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

I look like a Brooks Brothers ad

Shirt: CAbi

Belt: The Limited

Pants: Ann Taylor

Boots: Maripa

Sometimes you finish getting dressed in the morning, not really thinking about what you are putting on, and look in the mirror and are a bit surprised with what you see? This was one of those mornings. I wasn't giving much thought, just putting on a basic outfit for a day of meetings and then I looked in the mirror and thought, "I seriously look like a Brooks Brothers' ad."

Not such a bad thing since I am an "American Classic" gal according to Lucky's Guide to Mastering Any Style. But amusing nonetheless when you see it jump out at you without even realizing it!

The results of sickness and boredom

Wrap Dress: CAbi

Rodeo Belt: CAbi

Lace Cami: Old Navy

Boots: Maripa

Holy cow, it's warm enough to go out without tights today! However, I can't get into having completely bare legs in February-- they haven't seen the light for months and are far too pale so I kept the tall boots on. However, just feeling the breeze is nice!

I need to have someone take a picture of me in natural light....cause there is a little bit of copper in my hair now! What can I say--I wasn't feeling well after work, was bored and decided to just put some red in my hair which I've never done before. I've been a brunette and a pretty light blonde but never had any red in it before. Kinda fun and something new!

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.

Some fun weekend wear

Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

Wrap Tee: CAbi

Denim Pencil Skirt: Gap

Argyle Tights: The Limited

Tall Boots: Chinese Laundry

Was heading out for birthday dinner at P.F. Chang's with a group of good friends...I never get to wear denim to work so my weekend wear is always denim. Usually I'm in jeans, but decided to switch it up this evening and wear the skirt so I could wear my cute tights again!

With the ice storm we had last week in the Ohio Valley, cute tights are about the ONLY positive thing I can say about winter right now!

Really cool or really embarrassing?

Scarf: The Limited

Wrap Tee: CAbi

Houndstooth Skirt: Issac Mizrahi for Target

Boots: Chinese Laundry

So a few days after Christmas I go to my mailbox and have a package from The Limited. I open it up and inside is a beautiful black and white silky chain print scarf. I was way excited--but trying to remember if I had ordered it. I didn't remember, but it was my style and looked just like me, so who knew?

As I continued to dig into the box there was a card. From The Limited. Wishing me a happy holiday and thanking me for being one of their best customers.

Yeah, seriously.

I debated (and am still debating) whether that's really cool or really embarrassing!

Evolving Look and No More Cowgirl

Red Shirt: NY and Co

Rodeo Belt: CAbi

Pencil Skirt: CAbi

Boots: Maripa

So it's no secret that I sometimes wear the same thing I wore on the weekend to work on Monday. The same people don't see me so why not? Monday's are hard enough without having to think of what to wear in the morning.

It's amazing how changing pants/skirts can change the total look of an outfit. When I wore this over the weekend I felt all cowgirl in jeans but I don't think it looks that way at all with a plaid pencil skirt.

How have you worn items in your wardrobe one way and then have had them look completely different when you wear another way?

My inner Cowgirl

Rodeo Belt: CAbi

Jeans: Sundown Fit- Lucky Brand Jeans

Red Shirt: NY and Co

Boots: Maripa

I laughed when I saw this picture because it's about as "cowgirl" as you'll ever see me. I don't own cowboy boots, nor I suspect will I ever, but I do love this belt. It was $89 on CAbi's fall line back in 2006 and even though I got it at half off as a hostess gift, it was a difficult purchase. I really wasn't a belt person at the time so it was really a splurge for me. However, it's been one that has paid off. I wear it quite a bit in many different ways (as I'm showing a few of with these links)--with jeans and a button down like today, and then over top a sweater with a preppy plaid shirt and vest. In fact, this belt was the one that made me understand that a belt really can change the entire look of an outfit.

(this is my favorite wearing next to the green sweater vest and pencil skirt)

Tweed Pants: Ann Taylor

Green Cashmere Sweater: J Crew

Purple Cami: Old Navy

Boots: Maripa

Feeling a little Mardi Gras wearing green and purple together today but I just didn't want to wear a "normal" color underneath. It's kinda fun to have an unexpected pop of color.

These pants are so drapey, which I never realized until I started photographing my outfits. For maximum flattering and effect, I think they really need a tucked in shirt with a belt. But sometimes, as we all know, it isn't about what is the number one most flattering--it's about what is the most comfortable. And this outfit was indeed that!

Pricing it out

Tie neck blouse: The Limited

Cashmere Sweater: Brooks Brothers

Black and Camel Pinstripe Pants: Banana Republic

Boots: Chinese Laundry

I was asked to start posting the price of some of my items because not all of them are "cheap" per say (i.e. Banana Republic). The issue with that is that some of my items are so many years old, I have no clue what I paid for them, except that I never shop at places like Banana except on the clearance rack.

I really buy a lot of investment pieces that last for years. Take this sweater, my first piece of cashmere which my parents got for me for Christmas 7 years ago. It still looks literally like it did the day it came out of the box. I don't think it was on sale when they bought it--but whatever the price, after 7 years, it's been worth it!

These pants were a day after Christmas bargain either 3 or 4 years ago. If I am remembering right, they were $19.99. But they are basic and never go out of style--and I like them even more because they cost less than the price to get dinner and a movie!

I will make an effort to put prices on more expensive brand items as we go forward if I remember them just to give you an idea--but remember, price isn't everything. This sweater is a perfect example of that!

Cold days and getting back into routines

Purple Turtleneck: Kohl's

Black Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

Pencil Skirt: Express

Argyle Tights: The Limited

Boots: Chinese Laundry

We are entering a major cold snap in the Ohio Valley--as in wind chills below 0! Yikes! Therefore, when my new argyle tights that I had been cyber stalking for a sale arrived in the mail, I decided to wear them immediately. As cold as it is (it's about 25 degrees right now) it's going to be even colder in the next few days which means there is NO WAY I will wear a skirt. Seriously, a girl's legs can only be asked to endure so much.

Other news to note is that I'm going to be getting back into the habit next week of working out. I'm serious enough that I have scheduled 4 days on my calendar! In the spring, I'm really good about going for walks but I don't walk in the bitter cold or when it's dark outside (and lately I leave home when it's dark and come home when it's dark). What I do enjoy doing, and find very relaxing after a long day at work, is pilates. And let me tell you something, if you do it correctly, it works! I did really well for a while and then just got out of the habit so I am going to get back into routine. I know it will not only make me feel better about myself (and maybe help me not regret my 7:30 a.m. chocolate binge this morning as much) but also give me more energy to get through the day. I get up at 5:50 a.m. every morning and by 9 p.m. I'm ready to fall flat on my face. I think even a half hour workout will help energize me a bit more--seriously, when I'm falling dead asleep before American Idol even goes off, we have a problem!

Brrr.....

Red Cashmere Turtleneck: Kohl's

Zebra Scarf: Local Boutique

Black Cords: The Limited

Boots: Chinese Laundry (via Zappos)

I couldn't get warm today. Even with cords and cashmere and a scarf I shivered in front of my space heater all day. In fact, my poor space heater is so overwhelmed that it only runs for about 3 minutes at a time, then I turn it off and shiver for 10, then I turn it back on and it works again for another 3 minutes, then the whole process starts all over again.

This sweater is one piece of my cashmere collection I've talked about before...I've actually been quite pleased with my Kohl's cashmere!

Bye bye legs...see you again when it's Spring

White Shirt: Old Navy

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi

Camel Pants: Ann Taylor

Red Boots: Maripa

Long pearl strand: Christmas gift from my sister

Just a general announcenment to make....in fact you may have already noticed. My legs disappear during the coldest winter months. You know all those cute skirts I have? They sit abandoned in my closet. If it's below freezing when I leave for work in the morning, I refuse to let my legs see the light of day.

I will say that the one hope for my skirts is the fact that my grandparents gave me an automatic car starter for Christmas. This means no more scraping snow and frost in the cold and when I make it to the car, it's toasty warm and awaiting me. That said, there may be some hope for the skirts after all.

These boots were made for walkin....

RED Boots: Maripa (Rack Room Shoes for $20!)

Black Skirt: CAbi

Black Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater: J Crew

Black Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

I've been on the hunt for months for tall red boots--they were everyplace last year and no place this year. Imagine my surprise when one of my co-workers tells me that Rack Room Shoes has my boots that I already have in black and brown on clearance in RED! I went the next day! I decided for their first wearing that they should be the statement and wore all black so they would stand out. I didn't have it for my picture but my purse is a patent red Beijo bag with my red, white, brown and black scarf tied on it.

I took the picture with my coat on this morning--I'm not wearing it all day because I think it's bulky with the turtleneck sweater, but I had already gotten bundled up and didn't feel like taking it off just to snap a picture. Oh well, I figure it just adds to the outerwear addiction show.

Stolen back for a day

Velvet Jacket: Old Navy




Flannel Cargo Pants: The Limited





Black Turtleneck: The Limited





Boots: Maripa





My sister has stolen from my closet for years. This is nothing new. About a year ago she stole this jacket and Im ashamed to say it took me a few months to notice. I nicely asked for it back and she refused. Said she'd given me a suit that no longer fit her in its place. Well, yes, thats true...but she couldn't wear the suit and I can still wear the velvet jacket. But it just didnt seem like a battle worth fighting. So I said goodbye to the jacket and let it live with her.





When I saw her wearing it at church last week, I asked if I could have it back for just one day--along with the fabulous cross necklace she had on with it (pictured below-I couldnt get the picture to not be blurry for some reason but you get the idea). I was granted a single wearing which you see on this post.



Oh velvet jacket I miss you! (side note--this jacket was Old Navy 7 years ago but I still like it as much as the day I bought it--well, that Gran bought it for me for Christmas!)

From your closet to mine

Leather Blazer: Mossimo

Red Ruffle Tuxedo Print Shirt: Harold's

Pinstripe Pants: Harolds

Boots: Maripa

Don't you love it when you are going through someone else's closet and find an item you love and they never wear and they let you keep it? That is how I got this red tuxedo shirt which I think is just adorable with the ruffles. My mom didnt wear it so now it's mine!

I actually prefer the outfit without the jacket but considering it's literally below 10 degrees outside today and my office is floor to ceiling windows, I thought some extra layers may be needed so I threw on the leather blazer. The pants do have a matching suit jacket but I think the leather makes it a little less "matchy matchy."

Tomorrow, I'll be opening presents to go straight from the store to my closet...but as we all open presents tomorrow and celebrate the holiday, don't forget the real reason for the season and the reason we give gifts--for the birth of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

Weekend -- Ally

Once upon a time, this was a dress. I'm not sure for whom it was a dress, but it's now a tunic as it has shrunken considerably over the years.

Dress/tunic: Target

Yoga pants: Danskin

Boots: Payless

Necklace: Walmart












As much as I hate the new legging trend, I can see their purpose in outfits like this. It's inappropriate to just wear tights with this to work (and anywhere else!), but leggings provide coverage and warmth. Since I refuse to purchase leggings, I made these yoga pants work. I've worn this outfit before without the boots in my vacation post.

I've had these boots for years too. They come up right to my knee and the fold over flap could be flipped up, but that's a little too street walker for me. Hell, these boots are sorta street walker if I don't watch what I wear with them. Too short of a skirt and the wrong hosiery and I'm workin hard for my money!

I wish I could find another pair of boots like this. I've decided an over-the-calf height looks best on my short legs, but it's hard to find a style I don't hate.

I may swing by Payless today and pick up these. They're on sale for $49.99 and they're doing BOGO right now! They're a little higher of a heel than I'd like, but they're awfully cute!



Since it's BOGO, I need a 2nd pair of shoes in mind, huh? I really like the colors and woven toe on these:

American Classic -- Leslie

Blue and White Stripe Shirt: CAbi

Ivory Cable Knit Sweater: NY and Co

Equestrian Style Blazer (even has suede patches at the elbows): American Eagle (hand me down from Mom and Ash--thanks!)

Brown Pants: The Limited

Brown Boots: Lord & Taylor

There was ice and snow on the ground Tuesday morning when I got dressed. That meant 2 things: 1) wear as many layers as humanly possible that I can still get an overcoat on with (I walk outside a lot and want to be warm--I know layers add bulkiness but some days are so cold I just don't care!) and 2) wear my "practical shoes". Well, as you know, I have no "practical shoes" but these get as close as I can. The heel is chunky and there is a bit on traction on the bottom so they fit the bill today. It just always feels weird to me to wear round toes!

As I get ready to walk out the door, I look at the mirror and think "Well don't I just look very Ralph Lauren today?" You know those ads with the girls in the plaid riding coats and layered sweaters? Yeah, I felt like one of those girls.

So I go into work where my Google Reader is announcing to me that I am famous-- Kasmira of What I Wore Today has been doing a series of posts on copying styles from the Lucky Magazine Guide to Mastering Any Style (which I broke down and ordered Monday) and each day she lists the blogger she feel mosts exhibits the style. Well, yours truly was the "American Classic" girl. I cracked up as I read about my preppiness and looked down at my pseudo Ralph Lauren ensemble. Too funny. Thanks for the shout out, Kasmira!

I do think my style is pretty classic as a whole. I like to try to incorporate some interesting elements like fun tights or a leather blazer and such from time to time but I always seem to revert back to classic. My personality is pretty "all-American" so I'm told so I'm not surprised that my style seems to be that way as well.

(Oh and I mentioned yesterday I chopped my hair--I need to take a picture from the back. Yes, I had a couple inches off all over but the back is where it was CHOPPED--Ally and Jamie can vouch that there's not much back there--it's all textured and layered in the back and stacked--I'm getting used to it!)