Typical

Still trying to incorporate more brights into my winter looks... this look is suuuuuper typical of my work style. Classic navy trousers, white button down - funny how I put on this patterned scarf and bright orange bag and thought 'oh good, not so boring anymore!'  Then I look at the pictures and think 'nope, still pretty boring' haha. :)  What can I say?  I can't exactly pull off cutting edge fashion in my office environment (at least without getting looked at like some kind of freak), but I try to make the best of it. :)




Ann Taylor Loft blouse and pants; NY&Co scarf; Banana Republic belt (similar); Zara shoes; Cynthia Rowley bag; Michael Kors watch; WHBM earrings (old); Charming Charlie's ring and bangles; Francesca's sunglasses; L'oreal Colour Riche lipcolor in Volcanic (similar)

Cozy and Classic

Apparently it's boring outfit week on Pencil Skirts & Lattes. As much as I love fun colors and patterns, sometimes I just prefer a simple, classic look... like this cozy, camel-colored sweater and black skinny trousers. I added a statement necklace and a bright lip. That helps, right?




TJ Maxx sweater, Banana Republic pants, Michael Shannon ankle boots, Aldo bag, Michael Kors watch, Anna and Ava ring, F21 earrings, Charming Charlie's necklace (similar), Francesca's sunnies, L'Oreal Colour Riche lipcolor in Volcanic 

Trench

This Karen Millen trench coat is one of my absolute favorite purchases ever. I bought it last year at the beginning of summer (when it had been steeply discounted - yay!) and I knew I would get lots of use out of it in the fall/winter. It is just the perfect weight for nasty weather without being overly bulky or heavy. I also love the details and cut, I always feel a little bit like The Duchess in it :)  As an investment piece for your wardrobe, I highly recommend an amazing quality trench that is well tailored.  You get countless uses out of it, and it is a great way to add instant classic appeal to almost any look.








Karen Millen trench (similar style here 40% off), Francesca's blouse (similar) and clutch, AT Loft skirt and necklace (old), NY&Co Earrings, Hue tights, Michael Shannon ankle boots, Charming Charlie's ring, Michael Kors watch, Nars velvet matte lip pencil in 'Damned' 

Happy Pants

I got these slim, cropped blue pants at AT Loft last weekend and I was SO happy to have found them there. I love the color, can think of tons of looks to put together with them, and they are NOT GREY OR BLACK!!! I was instantly cheerful (obviously so cheerful that I put a yellow sweater with them!) I love finding things (on sale) that I've been looking for, especially right now when I desperately need to have some bright-colored basics added to my otherwise drab winter wardrobe.

Moral of this post is: expect to see these pants quite a bit. I have lots of spring/summer looks in store for them. :)






AT Loft pants and sweater; J Crew blouse, Michael Kors watch, NY&Co bangle, Studded ring from Posh Boutique, old earrings, Charming Charlie's necklace, DG sunnies, Zara heels, Expressions NYC clutch from TJ Maxx

Here we go

To say that I am not looking forward to going back to work would be SUCH an understatement.  It's not the work or job that I mind, it's just that I've really enjoyed my time off.  Being able to relax, run, shop, cook, and get some home projects squared away has been complete bliss.  Not having to set the alarm has been awesome, too.  Want to know what the very best part of being off work is at this time of year for me? DAYLIGHT.  I hate that it is still dark when I wake up for work and dark again by the time I leave the office.  The good news is that it will start to stay light for a little longer each day, and in less than 10 weeks (yes, I'm already counting) we gain a whole extra hour!  Bring.It.On.      






AT Loft cardigan and jeans, Old Navy shirt, Banana Republic belt (old), Michael Kors watch, Zara heels, Francesca's sunnies, Charming Charlie's ring, Anna and Ava elephant ring, F21 earrings, Louis Vuitton 'Sarah' wallet

Out and about

This is definitely my winter uniform. At least for casual days. I wore this while out over the weekend with all of the Christmas shopping craziness. In the midst of shopping and getting everything else done for Christmas - which I didn't even start on until this weekend - I've also decided to paint 2 rooms in the new loft (done), get the guest room ready for guests (done - remarkable considering that it didn't even have a bed in it until last week), make baked goods for my team at work (done), get a sudden horrific migraine that took up an entire day that I didn't have to give up (done - not that I 'wanted' to do that one). Have I mentioned that one of the worst times of the year for my job is year-end? Fun. But as of Thursday I can check that one off the list too!

Why am I the kind of person who a) needs everything to be 'perfect' before anyone comes over and b)ADDS UNNECESSARY THINGS TO HER PLATE DURING ALREADY STRESSFUL TIMES LIKE THE HOLIDAYS??? Gaaaah. Glutton for punishment, I suppose. I have a mile-long list of things to do while I'm off work but know at this rate I'll probably be asleep most of that time. :)

How do you plan to unwind during/after the holidays??




Ann Taylor sweater, Wal Mart jeans (yes, 2 outfit posts in a row!), BCBG boots (similar), Rebecca Minkoff bag, NY&Co earrings, Charming Charlies bracelet and rings, Michael Kors watch, F21 bangles

Go-To Jeans

Everyone has an item in their closet that is their go-to piece of clothing when they are in a hurry and don't have the time to worry with how it will look. My go-to item lately are these high waisted jeans (also worn here and here). I like that they're not 'normal' jeans, so they can be dressed up a little bit more... and even on days when I'm not feeling very glamorous, their flattering cut gives me the extra boost of confidence needed. Of course... leopard platforms, a silky tie-back shirt, and a perfectly sparkly necklace help too. :)









Karen Millen jeans (similar), Leona Collection blouse, Sam Edelman shoes, DG shades from TJ Maxx (similar),  Michael Kors watch, Francesca's Collection clutch (similar), Wing ring from Posh Boutique (similar), Anna and Ava elephant ring (similar), Bauble necklace from Woo Nashville (similar), Charming Charlie's bracelet (similar)

Not-so-casual Friday

You all know I love casual Friday - but today was actually my birthday as well, so I thought I would dress up a little more than usual.  There was a fun birthday happy hour after work that I wanted to be cool and comfy for, so I decided to wear this breezy skirt and lightweight top.  I got this skirt from the Gap outlet months ago but this is the first time wearing it - I have no idea why!  I'll definitely be wearing it more often.

I have so many pieces in my closet that I hesitate to wear and then once I do, I don't know why on earth I waited!  Do any of you have forgotten pieces/neglected items in your closet??  I know this makes me want to go through mine looking for more pieces like this skirt!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!










Zara blouse, GAP outlet skirt, F21 necklace, Calvin Klein shoes, Charming Charlie's bracelet, old earrings, Coach shades, Michael Kors watch

Business Casual Mixed Prints!

Trying the Every Body Every Wear mixed prints challenge! Love how this look turned out...I stuck with neutrals to soften the print mixing for work. I think I'll give myself a bonus point for this challenge as I mixed textures and prints (whoa...). This lightly textured blouse also gave me the perfect opportunity to wear these skinny black trousers with my Zara nude pumps. I felt cool and comfortable all day!

Completely random confession: I hate bugs and sometimes I run from them during outfit pics.  I feel confident that I'm not the only person who goes through this - I just needed to put that out there.






Ann Taylor blouse, Banana Republic pants, Apt 9 belt (Kohl's), AT Loft necklace and ring, F21 earrings, Charming Charlie's bracelet, Zara shoes, Michael Kors watch, Francesca's wristlet 

Blue and Gold

Sometimes I throw caution to the wind and dress up on casual Friday (as I type this I think of the movie Juno and that "whoa, dream big!" quote). Especially in the summer, even though jeans are allowed on Friday, it's way too hot to wear them so I wear a more casual dress or skirt like this one.

I absolutely love these colors together... this mustard-yellow/goldish tone and this shade of blue are one of my all time favorite combos.  I want to blame it on the fact that these were my high school colors, but considering that I hardly possessed any school spirit back then (let alone now), that isn't likely.  I think this combo appeals to me because it looks very classy, it is bright and cheery without being LOUD, and these colors just compliment each other so nicely.






Urban Outfitters cardigan, F21 tank and shades, Target skirt, Calvin Klein shoes, Charming Charlie's necklace, NY&Co bracelet, Francesca's earrings, Michael Kors watch, Rebecca Minkoff bag