Who's that Lounging in my Chair?

"Mama this surely is a dream. Yeah, mama this must be my dream." 

I have an apartment with the love of my life, a walk in closet, my own bathroom, a leopard chair, and a pillow top mattress. This most certainly is my dream.

Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's pants (similar) and blouse, Zara blazer (similar here and here), Sam Edelman pumps (similar), vintage brooches, Francesca's earrings, Essie Sure Shot polish

Not So Fast

Unless you are a Chicagaoan vacationing somewhere warm like me, you're still experiencing frigidness - thank goodness for Florida! While the calendar promised spring, it seems that the mumblings and grumblings about the cold wil not dissipate for a bit yet. Therefore, keep your sweater tights, wool coats, and gloves in close reach.

NY & Co leather jacket, American Apparel sweater, XXI blouse, Charming Charlie brooch, vintage plaid skirt, Audrey Brooke booties

Skirt Suit

Even though I passed on the pill box hat (in favor of a cameo brooch), I felt very Jackie Kennedy in this skirt suit. The boucle texture and boxy, collarless jacket is incredibly ladylike, form fitting, and timeless while still serving a professional function. After all, Mrs. Kennedy herself did say, "There are two kinds of women: those who want power in the world, and those who want power in bed." I feel like in this skirt suit, you can be both!

XXI blazer (similar) and skirt (similar), H&M tie neck blouse (love this one), vintage cameo brooch (similar), NY & Co cape (similar), Nord tights (similar), Jessica Simpson booties

Laced

The Lucky Community started a contest entitled "Show Us Your Lucky" where the members (all fabulous fashion bloggers) interpret looks from this month's Lucky magazine. The story "Wear a Little...Wear a Lot" featured global and lace as two of the trends to try. For the lace look, I chose all different patterns of lace, but in classic black & white they don't compete. Yesterday, I rocked the global look, so check it out here! 

J.Crew coat, American Apparel tee (similar), XXI skirt (similar), Target belt (similar), Nine West pumps, Apt 9 fascinator headband (similar), Target tights (similar), Old Navy earrings (similar), vintage brooch (similar)

What to Wear this Weekend

Leggings? Baggy sweatshirt? Stocking cap? These are all elements for a lazy weekend spent indoors. 

Sequins? Red lipstick? Sparkly brooch? Black rim glasses? Over the knee boots? These are all elements that will elevate those elements off the couch and out for some daytime fun this Saturday.

I, on the other hand, will be wearing this dress and celebrating my entry into the 30s club!

J.Crew coat and sweatshirt (similar), Target leggings, Nine West boots (similar), Halogen purse, vintage scarf (similar), DIY brooch, American Apparel hat, Givenchy lipstick

The Perfect Red Dress

After receiving this dress as a Christmas present, I have worn it three times. Once with a flannel underneath and knee high boots (for Christmas Day), once with a crewneck sweater over it and leopard flats (for a 1st birthday party), and like this (for the work day). It's comfortable, versatile, and flattering - a triple threat. I can't wait to see how it with more layers as the temperatures drop.

LOFT dress (similar), Lumiere jacket (similar), Jessica Simpson booties, American Apparel fishnets, Stella & Dot earrings, DIY brooch, NY & Co cape (similar), Nars Heat Wave lipstick

DIY: Painted Brooch

I pinned this DIY from Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere, a while ago and was waiting for a perfect brooch to paint. Then I realized that I already had one! 

So, I took three shades of nail polish (red, orange, and pink) to create an ombre effect from darkest on the outside, to lightest on the inside. And, voila! It was admittedly a bit hard to stay in between the lines, especially after two coats. What do you think? Maybe you'll see it in action sometime soon...like in my next post.

Bootielicious

Booties are my favorite type of shoe. I've got lace-up suede ones, leather high heel ones, and flat western style ones, so it was only a matter of time before an oxford calf hair variety made it's way into my closet. If you haven't jumped on the bootie bandwagon, head on over to the Lucky Community Bootie Contest to get some ideas on styling from some fellow fashion bloggers. 

XXI Dress, blouse & Coach cluch from Crossroads, Givenchy tights, Jessica Simpson booties, NY & Co belt & cape, Loft brooch, Revlon Berry Haute lipstick

Oh, Narcisco

I love a designer collaboration, especially at Kohl's. I have at least one item in heavy rotation from each of their featured designers. Now, I can add Narcisco Rodriguez to the list, along with Lauren Conrad, Vera Wang, and Jennifer Lopez. Ya did good, Narcisco! Although a great deal of the items sold out or are only available in certain sizes, these pants, this blouse, and these pants (which will be featured shortly), are still yours to buy! Did you get any gems from his line? What do you think?

Don't forget that I have an exclusive 10% for my readers on their website using code TENBLOG until December 23rd (can be used with other coupons & promotions)!

P.S. These photos were taken pre-engagement - I am still happily engaged!

Narcisco Rodriguez for Kohl's blouse and pants, Kenneth Cole wedges, I Heart Ronson blazer, Akira and Stella & Dot bracelets, Nord Rack hoops, Loft & XXI rings, vintage & Loft brooches, Revlon Fire & Ice lipstick

Mixed Emotions

I don't know about you, but I have mixed emotions coming into a new season. I'm incredibly excited about the weather, yet completely anxious about what to wear. With questions such as: What will still be in style from last year? What will transition from summer to fall? When is it time to break out a thick sweater, leather, or a fur accent? It can leave a girl stumped in front of her closet. That's where I have been this past week...scratching my head whilst staring at my clothes, trying on eight different outfits, and then tossing them on the floor when they felt stale. I haven't determined yet how to get out of this rut, except to buy, buy, buy and consign, consign, consign. Since that option sounds expensive, I've taken a step back, repeated some outfits (the horror!) and will gain some new inspiration from Pinterest, fellow fashion bloggers, and you...my readers! What items have you found that are key pieces for this time of year? What's your favorite outfit you've put together recently?

Ark & Co trousers, Tahari lace blouse, Merona belt, Stella & Dot brooch, MRKT shoes, NY & Co jacket, Skaagen watch, Francesca's earrings

Mad Men

Although peplum is the most up to date version of a shift dress, pairing it with cat eye glasses and a couple pieces of jewelry from my Aunt Betty's collection, take it right back to the 60s. Now, if only that combination meant that I could sip on a martini with Don Draper...

XXI dress, Baccio 6 sandals, Crossroads clutch, Foster Grant sunglasses, Stella & Dot feather brooch, vintage rhinestone brooch and pearl flower bracelet, Kohl's earrings, and Stella & Dot and Charming Charlie bracelets