Vintage Casual Day-Off

Was going to wear a full denim skirt out with this top, but it's raining out so I switched to these skinny jeans and eventually my wellies.

Vintage Top (Rhoda Lee) - Buffalo Exchange

Vintage Scarf - American Thrift

Jeans - Old Navy

Kenneth Cole Wedges - Filene's Basement

Love how the layers on the sleeves stand out and the tie at the collar bone, so fun.

Back to the grind tomorrow.

Red & Black

I love the elegance of this jacket. It looks great belted, the collar can be made to pop for added drama and the tail and gathering detail in the back is so regal.

Jacket - Nabi
Blouse & Wide Leg Trousers - The Limited
Shoes - Nine West

Note: I changed this jacket at the last minute, thought it a little too dressy for my office.

A Black Spring's Night

This is what I wore to the Maxwell and Jill Scott concert last night at the United Center.

Vince Camuto Leather Booties - Macy's

Slacks - The Limited

Lace Blouse - Conway NY

Tank - Random Store

Belt - Gap

Here is my friend Nicole styling in a white shirt dress popping the accessories.

It was a great concert, so glad I splurged for the ticket.

The Feel of Cotton

On a hot day like today, light fabric like cotton is a must.

This skirt I got on a recent trip to New York at Conway.

The details of the extra layer and the double belts really sold me.

My only regret is I didn't get it in black too.

Liz Claiborne Blazer - Filene's Basement

Tee - Gap

Skirt - Conway NY

Ballet Flats - Ann Taylor Loft

Details of the skirt and it's double layer and belts.

Sing'ature Touches:

Earrings - TJ Maxx

Necklace - Random Jewelry Store

Tribal

I think that's a good word to describe today's outfit. This could easily be considered African or Hawaiian inspired.

Skirt - Zoll-mart in Wisconsin Dells (I know)

Top - Gap

BCBG Patent Heels - Filene's Basement

Close up of the details and colors of the skirt. It was love at first sight.

Sing'ature Touches:

Orange Ring - Macy's

Green Stone Ring - TJ Maxx

Necklace - Walmart

Chalk It Up

I've always wanted a chalkboard wall, but since I'm in a rental apartment I decided to make a large chalkboard and hang it up as an alternative.

I went to Home Depot and got the following supplies:

Chalkboard Spray Paint

(I recommend using a can of chalkbaord paint and rolling it on because the spray paint gets very messy and you risk dripping)

Gray Primer

Paint Roller & Tray

Board

This is the board I used. I can't remember the exact name of it, but it's the same material used for clipboards. You can have it cut to the size you want for your chalkboard.

This is the board primed with gray primer. I used a roller brush for this and let it dry overnight.

The next day I applied several spray paint coats of the chalkboard paint. What a task! Sometimes spray painting isn't the easier option.

And here is the final product hung above my fireplace. I used metal braces with springs screwed into the wall which allows the chalkboard to snap in and out easily.

The silver metal snaps from Home Depot

(These are also used to hang flat mirrors and also comes in clear)

My guests just love to write messages on here, so fun!

Leave a comment or email me if you have a question.

Fabric Art

Do you have an old picture that you just can't stand anymore? Inherited some art that's just not your style? An empty frame collecting dust?
Keep it around and consider covering it with graphic fabric.

I've done that twice in my home and it's a very easy inexpensive way to have art, especially on a large scale.

This was an original piece of art that I didn't want to damage so I wrapped this large floral fabric from Ikea around it and stapled it to the back of the frame.

For this one I purchased a damaged blank canvas on clearance from JoAnn's and then got this orange bamboo print fabric also in a clearance bin. Not bad for about $20. This can be changed in the future when I redecorate.

Here are a couple inspiration photos

Ladylike

That's how I felt today in this skirt.

Cardigan - Marshall's

Forever 21 Blouse - Crossroads Trading

Necklace - Forever 21

Shoes - Nine West

I found this skirt in the Juniors Department at Filene's Basement. Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't be in that section anymore, but this is a good lesson for us ladies that you never know what you will find there that's still age appropriate.

Close up of the colors and details of the skirt.

1 Cardigan 3 Ways

This is the brown cardigan wrap version of the black one I wore in my previous post. I got them both at a boutique in Dallas. They stay in heavy rotation when it's chilly out and I need a layer. I wore this brown cardigan wrap over a short sleeve a-line dress.

Here it is open and hanging down

Tied in the front

And finally wrapped around and tied in the back

The dress in it's full glory

Sing'ature Touches:

Naturalizer Wedges

The Flowers Bloom in May

I got this graphic floral sleeveless tunic at Conway in NY.
A black cardigan and slacks helps tone it down for the office.

Sing'ature Touches:
Peeptoe Kitten Heels - Nine West
Black Wrap Cardigan - Dallas Boutique

Orange Beaded Earrings

Here is another view of the back and longer sides.

The jewels:
Bracelet - Random Jewelry Store
Orange Wood Ring - Macy's
Green Stone Ring - TJ Maxx

Go Boho or Go Home

A couple people were afraid to call my outfit today Bohemian. Not sure why it's perceived to some as a dirty word in fashion.

I looked up the definition and in part it states, "artists and writers who live an unconventional and irregular life." So I guess that could be a negative thing to some, but I consider bohemian to be free and comfortable. And that's what today's look is.

Skirt - Steps in NY

This "skirt" is actually an elastic tube top dress that I just pulled down.

Sing'ature Style Touches:

Leather distressed boots - Target

Crisp white shirt (style staple) - Old Navy

Brown woven belt - Target

The look is accessorized with big bold chunky rings and natural beaded red earrings.