Red and Black and White

Top: Cable and Gauge identical here  Skirt: via Nordstrom Rack similar here  Necklace: similar here  Shoes: Nine West  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban  Watch: c/o The Watch Company  Bracelet: Baublebar (old) similar here

Okay ladies and gents, here it is: the red, white and black outfit I have been talking about for weeks. First, I was looking for red pieces, then I found my first, and now here it is in all it's glory: the red outfit I needed for my trip to Houston. I am so excited about how this look came together even though it is nothing like I first imagined.

I ordered a red dress a few weeks ago and planned on wearing a simple shift dress with a black and white beaded necklace with simple heels. Well, that plan went out the window as soon as that dress arrived. Plus, replacing it was a nightmare and I finally gave up on the hunt for the perfect red dress. Especially when I spotted this bright red top at TJ Maxx last week. It is the perfect shade of red and knew it would be great with a fun chunky necklace. And boy did I get lucky with this necklace.

I searched high and low for the right white necklace and ended up buying a couple to take home and try on with this top. Well, this big ball necklace was the winner and I couldn't be more thrilled. I have wanted a big white necklace for awhile and now that I have it I am wishing I bought it months ago so I could have worn it all summer. And how fun is that sparkly ball in the middle? Obsessed.

So, after all the hype... what are your thoughts on this red, white and black outfit? Did I talk it up too much?

Windowpane

Top: Target (not available online) similar here  Skirt: similar here  Shoes: Nine West  Necklace: ILY Couture  Clutch: Michael Kors similar here  Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs  Earrings: J.Crew Factory  Ring: Kate Spade

My current pattern of choice: windowpane. This is my second windowpane print shirt in the last few months and every time I see this pattern I am reminded of how much I love it. I think it's because it is so simple but so much more exciting than a solid-colored shirt. Pairing it with a pop of color is definitely my favorite way to wear it. 

To see how I wore this print with pink, click here.

Linking up with Transatlantic Blonde and Bethany.

Black and Blue

Top: Banana Republic Factory Store similar here  Skirt: Lily White similar here  Tights: Target  Boots: Bandolino  Necklace: J.Crew Factory similar here  Nail Polish: OPI Suzi's Hungary Again

Yesterday was my birthday and I woke up feeling extra girly.  I knew that this busy shoe top was exactly what I needed to wear my feelings on my sleeve (see what i did there?). I mean, navy and yellow and shoes-- seems like the perfect shirt to me! It was a great piece to transition from day to night as well so I threw a pair of jeans in my purse and changed into them for a night out on the town, and checking out some fun Christmas lights, with some friends. I love pieces that can easily transition and this top did exactly that.

Leather Skirt At Work

Top: Joe Fresh  Skirt: Lily White very similar here  Shoes: Guess  Bag: Phillip Lim for Target  Necklace: Stella and Dot  Bracelets: Stella and Dot  Watch: Michael Kors  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

After spending a week in Montana, followed up by a long weekend, waking up and heading into work yesterday was harder than expected. I woke up with little inspiration and no idea what to expect for my week. I knew it was going to be busy as we are prepping for another upcoming travel week, but I just felt rather blah when I woke up. It may have been the fog in the air or the lack of routine for the past week, but I knew that I wanted to be comfortable for a day back in the office.

I have been trying to wear this sweater for a few weeks now but it's been a little too warm each day I've pulled out. Today was just cool enough to throw it on with this faux leather skirt and be perfectly comfortable all day. While it was a busy, busy day, it was so nice to get back into a routine. Sadly I will only have three more days of this before I hit the road for another trip to the West Coast, but I am quite excited to be adding some personal time in there as well and visit all my friends and family back home.

(Faux) Leather Skirt

Top: J.Crew  Skirt: Lily White similar here  Necklace: J.Crew Factory similar here  Bracelet: J.Crew similar here  Shoes: Guess  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Last Friday, I showed off some great transitional pieces for fall, one of which was a leather a-line skirt. I couldn't seem to get that skirt off my mind and was so excited when I came across this (faux) leather skirt over the weekend. It was a bargain at only $20 and I love how it really looks like leather-- a few people at work even asked if it was real.

I paired it with a conservative top and some sparkly jewelry for an easy-to-wear office look.

What ways to do you wear leather to make it office-appropriate?

Fall Transitional Pieces

Necklace/ Sweater/ Boots/ Jeans/ Skirt/ Bag

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, my brain is slowly accepting that summer is ending and fall is upon us. The cooler mornings this past week really helped me realize that it is just about time for scarves and boots. While I am really excited about the cooler weather this year (yep, the humidity has made me less of a fan of summer) I am still not ready to fully give up on my summer wardrobe.
The key to wearing summer pieces into the cooler months is all about transitional pieces. A few of my favorites are listed above. They can help take just about any piece in your closet and help you wear it for a few more weeks.
My very favorite piece to help transition to the cooler weather is a statement necklace. I find myself buying them more and more and incorporating them into my daily attire. I think they are a great way to dress up a casual top and can really help change the look of an outfit.
I have become a huge fan of animal sweaters lately. No matter what the animal, I find that I need it in my closet. Wearing them with a pair of shorts is a perfect transitional look.
Leather is EVERYWHERE these days and I think a leather skirt is the perfect way to wear the look without being too hot. Even though the weather has been a little cooler, we are still seeing mid-80s during the day around here which really prohibits the wear of leather jackets. These skirts go with just about everything and are a great addition to any closet. 

Out on the Town

Top: BCBG Maxazria Similar Style  Skirt: BCBG Maxazria Similar Style  Clutch: Gigee Marie  Shoes: Jessica Simpson  Bracelet: Stella and Dot  Necklace: Stella and Dot

Happy Monday! 

I always think that one of the best ways to face a Monday is to keep thinking about the great weekend you just had. This past weekend, one of my friends had a birthday so we all went out in the city to celebrate. I am a big fan of birthdays and had a great time! We went to dinner downtown and then out for the night on U Street. 

I remembered that a few months ago I bought this leather skirt (a deal too good to pass up!) and had yet to wear it. I knew there would come a time that I would really want a fancy skirt to dress up my outfit. This seemed like the perfect occasion.

What do you think of my birthday outfit?