Color Block

Happy Monday!

One of my favorite fashion trends is color blocking because I love combining contrasting colors. It turns a plain outfit up a notch and if placed right, can slim the figure. There are many combinations of color blocking, I chose this sheath dress with a dark color pallet. Added a few light accessories because the dress speaks for itself.

Dress: DeJanero (NYC), Shoes: Nine West, Necklace and Ring: H&M

Oh, You Fancy Huh?

Hey guys!

So today was my church's anniversary and we were encouraged to dress in our Sunday Best! I found this gorgeous golden Isaac Mizrahi skirt and just had to have it :0) I went pretty simple on top but gave the look some golden finishing touches with my accessories. It's always fun to dress up for special occasions but remember make it your own so your totally comfortable and you own it. Case in point, I felt beautiful and didn't want to take this skirt off!

Skirt: Isaac Mizrahi, Shirt: Forever21, Cross Bracelet & Necklace: JewelMint, Earrings: H&M, Cuff: Thirfted, Bangle: Ralph Lauren

Weekend Wear

Happy Saturday Styl Islers!

Today was a beautiful fall day with above average temperatures ;-)

I had a few errands to run and wanted to be relaxed and causal but still put together. The print on the peasant blouse I'm wearing makes me feel modern and quirky while the bell sleeves and gathered collar make me feel Jane Austen romantic :-) I felt like being matchy matchy with the accessories; thew on some fold-over suede boots with a low comfortable heel and was good to go! And of course you can't forget a good sturdy weekend tote that will fit all the crap you'll be lugging here and there lol. This one from L.L. Bean, in addition to being a thrift store gem (thanks Mom), is the perfect size and made from good quality leather which will stand up this weekend's packing-unpacking, tossing over the shoulder and in/out of the shopping cart.

Hope you guys are enjoying your weekend and get to flex your style muscles a little ;-)

  Does this print quantify me as the "cat lady"? lol

Corduroys: Joe Fresh, Blouse: Reneec, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: Nine West, Bracelets: H&M, Tote: Thirfted L.L. Bean, Lippie: Black Radiance--Reggae Red

Style Recycle

The skirt I'm wearing today is one of those pieces you find in the back of your closet like "Hey! I remember that!". I especially love feeling the satisfaction of having something "new" without the guilt of shopping and spending money.

One of the things I appreciate about style is the way in which you can take an article of clothing, combine it with other pieces in such a way that your wardrobe seems endless. Okay, so maybe I DO have a lot of clothes ;-) BUT the main reason it's probably perceived as excess is because I rarely wear the same piece the same way twice! This is a great style tip I've learned from one of my ALL-TIME-FAVORITE style icons Michelle Obama. She is consistently seen in the press recycling pieces but they seem so fresh because she combines them differently. Take a cue from Mrs. O and work that wardrobe people!

Below are a few examples of Mrs. O recycling some of her favorites:
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2013/7/15/dots-on-repeat.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2012/6/27/feeling-dotty.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/7/12/black-and-white-florals-and-polka-dots.html

http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2013/6/16/tracy-reese-repeat.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/6/8/nice-day-for-a-picnic.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/4/14/hola-mexico.html

Follow Michelle Obama's style blog @ http://www.mrs-o.com

No lie, just before posting this one of my co-workers came up to me and complimented my skirt saying, "Okay, seriously...you never wear the same thing twice!" I mean this post is predestined*sigh*

Skirt: Forever21, Turtleneck: H&M

Day to Night

So for those days when I know my day isn't ending at 6pm, I try to plan out an outfit that can easily transition from day to night with as little fuss and manipulation as possible. Because most likely you'll have to carry something extra with you and who wants 5lbs. of extra crap to lug around? Often my "to night" consists of just dinner or choir rehearsal, but I usually don't want to start my evening with the same outfit I've been wearing for the passed 9 hours. A change of shoes and accessories are usually my saving grace. Accessories are light-weight, fit easily into your purse and I already keep 6-7 pairs of shoes under my desk at work...hey variety is the spice of life right? Lol 

Below I've styled a couple of "to night" examples for dinner and something more casual. 

However you take it from day to night, remember the Styl Isle approach and put your spin on it...make it unmistakably you!

To the office...

To dinner...

Accessories case doubles as a clutch!

To the office...

To choir rehearsal...

Here are side by sides of the looks at a glance...

Office to dinner: Skirt-Forever21, sequin tank-Express, Blazer-DeJanero (NYC), Booties-DeJanero (NYC), Suede shoes-Bakers. 

Office to choir rehearsal: Blazer-The Limited, Corderoys-Joe Fresh, Cardigan-Forever21, Bracelet-H&M, Tote-H&M