Foray into colored tights -- Leslie

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi

Black Pencil Skirt: The Limited

Scarf: Mark

Plum Tights: Merona

Pumps: Type A

Decided to channel my inner Gossip Girl and try out wearing colored tights today--and it was quite fun! In fact I liked it so much I ordered some red tights as well (contrary to what some people think--you know who you are-- I think they could be cute, especially around the holidays! :-) ). They received good comments for the most part! One co-worker said this morning she didn't like them--but they had grown on her by the end of the day and this evening I had 3 different people stop and ask me where I got them while I was standing in a lobby chatting in the evening. Funness! However, I will say I had read that if you're going to wear colored tights you have to walk with confidence which I made a habit to do all day (I try to every day but today even more so than normal)-- because they were noticed and statement making! If I was nervous about wearing them (and no doubt, I was--there is a fine line between trendy and chic and teenage 80s flashback as we all know), I couldn't show it. And I didn't. I think so much of fashion is like that--if you are confident and believe in what you have on, others start to believe as well no matter what their original instinct.

3 random pieces of note on this picture:
1. There is evidently a water spot on my camera lens. There is NOT a white round spot on the center of my skirt
2. This is my favorite ultra flattering wrap tee. However, I hate that my scarf fell to the side the way it did in the pic on the left because you can't see any of the ruching and waist definition it gives like you could the other time I wore it. I'll fix it for the next wearing so you can see-- it's a great shirt and I'm going to be getting it in teal as well I like the fit so much (and the fact that it's the only wrap top I don't have to pin to keep from flashing everyone).
3. I got this mop of hair cut at lunch--it had gotten so long for me! It's only been 7 weeks but my hair grows fast, plus with short hair, 7 weeks is an eternity between cuts!

Last but not least, my inspiration for red tights....Miss Blair Waldorf. Blair inspired me to wear feathers earlier this season. I just try not to think about the fact that they play high schoolers on tv and I'm about a decade past that. Seriously, what high schooler dresses like that?!?!?!

Preppy Plaid

White tie-neck shirt: The Limited

Deep V Short Sleeve Cable Knit: NY and Co

Plaid Jacket: CAbi

Black Pants: Harold's

Red Pumps: Pleaser

Baby, it's cold outside! However, I'm not quite ready to pull out the winter coat just yet so I've been opting for layers instead. This jacket is double breasted and looks cute open or buttoned up and belted--I decided today to just leave it open and wear a tie neck shirt and deep v sweater for a different touch. I have a feeling this jacket will get lots of wear to UofL games this fall and winter!

Picture is a little fuzzy today. No clue why but normally I take a few shots in the morning in case something is wrong with one of the others--however, this morning, I took only a single photo so of course it's fuzzy with my luck! However, I think you can still see the general look.

Ode to CAbi

Little Black Jacket: CAbi Fall 08

Premiere Blouse: CAbi Fall 08

Charcoal Cigarette Pants: CAbi Fall 08

Platform Pumps: Type A

I really try to not wear the same brand of clothing head to toe. It just seems so cliche to me but sometimes it just happens without you realizing it. Today was one of those days. I walked out the door, looked down and realized I was in the new fall CAbi collection head to toe. I guess that's what I like about it -- it mixes and matches pretty effortlessly because I didn't buy any of these items imagining them together!

It's funny how much a tie can completely change the look of a shirt. I thought it was pretty "conservative business woman" last week with the black trousers, tucked in and tied in a bow. I think the look is much edgier untucked with the loop to the side and skinny pants. A look for every occasion.

Cheap Cashmere

Stylelist reported earlier this week that cashmere is no longer in demand--a sign of the troubled economy no doubt.

I love cashmere. The way I see it, if you're going to have to trapse through the snow and frigid cold to work in the winter, you may as well have the warmest, softest sweater on. I've built up a decent collection over the years--after all if you care for it well and use a sweater comb to keep it looking fresh, cashmere can last forever.

However, the economy is getting in the way of cashmere love. Which is why I feel the need to let you all know that this week when I was at Kohl's they had cashmere on sale!!!! There were solid color cardigans and some argyle as well. I think they were all around $60 each-- a bargain for cashmere. I have a couple Kohl's cashmere sweaters from a few years ago and honestly, as I like them just as well as some of the cashmere I have at twice that price.

Get thee to Kohl's for warm, snuggly cashmere!

The weather changed the look....

Wrap Dress: CAbi

Belt: Limited

Boots: Random Rack Room Shoes brand

Necklace: Gift from Jamie

Red Cord Bomber Jacket: Mossimo

Got dressed this morning, took my picture and realized how cold it was so threw on my favorite fall jacket (get ready - I wear it a lot with different items! I've had it a couple years now and still have not tired of it). I was so cold I actually ended up keeping the jacket on all day so I decided I needed another picture of what ended up being the actual outfit so I took one with the jacket when I got home from work. (I must say the hair and makeup held up well this particular day-- these pictures were 11 hours apart--I also look far more awake at the end of the day than I do at the beginning!!)

--And I guess if you didn't already know, like Ally I many times post a day late...Hopefully this isn't a huge breach of blogger trust or anything....

On the search for a new red belt

Blazer: CAbi

Chino Skirt: J Crew

Black Lace Cami: Old Navy

Red Patent Belt: The Limited

Burgundy necklace: Gift from Jamie

Tall Black Boots: Some random Rack Room Shoes brand

This look is really a more "fall" version of my Corporate Casual look several weeks ago.

I love this red patent belt-- it's the perfect width and color. However, after about 3 years of much love, it's coming apart. I have already super glued back together once but it's falling apart again and looking pretty run down. Has anyone else seen anyone selling a plain, red patent belt about 2 inches wide? Help me replenish my wardrobe!

How much is too much?

Red Cardigan: The Limited

Zebra Scarf: ? Not sure of brand, bought at small boutique in town

Studded Belt: Target

Charcoal Cigarette Pants: CAbi

Pumps: BGBGirls

It's starting to feel brisk outside in the mornings. I don't mind because I do love wearing scarves and making them part of the outfit as opposed to part of the commute. Plus I usually actually stay warm in the office that way!

However, there have been mixed opinions thus far that the studded belt AND the zebra scarf together are too much. What do you think? Do you like the studded belt or should I have worn a solid black belt?

Classic start to the week

White Oxford: Banana Republic

Tweed Pencil Skirt: CAbi

Chunky Red Necklace: Just Jewelry

Red Patent Pumps: Pleaser

Went for a classic look today with the tweed, red, black and white.

Classic never really feels "exciting" but it does always feel chic and polished.

A reader winner!

I just received a note on facebook that one of our readers, Keisha from Houston (that I happened to go to high school with) was one of the winners on HandbagPlanet.com's giveaway earlier this week!! Keisha won the adorable fuschia bag with the bow. Keisha, take a picture of yourself with your new bag when you receive and we'll post it!

But another funny HandbagPlanet story....my younger sister decided to enter and at the end you probably saw where you could enter your email and send the invite to people in your address book. Well, Ashley didn't uncheck everyone....so the next thing she knows, it says she sent 82 invites...which meant she had sent to co-workers, bosses, former professors, etc. So Ash had to send an email (particularly to her professors!!) saying "Please disregard the email from me regarding HandbagPlanet." Hahahaha! However, one of the women wrote back and said "Well thanks for letting me know it was an accident...but I've already entered for one as well!!!" I've about done that so many times. So embarrassing. And she didn't even win a bag for her embarrassment! Thanks for the laugh, Ash.

Flapper Fun!!

White Oxford: Old Navy

Flapper Dress: CAbi

Houndstooth Heels: Chinese Laundry

Sometimes a picture doesn't do a garment justice. This dress is one of those times.

You can't see because it's black but the dress is darling- it's empire waist and is a "flapper"- it literally has car wash type flaps that are loose coming down from the empire waist, with a black sheath underneath the flaps. I tried to take some "action shots", twirling so you could see the flaps swirling around but I was told I basically looked like a moron in the best of the shots so you get no action shot. You'll have to use your imagination. But it is great fun to wear because the flaps swirl out around you as you walk. It's definitely different and a statement piece that stands out in the crowd-- I received a ton of comments on it today.

It may be my favorite purchase of the CAbi fall season (excluding the black wrap tee that makes me want to email Carol Anderson and beg for more color options) because it can be dressed for work like this but can also be worn as a cocktail dress for dressier type events. It was also suggested that it could be cute with some magenta tights. What do you think? I'm also thinking I can wear with my fuschia tie neck top sans tie underneath or with a great blazer over top and belted....I'm also thinking a skinny belt could be worn at the empire waist line to give some additional color and definition....lots of possibilities....I can't wait to try them all!!

A bold blouse -- Leslie

Tie neck blouse: CAbi

Black cami: The Limited

Black pants: Harold's

Black pumps: BCBG Girls

I was told this shirt looks neon in the photo. Trust me, it's not in person- it's a bold fuschia but most definitely not neon. And Ive had these pants for a couple years but they didn't fit last season. And I tried them on the other night and they fit perfect! How exciting is it when that happens?!?!?!

The tie on this blouse is totally removable which means I can't wait to play around with it and wear it different ways both with this shirt and with totally different garments. I did a euro loop with it as well and it looked adorable looped to the side. It's like a shirt and an accessory - for the price of one!

Jeans Day- and a rant

Dot Cardigan: The Limited

Black Cami: Old Navy

Red Patent Belt: The Limited

Trouser Jeans: Gap

Black Peep Toe Pumps: Steve Madden

I love jeans days at work. I think we should have them every day. I am always so happy and comfortable that I really am quite productive! That also probably has something to do with the fact that I can't wear jeans if I have meetings so jeans days usually end up totally 100% at my desk and not interrupted 20,000 times which also leads to an increase in productivity. Being the obsessive list maker that I am, nothing makes me happier than to complete projects and mark items off the to-do list!

Speaking of jeans days, I feel like I should say something about appropriate jeans wear at work. Here's a hint to some people- it's not with a t-shirt and sneakers. As a young professional who has entered her career in the time of "business casual," I have no problem with wearing jeans to work on a casual day -- but if you are in an office environment, I think you should always have on heels or nice flats or loafers and a nice jacket, button down or cardigan. Wearing jeans does not give you an excuse to be sloppy. You must still look work appropriate and tailored.

Clothes don't earn you a job or reflect your ability- but appropriate dress does earn you respect and a good first impression. Tshirts and sneakers do not give a positive one.

Whew. I feel better.

And so it begins...

Black Tee: Banana Republic

Bronze Jacket: CAbi

Charcoal Cigarette Pants: CAbi

Scarf: Mark

Peep Toe Pumps: Steve Madden

And so it begins again...another work week. However this is a 4 day week for me so I am VERY happy about that!

Last time I wore this coat, I commented that I wished I had it on with straighter leg pants. I took my thoughts to heart this morning and paired the wide, flouncy jacket with my skinny pants. I much prefer the look.

The scarf was a last minute addition bolt of color--and what garnered the most compliments! Isn't that how it always is- the piece you put in the least amount of thought on is the biggest hit!

My favorite fall pants

Orange Chinos: J Crew

White Button Down: The Limited

Scarf As Belt: NY and Company

Pumps: Rampage

We all have those items in our closet that are simply all time favorites. The ones that luckily seem to always fit no matter what your weight fluctuation and never seem to go out of style.

These orange chinos are one of mine. They were discovered 5 years ago (I think--it's been a while I know!) while at the J Crew outlet in Hilton Head. I love them so much that if I could find another pair that fit like these, I would buy in some other fun colors and just plain khaki as well. But I can't find this fit anymore. It says it's the "Favorite Fit" but I've tried those on and they just don't fit the same. Or maybe these have just formed to me over the years. Who knows.

They are just so truly fall--the orange is bold and I personally believe, as a result, pretty seasonal (it's too bad I'm not a UT fan!). Since I only have a few months of quality time with them, I wear them to work and out on the weekends both. The above is more of a "work" option (still for a pretty casual day) while on the weekends I wear with a white long sleeve tee, wedge loafers and a brown and white striped belt most commonly.

Do you have favorite "seasonal" garments that stand the test of time?

An Outfit Optical Illusion

White Lace Cami (best camis ever!): Old Navy

Red Cable Knit Sweater: NY and Co

Scarf: Mossimo

Charcoal Pencil Skirt: Express

Wide Patent Stretch Belt: The Limited

Giraffe Print Pumps: Nine West

Spent far too long this morning debating whether to wear this outfit with or without the belt. So I did what I normally do when I'm in doubt- I wear it to work and then make the ladies in the office decide which way it looks best. I tell them helping me get dressed every day has to be the best part of the job :-)

I feel like some outfits are optical illusions. They look great from the front. But not so good from the side. Although my co-workers swore that I was wrong, I felt that way wearing this outfit. I was feeling pretty cute and confident and then as I was walking down the street, I did a quick side reflection check in the windows of a building (What? Like you don't do the same thing...) and realized it wasn't nearly as cute/flattering from the side. So I decided I would walk sideways and only face forward to people the rest of the day. I'm all about rational, realistic solutions to fashion issues that arise.

What to do, what to do?

Pencil Skirt, Turtleneck Sweater and Rodeo Belt: CAbi

Leopard Print Pumps: Nine West

What do you wear when it's October and 85 degrees outside? I want to feel seasonably appropriate but it's sure hard when it's that warm. At least it wasn't humid. And a shortsleeve turtleneck sweater seemed perfect!

I have this exact skirt in black and white tweed too...and I've been debating whether I need to shorten it about an inch. It currently ends at the bottom of my kneecap. I wear the skirts frequently with tall boots in the winter and I read this weekend that when wearing tall boots with a pencil skirt, you should show a bit of a break between the skirt and boot for the maximum slimming effect. However, they also say the slimmest part of your leg is at the bottom of your kneecap so it's good to have skirts end there. So what are your thoughts??? (And no, buying new boots is not an option!) Hem or no hem?

Skinny Pants?!?!?!?

Charcoal Cigarette Pants: CAbi

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi

Scarf: The Limited

Yellow Pumps: Nine West

Skinny pants are pretty scary. Wide leg and flare pants have been the norm for so long (since I was in middle school!!) that seeing anything with a tapered leg makes me squirm. However, skinny pants are becoming popular again, so I decided if I could find a flattering pair, I would try it out!

I tried on several pairs (one of which, a pair of jeans, our friend Kim declared "very unfortunate" on me) and finally came across a pair that when I walked out, everyone in the room said "Now those work on you!" They're fun to wear- just so different than every other pair of pants I own. I'm looking forward to incorporating them with a lot of outfits this fall and winter. I think the key is you have to be willing to wear heels to look decent in a skinny pants. And you all know that is no problem for me.

And may I just say how much I adore this shirt? It's a wrap tee and the wrap and ruching is ultra-flattering. But the best part is that it has some stretch to hold it in place at the chest level. This means it truly forms to the body and is the first wrap shirt I've ever owned that does not have to be pinned to keep me from flashing everyone. I love it. I would buy in every color if they offered it. They don't- but they do offer in teal so I'm going to grab that as well.

Basic black and flashes of color

Black Pinstripe Pants: Harold's

Black Chunky Knit Cardigan: The Limited

Aqua Tee: Old Navy

Scarf: Mark

Pumps: BCBGirls

Multi-looped chrome earrings: NY and Co (my current favorites!)

I bought this cardigan back in June-- it was actually a summer item with the short sleeves but I thought it could be great as a fall layering piece and could be truly multi-seasonal (I've gotten to the point that I rarely purchase items that can't work for 3 seasons of the year--seems like a waste of money otherwise...) For some reason, I've rarely layered short sleeves over long sleeves in the past and I decided I was going to do more of it this year. This bright colored tee and scarf seemed a great place to start!

This poor scarf is going to be dingy and worn out by the end of the season, I've been giving it so much love. It just has so many colors in it so it goes with everything and allows me to incorporate other colors I hadn't previously into the outfit in an easy, effortless way. Seems to me like that's the description of a great accessory!

Corporate Casual -- Leslie

Blazer (with leopard print lining): CAbi

Tank: Limited

Denim Pencil Skirt: Gap

Red Patent Belt: Limited

Peep Toe Pumps: Steve Madden

We occasionally are allowed to wear denim on special days to work. However, because of working in Communications and the nature of my job, I have to always be ready to head to the hospital in a moment's notice and denim is most definitely not acceptable. Therefore, on these days, I try to dress in such a way that all I have to toss in my tote is a dress skirt or pants-- my top, jacket and heels will work with jeans or the dressier back up. (Today's back up was a khaki colored pencil skirt just for your curiosity).

I really like this jacket--it's a black wool pinstripe but has the something extra with the leopard print lining--in fact, if I was a popped collar kinda gal (love the look but just doesn't seem to work with the length of my hair), you would see a red, paisley print under the collar.

It was pretty brisk outside this morning...I'm wondering just how much longer I'm going to be able to go to work with bare legs...I like tights and all but I'm going to miss bare legs--I think bare legs are just more flattering than stocking covered legs. In addition, it's my own personal hang-up, but I have real issues with wearing tights with peep toe shoes so the other sad thing is that my shoe options will soon be dwindling. Watch for lots of cute ones in the next couple weeks while I still can!

More fall colors...

Dress: Mossimo

Fall Colors Scarf: NY and Co

Brown Patent Pumps: Chinese Laundry

What is it about this dress that photographs pinkish? I promise you it's very red in person so my scarf with the brown, orange and deep reds does not clash. I also have the scarf even around the waist despite the fact that it looks like it's going up in the picture. I think I was holding my hips weird in this picture. Whatever.

It's amazing what a difference a new "belt" can make-- it completely changes the look of the dress and I always receive a ton of compliments when I wear a wrap dress with a different belt.

Thanks again to Ally (and Sara Blakely....) who gave me this dress (and made it wearable). It's super comfy and I'm loving finding some new ways to wear it.