5 Luxury Items to Add to YOUR Wardrobe

The devil's in the details, right? That statement is true for just about any area of your life- work, home, and of course your fashion. The details of your attire are what separate you from the crowd, so a sure-fire way to stand out is to incorporate small details that make your outfit unique. A basic LBD is brought to a new level with an exceptional pair of high heels. An otherwise dull workplace outfit can become your own version of the "power suit" with the right scarf, jewelry or handbag.

We can't all afford to dress in head-to-toe designer duds, in fact, the majority of us can't do that. I'm sure many of you are like me- I try to find solid "basics" at a good price. I try to find classic pieces that fit me well and that I know I'll get to wear over and over. If I find a great basic, I might splurge a little, but for the most part, a lot of my clothing comes from stores like Target, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ann Taylor Loft, the Gap, etc. I certainly don't have a closet full of pieces from Nordstrom or Bloomingdale's, because my checking account won't allow for it.

Despite my budget wardrobe, I like to think that I can put together an expensive-looking outfit by the simple addition of luxurious accessories. In fact, I have NO problem wearing a necklace or a pair of earrings that cost as much or even a whole lot more than the clothing I'm wearing. An inexpensive dress can easily be transformed by a silk scarf around my waist or neck. It adds a pop of color and the high quality fabric adds a richness to my outfit.

Think about the outfits you have hanging in your closet and what it would take to bring them to a new level. I can think of at least 5 accessories that would be worth splurging on because of how much depth and dimension they can bring to your wardrobe.

1.) Leather or Suede handbag- Whether you buy it new, or find a used one in great shape, a well-made leather or suede handbag will not only last you for years to come, it will instantly elevate your outfit. Avoid trends when investing in this piece- find something classic and neutral.

My "Ashley" satchel from Coach was a wise investment. This gorgeous, black leather handbag has already logged plenty of miles on my arm and I plan to have her around for many more years to come.

2.) Luxury scarf- whether it's cashmere or silk, find a beautiful, classic scarf that will work with lots of outfits. A print will always look more luxurious and add visual interest. You can tie the scarf around your handbag handle, or drape it over your shoulders, or thread it through your belt loops- the possibilities are literally endless. 

I lucked into a vintage Schiaparelli scarf a couple of years ago- I've used it in a number of different outfits and it never fails to earn compliments. 

3.) High quality shoes- they don't have to be heels to be fabulous; flats can be stunning fashion statements, too! 

Whether you score an expensive pair at a bargain price, or happen upon a really well-executed knock-off, or you have the dough to splurge on a real pair of Louboutins or Jimmy Choos, do yourself a favor and get an amazing pair of shoes. 

4.) Statement jewelry- even though it seems awfully trendy right now, statement jewelry is something that can always work to add visual interest and luxury to an outfit. Whether it's vintage costume jewelry, or something you found a Lord & Taylor last week, a unique necklace, ring, bracelet or earring can really elevate an otherwise hum-drum look. 

I'm no stranger to statement necklaces and this one by Stella & Dot has adorned many an outfit of mine for both work and play! 

5.) An awesome overcoat- A black cashmere wool coat, a camel-colored classic Burberry trench, a vintage fur wrap- whatever suits your style, invest in a truly beautiful overcoat. Your entrance will always turn heads with an incredible coat- everyone will be thinking, "with a coat like that, I can't wait to see what she has on underneath!" 

I am still as in love with this coat as the day I bought it. It was a bargain at $75- the fox fur collar and brocade fabric turn heads like you wouldn't believe. 

So, there you have it- a short list of pieces that will help add luxury and visual interest to your daily wardrobe. Don't try to force certain pieces into your wardrobe- keep an open mind while you're out shopping and you will be amazed at what falls into your lap. Sometimes the most exciting finds are the ones you aren't expecting! 

Rate My Look: Peter Pan Necklace

Remember earlier this week when I showed you the awesome Peter Pan Collar Necklace that I made? Well, I figured I'd share the rest of the outfit for your stylish viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Dress: Zara

Cardigan: Old Navy

Boots: Charlotte Russe

Earrings: Stella and Dot

Necklace: ME! 

I also mentioned earlier this week that I think my make-up looked particularly good this day. I tried a few of the makeup techniques that I learned from my visit to Joya Beauty and I must admit to being extremely pleased with the results. 

Seriously- I'm kind of a babe! 

So, what do you think of my outfit? Love it? Hate it? Wish I'd used a little color at least? Well, whatever your opinion, leave me a comment! And have an awesome day! 

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! 

Finally- the Wedding Outfit!

This past weekend was one of the most fun, exciting, beautiful weekends I have had in a long time. My BFF Beth got married! Other than one glitch involving cookies homemade by the groom's mother (more on that another time), everything went perfectly. From setting up the venue, to the rehearsal dinner to seeing friends and family to the actual wedding and of course all our outfits- everything was spectacular. What I loved so much about this wedding was that it was 100% what the bride and groom had envisioned. From start to finish, you could feel the personalities of the couple, their friends and their family members infused within the event. My personal favorite was the chuppa we helped to construct and erect. My contribution involved helping to drape the fabric canopy and although it was my first chuppa, I have to say it was pretty stellar.

I don't have time right this minute to write a blog post about everything, but I wanted to show all of you my bridesmaid outfit for the wedding. Up until this point, all you've seen are the shoes, but I was so happy with my entire "look" and I really do plan to wear this dress again!

The picture's a little grainy- the lighting wasn't amazing in that room and I had to use the camera on my phone. Not ideal, but you can definitely get a sense of the overall look. The dress was purchased at Ann Taylor months ago. The coolest thing about it is the exposed zipper on the side. It just adds the slightest edge to an otherwise sweet, simple dress. In addition to the zipper, there is a raw edge to the fabric at the waistline that doesn't look unfinished, as you might expect. It's more of a cool detail that you have to almost know about in order to notice it. The shoes are epic. And excruciating, but whoever said beauty doesn't hurt was lying. The bracelet is my oh-so-fabulous Audrey Cluster Bracelet from Stella and Dot: 

Love it!

My fascinator brooch was purchased on Etsy from an amazing little shop called Takka Petit. The prices can't be beat and the quality is great. Between Beth, her sister Amy and I, we each had a fabulous "flower" of some sort as part of our looks. Beth's was part of her dress, Amy wore hers in her hair and mine was versatile- I mostly wore it on my dress, but at one point, I clipped it in my hair. I'm looking forward to wearing it again soon! 

Purple Feather Fascinator, Takka Petit (Etsy), $16.50

Just because I love them so much, let's have another look at my shoes: 

CJ by Charles Jourdain via Off Broadway Shoes

The only other accessory I had was a glittery champagne clutch that I actually purchased at work: 

Farah Clutch, Benjamin Walk via Madeleine's Daughter

What I loved about my outfit was that everything coordinated with the colors of the wedding. The shades of purple that I wore (dress, fascinator) were used in the flowers and the centerpiece designs. Every other accessory fell into the champagne family, which perfectly complimented the bride. And even though my bracelet, bag and shoes were all technically "neutrals," they were each very special pieces. In fact, there wasn't much about them that was neutral aside from the color. 

So there you have it: my bridesmaid look. Please feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think. I'm sure at some point I'll see the photos from the actual wedding photographer, so you'll have that to look forward to as well. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, everyone! 

Psychic Coworkers

I've mentioned before that my coworkers and I tend to show up to work wearing very similar outfits sometimes. Remember Juhree and Kristin? Well, the other day, Brandie and Kerry took it to a whole new level and actually showed up in the exact same dress!

You can see that they both styled their dresses with black accessories to coordinate with the black waistband of the dress. And yet, they both look so different! Brandie (on the left) styled her dress with a pair of black leggings and some killer high heels. She kept the accessories to a minimum with just a fabulous pair of earrings and her wedding ring. Kerry, on the other hand rocked a pair of high-heel, tall boots, lace tights, a cardigan and lots of Silpada jewelry. Just like Stella and Dot, Silpada is a fabulous jewelry company of which Kerry is a representative. It seems she's always booking parties and she always seems to have so much fun doing it. If you're interested in finding out more about hosting a Silpada party, email Kerry and ask all about it! Don't tell the S&D folks, but I'm a fan of a lot of Kerry's jewelry! I really like these rings: 

Etched Black Lip Shell & Sterling Ring, $89

Sterling Silver Ring & Interchangeable Stones, $99

Also, every time she wears this ring to work, it catches my eye. And until I visited her Silpada site, I actually had no idea that the stones in the ring were interchangeable. Now I'm REALLY a fan of that ring! 

Leave a comment and tell me what you think of the different ways my coworkers have styled this dress. I think that everyone I work with is super stylish, but I love hearing other opinions, too! Have an awesome day everyone! 

Rate My Look

I know it has been quite a while since I posted an outfit of my own, so I made sure to have someone take my picture the other day.

Sweater: Marshalls

Skirt: Anthropologie

Boots: Charlotte Russe

Ring & Necklace: Stella and Dot

You'll have to forgive my wrinkled skirt. I did press it after I took this picture, so I wasn't so rumpled for the workday. I was excited about the color combination of this outfit- I just love the mustard sweater with the purple skirt. And I love that neither is new, but this outfit feels so new because of the combination. You may remember the boots from this post. The ones pictured above are the new color, but I have a confession to make. I really preferred the darker brown color, so I ended up ordering a new pair online. I have a problem with buying boots this year. At least I can admit it, right? Anyway, part of the reason I felt compelled to get the darker color is because I really prefer a monochromatic look with my tights and boots. While the taupe color pictured above looks great on bare legs, I know that this winter I'll get a lot more use out of a darker pair that I can wear with chocolate brown tights. 

I'm going to try to be better about taking photos of my outfits- I definitely miss sharing them with all of you. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think of my look. You know how much I love comments! 

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! 

Rate My Look- Typical Work Outfit

Dress: Ganesh Imports

Bag, Shoes: Marshalls

Ring, Necklace: Stella and Dot

My digital camera and my computer have decided to stop speaking to each other. I'm not sure who's to blame or if it's the USB cable connecting them that's stirring up trouble. (It seems like the three of them may be having relationship issues.) Since I'm so accustomed to photographing myself with my tripod, it's not always easy to remember to ask someone at work or home to take my picture on my phone for me. Last night, however, as I was leaving, I asked one of my coworkers to snap a photo of my outfit and I'm glad she did. I've been meaning to show this dress to you guys for a while. I bought it at a store in downtown Portsmouth called Ganesh Imports, which isn't my typical store. However, I saw this dress in the window and it drew me in. At $34.99, I couldn't resist. The natural waist with ruching and slightly gathered skirt make for a very flattering dress. The exposed zipper in front adds a touch of edge to an otherwise sweet-looking dress. The fabric is a super soft microfiber and the details on the shoulders really make it special. It's a perfect dress for work, except that it's a bit on the shorter side, so I have to be careful about bending down for any reason. I love the dusty, rusty color of the dress, too. I bought it earlier this summer and it looked great paired with some of my bright turquoise accessories like this ring and my Marchesa necklace from Stella and Dot, but now that fall is approaching, it's also proving to be a great color when paired with deep honey and brown. 

Since I wanted the dress to be the star of the outfit, I kept my jewelry fairly subtle. I wore some Stella and Dot jewelry, of course: 

Together Forever Necklace, $49

Soiree Trio Ring, $49

I hope you like my casual, comfortable summer/fall outfit. I'd love to hear what you think in the comments section. (As always)

Have an awesome day, everyone! 

Exciting News...

... Stella and Dot has HANDBAGS!!! I was really excited when I first heard the news of this new S&D venture and I have to say that they've done a great job. Since it's so new, I wasn't expecting a huge collection and I was right about that. This set includes about 5 different designs, most of which are available in at least two colors/textiles. My personal favorite is the La Coco Clutch:

La Coco Clutch, $148

Isn't it fabulous? I'm in love, especially when it's dressed up with a little more pizzazz: 

Plume Brooch, $34

The clutch is even designed for a brooch embellishment. There are grommets behind the center pleat that make adding or changing a brooch incredibly simple AND there's no damage to the purse from poking holes with the brooch pin! Awesome! 

Take a few moments to check out the handbag collection from S&D and then leave me a comment telling me what you think of it. I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Rate My Look: How to Defeat the Heat

This week marked record temperatures across the country and New Hampshire was no exception. Temperatures climbed to over 100 degrees and the humidity was absolutely brutal. Given the situation, I really had no choice but to defeat the heat. Honestly, the only solution I could come up with was to simply be hotter. So I put this outfit together:

Dress: Taylor Dresses via Burlington Coat Factory

Shoes: Bakers

Necklace and Ring: Stella and Dot

The dress is super hot, the shoes are extra hot and the jewelry is supremely hot. Together they make for an outfit hot enough to intimidate even the hottest day of the summer. Did you happen to notice that the temperature has dropped about 20 degrees since this morning? You're welcome. 

And in case you want a close up of the shoes and my new ring, here they are: 

Enjoy your weekend, everyone! 

Rate My Look- Double Belts Inspired by Tiffany

Top: Ann Taylor LOFT

Jean shorts- KMart (Seriously!)

Shoes: Daffy's

Belts: H&M

Ring and Necklace: Stella and Dot

Full disclosure: I stole this double-belt idea from Tiffany of A Reason to be Fabulous. She did a black and white version yesterday. I liked the idea, so I stole it. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? That's what I've heard. 

Anyway, the look is more than just a belt layered on another belt- it's all about twisting and buckling the two together. I love it!

As great as the twisted double belt look is, it's not the reason for posting this outfit. A while ago, Beth asked for a post on how to wear a belt- when to wear one, how to wear one, how to choose between skinny or wide, etc. It's about time I actually give her the post she asked for! 

Over the decades, the purpose and function of belts has changed quite a bit. I don't know many women who wear a belt to hold their pants up anymore. These days, belts function more as an accessory to add a touch of style to an outfit. More importantly, though, they also function as a way of cinching in a garment and adding emphasis to the smallest part of your waist. I've preached over and over again about how to create an hourglass silhouette and how to create the illusion of a longer leg line. The best way to do both is to add emphasis at your waist- your natural waist. 

In the outfit pictured above, the top and shorts are in high contrast to each other. Whether the shirt is tucked in or left out, the proportion of the outfit on my body would be unflattering without the belts. Look at the length of the shirt versus the length of the shorts and also how the shirt stops at the widest part of my hips. Neither of those things is good when trying to create a long leg line and an hourglass silhouette. By placing the belts (or even just one belt) at my high natural waist, I've forced the eye to be drawn upward and I've created a center for the hourglass that is far more defined. 

Some other examples of outfits I've created over the last couple of years using the same concept: 

I admit, there are times that I know I want to wear a belt, but figuring out whether it should be skinny or wide is a matter of trying both and seeing what I prefer with that outfit. There isn't necessarily a magic formula for figuring it out. I always try to select a belt that keeps the proportion of the outfit intact. If I'm adding a belt to a dress, I often choose a wide belt, since it breaks up the dress, into two large sections. If I'm adding a belt to a top I often choose a skinny belt for the same reason- the top is broken up into smaller sections that are more in proportion with a skinny belt. But again, there are exceptions to every rule- like the red dress above. In any case, I try to select the most flattering option. In the case of the black and white outfit above, the belt is treated as an extension of the skirt which is why a wide choice worked better. However, in the bottom picture with the purple cardigan, I used the belt to raise the waistline of the outfit to my natural waist.Without a belt at all, the eye would be drawn to where the purple cardigan meets the grey skirt. Also, a large belt would have overwhelmed the short cardigan, but a skinny belt did the trick just fine. 

Admittedly, I could probably use a few more "in-between" belt widths to add variety to my options, but there is rarely a time when I can't find a belt or two that functions the way I want for any given outfit. If you have a decent variety of neutral belts in your closet- or even just one black wide belt and one black skinny belt- it's unlikely you won't have one that works whenever you want to wear one. 

Beth, I hope this post was helpful to you, but please leave a comment or email me with any other belt-related questions! 

Rate My Look- Still Showing Off My Shopping Booty

When I hit the outlets over the Fourth of July weekend, I knew I got some steals, but I had no idea how great those little gems would turn out to be. The four tops that I got from Ann Taylor Loft have turned out to be amazing every day blouses- perfect for work or just about anything else. In the picture above, you can see I've paired the white version of the blouse (I got it in three solid colors and one print) with my green and white circle skirt that I made last year. I finished the look off with my white ballet flats from Payless and some accessories from Stella and Dot. 

I realized as I was getting dressed that I had never featured my bee brooch on the blog. And it just happened to be the perfect addition to my outfit. The way it nestled right into the ruffles on my blouse was absolutely perfect:

When it comes to comfort, there isn't much that beats a circle skirt. They're pretty flattering, to boot. When I worked in costume design, they were my favorite choice when creating costumes for dancers because of the beautiful way they move. An even though I don't do many pirouettes or tour jetes at work, the movement of the skirt is still really fabulous. Don't you wish I did pirouettes and tour jetes at work, though? I know my coworkers would LOVE it. Choreo for everyone! 5-6-7-8!

Stella and Dot- New Fall Collection

I am drooling over SO many of the new items in the Stella and Dot Fall 2011 Collection! And fortunately, quite a few of them are whizzing on over to me as I type this very post.

My favorite, though, is this statement necklace called "Marchesa:"

Marchesa Necklace, $178

I also had trouble resisting the new chantilly-lace-inspired cuff and earrings: 

Chantilly Lace Cuff, $98 and Chandelier Earrings, $49

If you have not yet booked a trunk show with me, I suggest doing so soon, since after the reveal of the new collection, I suspect lots of people wanting to book trunk shows right away! Email me if you are interested and don't forget- the hostess receives 25% of the trunk show sales in FREE jewelry! 

Rate My Look- Shopping Spree Stuff

First I want to congratulate "Anonymous" for correctly guessing which handbag I bought over the weekend. I opted for the smaller of the two and I'm very happy. The price I paid? Well, let's start by talking about the original sticker price- $348. It was marked down to $269.99 and then with a 50% discount followed by a 30% discount the final price was (drum roll, please).... $94.50!!!

And here I am sporting not only my new handbag, but one of the 5 new tops I bought as well. This one happens to be from Ann Taylor LOFT (as is the skirt):

Skirt and Top: Ann Taylor LOFT

Bag: Coach

Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Stella and Dot

Ring: Some little shop on Nantucket... 

I loved this top so much when I saw it in the shop, I actually bought it not only in this fun summer-y print, but I also got it in three other solid colors- peach, white and brown. I've already worn the peach one and I'm certain I'm going to get a lot of wear out of all four of them. I realized the other day that while I have a lot of great skirts, I don't have that many great tops. When I decided to stop at the outlets on Sunday, I had that goal in mind- to find great tops. I'm happy to say I was so successful. In addition to these tops from Ann Taylor, I also scored a fabulous printed silk top from Banana Republic. Maybe I'll post a photo of that one soon! 

Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday, everyone! 

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. 

Stella and Dot New Renegade Collection!

I know that you are all aware that I love my Stella and Dot jewelry. I would never have become a stylist for the company if I didn't truly love the products they offer. But I have to admit, I'm completely smitten with the new mini-collection that was just released- the Renegade Collection.

To view the entire collection, click the link above, but of course I can't resist showing you my absolute favorite piece:

Renegade Cluster Ring, $44

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a cool cocktail ring! Just when I think, "I have plenty of cocktail rings-the last thing on earth that I need is another one!" That's when I see one that I just can't resist! The Renegade Cluster Ring is doing that to me right now! 

If you want to get the Renegade Cluster Ring or any other Stella and Dot jewelry for FREE, all you have to do is host a trunk show. Email me today to find out how you can do that! 

FREE Renee Terese Original Dress

I have a very exciting opportunity for some very lucky readers! For the remainder of the month of June, I am offering a very special incentive to anyone who would like to book a Stella and Dot trunk show with me. If you book the part for this month, and the sales of that party are $1500 or higher, I will make you a custom Renee Terese original dress for FREE! Seriously!

You've seen the jewelry, and you've seen my dresses, so I'm sure you can imagine how great they would look together, right? And the best part is that you are still able to collect on all the hostess rewards and cash in on lots of free jewelry. Hint: a trunk show with $1500 in sales means $375 in free jewelry for the hostess. We're talking a gathering of your girlfriends, family, maybe even coworkers- just a handful of people is all it takes for a fabulous night of fun with jewelry!

I personally think the Bamboleo necklace would look amazing with one of my dresses:

Am I right? You know I am. Seriously, email me today about booking your trunk show. The first FIVE people to book and qualify will be eligible for the free Renee Terese original dress. The hostess from the top 2 trunk shows will win a free dress ($175 value!)

P.S. To see samples of Renee Terese original dresses, click the links below:

- Black and White Floral Print

- Orange and Grey with Ribbon Detail

- Grey and Yellow Eyelet Skirt

- Bright Green Floral Dress

- Green and White Floral

- The Betsy (Floral with Zipper detail)

- Beige but Fabulous

- Peach Skirt

- Reversible Ginkgo Dress

- Cream Dress w/Black Waist Detail

- The Original

Rate My Look- Vintage Scarf

I recently purchased a couple of vintage designer scarves from Couture Allure and when they arrived a few days later, I could hardly wait to wear them. I got them at major bargain prices, which is always super exciting. But truth be told, I would have paid a lot more for them- they are truly beautiful pieces. One of the things I love about Couture Allure is that the pictures are always very detailed and the descriptions of the pieces even more so. When purchasing vintage, it's important to inspect the materials for any damage or decay. Jody, the proprietor of Couture Allure, is always careful to disclose the detailed condition of each and every item, so you can feel confident when purchasing through her site that the items will be in the condition described and pictured.

But enough about that- how about those scarves? The first was a silk scarf by Elsa Schiaparelli in a bold oversized basket-weave pattern. The colors are very rich and more appropriate for fall, in my opinion, but I'll likely try to work it into a summer look anyway. Check out Jody's photos of the scarf here. The second scarf is a positively ethereal Halston silk chiffon scarf that you can see here on Couture Allure's site or you can see it in these photos of me! I wore this outfit to work and felt so chic and sophisticated:

Dress: By Yours Truly

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Payless

Scarf: Couture Allure

Jolie Cocktail Ring (on the hand in my pocket!): Stella and Dot

I was comfortable all day long, but still felt so polished and put together. It's not that difficult to achieve, either!

1.) Start with a well-fit dress in a flattering color

2.) Add some contrasting, but complimentary accessories

See? A simple two-step program to stylish work outfits! But seriously, if you are looking to create interesting outfits, you don't necessarily have to shop for a new wardrobe. Accessories alone can completely transform an outfit from one distinct look to another and often it's the accessories that make our outfits unique. Anyone can walk into Neiman Marcus and buy a great dress. It's how you accessorize that dress that makes you stylish.