Fuchsia

As far as brights go, fuchsia would have to be considered my most versatile. After purchasing this linen jacket from the Zara sale, I have wanted to wear it every day. And as you can see from Instagram, I have done almost that! It compliments primary colors, moody darks, and soft pastels. Although I have to credit my Nars Schiap lipstick with broadening the influence of the color "fuchsia" in my daily life. 

Have any lipsticks helped your color combining skills?

Zara blazer, J.Crew blouse via Crossroads, Gap boyfriend jeans, Nine West heels, Stella & Dot Bahari necklace, vintage rings

Tomboy Style

When Lucky Magazine asked for the Lucky Community members to show off their tomboy style, I jumped at the chance! Even though this baseball cap gets plenty of wear on the weekends (over my mohawk bed head), it's only been featured once on the blog. So here it is again, in an ensemble that doesn't include spandex and a sports bra - you're welcome. Like the tomboy look? Come on back to the blog tomorrow when I will be discussing the "sporty chic" trend and teach you how to rock it and where to shop it!

Recreate my look:
Gap jeans, Target denim shirt (similar), XXI denim vest, American Apparel tee, Gap clutch (similar), Goorin Brothers baseball cap (similar), Steve Madden high tops, XXI earrings (similar)

To Network

Photos by Glitterary.com

 A few weeks ago, I attended my first blogger event hosted by Chicago Blogger Network to celebrate 500 members at RM Champagne Salon. My ridiculously fashionable friend, Diyanna, was my plus one and wing woman and we met some amazingly adorable and stylish ladies and gents. I can't wait to attend another networking function and talk shop with my new buds!

NY & Co jacket, XXI blouse and skirt (similar here and here), Target booties (similar sandals), vintage clutch (similar),  and Stella & Dot fringe necklace 

A Weekend Date

Now that it's Friday (phew), you and your honey or group of gal pals will be likely heading out to the newest BYOB, gastropub, or sushi joint and therefore need something a little fancier than the other two types of dates (seen here and here). I never tire of working a high/low look for a date night - a little casual and a little fancy. A striped tee is the perfect cute & casual top and will make that special skirt that you wore last Christmas (think lace, sequins, jacquard. or any other embellishment) very appropriate for spring. The finishing touches? A jean jacket, bright clutch, and leg lengthening nude sandals. Have a great weekend!

American Apparel tee and belt, Akira skirt (similar), Old Navy jean jacket, Adrienne Vittadini sandals, Bennetton clutch (similar), Tory Burch sunnies

Lately (May Edition)

I'm a sucker for a sale. $5 off $25? 30% off? Free shipping with minimum purchase? My credit card is in hand faster than you can say, "Are you aware of our return policy?" At times, I realize that a new piece just isn't going to be as versatile as imagined, so back to the store I go for a refund or merchandise credit, which occurred with this purchase. Other times I realize that I unknowingly bought something similar to what is already in my closet. If that is the case, I head to the nearest Crossroads Trading Co. to consign the older and less loved piece (which happened with this blouse) and give way for the newer and better - it's Darwinism, people!

Here's what I've bought this month, so stay tuned and see how I will style the pieces.

Apt 9 Striped Blazer and American Apparel Stripe Long Sleeve Boat Neck shirt

Adrienne Vittadini Prim Platform Sandal and American Apparel Basic Leather Belt in lilac 

Jennifer Lopez Chevron Wide Leg Pants and Simply Vera Wang Jacquard Skinny Pants

Fit & Flare

If there was an image next to a definition for "easy, flattering dress," it would be of a fit & flare dress! Think about it...nipped in waist? Check. A-line skirt? Check. Ability to add on tied up blouse, jacket, or cardigan, any size belt, and any size necklace? Check. Take that wrap and shift dresses!

Xhiliration dress, XXI bomber jacket, Nine West pumps, Max Mara purse via Crossroads (similar), Kenneth Jay Lane beads (similar), vintage ring (similar here and here)

Desert Hues

Heat, especially dry, desert heat, is not my favorite. No offense, but I just don't enjoy feeling like I'm in an oven. A vacation to the southwest is not on my top 10 list...and that includes Las Vegas. Since I'm a problem gambling counselor that's not too surprising, right? That doesn't mean; however, that I dislike the colors of the landscape. The burnt orange mountain, mint cacti, bright blue sky, and amber sand hues are some of my favorites and they compliment my skin tone and hair color, so I will continue to wear them throughout the season!

H&M swing dress (similar), vintage scarf (similar), XXI jean vest, Gap jacket (similar), Clarks boots (similar), World Market earrings and bangles, Tokyo Bay watch, knuckle ring (similar)

Seasonally Affected

Four days of rain.
The past four days have included flat hair, carrying an umbrella and therefore foregoing my travel mug of coffee, traversing puddles in heels, and staying inside the office during lunch. The diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder is certainly real and I am certainly meeting criteria this week.

Silence & Noise blazer (similar), XXI blouse (similar), Simply Vera skirt (similar), Nine West boots (similar), NY & Co necklace (similar) and Max & Chloe necklace, gunmetal hoops

Travelin'

I've become quite the traveler this past year. My work now includes it on at least a monthly basis. It's necessary to be comfortable when flying; however, I usually have to go into work before or after my flight, therefore, it's still necessary to be business casual. I always dress in light layers like a chambray shirt, utility jacket, and fur vest. No matter the temperature in the cabin, you'll be ready for it. I also wear a loose fitting or stretchy dress/skirt rather than pants that will wrinkle or a tight waistband that will dig in while you're sitting. And to ensure that I'm not walking around barefoot through security, tights in the winter or ankle socks in the summer with booties are my pick. Lastly, this tote has completely changed my traveling experience since it expands to the size of a carry on, thereby still making it acceptable with my Samsonite to not require any checked baggage!

MNG for Mango dress, Bisou Bisou faux fur vest, H&M jacket, Target chambray shirt, Hue sweater tights, Steve Madden booties, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here), Limited chandelier earrings (similar)

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

Erranding

Errands is a noun meaning a short journey undertaken in order to deliver or collect something on someone else's behalf. The "errands" I did yesterday were all on my own behalf...DSW, Marshall's, Ulta, Target, and Kohl's. So, that would make what I did on Sunday a..."mision?" Yeah, we'll go with that. A mission for sales and deals on spring shoes and apartment stuff.

XXI stripe tee and bomber jacket, a.n.a leather jeans, Steve Madden wedge sneakers, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here) and earrings (similar), New York & Co necklace (similar), Stella & Dot bracelet, Tory Burch sunglasses

Spring Fever

It might be because I am in North Carolina this week and it's a balmy 65 degrees, but I'm thinking spring! It's time to retire my tights and and recreate any of these warmer weather outfits...who's with me?