The Third Challenge

This Necessary Objects knit mini-skirt, the third item in the Bluefly / StyleList America's Most Stylish Blogger contest, may fall into the "basics" category, but there is no doubt that it makes a bold statement. With its curve-hugging fit, cropped hemline and vibrant color, it demands an outfit with a wild side. To add some interest with pattern, I paired it with a laid-back black & white striped tee. The fitted cotton moto jacket and black biker boots up the cool factor. A strand of chunky beads and a pair of thigh-high socks complete this fun yet edgy look.

The guest judge, Nicole Miller, said she liked the look but would have preferred opaque socks, and I couldn't agree more! I originally had on a pair of thick knit socks, but I thought they looked too heavy with the rest of the outfit. Looking at my final photo, the sheerness of the socks stuck out to me, too. Oh well, live and learn.

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It's Been Awhile

Dress: Old Navy, $8 // Necklace: F21, $9 // Scarf: Thrifted, $6 // Boots: alice + olivia for Payless 

I feel like I've lost my rhythm for taking daily outfit photos. As others have mentioned on their blogs, the time change has kind of thrown me for a loop, especially as someone who tends to take pictures after work rather than before. Anyway, I'm trying to get back on a track, so here's a good old-fashioned outfit post.

After an unseasonably cool October, the beginning of November has been oddly warm. Hence, all the skin. This is what I wore yesterday: a simple grey frock (that I almost gave away awhile back and am so glad I didn't), a purple scarf worn as a belt, a layered chain necklace to add a little glamor to my day and white boots. I love the grey and purple together and the way a scarf (rather than an actual belt) maintains the soft, laid-back feel of the look.

Chicago!

At long, long last, here's a recap of my weekend trip to Chicago a couple of weeks ago. As I mentioned before, designer Christina Fan invited me to attend the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion Show. Christina was not only gorgeous (she belonged up on that runway, too!), but also very cool and very kind. We talked a lot about Chicago's place in the fashion world. As a Midwestern blogger, I was glad to get a taste of the Windy City's style scene, which was glamorous but more accessible than New York's.

Christina Fan (second from right) poses with some of her models.

This was the first "real" fashion show I have ever attended, complete with a never-ending runway and towering models. I was accompanied by one of my best friends and former college roomie as well as Lucrecia of Fashion is Poison.

Photo by Billy Rood.

Christina's line, C/FAN, opened the show with a bang. Her Spring 2010 collection exudes effortless elegance. The luxurious silk crepe de chine pieces are clean and simple but display keen attention to detail and playful use of color. One of my favorite aspects of the line is its wearability. With the right accessories, the dresses could go from the office to a casual weekend look to a more formal evening affair. With the pompadour-esque hair, blingy jewelry and strappy sandals, Christina gave her pieces an edgy feel for the show...

Photo by Billy Rood.

Photo by Billy Rood.

Photo by Billy Rood.

Photo by Billy Rood.

Besides the fashion show, we did some Chicago sightseeing and had brunch with Tavi of Style Rookie.

Being touristy.

Me, Tavi, Lucrecia, Christina.

The Second Challenge

When I unveiled these studded Prada booties—the second item in the Bluefly / StyleList America’s Most Stylish blogger contest—my first thought was how gorgeous they were. My second thought was that I might be a little afraid to actually wear them! They are, after all, my first pair of designer shoes. A few steps with these beauties on and any hesitation disappeared. I couldn’t wait to show them off with the perfect outfit!

Although they’re studded, they struck me as more whimsical than edgy. The small, sparkly embellishment covering the rich grey suede recalls a star-filled sky. To play up this mood, I paired them with a delightfully playful piece: a tiered ruffle dress in cotton candy pink. To bring the look back to earth (and to make it more appropriate for the cool fall day), I layered a simple short-sleeved sweater over the dress. So as not to take the spotlight away from the shoes, I kept accessories simple but charming. A polka dot scarf tied into a big floppy bow serves as a belt. The bowler hat makes use of the once forbidden but now favorite color combination of red and pink. A pair of scrunched-up socks completes this girly but chic look.

I can’t wait to create more ensembles with my dazzling booties. I see them with cropped trousers, destroyed skinnies, bold colored tights… the possibilities are boundless. Just like the night sky. 


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Heavens to Betty

I dressed up as Betty Draper for Halloween. It was so much fun channeling her character and donning the retro fashion. The dress isn't actually vintage. After scouring thrift stores for the perfect Betty dress, I realized that this Forever 21 frock I already had would work perfectly. Of course, the full petticoat really makes the look, and it was great for dancing!

My costume, however, was incomplete. Sadly, Don was home sick! Or, as a couple of friends pointed out, probably off sleeping with another woman. Without Don, I knew the right details were the key to pulling off this costume. What I didn't know is that fake nail glue is sold separately. So I didn't have the perfect pink nails. I didn't have red wine or anything that resembled it... so that's cider in my glass. I forgot my fake ciggie at home. Despite all that was missing, one (that's right, ONE) guy knew who I was! I thought Mad Men-themed costumes were supposed to be very popular this year, but most people I talked to had never seen the show. Oh well, I hugged that one guy and told him he made my night. And I had fun, which is all that really matters.

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween weekend!

Tomorrow's Halloween!

Let's get into the spirit, shall we?

Extra, Extra!

Shirt: The Limited, thrifted, $1 // Sweater vest: ?? // Pants: Vintage, thrifted, $4 // Necklace: Vintage, $13 // Shoes: Payless

This is what I wore to work yesterday. I couldn't decide if I looked more like a newspaper boy of yore or a stuffy old professor. No matter, they're equally dorky. It may not be obvious based on my recent fashion history, but I'm a longtime enthusiast of the sweater vest. So very geek chic.

Dress (worn as shirt): H&M, $28 // Jeans: Guess via TJMaxx, $28 // Cardigan: Vintage, thrifted, $4 // Scarf: Gift // Boots: Payless, $22

I wore this comfy, casual outfit for running errands today.