Rebel Belle-Inspired Look

Yesterday I reviewed Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins, a funny yet exciting fantasy book about pretty girl Harper Price getting unexpected (and unwanted) supernatural powers.  The book opens on Homecoming night, when Harper is 99% sure she is going to be crowned queen.  Before all hell breaks loose, of course.

So today's outfit inspiration comes from that Homecoming night.  Harper says she is wearing a pink dress and pearls, so that is where I started with the look.

It's a lovely outfit, and those heels could definitely do some damage (and boy do they!).

• The light pink dress is lovely.  Feminine, elegant--just like Harper.
• Harper's bare neckline is dressed up by this chunky pearl necklace.  A trendy style for a classic jewelry piece.  The earrings are small and therefore don't take away from the jewelry.
• The silver shoes are SO beautiful!  The heels are high but not overwhelming and the color is a lovely correlation to the pink dress.
• The silver clutch is dainty and sweet.  Just like a southern woman would be, right?

I think this outfit is so sweet--do you think Harper would wear it to Homecoming?

Want to see each piece of the outfit?  See all the details here.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea-Inspired Outfit

Hey, readers and fashionistas!  A few weeks ago I reviewed Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke.  It was a creepy, mysterious supernatural that I absolutely loved!  And today's outfit is inspired by Violet and her growing relationship with the strange new guy in town, River.

One thing I loved about this book was Violet and River's date nights.  They were a bit more mature than the typical date-outdoor vintage movies in the town square, picnics with bread and cheese, elaborate cooking, etc.  And even though Violet and River's relationship is skeptical at best, their dates are swoon worthy.  They even dress in vintage costumes that they find in Violet's basement--a true trip down antique lane!  So that's what I was thinking about for Violet's outfit--a vintage take on a date night outfit.  And here it is:

Doesn't it take you back a few years?!  I love this for a date night.  So let's get into the details:

• The white lace top and knee-length printed skirt have a 1940s vibe.  They are sweet and respectable pieces while obviously very feminine.
• Look at those shoes!  Adorable, and I love pairing a darker skirt with light shoes.
• The light blue belt connects with the shoes and brings together the top and skirt as one cohesive piece.
• The pearl stud earrings and thin silver watch are vintage-inspired.  Simple, elegant, and reminiscent of times gone by.

So what do you think?  Someone wearing this (especially a teenager!) gives off a more respectable air and that they care about the date.  Better than jeans and a hoodie, right?

I could see Violet wearing this as she and River go off to try a pizzeria and then read poetry in the park.  Couldn't you?

Want the specifics of this outfit?  Check them out here.

Shatter Me-Inspired Outfit

Happy Wednesday, everyone!  Today is World Book Night, and I am SO EXCITED to be participating as a Giver for the first time!  I'll be posting about my experience tomorrow, so check it out to see where I gave away books!

Last week I reviewed Shatter Me, the first book in Tahereh Mafi's trilogy about Juliette and her lethal touch.  Today's outfit is based off that book, and ooh how I wish this outfit were in my personal wardrobe!
Here it is:

So sparkly, right?

Let me explain how I came up with this:

Juliette never wears something like this in the book (although Warner does try to woo her with beautiful clothes).  But I knew for this outfit I wanted something that completely got your attention and had a "danger" factor.  After all, Juliette has everyone's attention since they're afraid to touch her.  And the book is called Shatter Me, so I knew I wanted to play around with metallics and textures.

• The dress, which I found on Amazon for less than $100, is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.  Silver shimmer...need I say more?  And the perfect length to get everyone's attention!
• The heels by Stuart Weitzman are bold and more powerful-feeling than a pair of flats.  Who doesn't love a good pair of black pumps?  They make a statement without taking away from the dress.
• For accessories I stayed simple--the dress is the statement piece--and stayed within the color scheme.  Bracelets are from Dorothy Jenkins and Marc by Marc Jacobs and the clutch (which you want with this dress--no lugging around a purse on your shoulder!) is from VanMildert.com.

So what do you think?  Could this be a show-stopping look?  I think so!

Tomorrow I'll be telling you all about my World Book Night experience...and then Friday you'll see some outfits I've created to go along with glasses (for nerds like me!).  See you then!

Candace Cameron Bure-Inspired Outfit and Review of Moms' Day Out!

Hi, friends!

I think this is one of my favorite posts I've written, because as I think you'll see, the last few days for me have just flowed together so well!  I'm combining a book review with an outfit and a movie premiere--let me explain:

I recently reviewed Candace Cameron Bure's book Balancing It All--an honest and inspiring book of how women can balance our crazy lives as a wives, moms, employees, girlfriends, you name it.  It was a quick and encouraging read for me and I definitely recommend it!

So the book got me thinking--what are some go-to items that we can throw on when we need to feel like we have it together (even when we don't have it together)?  Kind of like some can't-fail-when-you-wear-these items.  Because when we're thrust in the middle of work, family schedules, and all things crazy, we don't often have the energy to pick out a cute outfit.

This exact scenario happened to me last night.  My friend Cherie (who has such an amazing story and you TOTALLY need to check her out!) invited me to a premiere screening of the movie Moms' Night Out (coming out on Mother's Day weekend, but more on that later!).  After working a full day, picking up my boys, feeding both boys, making dinner for my hubby, and curling my hair, I was exhausted.  And I was mentally exhausted--and I just needed to feel cute and put-together and not look like I had just put my two-year-old in time out for disobedience.  So I grabbed three items that I knew would give me that "oh I have it all together" even when I didn't feel it.  And, as cheesy as it sounds since I just reviewed Candace's book, I felt balanced.

So here's what I wore:

And I LOVED it!

I felt bright and "with it."  I had the confidence I needed to put my rushed evening out of my mind and just relax. So what were my three items that I grabbed?

 

• Blouse  A bright and even patterned blouse is the item to wear.  You can dress it up or down and it gives you such a polished look.  Forget T-shirts and find a blouse.
• Blazer  This, like a necklace, is a great way to dress up an outfit.  I purposely chose a blazer that complemented the blouse but wasn't too "matchy."  I love wearing bright blazers rather than simply black or brown--colors give off a sense of confidence.
• Heels  Heels definitely make me feel like I'm put together.  A cute pair of flats can also do this if you'd rather not wear heels, but definitely avoid tennis shoes or worn-down shoes.  Pun not intended, but heels "heighten" the outfit and just take it to a level of being dressed up.  I chose a pair of nude heels because nude makes your legs look longer and I didn't want to overkill the outfit with color.

So those are my 3 recommended items to wear when you need a go-to look.  Don't waste time thinking about what to wear--have these at the ready!

Now, on to the movie.

I am so excited that I got to attend the premiere of Moms' Night Out--because it fit so well with Candace's book and how I was feeling last night!  It focuses on Allyson, a wife and mother of three young children who is trying her best to be a Mommy Blogger.  She is completely overwhelmed and unhappy with her life and feels like she just needs a break--which makes her also feel completely guilty. When her husband encourages her to go out for an evening with some friends, she reluctantly relinquishes her control of the kids and the house...only to find herself in the middle of the craziest night of her life.

I was really surprised at how many times I laughed in the movie--it was a funny yet heartfelt escape and I highly recommend seeing it!  There were some encouraging and genuine moments (my favorite line being "I'm a mess.  But I'm His beautiful mess.") and it was a great way to hang with my friend Cherie (seriously, go check her out!).

It comes out on Mother's Day weekend--go see it!

I'll be back soon with another book review--see you then!

Blouse--Von Maur
Blazer--Francesca's Collections
Heels--Madden Girl

*I am not associated with any of the companies/products mentioned. 

How to Lead a Life of Crime-Inspired Outfit

A few days ago (before we got MORE snow in Indiana!) I reviewed How to Lead a Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller, a dangerous thriller about an academy for criminal teens.  I couldn't resist designing an outfit for Gwendolyn, the head student of the school who was pretty ruthless.  She takes Flick to a cocktail party for the academy alumni and wears a bold, dangerous black dress.  I just had to design for her!  And here's what I designed:

Wow, check out the neckline of that dress!  So bold and in-your-face!

*Now this outfit is totally "no-limits" when it refers to money, because everyone in the Mandel Academy had all kinds of wealth at their fingertips.  So in other words, this was a fun one to design!

Let's break it down:

• This dress is perfect.  A low neckline, cinched in waist, and slim skirt--to me, it all screams power and confidence.  And that is definitely Gwendolyn.
• Tall black pumps, an obvious choice.  One of the most notable pieces of fashion when it relates to power.
• Some chandelier diamond earrings--if you're wealthy, you wear diamonds, right?  And these are so elegant and perfect for a cocktail party!
• Red nail polish--red, classic.
• And a diamond bracelet to add just a little more bling.  Because when you got it, you flaunt it!

So what do you think?  Could you see a dangerous, threatening student in an outfit like this?  

Tomorrow is my Friday Find--what will it be?  See you then!

Dress--Victoria Beckham (over $2700!)
Heels--Jimmy Choo (almost $600)
Earrings--Dannijo Mariella
Nail polish--Essie, "Really Red"
Bracelet--David Yurman (Saks Fifth Avenue) ($2400!)

*I am not associated with any companies or products mentioned (although with this outfit, I sure wouldn't mind it!).

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight-Inspired Outfit

Good morning, readers and fashionistas!  Today's post is a fashion one, based off my review last week of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.  It's such a cute, clean romance of an American girl and a British guy who fall in love on an airplane.  

In the book, American Hadley has to attend her father's wedding in England and spends much of the book running around in a lavender bridesmaid dress.  So I thought I'd create a chic-looking bridesmaid outfit using that same color palette.  And here's what I designed:

I really like this for a wedding look.  Let's dive in!

• I love this dress because it can totally be re-used as an Easter dress, summer work party, baby shower, etc.  It's simple yet super chic, and the thin belt just tops it off!
• When you think lavender in a wedding, you immediately think silver.  And even though I incorporated silver into the look, I wanted there to be an extra pop of color.  Pops of color really show that someone is more fashion-forward-thinking, and Hadley's new stepmom Charlotte is definitely on the front end of clothes.  So I paired the dress with these gorgeous deep purple heels.  It really accents the lavender and adds in a kick of fun.  I love these shoes!  Although Hadley probably wouldn't enjoy running around London in these (although she'd look gorgeous doing it!).
• The bouquet matches the shoes and again, adds in that color pop.
• For jewelry I kept it simple and silver, which is pretty predictable for a wedding.  Stud earrings and a charm bracelet.

 So what do you think?  Could you see a look like this in a wedding?  

I'll be back tomorrow with a new review on a Horror and Suspense book...see you then!

Untold Bow back tulip dress--House of Fraser
RSVP Cailyn shoes--Zappos
Purple Daisy bouquet--Etsy
Juicy Couture bracelet--Juicy Couture (less than $50!)
Vince Camuto stud earrings--Nordstrom (less than $30!)

*I am not associated with any companies or products mentioned.

Bomb-Inspired Outfit

Last week I reviewed a nonfiction (gasp!) book by Steve Sheinkin--it's called Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon and is all about the building of the atomic bomb.  So that means it was set during WWII.  So of course I had to design an outfit today for that time period.  And here's what I created:

I like to imagine that my grandmothers wore outfits like these in the 40s!

Here's the breakdown:

• The plaid pencil skirt was a staple in the 1940s.  I kept the pattern simple here--navy with tan and gray lines.  
• To lighten the look, I added a peach ruffled blouse.  Going sleeveless was probably a little risky for the 40s, but this is an interpretation, right?
• Blue pumps.  You always saw ladies in pumps, and this color nicely complements the clothes.
• A pearl bracelet to keep the outfit soft and sweet.
• A boater hat...I love the hats of this time period! A fun way to add some pizzazz to the outfit!

So what do you think?  Does this show off the ladies of the 40s?

I'll be back tomorrow with a new book review!  See you then!

Skirt--House of Fraser
Blouse--Modcloth.com
Shoes--Aldo
Bracelet--Bloomingdales
Hat--6pm.com

*I am not associated with any companies or products mentioned.

Modcloth Uniquely You Style Competition--Check It Out!

Happy Thursday, readers and fashionistas!  I was recently contacted by a Modstylist from Modcloth.com (her job sounds so cool--she basically stays up on trends and helps people create outfits for any occasion!) and asked if I would participate in Modcloth's Uniquely You campaign.  I thought it sounded super-fun, so I jumped at the chance to participate!

In the Uniquely You campaign, fashion bloggers are sent images of Modcloth accessories or articles of clothing; then we get to create a collage with up to 7 other Modcloth products and feature them on our Polyvore pages.  Modcloth will pick their favorite ensemble, and that winning blogger will have their collage featured on the Modcloth Polyvore page.  How fun!  I can't wait to see everyone's entries!  

For this week's contest, I was sent the image of the In the Key of Chic Dress in Polka Dots.  You guys, this dress is so adorable!  It is whimsical and cheery and I immediately knew exactly how I wanted to style it!  So here is my style entry:

 

Isn't it just darling?!  Check out the full link here!

Cardigan      Heels      Clutch      Earrings      Necklace

Here's the breakdown of the outfit:

•  Like I said, the dress is called "In the Key of Chic (polka dots)."  I can definitely see this outfit at a baby shower, a graduation, or any spring occasion!  It's light, full of color, and just plain fun!  I knew I wanted this dress to be the focal point of the outfit, so all of the other pieces needed to fit around it. 
• Because the dress is so colorful, I wanted the accessories to highlight it, not surpass it.  So I chose honey and royal blue--they complement each other well and bring out the colors of the dress.
• The honey cardigan keeps the dress casually formal (yes, you can be casual AND formal!).  If the cardigan is tucked into the royal blue belt, a woman's waist is defined and shown off!
• Aren't these blue heels ADORABLE?!  These definitely keep the outfit fun and flirty--I love them!
• Some simple honey and blue accessories--blue stud earrings and a yellow clutch.  Again, they go with the color theme and keep it whimsical.
• I added a red bow necklace; even though this accessory is small, it does so much!  It draws out the red in the dress, keeps the outfit from being too "matchy," and stays fun.

So what do you think?  Leave a comment below to tell me what you think!  And don't forget to check out Modcloth.com--their clothing and accessories are so adorable!

*I was contacted by Modcloth to enter their Uniquely You contest.  I am not being compensated for this post and have no other connection to Modcloth.  This is simply my design and my opinions!

 I'll be back tomorrow with another book review--see you then!

Welcome to Erudite!

Ok, 2014--we need a do-over.  Although New Year's Eve was super fun and relaxing in our house, we have now been hit twice by the flu (in addition to this crazy Indiana blizzard!).  This time it's my husband--poor Luke, he is just miserable.

But enough about us--let's move on with our next faction outfit!  Today is Erudite, the highly intelligent and very proud!  The Erudite are known for wearing blue and for engrossing themselves in studies; they are the teachers, scientists, doctors, etc.  Again, a more professional look was inspired by this faction, and here's what I designed:

A professional, sleek Erudite look that I could honestly see Jeanine Matthews (Erudite representative) wear.  Here's the breakdown of the look:

• This outfit is all about this dress!  The royal blue is just stunning and I love the sleek lines in the black detailing.  This style dress--with the little ruffling around the waist--is very trendy right now but still very professional.  A perfect choice for the Erudite!  *No wonder this dress is stunning--it is a Michael Kors and retails for about $525.
• I added a black blazer just to keep the dress professional.  The Erudite wouldn't be about showing off their skin, so this extra piece would keep them trendy yet modest.  This is from House of Fraser and is about $98.
• Black pumps--a given.  This outfit just wouldn't look as sophisticated without them!  These are Balmain black suede and run about $390.
• These chandelier earrings keep the outfit young and fun.  And they're inexpensive--$22 from JC Penney.
• Some clean nails that add just a hint of color was what this look needed.  This is OPI's "Bubble Bath," a popular choice for a neutral nail.

So, how did I do?  Does it look inspired by the Erudite?

Tomorrow we move on to Abnegation--Tris' original faction that focuses on being completely selfless.  Could YOU live in the Abnegation faction?  

*I am not associated with any companies or products mentioned.

Add a Little Painting to your Weekend...and an OOTD

Hi, readers and fashionistas!  Well, the weekend is almost ever and Thanksgiving week is here!  I'm so excited to have this week to celebrate with my family!  But let me share a little bit from my weekend first...

One of my first pieces of "big girl" furniture that I bought on my own when I graduated college was a dining room table set.  And it's the same set that we use in our dining room today...but I'm kind of over it.  The wood finish on the tabletop was pretty weak--hot plates would often leave burn marks on top.  So we started using a tablecloth...and I hate tablecloths.  They're always uneven or need washed about every day.  With Christmas almost here, buying a whole new dining set wasn't really in the budget, so I decided to paint the table.

With the AWESOME advice of my cousin-in-law, Morgan, we bought chalk paint.  Specifically Annie Sloan paint.  Guys, if you are painting furniture, you HAVE to use Annie Sloan's chalk paint (not to be confused with chalkboard paint--it's called chalk paint because of its chalky feel).  This paint requires NO priming or prepping of the furniture.  And a little paint goes a long way!  Even though a quart of the paint is pretty pricey--about $38--it covers two tables plus a few chairs.  

You can't find Annie Sloan in a typical paint store, but it's sold in antique and small business shops.  You might have to do a little research to find it, but honestly, it is SO worth it (and my husband, who grew up painting with professionals, agrees!).

So here's how our table looks now:

And I LOVE it!  It has that shabby chic look and we haven't had any burn mark issues!

The chairs are going to disappear soon--hopefully with some great Cyber Monday sales!

So if you're a fan of painting furniture or adding some life back into some old pieces, you must check out Annie Sloan!

Ok, now on to an Outfit of the Day.  I've worn this outfit to work twice and both times received numerous compliments (from both co-workers and students).  And it's practically all from Target!  I love this outfit because it keeps me looking young and fresh but it meets all dress code standards.  Here it is:

• The skirt, which--let's be honest--is the center of attention of the outfit is a pink houndstooth print.  Hot pink.  I love it--and it's from Target!
• The black boyfriend tee and cami are also both from Target.
• The thick black belt is from Charlotte Russe, and a student told me that this outfit wouldn't nearly be as good without the belt.  It definitely brings the pieces together.
• Black tights (Target) and black heels (Madden Girl) keep the outfit professional.
• Simple accessories--a thick black bangle (a gift) and an initial pendant necklace (Linx & More) keep the outfit dainty but focused on the skirt.  I also wore stud earrings from Charlotte Russe.

So what do you think?  Would you wear this outfit to work?

I'll be back tomorrow with a review!  See you then!

*I am not associated with any of the companies or brands mentioned and purchased everything with my own money.

The Elite-Inspired Outfit

Hi, friends!  Ok, first of all, I'll be posting tomorrow about my experience meeting author Ruta Sepetys last night.  I CAN'T WAIT to post about it!  One of my favorite experiences ever!!

Ok, but not to overshadow today's post on The Elite by Kiera Cass!  I reviewed this book on Wednesday, and remember it is the second book in The Selection series.  And you just can't design an outfit on these books unless you're going to base the design off the covers.  Let's see them again, side by side:

   

Now as lovely as these covers both are, I have to admit I like The Selection's cover better. I think it's the layering in the red dress...it's just a little too...hmmm...Gothic-looking for me.  I prefer the girliness of the ruffles in the teal dress.

So I decided for today's outfit to find a dress that combined both of these dresses--the ruffles and tulle of the first with the color of the second.  And I love the result!  Here it is:

 

Ahhh!  I love it!

So here's the breakdown of the look:

• This GORGEOUS dress is a 1950s vintage wedding dress!  It's the beautiful red color I wanted with tulle ruffles!  Score!  And just like the dresses in the cover, it is strapless.
• I paired the dress with a small, glittery black clutch.  It's elegant and just adds a touch of glam to the dress (and this clutch is only $30 from Target!).
• Black heels...the perfect accessory when you want the dress to get all the attention.  These are Karen Millen and run a little shy of $200.
• When I have a strapless dress, I like to pair it with a long, elegant necklace.  This filigree heart pendant is beautiful and feminine and perfect for this book since it's all about falling in love with Prince Maxon!  This specific necklace is from Tiffany's and runs about $9500...eek!  No wonder it's so gorgeous!

So what do you think?  Doesn't it look like the great match-up between the two covers?

Come back tomorrow to hear all about Ruta Sepetys...I can't wait!
 

The Selection-Inspired Outfit

Ok, you can't really read The Selection by Kiera Cass without drooling over the cover.  And really, I feel like I'm almost betraying the book by creating an outfit based off of it.  Because it's perfect.  And doesn't need any changes.  Let's just look at it again, shall we?

 

I think if I owned this dress I would wear it all the time.  Even when I did the dishes.  Because it's that gorgeous!

Ok, moving on to the outfit I did design.  It's a day look inspired by the dress and an outfit I could see main character America wearing as she attends an afternoon tea in the palace.  Here it is:

Pretty cute, right?

So here's how I designed it:

• The dress on the cover is all about two things: ruffles and tulle.  Tulle ruffles!  I can't get enough!  So I chose an aqua dress with a ruffle waistline.  This particular dress is from the Mossimo brand at Target and is only $20!
• But I needed some tulle to add to the dress, so I found a white tulle slip/skirt (this one is from TopShop for $50) that could easily slide underneath the dress.  The dress goes from slightly stiff to pretty fun when a little bit of tulle is peeking out underneath!
• Pearls, pearls, pearls!  I wanted the dress to be layered in pearls to add a touch of the dramatic.  The shorter layer here is from Forever New for $24; the longer layer is from Tiffany's and is over $1300...yikes!
• Some silver pumps finish the look, because a possible-princess-to-be has to wear heels, right?  This particular shoes are YSL and are pretty pricey--$665!  But any cute silver pump would do.  

So what do you think?  I know, I know, it's not the dress on the cover...but a good representation, right?

I'll be back tomorrow to review The Elite, the second book in The Selection series.  See you then! 

*I am not associated with any of the companies mentioned.

The Name of the Star-Inspired Look

On Monday I reviewed the book The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, a great October read that combines mystery with the supernatural (i.e., Jack the Ripper has come back from the dead).  So today's look is inspired by the Victorian time period and the dark mystery of this book.  Here it is!

 

A spooky but sophisticated look, right?

Here's the breakdown:

• The shirt...isn't is so Victorian looking?  I love the black color, the high neckline, the lace collar--this shirt is perfect for this look!
• Plum is a great color for this time period, so I added plum pants that aren't too skinny.
• Black heels--these are some awesome shoes that hype up the look.  Kind of gives an "I'm not messing around" feel to the outfit, don't you think?
• The accessories--pearl earrings to keep it time period-appropriate, a large black ring to heighten the mystery, and plum nails to color-coordinate. 

I love this look because it gives a mature yet mysterious interpretation of the days of Jack the Ripper.  What do you think?

Tomorrow I'm reviewing the sequel to The Name of the Star--it's called The Madness Underneath.  See you then!

This Is Not A Drill-Inspired Outfit

On Monday I reviewed the book This Is Not A Drill, a tragic realistic story about an elementary school hostage situation.  Since the topic is pretty serious and could hit home with many people, I decided to pick a more light-hearted side of the book to feature in my fashion re-do.  

In the book, Emery and Jake teach French to the first graders; isn't that adorable?!  I can just see a class of first graders throwing around "Merci!" and "Je voudrais..."
After thinking all about our Americanized interests of French culture--Eiffel tower, baguettes, berets--I decided to create a look based off of the French maid (but a PG-version!).

So here it is:

Are you getting the French maid vibe?  

The outfit breakdown:

• The striped skirt and cream blouse are the basis for the French maid look of black-and-white.  It's a flirty yet appropriate pairing.
• French maids always have lace, so I added a fun, black lace necklace to add just a pop on the shirt.
• Isn't that the most adorable French-inspired watch?!  Ok, a little over-the-top for the outfit but I couldn't resist!
• You have to have good shoes if you're trying to look French.  These heels are GORGEOUS!
• The red nail polish is a no-brainer.  It adds some vibrancy to the look.

So what do you think?

I'll be back tomorrow with a review of a sweet/humorous/realistic love story, Eleanor & Park.  See you then!

Pregnant Pause-Inspired Outfit

On Monday, I reviewed the book Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan.  In the book, Eleanor gets married in an orange dress (not necessarily the best choice for a wedding but this is an awkward marriage).  So I decided to create what I think would be fitting if I were to get married in an orange dress.  I used my own wardrobe for this design since I had all the pieces I wanted.  Here it is:

 

The image is a little blurry (sorry!) but let's just say it was an early morning when I took this photo!

So let's break it down:

• The orange dress is short and summery and very fitting for an informal wedding.  Easy to move in but still shows that you're taking the day seriously.
• I threw a cream blazer with it to formalize it a bit (the dress is sleeveless). 
•  A gold glitter belt adds some fun while accentuating the waist; even when I was pregnant I loved wearing thin belts.
• Cream flower heels are a soft, sweet touch.

Dress--Francesca's Collections

Blazer--Charlotte Russe

Belt--Charlotte Russe

Heels--DSW

*I am not associated with any of the above companies.

 

So what do you think?  Do you think someone could pull this off in a last-minute, informal, courthouse wedding?  I do!  Get it?  I do!  

Come back tomorrow to see my review of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl!

The Host-Inspired Wardrobe

In the book The Host, the Seeker and her cohorts wear black all the time (in the movie, they wear white, which I know can be kind of confusing).  So it got me thinking about the best black accessories/pieces that you should have in your closet.  Black is one of my favorite colors to wear because it can match with just about anything or tame down a bright outfit.  So here are my favorite choices:

 

• A large black purse.  A black purse can basically fit every season and go with any outfit.  A staple must!
• Black nail polish.  Yes, I know this can seem bold, so give deep purple a try if you're afraid to take the leap.  Or start with your toes for a less dramatic effect.  But dark nail polish highlights your nails and sharpens your outfit!
• A black scarf.  I love scarves for fall, but even a black scarf can tame a bright summer outfit!  I especially love infinity scarves tied in a circle.
• Black heels.  Wear them with dresses, skirts, jeans--you name it.  So classy!  The ones pictured are my favorites--they're from Madden Girl.
• Black skinny jeans.  I can't imagine my life without skinny jeans.  Black is just a go-to color that gives you a blank canvas for your outfit.

So what do you think?  What black items are staples in your wardrobe/beauty closet?

Catch me this weekend for a peek at a new bathroom accessory and an outfit of the day!  And Monday I'll be back with a review on Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan!

OOTD (2)--Stripes

Let's face it--if you work in an office or, in my case, a school, you notice that black pants are a staple in every woman's wardrobe.  But black pants don't have to be boring.  You can jazz them up with various tops and accessories.  

I love the black pants that I purchased for this fall and winter--they're comfortable and form fitting.  But I'm SUPER excited about a blouse I found to go with the pants.  It's professional, sleek, and eye-catching (my friend Blaine told me I looked like a "cute prisoner," which definitely had me humming "Jailhouse Rock" for the rest of the afternoon).  And of course I had to pair it all with heels!  
So here's the look:

Just hanging in the audio section of my library...

The stripes are vertical, which of course means visually slimming.  

I debated on whether to throw in a bright pop of color through the necklace but opted to stick with the classy black (it's a bubble necklace).  I'll probably change up the accessories each time I wear the outfit.

I definitely recommend tucking in the blouse.  It gives a sleeker, fitter look.

Top and pants--Express

Necklace--Von Maur

Heels--Madden Girl (purchased at DSW)

So what are some of your favorite work outfits?  What do you think of the stripes?

**And yes, that is a giant Chinese carton behind me--I love my library artwork!

Tomorrow I'll be back with a review of a book from one of my favorite YA series!

Anna Dressed In Blood-Inspired Outfit

Did you see my review from Monday on Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake?  It's a creepy supernatural/horror/mystery about a guy named Cas who's hunting down an intense ghost named Anna.  Anna was killed on her way to a high school dance in the 1950s and now slaughters anyone who comes near her...until she meets Cas.

Yeah, it's a creepy book but was a great read!  Today's inspiration is an outfit based off of Anna (because she is the most delicious character in the book!).  And I figured since Anna was murdered on her way to a dance, I should create a sophisticated night-out look.  But don't worry--I'm leaving out the gore!

So here's the look I designed:

Pretty, right?

So let me break it down--

• Even though Anna wears a white dress (the dress in which she was murdered), I think of her as a very dark character full of vengeance.  So I chose a sleek, black dress as the main part of the look.  Don't you just love this style dress?  It could be dressed up or down depending on the event, and I love the way the belt accents the waist.
• But of course, Anna is a gruesome, gory character, so I had to throw in pops of red.  I love a good red pump, so the high heel was an obvious choice.  A dangerous shoe indeed :)
• I thought a long, tassel necklace would look great with this style of the dress, so I added a silver tassel necklace.  But I couldn't resist adding a ruby pendant necklace, too!  Like a drop of blood, perhaps (ok, maybe I'm getting too literal here!)?  I love to layer necklaces, especially when they're dainty on their own, and these two necklaces paired together are great!
• To add some fun I threw in some silver bangle bracelets and a shimmery red nail polish (the Butter London brand is my favorite, even if it is rather pricey).  
• And to finish it off I added some black stud earrings.  These earrings keep the outfit together without taking away from the other accents.  I wanted the necklaces to draw in the eye rather than dangly earrings.

What do you think?  Could you see yourself wearing an outfit like this?  Does it remind you of a dangerous, secretive ghost like Anna?

Tomorrow I'm reviewing the second book in the Anna series, Girl of Nightmares.  See you then!