Loop Looks

Shirt – J. Crew (similar) | Tank – The Limited (similar) | Skirt – The Limited (similar) | Shoes – Via Spiga (similar) | Long necklace – The Limited (similar) | Short necklace – gift

Get excited!  You’re going to be treated to some indoor shots this week!  Yes, I took all my outfit photos on one day and that day happened to be cold and rainy.  On the plus side, I think we’ve figured out some new indoor photo spots.

In addition to having to negotiate where to take today’s pictures, I also had to think long and hard about what to actually wear.  See, this is today’s Inspiration Monday photo:

Drew Barrymore

Well, it certainly is interesting.  And I do have both a plaid flannel shirt (obviously) and several maxi dresses.  But I just couldn’t figure out how to make my maxi dresses work appropriate.  Or maybe I wasn’t in the mood to try very hard.  So I went with the easy option: a pencil skirt.  However, I did incorporate some pattern mixing with the plaid flannel shirt and the pinstripes on the skirt.

Would you wear a maxi dress to work?  I’ve done it in the past but that was during the summer when our dress code is a little bit more relaxed.

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Blazer – The Limited | Dress – NY & Co | Necklace – JC Penney | Shoes – Nine West

Inspired by Laura and the fact that I will be attending a strategic plan launch event this Friday afternoon, I went dressy casual with a maxi dress and a blazer.

I couldn’t get a good picture this morning, though.  This is what happens when you try to squeeze in pictures before work and your tripod is a highboy patio table.

Oh, and the sun’s in your eyes.

Regardless, I think this is a fun way to dress up a maxi dress for work.  Don’t have a maxi dress?  What about a long skirt with a top and a blazer?   Don’t forget the statement necklace!

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Cardigan, Top & Skirt – The Limited | Belt – Target | Necklace – Macy’s | Shoes – Anne Klein via Bergner’s

You know what’s funny about this skirt?  When I bought it I honestly didn’t really think about what I would wear with it.  But already I’ve found that lots of things in my closet match it perfectly!  Like this cardigan.  I did not buy them at the same time but I realized this morning that they go together as if they were purchased as a set.

I tossed on the leopard print belt to break up the sea of purple and immediately got compliments on it when I was in the elevator on my way to my office.  An unexpected pattern or color in an accessory can really catch people’s eye!  In a good way, of course.

Also, I’m getting my hair cut tonight for the first time in…um…a long time.  I have no idea what to do with it.  Suggestions are welcome!

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Top – The Limited | Skirt – Banana Republic Outlet | Necklace – JC Penney | Shoes – Nine West

When I was in seventh grade I wore black (or black and white) probably 90% of the time.  I wasn’t goth.  I just really liked black and white.  I still do, actually.  And all black can be a really classic look.  Why do you think most women have a “little black dress” in their closet?

But all black can be badly done, too.  Many people think all black is slimming.  If you wear black clothes that are faded, too big, or too tight it just makes you look frumpy, not classy.

My suggestions?  Toss the old, faded, pilled black pieces.  Stick to flattering shapes no matter the color.  Look for items that are current in terms of shape and silhouette.  And remember, when in doubt, add a statement necklace or fun shoes.  That will definitely keep you looking from looking too funereal.

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Cardigan – Lucky Brand | Top – Banana Republic Outlet | Pants – Gap | Shoes – Nine West Outlet | Earrings – Francesca’s (gift)

This is not the outfit I originally wanted to wear today.  Nope.  I had something a little different in mind when I went to bed last night.  But when I put that outfit on this morning I just wasn’t feeling it.  So, this is what I ended up with.

And while I’ve worn these red pants with leopard print accessories I was surprised to realize I haven’t worn it with this particular leopard cardigan.  Funny how that happens, isn’t it?

P.S. Today is the last day to vote on Wednesday’s outfit!  Right now Brown & Gold is winning.  Is that what you want to see?

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Blouse – Express | Dress – New York & Co | Necklace – The Limited | Earrings – Holly Yashi | Sandals – The Limited

It’s another day of 100 degree temperatures.  So why in the world am I wearing a long black dress and a long-sleeved shirt?

Something about a long dress like this is actually quite cool.  It’s actually perfect for a hot day when you’ll be spending a lot of it inside in the air conditioning.  However, it does have an open-weave on the shoulder and upper back similar to this.

Which means in order to make it office appropriate I felt the need to wear something over it.  I could have gone the cardigan route, but this shirt is sheer and lightweight which means it doesn’t trap heat like a cardigan would.  Plus, the pattern and the knot tied at the front give it some visual interest.

Actually, if you really like my shirt, I currently have it listed on Poshmark for $15.  Grab it up now before I change my mind and decide to keep it just to wear with this dress!

P.S.  I also have an adorable pair of gingham shorts for sale.  Did you see You Pick Wednesday on the best ways to wear shorts?  Check it out!

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Blazer – Dots | Top – Banana Republic Outlet | Necklace – Macy’s (Gift) | Jeans – Adriano Goldschmied via Bloomingdale’s | Shoes – Bandolino via Bergner’s

I FINALLY found white jeans and even thought it was a Monday I decided to sneak them into my work outfit anyway.  Hey, my boss was out and I didn’t have any meetings so why not?

This outfit was inspired by Jessica at Bows and Sequins although I don’t have much in the way of bright, funky jewelry.  Most of my jewelry is pretty “traditional” I guess you could say.

Do you prefer big, bold, colorful jewelry or simpler baubles?

The other reason I wanted to wear this outfit was so I could participate in Simply Sarah’s Pink Link Up!  Lots of fun pink ideas there, so check it out.

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Top – Old Navy

Scarf – Accessories trade show

Pants – Express

Boots – Cole Haan

And the winner in the One Piece, Three Days challenge was the green pants!

Unfortunately, our weather in Chicago today is pretty chilly so cropped pants with cute flats, sandals or strappy heels was just not going to cut it.  So, I employed my usual fix for cropped pants in chilly weather:  knee high boots!  This is a great way to extend the wearability of cropped pants when you live in a climate that isn’t warm enough to wear them alone year-round.

Also, if you’re feeling gun shy about colored pants green is probably a good color to start with.  It’s not as bright as red or orange but it’s still fun.  Pair it with a neutral colored top like black, navy or white and you’ll be good to go!

BONUS: I attended the Dots spring and summer launch party last night and took some pics of the outfits I created.  I’ll do a full recap when the professional photos are released but until then check out my album on my Facebook page!

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Blazer – Express

Dress – The Limited

Necklace – NY & Co

Earrings – ????

Stripes and polka dots?  Black and navy?  What am I thinking?

I’m thinking that ever since I picked up this dress off The Limited’s clearance rack (seriously, I got it for like $25 with a coupon) I’ve been wanting to wear it with this blazer.  Even though one is black and one is navy.  Something about the scale of the stripes and the scale of the polka dots was just calling to be paired together.

I also thought about wearing this dress with my white blazer, my black blazer or even my cobalt blue blazer.  But I just kept coming back to the stripes.  So, here we are.  What do you think?

Also, today is the last day to vote for which piece you want to see styled three different ways!  So far the green pants are winning so if you feel strongly about leopard or pink gingham you’d better cast your vote quickly.

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Blazer – Forever 21

Top – Banana Republic Outlet

Pants – The Limited

Shoes – Nine West/DSW

Necklace – The Limited

Our lovely warmer weather has forsaken us!  So it’s back to pants and jackets for awhile.  At least this jacket has a hint of spring in it because of the color.

What are you wearing for weather where you are?

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