OOTD: Formal Aquestrian?

Happy Thursday Islers! Quick Outfit of the Day...

Besides having an AWESOME hair day, I'm loving today's aquestrian inspired look. There's ALSO something formal about it with a subtle nod to the "tuxedo inspired" pants from H&M. A peplum top is ALWAYS flattering and polished in my book, and I love this blazer version. I just tugged up the sleeves and flipped up the collar...which is how I wear 99% of my blazers. This is a little trick for all my tall women out there. Blazers/Jackets rarely fit my arms all the way to the wrists (a sleeve 1-2 inches short of the wrist gives the appearance that your blazer/jacket is too small) so I usually roll them up my forearms, which happens to look coolier and edgier anyway so SCORE! And of course it wouldn't be ME without a belt ;-)

Although not pictured here, I DID wear riding boots while commuting into work, so I literally felt like all I needed was a bag of carrots and a stead named Morning Star lol.

I kept my accessories simple with my fav black booties and a few silver/black bangles, but added a little pop of color with this goregous bracelet from H&M.

Pants: H&M, Blazer: Old, Booties: Bakers, Bracelets & Bangles: H&M

Ootd: Make Me Blush

Hi Islers!

What makes you smile? Is it clothes? Your favorite sweet treat? A kiss from someone special? For me a smile, and the ensuing blush, immediately comes from a well fitting outfit...and how appropriate that today's outfit of choice incorporates the color blush! I feel most confident when my outfit is tailored to perfection and my blazer and favorite Joe Fresh cords do just the that. These rose gold and pink pumps elongate my legs and make my 5'7" frame appear nice and lean (I love a good wardrobe trick) :-D

If you've read any of my previous posts you will know that I LOOOVE rose gold accessories. This stack of wrist candy goes perfectly with the blazer and shoes; and although "matchy matchy" is frowned upon in fashion, in my opinion it's perfectly acceptable on the style front (perhaps not in a head to toe color, to be on the safe side lol). Just make sure you incorporate enough balance (texture, proportion, etc.) in the outfit so not to overwhelm. 

"The rules of fashion don't apply to style." -- Maya Gatewood

Ciao guys!

Blazer: New York & Company; Blouse: H&M; Cords: Joe Fresh; Pumps: Thrifted (Anne Klein); Chain: H&M; Watch: JewelMint; Pink & Rose Gold Cuff: JewelMint; Gold Cuff: Ralph Lauren; Affirmation Bracelet: Strawberry (NYC)

Ootd: The Game Changer. The Blazer.

Sometimes I find myself reaching for those simple and basic pieces that I don't have to think about (Ootd: Tried and True) but I'm not a boring person so I still wanted to incorporate some element to make me smile and my outfit pop. Blazers are a great way to bring visual interest to an otherwise "plain" outfit. I have had this blazer in my closet now for about 3 years and have probably only worn it twice, so how fortuitous that this nautical number was within arms reach this morning waiting to spruce up my black slacks and navy blouse.

I have always LOVED navy and black together and combine the two colors regularly. It's chic, totally office appropriate and slims without being covered in head-to-toe black. The white in the blazer makes my outfit pop and the navy trim ties in my navy blouse. Then, of course, I had to throw on my gold chunky wrist candy and decided to add my new addition from JewelMint. Initially I paired my navy peep-toe pumps but it was a bit too cold in the office and my pedi is not exactly on point lol :-/ so my go to Nine West black pumps complete the look.

You don't have to be a fashionista dressed to the nines to look stylish. You can wear a basic top and jeans and throw on a signature piece like a blazer, red pumps, bright belt or stack lots of necklaces. You'll look polished with little effort...score!

Ciao for now!
Maya

Slacks: H&M, Navy Blouse: Forever 21, Necklace: JewelMint, Pumps: Nine West