Melificent

{30 Days of Fashion}: Day 13

January 13th, 2011:

Turtleneck tunic; ???
Jeggings; Nordstrom Rack
Cardigan; Aeropostale
Belt; Etsy
Boots; Go Jane
Rainbow scarf; Old Navy

I have to admit, I struggle with layering and putting together cute cold weather outfits. It’s something I’ve slowly been trying to master mostly by looking at fashion blogs and trying my best to replicate. It also doesn’t help that I don’t have a lot of winter clothing, being a Miami girl and all. Everytime I see a cute sweater or jacket, I always reconsider since I know I’ll only be able to wear it about 2 weeks out of the year give or take. Surprisingly, we have had a lot of cold fronts this year (global warming, what?), so I have had to really work with the little items I do have to keep me warm. Of course, I walked out the door and froze to death since I chose something short sleeved, but hey! I thought I looked pretty cute and colorful, which was definitely needed after another night of restless sleep. Seemed to work, because a coworker told me I looked really happy and cheerful, when what I really wanted to do was pass out on my keyboard.

Of course, my favorite part of the outfit are the boots. They were ridiculously cheap and have held up to constant use and travel, plus they are super comfortable. I really have to get a second pair in black to rock while in Europe. I especially love the buckle detail and the fact that you can fold them over for a more hipster-ish vibe. I can’t tell you how many compliments I have gotten whenever I wear them – makes me smile even harder when I think about how much I paid for them. Ah, the simple pleasures of a budget shopper. 😉

{30 Days of Fashion}: Day 12

January 12th, 2011:

Top; Forever 21
Skirt; Forever 21
Footless tights; Target
Yellow booties; Charlotte Russe
Jean jacket; Old Navy
Scarf; Stolen from hubs
Earrings; Old Navy

When it comes to my own personal style, one thing is for sure: I’m not scared of color. I’m usually drawn to the brightest and loudest pieces when I am out shopping. You know, the ones other people run away from, flailing their arms in complete and utter terror. Sure, people tell me they don’t like some of the things I wear, but I brush it off. One person’s tacky is another’s treasure. And I have complete confidence that I can transform tacky or gaudy into fun and kitschy. What can I say? It’s a talent. 😉

One of those people happens to be my husband. He totally hates the boots I’m wearing, but I adore them. I think they are so fun and really add a pop of color in the best way. We are having yet another cold front here in sunny South Florida, so I had to break out the big guns. Big guns being a jacket, tights and a scarf. Chilling, I know. Little secret factoid: I live for scarves. I wish I could wear them every day and basically did in grad school until I was mocked by “friends.” Happy to say that I’ve grown up and comments like those now slide off my back. I like color. It defines me. I wear it well. Too bad, so sad!

Moral of the story?
Don’t hold back when it comes to fashion. It’s supposed to be fun. When you embrace your style unapologetically, you will really understand its power.

{30 Days of Fashion}: Day 11

January 11th, 2011:

3/4 length tee; Poof! found at Marshall’s
Dark skinny jeans; Target
Ruffle flats; Kenneth Cole found at Loehmann’s
Watch; Crow
Apple Earrings; Pink Ghost

I was hitting the streets today for my job (I drive a lot. A whole lot), so I needed to wear something that would be comfy, but stylish. I was going to be spending a lot of time in my car, but also at schools and foster homes so I couldn’t look a mess either. I think a pair of skinny jeans with a 3/4 length tee always seems to do the trick when going for trendy casual. I really loved the nautical stripes and boatneck of this tee – really stood out while I was thrashing through what seemed like miles and miles of clothing racks at my local Marshall’s. I especially love that you can either wear it as pictured, or off the shoulder if you are feeling especially Molly Ringwald at the moment. My automatic reaction when wearing blue or navy nautical stripes is to pair it with red accessories. You just can never go wrong!

On an aside, kind of nuts that I can already see a change in my body after a week and a half of steady dieting and spinning. Definitely a motivator to keep me going!

{30 Days of Fashion}: Day 10

January 10th, 2011:

Dress; Target
Footless tights; Target
Flats; Target
Necklace; Skeleton key purchased on Etsy, put on an old chain

Didn’t realize I was rocking a head-to-toe Tarjay outfit today until I put together this post! Who says you can’t put together an amazing ensemble on a budget? Happy to be able to wear this dress again – the first time I wore it was sans tights and I felt like I was a little too old to be baring so much leg. Tights to the rescue! I paired it with my favorite flats (told you guys I wear them a lot) and a fun skeleton key necklace that I made on the fly that morning with an old chain and an Etsy purchase. Voila! Another cheery outfit for a not-so-cheery day. I had a pretty tedious day in the office and then got my butt handed to me on a silver platter by a new spinning instructor. Oof.

And for those of you wondering, the soundtrack to these photos was The White Stripes. Hotel Yorba to be exact. 😉

ps; Photos are now larger by request! See? I listen!

{30 Days of Fashion}: Day 9

January 9th, 2011:

Long tissue tank; Old Navy
Tunic sweater vest; Forever 21
Boyfriend ripped jeans; Gap
Earrings; vintage
Bracelet; gifted
High top Converse; Journey’s

Talk about a slouchy Sunday. Yes, I am guilty of wearing the same tank two days in a row – didn’t you hear me? Slouchy. I completed some more random small home projects (I have 2 pages full) and did some major blogging along with some minor party planning for our Valentine’s Day dinner at home. I love these jeans – they fit my mood: relaxed. The only thing that bums me out is that they don’t tend to match with anything but neutrals. Same goes for my hot Chucks that I heart ever so much – they are so busy and loud that it’s hard to pair them with anything but white. But aren’t they great?