'Tis the Season for Sequins

If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that my style is pretty plain and that I’m not a particularly sparkly kind of girl.  But like clockwork, every year around this time, the holiday spirit takes over and I get the urge to wear sequins.  I must admit that I’ve never actually given in to my annual “omg-it’s-the-holidays-I-NEED-to-wear-sequins” compulsion.  Mostly because wearing sequins just never felt like me.  This year, though, I’ve come up with a few ways I plan on incorporating sequins into my holiday season attire, so I thought I’d share.

 

 

I love the combination of classic high-waisted, wide-leg black trousers with a long sleeve sequin top. This outfit is perfect for an office holiday party because it is modern (without being overly trendy) and grown-up (without being overly stuffy). In my opinion, anything that is super trendy or too revealing is just inappropriate for an office function. Even after work hours it is important to give the appearance of being mature and professional. I would pair this outfit with basic black accessories and a chunky gold watch. I would also style it up a bit by doing a half tuck and pushing up the sleeves.

I just bought these sequin shorts from Madewell and I can't wait to wear them.  I plan on wearing them with a cozy ivory sweater and silver pumps.  The silver sequins and shoes paired with soft, neutral colors looks festive and pretty without being in-your-face, which is perfect for a get together at a family member's house. 

This outfit is an upgraded version of the simple "jeans and a t-shirt" look, that is perfect for a date.  I would pair the sequin t-shirt with dark skinny jeans and nude pumps.  By keeping the rest of the outfit simple, the sequins don't come off as high maintenance.  Top it off with a cool leather jacket and  a leopard clutch and you are good to go.

I never actually considered wearing sequin pants before, until I spotted this pair by Free People.  I still think sequin leggings are a no-no,  but sequin trousers could work for me if styled correctly.  On top I would wear a plain silk tank.  I would add a menswear inspired jacket and watch to prevent the sequins from looking to girly.  I would also keep the color scheme basic in black and white and use fun shoes to add a pop of color. 

 

How do you plan on wearing sequins this holiday season?

 

P.S.  I am officially obsessed with Polyvore.  It's like an adult version of the old school Barbie Fashion Designer computer game (I know you all know what I am talking about).

Carolina Benoit's Blogger Tea Party

Last week I attended a Blogger Tea Party hosted by Miami designer Carolina Benoit.  Carolina invited local bloggers, photographers and other fashionistas for a night of fun and fashion at her studio.  This was my first blogger’s event, and I must say I had a blast!  I got the chance to meet and mingle with so many wonderful ladies.  We sipped champagne, snacked on goodies and had the opportunity to shop Carolina’s beautiful collection.  I got a gorgeous gold cuff that I’m sure you’ll be seeing in my future posts.  You can buy pieces from Carolina’s collection online at her Etsy Store.

 

 

                                                                                          

                                                                                      {Carolina's studio}

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                        {Carolina and her girls}

                                                                                  {Unique silver bracelets}

                                                                               {Some pieces from Carolina's collection}

                                                                                {Beautiful stone bracelets}

 

                                                                                                     {Love}

 

                                                                                     {The wall of the dressing room}

Day to Night

 

Blazer:         Topshop   

Shirt:            Gap (old)   
Skirt:            The Limited (old, but similar here   
Shoes:          Tahari (on sale for $35!)  
Watch:         Michael Kors  

Last Thursday, the lovely, Miami-based designer Carolina Benoit hosted a Blogger’s Tea Party at her studio.  This is what I wore.  Since I knew I would be going to the party straight from work, I had to wear something that was work appropriate, but that would transition easily into the night.  I chose this outfit because I thought it was the perfect mix of classic silhouettes (pencil skirt and blazer), which make the outfit professional, and fun colors, which make the outfit party-worthy. To spice it up a little more, I switched out the nude pumps that I wore to work with these snakeskin sandals.  Stay tuned for pictures from the tea party!

The List (Part II)

Happy Monday!! In my very first post on this blog I told you guys about "The List."  Since the List is ever changing, I decided to make it a permanent part of my blog.  Now, by clicking here, you can stay up to date on all the things I’m craving at the moment.  Hope you like it :)

Coated Skinnies

Sweater:       Zara  
Jeans:            Citizens of Humanity
Shoes:           MIA  (on sale for $39.99)
Watch:          Michele
Bracelets:     David Yurman

I have been searching for the perfect coated black skinny jeans for a while.  I had my heart set on this pair by AG—but unfortunately, they just weren’t meant to be.  I stalked them online for a good few months and planned to buy them when Bloomingdales had their Denim Days sale.  I went to the store, and they were just as beautiful in person as they were online.  The coating is really leather-like, not just shiny like most of the other coated jeans out there.  They just look so rocker and cool… on the hanger, that is. 

On me? Now, that's a wwhhhooollleee other story.  Something about the coating on the jeans rippled when I put them on and literally made my legs look like sausages about to burst out of the casing.  It was horrible.  Not pretty.  At all.  I wanted those jeans so bad that I even tried two sizes up from my usual size (if that’s not a sign of desperation, I don’t know what is).  Still sausage-y.  No good.

Since, the AG’s were a no go, I decided on the Citizens of Humanity pair.  The coating isn’t as nice as the AG pair but they are still pretty.  I also really like the fit.  They are super stretchy (no sausage effect), and slightly high-waisted, so they are very comfortable.  Definitely a good alternative to leather skinnies which are often very constricting.

Moral of the story:  if you are blessed with long skinny legs try out the AG’s because they are beautiful, if  you're less fortunate like me, the Citizens are a good second option. 

 P.S.  For all my fellow Miamians, just a reminder that the Mason Martin Margiela With H&M Collection will be available at the Lincoln Road store starting Thursday, November 15th at 8am.  If the grand opening of the store was any indication, it’s probably going to mob scene.  I personally did not fall in love with any of the pieces in the collection, so I won’t be camping out or anything crazy.  What do you think of the collection?  

Bell Bottoms and Aviators

 Jacket:           Zara (old, but similar here)
Shirt:               Madewell
Jeans:              Level 99
Belt:                 Forever 21 (old, but similar here)
Sunglasses:     Ray Ban

Sorry if you guys are getting sick of this jacket already, but I really love it—so you better get used to it J.  Apparently army green goes with everything.  Who knew?  For those of you who haven’t been following along, and are seeing it for the first time, you can check out the other ways I have worn it here and here. 

This outfit, (like this one) is a pretty good example of my typical off-duty outfit.  Because I’ve been working like a crazy person lately, my weekends have been pretty low key, and therefore, so have my outfits.  The bell bottoms and aviators give this one a 70’s feel. 

An Ode to the Forever 21 Gods

Shirt:             Zara       

Skirt:             Forever 21 (old, but similar here)       
Shoes:           MIA (on sale for $39.99!! last seen here)
Bracelets:     David Yurman 

You know that feeling when your friend calls you at work on a Friday inviting you to go out and you almost say no because even though your closet is full you have absolutely nothing to wear?  Instead of saying no you make a quick stop at Forever 21 on your way home because at this point anything is better than wearing something you already have?  Then… just as you’re about to surrender, you find a diamond in the rough?  A dress so perfect that it just makes you want to run over and hug the random lady going through the rack next to you?

 Or what about that feeling when you’ve been at the mall all day and haven’t found a thing?  Exhausted, you almost walk right past Forever 21, thinking to yourself …“I just can’t right now”? But then, in a last ditch effort to buy something you go in? And as you’re reluctantly making your way through the chaos, you spot it?  A garment so perfect it could not possibly cost $19.80?  A piece of clothing so special you wish there was someone you could thank for creating such a masterpiece? A Forever 21 god, perhaps?

 No? Well, maybe I’m crazy… but this happens to me all the time.

Take this faux leather skirt for example.  A few weeks ago I was on a business trip in Houston, TX.  When I got to my hotel, of course my room wasn’t ready.  So, I asked the girl at the front desk if there was a place I could walk to while I waited.  She said (completely seriously), “have you ever heard of Forever 21?”  While the sarcastic, overly tired, pissed that my room wasn’t ready, voice in my head thought “No, ma’am, actually I haven’t,” I put on my prettiest fake smile and said, “of course!”  She gave me a map and I was on my way.

 As I was taking my sweet time, going through each and every rack, I found this amazing skirt.  Its faux leather (or “vegan leather” as I prefer to call it) and only cost $19.80.  Seriously.  The “leather” is really soft, and feels and looks just like the real thing.  The fit is perfect (not too tight/long/short), and the seaming gives it a more expensive look.  They also had it in a cognac brown color (which was even nicer than the black one), but of course they didn’t have it in my size.  I haven’t seen this skirt available on the Forever 21 website but if you come across it in the store, buy it in both colors! I’m telling you, you won’t be disappointed.