Elegance and Mommyhood.: March 2015

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Minimalistic Sporty Monochrome and your Help Wanted!

First of all I want to super apologize for today's pictures - definitely not appropriate for a blog but I do like the outfit, like ten-fold apology. My little crappy camera fell down and I think it is taking even worse, blurry photos plus I photographed these on a corner with the natural light on my back. With that said, I wanted to ask you a couple of questions/favors today? I am shopping around for two things. I must buy a new camera. I am looking for something decent, maybe a semi-pro one and my budget is $250.00. Any suggestions for me? You can include some links or names of the camera(s) on the comments. An would you suggest EBay too? Secondly, I am also shopping around for a blog designer. There are a couple of you that have made some suggestions for me - thank you. I was looking through Etsy yesterday, too. What are some current or recent, nice and affordable designers you have worked with and have been satisfied with? Please tell me. I appreciate your suggestions and answers to these questions, so very much. Thanks again.

The Minimalistic Sporty Look is IN STYLE this Spring and I am loving it. I have actually loved this type of look a lot, especially since becoming a mom. Slip-on sneakers, wedge sneakers, loafers, boat shoes, Converse and Sperrys usually accompany Skinny Jeans, BF Jeans, Joggers, Leather Pants or Leggings. As far as the top you can do Sweaters, Button-downs, a Plaid Shirt, a Gingham Shirt - another huge trend for Spring 2015, a T-Shirt, or even a Girly Blouse, something Floral, a Kimono over a Tank, etc. Well, I went for a mostly Monochrome Look and styled my Ponte+Faux Leather Skinny Pants with this Soft Merino Black+Gray Sweater in a lovely diamond print and I am wearing my New, Brown, Faux Alligator Slip-on Sneakers which I just got for a steal of a deal: 17 bucks!! I love them. Have you purchased any Slip-on Sneakers for this Spring/Summer? How are you styling them?

Merino Wool Black, Gray & White Argyle, V-Neck Sweater: Club Monaco (very similar from JC Penney's, best deal, love this), (gorgeous option in cream+tan by Brooks Brothers, on sale), (gorgeous option in nude+white by WHBM, great deal, love this).

Black Ponte & Faux Leather Leggings: Forever 21 (very similar, great deal), (similar by JC Penney's, best deal, love these), (fun option, on sale, love these), (gorgeous, sexy option, love these).

Dainty, 3-strand Necklace w/ Black Beads: White House Black Market (very similar, longer option by JC Penney's, great deal), (gorgeous option by Topshop, great deal, love this), (similar, love this), (dressy, dainty option by JC Penney's, best deal, love this).

Square, Black Metallic Hair Claw w/ Red Crystals: Bijoux & Accessories.

Brown, Faux Alligator Slip-on Sneakers: Il Cammino (New) (very similar in chocolate brown, best deal, love these), (similar w/ thick platform soles, Splurge), (fun logo option by Guess, great deal, love these), (soft leather option by Frye, love these).

P.S. Linking up with Alison, Brooke, Carrie with Jill, Danielle, Elle, Elizabeth, Leeanne, Lisa, Liz, Monica, Miriam, Morgan, Rebecca, Rhea, Sarah, Shanna,

Sydney, Stylish Housewife, Tameka, Vicki and Victoria.

I am also linking up with Megan and Nora Inspiration Monday.

Striped, Turtleneck Tunic Sweater and Boots, 2 ways.

When we have had some colder days (hmmm pre-Spring days) around here, instead of doing many layers which I normally do, I have opted for this cozy, warm, wool, Striped, Turtleneck Tunic Sweater which I love. I have it in Beige also. These 2 Outfits today are so similar and were only worn 3 days apart. It is basically two versions of the same outfit, kind of. First, I paired the Turtleneck Sweater with my Quilted Navy Leggings/Skinny Pants and Layered my Red Plaid Blanket Scarf over it (since I didn't wear a coat). The Scarf brought it a second pattern and added some color to the outfit. It was rainy that day too, on and off, so I opted for my Black Rain Boots. Then, a few days later I wore a slightly dressier version of this Outfit to work. My office is pretty casual. I dress up most of the time but it was one of those days where I wanted to be warm and comfortable. This time I paired the Sweater with Black Skinny Jeans and my Tall Cognac Boots. I also wore my Red Coat that day since the sky was gray and I wanted to be cheerful. And here is a third similar way I wore this outfit, with my Black Velvet Leggings and a Long Crystal Necklace. Two simple, easy outfits for you today. Do you own a Turtleneck Tunic Sweater? How often do you reach for it? Ohh and I just realized March 31st - holy smokes, one quarter of 2015 has gone, vanished! Craaaaaazy!!

Black, Wool, Turtleneck Sweater w/ Thin White Horizontal Stripes: Pull & Bear (similar tunic option w/ asymmetric hem, on sale, love this), (fitted, classic option, great deal, love this), (gorgeous cropped option by J.Crew, best deal), (gorgeous chunky option, Splurge, love this).

Red/White/Black Plaid, Wool-blend Wide Scarf: Terranova (New) (similar, best deal, love this), (similar in gray+white by Madewell, love this), (similar infinity option, best deal, love this), (gorgeous option by J.Crew, on sale).

Navy Ponte, Jersey & Faux Leather Skinny Pants w/ Quilted Panels on the front: A Boutique in Tirana (gorgeous, sexy option, on sale, love these), (similar, best deal), (sexy, liquid style w/ zippers, great deal, love these).

Charcoal Gray, Quilted & Rubber, Lace-up Rain Boots: Costco (similar, gorgeous option by Asos, best deal, love these), (similar black+cognac option, great deal, love these), (sporty option by Sorel).

Black Skinny Jeans: Sublevel (similar by Topshop, best deal, love these), (similar by Gap, 1969 edition, great deal love these), (similar by True Religion, on sale).

Gold Button, "Channel" Logo, Stud Earrings: A Fine Jewelry Boutique (Gifted) (identical by Chanel), (gorgeous button option by Chanel, Splurge, love these), (similar by Gorjana, best deal, love these).

Blue+Black Plaid, Little Bow Barrette: An Accessories Boutique.

Tall Cognac Boots w/ Chunky Heels & Buckle detail on the top of the shaft: Payless (similar, fantastic deal, love these), (gorgeous option by Clarks, Splurge), (similar @ Macy's, come in 3 color options, love these).

P.S. Of course this Outfit is perfect to link up with Lana because the Creative Closet today is "Swooning for Stripes".

Also, linking up with Alison, Amber, Angie, Ayana, Danielle, Erin, Jess, Jessica, Laura, Lauren, Lindsey, Liz, Madeline,

Saumya, Shanna and Zaz.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Mom Wear to Work Wear: Red Turtleneck (and My Favorite Thrifted Item).

I haven't done a Mom to Work post since the first Monday of February and today is the last Monday of March (how did this month pass by)? Well, I have remixed several pieces into my casual and work wardrobes but haven't had time to photograph or blog all of them. The 2 Outfits today feature the same Red (mock) Turtleneck. These Thin Turtlenecks are perfect to layer with. Though these Outfits are both a little older, it is cold enough to wear either of these today. Let's look at each outfit below, detailed.

Like I said, a Jersey or Light Cotton Turtleneck is perfect to layer with and keep your neck warm during those cold months. For the Mom Look I bundled up with my Marled, Open Cardigan Belted with a Brown Floral Belt, Velvet Polka Dot Leggings, Knee-High Socks and Fur-trimmed Boots. And I also wore this Gorgeous, Pearl-trimmed Pom-Pom Beanie Hat. It is the only time I have worn this Beanie this past Winter (from what I recall). It is warm, snuggly, cozy and cute and I got it for a steal of a deal, 6 bucks or so. Now, for the Work Look I copied myself since I did a second version of this Pinterest-inspired Look. I wore the same Leopard Skirt and paired it with the same Denim Jacket but instead of a black turtleneck I wore my red one, instead of black tights I wore my burgundy ones. As far as accessories: I opted for a tone-on-tone look with a Red Statement Necklace (instead of a Long Beaded Necklace which I did last time) and my Color-Blocked Olive Green Flat Oxfords (instead of the Black Booties with the previous outfit).

Last but not least, some Honorable mention goes to this Denim Jacket which I thrifted a year ago last Spring. It is only my second thrifted item and it was brand-new with tags. It is from H&M and it retailed for 40 bucks but I got it just for 10$. I have worn it at least 20 times (not all outfits blogged). It is the perfect item to link with Lauren, Jen and Laura for the Thrifty Link-up they currently have going. What do you think of these Outfits? Have you paired a Leopard Pencil Skirt with a Denim Jacket before?

Dark Red, Thin Cotton, Mock Turtleneck: Mango (very similar by Asos, great deal), (similar by Bloomingdales, on sale, love this), (similar in deep red, love this), (sweater option, marled style, best deal, love this).

Black+White, 100% Cotton, Open-Knit, Cozy Marled Cardigan: Express (very similar w/ long sleeves, love this), (similar w/ long sleeves by Land's End, great deal, love this), (similar, open, tunic style, best deal), (similar fly-away style, on sale, love this).

Black Velvet Leggings w/ White Polka Dots: Koton (very similar by JC Penney's), (similar, best deal), (similar by F21, great deal, love these), (fun option by Boohoo).

Gray, Pom-Pom Beanie w/ Embellished White Pearls: Random Street Vendor (New) (quite similar in cashmere, Splurge, love this), (similar in cable knit, great deal, love this), (similar by F21, best deal).

Wide Elastic Belt in a Small Brown Floral Print w/ Cognac Leather Detail: A Local Boutique (New) (option by Lucky brand), (gorgeous option by Old Navy, best deal, love this), (thin, Spring option by Betsey Johnson, great deal, love this).

Taupe, Knitted, Textured, Knee-High Socks: Random Street Vendor (New) (similar zig-zag option, on sale, love these), (similar, solid option, best deal).

Brown, Leather, Canvas & Faux Fur, Wedge Boots w/ Buckle detail: Aldo (very similar, Splurge), (similar, Steal, love these), (similar by Easy Spirit, on sale, love these), (edgy, half-length option by Madden Girl, great deal, love these).

Light Medium Wash, Classic Denim Jacket: H&M (Thrifted) (similar, gorgeous option, great deal, love this), (similar by Tommy Hilfiger, best deal), (similar by Ralph Lauren, love this).

Leopard, Classic Pencil Skirt: White House Black Market (very similar by Ann Taylor, on sale, love this), (similar w/ lace-trimmed hem, best deal, love this), (similar scuba option by Asos), (similar w/ black color-blocking, love this).

Red, Briolette, Bib, Statement Necklace: E-Bay (similar dressier option, great deal, love this), (gorgeous option by Kate Spade, best deal, love this), (big, bold, gorgeous option, comes in many colors, on sale).

Burgundy/Marsala Semi-Opaque Tights: c/o Penti (New) (very similar by F21), (similar, opaque option, best deal, come in 4 colors, love these), (similar in rich cranberry by Asos, love these).

Olive Green & Burgundy, Real Leather Oxford Shoes: Caterina Firenze (gorgeous 3-color option by Nine West, love these), (burgundy option by Rocket Dog, best deal, love these), (sneaker style by Keds, great deal, love these).

P.S. Linking up with Amanda, Andrea, Carylee + Gina, Good Random Fun, Erin, Jess, Lauren, Mahogany Closet, Mix it Monday, Molly, Nicole, Rachel, Rachelle, Rhea, Whitney and Zaz.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Black Herringbone Dress and Pink Chiffon Blouse.

Another Beautiful and Elegant Work Sheath that had been ignored for far too long. As a matter of fact I think I have only shown it on the blog once and hadn't worn it since the job I had before birthing Vivian. This Outfit was perfect for work as a Transitional Spring Outfit since I paired it with a Bright Pink Chiffon Blouse underneath it. I even wore matching lipstick and little Lavender Square Studs which go with the outfit. There is a little Pattern-Mix going on between the Herringbone/Tweedy Dress and Paisley Tights. And those Blueish-Gray Tights look nice with the Blue Booties for a long, leggy look on the bottom.

How are you transitioning more Wintery Dresses for Spring? I found several similar fantastic Sheath Dresses I linked up below. Even the Milly one is on huge sale. I also found gorgeous Bright Pink Blouses like mine. This outfit is perfect to link up with Shea and Anne for their Link-up on April 7th which is about Spring Transitions. I cannot wait to see how everyone else is transitioning their Winter pieces into Spring.

You can better see the 2 patterns here between the tights and the dress and the Monochrome Dark Blue effect of the tights and booties.

Black/Grayish Tweed Sheath w/ Black Piping detail: The Limited (very similar by Banana Republic, on sale, love this), (similar in black tweed by Nine West, best deal), (similar w/ sleeves & black piping detail, great deal, love this), (similar by Milly in black w/ gray piping, Splurge, love this).

Bright Pink, Chiffon, Long-Sleeve, Button-down Blouse: H&M (gorgeous silk option by WHBM, love this), (pleated chiffon option by Neiman Marcus, best deal, love this), (very similar by Ralph Lauren, comes in 4 colors, Splurge), (classic style by Equipment).

Purple, Square Stud Earrings: A Jewelry Boutique (very similar), (very similar by Kate Spade, come in a ton of colors, love these), (similar options, set of 3 by Nine West, best deal, love these).

Grayish-Blue, Thick, Paisley-Print Tights: c/o Zara (similar by Wolford, Splurge), (similar by Anthropologie, love these), (fun option by Emilio Cavallini, best deal, love these).

Royal Blue, Oxford Style, Wedge Booties: Orsay (similar by Lucky Brand), (gorgeous option in suede+leather, Splurge), (gorgeous option by Balenciaga, on sale, love these), (similar, non-oxford style, love these).

P.S. Linking up with Alycia, Cherie, Claire, Confident Tuesday with Laura, Doranda, Ginger, Jen, Kristin, Laura, Lindsey, Lisa, Molly, Natalie, Sweet Little Ones and Zaz.

Also my Blogging Buddies Carrie and Whitney are doing a Fun Spring Challenge all month of April. The first prompt is "A Pop of Pink". I am wearing my Pop of Pink here - my Pretty Blouse.

Happy Sunday you all!

Friday, March 27, 2015

It's a Midi, Midi World!

I am running late today but I wanted to pop in and show my huge love about Midi Skirts especially full, A-line ones. Every store is filled with them especially in the A-line, Full Skirt option. But a lot of Midi Skirts come in the Pencil Style also, which makes them great for work and for church too since they are longer and more modest. I want to add a Full Midi Skirt (or two) to my wardrobe, this Spring. An Organza one and a Floral one perhaps. But, see I wore Midi Skirts before they were even popular. I own a few of them already. I wanted to show you some Outfits most of you probably haven't seen before (from my early blog days) with a few of my Midi Skirts. I linked the original posts below, in red. I was able to find some skirts similar to mine which I linked for you. Enjoy!!

Asymmetrical, Striped, Mint Full Midi Skirt.

This one is kind of ancient from American Eagle and one of my most favorite skirts I own. I found some sort of similar ones for you:

Satin B+W Floral Midi w/ Beaded Hem.

My Skirt is Vintage and Unique but I did find some pretty B+W Florals below.

Similar in A-line, best deal.

Gorgeous option in A-line, great deal, love this.

Sexy option in pencil style, love this.

Silk Shantung, Green, Full Midi w/ Red Poppies.

This one is from Express. There are countless options of Floral Midi, Full Skirts online but here are some similar to mine:

Gorgeous, green floral option by Kate Spade, Splurge.

Black Silk Midi w/ Asymmetric Gold Stripes.

Same Skirt, once again.

This one is from The Limited. It is such an elegant little skirt. Perfect for work or a date. Below are some similar to this:

Black striped, organza option, great deal, love this.

Classic, B+W striped, midi pencil option.

Silk, Beige+Green Paisley Midi.

This one is by Gap. And here are some current options:

Similar, pencil style, best deal.

Colorful, gorgeous option, full midi by Topshop, love this

Midi, White Pencil Skirt.

This one is by Express. I definitely suggest you own both a Black and a White Midi Pencil Skirt, like mine. Below are some current white options:

Very similar, on sale.

To be noted: I was pregnant in all of these pictures above. These Midi Skirts were worn in the Spring and Summer 2012 during my first and second trimester of my pregnancy. So, how about you? Are you adding any Midi Skirts to your Spring and Summer Wardrobe in 2015?

TGIF EVERYONE!!

P.S. I am linking up with Allison, Birdie, Christina, Claire, Jolynne, Kym, Laura, Lauren, Lauryn and Vicki.