Slacker Style

I admit it- I've been slacking with the blogging. I resolved to do it more and then I promptly stopped altogether. What a slacker! Seriously. I have been keeping myself very busy at work and at play and I have tried to be fashionable throughout it all, but I admit I have been terrible about writing about these fashions. I was hoping to write an awards-show blog after the Golden Globes, but I'll be honest- so many people looked so awful and even the good ones weren't groundbreaking that I just couldn't come up with any decent content. The Grammy's were slightly better. Ah, well.

I've been doing more and more with accessories at work and also gearing up for a big accessories sale. It's made me assess my own accessories and for the first time in a long time, I actually find that I have some gaps in my collection. I've been so satisfied with my closet lately and it's only in the last few weeks that I've looked through things to put an outfit together and thought, "Meh. Nothing appeals." It's partly due to the fact that I have been running, so a lot of my clothes are actually a little too big for me right now. It's also partly due to the fact that it's so freaking cold out lately that the only thing I want to consider wearing is cashmere and fur. So I do.

One gap I've noticed in my collection is earrings. I've got this sassy new super short haircut that is also super blonde. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out:

Anyway, with this new 'do, earrings come into play in a totally different way than they previously did with my longer, brown hair. Earrings become a much bigger statement now, so I find I'm actually wearing a whole lot of dainty studs instead of my typical giant chandeliers and whatnot. 

I've purchased about a dozen pair of little studs in the last few months, but I think I want to get back into statement earrings. Something like these would be a great addition to my collection: 

Kate Spade Chandelier Earrings, Nordstrom, $98

The other thing I've gotten into is the midi- or mini-ring. You know what I'm talking about- it's the teeny tiny ring that you wear above the middle knuckle. It took a little getting used to, but now I love them. In contrast to the statement earrings, I love how delicate and subtle they are, yet eye-catching at the same time because of their location. 

Midi "Knuckle" ring, Etsy, $9.99

Some people like piling on lots of rings- some large cocktail rings and then other midi-rings, too. I prefer the midi-ring look when it's all by itself, like in the photo above. I like how delicate they are. If you haven't tried out this trend, get thee to an accessories shop ASAP and buy yourself one. Give it a whirl! Express yourself through your midi-ring! You just might love it! 

Finally, the other accessory that I absolutely cannot live without is a hat. It has been frigid around here and completely necessary to wear a hat in order to stay warm outside. I've got a decent hat collection, but nothing beats wool and fur for staying toasty warm. 

If you can pull it off, may I suggest a large fur hat- there is nothing better for keeping warm and although it's a bold sartorial statement, it's one I love! 

So there you have it- my winter must-haves, accessories-style. It's not bad style for a slacker, huh? 

Meet Babs- the Newest Addition to MD!

We have a new girl at work whose name is Barbara, but since her name implies someone much older than she is, I decided to call her Babs. She seems okay with it. Anyway, Babs is another lover of all things fashion and style, so of course she fits right in at Madeleine's. On Sunday, she came to work wearing the most adorable outfit that I snapped her photo the moment I saw her- literally. And I believe you'll agree with me that she looks just fabulous:

I'm dying to get myself over to Nordstrom to see if they have any of those tops left- it's just so fun! The high-low hem is too cool, especially when it's in motion. Unfortunately, the photo will never do it justice, but just know that it's as cool as it gets. I haven't coveted something in a looooooong time, but this top is pushing me to that point. 

I'm sure you'll see more of Babs on the blog in the future- she's pretty much always wearing an adorable outfit that's on-trend. Check back soon and as always, thanks for reading! 

Shoesday Tuesday: Simple Beauty

I am a huge fan of over-the-top, stand-out things. Clothes, accessories, shoes- you name it. If it's bold a a little out-there, then I love it. But despite my love for all things borderline garish, it all stems from an initial love of simple beauty. Clean lines in neutral colors can stand out for their simple beauty even more than a busy pattern or bold color. And the proof is in the pudding:

Jimmy Choo "Vikki" Platform Pump, Nordstrom, $575

Kate Spade NY "Licorice Too" Pump, Nordstrom, $298

Prada Round-toe Platform Pump, Nordstrom $750

There are so many simple. but beautiful shoes out there, but I think I'm going to spend the day drooling over these. I hope they make you drool as much as I do. Have a great day, everyone! Thanks for reading! 

Avocado Ombre Inspiration

You might think that as a style blogger, I read a lot of style blogs. You would be wrong. I hardly ever read style blogs, or even fashion magazines. What I do read all the time are food blogs and magazines. Baking, cooking, recipes, cheap eats, high-end restaurants, cooking for one, kid-friendly cooking, etc. I don't use Pinterest for fashion. I use it for recipes. And don't even get me started on Food Gawker. I love the pictures more than anything else. I often find myself eating dinner and feeling tempted to snap some photos and write a blog about it. I never do. At most I might put a photo up on Facebook, but I try to suppress my urge to do that since I hate looking at other people's food on Facebook. Also, my photos would usually be of a poorly lit, half-eaten meal. Not exactly the kind of visual delight that is typically found on most food publications.

Since my aspirations to become a great food blogger will likely never come to fruition, I've decided to stick to what I know: style and fashion. Tonight, I had a delicious grilled sandwich that would have made a great food blog. I used Ezekiel bread (my fave!), cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, jalapeno peppers and tomato. It was AWESOME. McKenzie made a similar sandwich at work the other day and I decided to try to recreate it. I was pretty successful, truth be told. It was a gorgeous sandwich- crispy, toasted bread; gooey, melted cheese; bright, juicy tomato and of course the gorgeous creamy ombre green of the avocado:

Isn't amazing how frequently we find beautiful inspiration from the most common, every day objects? Ombre existed in nature long before it was a fabric textile trend. And it's been an incredibly popular trend for several seasons now. It's not one that I've worn very much of, but that's not to say I don't think it can be beautiful. I like it in subtle touches, but the right garment on the right body in an ombre effect can be stunning. 

Stuart Weitzman Stringon, Zappos, $285

Ombre Skinny Jeans, Nordstrom, $78

Asymmetrical Ombre Top, 2b, $24.95

Ombre Scarf, Target, $14.99

Obviously, there are plenty of other places in nature to find ombre inspiration- the rising and setting of the sun for one. Lots of flowers and other foliage for another. For anyone who knows me, it should be surprising that I've found it in food. 

Can you think of any other ombre-inspiration within nature? What about other trends? Leave a comment if you like! Thanks for reading! 

Accessories Anonymous: What I'm NOT Buying

In this economy, we often find ourselves counting our pennies and making sacrifices here and there to keep our budgets balanced, or just to make ends meet. If we find ourselves with a bit of a windfall, it's easy to run right out and spend it on something we've been coveting. But as much as I'd love to have new duds constantly streaming into my closet, I know that's unrealistic. It's those times that I decide to window shop either in person or on the interwebs. It's the most fun to do online because you don't even have to use any gas or bother putting on make-up.

So, in the spirit of not spending, here are the awesome accessories that I will not be buying anytime soon:

What About Bauble? Necklace, Modcloth, $21.99

I love this necklace. I love the color, I love how it's ENORMOUS and I love its price. Juhree and Sadie both have this exact same necklace in other colors, but this peachy mauve is practically irresistible to me. I will, however, resist. 

White Bloom Studs, Bauble Bar, $24

I love these earrings for the opposite reasons I love that necklace. They are dainty and cute and a little understated. They would work with just about anything from jeans and a cute top to a cocktail dress, they'd be great at work, on a date or out with the girls. Also, they remind me of the giant flower on Carrie Bradshaw's white dress.

Foliroli, Aldo Shoes, $40

You all know how much I love a cute brogue, but when it's also in a luxurious peach suede that's just oh-so feminine, I start to drool uncontrollably. I just stuffed a hunk of bread in my mouth to sop up the saliva. Sorry if that was an over-share. 

RED Valentino Bow Leather Satchel, Nordstrom, $595

O.M.G. I have no words for this bag. That's not true. I have loads of words for it: precious, feminine, lush, delicious, soft, gorgeous, supple, flawless and swoon-worthy to name a few. Too bad my birthday has passed already this year. 

I know this post is focused on accessories, but I can actually picture all of the items above working so harmoniously with this adorable dress from Modcloth: 

In Sage You Will Dress, Modcloth, $74.99

Don't believe me? Look at them all together and you will: 

What I'm NOT Buying by rtboo featuring a keyhole dress

So there you have it: an adorable outfit complete with amazing accessories that I will most definitely NOT be purchasing anytime soon. That, my friends, is self restraint. 

TV Inspiration: Downton Abbey

Yesterday, I posted a blog inspired by the fashion of the leading ladies in Mad Men. Today, I'm taking you back a few more decades to the 20's and 30's styles of Downton Abbey. For anyone who hasn't seen this show, do yourself a favor and go watch the first season. You'll be hooked immediately. Even if the melodrama of uppity British aristocracy wasn't enough, the clothes on this show are absolutely to die for! Beaded sheaths, stunning jackets, fascinators and hats galore- it's a fashion dream!

My favorite part of getting dressed every day is accessorizing, so let's look at some stunning Downton Abbey-inspired accessories to make every outfit just a little more glamorous:

Acacia Bracelet, Jenny Packham

Can't you see this bracelet with  fabulous party dress? Something completely luxurious, of course. 

Style My Sunshine Hat, Modcloth

It's hard to picture yourself strolling through the grounds of a British estate on a warm, sunny, spring day, but this hat certainly helps me imagine it. 

Natasha Couture Multistrand Necklace, Nordstrom

I love how the ladies of Downton layer long beaded necklaces over their stunning beaded dinner dresses. Watching the show, you can hear the sound they make when the beads bump against each other. No matter what crisis is being discussed, I'm always distracted by that sound. 

Nina Ricci Leather Gloves, Barney's

What Downton Abbey-inspired post would be complete without a stunning pair of long, elegant gloves? This show makes me want to wear gloves all the time. It also makes me want to wear evening wear to dinner every night, but that's another issue.... 

Speaking of evening gowns... 

Downton Abbey Inspired by rtboo featuring a slip dress

Do you have a TV show that inspires you? Whether it's for the fashion, the scenic design, the music- leave a comment and tell me what you love about it! 

Holiday Style: Fancy Pants

Do you have holiday parties coming up soon? Are you trying to find fabulous outfits and dresses for these annual soirees? Well, my advice to you this year is to think outside the box and consider the oh-so-trendy fancy pants. I know that's not the actual term for the trend, but you know what I'm talking about. Sparkly pants, shiny metallic pants, sleek satin pants- I know you've seen them out there. They're all over the runways and red carpets and now it's our turn. Check out these awesome fancy pants I found all over the interwebs:

Spot Jacquard Trouser, ASOS, $79.16

These are also available in green, but that was a little too much for my taste. I love the pink, though! Jacquard is a slightly stiff, woven fabric often in an intricate pattern. It can be a monochromatic pattern, or multi-colored like these pants, but it has a rich texture to it because of the pattern. Instead of a printed pattern, jacquard designs are woven into the fabric. It's so rich looking, don't you think? 

Michael Kors Shantung Pants, Nordstrom, $995

Unfortunately, there is no missing decimal point in the price of these bad boys, but they're still fun to look at despite being way beyond reach. I would love the sport such a bold color pant to a holiday party. Some metallic heels and a cashmere top would be the perfect finish to these beauties. 

French Connection Ozlem Sequin pants, Bloomingdale's, $198

So, how does one actually put together an outfit with such outlandish pants? Here's how: 

1.) Keep the textures contrasting. Sleek satin, silk or taffeta should be paired with textured cashmere, fur or wool. 

2.) Wear heels. They not only lengthen, they shape. Heels make your butt look better. 

3.) Keep all other sparkle and shine understated. Sequin pants do not call for a glittery handbag or satin blouse. They call for neutrals. 

Here's one way to do it: 

Fancy Pants by rtboo featuring rhinestone bracelets

So, have I convinced you to try this new trend? Are you ready to start shopping for a pair of fancy pants? I rarely wear pants at all, so I think I'll need more time warming up to this trend. If I was a little more leggy, I might get on board sooner. Leave a comment and tell me what you think! 

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! 

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

Sweet as Honey

Don't you just love the color of honey? It's so warm and inviting and sweet and so I just had to put together a post dedicated to the color of honey. Enjoy these beautiful and stylish honey-colored pieces:

T Tahari Cleo Dress, Nordstrom, $128

Bixby Bag, Kate Spade, $346

Cowl Chiffon Dress, Dorothy Perkins,  £45.00

Just Fabulous Elise Pump, Heels.com, $59.99

Honey is a perfect color to transition from summer to fall- it is still bright enough to work with a lot of true summer colors like sky blue or white, but it has the depth necessary to be paired with rich, fall colors like pumpkin and amber. Try to work something honey-colored into your outfit this weekend and you'll see what I mean!  

Houndstooth of the Baskervilles

No, this post has nothing to do with Sherlock Holmes. I stink at word play.

Anyway, I've noticed over the last few seasons that oversized houndstooth is everywhere. And I think I love it! Check out these fabulously bold pieces:

Clutch in Large Houndstooth, Tamra's Bag (Etsy), $25

Halogen Ruched Side Drape Neck Top, Nordstrom, $48

Salvatore Ferragamo Houndstooth Printed Genuine Python Pump, Nordstrom, $950

Houndstooth Double Breasted Coat, eCrater, $169.90

Sequin Houndstooth Skirt, ASOS, $100.62

While I like the interesting color combinations of some oversize houndstooth prints out there, I have to say that given the boldness of the print itself, it's often best to stick with the classic black and white or grey and white version. Too much print plus a bold color can be very overwhelming. Try on different size versions of this print to see which one works best on your body's proportion. Or if you're unsure about wearing a top or dress in the print, try just an accessory like a scarf or a shoe or even a hat. The exaggerated print is what makes it trendy, though, so be sure to select a version of the houndstooth that is clearly oversize and not the classic version. 

Accessories Anonymous: To Infinity and Beyond!

It's kind of sad, but I've already noticed a distinct drop in temperature around here. Fall will be here before we know it, and after that, many snowy days. I spent the day at the beach yesterday, trying to catch a few more rays before it's too cold for a bathing suit. But when it does turn cold enough for sweaters and wool tights and scarves, there is a great accessory I will be using: the infinity scarf. This idea has been around for a while and was quite popular last year during the colder months. Fortunately, it is a trend that has been able to survive another season. Infinity scarves are simply scarves that are connected at both ends, forming a circle. They are great for layering with a warm coat or to add a touch of style to an outfit and keep the chill off. Here are some great ones you may want to snatch up before the temperature really drop down:

Lulu Floral Print Infinity Scarf, Nordstrom, $18

The light floral print will keep that touch of summer that we all want to cling to as fall approaches. Pair it as pictured with a striped top to be even more trendy or keep it simple with a solid-print dress instead. 

Spun by Subtle Luxury Abstract Arizona Infinity Scarf, Piperlime, $48

Because of the oversize, bold print of this scarf, keep the top of your outfit simple and sleek- a classic blazer or scoop-neck top will look great with a pencil skirt and this scarf. 

Tie- Dyed Infinity Scarf, Old Navy, $10.99

The infinity scarf doesn't need to be bundled close around your neck all the time- drape it long and it acts as a soft, necklace-esque accessory. You can even layer some actual necklaces on top of it for added style. 

Striped Infinity Scarf, Erica's One Man Band (Etsy), $28

I love the bold punch of color and pattern this scarf offers. And to purchase something handmade is even more special, if you ask me. Much like the way it's styled on the model, this piece will look best against a solid backdrop of a black tee or sweater. 

Infinity scarves aren't solely for cold times of year- there are plenty of feather-weight options in lovely summery prints that help take the chill off when your boss cranks to AC at the office. Don't just wrap yourself in a boring poncho or cardigan- use a cool scarf to stay warm AND look fabulous.