how to wear stripes

Your wish is my command. Here are some of my stripe-victories and ideas for outfit creating.

Tie it up

As a lover of loose fitting tops, this has posed a problem for the stripe-loving petite girl.  I'm short with small bone structure; I, like most, have to create my hourglass curves.  One thing I do often with tops is tie it up in the back.

pattern mixing

The great thing about mixing patterns is that the eye is not only focused on horizontal lines that never seem to end, which can be balancing.  The shirt I'm wearing is technically to be big for me as you can in the arms.  The more fitted the better.

at the waistline

I have found that tops stopping at my natural waist create a more balanced look.  Longer striped shirts on me have a tendency to make me look short and wide rather than boho chic or whatever that style is.  Don't get wrong--I still wear longer striped shirts.

Loose fitting

For the loose fitting and longer tops, I contain it with a blazer.  Giving end points to stripes can shape the figure and create boundaries for curves.

dainty

Doesn't everyone love a great pencil skirt?  I love that this one has a little flair.  I think it might have been Target once upon a time, but I found it thrifting.  Every once in a while, I get to wear stuff like to work. 

On a more serious note, I regret that all the blogging may be coming to an end.  There have been so many changes in the past couple of months that depending on anyone to take pictures is proving to be difficult.  I have one more outfit to post after this, but thought it might be a good idea to let you know rather than just disappearing.

Thanks for always making me feel like such a rock star. 

I'm wearing:  shirt (target); skirt/shoes/bag (thrift); tights (urban outfitters)

dessert first

The stripes/leopard obsession continues. And for some reason my sweater reminds me of brownie batter...how is it that I always end up talking about sweets???

I cannot believe there was a time when I refused to wear horizontal stripes?! Now, they have taken over my closet.  I really hope pattern mixing continues for a while because it will in this house. Pinterest has some fabulous ideas on this if you enter "pattern mixing" in the search box.

As a life long student of dressing for my body type, fitted and/or cropped stripes work better on me than an oversized striped sweater.  So unless you're cinching in loose stripes with a fitted blazer or breaking up the pattern with a scarf, I would probably stick true to size.

Would it be helpful to do a how-to post on wearing stripes? I only ask because this was confusing for me.

I'm wearing:  sweater/tank/shoes (thrift); bag (h&m); jeans (xxi)

just because

I am a sucker for Valentines Day.  And while I do believe that one should share/show love every day of the day of the year, I am stoked to have one day of the year that is dedicated to a judgment-free chocolate bender.

EBEW presents the challenged of wearing red and pink together today.  I'm not the biggest fan of the color combo, but this is my take on the challenge. 

I'm wearing:  shoes (wanted); tights (kohls); skirt (thrifted target); shirt/clutch (thrift); necklace (target)

sunday obsessions: color palettes

I was looking through my closet and realized that I have these amazing pieces that I never wear because I'm not quite sure what colors to pair.  If you follow my pinterest, you would see that I've been obsessing over color palettes.  Here are few color combo's that I've pulled that will not only be great with spring and summer, but also ones that could be rocked now with the right winter accessories, such as grey/brownish tights or an oversized sweater. 

I used one of these palettes for next post which will be featured on Valentines Day...because regardless of circumstances, I'm a hopeless romantic and forever a cheerleader of love...kinda like Charlotte York from Sex and the City, but less annoying.

Also, there's a chance I won't be able to post much in the next week or so. I figured it was best to give you a heads up so inbox would not be filled with MIA inquiries.  I have posts ready to go; there's just an issue of wifi--where we would be without it???

You should also know that the color palette inspiration has me thinking about a 30x30 challenge...

swoon

I really wanted to make a waldo joke...like, "Where's Emeraldo?" I ran it by a test audience (Tommy, new photographer) who just kinda looked at me with the pity smile. It was really funny in my head.

Stripes obsession continues...and I'm not sure why but this outfit is one of my favorites.  It's really comfortable...even though I look shorter which I didn't think was possible.  You have to agree I look like a fashion polly pocket in the last photo?

I also found my top on clearance for $7 which was my shopping high of the week. 

I'm wearing:  top (aerie); jeans (xxi); scarf (old skool old navy); shoes (tom's)

doting on dots

Dots seem to be all the rage right now, but I'm in love with them all the time.  I never thought I'd become some pattern-oriented in my style.  Most of my clothes are that reader-favorites are found in thrift stores.  I'm happy to report that this dress is in Target stores now so snatch it while you can.

I actually preferred this outfit with heels and a cardi, but I have had these flats for quite some time and they are too presh with the dress.  Also the cardi would have covered up that fun candy print...and the chill bumps on my arms. 

Also, there was an impromptu snow storm in the middle of our shoot. 

I'm wearing:  dress (target); shoes (old navy); belt (thrift); tights (kohls)

sunday obsessions: leopard prints

Leopard is creepin' up all over the place and I love it!!!!  I've been on a huge leopard + any print kick.  Now, Gap is featuring leopard flats with bright pants, which I will have to purchase immediately if not sooner.  (2 pts for their marketing department.)

I've been really intrigued by all the spring trends that I think would transition nicely into staples for a wardrobe.  I found the picture below on pinterest and had to include because of the animal print shoes listed a must have for any wardrobe.  I have to say--I agree.

blooper

Have you ever had an outfit you were super stoked to wear only to realize it doesn't translate so well on camera?  Yeah...that would be this one for me.  When people ask me style advice, I'll go on and on about dressing for body type, but the truth this, I don't always feel like dressing for mine. 

Sometimes, I want to wear low rise jeans and stripes that are not contained by a blazer or jacket (both of which are not very flattering for me).  Add in a bad hair day and excessive wind during a photo shoot and you get what looks like blooper reel of photos.

On actual fashion related note, I'm obsessed with stripes and leopard print worn together.  I may make Sunday Obsessions about that tomorrow.  There will also be a lot of stripes with next couple of outfits. 

I'm wearing:  shirt/shoes (thrift); jeans (banana republic); scarf (h&m)

simply smitten

When it comes to favorite winter outfits, I'm a huge fan of this one.  I'm not sure if it's the cozy accessories or the shorter skirt/long sweater combo.  I wish there was more snow though.  It's kinda hard to get my winter on with 60 degree weather in February.  (Yes, this picture was taken days ago; I wear these outfits; but do pictures on one day...typically).

I'm wearing:  boots (target); skirt (old navy); sweater/scarf (thrift); legwarmers/tights (kohls)

true romance

I am continuously engaging in some sort of fashion crush, but right now it's shorts in the winter.  This is not a new trend for the season, but I wanted to up-the-ante and use summer shorts I got from H&M. 
Also on the trend wagon is faux fur, which is a love/hate trend for me because it is not difficult to emulate an Eskimo or Sasquatch.  I have two different fur jackets, but only have been satisfied with the color.  Of course, I keep many trends and fads on the minimal side.

A reader recently commented that I was the definition of "sassy."  This outfit certainly made me feel it. 

I'm wearing:  sweater/clutch/shoes/fur collar/brooch (thrift); shorts (h&m); tights (kohls)

sunday obsessions: picture blogs

found on the The Mannequin

found on The Mannequin

found on The Mannequin

Recently, I have gotten a little burnout on finding great blogs.  When I do find one that has great fashion posts, I have sift through posts related to sponsors, food, pictures of kids, etc.  Fashion blogs are supposed to be about fashion; I don't care what you ate for breakfast. 

I try to shy away from opinions that might insult other blogs in spirit of being supportive of all/freedom of expression/blah blah blah, but let's be honest--sometimes, you just want to look at pictures.

So for those of you who have nothing to do on a Sunday afternoon, I recommend these two sites that focus only on fashion-related photos.

The Mannequin

What do I wear?

Both are great and can be found on pinterest and bloglovin'.

shine

Another winter favorite--the denim shirt.  I actually owe inspiration to my best friend, Haley.  She said she wore a denim shirt and leggings every day; and if you know Haley at all, she's not lying.  So whenever I miss her, I reach for leggings....or a moo-moo.  But in all seriousness, she took me to Anthropolgie for the time years ago and introduced to me the way of Lycra leg wear so you can thank her.

I'm wearing:  shirt (h&m); leggings (xxi?); scarf (old navy); boots/necklace/purse (target)

make a statement

I've read in several fashion magazines and online articles that "making a statement" with what you wear is important.  There are also a lot of references to special accents or "statement pieces" in your wardrobe.  It seems as those these statements pieces are held in a special category and are encouraged to be worn with simple styles. 

However, I got excited and evidently wanted to make several statements with this outfit like "I glow in the dark," or "look at my bling," or "I like birds." 
It's like the fashion equivalent of word vomit, but oh-so-eloquently displayed.  This is one of the first times I've worn this skirt...I'll pause for gasps...even though it was purchased last summer.  One of the trends for Spring is adding a pop of color so here you go.  I get extra credit for rocking it in January.

I'm wearing:  skirt (jcrew); shoes/shirt/clutch (thrift); necklace (target)

sunday obsessions: the beauty department

this or that

the beauty department

Recently, I have received a lot of questions/comments concerning make up and products I use.  I don't frequently stalk beauty blogs, but this is one has great tips as well as gorgeous and inspirational photos.  If you follow me on pinterest, you might have seen these photos already. 

I need to start experimenting a little more in make up and nails departments, but when there's a good thing goin', it's kinda hard to branch out.  

Follow The Beauty Department here.

Also wanted to say thanks for all the kind emails, comments, and warm welcome back to posting.  I pretty sure I have the best readers ever! I certainly missed you guys too.