What I'm Wearing: Fergalicious

 

I woke up this morning stumbling about, half-awake and not thrilled that it was a Monday. I picked up this electric blue skirt at Value World over the weekend and was immediately drawn to the soft glow of electric sex gleaming from my closet (yes, that was a Christmas Story reference). I grabbed this cool croc-embossed jacket, threw on some booties, looked in the mirror and said to myself "I feel like Fergie." Fergie's love of neon colors, unique jackets and futuristic footwear showed up on my body this morning. If I would have had spiked football pads I would have been all set. I love it when an outfit comes together and I don't have to over-think it.

Blue Skirt: thrifted from Value World, Black Embossed Jacket: Second Chance Consignment, Python Booties: Closet Overload Consignment, Earrings: Glitter, Bracelets: Elder Beerman, H&M, and Meijer

Here is how to get a similar look.

1. Draped Moto Jacket - $27.80 from Forever 21
2. Open Zipper Hinged Bangle - $4.99 from Frock Candy
3. Mixit Black Bangle Bracelet Set - $13.99 from JC Penney
4. Banded Knit Pencil Skirt - $5.70 from A'gaci
5. Madai Ankle Boot - $23.99 from Amazon


Do you want to get a little Fergalicious?

What I'm Wearing: "Rorange" Blazer

 

I love fall colors and I have been wearing a lot of reds, mustards, rusts and then this "rorange" blazer. What is "rorange" you ask? It's when red and orange mate and give birth to amazingness, that's what. My mom showed me this blazer when we were thrifting, and it was love at first sight. You don't even have to do much with it to have a really cute and polished look. I kept this look pretty simple with a basic lace tee, brown belt, jeggings and pumps. I maintain that you will always look amazing in denim, a t-shirt, blazer and heels. No matter your shape, this is a combination that doesn't disappoint,

This is my baby girl, Kylie. Isn't she sweet?

H&M Blazer: Thrifted fromValue World, Lace T-shirt: Maurices, Jeggings: Maurices, Shoes:  Elder Beerman (several years old), Earrings: Charlotte Russe (Thanks, Mom!),  Belt: Thrifted from Salvation Army

Here is how you can get a similar look.

1. Textured Knit Blazer - $27.80 from Forever 21
2. Halogen Lace Trim Tank - $13.90 from Nordstrom
3. Dark Wash Denim Flex Jegging - $29.00 from Maurices
4. Ethnic Stone & Feather Earrings - $5.50 from A'gaci
5. Mossimo Palma Pumps in Beach Patent - $29.99 from Target


Is this a look you could see yourself wearing?

Happy Halloween!

Hello friends. I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Halloween. I am not doing anything on the actual day, but I dressed up today for a 5k in the beautiful Hidden Lake Gardens. Costumes were encouraged and since I  dressed up, I decided I would walk the 5k and cheer my hubby on as he ran it. They gave out medals to the walkers too and guess what? I got first place. Those long legs come in handy sometimes. I also won the costume contest in my age group. Go me!

Oh this is supposed to be Lara Croft: Tomb Raider if you were scratching your head and wondering what I am supposed to be. So what started off as a morning of me freezing my butt off and grumbling about my choice of costume, turned into a first place medal and a gift card. Not bad.

What are you doing for Halloween? What are you dressing up as?

Happy Candy Overdosing!

What I'm Wearing: Caped Crusader

Well I did it, I got a cape. Not just one, but two. I bought this one online and then proceeded to find another on a clearance rack. Good times. Capes are everywhere for fall as a cute way to wear a light jacket and I must say I love them. I had a few lunch meetings in Ann Arbor today and knew I would be shopping afterward and meeting up with my mom for even more shopping, so I wanted to be comfortable. I used to shop in high heels for hours on end, but I've decided I would rather not have my feet look like they came from middle earth in a few years and have resorted to wearing flats or a minimal heel on these occasions. I love the way the leopard and stripes mix and the fact that I didn't have to think about accessorizing any further. On a semi-related note: Did you all see the new show "Project Accessory" the spinoff of "Project Runway"? I'm going to be obsessed with it, I just know it.

Cue the awkward bat trying to take flight/party at the club pose. You're welcome.

Cape: A'gaci, Striped Mini-Dress: A'gaci, Leggings: Kohl's, Boots: The Shoe Dept., Scarf: Express

Here is how to get a similar look.

1. Fleece Shir Waist Cape - $26.00 from A'gaci
2. Striped Bow Shoulder Dress - $22.80 from Forever 21
3. Leopard Performance Fleece Scarf - $5.00 from Old Navy
4. Mossimo Long Black Legging - $5.00 from Target
5. Leatherette Chain Trim Boots - $33.70 from Go Jane


Will you become a caped crusader - AKA - wear this cape trend?

What I'm Wearing: Cropped Pants and Lace

 

Cropped pants with this shape have terrified me for quite some time now. My hips are pretty much my biggest part so why accentuate them? With this whole peplum trend going on, I have learned that sometimes volume on the hips makes your waist looks smaller. These were not too voluminous and I felt quite comfortable in the lightweight material all day. The price was certainly right - I purchased both pairs (this color and black) with tags still on at the Goodwill for $4. I can't complain about that. I am also obsessed with lace and I've wore this long sleeve top a lot. Buy one like it, you won't regret it. Don't mind the stains on the pants, I am a slob and spilled some coffee on myself. I feel sorry for the clothes I wear, I don't deserve them.

Lace Top: Kohl's, Cropped Pants: Goodwill (from Target), Shoes: Maurices, Necklace: Clothes Mentor, Bracelet: Forever 21

Here is how you can get a similar and affordable look.

 

1. Sheer Lace Top - $14.80 from Forever 21

2. Mixit Blush Fabric Flower Necklace - $10.80 from JC Penney

3. Ankle Pant with Slit - $18.47 from New York & Company

4. Xhileration Shannon Platform Pumps - $19.99 from Target

Is this a combination you would try?

What I'm Wearing: Printed Maxi Skirt

Happy Hump Day all! Michigan's weather has ADD so it is hard to know exactly how to dress from day to day. I was comfortable most of the day in this, by the time I was coming home and had to pump gas I was pretty cold. I love maxi skirts, they are perfect for this time of year - if it were a little colder I would have wore boots with it instead. Anyhow, I love this snake-printed maxi skirt that I bought about a month ago and have already wore it several times. It is so comfortable. If you do not already own a maxi skirt, I would strongly suggest you give them a try. They are still on trend layered up for fall and winter. Consider them as an alternative to jeans to throw in your rotation.

Olive Top: Kohl's. Snake Print Maxi Skirt: Kohl's, Elephant Necklace: JC Penney, Bracelet: Glitter, Strappy Wedges: Kohl's

You can get the exact skirt and necklace in the similar look put together below. You can click on the blue product descriptions to follow the link to the retailer's page if you would like to see different views or buy any of these pieces.

1. Pique Knit Top - $12.90 from Forever 21
2. Decree Elephant Necklace - $9.99 from JC Penney
3. Candie's Snakeskin Maxi Skirt - $35.10 from Kohl's
4. Woven-Panel Stretch Belt - $9.50 from Charlotte Russe
5. Mossimo Pilar Strappy Wedge Sandals - $20.98 from Target


Is this a look you would try?

Blogger Spotlight on....Sarah from "Coming Unstitched"

I have decided to start occasionally featuring other fashion/beauty bloggers that I am inspired by. My first victim...I mean...inspiration is Sarah of the blog "Coming Unstitched." We ran into each other on the blogosphere and discovered we are from the area in po-dunk Michigan. Not only that, we graduated the same year in schools that are like 15 miles from each other. Crazy, right? What has bonded us the most is our similar taste in fashion and our ridiculous senses of humor. I love this girl and I have never even met her in real life. We've pretty much decided we are fashion soulmates and continually boost each other's abnormally large egos.

                                                                  Here are the questions that I asked Sarah:

1.  What motivated you to start fashion blogging?

My friend Nicole (who has a fabulous blog called Mascara and Building Blocks) threatened me with bodily harm if I didn't.  Or maybe she just asked me nicely.  It's hard to say, really.  I was on the job hunt to get back into fashion after a few years away (and still am.. hey, you reading this... hire me!) and Nicole told me that people would LOVE to hear what I have to say on fashion.  Naturally, because I am so egotistical I believed her, and poof!  Here I am.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

Awesome.  Duh.  It really depends on my mood for the day.  Sometimes I like to look really classic, other times I go for a more bohemian look.  If I'm running late and need a quick outfit, it usually leads towards the bohemian side though.  There's nothing I love more than a wide leg pant or a billowy top... I like things that are a bit big on me (yes, I don't always abide by my own fashion rules). 

3. What fashion trends do you absolutely hate?

Anything that has to do with camo or Ed Hardy.  Do these actually count as trends?   I hate Ed Hardy more than I hate rabid dogs or pistachios with no nut inside.  I hate Ed Hardy more than I hate when people say "supposebly" or don't have the same opinions as I do.  I hate Ed Hardy more than I hate when my DVR cuts off my show too early or when I smudge my nail polish directly after applying.  Shall I go on?

4. What piece of clothing or accessory do you wear the most from your wardrobe?

I have two pairs of American Eagle jeans that I wear constantly.  One is a vintage flare fit, the other is a wide(r) leg boyfriend fit.  Both pairs are too long on me and I'm far too lazy to hem them so instead I let them get all dirty by walking on them.  But hey, keeps the bottom of my shoes clean, and that's important for your health!  (Trust me, I'm a doctor on the side, too.)  (No I'm not.)

5. If you could steal one celebrity's style, who's would it be?

By steal you mean borrow their ideas, right?  Not steal like jump over their security gate (because I have amazing launch abilities), cut a hole through their glass front door, dismantle their alarm with one kick, climb up their staircase handrail so as not to leave foot prints, rifle through their closets with lightening speed, and take off before they even take their next breath?  What was the question again?  Oh right.  First choice, Rachel Zoe.  Second, Nicole Richie.  They're pretty much one in the same though, right?

6. When you aren't being a fabulous blogger, what do you do for fun?

Poke my fiance in the arm repeatedly until he pays attention to me long enough to ask him what he's doing.  Wait, 5 minutes, repeat.  Also, we watch a lot of football.  Weekends are usually spent away from home since everyone we know in the world is at least 2 hours away from us.  Or we go into Pittsburgh, stand up on Grandview Avenue (where he proposed) and scream "I'm King of the World!"  People like that.

7. What do you love the most about blogging?

The people I've met and the inspiration I've gotten from them.  See?  I can be sincere

8. What is your favorite guilty pleasure song?

Welllllll I do have the Paris Hilton song "Stars are Blind" on my iPod.  DON'T JUDGE ME.  It was a moment of weakness.  I was confused.  People were dangling shiny things in my eyes and I couldn't see.  I was threatened at gun point.  (And yes, I totally sing along to it.) 

9.  I know you recently got engaged. If you had to choose between a Star Wars wedding theme and a Sesame Street wedding  theme - which would you go with and why?

This is one of the toughest questions I've ever been asked.  On the one hand, I love the dark/brooding colors of Star Wars.  And I kinda dig Princess Leia's belt.  But that hair.  Oh the hair.  Cinnamon rolls are only good for eating.  However, I do intend to have Elmo as my officiant.  I just hope he doesn't upstage me.  IT'S MY DAY, ELMO!

10. I'm going to ask you the same question you asked me -

 If you could have one superpower what would it be?

How do you know I don't have one already?  And this question would just give it away.  I can't just say "Oh I wish I could be invisible" and then one day we're hanging out and all of a sudden BAM! I'm gone and you're like "She said she wished she could be invisible, I guess I'm not surprised" and I'm sitting there listening to you and I'm like "Dang, this isn't as fun and shocking as I thought it would be" and the excitement of witnessing a superpower is completely lost and then I'm sad.  See what you did?!

 Isn't she awesome!? I love her. You can check out her blog here and "like" her on facebook here!

What I'm Wearing: Snooze Button (and ways to look your best when you oversleep)

Blazer: Thrifted from Value World (thanks, Mom), Ruffle Blouse: Gift (thanks again, Mom), Skirt: New York & Co. (several years old) Shoes: Clothes Mentor, Pearl Necklace (used as a belt): Hancock Fabrics, Watch: Wild Iris, Earrings: Vintage Purse: Ooh La La 

For the second consecutive day, I've overslept. I must have hit the snooze button five times this morning. I think most people have a morning like this every now and again, or at least are pressed for time in their morning routine. Here are some quick tips for making sure you never look disheveled even when you have 10 minutes to get out the door.

1. Reach for pieces you know work on your body

We all have our favorite pair of jeans, favorite skirt, dress, etc. Make your life less stressful on crazy mornings by not over-thinking your outfit, just stick with what you know works.

2. Plan your outfit the night before  

I really need to take my own advice on this one.  Check the weather, plan accordingly. This time of year I tend to layer a lot because it seems like the weather can be very warm one minute and quite chilly the next. So think about starting with a short sleeve shirt and adding a cardigan or blazer, this will give you versatility.

3. Pair up a few pieces in your closet 

 I actually do this myself. I hang a blouse with a jacket or blazer so I can quickly grab it and pair it with jeans or a neutral skirt. This will make you have less of a freakout when you are in a hurry.


4. Invest in some solid basics

Basics are the foundation of many outfits. You can dress them up or make them more casual - they are good for almost every occasion. Think about buying shirts, skirts, dresses and pants in neutral colors. Colors I would recommend are: Black, Brown, Camel, Gray, Olive Green and Red (yes, red!). You can throw nearly every combination of these colors together and look totally chic.

5. Kill the bed head

I typically wash my hair every other day and quite honestly sometimes I wake up and it looks like someone ran me over. What to do? Well if your hair is longer like mine - I would suggest a low, messy bun. It's a classic - but wearing it low and a bit undone makes it more modern and hides the fact that it looks like crows nested on your head. If your hair is shorter - twist back the front piece and pin it - this always seems to look cute, no matter how messy the hair.


Do you have any tips for looking your best when you have a small amount of time?

I would love to hear them. I am the queen of the snooze button.

What I'm Wearing: Hot Pink and Red

Lately I have been seeing so many celebrities color-blocking hot pink and red together. I would probably never have thought about combining those two colors unless I was trying out to be a human billboard for Valentine's Day. Not gonna lie, I was surprised that these colors played so well together and I am officially on the bandwagon. There were a few people today that joked that they needed to put sunglasses on to look in my direction, but I think that was obviously just my brilliant personality. Check out how Emma Stone, Zoe Saldana and SJP rock the look below. Side note: I have a huge fashion crush on Emma Stone, that girl has some serious style.

Top: Goodwill, Pants: Express, Necklace: Wild Iris, Skinny Belt: Forever 21, Shoes: Go Jane

Here are some pink and red pieces you can to your wardrobe for reasonable prices. Click blue product descriptions to follow the link to the retailer's page.

1. ASOS Bra Back Tee - $13.48 from ASOS
2. Cropped Crinkled Bomber Jacket - $34.50 from A'gaci
3. Cutout-Back Knit Top - $22.99 from Charlotte Russe
4. Colored Mock Jegging - $24.80 from Forever 21
5. Worthington Curvy Skirt - $24.99 from JC Penney
6. Ruby Crochet Lace Skirt - $27.00 from Urban 1972

Would you give this bright color combination a try?

What I'm Wearing: Retro Inspiration

Leather Blazer: Goodwill, Sheer Lace Top: JC Penney, Flare jeans: JC Penney, Shoes: Goodwill, Necklace: Elder Beerman

Ok, so here's the thing. I have a dark denim addiction that I badly needed to break. Seriously if there were a "Hoarders" show dedicated to dark wash skinny jeans/jeggings - I would be the poster child. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Even so, I've been really wanting a retro inspired pair of denim and I found these at JC Penney and gave them a spin. To my surprise I really like them, it's a great way to change up my normal denim routine. I paired it with a few other retro inspired pieces and thought it came out pretty cute. Do you like to mix retro inspired pieces into your wardrobe?

What I'm Wearing: Navy Blue and Black

 

You've probably heard at some juncture in your life that it is a cardinal sin to wear navy blue and black together. To that I say "poppycock." That rule is antiquated and has gone by the wayside, especially in recent years. I believe the navy and black combination is sophisticated and unexpected.  If mixing those colors is still a little scary to you start with wearing a navy shirt and accessorizing with black shoes and handbag. Of course I had to do this trend my way, with sparkles and fun accessories. 

Navy Dress: Old Navy, Sparkly Cardigan: Clothes Mentor, Over-the-Knee Boots: Second Chance Consignment, Belt: Wild Iris, Earrings: Glitter

                    Here is a similar way to wear this look.

1. Mossimo Collegiate Cardigan - $15.00 from Target
2. Wrap-Front Dress - $32.94 from Old Navy
3. Sequin and Metallic Belt - $9.50 from A'gaci
4. Sueded Thigh-High Platform Boot - $45.50 from Charlotte Russe

Will you try wearing black and navy blue together?

What I'm Wearing: Olive Fashion, Don't You?

Hello lovelies. Knock. Knock. Who's there? Olive. Olive who? Olive this dress and leggings combination, don't you? Ok, I know that is corny and little bit lame, but I am perpetually at the maturity level of a 5th grader. I will wreck you at jump rope though. Joking aside, fun legging prints are everywhere this season and so is olive colored clothing. I maintain that there are few things more comfortable than a pair of leggings and a dress/over-sized shirt. If you haven't tried it, you really should. I think it looks cute on all heights and body types. Pick up a pair of patterned leggings to jazz up your fall wardrobe.

Olive Dress: JC Penney, Leopard Leggings: JC Penney (last year), Suede Boots: Bass Outlet, Necklace: Kohl's, Bracelet: Jule

Here is how you can rock this look.

1. Buckled Suede Wedge Boot - $39.60 from Go Jane
2. City Triangles Belted Kimono Dress: $24.99 from JC Penney
3. Long Loop Necklace - $6.80 from Forever 21
4. Feather-Texture Bangle Trio - $6.00 from Charlotte Russe
5. Spotted Knit Leggings - $19.80 from Forever 21 

Will you be giving this look a try?

What I'm Wearing: Country Club

This outfit doesn't scream fall, it's more spring or summer at the Country Club. However, I found these light pink pants at the bottom of the pants pile in my closet and I am not even entirely confident that I have ever wore them. There was a time they were to small and now they are actually a bit big (hooray for small victories). Anyway, I challenged myself to create an outfit around these pretty pale babies. Pastels are usually not my thing, I tend to gravitate to darker colors but I really like this look. I felt a big preppy, but overall I felt polished and put together. Given my new found obsession with colored pants, this discovery made me happy.

Want to look like a County Club cutie? Here is how you can get a similar look.

 

1. Striped Button Down Shirt - $15.80 at Forever 21

2. Multi Chain & Rhinestone Knot Necklace - $6.30 from A'gaci

3. Washed Out Pink Peg Leg Pants - $24.44 from Asos

4. Light Pink Skinny Belt - $8.99 from Amazon

5. Delicious Beige Leatherette Heels - $22.99 from Amazon

Is this a look you would wear?

What I'm Wearing: Cobalt Skinny Jeans

Awhile ago I did a post featuring the color cobalt blue. I featured a pair of jeggings from Old Navy in that post and after staring at them longingly for a time, I decided to order them. I'm really glad I did! They are so pretty, but if you are tall like me (I'm 5'10"), make sure you order them in tall. I did order them in a tall and you can see they just hit my ankle perfectly. I went with a simple color and silhouette on the top since the pants were the showpiece of this outfit. I then proceeded to throw on four different necklaces, I guess I subscribe to the Rachel Zoe philosophy, "When in doubt, put more on." A simple outfit, but miles from being boring or drab.

Sweater: Thrifted from Savers, Cobalt Jeggings: Old Navy, Python Booties: Closet Overload (consignment), Bracelet: Elder Beerman, Necklaces: Jule and Elder Beerman

Get a similar look using the pieces below.

 

1. Mossimo Ultrasoft Scoop Neck Sweater - $15.00 from Target

2. Beaded Fringe Necklace - $8.80 from Forever 21

3. Trinitarian Bangle - $10.00 from Frock Candy

4. Rock Star Jeggings - $34.94 from Old Navy

5. Pierre Dumas Tuscany Bootie - $39.50 from Piperlime

What do you think about this look?

What I'm Wearing: Faux Leather, Combat Boots, and Bling

 

As I was wearing this outfit all day, all I could think it, "Man, I am so comfortable." As a girl who wears a lot of heels it is hard for me to buy flats, but recently I have been forcing myself to buy some. And Surprise! I love the flats I've been buying. I fell in love with these combat-style boots while on a search for another blog post and had to give them a try. I think they are a bit tough-girl chic. So to compliment that style I went with faux leather leggings, a short dress and piled on the bling. This look was very easy to throw together and I was super comfortable all day long. A win!

Dress: Goodwill, Faux Leather Leggings: Express, Combat Boots: Go Jane, Necklaces: Jule, The Wild Iris and JC Penney, Purse: The Tailor Dress

1. Mossimo Short-Sleeve T-Shirt Dress - $18.00 from Target

2. Curb Chain Necklace - $8.80 from Forever 21

3. Leatherette and Mesh Leggings - $15.80 from Forever 21

4. Strappy Lace-Up Side Zip Boot - $30.80 from Go Jane

Is the tough-girl chic look for you?

What I'm Wearing: Pink and Leopard

As you've probably noticed, I have a fashion crush on leopard prints. So I apologize in advance if you see way too many for your liking in my fall wardrobe, but I can't help myself. I found that pairing this printed shirt with a pink skirt made this look fresh and a little unexpected. It's funny because I had lunch with my friend Amanda (see her blog here) and she shows up looking super cute wearing a pink cardigan with a snow leopard tank. We apparently had a pink and leopard lunch theme. My shoes got swallowed by the leaves, but they are black pointy toed pumps, nothing too fancy. I believe I will be wearing this combo again, I really like the way it works together.

Leopard Shirt: Forever 21, Pink Suede Skirt: Michael Kors via Clothes Mentor,
Necklace: Clothes Mentor, Belt: Dots, Purse: Goodwill

1. Jones New York Leopard Print Top - $29.00 from Dillard's
2. Leopard Print Cable Chain - $8.80 from Forever 21
3. Spiegel Signature Stretch Pencil Skirt - $19.00 from Amazon
4. Mossimo Paisley Black Pumps - $25.00 from Target


Is the pink and leopard combo for you?

What I'm Wearing: Polka-Stripes

If you haven't figured it out already, I am sure after you see my blog more and more you will see that I am in love with the black/red/white color combo. I just think it always looks polished and sophisticated.  I pretty much adore this blazer for it's crisp look and cute polka dot roll-up sleeves. Since the stripe is so bold itself I went with a camisole with tiny polka dots to mix patterns, but not be completely overwhelming. Now if I may direct your attention to the necklace I am wearing, this is the exact one I am giving away on my blog. See here for more details. It was a perfect accessory to give a nod to the subtle polka dots in this outfit without making it scream "Look at me, I really love polka dots."

Blazer: Von Maur, Polka Dot Tank: - Kohl's (several years old), Skirt: Clothes Mentor, Shoes: White House Black Market, Necklace: Jule, Skinny Watch: The Wild Iris, Rhinestone Bracelet: Antique Shop

Here is another adorable way to combine stripes and polka dots.

1. Mossimo Striped Pullover Sweater - $18.00 from Target
2. Polka Dot Skirt - $22.80 from Forever 21
3. Chunky Link Necklace - $8.50 from Charlotte Russe
4. Zippered Nylon Tote - $16.00 from Old Navy
5. Ceasar 55 Wedge Heels -  $26.50 from A'gaci

What do you think of mixing these two prints?