Sleek and Sophisticated

Sleek blouses are very popular right now, anything satin (polyester gives the same look) and sheer is sure to be a win. I instantly loved the style of this look when I saw it in Ann Taylor Loft, the color and trim detail sealed the deal.

This top is simple with a neutral color, but it has sleek detail with black trim along the cuffs and neck - borderline colorblock. The best touch is noticed from the back - the trim around the neck continues into an elegant black tie. Personally, I love when the sleeve of a blouse has fitted and buttoned cuffs, causing the sleeve to balloon over the wrist.

To accessorize this blouse I chose brushed gold as the accent and paired my Alex and Ani charmed necklace. I love the detail of the rings and delicate touch of the heart charm at the end. To match, I added my chunky gold watch to the look.  A simple, yet great choice for the office or a casual night out! 

Tip: Some of my favorite places to find this style blouses - The Loft, Gap, Banana Republic, and Marshalls! 

Lush. Lively. Elegant. Pantone Color Of The Year - Emerald

Well if you don't have emerald green in your wardrobe, it's time to head to the stores and add some. Pantone announced the 2013 color of the year... drum roll please... emerald!  

This color is said to be "Lively. Radiant. Lush... A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance, and harmony."

This can be a tough color to wear, well for me anyways.  I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of green, but I'll be shopping the racks to add this color to my closest. Whether you choose a piece of apparel or decide to go with an accessory, emerald is a must for 2013.
Tip: Gold accessories are the perfect match for something green.

Polyvore: Pantone Color Of The Year - Emerald by jezzys featuring yellow gold jewelry

Your Staple Black Skirt

Today's look was business casual focused.  The main item is my staple black skirt.  Every girl/lady 20+ needs to have a black pencil skirt in their closet. This one is a Banana Republic find and is great because of the detail.  It has pleats and pockets in the front with a belted waist - giving it some additional style.  These skirts are perfect for all weather, wear it in the summer with sandals and throw it on in the fall/winter with tights and boots.

Paired with the skirt, I chose a slate blue button up from Ann Taylor Loft.  Normally I leave it untucked with dress pants or jeans but I dressed it up today and tucked it into the skirt.  Tucking it in gives the outfit a clean look, exposing the detail of the skirt.  Cuffing the sleeves also softens the look.  Such simple apparel calls for some jewelry so I went with a new piece from Brighton.  A thin long necklace would also work, but I chose something shorter and a bit heavier.  Don't you like it?  It was a birthday present from Mom :) xo.  I'm a summer girl so I like to hold onto summer till the very end.  Seeing as its still hot and humid, I chose a pair of basic black sandals that had black rhinestones on the straps.

Tip: Versatile pieces are going to make your closet go a long way!

T-shirt with some style!

Today was another dreary day so it was time to pull the boots back out.  In rainy weather, I like to wear skirts and boots so I don't have to deal with wet pants that never dry.  Today I went with a a t-shirt I got at Ann Taylor Loft, white with lace and rhinestones around the collar.  Its not pictured, but it also has a black ribbon tie around the neck.  With this top I wore a black pencil skirt with a belted waist (Banana Republic).  I wore my go to black leather slouch boots but added gray knee high socks.

Tip: Add a twist - knee high socks give the boots a different look.