Thursday, April 29, 2010

Over the hump

DSCF4124DSCF4126DSCF4130DSCF4129   Vest: Antonio Melan.  Ruffle Top: Express.  Skirt: Worthington.

I’m over the hump for the week, and I’m glad things are finally winding down.  It’s been very stressful and busy lately in both my personal and professional life – so now more than ever I am looking forward to my weekends.  Saturday – you’re only 1 day away!!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Shhh! Don’t tell…

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Shoes: steve madden luxe.  Pants: express.  Blazer: forever XXI.  Lace Top: newport news.

Don’t tell, but I’m wearing sexy shoes underneath my professional business ensemble again!  Ahh, I love my heels.  Seriously – can anyone say addiction?

This outfit overall may be a bit dark in color, but it’s got a lot of added spice with the lace, heels, and statement bag!

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I also played around a bit this morning to see if I could make my party girl top work for the office.  Even though I didn’t end up wearing the outfit – I think I made it work, so I want to share the pic.  Who says you can’t go from party to professional?

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

pattern, ruffles, and pleats – oh my!

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Cardigan: White House Black Market.  Ruffle top: INC.  Skirt: Target.  Tights: Apt 9.  Oxford booties: Michael Kors. 

 

 

 

 

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There’s kind of a lot going on in this look – ruffles, bold pattern, pleated and belted skirt, pattern fishnet tights, and detailed shoes… – but I like it!  I think the overall blended color scheme made it not seem overdone for me.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Party Girl

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Jacket: Macy’s.  Prints Silk Tunic/Dress: Love Culture.  Faux Snake Leggings: Forever XXI.  Boots: Chadwicks.  Necklace: Macy’s.

Going out with the girls on Saturday night!  The group wasn’t actually made up of “my girls” but my friend’s friend’s girls… Does that make sense?  Anyway – it was a great night out downtown eating, a little drinking (some more than others!), a shuffle or two of dancing, and a lot of laughs. 

Sometimes I think I’m made up of 2 different people...  I have the homebody side of me that just loves to be in comfy clothes, cook, watch movies, and cuddle up on the couch with a steaming cup of coffee and a good book.  And then there’s the side of me that’s more outgoing and likes to get out and party it up.  I’m probably much more the homebody now, but it was a nice change to be reminded of the other side too!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Casual or Classic

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Necklace: Macy’s.  Sheer Purple Top: Express.  Leopard Print Cardigan: Forever XXI.  Jeans: JC Penny’s.  Boots: Giani Bini.

A more casual spin to this outfit with boots and a colorful chunky necklace.  A more classic / professional option with peep toe heels and a simple diamond stud necklace.  Either way works depending on the occasion.

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It’s such a simple and easy change to this outfit, but that’s what made the transition so great!  I could wear the more classic version to work and make an easy change into dinner clothes (i.e. outfit w/ boots!).  It’s a  second switch-a-roo!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Professional LBD

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Dress: Banana Republic.  Purse: Nine West.  Shoes: Predictions.  Leaf Cuff & Earrings: Forever XXI.

Sweet and simple look today.  I was so unmotivated to get out of bed this morning that I got up an hour late and only had a few mins to get ready and run out the door!  It’s becoming much to common a story for me lately…!

I really needed more pattern to break up this black dress, but I just didn’t have time to rethink it, so I grabbed a patterned purse on my way out and a red cropped jacket to add some brightness (jacket not pictured).  It will have to do for today!

Maybe I’ll set up some coffee to be brewed for me when I wake up tomorrow morning.

 

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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

1 Dress / 2 Looks

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Necklace (both sets!): Macy’s.  Dress: Chadwicks.  Belt: TJ Maxx.  Boots: Dingo.  Black Pumps: Nicole Miller.

I’d wear the above look on the evening, weekend or on a casual work Friday.  I’d wear the below look on a more professional day at the office.

I have to say, I’m currently in LOVE with my studded slouchy cowboy style boots.  I know I won’t have a lot of opportunity to wear them now as it is turning quickly into summer – so I’m going to enjoy them while I can! 

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Running with Ruffles

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Top: Wassimo (Target).  Cream under-cami: JC Penny’s.  Skirt: Express.  Belt: ?. Tights: Kohl’s.  Booties: Steven.

Running late today – first day back to work after a couple days off, and I had an 8am dentist appointment too! – So, I only had time for 1 pic before mad dashing out the door.  And here it is!

I’ll be interviewing some people today, so I figure either black pants or a black skirt is always a perfect staple for that situation.  I also wanted to keep it light and not too intimidating, so I added the fun booties and (of course) a bright pop of color.

Initially, I couldn’t decide what to do with this top, but I ended up liking the look of the sheer fabric over the skirt and belt, so I just went more casual and left it loose.  No time for jewelry today except a simple right hand diamond ring.  I figure the ruffles can be my necklace.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Country Lovin’

Just returning from a little getaway to the Smokey Mountains.  It was great to have some much needed quiet time away from daily stresses.  I really enjoyed the outdoors, the food, and having the time to relax.  Too bad the time goes all too quickly!  I’ll have to keep a little of that country slow moving / embrace the moment “thing” as I get back into the old grind  :)

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Saturday, April 17, 2010

Fashion Rules

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Skirt: Moda Int’l.  Top: Express.  Bracelet: Forever XXI.  Necklace: some random little jewelry shop in NYC.  Crochet clutch: thrifted.  Shoes: Michael Kors.

For curvier-hipped women, it’s typically suggested that darker colors be worn on the bottom and lighter colors be worn on top.  Oh well – I don’t feel like playing by the rules today!  I say, hippie women of the world unite!

What fashion “rules” do you break?

Friday, April 16, 2010

Annual Dress Time

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Dress: Donna Morgan.  Shoes: Stuart Weitzman.

This really must be my spring-time dress, because the last time I wore it was almost a year ago – seriously! 

I don’t typically do layering with this dress, but just dress it up a bit with accessories – either jewelry, belt, or fun shoes.  With the color and print, I figure that’s all it really needs!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Pajamas or Professional?

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Argyle top: Target.  Pants:  NY & Co.  Pumps: Newport News. 

Yep, I’m going casual and comfortable today!  Some days are just made for that, and today is definitely one of those days. 

This argyle sweater is so cozy I feel like I’m wearing my robe to work.  The only thing that would make this outfit better was if I could be wearing my slippers with it.  Now that would be a fashion statement…!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Copy Cat

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Green top: Kohls.  Belt: Macy’s.  Skirt: Deb (I think).  Pumps: Chinese Laundry.  Bracelet and Necklace: Forever XXI.

I love taking inspiration from my fellow bloggers because there are SO many phenomenally fabulous fashionistas out there!!  It’s even more fun for me when I can take inspiration from a fashionista I know! 

 

I would probably call this look more stolen or shamelessly copied than inspired by…  the one and only Bad Ass Kasmira.

Green top – check!  Black belt – check!  Black & white skirt – check!  Bracelet – check!  Pink pumps – check! 

To all you fashionistas out there – keep doing what you do!  You may see me copy you from time to time, and I hope I can return the inspiration favor too   :)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

European Fashion

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Earlier today, someone at work was talking about the fabulous fashion that Europeans have.  He noted that a European peer of ours who was visiting Cincinnati was wearing purple heels and a trendy scarf and belt.  I may not have had the belt on today – but I realized as he was talking that I had on purple heels and a fun scarf!  Maybe I was meant to be European…  LOL

I think I actually have 7-8 purple pairs of shoes, so I should definitely be set.  Paris, here I come!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Soaking in the Sun

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Jean Skirt: NY & Co.  Floral Top: Forever XXI.  Belt: Costume Store.  Shoes: Michael Kors.  Clutch: thrifted.  Bracelets: Walmart.

Going out with one of my girlfriends for a lovely weekend lunch at Bellevue Bistro and then walking and stopping in some of the fun Bellevue main-street shops.  There are so many quaint little stores in Bellevue (and an old fashion ice cream & candy store too!).  It was a beautiful sunny day out too, so we just soaked it all in!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Hidden Treasures

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Blazer: Kohl’s.  Jeans: Express.  Shoes: Report.  Blue Detailed Tee: NY & Co. 

I really never get to wear my fun heels enough!  I have so many of them that I love, but they just sit in my closet wasting away   :(

My first hope in getting to wear my fashionista shoes more often is to hopefully start going out more.  I become somewhat of a hermit during the winter months, so now that it is warm again I can get out and give some much needed light to my closet-bound heels.

Another reason I don’t wear them as often as I like is that I just can’t get away with them at work because they are either inappropriate or would just be too damn uncomfortable!  On jeans days, however – I can sometimes hide a little something special underneath (as long as I’m not planning on walking a marathon that day…)!  Peek-a-boo sexy shoe!  LOL…

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Little Red Rosie…

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Black Tunic: ELLE.  Leggings: JC Penny’s.  Necklace: Thrift.  Red Rose Clip: Forever XXI.  Boots: Dolce Vita.

I wore this outfit on a thrifting day with Kasmira.  It was SOO comfortable!!  It must have been good luck too, because we found quite a few great items on our trip!

I love hair accessories (headbands, scarves, etc..), but I just never think they look very good on me (I think it’s my face shape or something…).  However – this little rose clip worked quite well and added a little color to the darker ensemble!  Hooray for trying new things!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

On a quest….. can you help?

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Yay for bare legs!  I’m still feeling “springy” and am loving the little bit of warmer weather we’ve experienced recently here in Cincinnati.

I felt a bit more overdone today than normal – tie top, stud detailing, belt, ruffle & polka dots on the shoes, etc.. it was a lot of “stuff” for me, but I decided to go with it and I ended up really liking the mix.

Black Studded Cardigan: INC.  Navy Silk Tie Top: Forever XXI.  Skirt: NY & Co.  Belt: gifted.  Shoes: Fioni.  Earrings: Macy’s.

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So yesterday is finally past and I was able to get up on the right side of the bed this morning.

It also helped to listen to “Bright Side of the Road” by Van Morrison and “Say Hey I Love You” by Michael Franti & Spearhead.  Seriously – I couldn’t help but smile and do a little jig  :)

Now my focus is to keep myself more active and busy outside of work.  That always helps me from getting overwhelmed about work and will keeps me energized and motivated overall. 

I’d like to get out and visit some of the extended Cincinnati area museums, parks, restaurants, shops, etc…

Any recommendations?  send them my way!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

My Favorite Things

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DSCF3595 Lavender / blue top: Forever XXI.   Jeans: JC Penny’s.  Earrings: Apricot Lane.  Ring: Forever XXI.  Shoes H&M.

Thank goodness I’m posting a picture from earlier this week when I was in a much happier normal mood…  I had a really really rough day today and am actually still a bit down in the dumps…

So - I’m going to do the “Sound of Music” remedy and will think of my favorite things to cheer me up.  Let’s see…

  • dark molten lava chocolate cake
  • a hot bubble bath
  • puppies to wrestle and cuddle with
  • soft breeze, warm sun and a welcoming white sandy beach
  • smells of Christmas – pine, cinnamon, apple pie
  • old sounds of Sinatra
  • classic soothing sounds of Debussy, Mozart, Chopin, & Bach
  • driving with no destination other than adventure
  • colorful fragrant tulips, lilacs, and lavender
  • food! from sinful fried chicken to decadent filet mignon
  • dancing without care to Lady Gaga & Rihanna
  • friends that have stuck through the good and bad times
  • family – the true vow to love for better or for worse 
  • looking in someone’s eyes and feeling that “spark”
  • butterflies (in the stomach & in the air!)

I actually feel a little better…   :) 

What do you do to ease the stress of the day and make yourself feel better when down in the dumps?