Channeling Kors Colors

blue t-shirt by Vince, cardigan from J. Crew, pants from Banana Republic, Lauren Ralph Lauren belt, Cole Haan Miranda heels, OPI Wyatt Earple Purple nail polish

I love this Michael Kors pre-fall 2011 outfit: especially the colors. So though the cut of the pants and the addition of the cardigan are totally different, I wanted to copy the color scheme: royal blue, black and white. (Too bad that Kors turtleneck sweater is $995.)

If You Are Going To Save, Save For This

Loeffler Randall 

 Rachel Leather Twisted-Strap Sandals

$350 at Saks Fifth Avenue

My Blog Hiatus

Hello to my faithful readers!

I am taking a break from blogging for a few months. Not only is the cold weather settling in, which makes outfit photos difficult, but I don't have much to share in the way of exciting style, it is mostly outfit repeats at this point. So rather than trying too hard to make it work, I'd rather do less posts of better quality. So you may see a post from time to time, but overall I would hate for you to visit each day and be disappointed at the lack of new content.

Let me leave you with these amazing words of wisdom from Luke 12:

Then {Jesus} said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

May you be rich towards God during this Christmas season, and all through 2012!

Zoya Casey Nail Polish

Zoya Casey nail polish, Free people cardigan, shirt by Calvin Klein

Here's a little vampy nail polish for your viewing pleasure! And yes, I picked my outfit out to match it.

Casey starts out pretty sheer and plummy. Also a bit streaky. But by the time I hit three coats, it looked pretty good.

Military Style in the Snow

jacket by Calvin Klein, t-shirt by Vince, skirt from Anthropologie, Ralph Lauren tights, Sam Edelman quilted flats

I was greeted by a dusting of snow on our back porch when I went out the door this morning. My answer is a jacket with a military cut, army green skirt, and if you look closely at my flats, they have a camo print to them! 

Hazy Shade of Winter

Eden cardigan from J. Crew, corduroy pants from J. Crew, vintage 1980s scarf by Norma Dori, white shirt by Splendid

Check out this navy blue cardigan, which I paired with royal blue pants and a scarf that includes other blues. As I stood outside taking photos, some light snow started to fall.

The cardigan is size small (I am size 4) and fits wonderfully, a mid-weight marino wool. I really like the arms, they are loose, which is helpful when you want to wear long sleeves underneath.

So Fly Like a G6

shirtdress by Calvin Klein, sweater from J. Crew, Via Spiga patent heels, OPI Rudolph Red nail polish

OK, OK, I know. I'm getting a haircut Friday, so no "fluffy hair" comments! I am balancing out what could be a librarian cardi-over-dress look with some pretty heels. Not that I am opposed to dressing like a librarian! Keep warm this week, the temperatures have really dropped, my friends!

Shades of Camel in the Sun

v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, turtleneck by Vince, pants from LOFT, Rosegold suede booties, Ray Ban aviator sunglasses, scarf from Arden B.

I don't know how much longer I can stand outside to take outfit photos, my friends! It's about 30 degrees out, but the bright sun gave me courage. And the scarf helps.

No Shopping for Me

teal sweater from Banana Republic, shirt by Calvin Klein, pants by Madewell, Circa Joan & David patent heels

What kind of style blogger am I? I did not buy anything on Black Friday. I did not buy anything online on Cyber Monday. Actually, I have little plans or desire to go clothes or shoe shopping at all! I am in a "I do not want what I haven't got" mood for a few weeks now, and I don't know when it will end.

However I am not opposed to people sending me clothes for free! I won this Banana Republic sweater from a blog recently, and I am looking forward to incorporating this new color with browns and greys this winter. I wish I had more teal and navy blue in my winter closet. I would love to pair this sweater with a navy blue shirt underneath and my camel pants. Perhaps someday!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, my friends. Did you purchase anything exciting?

Basic Black Blazer

black blazer by Sandra Angelozzi, t-shirt by Vince, pants from Banana Republic, Calvin Klein belt, Circa Joan & David low heels

I love the look of suits. It comes from my mom, whom I used to see get dressed in a suit every day to go into the office, growing up. I always wanted to wear suits and go work in an office! 

So now I work in an office, but the creatives in an agency don't wear suits anymore, at least not daily. But once in a while, I try it, and hope my co-workers don't think I have a lunchtime interview. Here I am dressing it down with a grey t-shirt.

I won't be blogging for the rest of the week, so I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Red - Camel and Blonde

long camel cardigan by Rampage, red top from Banana Republic, pants from LOFT, necklace from husband, Franco Sarto almond wedges, OPI 20 Candles on My Cake nail polish

Today I'm a little blonder thanks to my Aveda hair colorist! And I changed my nail polish to match my shirt, again. Love camel and red together, don't you my friends? This is all "old" clothing, except for the shoes, everything I've had for years.

Too Fancy for Work?

sweater by Dallin Chase, skirt by XCVI, thrifted necklace, Via Spiga patent heels

Sometimes when choosing an outfit for work, I feel like I should be wearing it to church. But with this skirt, I feel like I should be pairing it with a satin blouse and wearing it out for a fancy dinner. It's difficult to see in this photo, but the skirt has a lot of ruching. However, it is corduroy, so that makes it feel more casual. When I wear it with riding boots, like I normally do, it is more day-appropriate. Oh well, I guess there's nothing wrong with a little daytime glamour!

72 Degrees in Mid November

maroon shirt by Calvin Klein, bib necklace unknown, skirt from Ann Taylor, Circa Joan & David riding boots, OPI Romeo & Joliet nail polish

Sorry that top photo is a bit blurry! A nice outfit on such an amazingly warm day. Enjoy it, my friends!

My Favorite T-Shirt Brands

grey heather t-shirt by Vince, cardigan by Charter Club, Logan straight-leg pants from Banana Republic, Cole Haan Miranda heels, Zoya Kalista nail polish

Let's talk t-shirts! I have quite a few, with Star Wars, PowerPuff Girls, and rock icons on them. But as a layering basic for work, I need some plain colored ones.

I haven't tried every brand, but here are my tried-and-true favorites. 

1. Vince. If I had my choice, and price wasn't an issue, I'd buy Vince all the time. So soft, the perfect weight, the perfect stretch. Size Small is too tight across my chest (!) so I always get Medium. These pricey tees (in the neighborhood of $60) can be had for less on eBay, on sale at Shopbop, or for $25 at a TJ Maxx with a Runway section.

2. Splendid. I love these t-shirts. Long-sleeve items run a little too long for my arms, but these are great quality, and less expensive than Vince. Runs true-to-size.

3. Michael Stars. I have a long-sleeve Michael Stars t-shirt that I've had for about eight years, and it still looks brand-new, no holes, no pilling. These only come in one size, which they call One Size Fits Most.

Do you have t-shirts you swear by, my friends?

Cozy in the Sun

Bordeaux Large Tote by Pour la Victoire, sweater dress by Calvin Klein, magenta shirt by Jones New York, Circa Joan & David riding boots

It's a crisp morning, in the 30s, and perfect for a cozy sweater dress and this oversized handbag, with its ponyhair panels and neon green handle accents. The handbag is a prize I won over at the blog Diary of a Fashion Addict and I really love it. 

On another note, if you're looking for a great selection of tights, my friends, I wouldn't recommend your local mall or department store, which will only carry two brands. I got these Ralph Lauren tights at DSW, and I also found an amazing selection at Nordstrom RACK and Marshalls. All kinds of different brands, colors, and textures.

A Great Blazer

orange velour blazer by Jones New York Signature Petite, red silk blouse by Calvin Klein, cropped plaid pants from LOFT, V Italia boots, Burberry quilted coat

I don't have very many blazers, I have more cardigans for layering. I love the burnt orange and the casual fabric. It's a little boxy, but this outfit is all about the cropped shape.

It Was A Dark and Stormy

plaid shirt by DKNY Jeans, skirt from Anthropologie, Rosegold suede booties, Rimmel London Hot Cocoa nail polish

It was a dark and stormy morning, and as I went out to take my photos as normal, I tried not to notice the dismembered hand on the windowsill. Its skin was green like rotting flesh, the nails were black, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was a zombie apocolapse overnight, since that asteroid is coming so close to earth today. At least I'm dressed for action, inspired by an image in a Madewell catalog. Stay safe today, my friends!

A Little Fall of Red

red sweater from Rugby Ralph Lauren, skirt from Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein suede booties

This purposefully-nubby brushed wool sweater is the perfect thing to wear on a dreary Fall day. Hey, when you find a color that looks good on you, you don't need to stray too far away from it! Have a wonderful day, my friends!

What’s the Point of the 5th Pocket?

All of my jeans, except my denim leggings, are what they call “5-Pocket”. You know, two front pockets, two back pockets, and then a tiny little “bonus” pocket inside one of the front pockets. Whose idea was this, and more importantly, why? This must be a major selling point, because there is hardly a pair of denim out there that doesn’t boast this feature.
So I thought I’d come up with some ways to put that little pocket to use. Like, for example:

1. When you’re standing around waiting for the bus in your 5-pocket jeans, look cool by sticking a finger or two in that little pocket. Now strike a pose, and don an “I like my fifth pocket and I don’t care who knows it!” attitude.
2. Carry around little tiny items that would get lost in your other four, larger pockets. Like earring backs, ticket stubs, cat treats, or lipstick. OK, never mind about the lipstick, that will hurt when you sit down.
3. To keep yourself smelling nice, put some loose potpourri in it. That will last a lot longer than any perfume.
4. When you’re at some event where you have to wear an annoying clip-on pass, don’t clip it onto your shirt, handbag, or coat. Be a rebel and clip it into that fifth pocket where it will be secure and out of your way.
5. Finally, this fifth pocket is the perfect place to keep cash if you’re walking in a dangerous neighborhood, ATM pin numbers, or any other secret information you need. No one EVER checks the fifth pocket!

So, my friends, there are some ways to get the most out of that little front pocket. May they serve you well.

J. Crew Corduroy Pants

wool cardigan by Marsh Landing, shirt from Brooks Brothers, pants from J. Crew, Calvin Klein belt, boots by Aquatalia, OPI Who Are You Wearing? nail polish

This outfit includes two things I have been wanting for a little while: colored corduroy pants and a new belt. My faith in online shopping is a little scarred lately, so when I went to the mall and was actually trying things on, I was not disappointed. These bootcut cords are cheaper in-store, and I didn't have to pay shipping. And I was able to bet this amazing belt (I bought it in black too) in the right size. **sigh** I love Calvin Klein!

I found the J. Crew cords to run a little small, so I sized up. The store had a "short" length, so it is perfect with low heels and boots, like these. And I love the color!

My Perfect Halloween Is...

not a costume: BB Dakota jacket, purple top from Nordstrom, skirt from Anthropologie, Sam Edelman Calypso camo flats, OPI nail polish

Happy Halloween! It's one of my favorite holidays, and I am so excited it's finally here. I am dressed up as Rosie the Riveter here at work, I hope to get a few photos up later.

Our house has been decorated for weeks, with pumpkins and blinking orange lights on the front porch and lots of other scary items inside. I have my candy for the trick-or-treaters, and I am looking forward to tonight. I rented the remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Unfortunately I will have to watch it alone, my husband doesn't like scary movies.

I am on a huge belt hunt right now. All I want to buy are belts. My friends, where do you shop for belts? Do you have any that you love? My perfect belt would be quilted black leather, 1" thick only, with a large squarish silver buckle.

Dressing for the Halloween!

orange cardigan by Jones New York Signature, black pants from Banana Republic, black t-shirt by Splendid, Cole Haan Miranda pumps, OPI Heeeere's Jack nail polish, Nightmare Before Christmas brooch

I love Halloween! I love horror movies and the creativity of dressing up, the eating of sticky sweets and  the spooky decor. This year we're having a bonfire and going on a haunted hayride. I can't wait!

Purple Shirt Purple Shoes

shirt, Missoni for Target, pants from Victoria's Secret, purple suede peep-toes by Rockport, OPI Romeo & Joliet nail polish on toes

Fall is here, but it's going to be 85 degrees today! Time for a simple button-up and some platform peep-toes. 

If you're wondering what that green thing is behind me, my husband built a winter cat shelter for Oliver. Now ask if he likes it and goes in it. He doesn't. Maybe some neighborhood stray will take advantage of it this winter!

The Black and the Hat

corduroy fedora by Calvin Klein, sweater unknown, skirt from LOFT, Ralph Lauren tights, Stuart Weitzman flats, OPI You Don't Know Jacques! nail polish

Warning: texture overload and a hat! This is what happens when you put a heather sweater with a micro-houndstooth skirt, heather tights, and flannel flats... lots of texture, which somehow works. I have this hat, I only wear it a couple of times a year. I got lots of compliments on it this time!

In Blue Pursuit

cashmere cardigan from J. Crew, black t-shirt by Splendid, paper bag trousers from Madewell, Trois Petits Points pendant necklace, Via Spiga patent heels

I am in pursuit of more cobalt blue for my closet! Or even navy blue to pair with my cobalt blue. These are the only blue items in my Fall/Winter wardrobe. Any suggestions?

Possibly Perfect Pants

sweater from Rugby (Ralph Lauren), Jimmy pants by Bishop of Seventh, Repetto flats, onyx heart necklace from Tiffany & Co., OPI You Don't Know Jacques nail polish

Behold, a new pair of pants! These are grey straight-legs with a bit of stretch, and they are possibly perfect: fitting snug but not tight, even through the thigh, low-rise, and can be rolled or worn long with heels.

Can we talk about knee-high stockings for a second, my friends? I always need nude knee-highs to wear with flats and heels in the fall and winter. Last year I paid $16 for one pair of Falke nude knee-highs. They were so delicate, they developed runs and holes in 2-3 wears. I still wore them, but then this year I replaced them with HUE knee-highs, two for around $11. These HUEs win! They are  sturdier and do not leave marks around my calves at the end of the day. So those are the ones I recommend.

Strange and Neutral

crewneck sweater by Dallin Chase, pants from LOFT, thrifted necklace, Franco Sarto wedge pumps

I know oversized sweaters are very in fashion right now, but I usually prefer mine fitted. Here is a new sweater I ordered from Shopbop; I really like the ambigious neutral colors in it. It's grey, it's cream, it's pale green, it's wonderful. And it perfectly matches this necklace I picked up, which has very similar taupey neutrals in it. 

Intergalactic Planetary

corduroy jacket and long corduroy skirt by XCVI, metallic v-neck top by Love Amour, Circa Joan & David riding boots, Deathstar Debris necklace by Deka Ray, Essie Midnight Cami nail polish

Black and greened-out greys with some metallic shine make up this cozy outfit. I have a constant battle with v-neck tops, they are always too low-cut. I hate having to put on an extra layer underneath, in this case a black tank top, but it's worth it. 

I do love this time of year in the Midwest. And I love wrapping up in Fall clothes! It makes my still-air-conditioned office much more tolerable.

Grey and Purple

silk blouse by Adam, corduroy pants from Victoria's Secret, grey croc rain boots by Aquatalia by Marvin K., Essie Midnight Cami nail polish

I love corduroy! And I love bright colors! Behold, they get married in this outfit! I am seriously going to get some colored corduroy pants soon. I just have to find the perfect pair.

A Classy Pendant Necklace

pendant locket necklace by Trois Petits Points, sweater from LOFT, pants by Jones New York Signature, Circa Joan & David patent pumps

I had been waiting to buy one of these enamel lockets for months. At almost $100, it was hard to justify it. When I saved up the money, I decided to go for it. These lockets come in an array of bright colors, and are the perfect size and length for me. The only down side is I thought it would be a lot more heavier and substantial. But overall I really think it's a great accessory to have.