Low Key Tuxedo Vibe

jacket: Gap

cardigan: Mossimo

necklace: eBay

striped tee: Joe Fresh for JCP

pants: Old Navy

boots: Nature Breeze

Denim Shorts and Over the Knee Leopard Boots at StyleChicago

Note: this is arguably the worst picture I've ever seen of Vered. Unfortunately, it's also the only picture I have of this outfit. Sorry, boo!

StyleChicago events are always early on Friday evenings, so it's usually a mad dash to get home, changed, and downtown in time for VIP cocktail hour! As usual, I had NO IDEA what I was going to wear: it was freezing, snowing, and still slushy from previous snow. I figured these boots ought to do the trick (with, no joke, two pairs of socks) but was at a loss for what else to wear. I try to let my crazy flag fly during these fashion events because they are certainly the best format. Somehow, the idea of these shorts with tights came to me and I made my poor husband dig them out of storage! I am very pleased with how the look came out, although I with the blazer was made of a heavier, more textured fabric. A black velvet blazer is on my wishlist!

Lavender Party Dress with Crystal Gladiator Sandals

I need to take all my pictures at sunset on the beach! Again, after much debate over numerous options, this is what I settled on for the official Bachelorette Party. I tried this Akira cupcake of a dress on mostly as a joke, but as soon as I put it on, I knew it was coming home with me. It was too big, so I had it taken in at the sides, but my tailor left alllll the poof at the bottom. 

I had planned on toughening up the sugary sweetness of the dress with my old Dior Gladiator knock-offs, but I ended up finding these amazing flats in Pennsylvania. At one point in the evening, while I was decked in a veiled tiara and bachelorette sash, one of the girls asked me if I felt like a bride. I replied, "I feel like Toddlers in Tiaras, but I'm not mad about it!" My other options were a bit more sophisticated, but the deciding factor was that if I didn't wear this silly dress that night, I don't know where on Earth else I could pull it off.

Special shoutouts to Jill for lending me her "Vegas" clutch, and my sister Liz for letting me borrow my favorite J. Crew necklace of hers at the last minute (YES, even my zillions of options needed supplementing)!

similar Dress // similar Necklace // similar Clutch // Shoes (on sale!)

LIPSTICK ON YOUR COLLAR: DAY 4

Yesterday we talked about how a blouse can dress up an outfit, but it can also dress one down. Here, I'm wearing (basically) a suit, which is way more dressed up than my job requires. But the chambray shirt and and booties give the look a more casual vibe.

ALSO: Collars always go INSIDE the lapels. Unless you are serving up some 70s realness for a costume party. Always.

*Pictures are a little rough. The mister graciously filled in as photographer and I didn't give much direction. 

Some teacher I am!

 

Blazer old H&M

Shirt Forever 21 (bought recently in store, similar)

Skirt and belt Mossino via Target (similar belt)

Bracelets ebay, Mom's 

Shoes Wanted via Barefeet Shoes (similar, similar)

MIXED MESSAGES: DAY 2

BONUS POST! I totally spaced on starting the week off right on Monday, so two posts today.

Here is another simple way to mix prints: use the same print in different colors. I loved Sarah's leopard sweater, and used my own pieces to come up with an inspired concoction. A long skinny necklace breaks up the print and adds interest.



 

• Sweater Forever 21 (similar)


• Blouse J. Crew (similar)


• Necklace old Forever 21 (similar)


• Jeans American Eagle (buy)


• Boots Wanted via Barefeet Shoes (similar)

RHYTHM AND BLUES

Snowy day! Jill and I braved the elements for these shots, and I popped her hat on to keep my hair from going full on Drowned Rat.

How cute/easy is this sweater? I like that it's interesting enough to keep the rest of the outfit pretty simple. It's built in mixed patterns. Speaking of which, Jill and I have started our own little Theme Week, and our first theme for next week is Mixed Patterns. Hopefully our themes will inspire you to try something new out of your closet! Stay tuned :)

• Hat Jill's (similar)


• Sweater Forever 21 (buy)


• Necklace Leslie Danzis via TJ Maxx (similar)


• Earrings Forever 21 (buy)


• Watch Fossil (buy)


• Pants old H&M


• Shoes Wanted via Barefeet Shoes (similar)

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

This outfit started with the necklace. It's the other bauble I bought to celebrate my new job.  Originally, I had planned on wearing it over a crisp white blouse, but that morning I started tweaking things one by one, until I unknowingly recreated this exact look with different accessories.

(The colors are a little off here. Remember, these velour pants are more of a purpley wine color, and the plaid in the blazer is less contrasty in normal light.)

I only wore these boots because I thought I'd be sitting in the office all day, but I wound up on my feet in a classroom. I was worried these heels would NOT make it through the long haul (I always have a pair of, what the kids call, "chanklas" on standby, just in case), but they were fine! I even ran a few errands after school without changing. And the kids got a kick out of the glitter.

• Blazer Merona via Target (buy, last worn)


• Shirt J.Crew Factory (buy)


• Earrings “borrowed” from Mom (similar)


• Necklace Leslie Danzis via TJ Maxx (similar, similar)


• Pants  Xhilaration via Target (similar)


• Shoes Wanted via Barefeet Shoes (buy, last worn)


• Nails Essie in Meet Me at Sunset (buy)

Just Gonna Stand There And Watch Me Burn(out)

I was warned that the other couple we had dinner plans with were coming "very casual".  That was fine with me, since I spent the first half of this Saturday barfing up the Old Fashioneds I had the night before (NEVER AGAIN.).

I tossed these jeans back on, and immediately grabbed for this favorite burnout sweatshirt that hasn't gotten much play recently. I threw a bunch of sparkly jewelry on - including this ooold Gap necklace with flannel plaid that ties into a bow in the back. The red boots added a pop of color, and kept the jeans from dragging on the soggy ground outside.

I later added this plaid blazer over for additional warmth, which came in very handy in the chilly Blue Line Lounge.



I ordered new laces since the ones that came with were way too long and way too bright. I found these on Amazon.

• Necklace old Gap (similarish)


• Sweatshirt old Forever 21 (similar)


• Tee Nikibiki (buy in Suntan)


• Rhinestone bangle favor from Indian wedding (similar)


• Gold Bangle ?? (similar)


• Watch Fossil (buy)


• Jeans American Eagle (buy)


• Shoes Nature Breeze via Barefeet Shoes (buy half size up, last worn)


• Lips CoverGirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm in Peony (buy)