flower power

BLACK Saks Fifth Avenue silk top, Off Fifth

Love Fire pants and Carole agate necklace, Nordstrom Rack

       Instead of power dressing, why not try flower dressing? I wore this to work the other day and felt a little like a tulip, which isn't a bad thing when I'm feverishly compiling my data binder.
       I'm still not convinced that blush doesn't translate to blah on me. I love this color on other people, but I'm not used to seeing myself in pastels. What drew me to this top, however, was the interesting cut and draping. I think it's one of those items of clothing that looks better in motion.

What color or colors are out of your comfort zone?

Try-it-out Tuesday: sparkly tomboy

  short necklace and Love Fire olive skinnies, Nordstrom Rack

long necklace, Forever 21

Ralph Lauren buttondown, Ross

      I love a good boy's buttondown, but sometimes their boxy shape and loose fit can be a little hard to style. Tucking them into a high-waisted pencil skirt can be a quick fix, but a little more formal than I like on a weekend. Doubling up on the necklaces and adding a slim-fitting pant is a more weekend-friendly option.This was perfect for a Sunday excursion to the outlet mall and some serious time in the fitting rooms.
      I picked up some great wardrobe staples at amazing prices during a trip to the Gap Factory Store: two bright cardigans (cobalt and yellow), one white buttondown, and a striped tee, all for a grand total of $53. I visited other stores and tried on things at each one, but exercised restraint and passed on things that didn't quite fit or I didn't love. It's easy to get carried away at the outlet mall in regards to impulse purchases, but I think I did really well this time. I did love a square-neck black dress in a very structured cotton at Banana Republic Factory Store, but the dry-clean-only care tag and $60-plus price deterred me.
       And not to be annoying, but ... you can win a Haitian Bead necklace or bracelet in my very first giveaway! As of Monday night, only two folks have entered -- so if you like what you see, please enter! It's beautiful jewelry for a beautiful cause. Giveaway closes Fri., 12/21.

micro-ruffles and a bow

    

Velvet Heart chambray tunic, Ross

belt, from Tommy Hilfiger dress

Love Fire pants, Nordstrom Rack

bracelets, gifted

adjustable wood and turquoise encrusted bead bracelet, InPink

      Does anyone else use their blog photos like a mirror? Looking at the above picture made me realize how bunchy these pants were around my ankles, and I ended up folding the hems under.
      Chambray again ... and I even doubled up this time, with the belt from the shirtdress I wore here.  I'm either on a roll ... or in a rut. :)