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! 

Winter Florals and Ankle Biker Boots

I'm always on the lookout for great winter long sleeves.  When I'm getting ready in the morning, I always find myself looking for something that will be warm and comfortable, yet I still want it to have a stylish flare. This shirt was actually a Kohl's find from Simply Vera - Vera Wang. I find that her line can be overpriced for Kohl's, but if you can catch it on sale, she has some great pieces.  For tonight's post I wanted to focus on this floral long sleeve with winter coloring.  Its hard to tell from the pictures, but this shirt has a layered front.  Also, the seams along the side of the shirt are cinched and the finishing touch is the sheer blue material along the neckline. 

If you have time this weekend, take a stroll through Kohl's and flip through the racks! 

For the bottom half of my outfit, I paired basic dark jeans with great ankle biker boots.  If you haven't been paying attention, black biker style ankle boots are very trendy right now.  I picked this Franco Sarto pair up at Marshall's right before Christmas.  I love the leather wrap around the ankle and the brushed silver heel strap.  Here is a very similar pair, the top half of my boots are suede material versus all leather. 

Tip: Find yourself a pair of black pull on biker ankle boots!

Boots for all!

BOOTS, BOOTS, BOOTS

Whether you're simple, bold, flat or a heel type - boots are a must for the season and there is a pair out there for everyone!  On one of my recent trips to Marshalls, I snapped a few pictures of my favorites to show you the different styles that are out there - not to mention at all price ranges! 

Simple and Casual in two different looks.  I have to admit that I am a wedge kind of girl, but I do like the detail of buckles on this pair! Here we range from $34.99 (Rocket Dog) to $99.99 (Guess). 

Here we have more of the riding boot style.  On the left we have a more formal version of this look, while on the right its back to casual and laid back. These two are both very reasonably priced - the left is at $49.99 (Etienne Aigner) and the right is $39.99

Its not just about the tall boots this year - ankle boots are in! 

Here are 4 different options for 4 different styles.  I've been wearing these all season with skinny pants and all kinds of tops from an over-sized sweater to the popular button up sheer blouses. 

Top Left - For the cow girl: $39.99 (Steve Madden) 

Top Right - For a laid back look: $59.99 (Kenneth Cole Reaction)

Bottom Left - Keeping it sleek $59.99 (Steve Madden)

Bottom Right - For the more daring: $29.99 (Restricted) - I personally love! :)

Tip: There are plenty of styles out there - both short and tall - find the pair that fits your style and rock them through the season! 

More than a Sweatshirt

Well now that its cold, a sweatshirt always sounds nice to wear!  Find one that's more than just a plain pull over and you'll be able to get away with it... probably even in the office.  I saw this one at Marshalls, full front zipper and a lot of ruffles.  I love the detail, right down to the back ruffle that pulls in the waist. 

Dress comfortably, yet still stylish!

Dressing up a Plain T

Well it was a plain T kind of day but I wanted to add something that would give it a little style.  Plain T's are perfect for adding a fashionable necklace, even something on the chunkier side will work well.  When I'm in the stores, I always try and take a peak at their jewelry.  You never know what you'll find on their sale or clearance wall, just might be the necklace you've been looking for!

This necklace was a Kohl's find - clearance tag for $8.00.  Try not to over spend on fashion jewelry, it's better to get a few different pieces on sale that you can switch around then spending a lot on one necklace.

Have fun with it!

T-shirt: Marshalls

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft 

Necklace: Kohl's 

Purple Pants and Ankle Boots - Fashion of the Season!

Well I finally found a pair of purple pants this weekend!  Added bonus, they have a cool floral scroll pattern in the corduroy fabric that adds great depth.  Where can you find these, check out Ann Taylor Loft - I picked them up at 60% off in stores but you can get them at 40% now!!  Not only are they pretty different, but this color is so in for the fall!

Strolling through the mall, I stopped in Bakers to see what they had.  Ankle boots are in this year so my eye quickly was drawn to this cute pair.  Here is a similar pair from their site, but the ones I picked up were on sale for $39.99 and the color is a little lighter.  Not only are they ankle boots but the side zipper is a great detail.

Since the pants were such a statement I toned it down with a simple gray shirt and scarf.  I wanted the pants and boots to be the focus :)  It's pretty cold in the morning so I threw on a sweatshirt jacket I found at Marshalls.  The button detail gives it the perfect touch! 

Tip: Pick up a pair of ankle boots (with a side zipper if you can)!  Don't be afraid to add some bright skinny pants to your wardrobe, purple/burgundy is a hit fall color this season!

Lace Back - Little Black Dress

Well this weekend I went to my first wedding for a high school friend, a best friend at that!  I really want to know where the time has gone, I swear we were just walking across the stage at graduation.  Well I knew this was going to be a special night but I really had no idea what I was going to wear.  Certainly an important occasion but I didn't want to spend a fortune on a dress.  I hate buying things you only really wear once!

As I was running through the racks at Marshalls last weekend I found it!  From the front it looks like a simple little black dress, or as my sister calls it, a LBD.  It has the stylish peplum ruffle around the waist.  To my surprise, when I flipped it over I noticed the full lace back!  It's hard to tell from the pictures, but the lace had a gold tint to it. I immediately fell in love and knew this was perfect for the occasion!  

I wore shoes that were delicate with gold rings running from a strap at my toes to my ankle.  For jewelry I kept it light with a thin layered gold necklace and four simple bangles.  When wearing a dress like this, you want to keep it classy and let the dress do the talking.  There is no need to layer on the accessories, as the dress itself is the statement.

What to do with your hair with a dress like this?  First things first, make sure the back is uncovered!  Any soft updo would do the trick, I went with a curly ponytail and strand around the elastic. 

I know you are all probably wondering how much it was - of course it was a great fashion find, $19.99!!

Tip: Keep your fashion finds looking classy, wearing all kinds of bold accessories would have turned this look into tacky in a second.

Touch of Animal Print

My color choices have made the fall transition - this look fell into the gray and greens. When you're wearing something that is neutral you need to spice it up with accessories! For this look I added shinny bright gold jewelry. That just wasn't enough so I wore my new pair of animal print flats! They went perfect with the color scheme and added a fun print. These were a great fashion find - $20 on clearance at TJ Maxx, they're Lucky Brand.

Sweater - GAP

Pants - Marshalls 

Tip: Get yourself some animal print - it's fun and adds the perfect kick to fall colors!

First Fall Sweater - Weekend Fashion Find

Well this morning was pretty crisp - the reality that Fall has set in.  It was one of those mornings that I wanted to wear something cozy.  I thought I'd be saving it for a colder day, but I ended up picking my weekend fashion find!  What do you think?  I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it.  A long tan sweater, with accent yellow stripes - the style and fit are what make it.  I love the oversized collar and pockets - the subtle detail give it great styling.

Best part?  I spotted it for $15.00 on Marshalls clearance rack - can't get better than that!

Pairing it with a plain white T and dark straight leg jeans left the focus on the sweater.  Simple yet really cute! :)

Tip:  Get in the stores and check out the clearance racks - there are perfect fall pieces just hanging there!

Black and White Zigs

Boy is the summer flying by, already August 8th... where did July go? The summer heat calls for fun summer dresses, especially for the office.  One of my NJ finds, this black/white/gray zig zag design was  my look for today.  During one of the rainy days on vacation I found the closest Marshalls - this place was HUGE and packed with finds!  As soon as I saw this dress hanging on the rack I knew it would be a great find for the office.  It's boat neck design is great for a business casual day.  My favorite detail  is the back, the full zipper and bow are perfect details!







With a busy design such as this, you don't want to compete with jewelry.  I kept it simple with my thin silver necklace and I decided to layer with my initial necklace.  I also kept my shoes basic with black sandals that have just the right amount of style.  Don't make the mistake of "basic" sandals with those Old Navy rubber flip flops that come in every color of the rainbow - style no no!

Tip: Take a second to try on one of the summer dresses you see on the rack - it'll be a great addition to your wardrobe.  I'd start with Marshalls or TJ Maxx, always have different and cute designs at great prices! 

My FAVORITE summer color!

I love wearing white, but I really LOVE wearing teal (also known as aqua maybe? :)) - so what better than to pair them together!  The colors in this outfit really complimented each other, as the teal was subtle yet still bright for a contrast.  This shirt is perfect for summer, the bright color, detail, and light material, I think it has a delicate look.  I knew white pants would pair well color wise but I chose the skinny jeans because of the cinched waist and flowy bottom of the shirt.  You wouldn't want to wear a bottom that was wide leg, it would not accent the design and cut of the shirt.  

I kept the jewelry light with my favorite necklace - silver initial - A - from Ross Simons, simple piece but always works!  The watch is where I added some style - a Curli Q Wrap Watch from Speidel!  My boyfriend just so happens to work there so get to check out the new designs - pretty cool isn't it?? I love how it wraps around your wrist! 

Aside from the rhinestone studded watch, I went with some flare on the shoes too.  They are a neutral color so they go with a lot but the flower puff on the side is a really cute detail!  You should get a pair - $12.99 at Marshalls - can't go wrong!

Tip: Don't be afraid to wear white - especially with a splash of teal! 

PS. Besides the accessories - my whole look is Marshalls :)