Boots and Flare

I've found the change of seasons to be so invigorating, lately. Whether I really knew it or not, my summer style had begun to feel stale. But now that layering is more appropriate, I feel inspired to come up with lots of fun new looks. I'm even challenging myself to work a few new things into my style - pieces that I've admired on other women but didn't think I could pull off. For instance - flare:



I found this pin (which also doubles as a hair clip- fun!) in a cute little mall boutique. It combines several different textures: silk, tulle, and feathers. I like the way it punches up my blazer, and can see it pinned to a belt to accent my waist too.

I love the look of jeans tucked into boots, so was excited to pair my skinny jeans (a must-have for this combo) with a pair of ruched suede boots.

The clothes:
Red rose pin- Lulu Rose
Green & white tee- Old Navy
Black blazer- Lane Bryant
Jeans - Torrid
Boots- Payless

It's a Ponte Party

Back at work after a nice, long vacation and I've a bunch of new clothes to debut. I picked up this ponte knit skirt from Lane Bryant at the start of my vacation and already have a million different outfit ideas for it. Here's the skirt, since my photo doesn't show the pattern very well:









Though the skirt has a pattern of it's own, this piece handles the layering of other patterns really well. Plus, it looks great with a shirt tucked in (something I'm slowly getting more comfortable with!) or left out.

The clothes:
Red and white striped tee- Gap
Black 3/4-length cotton jacket- Lane Bryant
Ponte knit skirt- Lane Bryant
Faux snake skin belt - Lane Bryant Outlet
Cutout kitten heels- Payless

Working the Pole

My apartment is located in the historic Lowertown section of downtown St. Paul. As such, it's in a building that's on the National Historic Register and features lots of interesting details....like large concrete poles in the middle of rooms. I'm no photographer, so the best I usually try for in snapping photos is to make sure my outfit is in focus and to avoid the freaking poles. But yesterday I thought, "Might as well work it." And so:



It's fitting because this outfit made me feel like strutting around. Which was totally unexpected since it's one of those fabulous combinations that looks great and feels like pajamas.

The outfit:
Black & white striped tunic- Old Navy
Purple belt- Target
Leggings - Lane Bryant
Mary Jane heels- Payless
Silver ruched bag- Hobo International
Waterford crystal necklace- borrowed from Mom
Silver hoop earrings- Lia Sophia

My New Faves

The skinny jeans are suddenly a new favorite of mine, as evidenced by the fact that I'm wearing them again today. Another new favorite? The Ashley Twist Top from Kiyonna*. Here they are, heading off to work with me:



I chose this pretty purple top because of the plunging neckline; I wanted to add a few date-night options to my closet. But obviously plunging cleavage is not going to fly at the office. So I put a lace-trimmed tank underneath. I think that touch, as well as the jeans and gladiator sandals, make it perfectly casual.





I dove into my custom Stila palette of eyeshadows, opting for a creamy base (Chinois) with a bronze shade in the crease (Golightly) and a touch of seafoam blue at the corner of my eye (Mystic). I smudged Stila Clear Color SPF 8 in Plum on my lips - it's the perfect touch of low maintenance color.

The clothes:
Purple twist top* - gift from Kiyonna
Lace trim cami- Gap Outlet
Skinny jeans - Z. Cavaricci via Torrid
Gladiator sandals - Payless
Pearl earrings - York Jewelry
Rose pendant - was Mom's
Two-tone bangle bracelet - Lia Sophia

Friday Fun Day

There's cause for celebration in the Bartlett household today - Dan finished a summer class that's been especially time consuming. Hurray! So I decided to wear one of my most colorful tops. And then promptly covered up all the color with a black cardigan. I started to add a black belt, then realized my purple one compliments the the plaid pattern.







Along the lines of cause for celebration, Kimberly of Fab Finds Under $50 will be in the Twin Cities to visit this September. We're planning a very informal Twin Cities Blogger Meet-Up on Saturday the 11th, 10AM at Mall of America. If you'd like us to keep you in the loop on that event, scroll through this flyer:



The clothes:
Black open cardigan - Lane Bryant
Plaid tunic - Lane Bryant
Jeans- Lee
Shoes- Payless
Diamond Earrings - not sure
Necklace - York Jewelry

Recovering from a Mis-Step

Monday's outfit was not a winner - at all. I didn't feel good in my clothes and I think it showed all day. I'm usually very out-going, smiling and chatting with my co-workers at the office. But I wandered into and out of a series of afternoon meetings, eyes down, kinda wishing I was invisible. I couldn't wait to get home and change.

I think it's important for an outfit to fall flat every once in a while. It snaps me out of being lazy with getting dressed, reminds me of the power of clothes and re-invigorates me to present a better version of myself the next day.

And so, here's my "next day" outfit:







The clothes:
Gray sweatshirt blazer - Gap
Orange cotton dress - Gap
Bracelet - Lia Sophia
Necklace - gift from Lane Bryant
Sandals - Payless Shoe Source

There's A Lot Going On

There is indeed a lot going on, both in my life and today's outfit. You know me; I usually keep my clothes and jewelry simple. But today, I felt like piling everything on. I don't feel stupendous in my outfit, but I like every piece so much individually that I'm going with it. This outfit would be better with a pair of the new Lane Bryant jeggings I so badly want. They're on my list of things to buy, so we'll soon see if that theory proves correct. In the meantime, this is what's going on:





The clothes:
Gray Satiny Zip/Tie Jacket - Lane Bryant
Purple Embroidered Tunic - Sealed with a Kiss Designs*
Black Pants - Gap
Earrings - Lia Sophia
Bracelets - Karma
Shoes - Payless

New Ann Taylor Clothes

Today's outfit is brought to you by last week's Ann Taylor super clearance online sale:



I was a little concerned the tiered ruffle skirt might be too short. But I'm very comfortable with the length. And Alissa of Stylish Curves was not kidding when she told me the skirt is super comfortable. It's a really soft knit cotton. But at the same time, it's not flimsy. So I'm really happy with that $14.99 purchase.

The clay cardigan was on sale for $24.99. The web site made the color appear more gray than the brown it really is. It's very lightweight and I like the longer boyfriend-length. I think this cardigan will be in heavy rotation through the fall and winter.



I have to share with you how much I love this lipstick. It's crazy, because I received this tube of Wet N Wild fuschia lipstick (# 521A) in a goodie bag from the Bombshell Boutique launch party. I put it on this morning, expecting it to be dry and have a strange taste...so imagine my surprise when the formula went on creamy, no smell, and looks great! I'll be checking out more Wet N Wild lipsticks.



I wear this cute necklace whenever possible. It's a cheapie from Target.

The clothes:
White tank - Gap
Cardigan - Ann Taylor
Tiered skirt - Ann Taylor
Shoes - Payless
Necklace - From Target