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

Need a little color

Clearly a tan is out of the question, but I needed to perk up my entirely too predictable black/grey ensemble with at least a little color. How do we feel about fuchsia? Good? Great. I'm so glad that all of the messy rain and gloom is gone... even though it's still cold, I'm LOVING this sunshine. Let's hope it stays around for a bit!






Express tank dress (old), Cynthia Rowley jacket from TJ Maxx (similar for 75% off!), Charming Charlie's scarf, Seychelles boots (similar), NY&Co earrings and bracelet, Michael Kors watch, Francesca's clutch, DG sunglasses

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

Finally... faux fur time!

I've been tweeting and blogging about various faux fur pieces that I've been coveting for months now in anticipation of cold weather. Wouldn't you know on the very first cold day of the year here, that is exactly what I wore. Another thing I'm crazy about this season is a wedge boot. I love these, they're surprisingly comfy and got them for a great price. Actually, this entire look was a complete bargain - this sweater is actually on sale at AT Loft right now. LOVE when I find more trendy items for a great price. I will drop some serious cash on an investment piece, but for a trend I venture toward the sale rack quite a bit more.

I'm sure you all have shopping strategies about this sort of thing. What types of items will you splurge on, and on which pieces do you prefer to save?? Tell!










AT Loft cardigan (new and ON SALE or super splurge worthy one here) and necklace (old, similar here), NY&Co dress (really old, similar here), Spanx tights (awesome, highly recommended), DG sunglasses from TJ Maxx (similar), Michael Kors watch, F21 bracelet (similar), Francesca's wristlet (similar), Seychelles boots

Dress to feel best

I've blogged before about overcoming a bad day/week/experience by dressing to feel your best - this outfit was definitely an attempt to make the best of things. I have to say, no matter what I'm feeling like in the morning (I am a terror in the morning), if I can just get myself into an outfit that I can feel chic and confident in... it really does take my day in a different direction.  Also, LOVE the fact that this outfit is suuuuper comfy.  *smile*

I sincerely believe that looking great helps you feel great. Try it sometime :)








Urban Outfitters dress, F21 jacket and necklace, Spanx tights (FYI - favorite tights ever), Michael Shannon ankle boots, Michael Kors watch, DG sunglasses from TJ Maxx, Francesca's Collection clutch , J Crew iphone cover

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)

In the leopard business

I usually take a few liberties with 'business professional' on days when I don't have as many meetings. Animal print is a trend that I fully embrace in my casual attire, and part of this blog is about incorporating my everyday style into work-appropriate looks.  I am a firm believer that this can look very classy and sophisticated in an office setting as long as it's done right.  By 'done right,' I mean:

1) nothing shorter than knee length
2) nothing inappropriately tight
3) no more than 1 animal print piece or accessory per outfit
4) keep the rest of the look simple and classic
4) behave like a lady*

*this is actually an everyday guideline, but I thought I'd just slip it in there for good measure

...so that's it.  When you find yourself walking out the door wondering if your animal print is 'too much' - ask yourself this: "Will anyone who sees me today have any reason to reference Peg Bundy?"  If the answer is YES- change clothes immediately. Please.  If the answer is NO- have a great day, Gorgeous! ;)






Charter Club skirt (similar), Zara blouse, AT Loft necklaces (similar), Vince Camuto pumps, Michael Kors watch, F21 bracelet and rings, NY&Co earrings (similar), Francesca's Collection clutch (similar), DG shades from TJ Maxx (similar)