outfit of the day: peplum for girls who hate peplum

May162013

Black and white patterns with pink, yellow and orange accents

Black and white patterns with pink, yellow and orange accents

Ann Taylor blouse • Old Navy striped jersey pencil skirt • J. Crew belt • J. Crew Factory pumps • LOFT necklace

Ever since it started showing up in every store, I have tried on peplum tops and dresses to no avail. From more expensive ones to peplum from Target, nothing worked. I’m convinced that peplum isn’t for me – but the idea of peplum is still incredibly flattering and easy to recreate. One of the frustrating parts about peplum tops for me is that the peplum often hits my torso at the wrong point. By using a belt, you can adjust where the “peplum” starts in order to most flatter your figure.

Just grab a longer blouse or top, and add a belt at your natural waist. The fabric shouldn’t be too flowy, because part of peplum’s advantage is structure. This look goes great with pencil skirts and pants equally.

I really, really liked this outfit. The neon accents were fun and added much-needed color. This is a definite outfit repeat.

Also: shoulder pads, when used correctly, can be incredibly flattering. The more you know.

Black and white patterns with pink, yellow and orange accents

I almost forgot to tell you all – my second column for a magazine produced by my local newspaper was published! It’s all about building a wardrobe based on classic pieces – you can read it here (go to page 5)!

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion today!

22 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, trends, work fashion Tagged With: , ,

outfit of the day: red flowers

May72013

A red statement necklace with a white blouse and navy trousers

A red statement necklace with a white blouse and navy trousers

Old Navy blouse • Etsy necklace • J. Crew cafe trousers • J. Crew Cece ballet flats (same color in suede)

So, confession time: this necklace is based on one from J. Crew, but I bought it on Etsy.

I feel a little guilty admitting that.

If I am being honest, I fell in love with the necklace too late. By the time I decided I wanted it, it was already sold out at J. Crew. Ebay searches turned up necklaces at retail price and higher, and I just couldn’t afford them. So I went with the knockoff version. Sometime’s a girl’s gotta budget.

Whatever. I have to say I love this necklace. It’s one of the few short pieces I have that doesn’t annoy my very sensitive neck.

Duck lips with a red flower necklace.

Duck lips! I couldn’t resist.

Duck lips with a red flower necklace. Please don't pin this!

Don’t forget tomorrow is Whatever Works Wednesday – my link-up party! Bring your links and discover some great new blogs.

11 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, work fashion Tagged With: , , ,

outfit of the day: twirl

May32013

A black and white blouse and an orchid pink skirt make an easy spiring outfit!

A black and white blouse and an orchid pink skirt make an easy spiring outfit!

Gap Outlet blouse • J. Crew skirt • Talbots pumps

I’m going to try something different. I haven’t gotten any questions for Ask Catherine lately, but I think I just need to change up the medium. So this weekend I’ll be filming the first Ask Catherine VLOG! Do you have a question for me? I’d LOVE to hear it!

And it’s a good excuse to get into vlogging, which I find really fun. I plan on filming at least two vlogs this weekend and trying to do more blog posts that I can write ahead of time. Though I do think I sound totally awkward on camera. Anyone else annoyed when you hear your voice?

A black and white blouse and an orchid pink skirt make an easy spiring outfit!

11 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, work fashion Tagged With: , ,

outfit of the day: classic with a twist

Apr82013

Pearls and a blouse with Ann Taylor floral jeans

Blouse, Gap • pants, Ann Taylor • necklace, Talbots (old) • shoes, J. Crew Factory

I love the classics: blouses with pearls, pepperoni pizza, the original “Parent Trap.” But I really love giving a classic piece a twist, like pairing a blouse and pearls with floral jeans. It’s unexpected and works just as well. This outfit could easily work on the weekends, too – add a slightly-slouchier blouse, swap out the pearls for a pendant necklace and wear sneakers instead of bow flats.

And now possibly the dorkiest photo ever taken for the blog (and that’s definitely saying something) – thumbs in pockets!

Pearls and a blouse with Ann Taylor floral jeans

Linking up with Still Being Molly, Lipgloss and Crayons and DC in Style!

10 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, work fashion Tagged With: ,

outfit of the day: barbie shoes

Apr22013

A neutral sweatshirt is dressed up with orange pants and bright pink heels

A neutral sweatshirt is dressed up with orange pants and bright pink heels

Blouse, Talbots • sweatshirt, Gap • pants, J. Crew • heels, J. Crew Factory

I loved Barbie when I was growing up. I still remember walking running to the Barbie aisle at Target and giggling with glee at the beautiful Barbie dolls in their shiny pink boxes. I had a pink Barbie dreamhouse and a Barbie convertible that I played with everyday, and I even celebrated several Barbie weddings, complete with photos that I insisted on getting developed. I still lament the fact that all my childhood Barbies got lost when my mom’s house flooded a few years ago. (As if my future daughters would appreciate playing with tangled-hair, mismatched-clothed Barbies.) So when my mom proclaimed the pair of shoes my sister-in-law found for me (on sale!) as “Barbie shoes,” I didn’t even have to try them on. They were beloved from first slightly-wobbly step.

Just a reminder: tomorrow is Whatever Works Wednesday! Come bring your links and join the (link-up) party!

A neutral sweatshirt is dressed up with orange pants and bright pink heels

Not loving how tired I look. This is what happens when you try to take outfit pics during lunch and find out that your camera battery is dead, so you have to wait until after work.

That’s a complaint worthy of #bloggerproblems, if I ever heard one.

Linking up with My Thrifty Chic and The Sapphire Bee!

12 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, work fashion Tagged With: , , ,

outfit of the day: boyfriend jeans

Apr12013

LOFT boyfriend jeans with a Gap neon pink sweater

LOFT boyfriend jeans with a Gap neon pink sweater

Sweater, Gap • boyfriend jeans, LOFT (same style, but different color) • purse, Target • flats, J. Crew Factory (similar)

Sigh. I feel like I owe you all an apology. I had big plans for weekend posts that got swallowed up by strange blog errors and a migraine. Oy. I know it probably doesn’t seem like a big deal, but when I go more than two days without posting, it’s like I’ve let you all down. I promise to do better this week – more outfits, shopping lists and other randoms are on the way!

I am so excited with my jeans inventory for this spring. Not only did I add camo jeans to my closet family – I got boyfriend jeans! They are super comfortable, and I love the color – although the button fly kind of freaked me out. A lot of the reviewers on LOFT’s site sized up, but I went with my normal size. I have been scouring Pinterest for outfits with boyfriend jeans and am so excited to style this again as the weather warms up.

How do you like to wear your boyfriend jeans? I need more ideas!

P.S. You only have a few hours to enter my giveaway on Coming Unstitched! Hurry!

Linking up today with Still Being Molly and Lipgloss and Crayons!

21 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, weekend wear Tagged With: , ,

outfit of the day: camo pants (finally!)

Mar252013

Camo pants are girly with pearls and a sequined tee

Camo pants are girly with pearls and a sequined tee

Skimmer camo jeans, Gap • tee, Talbots • sequin tee, J. Crew • Cece ballet flats, J. Crew • necklace, Talbots • bag, Louis Vuitton

Camo pants are one of those items I’ve been hoping to add to my wardrobe for a long time. I am SO not a tomboy (as if this needs to be said), but I love a good camo print or army-inspired shirt. I was going to wear my new pants with a simple black tee, but then decided to be a little more glam for date night. The juxtaposition of the girliness in the sequins and pearls with the camo pattern makes this outfit one of my favorites. I can’t wait to style my camo pants again!

Camo pants are girly with pearls and a sequined tee

Camo pants are girly with pearls and a sequined tee

Linking up with Still Being Molly, Lipgloss and Crayons and My Thrifty Chic!

17 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, weekend wear Tagged With: , ,

outfit of the day: loud and proud + WWW

Mar202013

Ann Taylor floral jeans and aqua heels with a blue blazer

Ann Taylor floral jeans and aqua heels with a blue blazer

Blazer, Luii via Stitchfix • pants, Ann Taylor (on sale!) • shell, Banana Republic • shoes, Ann Taylor

The moment I saw these pants on Ann Taylor’s site, I knew I had to have them. And then I noticed the aqua heels, and it was over. It might be only 35 today, but I am wearing spring and feeling great. I am obsessed with this outfit. OBSESSED. I originally ordered the pants in my normal size and had to return them for a size up – kind of a bummer, but (so I told myself) what’s more important – the number on the pants or how they fit me? And come on – how can you not wear beautiful floral pants and not be happy?

This is a loud outfit even for me, but I feel amazing in it. And sometimes that’s what matters.

Ann Taylor floral jeans and aqua heels

Don’t forget – I’m giving away a $50 gift card from PayPal along with other bloggers! Find the info here.

Linking up with Marionberry Style’s Trend of the Month, The Pleated Poppy and Mix & Match Fashion today!

 

It’s time for Whatever Works Wednesday!

Whatever Works Wednesday link-up party on smalltownbigwardrobe.com

 

How it works:

  1. Make sure your link is no more than one week old (older links will be deleted).
  2. Add your link (please link to the specific post and not to your main blog page).
  3. Add a link to my blog in the post you linked up to!
  4. Visit as many other links as you can!



25 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, whatever works wednesday, work fashion Tagged With: , ,

outfit of the day: I don’t like my outfit + a giveaway!

Mar192013

Lilac jeans and a leopard coat work with boots for winter or fall.

Lilac jeans and a leopard coat work with boots for winter or fall.

Coat, Old Navy • sweater, J. Crew • pants, Ann Taylor • boots, Talbots

I did not like my outfit yesterday. I just wasn’t feeling it. I am so over winter that I tried to make spring jeans work for the cold, but I don’t know. It wasn’t my favorite. The leopard coat helped. Do you just ever have days when you and your outfit don’t get along for no particular reason? I’m going to blame the fact that it was Monday. And also LAST YEAR at this time, it was 80 degrees. It’s enough to make me weep.

But you know what makes me feel better? A giveaway with some of my favorite bloggers! Thanks so much to Sharon with The Tiny Heart for organizing this giveaway! What would you do with $50?

Brought to you by:

Sheila of She Is Lovely
Nicole of Treasure Tromp
Renae of Simple Sequins    

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t forget – tomorrow is Whatever Works Wednesday! Can’t wait to see all your links!

Linking up today with The Sapphire Bee and My Thrifty Chic!

12 Comments Filed Under: outfit of the day, work fashion Tagged With: , ,

a blue blazer + whatever works wednesday

Mar132013

Luii blue blazer via Stitchfix paired with orchid cords

Blazer, Luii via Stitchfix • shell, J. Crew • cords and flats, J. Crew Factory • bracelets, Tiffany’s and Zenzi via Stitchfix

Yesterday I blogged about what I got my Stitchfix box from this month – and here’s the pieces in an outfit! I am now obsessed with this blazer. I already have a blazer obsession, but this one seriously feels like I’m wearing a comfy sweatshirt to work. I love a good structured blazer, but sometimes comfy is the way to go, too.

Also: I need a hair cut. And dye job.

Linking up today with The Pleated Poppy and Because Shanna Said So!

It’s time again for Whatever Works Wednesday!

Whatever Works Wednesday link-up party on smalltownbigwardrobe.com

How it works:

  1. Make sure your link is no more than one week old (older links will be deleted).
  2. Add your link (please link to the specific post and not to your main blog page).
  3. Add a link to my blog in the post you linked up to!
  4. Visit as many other links as you can!



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