Casual Monday

Today is the Monday after Christmas which means Casual Monday at the office.  I don't like to wear sneakers to work even when permitted. I believe that you should ALWAYS dress for the job you want not the job you have.  Like it or not, people judge you based on a snap shot first impression.  I always try to look polished even on casual days.  Believe it or not, you CAN be comfy and polished at the same time.

Today I am wearing a tunic that is basically a polished sweatshirt...Christmas gift from the LOFT.  The jeans I'm wearing have stretch, so I feel like I'm wearing comfy leggings.  The boots are really really comfortable and flat...much more attractive than sneakers.

Top: LOFT-Original price $59. 
Got 50% off for day after Christmas sale!

Jeans: Forever 21 $15

Boots: Target $35

Necklace: Target $18

Scarf: Target $7

 Why this works: I don't typically wear tunics because I have a very long torso and thicker thighs.  I try to avoid wearing tops that fall on the wides part of my hips, however; I found an exception to the rule. The tunic is fitted and is slim over the hip which creates a nice long silhouette.  This look wouldn't work if the tunic were blousy because the stripes would emphasize my hips and cause me to look a bit wide.

The boots also elongate my legs which creates balance (your torso should never look longer than your legs...that will make you look stumpy). Nude pumps would also be a good alternative to the flat boots.
 
 

Here I've added a floral printed scarf.  I'm obsessed with pairing floral prints with neutral stripes.  Don't worry about matching, as Stacy London says, "Your outfit should never match, it should go."  Don't be afraid to experiment with mixing prints.  It's a great way to put your own touch on a neutral and classic outfit.

Fearless Friday

I can't get enough of a silky printed tunic top (can you tell?!).  I paired this look with a fitted boyfriend blazer, but forgot to take a picture.

Top: Anthropologie, originally $98, on sale for $58
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity, $158
Boots: Coach, $398

Why this works:  Flat, tall boots are so popular right now and are definitely office appropriate (I wear these with skirts a lot too).  Take this look from day to night by adding heels (or tall black boots) and adding lots of bangles.

Note: These boots are on major sale at coach.com right now ($259).

Thursday Fashion

This week I've been getting to work super early in the morning, so my outfit choices have been easy and comfortable, but of course stylish.  That's why I'm wearing pants all week - skirts and tights take extra time which is precious this week!

Top: Jcrew tunic, $59
Pants: Gap, $32 (Can you tell I'm obsessed with these yet?  Gap, please make more colors!)
Shoes: Tahari, $69
Necklace: Anthropologie, $50

Why it works: Instead of choosing a boring collared work shirt, I chose a fun tunic and dressed it up with slacks, patent nude pumps, and an awesome bib necklace.

Here's a close up of the necklace.  What is great about it is you can adjust the length since it's a tie neck.  I absolutely love it and wish I bought it in all colors when it was available at Anthropologie.

Note: I've tried to find out who makes this neckless without any luck.  But, Anthropologie did say they will be getting a very similar style this Spring so be on the lookout!

I bought these pants a long time ago but they were way too short (even with the hem let out) so I decided to have my tailor make them into capris.  They went from hanging in my closet, to a staple go-to pant.

Top: Trina Turk, originally $250, on sale for $118
Pants: Jcrew, $140
Shoes: Tahari, $69

Why this works: The top gives a lot of color to an outfit that could be boring.  If I had a one toned top on, I would have to add a chunky bib necklace to make it more interesting.  But this top has a lot of great detailing such as the attached jeweled belt.  I'm sure you can tell I'm officially obsessed with these Tahari heels so I chose them rather than a black shoe (although that would work too).

Note: I changed this look up last minute.  I added a black tank under the top and then switched out the capris for dark grey (thin) pinstripe pants from jcrew.  Then I changed out the heels for my go-to black mary jane peep toe pumps from jcrew.  I'll take a picture and post it today!

Also, I take all my photos on Sunday (there's no way I'm peppy enough to take these photos every morning!) so please don't judge the hair/tired look this week.  It's been a crazy week!

Fashion Tuesday

Top: Express, $79
Belt: Banana Republic, $32
Pants: JCrew, $140
Shoes: Banana Republic, $98

Why it works:  This top is super versatile and tunic-like so the wide belt gives it structure.  You really can't go wrong with a pair of classic cuffed trousers and animal print peep toes.  This look is professional but fun and has personality.

Here's the same outfit but with a different belt.  It gives you an idea that you can wear the top in a different way with a different belt and it still looks super cute.  I decided to wear the first outfit.  Which do you like better?

This is what I am wearing today.  I love mixing different textures and prints together.  People always think things need to match, but really it's all about finding pieces that compliment one another.  I found this Tucker for Target skirt and my local Goodwill or as I like to call it, G-dub.  I was so heartbroken when this skirt sold out at Target, but was thrilled when I found this hidden treasure at the G-dub for $5!!!

Why this works:  Orange and Blue are opposites on the color wheel; they compliment and enhance one another.

The micro fine pinstripe on the blouse doesn't compete with the bold rust colored herringbone print of the skirt.

One thing I should point out.  I'm 5'9" but have short legs for my height and and enormously long torso. A trick I use to minimize the torso and elongate my legs is to wear nude heels, and high waisted skirts.  This creates the ideal balance!





Top: Banana Republic,$45
Skirt: Tucker for Target, $5
Belt: Vintage store find
Shoes: Target, $30

                          

 Herer is a close up of the skirt.  Love this print!!!

Fearless Monday

I found this amazing top at Anthropologie on major sale.  I can't resist a print!  This outfit is perfect for a Monday because it's effortlessly chic and easy to throw on.

Top: Anthropologie, originally $228, on sale for $68
Pants: Gap, $32
Shoes: Tahari, $69

Why this works:  The rouching detail on the sleeves take this top from ordinary to extraordinary.  Bootcut slacks and nude pumps make the outfit professional, but fun.

Casual Saturday

It's cold out today and I'm running errands so I wanted something really easy, comfortable and cute. 

Cashmere Sweater: JCrew Collection, originally $190 on sale for $90
Jeans: Rock & Republic, $225
Loop Scarf: Urban Outfitters, $28
Boots: Nine West, $130

Why this works: The outfit would be slightly boring without the scarf, which adds lots of color and style.  Everything about this is functional as well; stylish flat boots are comfy and warm, the sweater and scarf are easy layers to add or remove. 

Would you wear this shopping?

Fearless Fashion Friday

I paired black skinny jeans with a fun, printed tunic.  I needed a break from heels so I chose my absolute favorite Tory Burch flats.

Why this works: The black jeans are office appropriate and the silk top adds a little more fun to the outfit.  This look can easily go from day to night by pairing it with sleek heels and a leather jacket.

Tunic: Banana Republic, $79
Jeans: Paige (Nordstrom Rack), $89
Flats: Tory Burch, $235

Note: This tunic was originally really long and super wide.  I loved the idea of it, but it looked awful on.  I took it to my favorite tailor and had them shorten the hem and take in the sides.  Voila, my own custom top!

What to Wear Thursday

Today I decided to pair a classic pencil skirt with a flowy tunic top.

Why this works:  I selected a classic pencil skirt, but kicked it up a notch by choosing a bright color and pairing it with a silky tunic.  A nude heel is so essential because it goes with everything.  Plus, a high heel will elongate your legs.  By adding a leopard print belt, it completes the entire outfit.

Top: Banana Republic, $79
Skirt: JCrew, $110
Leopard belt: The Limited, $19
Shoes: DSW (Tahari), $69
Earrings: Coach, $100

Perfectly Imperfect Hair

I love the look of perfectly imperfect waves. I don't  know about you, but I really hate spending alot of time on my hair.  I have naturally wavy hair that has a mind of it's own. I want to look polished, but don't always have time to blow dry my hair section by section. I recently mastered a simple technique that has shaved like 20 minutes off of my morning routine.

After washing my hair I use about a dime sized amount of Moroccan Oil and apply it all over except my roots.  My stylist told me that it actually helps your hair dry faster...so true!  I then take the front section of my hair and use a round brush and blowdry that section of hair smooth, rather than dry my entire head section by section.To speed up the process I give my hair an all over quick blast with the dryer, spray with volumizing hairspray, and then pull my hair back (while still slightly damp) into a loose bun. I keep my hair in the bun while making the 20 minute drive to work.  By the time I arrive, my hair is dry, I let my hair down and rake my fingers through the perfectly set waves.  It may sound like alot of steps, but trust me; this will change your life!! 

Here's a picture of my perfectly imperfect do.  To make the look more polished, simply pull your hair half up.  It doesn't need to be perfect, that's the point!

Fearless Fashion Wednesday

I wanted to wear a few new pieces today so I mixed them together to create this outfit.  You can't tell from the picture, but the top underneath the cardigan is a lovely silk ruffled blouse.  It's sleeveless though, so I needed to add the cardigan to keep me warm.  Here's a breakdown of my outfit:

Silk ruffle top: Jcrew - was $89, on sale for $49
Sweater: Jcrew, $89
Pants: Theory - were $225, on sale at Loehmann's for $69
Leopard print shoes: Banana Republic, $98
Watch: Michael Kors, $200
Necklace: Coach, $150

Side Note: This isn't the best picture of these pants, but I do want to mention I had them altered a lot when I first bought them.  They were a really wide leg and too short, but I couldn't pass up Theory pants for only $69.  I took them to my favorite tailor (Make it Fit) and had them take in the top of the legs and let the hem out entirely.

Just because an article of clothing doesn't fit at the store, doesn't mean it will never work for you.  Think about why it doesn't fit right and then how it can be altered.

Tuesday Fashion: Comfortable yet stylish!

I wanted to wear something really comfortable and warm, but stylish.  You really can't go wrong with this beautifully drapped Anthropologie dress and sweater tights.  I chose the sweater on the left because I felt that it looked better, but I still posted the other sweater to show you how easy it is to change an outfit just by adding a different piece.  Which do you like better?

Dress: Anthropologie on sale for $79

Sweater: JCrew sale for $30 (left pic)

Cashmere sweater: JCrew $130 (right pic)

Tights: Target $7

Shoes: Zappos.com Nine West $78

Necklace: Coach $150, gift

What I'm obsessed with...

Shawntel here.  Just want to share with you all my current obsession: Textured Tights.  I tend to wear conservative pieces to the office but I don't like feeling blah.  I avoid this by pairing my outfits with bold accessories, unexpected color or print, but right now I'm all about the tights!  I recently traveled to the East Coast for my friend's wedding.  I wore a classic black shift dress, but made it modern by pairing lace tights and a chunky crystal and chain necklace. 

Here are some of my inspirations:

 I love how tights can instantly change any outfit!  I love pairing them with summer dresses, and adding a blazer or cardigan.  Also, I love them with shorts; I'm all about getting the most out of my wardrobe.  I can get away with it more being that I live in Southern California.

 

One thing to keep in mind when sporting this trend: Avoid super short hemlines at the office otherwise this look can go from fun and classy to trashy.  Also, don't be afraid to try colored lace tights!  I just bought these from Target and I'm obsessed!!!!

What I'm Wearing Today

Today is my big interview for an internal job at my company so I dressed up my outfit a little more with a black blazer.  This outfit works because I am adding a print with my top instead of a bland, one color, collared shirt.  Here's a breakdown of my outfit:


Jacket: Banana Republic on sale for $54
Top: Jcrew on sale for $49
Belt: TJ Maxx (Michael Kors) $12
Pants: Gap on sale for $32
Shoes: DSW (Tahari) $69
Earrings: Coach hoops (gift)