Tag: style

Style: February ’09

I think sweater vests are terribly cute, especially this striped red one with a simple white t-shirt underneath. A black pencil skirt and low red heels make the vest seem more feminine, and the little librarian pin is a cute touch. The yellow resin necklace is a quirky addition (I actually bought it recently and I’ve been wearing it nonstop), and the yellow clutch finishes off the outfit.

Maternity Version

I couldn’t find an option for the vest, so I’d go with something different like this button front shirt paired with a black maternity pencil skirt.

February 1, 2009
Style: January ’09

A new month, a new style post. I have a lot of fun making these, so I hope you enjoy them!

I adore the huge print on this chainlink-print dress. Absolutely adore it. I often like to add colored tights but here I think I’d stick with gray. I’d also wear my inexpensive gray shoes from Old Navy (which I highly recommend as they are cute and comfortable). So things are a bit monochromatic now, yes? I’d throw on a colorful cardigan sweater (just about any color would work nicely), and grab a bag in yet another color (I’m coveting the Get-Up-and-Go Bag these days). Feminine gold and pearl earrings and simple stacking bracelets (Banana Republic makes the ones shown, but I also really like the set from LOOKAjewelry).

And now, here’s a maternity version. I have this jersey dress, and I think it’s actually quite flattering. Super comfortable and a bit casual, it’s a really nice dress to carry one through to spring.

Oh, and happy new year!

January 2, 2009
My Organized Closet

Somehow, I can leave dishes in the sink (instead of loading the dishwasher that’s two feet away), and I’ll let random things pile up on the dining room table, but I am not someone that can shove a bunch of stuff behind closed doors and consider it “put away”. Yes, I DO that (I’m nowhere near perfect), but it bothers me and bothers me until I can go through and thoroughly clean and organize everything. So that’s what I did this weekend.

My closet is a freestanding wardrobe from IKEA. It’s nothing special from the outside, but everything fits inside. Clothes, shoes, hats, purses, jewelry… it’s all in there.

Here’s the overall layout:

I think I got rid of about half of my shoes when I cleaned everything out. I decided to only keep the shoes I really loved… the cute heels, the simple flats that go with everything. All the shoes I had been holding onto that hurt my feet or that I never wore just had to go. Now the shoes I have fit nicely in two drawers.

My boots go along the back, tucking behind my dresses.

And speaking of dresses, here they are:

My jewelry and perfume used to be over by the bathroom, but I thought it made more sense to keep everything together with my clothes.

Brandon was a bit shocked at how much I was getting rid of, but I feel so much better. My sister took some of it, and all the rest was donated to charity. And now I’m nicely organized.

December 16, 2008
Style: December ’08

Looks like I’m loving ruffles this month…

I’m not normally a big fan of Steve Madden shoes, but I saw these Impereal T-Strap Ruffled Pumps in a shop window and was instantly smitten. The Knitted Ruffle Dress from Boden looks like the kind of comfy, warm dress that would be perfect all fall and winter (and would likely fit over my ever-expanding midsection). To counter all of the frilliness in the outfit so far, I think the Monogram Bowler Handbag would be an excellent choice. Simple tights would keep your legs warm, and bright red lipstick would liven things up a bit.

OK, now this is where I have to just gush over Cookoorikoo’s necklaces. I met Shana last year at Design*Sponge’s Biz Ladies event here in Chicago, and I’ve seen her in local shows a whole bunch since then. I already own two of her necklaces, and I just bought the partly sunny yo-yo necklace that’s shown above. BUT, Shana has similar styles available in her shop, and she also does custom orders (so you can get the same colors as mine if you want to).

December 1, 2008
Iowa Wedding Weekend

Here’s what Brandon and I looked like this weekend:







The first look is a variation on my October Style Post, and the last look is my November Maternity Style Post.

November 17, 2008
Style: November ’08 (Special Event, Maternity Edition)

Brandon’s cousin Chris is getting married this month and we’ll be traveling out to Iowa to attend the wedding. If I could still wear dresses with a defined waist, I probably would have gone with this silver dress, but I’m definitely in need of a maternity style now. Finding an inexpensive but cute dress to wear was easier than I thought it would be, so I built a whole outfit around it.

$Style: November \'08 (Special Event, Maternity Edition)$

I already have the sequin clutch but if you’re looking for one, similar styles usually pop up on eBay. I’m going to wear simple sparkly earrings to add some more shine to my outfit. It IS a special event after all – I should have just a little bling, right?

I love Isaac Mizrahi’s Patent Oxfords, and they’ll look great with black thigh high stockings. And because no outfit of mine is complete without some kooky accessory that Brandon will think is silly, I think the Fall Corsage with Migrating Blue Bird will look smashing attached to a hair clip or headband. :)

October 31, 2008