Work Wardrobe: A Black and White Thumb

Spring is here!!!!  It came out of nowhere and I could not be more thankful!  This girl needs some serious sunshine.  Needless to say, I am thrilled and therefore must express it through my style.  I found this great floral pencil skirt and although the colors are muted, it still has a lightness that conveys Spring!  

Here I styled it with an ivory collared blouse and some soft curls.  I have also paired it with a plain white t-shirt for a night out.  Collar = work but scoop neck tee = casual.  I wouldn't mind trying out a bright neon yellow to make the outfit really exciting.

I for one will be looking for more floral prints this year and luckily they can be found all over!  Happy gardening!  ~B

Floral Printed Midi Skirt - Apt. 9 for Kohls $24.99

Ivory Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls

Silver Mary Jane Shoe - Bakers Shoes

Work Wardrobe: Cupid's Blazer

I found a fun maroon blazer and couldn't think of what to pair it with until I thought of Valentine's Day!  I pulled my blush button-up out of my closet and rolled up my sleeves...literally.  To show a little more of your button-up, just roll it up with your sleeves.  This pairing puts a unique spin on an office staple. ~B

Maroon blazer - $35.00 LC Lauren Conrade for Kohls (available in 5 other colors)
Crepe blouse - $17.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls, one of B's favorite things, check it out here!
Black trouser - New York & Co.  clearance (they always have basic professional pieces on clearance!)

Work Wardrobe: Layering for Fall

I am always throwing a cardigan over my short sleeve or sleeveless dresses for Fall and Winter.  It gets a little old so I decided to layer from underneath this time!  I loved it!  To keep it from going too "nun in a library" I used the fuschia blouse, an extra sparkly necklace and grey booties!  I loved the finished product.  ~B

Black Cap Sleeve Dress - The Limited
Fuschia Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls featured here as one of B's Favorite Things!
White Crystal Necklace - Our World Boutique via Jane.com
Black Opaque Tights - Apt. 9 for Kohls (available in lots of Fall colors here)
Grey and Black Wedge Booties - Mudd for Kohls featured in my Bootie Boot Camp

B's Favorite Things: The Crepe Blouse

This is literally the best blouse ever!  I have both the long and short sleeved version and I wear them all the time!  It is better than the stiff old school version.  These shirts are thinner and softer so they are great to tuck into a pencil skirt.  They are longer in the back to so you can wear them with Pointe Pants or skinny jeans.  ~B

They are offered in 10 solid colors including black, ivory, and red.  Check out some more solid colors below.  Apt. 9 for Kohls - $17.99 Also available in petite and plus sizes.

Now for a little fun!  Take a look at these fabulous variations.

Faux-leather Trip Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls - $24.99

Striped Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls $17.99

Hummingbird Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls $17.99

Work Wardrobe: Neon!

Okay this may be a little much for some people but I love color!  Sometimes you have to take risks, but know how to balance things out.  For instance, I have two pretty bright colors, so I made everything else black.  Also, I have my blouse buttoned all the way up and would not pair it with a short skirt.  The silhouette is more conservative so that I can be more bold with my color choices.

Neon Yellow Pencil Skirt - Target (clearance)
Teal Sleeveless Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls (One of B's Favorite Things!)
Black Sweater - Target (everyone needs a good basic black cardigan)
Black Opaque Tights - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Eyelet Boots - Liz Claiborne for JC Penney (these are my favorite boots!)

Work Wardrobe: Falling for Floral

Fun with Florals!  (If you watch The League you know where I got that, haha)  I am still obsessed with Oxblood or it's more casual synonym, maroon.  Plus oxblood makes me think of playing the Oregon Trail in grade school but I digress (of dysentery).  I really love reinventing a classic combination and this time I played with the fool-proof and flattering combination of the button-up shirt and pencil skirt. 

Instead of a button up I chose a v-neck, ruffled, and floral blouse.  There is a lot going on up top so everything else really needed to remain simple and coordinated.  I chose a navy pencil skirt instead of the classic black.  Top (or bottom) that off with oxblood tights and brown booties for an unexpected ensemble.  The floral print and softer color combos create a more feminine Fall look.  ~B

Maroon Floral Top - Elle for Kohls
Navy Pencil Skirt - The Limited (I have had this staple for at least 6 years and still get good use out of it!)
Oxblood Tights - Simply Very by Vera Wang for Kohls
Brown Booties - a TJ Maxx clearance purchase

Buns, Blouses and Baubles...Oh My!

In grade school I had a uniform exclusive to red, white, and blue.  In high school I had a dress code, which I often broke.  Now a days I wear whatever I want!  But I do have a signature uniform that I have developed.  It's my go to combination when I can't think straight in the morning.

It's simple...blouse + bun + bauble = a work or weekend friendly outfit.  Just add skinny jeans or ponte pants and you are in business! 

You will have to supply your own bun, sorry!

Fuschia blouse - $19.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls (available in other colors and in sleeveless)
White crystal bauble (that I also own in mint) - $9.99 at Jane.com


Or pair with one of these!

 

Julie Zip Pocket Skinny Pants - $59.59 at Ann Taylor Loft
Color Scheme - Tan blouse, white crystal bauble, and  leopard print flats.

Rock Star Ankle Zip Jeans - $32 at Old Navy
Color Scheme - Turquoise blouse with navy crystal bauble and brown lace up ankle boots
 









Slim Leg Ankle Pant in Red - $20 at JC Penney
Color Scheme - Ivory blouse with mint crystal bauble and tan pumps




Hope this fool proof combo works for you!

~B