Boots and a blustery day

Fashion Fundamental:  Boots

I love the look of preppy riding boots. Today, I'm sporting the classic Melissa Button Frye boots. This sturdy pair can keep up with my busy lifestyle, but still feel comfortable and cool. I find myself reaching for boots all season to keep clear of the elements.

Want a review of these boots? Ailyn did an awesome review-- click here for the full report!

Sunnies: 01OS, Prada | shop

Coat:  Colletta Coat, JCrew | similar

Necklace: Etsy

Shirt:  JCrew | similar

Pants: 678 Colorful Skinny Jean, The Limited | shop

Boots: Melissa Button, Frye | shop

Lips: Mandarin, Smashbox | shop

Presidential Style: D.C. & the Obamas

Capitol, Pennsylvania Avenue

White House

Washington Monument, Supreme Court, Lincoln Memorial, Treasury Building

Mr. & Mrs. Obama
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture 

A few weeks ago I traveled to beautiful Washington, D.C. for a work trip. I was in town for the groundbreaking of the Smithsonian's 19th museum -- the National Museum of African American History and Culture. I had the chance to see some of the sights, ate oysters at the historic Old Ebbet's Grill and saw the President & First Lady.

No big deal, right?

PSSHHH.... more like I was totally geekin' out that I got to see both of them!

President Obama spoke at the event and said the museum, “Should stand as proof that the most important things in life rarely come quickly or easily; it should remind us that although we have yet to reach the mountaintop, we cannot stop climbing.” Inspiring.

The event was surreal. Mrs. O, our FLOTUS, was even more stunning in person. She looked beautiful in her green Peter Som dress coat. You can follow all of her great looks on one of our favorite blogs -Mrs.O.com. 

It was an awesome trip & D.C. is definitely my kind of town!

Presidential Style

Shirt:  J. Crew

Vest:  The Limited

Jacket:  Banana Republic

Pants:  Drew Bootcut Pant, The Limited | shop

Purse:  Kate Spade

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop

Necklaces:  Thrifted

Shoes:  Orra, Nine West | shop

D.C. Sightseeing Look

Coat:  H&M

Top:  Striped Crew-neck, Old Navy | shop

Pants:  Gap 1969 Ponte 5 pocket | shop

Shoes:  Cece Suede Ballet Flats, JCrew | shop

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop

The Limited: Soft Tailored Jacket Review

I couldn't resist this fantastically vibrant blue tailored jacket from the Limited!  Cobalt is all the rage this season and This jacket fits similarly to a cardigan; plus, you can't beat this baby's versatility, as it's perfect for a busy day at the office, as well as a fun night out with the girls.

I'm a big fan of The Limited's workwear pants; they fit my body really well and manage to lengthen my legs.  Though I'm partial to skirts, the pants I'm rocking at work usually have a Limited tag.  The Drew Bootcut Pant cut is a particular favorite because it slims the figure and gives a clean, tailored look.

If you love this blazer as much as I do, then I want to let you know that The Limited is running a 50% off almost everything promotion with code: FRENZY + free shipping, no minimum on all orders.

Linked up with the Pleated Poppy, G-Rated, & the Transatlantic Blonde.

Coat:  Old Navy, 2010 

Jacket:  Soft Tailored Jacket in Cobalt, The Limited | shop

Shirt:  J.Crew

Pants:  Drew Bootcut Pant, The Limited | shop

Bracelet:  Lia Sophia

Shoes:  Orra, Nine West | shop

Earrings:  Target

PFC 12: From Night to Day

PFC #12:  i am Khatu has challenged us to "Restyle a glamorous look that you would typically wear for a night-out-on-the-town into daytime casual wear. Easy right? Bonus points if you can restyle it for work!"


I got this crazy skull sweater in California last month, and thought it would be fun to transition this piece from night to day. It's different from most of the pieces I own, but branching out is always a good exercise.


Night Jane

I anchored both looks with this unique sweater and added some great wedge booties for a fun night out. Putting your hair up, rocking a pair of funky earrings and some bold lipstick makes for an easy trip to the clubs!


Day Jane
I turned down the volume by pairing the sweater with jeans, some colorful accessories, and a cute headband. Jane is ready for a casual afternoon running errands. 

Check out Kid Cudi rocking his own version of PFC #12.  While you're at it, check out Khatu's blog to see what other petite ladies put together for this PFC!

Night Jane

Sweater:  Melrose Boutique

Shorts:  HM

Shoes:  Melrose Boutique

Bracelet:  Gordmans

Ring:  Express

Clutch:  Thrifted

Earrings:  Charlotte Russe

Lipstick:  Round Case, Chaos | shop

Day Jane

Sweater:  Melrose Boutique

Jeans:  312 Classic Flair, the Limited | shop

Scarf:  ?

Purse:  Coach

Shoes:  Target versie pump | shop

Headband:  Burlington Coat Factory

Black & Red Wednesday

Happy Wednesday Bloggers! November is in full swing and I'm feeling the black and red. And surprise, surprise - more animal print! Sounds like somebody is fully converted.

Have a great day readers!

Cardigan:  Loft
Top:  Express
Skirt:  The Limited | shop
Belt:  Forever 21
Shoes:  Target versie pump | shop
Earrings:  Charlotte Russe
Necklace:  For Love 21 (Forever 21's jewelry store)
Ring:  Thrift Shop

JCrew Ruffle Top

Oddly, the weather is kind of nice for a Midwest November so I will take it!

However, this will change rather quickly. This week I will be working to pull my winter clothes and boots out! JCrew and Gap have some adorable winter looks and sweaters on their websites. Though I'm not to excited about the prospect of scraping my car or trudging through snow...I'm excited about the clothes :).

Top:  JCrew Ruffle
Cadigan:  Polo Ralph Lauren
Skirt:  The Limited | shop
Shoes:  Pilar Strappy Wedge in Brown by Mossimo, Target | shop
Cuff:  Lia Sophia

Frye Melissa Button Back Zip Boots

Oh snap - she's wearing white post Labor Day! Gasp..shock..sigh.

Lovely fall is here with so it's time to try out some new boots. I picked up a great pair at Nordstrom's during their annual anniversary sale. These boots are perfect for jean tucking and leaf crunching. I think these boots are cool, and this grey is an unexpected color. The Melissa Button also comes in a really pretty brown - which I prefer.

I do have a few issue with these boots. For instance, the buttons on the back are a bit hard to buckle, but with some brute finger force you're good to go. Also, if you have larger calves, you may have trouble zipping into this pair. I had struggled a bit...

Nevertheless, here's a rocking pair of boot and a clean cut blazer to jump start our fall.

Blazer: Polished Sateen Blazer, Ann Taylor | shop
Top: Seamless Scoop Cami, The Limited | shop
Shorts: F21
Boots: Melissa Button Back Zip in Grey, Frye | shop

Purple Popped Collar

Hello Tuesday!

Remember that phase when boys wore popped collars all the time? I feel like that created a bad stigma around collar poppage. I hope the hate is gone because I personally love a popped collar. It elongates the neck and adds a crisp, preppy vibe. 

Shirt:  J. Crew

Vest:  The Limited

Pants:  The Limited

Earrings:  Express

Necklaces: H&M & Thrifted

Shoes:  BCBG via Nordstrom Rack

JET, Jordans, & a Three Piece Suit

Meet our nephew JET!  It's his big day and he is getting baptized! The newest member of our family is three months old and already a hip, stylish dude! Check out his 3-piece suit and classic Air Jordans.

A special shout-out to the hilarious ladies who've adopted us into their book club--Jane, Joy, & Maria! :)  They're a big deal.

What did I wear to this joyous occasion? I recently bought this great dress from Limited. The turquoise color is really pretty and fun. Sitting down in the dress was a bit challenging because the buttons don't lay flat, but I really enjoyed wearing this light and comfortable dress.

Earrings: I got it from my momma. lol
Dress: The Limited
Belt: H&M
Shoes: Taiwan
Check out the other Janes's outfit details.

Jewel Tones - Two Ways

It is a chilly spring day, but that doesn't stop me from busting out one of my favorite skirts. It is also a day of indecisiveness. I have chosen to pair two variations with said skirt (Gap).

Meet a rockin' pair of heels. Sadly, it wasn't until I was in my first years of college that I discovered the magical place known as "Nordstrom Rack." Hence, a favorite pair of purple, striped BCBG shoes (circa 2006). Purple stripes and I have been in mutually exclusive relationship ever since.*

Foundation

Skirt:  Gap ($39.99, originally $49.50)

Shoes:  BCBG, Nordstrom Rack circa 2006 ($50)

Jewelry: Banana Republic Outlet

Ring: Birthday Gift from my best friend, Sheena

Outfit 1

Will it be cold in the office today? Yes. Scarves are a great tool to use year round, and is a great transitory piece when the seasons are unpredictable. The belt is styled over the scarf. I find that this helps to polish the look.

Green Tank Top:  Limited

Black Cardigan:  Express

Black Belt:  Thrifted

White Scarf:  Macy's

Outfit 2

Aili, you need to simplify and it might not be as cold as you imagine.

Top:   Gap
Sweater:  J.Crew

*How does one maintain shoes for years? Easy, a great shoe repair shop. I've taken these heels in quite a few times. The small black piece that covers the heel of the shoe can be worn out rather quickly and a terrible horse galloping sound begins to emit from your feet. This can be alleviated by a quick stop at the shoe repair shop. This will run you approximately $15-$20 - well worth the money and time.