Layering Green and Black

I work in an air conditioned office and temperature can be a major issue. Wearing versatile pieces allow you to be comfortable in the cooler office spaces and you can remove a layer when you are out for a quick lunch in the heat.

I've been slowly building up stand alone pieces like this great jacket from Ann Taylor or this sassy green skirt from Crew. You'll find these signature pieces are easy to swap in and out of any look. What are your signature pieces?

Jacket:  Triacetate Jacket, Ann Taylor | shop
Shirt:  Loft | shop similar
Skirt:  No. 2 Pencil Skirt, JCrew | shop
Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint ($30 $12) | similar

Linked up to Two Thirty-Five Designs.

PFC #16: Summer Wedding

This month's PFC is hosted by Lauren of Petite on a Penny. PFC 16: Summer Wedding--Create an outfit for a summer wedding (the dress code is up to you). For bonus points (and this is what I'll be doing!) try to make your whole outfit, head to toe, come in under $100! (Or, exclude shoes and accessories to meet the $100 mark.)

I mentioned earlier that I'm attending 5 weddings this summer.  Yes.  That's right.  It's wedding season. 

   

Ramen Noodle Budget via Put This On

My look rings up to a grand total of $97--shoes, accessories, and a few makeup items included. Admittedly, I stalked that Banana Republic dress, and for me, it definitely takes patience and numerous trips to the mall to get a great deal.  When it comes to clothes, I sometimes operate on the Ramen Noodle Budget.  

The Ramen Noodle Budget, you ask?   Check out the gentlemen of Put This On for an explanation of the concept (and see their illustration below) that it can be difficult to score quality pieces at an ideal price.  I confess to shopping on the Ramen Noodle Budget, and I try to keep to the Good Quality &; Cheap side of the budget, though it can be hard to resist the fast and trendy fashion of Forever 21 and H&M.

To avoid buying items that I won't wear frequently nor won't have an occasion to wear, I ask my trusty fashion consultant --- Ailyn to help. She proceeds to ask me, "Where am I going?" or "Name 5 specific and separate occasions I would wear this piece." This really helps me avoid purchasing clothing and accessories that don't add value to my wardrobe.


Don't forget to check out what the other ladies put together for this PFC at Petite on a Penny.

Headband: JCrew ($14 $4)

Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint ($30 $12) | similar

Dress: Banana Republic ($128? $38) | similar

Shoes: Talbots ($139 $30) | similar

Lip Color: Convertible Color in Petunia (07), Stila ($25 $13)| shop

Linked up at Watch What I'm Wearing.

Sweater Vests are the Best

I love sweater vests. My love of vests grew after watching years of a very special show -- The Cosby Show. Bill was always so funny and quaint in his sweaters. The sweater vest is a fantastic piece for work and perfect for a brisk day. I've picked up a few great ones from Limited. Here's to chic sweater vests and the always charming - Bill Cosby.

Coat:  Burberry Harbourne | shop
Vest:  The Limited
Shirt:  Gap
Pants:  Drew Bootcut Pant, The Limited | shop

Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Necklace:  Big Love  Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint

Betsey Johnson Sweet Little Crepe Short Sleeve

Meet a college sweetie - Lisa! She is lovely. Will, Lisa & I have been friend for years.

I adore this beautiful Betsey Johnson LBD. The first time I tried it on was last September while visiting Las Vegas. I tried it on, fell in love, but almost fell over at the $338 price tag. I was in Chicago about a month ago and saw it on sale for a little over $150. I had to jump at the deep discount!

Pairing this LBD with me new favorite pink pumps makes me very happy. Have you scored any good deals lately?

Dress:  Sweet Little Crepe Short Sleeve, Betsey Johnson  | shop

Shoes:  Lilly pumps in Neon Magenta Snake, INC | shop

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop

Lipstick:  Revlon ColorBurst in Fushia (030) | shop

Nail Polish:  OPI California Raspberry | shop

"What's Up" Part II

You may have seen Ailyn's version of her "what's up" Hollister plaid shirt. This was my pick from our last Hollister adventure in the dark. This soft and comfy button up is an easy, breezy choice for a day of kicked back style. 

Most days, I prefer to overdress rather than underdress, but there is something so nice about a relaxed outfit. I'm going to lean back all day today, nod and say, "What's up" so I can be as cool as the workers at Hollister.

"What's up."

Top:  Hollister | shop

Pants:  Ponte 5 pocket, Gap | shop

Shoes:  Cece Suede Studded Ballet Flats, JCrew| shop

Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | 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

PFC 13: Stylish Under $100 at the Lincoln Presidential Library Award

Today is Ailyn's birthday!  Happy Birthday Ailyn! You are such a special person and wonderful sister. <3


PFC #13 - hosted by Annie of Really Petite: Stylish for under $100: If you can, please break down the price of each piece to your outfit.  The lower the price of the completed outfit- the better! Bonus points if you can put together a completed outfit including shoes and accessories for under $100.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to be in Chicago for the Lincoln Leadership Prize. This event honored former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, who helped lead his country to a new era of freedom and became the first democratically elected leader in Polish postwar history. This was a very cool event where President Wałęsa shared his inspiring story of freedom through peaceful, but effective protest. Chicago always hosts the swankiest of events, so I came prepared to this event with a classic LBD.  This goes to show that you can be fashionably and affordably attired for any occasion.



Dress:  Gap also styled here ($50)
Belt:  Loft ($8)
Shoes: Perfect Pumps, Ann Taylor | shop ($36)
Earrings:  Very Audrey JewelMint | shop ($11.99)
Lipstick:  Round Case, Chaos | shop 

Nail Polish:  Frankly I Don't Give A-Dam by OPI | shop 

Grand total: $106 (excluding makeup & nail polish) - Not too bad!