Rate My Look: Amazing New Sunnies!

I am ALWAYS on the look-out for anything that might be unique, whether it be a pair of amazing shoes or a great dress, or even a new beauty product. So, you can understand my excitement when I came across these completely UNBELIEVABLE sunglasses at Forever 21 last week!

I was in Forever 21, which I've recently been avoiding since it doesn't exactly suit my whole "elevate" theme for 2013. But, while we were at the mall, Juhree dragged me into the store and I'm so glad she did because I got to buy these amazing sunnies! The color, the mirrored lenses, and especially the price-  6 bucks! Don't you love how funky and cool they are? 

Well, if you do and you think for one minute that I would abandon my "elevate" theme for a pair of plastic sunglasses, then... APRIL FOOLS!!! These sunnies are dumb. I do, however, like how you can see Juhree in the reflection of the mirrored lenses. 

Check back later for a REAL post! 

Rate My Look: Vest & Pants

I hardly ever wear pants lately. Jeans are fine for hanging around the house or running errands, but other than that, I typically wear a skirt and top or a dress to work just about every day. The other day, I was cleaning out my dresser drawers and I stumbled upon this green shirt that I had forgotten about. I thought to myself, "This would look great with the vest I have, but I think it will work better with pants than a skirt." And I was totally right!

Top: Target, I think

Vest: Maurices, I believe

Pants: Forever 21

Boots: Charlotte Russe

Ring: Stella and Dot

Earrings: I forget...

The top is great in every way- color, style, fit- and the vest and pants are so slimming. This is a definite outfit WINNER that I will be pulling out again soon! What do you think of it? Leave a comment and tell me! 

Trend Alert: Collar Necklaces

For years, the prevailing necklace trend has centered around bibs. No matter the medium, designers have been creating statement bib necklaces in eye catching colors, patterns and materials for quite a while. We were due for an update, or at least something new. I kind of love the new collar trend:

Pointed Flat Collar Necklace, Forever 21, $8.80

Peter Pan Collar Necklace, Etsy, $21

Topshop Rhinestone Peter Pan Collar Necklace, Nordstrom, $50

Whether the necklace is made with chains, beads, fabric, plastic, metal- there is something sweet and cool about them. They work with lots of different tops, but I especially love them on a button-front shirt that has a collar of its own. The contrast is usually so striking and interesting to look at. I honestly can't even remember when I first saw this trend, but I think it was around this time last year. It's only grown in popularity, and I just love it. I don't have a Peter Pan collar necklace myself, but I do have an adorable top with a jeweled Peter Pan collar attached that is just fabulous. I'll have to make an outfit with it soon so I can show it to all of you. 

What do you think of this trend? Are you on board? Do you think it will last or is it fleeting? Leave a comment because you KNOW I want to know what you're thinking! 

Things that bother me. Somewhat illogically...

Whenever I'm out shopping with someone and they are looking for something specific, it sometimes annoys me when they have an illogical reason for rejecting an item. And then I realized, I'm exactly the same. So I thought I'd share some of the things that will cause me to veto an item:

1.) A one-piece that looks like a 2-piece:

Tiered Combo Dress, Ann Taylor Loft, $89.50

It's not so much the difference in color that bothers me, it's more the different textiles in addition to different colors. When it looks like a skirt and a blouse, but it's actually a dress, I just hate it. It's completely illogical- there's no good reason for hating such a concept and yet I do. I can't explain it. 

2.) Front-only embellishments:

Lace Ruffle Front Top, Forever 21, $17.80

You may not think there's anything wrong with this top- it's got cute tiers of lace and jersey ruffles, and it probably looks great with a pair of jeans. My issue with it is that the ruffles are ONLY on the front:

I know that there are plenty of circumstances when the embellishment should only be in the front, but when it literally stops at the side seam, I find it irritating. Again, it's not entirely logical, I just hate how it looks. If I saw a top that had ruffles on the front, but not on the back, that would be reason enough for me to veto it. 

I feel kind of the same way about this type of sequin top: 

Sexy Cardi Sweater, Victoria's Secret, $69.50

See the way the sequins just abruptly stop at the side seam? Hate it. Now, here's where it gets really illogical- I probably would not want a cardigan like this where the sequins go all the way around, either! So crazy, but it's just the way I feel. 

What kind of things make you want to veto a piece of clothing? A friend of mine won't wear sling-back heels. They're not uncomfortable to her, but she just won't wear them- she wants a full or completely open heel, nothing in between. Another friend completely avoids long necklaces for no apparent reason. Leave a comment to tell me your wardrobe quirks. 

Manic Monday

Today's post is all about the Bangles- do you see what I did there? Manic Monday? Bangles? Get it? I feel so clever sometimes.

Anyway, if you're ever in need of a finishing touch on an outfit, consider adding a bangle, or two, or ten. Thick and chunky by the pair or dozens of razor-thin ones, bangles are fun, eclectic and go with just about any outfit.

Castlegate Bangle Set, Ruche, $18.99

Allow Me to Illustrate Bangle, Modcloth, $15.99

Pyramid Stud Bangle, Forever 21, $6.80

Paige, Sloane and Sunset Bangles, Stella and Dot, $59.00-$69.00 each

Add a little bit of fun to your next outfit with a bangle or two. Use them as the "pop" of color in an otherwise neutral outfit, or simply pile on layers of metallic bangles for a glamorous look. Whether preppy or punk, they'll work! 

More Amazingly Fashionable Co-Workers

There are often days at work when three or four of us will show up wearing similar outfits- the same color tends to be a common theme. On Thursday, there were four of us wearing a coral colored top with black pants or a skirt. Another day it will be purple, or red, or maybe even black and white stripes. Since we're all very fashion-obsessed, it would make sense that we have similar tastes, or that we would gravitate towards similar looks, whether we're inspired by a style magazine or another coworker. Last week, both Juhree and Kristin wore amazing outfits centered around the same types of pieces: an awesome teal dress, rockin' knee-high boots and simple accessories. 

Juhree

Kristin

I wish I'd taken close-up photos of the girls' accessories- Kristin's bird necklace and Juhree's cocktail ring are each the perfect finish to their outfits. I love the richness of the cognac color of Juhree's boots- the combination is perfect for fall. And Kristin's 60's-era silhouette looks modern with flat black suede boots and her awesome bird necklace. So, if you're in need of some outfit inspiration, consider creating a look inspired by Juhree or Kristin and you can't go wrong. Here are some super chic options to help you build an outfit from the ground up, or finish off one you already have: 

Donna Ricco Twist Front Jersey Sheath Dress, Nordstrom, $118

Steven by Steve Madden "Intyce," Piperlime, $149

Lacquered Hummingbird Pendant, Forever 21, $5.80

Faceted Dome Ring, Forever 21, $2.80

Air Force Inspired

In honor of the Portsmouth Air Show happening this weekend, I want to focus this post on clothing and accessories inspired by the military, specifically the Air Force.

Short Sleeve Belted Military Shirt Dress, Macy's $44.99

I love the simple clean lines of a shirt dress, but I especially enjoy when there are military details like epaulets and pockets. The green reminds me more of the army, but the crispness of the look is military all the way. 

Vintage 60's Military-Inspired Jacket, Ebay, $42

The idea of military-inspired fashion is not a new one. It's a trend that comes and goes very frequently, in fact. This jacket pictured above is a vintage 1960's jacket with amazing details. I love the huge collar (very 60's), but I especially love the button detailing on the sides. It's unexpected and striking, but still has that very polished look that we expect from military-inspired clothing. 

A-Line Denim Skirt, Forever 21, $19.80 

Finally, a little bit of blue, although in this case it's denim. I like the silhouette of this skirt and the fact that it goes with just about anything. Dress is up, dress it down- that's actually one of the great things about military- you can go dressy or casual with it, depending on the accessories you choose. 

I've never actually attended an air show, but I imagine they are pretty exciting- the power of the aircrafts as well as the skill of the pilots likely makes for quite a spectacle. Unfortunately, I'll be working, so there won't be any air show viewing for me this weekend. If you happen to go, please leave me a comment and tell me all about it- I'd love to hear all about it!

I'm At Six Flags Today!

Today my awesome co-worker Juhree and I are spending the day at Six Flags New England. We recently discovered that we are both obsessed with roller coasters, so we purchased a couple of tickets, and even upgraded to "The Flash Pass" which propels us to the front of all the lines. We will likely be tired and sunburned tomorrow, but it will all have been worth it.

Even though we are there for the primary purpose of having a blast riding roller coasters, we don't want to look completely terrible. Fanny packs and goofy hats will not be part of our outfits. Cute shorts, tank tops and comfortable shoes will be the theme for this day.

For the perfect amusement park outfit, it's best to start with a pair of great shorts:

Denim Matelot Shorts, Forever 21, $15.80

Add a nice tank top or t-shirt in a light weight fabric and a color that's not too dark:

Pintucked Tank, Gap, $20

Select a pair of comfortable shoes. This is one case where I would choose comfort over style. However, if you can have both, go for it!

Chuck Taylor All Stars, Converse, $46

Cargo shorts are another great idea because the pockets are ideal for carrying your cash around with you. Otherwise, you may have to opt to carry a bag, in which case, a mini-backpack is the best option. Always go jewelry-free, with the exception of a watch. Earrings are a nightmare at a theme park, as are necklaces and rings. Finally, don't forget the sunscreen and remember to have fun! 

Hydrangea Blue

I'm not sure if I never noticed it before or if it's just this year in particular, but the hydrangeas all over New Hampshire are a particularly vibrant shade of blue and have been for the last month or so. My commute takes me through some winding back roads and I see a lot of nicely manicured lawns. Hydrangeas have been in bloom for several weeks and I have been continually struck by the amazing color. I've even found myself searching in my closet for clothing that is as vibrant, but nothing seems to be able to equal the flowers I've been seeing outside.

I think it is the ombre shading of the actual flowers- it's a more complex combination than you might think at first glance. However, I thought these pieces were close enough in terms of color. If they aren't inspiration enough for you, I suggest you head to your local eye doctor and ask them to test you for color blindness.

Vintage Harper Dress, Anthropologie, $325

Kay, Bakers, $59.99

RD Style Silk Basic Tank, Piperlime, $58.99

Colorful Paintstrokes Skirt, Forever 21, $16.90

Whether you incorporate this bright blue color into your outfit with a dress, a skirt, a top, or even a small accessory, I promise you won't regret the cheerful addition. 

Rate My Look- Shopping in Shorts

Yesterday was spent doing wedding-related things with my BFF Beth. She is getting married in November and we had some things to take care of, like finalizing the centerpiece design, discussing the issue of legally changing ones name (Do you take his name? Do you hyphen-ate? What about creating an entirely new last name for both of you?), and of course shopping for shoes and undergarments for the big day. I'm proud to say that we found both for Beth. Well, we definitely found "the" shoes to go with "the" dress. The undergarments are a little more tricky, but we found options, which is important. My dress (which you will not see on the blog until after the wedding- sorry!) is a lovely scoop-neck and I must admit that I am THRILLED to be able to wear a normal bra with it. I even bought a cute floral one with coordinating (but not matching) lace panties that I am super psyched to wear. Cute underwear makes me happy, but don't worry, I'll never feature it as part of any "Rate My Look" post.

The bottom line is that while shoe and underwear shopping can be some of the most enjoyable shopping that women do, it's very different when a wedding is involved in the equation. Normally, shoe shopping has no rules. Shoe shopping for a wedding? Totally different. And I mean for the bride AND the wedding party. For example, I'm someone who tends to make bold shoe choices on a daily basis. I have no qualms about wearing a pair of sky-high bright purple stilettos to the office or even to a cookout. Inappropriate footwear? I don't understand those terms. If I like them and they are eye-catching, then I want to wear them. But when it comes to being a bridesmaid, I have the opposite approach. I want to look pretty, of course. And since shoes are sort of "my thing," I of course don't want to disappoint in that area. But I also don't want to do anything that would even remotely resemble an attempt to upstage the bride. After all, it's not about me that day- it's about her. (And the groom. But his shoes will be boring, so there's no way I won't upstage them. Sorry, dude.) The good news is that I think I've found a great pair of shoes for myself that strike that happy medium. I'll be sure to check with the bride to make sure she approves. And fortunately, today we found the most fabulous pair of shoes for Beth that are actually way more fabulous than the shoes I am hoping to wear. I figure as long as her shoes are better than mine, then I'm good. Again, you will not see photos of anything for the wedding until after November 12th. But I can promise her shoes are amazing. A-MA-ZING.

But enough about all of that- let's get to the outfit. I wanted to be casual and comfortable and I was not in a mood to put much effort into my outfit. This is what I came up with:

Clearly, I have an obsession with bright citrus colors this summer, since I can't stop putting them together. This clementine- colored shirt and lime green bag work really well together to create a fun, on-trend summer outfit. The shoes, by Sofft, I bought last year and they have proven to be an excellent pair of nude wedges- great for a day spent on my feet. The shorts I purchased at Forever 21 for my day-trip to Nantucket, but I have a feeling I'm going to be getting a lot of wear out of them. They button on either side just like sailor pants, and they are in the impossible-to-find perfect length for my legs. I wish the wash was a smidge darker, but to be fair, they are a better color in real life than they are in this photo. The accessories I chose included a pair of Stella and Dot earrings as well as my new shell ring that I bought in Nantucket. All in all, it was a great outfit for shopping and accomplishing wedding-related tasks. I looked and felt great all day long. 

Please feel free to leave a comment about my outfit, shopping for wedding attire, or anything else you like! Happy Monday, everyone! 

Rate My Look- Worthy of a Misdemeanor?

Have you guys seen that new movie "Bridesmaids?" First of all, it is SO hilarious- I haven't laughed that hard at a movie in a looooooong time. Kristen Wiig is beyond funny in that movie- actually, just about everyone is beyond funny in that movie. I laughed so hard when I saw it, I decided to see it again. This week, I met up with my friend Stephanie to see it for the second time. As funny as the movie was, I found myself not only laughing hysterically again, but I also found myself crushing even harder than the first time on Chris O'Dowd, a.k.a. "Officer Rhodes." Seriously, after seeing that movie, I'm tempted to break my tail lights and drive around until a cute cop pulls me over. It worked for Kristen Wiig's character Annie and we're not all that different, you know.

We both have sassy short hair cuts.
We both like to wear cute dresses that show off our fabulous legs.
We both are maids in a wedding this summer.

See? We're practically twins. So why shouldn't I also have an adorable cop pull me over and then turn into my boyfriend? Right? I suppose I ought to start by wearing an outfit that will be the perfect "getting pulled over" outfit. Good thing, because I've already got that part figured out:

Dress: Gap

Shoes: Nine West

Belt: J. Crew

Necklaces: Vintage & Forever 21

Ring: Stella and Dot

Seriously, when I got dressed this morning, I thought to myself, "I really shouldn't be wasting this on work." No offense to my coworkers, but this is a fabulous look that says, "I am adorable and totally date-able." And since it is a great date outfit, I really think I ought to wear it out on a date. So to score a super cute cop, I suppose I'll just have to start off with this outfit and then do a few extra miles per hour over the speed limit, maybe run a few red lights, and of course break my tail lights. Honestly, this outfit even looks cute when I'm "walking the line," don't you think? 

Let's be honest- what cute, single cop in his right mind wouldn't be handing me a phone number instead of a ticket? Am I right? Of course I am- I'm not blind. I can see my legs in that photo. 

Please leave a comment with suggestions for minor violations I can commit that will put me in the path of an adorable cop but that won't cause me to face any major consequences such as tickets, fines and/or jail time. Prison uniform orange is not my color. 

Rate My Look- Saturday Black

Even though there are many Saturdays when I just don the first black dress I come across in my early morning closet perusal, there are still plenty when I try to make my all-black look a really stellar one. A few weeks ago, we had a trunk show and for some reason, with wedding gown designers around, I just felt the need to try a little harder. So, I pulled out my enormous flower and pinned it onto the black dress that I recently made for myself:

What an easy way to take a simple dress and turn it into a spectacular (and BOLD) statement! And the best part is that the flower was less than $10 at Forever 21, proof that you don't need lots of money to look fabulous. 

What do you think of my Saturday all-black outfit? Exciting? Over-the-top? Boring? Whatever you think, I'd like to know!

Rate My Look- Winning Combination

I realized after browsing through my recent photos that I basically wore the exact same outfit three times this past week. In every outfit, I'd paired one of my pencil skirts with a long-sleeve turtleneck or cowl neck top. The accessories varied (more on that later), but the silhouette and pieces combined to create that silhouette were all very similar.

It all started on Sunday:

Skirt: Ann Taylor

Cowl Neck Top: Fair Indigo

Sweater & Boots: Marshalls

Earrings: H & M
Brooch: Vintage

The next day- Monday- was a LOT colder, so I took out the cashmere: 

Sweater: Christmas gift

Skirt: Marshalls

Necklace: Forever 21

Shoes: DSW

Forgive the wrinkles in my skirt- I snapped this photo AFTER driving 45 minutes to work, so my skirt wasn't looking its best like it did in this post. Finally, I put together this look on Tuesday: 

Sweater: TJ Maxx

Skirt: Daffy's

Shoes: DSW

Necklace: DIY

Tuesday's version of this look is definitely my favorite. The skirt is super cute and I love the combination of the olive fabric and the purple jewelry. Something about those two colors just makes me smile. And if you like my necklace in Tuesday's outfit and want to know more about it, check back tomorrow- I'll tell you all about it! 

But back to the clothes- sometimes you have to step back and take a look at the pieces in your closet with a fresh perspective. Think about different combinations of clothing and accessories- you'll feel like you have a whole new wardrobe! 

Leave a comment and tell me what you think about my outfit creations! 

Rate My Look- a Lost Outfit

I have no idea when I wore this outfit or when I took this picture. All I can tell you is that the shirt is relatively new- I got it at a bargain price at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago. The skirt I bought a few months ago at Macy's when I was shopping for black pieces to incorporate into my outfits for Saturdays at work. The necklace is from Forever 21 and it's an owl pendant. I love it. That's really all I can tell you. But while I might not have much to say, you could always write a rant about this outfit (or whatever strikes your fancy) in the comments section. Go for it!

Accessories Anonymous: Untouchable Clutch-ables

I have been so into large bags for so long- bags that I can use every day to tote all my essentials around with me. Inside my bag right now, you will find:

- A make-up bag with no less than 4 lipsticks, 1 powder, 1 cream foundation, 1 mascara, 1 eye shadow palette, 1 lip gloss and several hair ties and clip
- Wallet and separate coin purse
- Business card case
- Keys
- Cell phone
- iPod
- Tissues
- Tampons
- Pens and a small notebook
- Hand sanitizer
- Mini lotion bottle
- Mini perfume bottle
- Gloves (it's cold out there!)
- Tape measure (you'd be surprised how often I pull it out)
- Nail file
- Altoids

Of course, a lot of these don't get used every day, but I hate when I need something simple like a tissue or a working pen and it's not right at my fingertips. It's not that I'm impatient, it's just that if I have a large bag, why not fill it with all the essentials and then I'll never be stuck without the one thing I need? My new Betsey Johnson bag is much smaller than what I've been using lately and it became problematic because I simply couldn't fit everything I needed inside it. Eventually, I re-worked the contents in an effort to make it more user-friendly, and while that worked for a while, there was that one time that I didn't have the shade of lipstick with me that I really wanted. Not exactly a life-or-death situation, but still irksome. The funny thing about smaller bags is that if I do eventually grow accustomed to carrying around a smaller amount of items, when I inevitably switch out to the larger bag, it's not as if I continue to pare down the contents. Nope. It's almost as if a larger bag is free license to carry so much more around! I'm amazed I don't have back problems.

Of course, the most difficult bags to deal with for me are evening bags- specifically clutches. (How psyched was I to see oversize clutches coming into trend?) In the event that carrying an evening bag is required, I always stash it inside my larger bag. I'll carefully select the one lip product I'll need, remove the items from my wallet that are the most essential (I.D., money, credit card), and if there's any extra room after squeezing in my keys and cell phone, you can bet I'll try to cram a face powder compact in there, too. Lately, I've been thinking of forcing myself to use a smaller every day bag, just to get out of this habit. The idea prompted me to  shop around for some smaller every day bags that I could carry around and maybe create a new habit. The weather at this time of year isn't really helping my situation because if there isn't room in my bag for everything, I likely have a couple of pockets in whatever coat I'm wearing to stash a few extra essentials.

But here's the thing: if I'm legitimately going to try for a smaller every day bag, it still needs to be super cute. Maybe one of these will do:

Leather Portfolio Clutch, ASOS, $98.62

Warehouse Classic Zip Clutch Bag, ASOS, $35.86

Leather and Leopard Print Clutch, ASOS, $116.55

Glittery Mesh Clutch, Forever 21, $17.80 

Titanic Blue Weave Clutch, Ruche, $34.99

Cappuccino Carnation Clutch, Ruche, $30.99

I'll be honest- this experiment is mostly in my imagination- I don't see my big bag habit going away anytime soon. Although, if I had a couple of the clutches above to use, I might be a little more enthused about changing my ways. 

Shoesday Tuesday- Metallic Wingtip Oxfords

Are you all getting sick of reading about my obsession with oxfords? Well, then, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you have to endure yet ANOTHER post about a fabulous pair of oxfords that may or may not have made their way into my closet on Black Friday. I swear, I went out looking for tights and belts and I came home with shoes and belts instead. (As well as some funky jewelry from Forever 21 and some really incredible make-up from Sephora.) Anyway, these shoes are so fun and funky and I can't wait to wear them!

Metallic Wingtip Oxfords, Charlotte Russe, $27*

*I actually paid $20.25 for them because there was a special 25% discount on Black Friday. Whoo-hoo! 

And since it's SHOESDAY TUESDAY, you all know the drill- TWEET! And use the hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday. It's all one word with a # in front of it (nospaces). No specific theme today- just shoes in general.

Rate My Look: Taking a Fashion Risk

I'm sure that some of my outfit choices earn me some strange looks, but none come close to the strange looks and comments I received with my outfit yesterday. And it was all due to one rather outlandish accessory. A couple of weekends ago, some friends of mine came to visit and we went shopping. It was then that I happened upon this particular accessory and I found myself unable to resist buying it- especially since it only cost $5.80 at Forever 21!

Now, you may think I'm crazy for wearing it, as I'm sure many people did, but whether you agree with my sartorial choice or not, I hope you agree that it's ultimately a good thing to take fashion risks. If we all stick to the status quo, we won't necessarily make any progress or innovations- and that goes for everything, not just fashion. That being said, I present yesterday's outfit to you:

Want a close-up? I thought so:

What? What's that you say? That's NOT the outlandish accessory that caught your eye? How could that be? Look at those rhinestones and that metallic sheen! Those shoes are crazy, right? Oh, alright. Here's the flower, or as everyone at work kept calling it, "Audrey II."

Yes, friends, that flower is bigger than my head. I endured an entire day of comments like, "Why do I keep hearing 'Feed me, Seymour'? Oh, it's you." and "Did you water that? Because it looks like it's grown since an hour ago." And of course the blank stares and speechless people who had nothing to say and yet could not look away. I got a lot of sarcastic, "Nice flower" remarks, which I found amusing. And the funny part of it is that I enjoyed every remark- whether well-intentioned or sarcastic or merely using my flower as the punchline. Every good-natured joke that was slung in my direction truly made me laugh, especially the references to "Little Shop of Horrors." (But that's probably just because I'm a theatre geek.) Maybe this is the kind of thing the girls over at Go Fug Yourself would have a field day over, or maybe, just maybe, it's actually an accessory reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw's large flower love:

I think mine's not quite as big as the white flower, and just a tad bigger than the red one. So what do YOU think? Am I fabulous? Or a freak? Also, bonus points if you can tell me what's hidden underneath the red flower pin. I'm not sure what the bonus points are for, but it's always fun to win them, right?

Fall Fashion Trends

It has been requested by some readers that I talk about fall fashion trends. With NYFW just around the corner, I think that is certainly appropriate. I am looking forward to seeing what comes down the runway, but until then, there are a few trends we already know will be hot this fall.

For both men and women, military-inspired clothes are everywhere. This trend may not feel really new and that's because it's not- it was hot last fall as well, but the thing about fashion is that some trends stick around longer than others. They often start solely in the high-end, designer collections, and then they gradually trickle down to more affordable places and eventually you start seeing them on the discount rack. Right now, the military trend is about in the middle- you can find it everywhere- from ultra expensive, high-end, all the way down to bargain versions from Forever 21 and H&M. When we start seeing it in the clearance bin (and nowhere else), you know it's on the way out.

The military look is ideal for just about any body type because it is so structured and tailored that it looks good on everyone. Some of my favorite military-inspired pieces are dirt cheap at Forever 21:

Denim Naval Blazer, $32.80

Brushed Button Woven Vest, $24.80

Theater Box Jacket, $27.80

Structural Military Jacket, $27.80

Each and every one of these affordable jackets would make an excellent fall/winter layering piece. Pair any of them with a structured trouser or pencil skirt for the office. If you have a suit, pair one of these jackets with the bottom half of the suit and you'll give it an instant update. Or pull out those short shorts you've been sporting all summer, layer them over a pair of opaque tights and finish the look with a military jacket, oxfords and finally some fun accessories:

Military Inspired by Rtboo featuring wool blend jacket

For men, the military look can be even easier to achieve. There are so many military styles available in shirts, blazers, jackets and all varieties of outerwear. For starters, I love the laid-back vibe of this jacket:

Fleece Military Jacket, Banana Republic, $79.50

So many shirts out there have interesting military details like flap pockets and epaulettes. I especially like this one:

Linen-blend Pilot's Shirt, Old Navy, $10

There are plenty of both light and heavy weight outerwear options for the gentlemen, too:

French Connection Cavalry Cotton Jacket, Zappos, $104.50

For men, you can often find great actual military pieces at thrift shops, vintage stores, even Ebay. A touch of authenticity adds a nice punch of character to an outfit and you can often find vintage and second hand pieces for a lot less than you can if they are new in stores. Sometimes they require a trip to the dry cleaner or a spin through the wash before you can wear them, but it's worth it.

Cropped Wool Military Jacket, Ebay, $49.99

And many of you may already own a military-inspired jacket- a pea coat! Pea Coats never go out of style and are also flattering on many body types. Ladies, look for ones that have flattering seams and aren't too boxy. Men, look for solid construction and good tailoring, too.

Insulated Wool Pea Coat, Land's End, $149.50

I think this Land's End coat is gorgeous. And it's available in three colors (black, navy and grey) as well as regular, petite and plus size!

Wool Blend Pea Coat, Express, $228

I love this pea coat from Express because it not only has the military-style buttons, it also has epaulettes on the shoulders for an extra military detail.

For military style on-the-cheap, just buy a handful of metallic buttons and sew them onto a plain jacket. Or go military with your accessories:

Stainless Steel Braided Cable Dog Tag Necklace, Overstock, $32.99

Aqua Military-Inspired Cap, Bloomingdale's $34

Steampunk Military Inspired Brooch, Etsy, $45

WCM Military Inspired Belt, Bloomingdale's $68

Men's Graphic Cadet Hat, Old Navy, $10

The possibilities are endless, so just take a look around and see what you like. Look for pieces that are versatile and you can't go wrong. Happy Wednesday, everyone!