the-knee length and had the side slits raised.
I'm much happier with the overall fit and can't wait to try this dress out with printed tights and stockings as the weather continues to cool.
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| Vest: The Limited |
This look with the moto vest was planned for a month or two ago, but unfortunately, it took me this long (note the brown hair in the "before" pic) to get the dress hemmed.
I like this outfit for an early fall transitional look when it's still warm outside but your mind is on autumn.
I like this outfit for an early fall transitional look when it's still warm outside but your mind is on autumn.
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| Heels: Payless |
For those of you in warmer climates, it would likely still be a good choice. :-)
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| Bracelet: The Limited |
Neutral Territory
I continue with casual looks on the blog today with a couple of comfy looks featuring Babooshka Boutique and my arrowhead pendant from 11 Twenty Eight Designs.
I was planning on waiting on these looks since I just did a post including this jacket and necklace.
But...over the weekend I decided to color my hair again (this time a darker burgundy hue), so I wanted to post all my old photos, so I could get to the new ones and show off my new 'do. :-D
And, with my new-found attitude towards my wardrobe and shopping (hopefully this attitude will stick), expect to see more of my favorite pieces re-worked in a variety of ways. This jacket is becoming quite the fall staple in my wardrobe and is getting lots of wear for work, weekend, and evenings.
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| Top: Babooshka Boutique (Available here) Leggings: Wal-mart Moccasins: Minnetonka (kids) (Available here) |
This first look I wore a few weekends ago at a local chili cook-off with the family. The outdoor festival had a ton of great eats (including some delicious vegan chili), featured a live rock band made up of active duty Air Force from the local base, and even a rock climbing wall sponsored by the YMCA.
It was a really great time, but it was very brisk and chilly that day, so I wanted a look that was warm but also comfortable for all the walking around. I gave my feet a rest from the heels and went with my moccasins, which proved to be a great choice!
It was a really great time, but it was very brisk and chilly that day, so I wanted a look that was warm but also comfortable for all the walking around. I gave my feet a rest from the heels and went with my moccasins, which proved to be a great choice!
Evening Out
While I went for flat boots for a casual weekend day, I opted for heeled boots to dress up my black maxi dress.
While I went for flat boots for a casual weekend day, I opted for heeled boots to dress up my black maxi dress.
I haven't worn this look out yet, but I would definitely wear it for a casual date.
I love the ease of this dress. It' so comfortable, but the high side slits make it sexy for date night.
As the weather is cooling, I threw the dress on with boots and my moto jacket.
I'm enjoying the mix of black and caramel this fall. It's a rich neutral look that just feels right for autumn.
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| Rings: Torrid |
Double Sweaters
I've said on the blog before how much I love big comfy, oversized sweaters.
Well, for today's look, I decided to try two sweaters.
Well, for today's look, I decided to try two sweaters.
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| Zebra sweater: New York & Company (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores) Pants: The Limited (Similar here) |
I paired a lightweight cotton knit sweater underneath my zebra sweater coat for added warmth on a rainy and chilly fall day.
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| Black Sweater: Outback Red for The Limited |
For curvier girls, layering sweaters can be tricky. I don't always dress to flatter my physique, but I don't necessarily like to purposefully make myself look larger. Sweaters can add a lot of bulk, so if you're mixing knits, it's generally best to stick to one thicker piece.
I generally enjoy a streamlined silhouette and am more minimalist than anything goes. That said, I kept things a little simpler than normal today with black flare leg pants and the crew neck sweater. Jewelry was subtle with just earrings and a slender bangle.
This sweater is such a statement piece that I really like the idea of letting it shine rather than mixing it with a lot of jewelry or other accessories (though I do have a bolder look with this sweater coming up soon).
For the zebra sweater in another look, see here.
For the pants in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
For the pants in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
Black and Navy
Happy Thursday! Good news - it's almost the weekend! While I'm thinking about some comfy outfits for this weekend, today I'm featuring my work look from yesterday.
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| Blazer: The Limited |
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| Boots: Fergalicious by Fergie |
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| Blouse: The Limited |
I love how sharp and put together this outfit made me feel. The pieces all fit well and the dark simple color palette has a no-nonsense chicness.
The colors and structure of the pieces have a seriousness to them, but the mix of textures and addition of the feminine bow blouse help keep the look from feeling too severe.
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| Ring: Torrid |
The faux leather skirt is a little unexpected for work, but the conservativeness of the overall silhouette and inclusion of the structured blazer help keep this look more daytime office than evening.
Are you a fan of mixing black and navy? Would you wear a faux leather skirt to work?
For this skirt in another look, see here.
For the blouse in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.
For the blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.
For this skirt in another look, see here.
For the blouse in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.
For the blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.
Jumpsuit
Today on the blog, I'm having fun styling my jumpsuit for an evening out. I'm thinking about wearing this to an upcoming fashion event or possibly a dinner date.
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| Blazer: The Limited |
The jumpsuit gets a little more formality with a blazer with pewter faux leather lapels, lace-up heels, and silver accessories.
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| Heels: Prabal Gurung for Target |
I love that this look feels polished but also has a very laid-back vibe. Or, maybe it's just that the jumpsuit is so comfy!
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| Belt: Torrid |
For this jumpsuit in another look, see here.
For the blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For the blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.
Hope your week is off to a great start!
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I apologize for being a bit M.I.A. I've been working a lot, catching up on some family time, and I'm working on some new posts! I hope to have a lot more fall fashion up on the blog soon.
Today, I'm featuring a neutral color block dress with faux leather insets.
Today, I'm featuring a neutral color block dress with faux leather insets.
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Even though this dress is a petite, I still initially encountered some issues with fit. The straps were cut too long, and the overall dress was also too long.
Because the shoulder straps were too long, you could clearly see my bra under my arms and the waist band was sitting down too low.
I first had the straps shortened, but I initially opted against shortening the dress until I was able to see how much length was lost by shortening the shoulders.
Once the shoulders were shortened, I had the dress shortened as well.
I first had the straps shortened, but I initially opted against shortening the dress until I was able to see how much length was lost by shortening the shoulders.
Once the shoulders were shortened, I had the dress shortened as well.
In the end, these two easy fixes gave me a much more flattering fit.
Since most everything requires alterations, I try to minimize cost. Usually, I choose sleeveless dresses like this one as they are easier (hence, cheaper) to alter in the shoulder area than dresses with sleeves.
Since most everything requires alterations, I try to minimize cost. Usually, I choose sleeveless dresses like this one as they are easier (hence, cheaper) to alter in the shoulder area than dresses with sleeves.
