OOTD 9/30/2011

Today's outfit was inspired by a J Crew catalog shot...I like the denim on denim with a pop of color.  I added a shot of animal print with the sandals.  I consider animal print a neutral and imo, you can never go wrong with a little infusion of it in any outfit. 

Side note about the sandals.  My husband saw them sitting there this morning and this was the conversation:

Husband: "Why did you steal Sam's sandals?" 

Me:  "What??"

Husband:  "Sam's sandals...They've got his name written all over them."

He thinks he's so funny!  Happy Friday!

J Crew Factory Bling Button Cardi in Light Berry - Size S

Merona for Target Chambray Shirt - Size S

J Crew Matchstick Jeans - Size 27

Sam Edelman Gigi Leopard Print Sandals

Mossimo Oval Leather Belt

Katie Costello Tiger's Eye Pendant Necklace

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#30

Tip#30...Create your own lookbook

Got compliments on your outfit today?  Snap a photo of it with your phone, so you'll have a quick reminder of what to wear the next time you're in a rush.  Another great tool is polyvore.  I create "collections" of outfits that I've worn and liked.  So when I need a "sure thing", no need to stress...I can peruse my collections and choose an outfit that has already proven itself.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

OOTD 9/29/2011

I haven't worn the dotsalota cami in a while, so today's outfit was built around it.  If you missed out on the dotsalota, J Crew is currently offering the Natasha top in polka dots which looks very similar.  I added classic black pants and a light gray cardi with red shoes for a pop of color. 

Today is the first time I've worn the dream cardigan and no pilling so far.  (fingers crossed)  Hopefully, they've improved upon their dream yarn from past seasons because this sweater comes in a ton of great colors and has these fantastic little tortoise buttons.

My shoes, I was lucky enough to pick up from another JCA and they are divine!  Considering the height, they're actually pretty comfy.

J Crew Dotsalota Chiffon Cami - Size 4

J Crew Dream Cardigan in Heather Dusk - Size S

J Crew City-Fit Wool Bistro Pants in Black - Size 4

J Crew Mary-Jane Patent Heels in Poppy Red

J Crew Crystal Angel Pendant Necklace

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#29

Tip#29...Cashmere tid-bits

• The thicker the knit, the denser its gauge, which means there is more cashmere in it.
• Gently stretch the body of the sweater to test if it snaps back.  A lower-quality cashmere won't.
• While some great cashmere is milled in the US and China, a label that says, "Made in Scotland" or "Made in Italy" often indicates a superior weave.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

OOTD 9/28/2011

Today is the inaugural wearing of the timber tweed for the fall season!  Yay!  You can't tell from the photo but the tweed has various shades of gray and brown with a metallic copper thread running through it; therefore, making it a nice match with the peachy-colored tank.  I like the slightly shorter length of this skirt too...right at/just above the knee on my 5' 5 1/2" frame.  All in all, today's outfit turned out really well.  Hope everyone has a "tweedy" day!  

J Crew Vintage Canvas Bow Tank in Light Ginger - Size XS

J Crew Timber Tweed Pencil Skirt - Size 6

Ann Taylor Loft V-Neck Cardi in Brown Melange - Size S

Anthropologie Wishbone Wedges

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#28

Tip#28...Can you say d'orsay

This style pump will always slim down a thick ankle because the vamp is cut close to the toe box and the sides are cut away...Super-flattering.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

Wearing 9/27/2011

Another day of rain showers, another pony tail and red shoes.  In the words of Bill Blass, "When in doubt, wear red."  I've worn this outfit before, though I don't think I posted an irl photo.  Nevertheless, I was pleased enough with the outcome the first time, it was worth repeating.  We had some nice cool weather last week and I was so enjoying the "fall dressing."  The temps have inched back up and now I just can't seem to wrap my mind around dressing for summer.  My heart's not in it.  According to our weather person, it will be short lived...the cool days and even chillier nights should be back this weekend.  Woo hoo...More sweaters and jackets!

J Crew Tartine Cardi in Mushroom - Size S

J Crew Chiffon Graphic Rose Tee - Size M

J Crew Eyelet Pencil Skirt in Dark Charcoal - Size 6

Steve Madden Red Patent Wedges

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#27

Tip#27...Dress for your body, not your age

If your arms are svelte enough for a sleeveless dress or your legs are toned enough for shorts, show off what you've got, while you've still got it.  However, be mindful of the matronly tipping point when that item that looked so cute on you at 25 can begin to look frumpy at 40.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#26

Tip#26....Comfy doesn't mean frumpy

You want to be comfy but also chic.  A sharp blazer and scarf paired with a lightweight sweater is a great way to look pulled together and still maintain the comfort factor.  Top it off with jeans and add flats, heels or boots.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#25

Tip#25....Get Studs

Fake or real, big or small, they will go with any color, fabric or style.  Another benefit, they never compete with other jewelry.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

Wearing 9/24/2011

I had to run some boring errands this morning (grocery store, etc) and also go by the vet to pick up my parent's dog.  They are out of town and the animal hospital didn't have room for her tonight.  So, we'll just add her to our "pack" for the night.  

This outfit is pretty basic but still looks pulled together while maintaining the comfy factor for running around.  I'm trying to revisit some of my old favorites, so today I pulled out my factory version of the piped and twisted cardigan.  I added a white tee and matchstick jeans with my beloved Deseree sandals.  Side note:  Does anyone else find that these jeans don't fit as stated.  The description reads...slim through the hip and thigh, with a straight narrow leg.  I love them and I wear them a lot, but on me I think they almost have an ever-so-slight boyfriend fit.  Definitely not slim.  It's probably just me, as I have no hips or bum to speak of and rather skinny legs.  Most of my weight is in my midsection.  Anyway, hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday!      

J Crew Factory Piped and Twisted Cardigan in Navy/White - Size S

Merona for Target Tee in White - Size S

J Crew Matchstick Jeans - Size 27

Mossimo Brown Leather Belt

J Crew Deseree Leather Sandals

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#24

Tip#24....If you have a limited budget, spend it on accessories

Great shoes and interesting jewelry can really elevate your look.  Taking a staple tee or jeans from satisfactory to exceptional.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

Wearing 9/23/2011

I just wasn't feeling it today...its been raining for three days and I *need* to see the sun.  Today we're having torrential downpours and flash flood warnings.  So, I just threw on my doggie tee, some cords and a cardi.  Oh, and a touch of animal print with the tortoise shoes.  I think tonight seems like a good night to go home and curl up with a good book and a cute dog. (or two)  :o)

J Crew Doggie Tee (Fall 2009) - Size M

Ann Taylor Loft V-neck Cardi in Black (Fall 2010) - Size S

J Crew Vintage Matchstick Cord in Glazed Hazelnut - Size 28

J Crew Tortoise Patent Ballet Flats

J Crew Dainty Bead Layering Necklace

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#23

Tip#23....Recast your jewelry

Bring new life to an old brooch by looping a chain through the clasp...voila, a new necklace. Or wrap chains around your wrist for an elegant bracelet.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

Wearing 9/22/2011

Another "fall-looking" outfit today...this one includes my staple chambray shirt (if you don't have one, you need one) and the beautifully colored cinnamon spice dream cardigan from Holiday '09.  Cinnamon spice is the perfect burnt orange color. (and besides that, I like the name.  :o))  I added black capri pants and a little touch of leopard with the shoes.  Hope everyone has a fabulous day!

J Crew Dream Cardigan in Cinnamon Spice - Size S

Merona for Target Blue Chambray Shirt - Size S

J Crew Cafe Capri in Black - Size 4

Liz Claiborne Calf-Hair Sling-backs

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#22

Tip#22....Add an element of surprise

Whether it's grosgrain with sequins, a motorcycle jacket over a formal gown, or an oversize choker with an easy white T, a touch of contrast makes good outfits great.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

Wearing 9/21/2011

How do you combat a rainy day and more work than one person can possibly accomplish in one day???

Polka-dots and red shoes, of course!  Today, I wore one of my favorite skirts, the Domino Jacquard  Pencil Skirt.  After many concentrated hours of ebay stalking, I was lucky enough to find it in my size...Woohoo!  Add to the dots some red patent shoes for a pop of color and you have the perfect remedy for a dreary day.  

J Crew Jackie Cardi in Black - Size M

Ann Taylor Loft Short Sleeve Turtleneck in Black - Size XS

J Crew Domino Jacquard Pencil Skirt - Size 6

Steve Madden Red Patent Wedges

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#21

Tip#21....Don't skimp on a T-shirt bra

The right one will give you confidence and shape under those unforgiving tissue T's.  I'm on the hunt for a great bra, so if you have one you've tried and love it, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

Wearing 9/20/2011

Hip-hip-hooray for cooler weather!  Fall is my absolute favorite time of year.....cozy sweaters, tweedy jackets, and rich colored cords!  Warms a girl's heart!  I had my first wearing of the black wool bella this past weekend and today my new prince of wales blazer which screams fall....Life is good!  :o)

J Crew Factory Prince of Wales Schoolboy Blazer - Size 4

J Crew Long-Sleeved Tissue Tee in Navy - Size S

J Crew Bootcut Cords in Acorn - Size 6

Mossimo for Target Oval Buckle Leather Belt in Brown - Size M

J Crew  Factory Tortoise and Fireball Necklace

J Crew Juliet Tortoise Patent Heels

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#20

Tip#20....Look for twists on classic pieces

The right tweak can turn a staple into a statement.  Try tuxedo pants in a graphic print, a trench in silk, or the classic LL Bean tote in camouflage.

J Crew Cropped Plaid Tuxedo Pants $128

Philip Lim Silk Trench Coat $950

LL Bean Camo Tote $19












Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#19

Tip#19....Make friends with a good tailor

Nothing raises the quality of moderately priced clothes more than having them altered to suit your shape.  It's amazing what a little nip here and there can do.  Oh, how I wish I could find a good seamstress, but unfortunately my search continues.  So, for you girls out there who already have a relationship with one, count yourself lucky!

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#18

Tip#18....Go beyond the blazer

You should already have your go-to tailored jacket.  But a wardrobe of less formal toppers will help you look pulled together even on casual days.  Try a leather jacket with wool trousers, a jean jacket over a silk shirt, or an army jacket over just about anything.

J Crew Lambskin Lumini Jacket  $595

J Crew Nolita Jacket  $98

Madewell Fielder Jacket  $168










Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

30 Fashion Tips in 30 Days - Tip#17

Tip#17....Don't buy a "Bargain" if you don't love it

Be dubious of that voice that tells you that you've got to buy because it's "only" $29 or that if you don't scoop it up now, you'll never find it again.  Oh, boy, how many times have these thoughts run through my mind?!  This is a definite area for improvement for me.

Borrowed in part from, Instyle Makeover Magazine's article, "50 Best Fashion Tips Of All Time."

Get the Look: Marissa Webb

When I first layed eyes on the outfit sported by Marissa Webb, J Crew's head of womenswear, in the post, "Behind the Seams" on J Crew Aficionada, I was in love!  However, I believe the sweater she is wearing is Michael Kors and I don't have $1,200 to drop on a sweater.  So, imagine my surprise when "kittywitty" one of my polyvore buddies, posted a set with a perfect and cost efficient alternative from Old Navy. 

This is a great little sweater at a great price point...$32.94.  It's medium-light weight with three-quarter length sleeves and nice saturated color. (Beautiful bright cobalt blue and black)  If you purchase/order, I would suggest sizing up...I am typically a small in J Crew sweaters but went with a medium in this one.  It has a nice fitted silhouette without being too tight. 

In order to achieve the Marissa Webb look, I added my check shirt underneath and layered my necklaces in the same fashion.  I thought it turned out really cute!  However, I did have one co-worker give me a side-ways glance and say, "Stripes with checks, I would never wear that."  So, I don't know if I missed the mark or if its just too fashion forward for this group.  Nevertheless, I LIKE it!  :o)