A Floral Dress & Black Boots

Hello, friends, it is officially spring!  Get ready for lots of layering as the weather shifts and temperatures rise!  I am always a big fan of layering in general, but I find it particularly handy when the weather is unpredictable like it  has been lately and probably will be for a few months.  Anyway, here is today’s outfit:

I am wearing a green chunky knit sweater (Old Navy) over a basic floral dress (H&M)  and black polka dot tights (Target).  I paired this with my black buckle-detail boots (Roxy) with mint socks peeking out over the top (Target).  I accessorized with green stud earrings (Forever 21), a chunky gold heart necklace (H&M) and my favorite vintage black satchel purse.

This is one of my favorite combinations for fall and spring – a sweater, a dress and tights or leggings.  I also really like the mix of patterns and colors in this outfit – floral and polka dots, greens and blacks – along with the mix of the feminine patterns and the masculine boots.  I have always loved the look of girls wearing cute, girly  dresses with chunky black boots, so this is my version, hope you like it, thanks for reading :)

 

My Favorite Wardrobe Staples

Hello, friends!  Today I am wearing one of my favorite fall-back outfits – jeans and a tank top with a cardigan.  Perfect year round, I start with these three pieces and layer or adjust as needed, but I always come back to this outfit when I am totally stuck for what to wear!

I am wearing one of my favorite pairs of skinny jeans (American Eagle) with a loose-fitting blue tank top (H&M) and a gray and white stripe sweater (Old Navy).  I paired this outfit with my super tall dark brown leather platform sandals (Target), a matching dark brown leather belt and accessorized with my mint and gold braided chain statement necklace (Forever 21).  Also, I realized I forgot to put on my rose gold watch, so you’ll just have to imagine it on my wrist (oops)!

I love this basic look because it is so easy to play with and make completely different looks by just changing the elements involved and adding accessories.  It is no secret that I wear jeans – A LOT – and I have a ton of tank tops and sweaters in my dresser as well, which means there are virtually limitless combinations with just these three pieces.  Once I layer on accessories and pick the perfect pair of shoes, I have a simple, yet stylish, ensemble!

Everyone should have their basic wardrobe staples that they go back to time and time again.  Mine are jeans (or shorts), a tank top and a sweater, what are yours??  Thanks for reading :)

 

OOTD: Leopard & Stripes

Hello, friends, how are you today?  I was in such a rush yesterday that I didn’t get the chance to post an outfit, but I have one of my favorites for you today.  I wore an outfit similar to this earlier in the month (here) – it’s pretty much one of my staples – but I have a bit of a remixed version that is slightly less casual.

I am wearing an oversized black and tan stripe sweater (H&M) over my dark super skinny jeans rolled at the ankle (Old Navy) with a pair of leopard print smoking flats (Payless).  I accessorized with a simple black bow headband, a large gold heart pendant necklace (old) and my matching set of gold & black skull and star earrings (ModCloth).

I changed the outfit up by pairing the sweater with a pair of dark jeans and a pattern flat to add some style and make it less casual.  I also added gold accessories, instead of silver, and a headband for a little more polish.  I love finding ways to remix my favorite pieces so that I can wear them again and again, giving them new life with each new edition!

What are you favorite wardrobe staples?  Thanks for reading :)

 

OOTD: Mustard & Berry

Hello, friends!  I will just start by admitting that I had to get up early and get back to work yesterday and there was no way I was going to manage a blog post in the morning as well, so yesterday’s “Monday a la Mode” post is now a Tuesday a la Mode.  I also decided to try a new color combination today with one of my day-after-Christmas sale finds and I’m interested to see what you think!

I am wearing my mustard yellow crochet-detail top (H&M) over some gray skinnies (Old Navy) with my new extra-long berry colored cardigan (H&M).  I paired this outfit with my comfy Minnetonka moccasins (via Marshall’s) and accessorized with my acorn pearl necklace (Etsy).

I went for casual, colorful comfort today to make the transition back to work easier and to brighten up my day because I fell out of the habit of waking up early over my break.  I’m not sure that this color combination really works, or “goes,” and I know it’s hard to tell from the pictures (I really need to start using my good camera for these pictures, duh!), but follow along with me, if you will.  I decided that the moccasins add a warm neutral which pairs nicely with the mustard yellow of my top, while the gray skinny jeans add a cool neutral that goes with the cool pink & navy knit sweater.  What do you think, would you try this color combo??

It’s hard to tell from the pictures, but the cardigan is actually a very pretty berry color and I think it goes really well with the light gray wash on my skinnies.  I picked this up during H&M’s after Christmas sale for only $15, which is a good deal considering it is a really nice, warm knit sweater; plus, I don’t have any type of long, open cardigans like this in my wardrobe and I’ve always wanted one!

Well, it’s back to work for me, I hope you have a great day and thanks for reading :)

 

 

OOTD: Stripes and Pastels

Hello, friends and Happy New Year!  2012 has officially come to an end and it is now 2013 – wow!  I hope everyone had a safe and fun New Year’s Eve!  I have had a really nice, relaxing break, just working on projects and spending time with my mom and with friends.  Casual comfort has been the order of the day for me, so today’s outfit is an example of what I have been wearing while running errands, working on stuff at home or just hanging out.

I am wearing a slouchy, over-sized cream and black stripe sweater (new from H&M) over an extra-long pastel mint green tank top (Old Navy) and my new favorite light-wash skinny jeans (American Eagle).  I paired this outfit with my pastel blush pink flats (H&M) and accessorized with a long silver heart pendant necklace (Target) and silver leaf wrap ring (American Eagle).

This outfit is simple, comfortable and casual, but the stripes and the touch of pastels add just a hint of effortless style which make this an easy outfit for anyone to pull off.  I bought both the sweater and the jeans while hunting bargains on the day after Christmas.  All American Eagle jeans were under $30 and I have never tried their skinny fit before so I thought I would give them a try.  I am so glad I did because I absolutely fell in love with this light-wash, slightly distressed pair.  These are totally not something I would usually buy, but they are so comfortable and fit so well that I have not wanted to take them off since I bought them (don’t worry, I have, in fact, taken them off)!

Well, I better get back to work; even though I am on break, there is still plenty to do!  Thanks for reading :)

 

Two Festive Skirts (and a Partridge in a Pear Tree)!

Okay, so I don’t actually have a partridge (I’ll spare you a Danny Bonaduce photo) or a pear tree, but I definitely have two festive outfits to share from my Christmas celebrations!  Every year my family gets together to celebrate Christmas at multiple locations for multiple meals.  First up is Christmas Eve which is spent at my mom’s house – the house we all grew up in – where we have a big dinner and we do a Secret Santa gift exchange.  Here is outfit #1:

I am wearing my new favorite fantastic fox sweater (Old Navy) tucked into a high-waist green plaid flannel skirt (handmade by yours truly) with my new favorite booties (O’Neill via Ross).  I accessorized with handmade green jingle bell earrings and handmade wrap bracelets in emerald and mint (also made by me) and finished the look off with a piece of deep green velvet ribbon that I tied in my hair.

I absolutely love this time of year and (clearly) I decided to go all out with my festive ensemble for Christmas Eve with the family.  I love it when the house is full and my brothers and sisters and I are all back together again.  Christmas has always been a bit of a big deal in our family so one gathering is not enough, which is why everyone comes back over the next morning in their pj’s to open stockings and eat a big breakfast.  Then we all go our separate ways again to shower and get dressed up for grandma’s house.  Here’s outfit #2:

I am wearing a simple black t-shirt with a black leather motorcycle jacket (borrowed from Mom – thanks, Mom!) over a red lace skirt (Old Navy, old) and black tights.  I paired this outfit with my leopard print Keds to add a little kick (get it??) and accessorized with simple red stud earrings and my mint wrap bracelet.  I have to tell you that my brother came up with the best description for this outfit and I promised I would share; so, this ensemble is now known as “Punk Rock Ballerina!”

Now, I’ve mentioned Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas morning breakfast, but the real big deal of the holiday has always been Christmas Day dinner at Grandma’s house.  My grandmother spends weeks before Christmas creating a menu and a shopping list and preparing for the biggest feast of the year.  Just to give you an idea, this year my grandmother made a huge pan of lasagna, an equally huge pan of chicken parmigiana, two large pork rolls stuffed with spinach, a huge holiday ham, roasted Brussels sprouts, mixed vegetables and we also had mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls, stuffed olives, stuffed mushrooms, Italian antipasto, and another table full of goodies for dessert!  Is it any wonder why I love this holiday so much??  My family has always gathered around the table for any and all occasions and Christmas is always the biggest of all!  Here’s me with my grandma, Addie Raschiatore :)

I hope you all had a lovely holiday, however you celebrate and whatever traditions you follow, this time of year can be hectic and crazy, but I hope it is also filled with plenty of love, laughter and cheer!  Thanks for reading and happy holidays :)

 

Layering Plaid

Hello, friends!  Happily, I am already starting to feel a little better, I even ventured out into the world yesterday to get some Christmas shopping done.  Today, I have big plans to put on my comfiest clothes, pop some popcorn and watch Love Actually while I finish up my Christmas gifts!  Lately it has been pretty cold here, practically freezing by Southern California standards (i.e. high 50′s to low 60′s), so I have been layering up to keep warm.  Here’s what I wore yesterday:

I am wearing an olive green chunky knit sweater (Old Navy) over a plaid shirt (Vans), gray camisole and my favorite skinny jeans (Forever 21).  I paired this outfit with my new favorite olive green booties (O’Neill via Ross) and accessorized with a teeny gold heart necklace to add a touch of femininity.

Even though I haven’t been feeling my best lately, I cannot deny the power of simply getting up and getting dressed to make me feel better.  Yesterday I was still just as congested and tired as I have been this whole week, but putting on a stylish shirt, a comfy sweater and my favorite booties made fighting the holiday crowds that much more bearable.  That is the real secret that women (and some men) know everywhere – and the real reason we all love these style blogs – when you look good you feel good!

Thanks for reading :)

 

Trend Alert: Fantastic Fox Sweater

Hello, friends!  It’s a beautiful day here today, a beautiful day to wear a fantastic fox sweater!  I have secretly been coveting all of the adorable (and sadly out of my price range) animal adorned sweaters, but last night I found my very own cute critter knit!

I am wearing my new fox sweater (Old Navy) over an extra long emerald tunic t-shirt (Old Navy) and skinny jeans (Forever 21).  I paired this outfit with my super comfy Minnetonka moccasins and emerald stud earrings.

I was honestly attempting to get some Christmas shopping done, but, instead, stumbled on this darling sweater at Old Navy for only $15!  How was a girl to resist?!  I am really happy with this sweater, it is super soft and comfy, but I really need to buckle down on my Christmas gift list!  Luckily, today is a beautiful day to be out and about shopping for all my favorite people.

Thanks for reading :)

 

Mondays a la Mode: New Booties!

Hello, friends!  It has been another busy weekend for me and it promises to be another busy week; but, I don’t mind because I got some new booties!  I had a little spare time Saturday morning to do some running around with my mom and I found these adorable booties by O’Neill which retail for over $60, but I found them for only $15!

I love the funky style of these booties and the neutral olive green color.  Plus, the low heel and canvas material make them super comfortable, which means I can wear them with just about everything!

I am wearing my oatmeal chunky knit sweater over a simple brown camisole with my dark wash skinny jeans. I paired the ensemble with my new olive canvas booties and accessorized with green stud earrings and chunky gold heart necklace.

I am so happy with my new booties and even happier that I found them at such a steal!  Unfortunately, I have to keep this post short because I have a million things to do, but thanks for reading!  :)

 

Mondays a la Mode: New Mint

Hello and Happy Monday!  Seeing as today is Veteran’s Day in the States and I have the day off of work, I am very excited that today is Monday.  I have had a great long weekend so far – working on Saturday with the boyfriend and then watching a Twilight mini-marathon with my sister yesterday – and today I am going to spend the day hanging out and shopping (although I’m going to try to do more window shopping than actual spending, wish me luck!).

I am wearing my new minty green top (Old Navy) tucked into a pair of super skinny jeans (Old Navy “Rock Star” fit) that I have belted at the waist with a tan braided leather belt.  I paired this outfit with an older pair of tan leather riding boots (??) and accessorized with emerald stud earrings (Forever 21), a simple gold bangle and my favorite gold owl charm necklace (vintage from Etsy).

The weather has been pretty consistently chilly lately, which has made it so nice to be able to pull out all of my Fall favorites, including these riding boots.  The top, however, is a new piece I picked up on sale for only $15 at Old Navy.  I love the mint color and the loose fit, which allows me to either wear it long, tuck it into jeans (like today) or even belt it at the waist.  This is definitely a new favorite of mine so expect to see more of it, especially into Spring and Summer!

Happy Veteran’s Day and thanks for reading :)