1.5.2012

Today, I really feel the need to thank the blogging community for continually inspiring me.  I read many, many style blogs (thanks to my lengthy Google Reader feed and Pinterest) and lately I've been using the inspiration to put some intense focus on my personal style. I've always enjoyed styling others, which is why I started my blog and my styling business, but sometimes my own style takes the back seat.  I've finally pushed myself to buy some foundation pieces, but I'm also looking out for some inexpensive and fun pieces to complement the basics.

That's where something like this Polka Dot skirt (Forever 21, $25) comes in.  No, the skirt probably won't last longer than one season, but I don't need it to for a cost of $25.  It's super on-trend now (who isn't loving polka dots right now?) and it's in a gorgeous dark teal, perfect for pairing with supple leather and brown tones.

.........and if you like nothing else about this outfit, you must admit that the purple earrings really rock.  Yep, I just went there.

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12.7.2011

I'll be honest - I read a lot of blogs - and you know what I've learned from reading these fashion blogs and dressing myself since I started this little blog?  The majority of being "stylish" is the ability to create an interesting look and feel totally, 100%, confident in it.  If you don't believe you look great, no one else will.  Now that's not to say that you can wear a ridiculous outfit worthy of a "What Not To Wear" feature and because you're confident, people will think you look awesome;  it does mean that if you go a little off the reservation with an outfit - stripes + pattern + multiple colors - and you somehow managed to relate all of the pieces to each other to create a final look, all while LOVING it - other people will probably think you look pretty "stylish" and wonder how they can pull that off too.

Have no fear friends, for today, I have gone a little out in left field for you, so you don't have to.   Hope you enjoy!

Cardi / Shirt / Tights / Snood / Polish / Clutch / Boots / Skirt

11.14.2011

Happy Monday!  I am enjoying the last day of a FOUR DAY WEEKEND!  It has been really wonderful, filled with lots of relaxation, movies, and good food (if you're in the Cincinnati area, definitely give Taste of Belgium in OTR a try... the pumpkin waffle.... yum!).  I didn't spend a lot of the weekend out in public, so there were lots of leggings and sweatshirt outfit combinations for me, but when I did go out this weekend I took advantage of the beautiful and mild fall weather we've been having.  I picked up a pair of legwarmers at Aldo on Friday and wore them basically all weekend - they are SO comfortable and look so cute underneath a pair of boots (think comfy casual rather than 80's throwback).  Here is a way to incorporate leggings into your fall outfit, oh and HERE are the leggings I picked up on Friday, if you're interested! 

Remember, if I get to 250 facebook fans by December 1, I am doing a GIVEAWAY!  Please spread the word and go to Stylized Existence and "Like" the page!

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9.26.2011

Professional clothing can be tricky, can't it?  You want to look appropriate in order to receive the respect that you deserve, but you want to be able to express yourself and your sense of style at the same time.  The best way to strike that good balance is to build a wardrobe full of classic pieces, then throw in a few "fun" pieces to the outfit.

The bright pants serve as a super fun piece, but the pants are very well tailored and professional, so they don't give an inappropriate vibe.  The striped top is classic but still more interesting than a plain blouse, and the shoes are a stunning neutral black, with a little extra detail. Dressing for work doesn't have to be boring, just make sure you are striking a balance with your fun versus classic mix!

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9.20.2011

Unfortunately, occasionally we all have those crazy-busy days that require going from work directly to a night time event, and there is never enough time in the day, especially enough time to worry about two outfits and finding time to change.  The best thing to do when you're in a pinch and know you'll be running from the office to an evening event is to find a look that can go from day to night with ease - enter: dress + blazer/sweater combo.  When you get to your evening event you can take off the extra layer and be instantly more dressed up (and in this case, you could also take off the hosiery if it's warm enough outside!) - it is seriously that easy.

The dress above is a knock out, but can be toned down a bit with a neutral blazer and hosiery.  As for the remaining accessories, they're classic enough that they can easily transition from an office look to night-time appropriate.

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9.19.2011

I have been lusting over faux fur vests lately, and think I've finally found one worthy of my $100-$150 price range.  It's hard to find faux fur that doesn't look too cheap or fake, but I think the one featured below looks full rather than stiff and flat, and it has realistic looking color to it.  The blouse is from Old Navy - I just purchased it on Friday and it is DEFINITELY worth the $30 price tag.  It's a gorgeous poppy color and the fabric is perfectly flowy for the oversized nature of the blouse. 

I would add a little interest to this outfit by pairing these gorgeous TARGET (!!) leather boots with a bit more glam Madewell clutch, while rounding out the look with a neutral nail polish and simple bracelet.

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9.7.2011

Monochromatic (all one color) looks can be so sharp if done properly.  Either the colors in the outfit need to be exactly the same, or they need to only be in the same color family, but with differing shades and fabrics.  What not to do?  Wear two colors that are VERY close to matching but just a bit off - this will be very noticeable as a monochromatic fail.

 

Today I took a pair of classic navy trousers and paired them with a silk, flowy blouse in a lighter shade of blue.  To break up the look a bit, I pulled in a peach and blue silk scarf and a pair of camel colored stacked-heel shoes.  Round out the look with a bold red nail polish and a gold watch.

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