Moto In the Tropics

I love a great biker jacket. I own quite a few in different fabrics. When I spied this one, while standing in line to check out at Kohl's, I knew I had to have it. Impulse buys are rarely something I indulge in these days. In the past, I spent lots of money on items that I didn't really love and rarely wore. Last spring I saw a biker jacket, in a fun print, on one of my favorite clothing store sites. It was amazing and I loved it but the price was close to $200. I just couldn't justify spending that much. When I saw this similar jacket in a fun tropical print, I flipped. It was a great substitute at a great price. I've already worn it to work a couple of times, with a skirt and pants. Casual but polished was what I needed to go to a few appointments one day last week. This jacket and the heels, amped up my basic outfit.

This jacket was a perfect excuse to try the jeans and heels look. I grabbed my favorite black kitten heels and threw together this combo. 

Jacket: Kohl's, Top: BB Dakota via Amazon, Jeans: NYDJ via Amazon, Shoes: Target (no longer available), Sunglasses: Ray-Ban via Amazon, Jewelry: Stella & Dot

Office to Office Party Style

The Holiday season is almost upon us and no matter how you celebrate, everyone will be attending parties and impromptu gatherings. For me, lots of these events may be planned for the hours immediately after work and involve coworkers. There’s no time to go home and change and because my coworkers are involved, I want to look festive and professional. A great dress fits that bill. By changing up a few accessories and my shoes, I can go from office professional to holiday festive, in a flash.

Printed Mesh Dress

 

I love this dress from Roaman’s. The fitted top and flared skirt are flattering on all body types. The silhouette is especially flattering on my pear shaped frame. The colors of the dress are versatile and mean that it could work year round. You know I’m all about the multi-seasonal clothes. The pattern and piping give it some visual interest. For the office, I would add a blazer, some classic pumps, simple but pretty stud earrings, bracelets, a watch, and a colorful tote to carry my daytime essentials.

Dress/Blazer/Pumps/Bag/Watch/Bracelets/Earrings

 

I’m all about simple, after a long work day. I’d just swap my pumps for some metallic sandals and the blazer for a bolero sweater, (a wrap, or go without a topper,) add a sparkly necklace and a statement bracelet, and swap out my day tote for an evening bag. As you know the sparkly jewelry from Stella and Dot is a regular part of my wardrobe and I’m in love with this evening bag from Zara. You could carry it hands free with the shoulder strap (easier to juggle a cocktail) or tuck in the strap and carry it as a clutch. It would be easy to throw all of the items into a small tote bag and carry them with me. I could make this quick change in my office (or cubicle). To lend additional evening flare, I’d go for a more dramatic lip color, add an extra coat of mascara and I’d be set.

Dress/Bolero Sweater/Heeled Sandals/Bag/Watch/Bracelet/Earrings/Necklace

 

This same method could work on the weekend, with a casual day outfit. Just dress up your jeans and t-shirt with a fancy jacket, heels, and some statement jewelry. The Holidays are a busy time for everyone, simplifying your wardrobe changes will take a bit of the stress away.

 

Disclosure: The opinions expressed in this post are my own. This is a sponsored post.

 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Boyfriend Jeans Summer Look

One of the best ways to save money is to remix items in your closet. We are heading to visit my mom this weekend and I like to wear something comfy in the car but also something stylish. That way, when we arrive, I won't have to rush to change before we go to dinner. I recently revamped an old pair of boyfriend jeans by distressing them. I've loved wearing them lately because they are on trend but really comfy too. I knew they would be my base and I added a few more of my favorite items to create my outfit.

Click on the photos for buying information.

I purchased this peplum top to wear to work, under jackets but I love it to dress up this casual outfit. My gold gladiator sandals have been a great addition to my summer wardrobe. They make a bit more of a statement than more basic sandals. Originally I pictured them with my fun summer caftan but I've worn them tons of ways. The Secret Garden cuff from Stella and Dot is one of my go to styles. It's so pretty but simple enough to be worn with lots of outfits. Sadly, it's no longer available. Here is a similar bracelet from Modcloth. I also love this bracelet from Stella and Dot. I have been on the hunt for a great matte pink lipstick. I found this one from NYX. It was less than $5 and it's a bright matte pink. Many years ago I bought a nude tote by Donald Pliner from Saks Off 5th. It was a great deal on a high quality bag. I use it often. I love this "almost Celine Luggage Tote" from Daily Look. It costs less than $75 and is a steal compared to a pre-owned Celine version for $2,549! One of my summer splurges was this pair of green mirror flash Ray-Bans. I found them on Amazon for a little over $100. The green mirrors just scream summer to me.

 

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Sheer Pink and Gold Manicure

My DIY post last week was a little preview of my upcoming mani.  I've been dying to try striping tape. I found a striping tape and dotting tool bundle through Amazon and took the plunge.  It wasn't much of a risk since the entire kit cost less than $3.50, including shipping!  It arrived yesterday and I had to try it right away.

Laying down the striping tape was a little awkward and tricky.  I had to get {msL} to help me cut it to fit my nails.  Next time, I think I will use a flat blade cutting tool that will make it easier to cut the tape myself.  The first few nails took forever. Then I got the hang of it.

My base coat is essie Mademoiselle. It's a very pale, sheer, pink.  It was the perfect base for my gold french manicure.  I wanted simple and pretty.  After the base coat dried, I cut a small strip of tape and applied it to my nail, then trimmed it to size.  I did this for each nail.  After pressing the tape down to make sure the seal was tight, I applied two coats of top coat.

There will be other striping tape manicures coming.  I have lots of ideas and colors.