Chambray for the Workday

A chambray shirt might be more notably worn tied at the waist over a maxi dress or casually tucked into denim cut-offs for your weekend fun; however, with a pencil skirt, ladylike pumps, and a jacket, it can add some fun to your business casual attire, while still fitting in to the dress code.

XXI bomber jacket, H&M denim shirt (similar), MNG by Mango belt, XXI skirt (similar), Stella & Dot necklace (similar), Tahari Sarina pumps, Revlon Persian Melon lipstick

Garden Unit

I know nothing of gardening, or having plants for that matter. I recently invested in three cacti from Ikea and I think they will survive because of the following:
1). You are supposed to water them only when they are really, really dry and therefore, don't require monitoring.
2). They need minimal sunlight, which in a garden apartment is the only kind of plant we can manage.
Now, if I knew how to plant things, I would have a garden full of lilacs, blush Gerbera daisies, and succulents, which would certainly match my outfit, but not my skill set.

Target skirt (similar here and here), Ana blouse (similar), Lumiere jacket (similar), Tahari Sarina pumps, XXI earrings (similar here and here, Revlon Persian Melon lipstick

Grandma Esther's Hue

My maternal grandmother's favorite color was lilac and every time I see it, I think of her. I decided it was time to invest in a piece of clothing in this lovely pastel since it always brings such fond memories of my time with her. Such as her waking up at 3am to start cooking and baking for a family supper and then getting so wrapped up that she would forget to change out of her nightgown and apron when it was time to eat. Or her beautiful garden that won many awards in her town of Sullivan, IN. As well as her jewelry box full of brooches and clip earrings that always coordinated with her colored skirt suits and matching pumps for church service. And even the comfort and warmth of her flannel sheets in the dead of winter. She was one heck of a woman, and is dearly missed.

J.Crew high waisted flare jeans (similar), Joe Fresh silk blouse, Gap cardigan, Franco Sarto heels (similar), XXI necklace, Kohl's snakeskin bangle (similar), Nars Schiap lipstick

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

Despite the fact that the song, "Diamonds" by Rihanna is most certainly about love at first sight, I take the chorus as more as a personal challenge, especially in the face of un-shineworthy moments. I was particularly proud of my outfit this day...the high & low mix of wool with sequins and the edginess of a backwards cardigan all paired with ladylike pearls and t-straps. However, upon leaving my apartment, I took a tumble going down the stairs, which left me with a rip in my beloved shoes and a rolled ankle (currently icing & elevating). Thankfully, I have an awesome shoe guy and a job where I can put my (seemingly) world ending catastrophes in perspective and provide resources and empathy to those who need it. I might not always be perfectly shiny, in spite of my best efforts, but I do make a difference.

Merona cardigan, Akira skirt, Francesca's necklace, LOFT ring, Steve Madden tights, MRKT pumps

Furry, But Friendly

Despite the fact that I despise anything that sheds, I cannot get enough of anything faux fur. I'd imagine that this is how my mother felt upon welcoming home a yellow lab after years of Maltese pups. You love 'em so much that you don't mind cleaning up the hair. Therefore, I'll just put a lint roller in my purse and call it a day. 

Kohl's blouse, XXI skirt, Steve Madden tights, MRKT shoes, NY & Co fur stole and cape, JC Penney belt, Charming Charlie and Stella & Dot bracelets, Marinette monogrammed necklace

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