Pretty on Parade

Here in the northeast (and even the south!) we're getting crushed by blustery winds and bitter cold temps, but don't let your look match your mood (seasonal depression, anyone??) There's no need to tuck away your perky brights and shroud yourself  in blacks and grays! Transitioning your bright and patterned pieces into the colder seasons can be a mood lifter.

Here's my tips on getting the job done in three easy steps: 

 

1.  Start your base with a vibrantly patterned piece, like this lovely frock by ModCloth. A great way to take this dress, which is great for summer strolls on the boardwalk, into brisker temps is by grounding the look with other pieces that have a more substantial feel. Top off your base item with a heavier knit pullover, which will allow your dress to work as more of a skirt (a two-for-one deal!).

2.  Then add in your winter friendly favorites like opaque tights, ankle booties and chunky belts. Work with pieces that are color complimentary to tones found in your dress, especially if it's printed. As you see here, sage tights are a welcome change from basic black and brown, yet work as a neutral that doesn't compete with the print. And the buckle detail on the boots lends a more contemporary feel when paired with this wonderfully retro design. Using a belt allows you to define your shape through your layers, by cinching in your waistline, while also adding some visual texture to the look.

3.  Complete the look by adding finishing accessories, like a scarf, bag and jewelry. You can pull out colors from your dress and repeat them in these pieces to keep the look cohesive with out being overly matchy. Here, I chose to maintain the whimsical feel of the repeated pattern on the dress and add in circular earrings - that happen to have a nautical theme. I mean, we're all dreaming of summer right!


In the end, you've got a cute and cozy outfit that says the winter blues ain't got a thing on you!


Stay warm, lovelies!!

DD's Style File - Little Leopard

Y'all...this weather is getting bananas. When I wake up in the morning it's freezing, at lunchtime it's chilly, at four o'clock it's 65 degrees, by evening it's so cold I had to finally break down and turn on the furnace. Now, tell me how in the heck do you get dressed for that??

Since it's cold enough for a turtleneck I decided to layer that under a cropped jacket and kept the look sleek with black tuxedo pants.

Crop leopard jacket - vintage
Tuxedo pants - The Limited
Turtleneck - old
Red pumps - Michael Kors

Instead going for all black, I added the glossy red patent pumps. A pair of great red pumps are a staple that can be hard to find, fortunately these Michael Kors just might fit the bill for me. The right height, the perfect shade of red (I like a true red) and they seem to be fairly comfortable.

Another win was this leopard jacket, which was an awesome thrift find. I love thrifting, but don't always have the greatest success finding pieces. However, with this I found a classic, timeless piece that I plan to use as a mainstay in my wardrobe. I've already had it for several years now, but of course there's always room for more leopard. *big smile*




Quilted bag - Dots
Watch - ALDO
Bracelet & rings - The Limited
nail color - CND Sugared Spice

 One of my current "diva desires" is a new cape. I have a black one in wool, but would like to add another. I had found the perfect one at Victoria Secret and planned to purchase it with the gift card I'd gotten for my birthday. However, as I finished another fifteen minutes or so of shopping after adding it to my basket, I went to check out only to find that it had be snagged out of my basket. And apparently, it was the last one! Like, seriously, Vicky?! Needless to say, I was salty, and I'm not ashamed to say - I still am. [insert pouty face here]

 

Anywho, we'll see how that develops... In the meantime, I hope you lovelies are having a fabulous week!

 

This post is also being linked to this week's Style Me Friday link up, hosted by The Fashionista Next Door and IFB's Project #119: Pump It Up.



 

DD's Style File - Haute Hippie

This dress screams Woodstock era. I was born much too late to enjoy any of that save the planet, free lovin', but this dress reminds me of something that I would have found in my mother's closet from days gone by. It's just spot on with that whole vintage feel.

Chiffon maxi dress - Forever 21
Tan sandals - Simply Vera for Kohl's
Turquoise necklace - Forever 21 (old)

During my trip to Forever 21 Times Square, I actually passed this beauty up. Luckily, I had time to go back after seeing Cinderella on Broadway (since F21 conveniently stays open until 2 a.m), so I dropped back in to shop some more.

And I had to go back and visit this dress...

Obviously, the stuff you find at F21 is mass produced, but from time to time you can happen upon a piece that has a unique feel to it, and to me this dress had that vintage-like vibe. Reminiscent of a great piece you find in a great thrift store (if we had any of those around here).

 

 

 

 

I wasn't able to find this dress online, but its worth checking for again. But if where you live is anywhere like where I live, and you lack awesome thrift stores to shop, Etsy and eBay are both great place to find similarly styled dresses or you can try one of these 1, 2 and 3.

 

Peace, Love & Hair Grease, y'all!!

DD's Style File - Dreamy Georgette

I must really be feeling it for this color combination. It's not exactly the same as the first, but similar, this time being a tad more yellow than green. But I am still just as pleased with the outcome. This time though, I decided to go with a clutch and shoe in nude as to not to compete with everything else that was going on. This more or less allowed the outfit to take center stage.

It was hot as ever today, but windy, and this made for the perfect outfit. It was lightweight and it fluttered when the wind blew - making me feel a little....sassy. There's something about lightweight chiffon and georgette fabrics that really make a girl feel like a girl!

I was considering a maxi skirt in this material, but I think I want something a bit more boho, like a pair of wide leg pants.

Neon yellow blouse - TJMaxx
Pink pleated skirt - Express
Nude sandal - Simply Vera for Kohl's
Light brown clutch - Vintage
Silver necklace & earrings - The Limited

I'm sure everyone is gearing up for the holiday, barbecues, maybe a day at the beach or the amusement park? Whatever you do I hope you all have a fabulous and safe holiday!

DD's Style File - Essence of Orange

I've been a baaaaad blogger. I know. I've been missing for about two weeks, but I didn't know that would happen, so it was totally unintentional. I've just had a flurry of  things keeping me busy recently - work (kind of a necessity), party planning and packing.

All totally unrelated.

And no, the party's not for me. It's for my mom.

And  nope again, I'm not going anywhere exotic or fantastic this year. *sad face* But I am moving in a couple months, and I have to break down my current home where I've been living (and semi-hoarding) for over nine years.

I'm sure you'll be hearing more about both those "projects" in future posts, so on to the clothes...

Ok, so I've got a bit more than "essence" going on here... I rocked a bright n' loud-see me-I'm-right-here orange skirt and loved every bit of it. It was flowy and flouncy and blew softly in the breeze when I walked. All that stuff that makes it fun to be a girl!

Chambray button up - JCPenney
Orange midi skirt - Twiggy London for HSN
Floral pumps - Guess
Brown clutch - Vintage

Because of the midi length and the soft shape of the skirt, I ordered two, this one and another in bright pink. The length was exactly what I wanted, but I'm going to have to get the waist altered just a little bit, I'd like it to fit just a tad more snug if I'm not wearing a belt (sounds like a job for mom).

I've talked before about my buying multiples of things. I feel a teeny twinge of guilt when I have to admit it out loud. It doesn't necessarily always happen in a single purchase, sometimes it's over time. Like these pumps, which I love and don't get to wear as often as I'd like. They are the epitome of a sunny day shoe, but I also have them in two other prints (my personal fav found here). I actually had four different styles of this pump, but I wore the basic black leather until I had to send it away to well worn shoe heaven. They were the perfect pump, so I was totally distraught about it.



I hope all you divas had a fabulous holiday and are all relaxed and ready to start off a new work week! Happy Monday!

Follow me on BLOGLOVIN'!

DD's Style File - Cobalt & Neon Inspiration

image credit

When I saw that look in the May edition of Real Simple magazine, I knew I had to recreate it! I already had the same color pant and pumps at home, so the only thing was to find a similar shirt. Preferably that shirt. Ultimately, I did happen to find that Rachel Roy top in two different places but it was all sold out in that shade, so the hunt intensified to find that hue in a work appropriate cut.

It took about a week, but here's the final result:

So how did I do??  Très chic, no?

It was certainly close enough that I was happy with it. And I was definitely the brightest thing walking as I strutted my way into the office this morning!

Neon top - TJMaxx
Cobalt crop pant - Express
Pink pumps - Nine West
Black & white clutch - Vintage
Silver wave cuff & hoop earring-
The Limited
Sunnies - Nine West

Although neon can certainly be attention grabbing, just because it's a bright doesn't mean that it can't work in a professional setting. All the pieces were simple work staples in eye popping shades, and as the weather cools I plan to throw a neutral toned blazer or cardigan on with the top or the pant to transition the pieces into fall.

But for now, it's all about hot, hot summer!


Happy Friday divas!

DD's Style File - A Little Bit Hippie

Today's look was all about "casual Friday." And my flared legged denim trousers and sheer
seventies-esque blouse even had me feeling a bit like a throwback.

Peach polka dot blouse - Bisou Bisou for JCPenney
Flared denim trouser - The Limited
Nude peep toe - Franco Sarto
Cream patent belt - H&M

I almost wore this blouse tucked into a highwaisted skirt, but it just seemed to leave me wanting more...so I opted to let all of its twisted blousy loveliness hang loose instead. Perhaps I'll revisit the skirt idea another day.

Gold hoop earrings - The Limited
White bag - Coach

I realize that this bag has been making appearances in lots of my recent photos, it's just out of ease. It's the bag I tend to grab when I'm running out the door in the morning. Besides the fact that I typically carry a white bag in summer, this one just seems to blend so effortlessly, regardless of what I'm wearing. It wasn't even my first choice summer bag, now I can't seem to put it down!
I'd like to be one of those stylish girls who carry clutches during the day, I've just never been a small bag kinda girl. In the evenings, yes. During the day, running errands, etc.....I just can't seem to work that out. I know the problem centers around scaling back on the amount of stuff I carry with me without feeling like I've left something behind that I'm gonna need!

Jade/gold neclace - Forever 21
Pink sunnies - Charlotte Russe

 The weatherman is promising that the next couple days will be beautiful, so I'm making it a point to get out and enjoy it! I hope you all do the same and have a fabulous weekend!!

DD's Style File - Weekend Chic: Mint Mullet Dress

I'm excited about this weekend style file post because when I saw this dress on the rack I was less than enthused but grabbed it anyway since it was in one of the colors that has been taking over my wardrobe this season. Plus, it looked like it had potential. I was shopping in a hurry, so I didn't have time for try ons and just went with my gut. And once I got it on, I was crazy about it, even in all of it's wrinkled glory!

I will admit that it was a dickens to iron, but well worth it. Once it was paired with one of my most recent shoe purchases (one of several purchases actually..), the stars aligned and it was bananas!

 Love! I felt chic and sophisticated, but not at all overdone.

Mint hi-Low hem dress - H&M
Taupe netted wedge - Gunmetal
Cream patent belt - H&M

Even though the dress is a soft pastel shade, since the shoes were more structured and busy, I kept the rest of the look simple, incorporating a skinny belt at the waist, a cuff bracelet and burnished gold and pearl drape earrings.

These shoes were sayin' something - had to have them. But Gunmetal was an unfamiliar brand to me, so I was concerned about the quality of the shoe. However, they've been so awesome I plan to stay on the look out for the brand because their execution is edgy, fashion forward and original.

White coated wicker clutch - Vintage
Taupe and gold woven bracelet - The Limited
Cream braid bracelet - Forever 21

Light pink sunnies - Charlotte Russe

This happened to be my first purchase of a dress or skirt with this mullet shape, but on my most recent shopping expedition in Atlanta I found myself stepping out of my "safe zone," purchasing a few other styles in similar cuts and several pairs of wedge heels. I just needed something fresh in my wardrobe beyond my circle skirts, pencil skirts and stiletto heels....know what I mean. (sending air kisses & hugs to Tamara at Nine West, you were a doll!)

Even though I'm in shopping haul heaven, I'd love to hear what are you feelings on the "mullet cut" hem, hate it or love it?



Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

DD's Style File - Weekend Chic

I don't get to do a lot of "weekend wear" posts, so here's one from Saturday's date night. Took in the MJ Cirque Du Soleil show - which I loved!

When I saw this skirt's bold contrasting stripes in a stretchy knit, I knew I had to have it. But I'm proud of myself, I held out until I was able to get it on sale with a coupon and a reward. Same item + cheaper price = me loving it even more.

Cobalt blue tab sleeve top - Marshall's
Black & white stripe knit skirt - The Limited
Mint sandals - Seychelles
Yellow woven belt - Target
Feather bead necklace - Papaya
Black drop earrings - unknown
Black & white square clutch - vintage
Gray sunnies - Charlotte Russe

And since I've been hoping, wishing and praying for a pair of mint shoes, these are definitely at the top of my fav spring purchases list. I rarely buy chunkier heels, but I swooned when I saw these lovelies and knew I must have them. And they're rather comfy to boot!

For me this look was all about color and contrast and oozed my personality, it was a win, win, win all the way around!

DD's Style File - Polka Dots & Leopard

I didn't really have any major objectives with this outfit...basically I was tired, but obviously didn't want to look it.

I grabbed this sweater a couple weeks ago on a random walk through the mall. Loved the softness of the fabric, ah-dored the buttons down the sleeves and the milky creamy color. Didn't so much love how it hugged my midsection. However it was too late though, since I had already snatched off the tag...

I didn't want an entirely neutral palette, so I tossed on red pants instead of black. My favorite leopard pumps play like a neutral for me, so when I stood in the mirror for one final look, I felt...umm..incomplete. No necklace seemed to work or give me quite the finishing touch I was searching for, then I remembered this scarf from a winter purchase that's been tucked away in the collection.

Cream button sleeve sweater - Bisou Bisou
Red ankle pant - The Limited
Leopard pumps - Guess
Yellow dot scarf - The Limited
Sunnies - Nine West

And voila! I felt totally pulled together and not overly accessorized. And the final look has a smidge of the 1950's, which I liked too.



If you like the mix of this palette, check out my post on Spots & Dots.

Miranda Priestly Tells It Like It Is...

"This... stuff'? Oh. Okay. I see... You think this has nothing to do with you."

"You go to your closet and you select... I don't know... that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you're trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don't know is that that sweater is not just blue, it's not turquoise. It's not lapis. It's actually cerulean. And you're also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves Saint Laurent...wasn't it, who showed cerulean military jackets? I think we need a jacket here. And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. And then it...uh...filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic Casual Corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you're wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room from a pile of stuff."

~ Miranda Priestly of the Devil Wears Prada

 Mean isn't it?

However that happens to be one of my favorite quotes from, of course, one of my favorite movies. With that statement, she snatched a knot in Andy's behind over her fashion incompetence -because it's truth, the runway designers and fashion mag editors of the world (yoohoo, Anna Wintour...) are the people who deem the "trends." And from there, they ultimately make their way to my local Old Navy where I can revel in a fashion bargain!

So, I ain't mad at ya, Miranda!

After an impromptu shopping stop, I was happy with my haul of clearance clothes, and thought it would be fun to see just how my purchases were inspired by the fashion powers-that-be...

I'm thoroughly smitten with the cream collarless coat! I've been wanting a coat with a three quarter length sleeve - it's very Jackie O, Mad Men-ish and the gold stripe lining is adorable. The winter has still been extremely mild here, so I plan to were it ASAP!

My Experience with Jason Wu for Target

These items were pretty much what I had on my "Wu Wishlist" as I excitedly made my way out to my local Target. I don't even like cats, but that kitty from the Wu for Target commercial won me over.

To find out about my experience, read more after the jump.

Diva's Desires

I'm trying to curb my shopping impulses in 2012, but these are just a couple of things that I've got my eye on...

ASOS fitted dress, $89
Pins and Needles mesh blouse, $59
J.Crew heel pumps, $198

DD's Style File - Vintage Feel

I have another Style File installation for you today, I know it's not like me to do them back to back, but I I decided to just go with it. *smile*  Ironically, in both of this week's posts I am wearing pieces purchased  at my favorite retailers, Zara and H&M. Which makes me even more eager to shop at Suddenlee, the retailer I posted about here.

Until then, here I'll sit with bated breath...

Ok, back to the clothes.. So there's nothing actually vintage about this outfit, but despite the more contemporary design of the sandal, the cut of the tank gave me a classic impression along with the color combination of a cream base sprinkled with navy dots.

Cream and navy dot top - Zara
Navy circle skirt - Chadwick's
Cognac belt - Unknown
Tan sandals - Marshall's
Blush shades - Charlotte Russe

I'm drawn to sweet details, so the left shoulder of the top adorned with a modified two layer bow is what drove me to buy it.

This outfit definitely worked well in the outside temps as the top didn't cling in the heat and the skirt was a very lightweight cotton. Unfortunately, I'll be scouring sites for a new navy skirt, as I had to do a bit of a squeeze to get into this one this year. Darn those cursed doughnuts! 

DD's Spotlight on A'GACI

A'GACI is a contemporary retailer who touts themselves as a "one stop shop" for the modern, trendy and glamorous.

With offerings of mini skirts and body conscious dresses it's evident that they have a centralized focus on attracting juniors, but with their wallet friendly prices I'm sure many of you ladies can still find items to incorporate into your wardrobe.

A'GACI has 40 stores nationwide and has had their fashions featured in Lucky and People Style Watch. Though this retailer is new to me, after perusing their site I find that some of their pieces are eclectic and offer an almost unique appeal. You can even find classic pieces like wide leg linen pants, which are always a wardrobe essential. And though the quality would likely not be on the level as a pair purchased from Macy's, they can certainly be casual foundation pieces that you rely on for brunch, shopping and family outings.

Smocked Linen Pant
(available in black, olive & taupe)
$22.50

Long Cuffed Denim Short
Now $10.75



Medallion Kimono Boat Neck
Dress
$25.50



Ethnic Filigree
Large Pendant Necklace
$11.50

I got more of a vintage vibe from some of the offerings in their "Boutique" section, which I think had a bit more of a grownup girly appeal, though take note that the regular priced items are a tad higher:

Polka Dot Smocked
Tube Hi-Low Dress
$34.50

Ruffled Zipper Back Cami
Top
$27.50

Vintage Crochet & Linen
Dress
$48.50

Cowl Neck & Chiffon
Sleeveless Top
$27.50

 A few of their items caught my eye, so I am curious... How about you? With the likes of H&M and Forever 21, would you be interested in shopping another juniors retailer? You can check them out here.

Have you shopped A'GACI before? If so, please post a comment I'd love to hear your thoughts on clothing quality and sizing.

Banana Republic Goes Mad

I adore AMC's award winning drama Mad Men! Beyond an outstanding storyline and the lives of their intriguing characters, is my love of Mad Men fashion. I have a love affair with retro style anyway, so the authenticity of the nostalgic looks on the Mad Men ladies is right up my alley! My sincere respect goes out to those staff members of the costume design team.
 

I swoon over pencil skirts, sheath dresses, ankle pants and full swing skirts and often look for modern and vintage pieces that have that ladylike appeal to add to my wardrobe. And now retailer, Banana Republic, is adding a bit of Mad Men's drama to their style portfolio for the ladies and the gents! Click here to get the whole scoop from InStyle.com.

If Banana Republic's prices are a tad too steep for your pockets, maybe you'd be interested in trying a piece from one of Mad Men's own costume designers. Launched on QVC last fall, MOD by Janie Bryant, is the capsule collection inspired by the program.

I'm personally kinda loving her leopard handbag for fall and I just might snatch up a copy of The Fashion File book that's available too... You can check out all the pieces of the collection here.