a little sun, a little sparkle

This thrifted J Crew skirt is a find that I was absolutely thrilled about.  I bought it back in the summer but knew it would be a great fall and winter piece.  The metallic tweed is pretty subtle (obviously the sun helps play up the sparkle just a bit).  Speaking of the sun, I am a sunshine kind of girl.  I can handle cold... let it be 20 degrees, I don't care. But everything is just better when the sun is shining. Including this skirt. :)

If you haven't entered my giveaway (sponsored by the SUPER amazing new monster app, BeKnown), click here to see the post and enter!! It includes a limited edition Benefit cosmetic kit, a $10 Starbucks gift card, and a chic little business card holder... all part of the 'BeKnown Interview Survival Kit.' Such a fun idea and way to get the word out about this new app so I hope everyone has a chance to enter.  There will be 2 winners announced on Sunday!






Kensie blouse (not available online); JCrew thrifted metallic tweed mini (similar here on SALE!); BCBG boots (similar); old Coach bag; Michael Kors watch; Posh Boutique studded ring (similar available here at Shop Frankie's!!); F21 earrings and bangles; Anna and Ava elephant ring (similar);DG sunglasses from TJ Maxx

Shirt Dressing

I always look forward to weekends...I know everyone does. But there are weekends that I look forward to, and weekends I NEED. I know, bloggers often mis-use the term 'need' (i.e I need these boots, I need this jacket, etc). But saying that I need this weekend is pure fact.  Another fact: I need a massage.

So I've been working a lot. But I did get to wear this dress that I love (worn here and here) as a blouse this week. When you're lost in spreadsheets and presentations and meetings, funny how you'll cling to something as simple as wearing a favorite item of clothing a different way to help make you feel more chic.  #ItsTheLitteThings








Parker dress worn as a shirt (similar), Ann Taylor trousers (old), Banana Republic trench, Zara pumps (no longer available), Coach bag (old), Gap belt (old), F21 earrings and bangles, Michael Kors watch, NY&Co Earrings, Ann and Ava elephant ring (similar), Lancome L'asbolu Rouge in Jezabel, Revlon nail color in Vixen.

Fashion rules

Happy Monday!  I wore this outfit to dinner with friends on Saturday night.  I realized recently that I have these little unspoken (well, until now) fashion "rules" that I pretty much always stick to, and this outfit is a great example of one of them.  If you follow this blog or have even read more than one post, you already know that comfort is a HUGE thing with me.  So one of my little rules is that only one piece of my outfit can be the least bit uncomfortable in the name of fashion.  In this outfit, I wanted to wear these shoes - and while I truly can't complain that these Sam Edelman's are unbearable - ANY and ALL heels over about 4 inches get sketchy after a few hours.  So for the rest of this look I was suuuuper comfortable - with this basic pair of dressy black shorts and a lightweight sweater.  Also, as I've said before, these shoes just do not need any help whatsoever making a statement.

Okay, maybe red lips help just a bit.  :)  What are your fashion rules?






Karen Millen shorts, Ann Taylor sweater, AT Loft necklace, F21 earrings and bangles, Francesca's ring, Michael Kors watch (here), Sam Edelman shoes, Coach shades, Eliza B clutch

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

How To: Beat the Heat

I can't believe it's already August!  I love accessories and layers as much as the next fashion blogger, but sometimes the best thing to wear to the office this time of year is a simple skirt and blouse.  You can still look incredibly chic, professional, and put together without too much effort (perfect for early Monday mornings!).

It has been SO HOT and HUMID here that I wanted to put together an outfit that was light and cool.  I picked up this skirt, which was already on sale, for an additional 50% off at Ann Taylor this weekend (because I reeeeally needed another pencil skirt).  I just love how the pattern allows for so many different options for styling - for this HOT day I chose this breezy Zara top to go with it.  I added a few minimal accessories to complete the look- but left the belts, scarves, cardigans, and summer weight jackets at home for the day.  Cool, comfortable, confident.....this outfit will definitely be a PS&L staple! :)








Zara blouse and heels, Ann Taylor skirt, F21 bracelet and earrings, AT Loft necklace, Michael Kors watch, Rebecca Minkoff bag, Coach sunglasses

Best.Lunch.Break.EVER...

Let me explain.

I just wanted to get away for a few minutes on my lunch break but didn't feel like eating. Of course, the only other thing that makes sense to do on my lunch break is shop (you know you agree).  So what if I was taking a break from my extensive retail therapy to try to shop my closet and to save some $ for a fabulous Rebecca Minkoff bag?  I was just going to "look to see if TJ Maxx had any good stuff."  Yeeeeah.

So I enter the store and head directly to the purses.  Mind you, I'm saving for a purse I really want... and don't need a purse otherwise.  But I head for the purses.  Good sense, I tell you.  Anyway, I go through all of the purses, aisle after aisle of a decent selection of bags, when suddenly I see this BEAUTY on the very last hook on the last row of purses.  "No, it couldn't be.  There is no way.  I've never known this TJ Maxx to even carry that brand!" I think as I dart toward the bag, shoving anyone between me and the object of my affection completely to the side without regard.  As soon as I picked it up, I just knew.  (I imagine this is like the feeling I hear about when people experience love at first sight.)  This was a LOVELY Rebecca Minkoff handbag, in the perfect style and perfect color for which I had been saving.  And at the perfect price.  Was this meant to be?  I'll just say fate isn't necessarily my thing, but I believe in meeting the perfect handbag at the perfect time...    










Michael Kors shirt (THRIFTED!!) and watch, AT Loft skirt and ring, Vince Camuto shoes, F21 earrings and bracelet, Coach sunglasses, Rebecca Minkoff bag