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!!

The Incomparable Ms. Hill

This week I'm promoting style cues from the amazingly talented songstress and lyricist extraordinaire, Ms. Lauryn Hill. Being that she's been none too fond of the limelight and public appearances in recent years, I consider it to be a special occasion to see her performing at Hot 97's Summer Jam.

By pairing plaid and  horizontal stripes with elegant chiffon palazzo pants it creates a structured, yet feminine look that's ready for a client lunch or a dinner date!


Click the image for more details!

DD's Style File - Working Girl

Summer is definitely all about color, but winter gets waaay to gloomy and depressing for me, so I'm aiming to carry my enthusiasm for color right on through the year. (Don't shoot me for talking about that time of year, we all know it's lurking...) The problem I seem to have is finding the right tights to go with some of my more vibrant pieces so that my look is still cohesive. Which is another top reason to love spring and summer - just slather some Johnson's Baby Oil Gel on your bare legs (and perhaps some faux tanner for my porcelain divas) and you're ready to go. No muss, no fuss.

Personally, I tend to find that on those days, when I just can't seem to figure out what to put on, regardless of the time of year, or nothing is coming together in real life quite as it did in my mind, it takes the fun out of fashion and makes it feel like work.

Which is why I'm still trying to get better at picking out my clothes at night before bed, but sometimes I'm just too exhausted to even go there, but I'm still working on it. *sigh* If only I was one of those early risers who could get up and work out in the mornings, I know that yoga would get me centered and ready to take on the day, but that evil featherbed of mine is big on holding hostages...

But I digress.

When all else fails, stick with a classic, they always work. LBD's for evenings and collared shirts with pencil skirts for the 9 to 5. Problem solved. So today I went for the classic office look, pairing a bright pencil silhouette with a white button down, red skinny belt and my loving favorite, leopard Guess pumps.

White button-up shirt - Converse for Target
Pink pencil skirt - Express
Red skinny belt - The Limited
Gold earrings - The Limited

I mentioned in another post that I bought three of these skirts from Express, this is the second one. It's a nice saturated strawberry shade, that's just enough color for an office full of grays and blacks.

Pink & silver aviators - Charlotte Russe
Multi color bead necklace - NY & Co.

Square orange bangle - The Limited
Leopard pumps - Guess

 Have a happy Monday!

I've Been Dazzled by ShoeDazzle

I've posted before about my apprehension toward shoe of the month clubs, and provided my opinion on my experience with ShoeMint thus far (it hasn't changed, read it here). But recently I gave ShoeDazzle a try.

Like the others, I went through a little "style assessment" and was presented with recommendations that would likely fit my taste. Honestly, most were a little too much heel for me. I'm most comfortable in a three and a half inch height (that doesn't make me less of a diva, does it?), but most of their selections were four inches or more. With shoes priced at $39.95 with free shipping and returns, I kept perusing hoping to find something stylishly suitable for my weak delicate ankles.

And then there were these cuties:

The Zamora. The colorblocking was on trend and paired with a neutral they were transitional enough for the office, an evening out and church on Sunday's. We ladies like a workhorse, don't we! The heel was the perfect height and once they arrived, they fit like a glove!

I haven't had the opportunity to wear them just yet, but the warm weather has just begun, so there's plenty of time left.

My experience overall with ShoeDazzle was a positive one. Plus, they automatically applied a discount to my first purchase, bringing the total down to about $31. I've checked back for more possibilities, but have not yet found any more that meet my requirements, so to speak. So if there are any ShoeDazzle reps reading this, "bring more 3.5" heel heights, please!" And you'll definitely have a return customer out of me.

I was shopping in a hurry when I made my shoe purchase, I think I was so excited that they actually had the shoe available in my size that I couldn't focus on anything else. So I missed ShoeDazzle's other offerings - bags, clothes and other accessories. However, these items are not at the $39.95 price point. Apprehension about quality is creeping in again, I envision the clothing to be not much better than a piece from Forever 21, but I ordered a dress anyway because it was very similar to something I'd been looking for. I'm hoping that since it was almost twice as much as a F21 dress that they will surprise me with the fabric quality and workmanship, especially since I wasn't able to use a promo code on my second order.

There is also a dynamite oversized clutch that I'm waitlisted for, fingers crossed that it comes in soon. (I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for that email)

Vidalia

So, I encourage you all to give ShoeDazzle a try, especially if some of these other clubs are a little pricey for your taste, like maybe,....*cough*.... the "Mint" clubs.

Once my dress comes I'll post some photos and my reviews on that. Stay tuned!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin