Collaboration with Harriseve Flats

It's been a while since I've updated the shoes section of my wardrobe, but with summer getting hotter and hotter, I figured it's time for some stylish new flats that are perfect for work or play.  I'm excited to announce this collaboration Harriseve Women's Flats from Leiyuting-Shop.

These lovely people sent over three pairs of flats for me to try and I've had ever so much fun styling them three ways though I'm sure more great styles are soon to follow.  Inexpensively priced at $21, these flats are lightweight and breathable with a foam insole that also makes them comfortable.

Since I've spent most of my summer so far working, I thought we'd start with a nice casual wear-to-work look with these dark green flats.  With so many great colors to choose from, I had a hard time choosing just three, but I am so glad I went with green.  Black is basic and goes with everything, but there's something about these green flats that really make all the other colors in my outfit pop.

 

These Harriseve flats fit true to size and are great for indoor or outdoor wear, plus they go with pretty much everything.  The best part is that now through August 13th you can save 10% with my code 4E292K39.  More great styles are on the way with Harriseve.

Shopping Info: Harriseve Women's Casual Fashion Shallow Mouth Pointed Toe Flat Shoe - Breathable Mesh Ballet Flats Use Code 4E292K39 to get 10% off at checkout

Bitten by the Houndstooth Hound's Tooth

Looking for some bright colors to ring in the autumn season?  Me too!  I did a little thrifting and a little closet scouring to find some fresh prints to mix and brilliant colors for this time of year that are slightly outside the typical palette of pumpkin spice and gourd colors.  I hope you love the results as much as I do!

This is my little inspiration board that I created before I went shopping.  I do this because there are so many options out there I get distracted and wind up with three of this, none of that, and a couple of something I wasn't even looking for.  Creating a board like this not only helps me visualize what kind of look I want to create before I even leave the house or hop on the internet, it also helps to keep me focused on exactly what I was looking for.  (Don't worry, if you don't have time to do tons of thrifting, I have links for everything below so you can find exactly what is pictured on my inspiration board.)  

As you can see, we're starting with Golden Rod Yellow, Black & White, and Teal Blue.  After I have my colors picked out, I look for interesting prints.  I found the bulldog top with all the colors I was looking for at Unique Vintage!  And it is such a cute top!  

Then I went looking for a skirt to compliment it and decided to mix prints with a houndstooth print pencil skirt.  I decided that a black cardigan or blazer would be best and even though I chose yellow heels for the board, black heels would look just as nice. 

Then, for the that extra splash of color I chose a teal envelope bag.  Now, this bag is cheap.  I mean, really cheap, but I was really looking for the right color, size, and style over quality.

I don't really use a purse for carrying much beyond my wallet and keys, and I don't intend to keep this as an heirloom to hand down to my grandchildren.  It's just cute for a couple of years and then it will likely be spent.  No biggie.

On the plus side, this bag has held up well so far, and it came with a removable chain.  You really can't beat that when it comes to the world of fast fashion.

Also, it just occurred to me that I've paired houndstooth with a dog print and there MUST be an adorable pun in there somewhere even if a bulldog isn't technically a hound.  I may not think of it in time before I post this though.  So, those of you who hate all my puns can just consider this a freebie.

If you've loved this houndstooth trend we've been exploring together here on the blog, you should know that more great houndstooth styles are on the way this autumn!---Wait!  Just came up with the title pun!  Too bad, pun haters!  Better luck next time!

Shopping Info:  The Dream of the Crop Cotton Cardigan Scholastic, Mustard and French Bulldog Print Tamara Blouse from Unique Vintage, Jacquard Pencil Skirt from Talbots, Spring to Mind Ankle Strap Heel - Short Length, Teal bag from Amazon

Colorful Leather

Most of my blog posts are about the fun stuff that I like to wear in my free time or socially, but occasionally I like to do posts about creative wear-to-work outfits.  The concept of faux leather in bright colors doesn't exactly jump out at most of us as being something to wear to the office.  But, as with nearly everything in the fashion world, it's all in how you style it.

Choosing a tasteful floral top with just the hints of color and subtle ruffle detail at the shoulders gives this look a little seriousness and elegance.  As much as I wish I could take credit for this style, this was a little outfit that came together all on its own.  These to pieces were displayed next to each other in Shein's new spring items and they seemed the perfect mates, so I bought them both.

Now, if at this point, you're drooling over this outfit and want to wear it to your workplace, I have some bad news.  I bought both of these pieces so early in the spring and waited too long for the perfect backdrop to present itself before I took photos that they are now both sold out.  But, I do have good news.

I do want you to be able to try out something new like wearing colorful leather and I know the frustration of not being able to find those coveted wardrobe must-haves, and since I am nothing if not eager to help out my fellow fashion lovers, I have searched Shein and found a couple of replacement items that I hope will at least inspire you if not get you started on a new office look.

So, never one to leave my readers hanging, I have fully assembled a similar outfit with links below.  I recommend classic and understated jewelry like pearl earrings and perhaps a necklace or bangle, but keep it simple on the jewelry for work.  A cardigan or blazer would also look amazing with this outfit, and if the grass weren't so high you could also see my shoes for this outfit.  Just know that they were black patent leather peep toes and that I've found you something equally fab and posted it below.

Shopping Info: Top and skirt from: SHEIN

Animal Prints: Leopard Maxi

I'm like you, I hate it when I try to do a little research for style tips on how to wear something new and all that turns up are outfit photos.  I need information, not just how she wore it.  So, I thought I'd devote a little space in the blog today to talking about how to style animal prints.

Tip 1:  Animals are printed by God in neutral colors.  So, that's how they look their best, and guess what, you're not going to improve on it.  To that end, when it comes to choosing an animal print, stick to something in neutrals like black, white, gray, and brown.  When scientists discover a neon pink snake or a cerulean leopard, feel free to start wearing those colors in animal prints, til then, don't--just don't.

Tip 2:  Just because you shouldn't make a habit of wearing prints in color doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't accessorize with color.  For this leopard print maxi dress, I chose bright orange patent leather pumps and a coral lip color.  I'd avoid orange when it comes to black and white animal prints so you don't look like a traffic sign or a Halloween nightmare, but other bright hues look lovely with black& white animal prints like a bold pink or a cobalt blue.

Tip 3:  Jewelry, please.  Personally, I love chunky gold jewelry when it comes to accessorizing animal prints.  I avoid bangles and bags made from wood and straw because it starts to look a little too safari.  If that's your goal, then by all means carry on, but if you want city chic instead of jungle hunter, stick with metallics and perhaps a velvet hat or suede boots.

Tip 4:  The Cut Matters.  Before writing this post, I did a quick poll of friends and co-workers about animal prints.  I noticed that none of them ever wore animal prints and I was curious as to why.  The reasons varied but the most common response was either too risqué or too trashé.  

I definitely think that animal prints make a statement and it takes some confidence to wear them, but when it comes to risqué (or trashy as the case may be), the cut and style have far more to do with that than the print.  Choose a tasteful maxi (ala today's post) or a sophisticated blouse and the print will only enhance the overall look.

Tip 5:  You can always start small.  I think the best way to try something new is go really big or really small.  I've so enjoyed styling snake prints, that I wanted to try a leopard print, and so I looked around and this maxi dress is what really stole my heart, but it wasn't what I started out looking for.  

My first thought was to find some cute flats or basic pumps in a leopard print and pair them with a little black dress.  Starting with shoes, a belt, or scarf is an excellent way to test the waters on a new style trend without getting in over your head.  But, even if you try something bold and you don't love it, love the fact that you took a chance and tried something new.  Remember, fashion is supposed to be fun, not stressful, so do what works best for you. 

Shopping Info: V-neck Lantern Sleeve Leopard Bustier Dress Without Belt - $20.00

and similar Point Toe Slingback Stiletto Heels from: SHEIN

Wear to Work

Sometimes the blogging world sets up unrealistic expectations that actual people can never live up to.  When I read interviews with celebrities or even when I look at other bloggers' sites, I always take their styles with a grain of salt, and you should too.

No one, not celebrities or fashion bloggers or anyone else on the planet, looks fabulous all the time, and that's perfectly OK.  For the most part, I do wear exactly what I post on the blog, with a few exceptions like wearing flats to work instead of heels, but there are some really dynamic outfits that just standout way to much for certain situations and I have to tone them down.  And that's OK too.

 So, every now and then I like to snap some pics of an "actual outfit," just as I have it styled while I'm on my way out the door to work or dinner or where ever.  Today's post is one of those days.

This little outfit is something I just put together about a month ago, but I've already worn it twice.  The reason is that it is work appropriate, seasonally appropriate, comfortable and fashionably grown-up.  All in one!

I don't often have the chance to wear this skirt because it is made out of thick wool and über short---that's a difficult combo to get much use out of, but it's hopelessly adorable, so I keep trying.

If you're not a fan of mixing black and brown, my advice to you is,  Stop It!  Black looks particularly classy with this camel brown. The snakeskin print top adds some sophistication, while the tights (thick not sheer) cover-up how short this skirt is and simultaneously keep me warm.

The skirt buckles add some great detail.  Without them the skirt runs the risk of being a little bland.   If I needed to dress it up a little, I would probably wear heels or flats, but since my regular daily routine involves lots of activity, I usually prefer these Steve Madden boots.

Some sort of covering is a necessity since even in the dead of winter it seems like my co-workers have the A/C running, so I almost always have a cardigan.  A crop cardi is a must since a long cardigan might ruin the lines of this silhouette, though a fitted blazer would also look nice.

I keep it light in the jewelry, usually just earrings, because I work with my hands a lot and rings and necklaces tend to get in the way.  And, hair pulled back is only for those days when my hair is being extra disagreeable.  Otherwise, I usually wear it down to avoid a headache by the end of the day.

And now my dear readers and fellow fashionistas, I'm off to work looking reasonably and realistically fab.  Questions about my Wear-to-Work style?  Comment below.
Shopping Info: Top from: SHEIN, Cardi from ModCloth, Meadow Rue Skirt, Tights, and boots are old.