They always say blondes have more fun...

Blonde Hair and Bangs: The Chopping Block

Madras Jacket: Ann Taylor Loft

Cami: Old Navy

Skirt: The Limited

Belt: The Limited

Pumps: Steve Madden

I've been feeling in a rut, which I usually address with my favorite mood enhancing drug of choice -- the salon! I went in wanting change and left with it!

Most people who read this blog probably have no clue that, up until about 3 years ago, I had heavy blonde highlights (from about the time I was 12 til I was 25). I was wanting change then, went to a new colorist and we took my hair to a warm chestnut brown where it has stayed, give or take a couple shades, for the past 3 years (my natural color is an ashy brown).

Well, my hair fades horribly in the sun and I wanted a change so I decided to just go back to the blonde just for the summer months (as well as add some pixie like bangs across my forehead as opposed to side swiping them like I always have--which is making me crazy, just for the record).

Reaction has been mixed -- some of my family members have always hated my hair dark (I always loved it so I told them I didnt care!) so they were overjoyed with the return to blondeness. But some people have told me that, while change is always good, they prefer me as a brunette. I have to say, I lean towards agreeing with the latter. I just feel warmer and more "me" with chesnut hair.

Below is another picture taken the next day at Churchill Downs in natural light so you can see the color better--and see that Im already trying to shove the bangs to the side!

But that said...some of my most fun times in life have been as a blonde...so it cant be all that bad!

What do you think? Blonde or brunette?

3 season wardrobe items

I really like to buy "3-season" items for my wardrobe to maximize it -- items that can typically be worn most seasons except either the heat of summer or dead of winter. This shirt is a great example--I bought it in December off the fall clearance rack but have worn it across multiple seasons -- with black in the winter, gray in the spring and I plan to with white jeans for the summer!

I like living in an area that truly has 4 seasons because I have the chance to wear a lot of different types of clothing. I have friends who live in all cold climates or warm climates and while that would certainly simplify the wardrobe, I don't think the clothes horse in me would like it!

Polka Dot Dress Sighting

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Belt: Limited

Necklace: Just Jewelry

Pumps: Steve Madden

You all know Ally and I both have this dress and love wearing it-- it is comfortable, loose, breathable and looks great with a cardigan over top it!

Well I was at Half Price Books earlier this week and saw on the rack a new novel by Elizabeth Bevarly. She lives in Louisville and writes romance novels, a series of which are based in the city around Derby time.

As I'm looking at the cover, I thought, OMG that's my dress!! How funny is that?!?!? Everyone loves the polka dot Target dress I guess! Check it out here on Amazon.

(GASP!) Pink & Green!

Scarf: Old Navy

Floral Shirt: Old Navy

Ruffle Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Pinstripe Pants: Banana Republic Factory Outlet

Camel Pumps: Charles David

It was a chilly morning, hence the scarf. But really my only point in this post is to show that I actually got over my issues and wore pink and green together. I know you're all in shock and frankly, I can hardly believe it myself. It just looks so cute and springy so I had to.

Hopefully my lifetime membership to DG is not revoked now and my sorority sisters don't think any less of me :)

Let's Play Keep or Give Away!

Floral Skirt: The Limited

Black Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Lace Cami: Old Navy

Pumps: Pleaser

This is only the second time I've worn this skirt on the blog in almost a year. For some reason I just don't wear it that often (it was originally purchased for Easter 2008 I think it was--if not 07). However, I can't seem to part with it just in case I want to wear it one day. I'm sure you've all been there.

I think part of the struggle is that I feel "bored" with it. It's always a black top. I thought later in the day that this could also be cute with a yellow tee and denim jacket for something different.

Any other ideas? What do you think? Keep or donate to "Shop Leslie at Home"/consignment?

Easy Mixing of Black and Brown

Black Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Black Tank: Merona

Brown Cuffed Pants: Banana Republic

Black Pumps: Pleaser

Neckerchief: Stolen from my grandmother

I've seen several people mix black and brown with great style. It's a color combo that used to be "off-limits" but now looks sophisticated and chic. However, because it was taboo for so long, I've never been able to quite get comfortable with it.

I've found that for me, the easiest way to mix the colors on my own is with a touch of leopard print. It ties the colors together and makes it obvious that the combination of colors was desired and not a mistake. I think that's the key when mixing colors like black and brown; black and navy; pink and orange--that you make it clear you meant to put the two together!

What "taboo" color combo do you like to try from time to time?

Preppy Jackets and Skanky Boots

Yellow Jacket: Ann Taylor Loft

Blue Shirt: Banana Republic

Pencil Skirt: CAbi

Belt: The Limited

Boots: Maripa

I love this jacket. I don't think it's necessarily the most flattering jacket I own but I just love the trim, the preppiness and the bold color. As I've said before, I feel very "Blair Waldorf in it." :-)

I debated all day long between wearing the jacket buttoned or open. Since I alternated back and forth all day, I figured it was only fair to have pictures of both looks! Which way do you prefer? Buttoned or unbuttoned?

Rocking the tall boots and skirts for a while longer...I wear tall boots with skirts nonstop in the fall and winter. It's a favorite look of mine (I remember coming home at Christmas with tall black wedge boots and a short--well for me at least--skirt my freshman year of college...this was before tall boots had really become popular again about 10 years ago. I think my parents were scared I had gone skanky in my semester away. Then they came back into common fashion. And I was saved from skankiness) and a trend and look I really do miss in the spring and summer. So I'm going to push it just a small while longer!

Feeling a little Mardi Gras

Green Ruffle Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Purple Lace Cami: Old Navy

Wool Pants: Ann Taylor Loft

Boots: Maripa

Feel a little Mardi Gras today with the green and purple--just need some yellow to really make the outfit! I do however love mixing colors like this every once and a while. Purple and green aren't "expected" together and I think the mix of colors takes a rather plain, standard outfit to one a (bit) more exciting.

Bought a cute shirt at Old Navy on lunch...it's going to look adorable under this cardigan and really take the garmet into spring. I'm ready to start wearing spring colors again! Click here to see

Growing on me....

Wrap Top: Ann Taylor Loft

Necklace: Just Jewelry

Pencil Skirt: CAbi

Gray Tights: Old Navy

Pumps: Pleaser

Wrap tops normally arent exceptionally flattering on me but for some reason I think this one really works. Who knows? Either way, I originally bought the shirt because I don't have a great deal of yellow in my closet and nothing with the hot yellow and gray combo and it was a $10 clearance deal so an easy way to add a trend. I'm glad I did--I think it's going to get more use than I even thought it would! And with the 3/4 sleeves, I think it can go into spring and summer with white pants as well!

I'm thinking seeing the picture that I wish I had worn black tights instead of gray. The gray are a perfect color match--but I'm just not liking how choppy it makes the bottom half of the outfit look. Oh well, it's different and worth a try and man, I must say Old Navy tights are very soft, thick and comfortable. I highly recommend- they are in danger of knocking Merona off my top tights spot.

A seasonal rant

Denim Jacket: Gap

Pink Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft

Scarf: Mark

Cami: The Limited

Skinny Charcoal Pants: CAbi

Pumps: Nine West

Time for a rant here folks. I just wish the weather would be seasonably appropriate.

I like living in a place where we have 4 seasons. I get to vary my wardrobe quite a bit that way. I have winter coats and gloves and I have tank tops--and I wear them all during the course of the year. I could never live in a place with the same weather year round. I get bored too easily.

That said, I'm at my wits end with the Ohio Valley. Can we not just be seasonably appropriate and the "average" temperature? It's either wind chills below 0 or 70 degrees. Literally. There has been hardly any in between. I need normal. I need average. I need to still be in winter in February. But winter without ice. And without sub zero temperatures. Maybe like a high of 45. Yeah that would be seasonably appropriate.

Ready for warmer weather!

Pink Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft

Charcoal Pinstripe Pants: Hi Polly

Black Turtleneck: The Limited

Pumps: Pleaser

It's been so cold I haven't worn my pink sweater since I bought it because it's not long sleeved. Understandable. But I got tired of staring at it hanging in the closet and decided it was time to take the tags off and start layering. I still like the style sweater better without anything underneath, but this gets the job done. Besides pink makes everything brighter. Now if only it would get warm enough to wear my skinny gray ankle pants again...I think they would look much cuter with the shirt.

Outfit inspiration from the web

Yellow Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft

Zebra Print Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Navy Pants: CAbi (Lauren trouser)

Boots: Maripa

We're back in business--I found my camera. I'm sure you're all relived.

When I was looking at this blazer online, they had sample outfits and this was one of them (well they had jeans instead of navy pants but I made work appropriate). I never would have thought to put a zebra cardigan under this blazer but it's a different look. I always enjoy when a line gives you different outfit combinations for a garmet. CAbi is great about that as well. I need the ideas. I'm not nearly as imaginative as you people probably think I am. Usually someone in a magazine or website has forged a look first or inspired me in some way. I'm no Rachel Zoe. I don't have the vision myself usually! Oh well, imitation is the best form of flattery!

Wanted: My Camera Back

Fur Lined Puffy Vest: Ann Taylor Loft

Wrap Tee: Cabi

White Shirt: Brooks Brothers

Camel Pants: Ann Taylor

Boots (not seen): Maripa

Bad news. My camera, crappy as it is, is missing. Yeah. So you're getting a Blackbery picture today because that's all I have at the moment. And we (my co-worker and me) couldn't get a full length shot. So sorry. Hopefully I'll be able to locate the camera this evening. Because here's the deal-- either I find my camera or this blogging expedition is over. And I dont want that to be the case. But in the last 4 months, I've had to buy a new laptop (my 6 year old one literally fell apart), refridgerator/freezer (don't even get me started-- my 2.5 year old one crashed and burned and warranty is only one year) and tv (well, the tv was the only one I didn't HAVE to buy but I got such a great deal and I wanted HD). So no more electronics for me for a long while. Seriously. Need to find camera, because as old and crappy as it is, it's still better than the cell phone camera.

I walked out the door this morning to more snow! Ugh. So I layered and wore my puffy vest with a hood so I didnt have to carry an umbrella walking to the office. I know snow is precipitation just like rain, but I always feel dumb carrying an umbrella in the snow. But I feel very eskimo wearing my furry hood vest. So I went with the latter today.

Schoolgirl Chic

Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft

White Shirt: Brooks Brothers

Brown Pants: Banana Republic

Necktie Worn As Belt: Ralph Lauren

Pumps: Rampage

Prep school blazers have been all the rage in the fashion magazines-- and on Gossip Girl (and we all know how I love copying Blair Waldorf). When I saw this one on the clearance rack at Ann Taylor Loft, I immediately told Santa who obliged me with the jacket on Christmas Day. I decided to wear it in full-on prep school mode today with a basic white shirt and striped tie belt.

2 random news of note:

#1- Like many people I have multiple white shirts in my closet but non I'm really crazy about. Most of the time they are too fitted on me--I want shape but not too much. It got to the point where money was no object--I didn't care if it fit great. I went off in search of the perfect white shirt and found it with the Fitted Cut at Brooks Brothers--I highly recommend!

#2 - I thought I could get by not hemming these pants--but seeing these pictures, even though my knee is bent, I think they need to be hemmed an inch or half inch. Don't you hate it when that happens??!?!?!

Comfy New Years

Empire waist sweater: Ann Taylor Loft (after seeing this picture, I liked it even more than I already did and ordered one in fuschia since they didn't have it in the store)

Jeans: CAbi

Lace Cami: Old Navy

Necklace: Lia Sophia

Pumps: Pleaser

Low key New Years Eve for this gal. After going to work, I'm heading to the UofL game (hence the red) and then to just hang out and ring in the new year with friends. I've never been a fan of New Years so the lower key the better for me.

Countdown is on to get rid of this oh so fashionable bandage. Just makes me want to buy a great bracelet to wear on that new and improved wrist. :-) I'm trying to resist the urge!

New Outerwear Addition

Jacket: Ann Taylor Loft



Hanky Wrap Tee (not seen): CAbi



Jeans: Sundown fit from Lucky Brand Jeans



Pumps: Nine West



I've mentioned my love of outerwear numerous times before. A girl can never own too many winter coats as far as I'm concerned! However, it is bad enough that my mother adamently refuses to purchase outwear for me on principle. Thank goodness my dad doesn't!



Every year on Christmas Eve, we get special gifts picked out by Dad just for his girls. This coat was this year's Daddy present. As I gleefully opened it, my mom announced that she had nothing to do with it! Haha. I do love the coat though!



I got a new pair of Lucky Jeans shopping the day after Christmas--they were 50% off! I basically only wear my Cabi pair and my old Lucky pair but they were getting too worn out so I replaced them with these. I actually like these better--before I wore the sweet and low which is a mid rise, easy fit, flare. These are a mid rise, slim fit, bootcut which I like much better.



I am a huge fan of premium denim. I used to own close to ten pair of jeans--but didn't really love any of them. Now I own only 2 or 3--I pay more for them but they feel better, fit better, look better, etc. I have succeeded in convincing my mom and sister as well! Mom broke down a while back but Ashley held on but seeing the 50% off sale, she decided she could finally be convinced! Maybe they'll do a guest post in their new hottie jeans one day for us!

Ladylike Lace

White Shirt: Old Navy

Black Lace Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft

Pumps: Pleaser

There's nothing more ladylike and holiday-ish than lace. I've been on the lookout for a great fitting lace skirt for weeks for this exact reason--it just makes me feel festive during the holidays but is basic enough to be worn year round and dressed both up or down.

I saw this skirt several weeks ago at Ann Taylor Loft and knew the cut was perfect and would be flattering on me. The problem? I didn't want to pay full price, which was $69.

Well cyber-stalking can be a good thing--they put it on sale for 3 days only for $29.50 THEN I received a 30% off coupon code so I ended up with it for $20.65! I had to do a size exchange in the store and the cash register girl was raving over the price I got the skirt at. It pays (literally!) to be a thrifty shopper!

The best sales of the year

Floral Wrap Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft

Charcoal Cigarette Pants: CAbi

Pumps: Pleaser

Ann Taylor Loft has had by far the best sales of the season! Throughout the last month, they have continually had their already marked down sales prices an additional 40% off! What that means is that the shirt I am wearing today cost only $12!!!! I would never have bought it at full price...but for $12 its a bold print and some colors I dont normally wear and can cheaply add to the wardrobe.

Chopped off a load of hair about 4 hours after this photo was taken...wait in suspense for the next post :-)

Back to the original topic....what store's sales have you been most impressed with this holiday season?

Power suit with a feminine touch

Charcoal Pantsuit with Pink Pinstripe: Ann Taylor Loft

Fuchsia Printed Top and Scarf: CAbi

Pumps: Pleaser

I've had this suit in my closet for several years and hadn't worn it in a while...but last night I was standing in the closet for some new inspiration and saw the fuschia printed top hanging in my closet next to the jacket and was excited about wearing the suit again for the first time in years! I love the look of a classic power suit with an entirely feminine shirt. Heck, even my boss commented today that I looked "very fashion forward!"

Upon looking at the photo, I thought the scarf was hanging a little long so I looped it around my neck an extra time so it hung to about waist level instead which I liked much better.

Baby it's cold outside!

Orange Cashmere Sweater: J Crew

White Oxford: Old Navy

Brown Tweed Pants: Ann Taylor Loft

Boots: Maripa


Baby it's cold outside! These are one of my "super cold day" pair of pants. They are a soft wool tweed with flecks of ivory, blue and orange in them and a very soft lining to keep me extra warm. Add a long sleeve shirt and a cashmere sweater...and well, it gets me through the cold days!

J Crew is my ultimate favorite cashmere. I have this orange, a kelly green v-neck and a black turtleneck. Well worth the investment in my opinion! I try to get some on sale at the end of the season every year.

A girl should always be building her cashmere collection! I have quite the collection I'll tell you about in addition to the above pieces--but keep in mind it has been built over 6 years now and many pieces were Christmas gifts from family--I'm not a total glutton! I would also recommend checking out thecashmere at Lands End (you'll see my adorable lavender johnny collar one sometime soon) and the line at Kohl's (I have red and pastel lime turtlenecks). Both are cheaper than J Crew and are almost as good (the Lands End in particular is a steal for the quality and warmth you get). If you're looking for an "entry-level" price point for cashmere, Old Navy can be a good option (I have a gray crew neck tee and brown shawl sweater from their collection).

Cashmere can cost anywhere from $50 to thousands....A girl can be cheap--but for investment pieces like a classic cashmere sweater that will last for years, buy the best you can reasonably afford (end of the season sales can really help with this). The nicer the cotton, the longer it will last, less it will nubb, etc.