In search of a new statement belt

Skirt: J Crew

Pumps: Diba at Meijer

I'm in search of another statement belt.

Before I bought this belt with the large rodeo clip, I had never spent more than $20 on a belt or similar type accessory. Just seemed to be extravagant--and it's just a belt, right? But after purchasing this one, I'm a firm believer that sometimes, it can be worth it. Every time I wear this belt, whether it's with jeans or a skirt or anything, it completely changes the entire look of the outfit.

There's one I have my eye on that is a black belt with a gold crown buckle...that could be fun. But what I love about this one are all the colors in the buckle that I can bring out.

As much as I love this piece, I'm ready for a new statement belt. Anyone have any great places they love to shop for fun belts?

Will they make it?

Khaki Pencil Skirt: J Crew

Leopard Print Peep Toe Pumps: Nine West via Marshalls

My leopard print pumps may be forced to make their way into mush and grime for a media story from flooding this afternoon. No other spare shoes on site to change into. Peep toe means grime not only ruins shoes but hits bare feet. This could be bad folks. Update coming on whether the leopard pumps survived in my next post. Cross your fingers for them--and my feet!

You can't stop the beat!

Tunic: On clearance at a store in Hilton Head

Leggings: Can't tell you

New platform peep toe's (after my Steve Madden's died): Nine West

Went to see "Hairspray" at Music Theatre Louisville recently. My mom, sister, friend and her mom all went and we had a great time! What was perhaps the most fun was that my hairdresser Jill was in the performance playing Velma! She was awesome--multi-talented I tell you!

This tunic and leggings just seemed appropriate for a fun show like "Hairspray." I'm still bouncing around singing "You can't stop the beat!"

Pick-me-up bright colors!

Cardigan and Pants: A clothing label I'm not allowed to mention (per the label's request, so sorry, readers -- you'll have to take your best guess as to who I'm wearing for those 2 garments!)

Shirt: The Limited

Floral Shoes: Target


After a VERY long couple weeks at work, I decided I needed a pick me up. And I find it hard to not be happy when you are wearing fuchsia and lime green! The summer months are supposed to be less stressful with people on vacations but I tell you what, it has been anything BUT so for me! So alas, I used clothing as a mood enhancer -- again!

What is your favorite wardrobe pick-me-up? Is it a color or style? Or something totally different?

Wardrobe replacement stress

I dont care that it's the heat of summer. My office is cold so I put on my favorite long sleeve wrap tee today and felt blissfully comfortable! While I have a short sleeve version in white and lime, they just arent the same as the long sleeve and how utterly comfy and warm I feel in them. I cant wait to grab the new dark fall colors this fall at my favorite home clothing party!

You know those items in your closet that you begin to stress out about them wearing out because you don't know how you'll survive without them? (Well, I do this but I stress out about a lot of "what if's" in life and my closet is no exception!) This tee is one of those as well as this J Crew khaki pencil skirt. I bought the skirt a few years ago when I needed a tan color skirt for an event (it was that or shorts and you all know how often you see me in shorts --other than cotton workout shorts, I own one pair -- and I just got those on vacation!) so I just grabbed the skirt for the event with no long-term plans. It quickly turned into a 3-season wardrobe staple. It fits great and goes with everything. When I dropped grease on it a couple months ago, I stood at the sink scrubbing for several minutes -- because there was no way I was going to lose this skirt! I think it has another year in it if I'm lucky -- It's starting to feel worn -- so Im on the lookout already for a replacement!

What item in your closet are you already worrying about having to try to replace one day?

Professional in Pink

I always feel a bit like Elle Woods when I wear this jacket.

That's ok though because Elle Woods kicked butt.

That's all.

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.

It's like working in pajamas!

I've mentioned the fact that hostesses have the first-dibs opportunity to buy items off the sample rack at the end of every season. I've always bought straight traditional "work" clothes or for the most part so had never tried any of the knit wear, but when I saw in my size a week ago, decided to give it a try. I know a few people who love it (they usually have a similar style, different design each spring) so figured it was worth a shot.

Let's just say I'm in love and have worn 3 out of the first 5 days I had--to a casual dinner one night, running errands another day and to work another! It's quite literally like sitting in PJs it's so loose and comfortable--doesn't wrinkle but looks cuter than ratty sweats. But what I am also loving is the fact that I can put on heels and it's work appropriate for a "desk-day" at the office!

Yea for comfort -- and a great vacation outfit for sure- it's my "travel outfit" for being in the car for 12 hours straight -- the sleeves will keep me warm but if I get too warm there is a tank underneath and I can slip on flip flops and be perfectly content!

It doesnt get much more comfortable than this

Mesh Top: CAbi (Spring 2008)

Stretchy Skirt: Chicos (stolen from my mom's "giveaway" pile)

Shoes: Steve Madden

Desk day means comfort is key. It doesnt get any better than this--a mesh top and a skirt so stretchy and soft it can literally be wadded up and worn. I typically don't wear long skirts being shorter and since my legs overall are one body part I don't mind highlighting but when they are this comfy, I'll make an exception!

Welcoming the late 20's

Trench: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Scarf: The Limited

Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Crop Pants: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Peep Toe Pumps: Steve Madden

Am I the only one that always gives a little extra thought to what I wear on my birthday? It's the one day of the year that's all about you so of course I want to look my best. Plus everyone starts asking how old you are so you want to make sure your outfit conveys that, while you may be a year older, your clothes aren't!

I'm officially welcoming my late 20's by pairing together some of my favorite items in my closet-- a fun neckerchief, bright lime, a wrap tee, black pants and the highest heels I own!

No big plans...grabbing dinner with some friends and family this weekend.
Next week is night racing at Churchill Downs so I am going out with some friends that evening for a late celebration. Maybe I'll have better luck than the last time I was at the track!

I've gotta leave this town....

White Denim Jacket: Gap Outlet

Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Crop Pants: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Peep Toe Heels: Steve Madden

Is it the weekend yet? It's really not even the week that is making me ask. I'm just so ready to leave this town and go on vacation! The countdown for the yearly treck to Hilton Head has begun. Beach...pool....8-calorie ice cream every single night...real fried shrimp....sleep....fresh air....maybe not looking goth white anymore....Pool Bar Jim...outlet malls...did I mention 8-calorie ice cream every night...vacation....

I can't wait....and apologize in advance for all my pre-vacation whining until the time comes to leave. I just get so ready to go that I can't think of anything else!

May flowers? Yeah right

Jacket: CAbi (Spring 2008)

Cami: Old Navy

Pindot Pants: The Limited

Leopard Peep Toe Pumps: Nine West via Marshalls

I'm seriously so tired of rain. Had this cute outfit picked out to wear and wake up to thunderstorms. And I don't wear breezy skirts in the rain for obvious reasons so I just grabbed pants and a jacket to get through the day. The leopard pumps made my "boring" outfit feel less boring though.

Isn't the phrase "April showers bring May flowers?" Well, I don't see any flowers and I'm seriously tired of MAY SHOWERS!

More Item Stalking

Pindot Pants: The Limited

Ruffle Tee: The Limited

Knit Jacket: CAbi (Fall 2008)

Peep Toe Pumps: Diba/Meijer

I've been known to stalk items of clothing I like but refuse to pay full price for. As in checking the internet daily for them. Saw these pants at the Limited a few weeks ago during my personal invite visit referenced earlier and really wanted them. They are a summer version of the black and white tweed I wear all the time but I refused to pay full price. Imagine how happy I was when they went on sale a couple weeks later! And home they came to live with me!

Leslie's wearing of the traveling scarf!

Gray Pinstripe Jacket and Pants: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Yellow-Green Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Scarf: Kimberly's traveling scarf

Shoes: Diba

When I received Kimberly's traveling scarf in the mail, I had planned to wear with this new wrap tee (same as my beloved black and teal versions--just short sleeved), jeans and heels. However, getting dressed for a day of meetings at work, I had the sudden thought that the bright tee and scarf would take my suit from conservative to bold business attire. Red shoes pulled the entire look together!

I've always been a fan of cute scarves tied around the neck. In fact, looking back at pictures from a trip to NY my senior year of high school, I had a cute scarf tied around my neck then---and needless to say, I was the only 17-year old who rocked out that look! People who know my personality I think would say that the look is just very "me" -- and I agree!

Monday Funday -- Ally

I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was relaxing and well-deserved.

Dress: NY&Co.

Cardi: Target

Lace cami: Old Navy

Tights: Target

Shoes: Gabriella Rocha via Zappos outlet

Fancy Jasper Necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout








I had a belt on with this earlier in the day, but it had to come off because it just wasn't working. Life's too short for feeling all bound and uncomfortable. Well, unless it's really cute shoes :)

The tank is purple and is a nice contrast to the green dress and is one of the colors in the shoes. I wore a teal scarf with this too but it didn't make it in the picture.

Of all my shoes, these are Al's favorite. They're very Indian-inspired and while they're colorful, I have a hard time matching them to an outfit.

I picked these up at the Zappos outlet several years ago for $10. The exterior is silk and they're very comfortable. This picture doesn't even begin to do them justice. They're the most vibrant peacock blue color and the sequins and embroidery really shine and sparkle.

Punk and Prep

Red Cord Moto Jacket: Mossimo

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi

Jeans: CAbi

Houndstooth Heels: Chinese Laundry

Metal and Pearl Chains: Charlotte Russe

A little punk with the moto style jacket and chains....and a little prep with the houndstooth heels. I love combinations like these--just a little bit unexpected. I felt pretty sassy walking around in this all day!

I love this jacket so much I asked Santa for a similar black leather version for Christmas. I've been sending Santa links for a couple months now (I like to make things easy for the big man when he's so busy so I start early). However, Santa took her time and now they are sold out! So Santa is on the search for a cute but not too punk black leather moto jacket! If you see any cute, afforable versions like the one Ann Taylor had featured in all their ads recently, let me know!

Basic Black (and White)

Knit Jacket and High Waisted Pencil Skirt: CAbi

White Cuffed Button Down: Banana Republic

Pearl Headband: Forever 21

Black Tights: Merona

Peep Toe Houndstooth Pumps: Chinese Laundry

Sometimes basic black and white just works. I debated quite a bit about adding a bit of color to this outfit but decided against it and instead chose to stay classic and ladylike for the day. I'm glad I did--I think it helped the shoes stand out and be the statement piece (I'm wearing peep toes with tights everyone--I'm trying to get over my aforementioned issues!). And I received a ton of compliments all day- my purse was red patent leather so I did have a small pop of color.

I commented a month or so ago that I like tights but hate hose and got a couple questions asking why I liked one but hated the other--weren't they the same thing? The answer is no, they absolutely are not! Tights, being thick, at least provide some warmth whereas pantyhose provide none. I'm not a major fan of either honestly (although as we all know, I am enjoying colored tights) but if I'm going to have to cover my legs and not just be able to go bare legged, I'm at least going to be warm! Also hose run all the time the minute your fingernail grazes them and tights are sturdier. And there are more choices you can use to personalize with tights over hose. Hence all my reasons for hating pantyhose and liking tights. Random but there you go. And Merona/Target has by far the best tights for the price.

I know we aren't a book club on here but with the post title "Basic Black" I feel the need to recommend one of my favorite career/life advice books of the same name by Hearst Publishing CEO Cathie Black. I highly recommend it to any up and coming career woman!

PS - GO VOTE!!!!!!!! I don't care who you vote for--well, I hope you vote for my guy -- but even if you don't, I just want you to vote! I've never missed an election and don't plan to start now. When I turned 18, I was most excited to register to vote--I'm such a political nerd!

And if you wear your "I Voted" sticker to Krispy Kreme today, you get a free doughnut!!!! Don't even get me started that my county is cheap and doesn't give out stickers. I'm going to have to see if someone will loan me theirs!

Thursday -- Ally

I look awfully drab today, but I assure you, I wasn't so mournful in person! :)

Drapey cardi: NY&Co.

Sheer black blouse: Target

Pink satin shell: NY&Co.

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

Belt: NY&Co.






Kimberly has this belt and wears it so well. I've had it for months but just keep forgetting to throw it on!

Up close of the blouse. This top is way too big for me, but it goes nicely as a middle layer. It has a tie in the back and pin tucking at the top.

Not sure why my hair is photographing so weirdly. The color has been off in my photos since I got back from vacation. I need to make sure my camera settings are right!

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!!

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.