trend alert: icy pastel clothing.

The best accessory for this trend is a tan. Icy pastels have had some serious exposure on the runways and I can't wait to give them a try. Pair with more saturated hues like coral, teal or cobalt to add boldness to an outfit. Try neutrals for a more crisp look or patterns for something more graphic. 

tip: When choosing patterns, opt for ones that include only a small amount of the solid piece you're pairing it with. It will be more visually interesting and keep the look modern. 

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coats.

That's it. Just coats. I like wearing them in the winter and appreciate the added layer they bring to a look. But to be honest, I'd rather not have to wear one. Ever.

I have a total of 4 coats - two I wear all the time, one I wear on special occasions and one I've never, ever, ever worn. Behold.

I wore this every. single. day. last winter. It's crazy warm and acts as a super shield, blocking one uncomfortable weather condition at a time. Since I'm allergic to real down, my mom found this down alternative option at Target. It gets the job done, it's my #1 go-to, I love him. Yes, my coat is a him because he's big and strong and protects me. Roar.

I couldn't get a very good picture of this coat but this is my second option. It has a fitted, higher waist line and flairs out below. I love the peter pan style collar and the fit is very flattering. This was a random Target purchase when I was probably in there to buy things like laundry detergent or paper towels. Oops.

This one was a T.J. Maxx purchase because I loved the idea of a cream winter coat. Unfortunately, pup's hair loved it too. Gross. So now I'm forced to only bring this coat out for things like holiday parties, cold weather weddings and an occasional night at the ballet or musical with my ladies.

It'd be nice if I could add it to the regular rotation but what am I supposed to do? Sit Miss Ruby down, look into her sad eyes and say to her, "stop hanging out with me for the sake of my coat". Pssht. Yeah right. Look at that face.

Moving on.

Here is the coat I've never worn before. I bought it at Forever21 for next to nothing, can't figure out what to wear it with and can't bring myself to donate it just yet. Urgh. The sleeves are 3/4 length, I LOVE the gray/blue and brown plaid and the hood is completely lined with faux fur - a tad dressier than I'm used to and not very functional with the capped sleeves and everything.

So as you can see, my coat collection is a little... meh.

So I hopped on the Old Navy site in search for some less expensive options to add to the mix.

Side note: Is it just me or have they really stepped it up a notch this season? It looks like they named Todd Oldham as the Creative Director late 2007 so maybe he's just starting to get his groove on now.

Regardless, Old Navy seems to be stepping up their game and their coat selection definitely proves that. Here are my faves (I *starred* the ones that even made it to the Christmas list).

shiny frost free jacket in sandstone

frost free midi jacket

twill sherpa-trim anorak*

frost free shawl-neck jacket*

wool-blend toggle coat*

Happy Friday and go buy coats!

dress for success pulls through.

A couple weeks ago, I spent my lunch break searching through seas of blazers and slacks hoping to find something fantastic. And that I did - times eight.

I headed to 4th Street Boutique, a store opened to benefit the program Dress for Success. Originally opened to sell donated surplus and non-interview appropriate clothing, 4th Street Boutique quickly became a high end thrift store that continues to fund the Dress for Success program.

My first time there, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was told it was very hit or miss so I went in strictly to check out the setup and type of clothing available. Instead, I ended scooping up everything from silk blouses to a vintage suit for a grand total of $29.00. And, in celebration of the Dress for Success program, I put together a few eight outfits that feature my finds in true business casual form.

A geometric print brightens up a gray sweater vest/pencil skirt combo.

I LOVE the tie front and silky material. 

[blouse: 4th Street, vest: Forever21, skirt: Limited, shoes: Max Studio]

a cozy 3/4 sleeve sweater is the perfect cold weather garment to wear on bad weather days

[turtleneck: 4th Street, t-shirt: American Eagle, corduroys: Gap, shoes: Old Navy]

wool plaid jacket easily transitions summer dresses into fall

[jacket: 4th Street, dress: Urban Outfitters, shoes: Forever21]

cuffed wide-legged khaki trousers should be a staple in any wardrobe.

[trousers: 4th Street, blouse: Gap, sweater: Forever21, 

shoes: BCBG, flower pins: vintage, bird pin: Forever21]

words cannot express how adorable this outfit is. tailored pattern helps create curves.

[pencil skirt: 4th Street, blouse: Gap, sweater: Forever21, shoes: Max Studio]

the matching suit blazer dresses up jeans and a t-shirt for casual fridays.

[blazer: 4th Street, t-shirt: Gap, jeans: Gap, shoes: Max Studio]

this multi-colored blazer is the perfect 90's throw back. 

keep the look updated by mixing in simple patterns and modern silhouettes.

[blazer: 4th Street, t-shirt: Old Navy, necklace: Forever21, jeans: Gap, shoes: Max Studio]

the 3/4 sleeves on this rust blazer makes it appear boxy even though it's far from it. 

pair with polka dots to compliment its classic lines, adding

slouchy suede boots to modernize

[blazer: 4th Street, dress: Forever21, boots: DSW]

P.S. I had no idea how many articles of clothing I've picked up at Forever21 over the years. So many there was at least one thing in each ensemble! I think it's because the stuff is so dirt cheap I just can't say no. Next time however, I'm hoping to pay more attention to avoid a Forever21 overdose.

Happy Friday!

NOTE: This post was not sponsored by 4th Street Boutique or Dress for Success and is 100% my personal opinion.

for the love of colored corduroy.

All you ladies in the house, get ready. As mentioned in earlier posts, I love fashion almost as much as interior design. The fact that you can transform yourself (and believe me I do) from one style to the next gets me p-u-m-p-e-d. So every Friday, I'm heading into my closet and pulling out some of the latest things I've been crushing on.

Right now, it's corduroy. I'm IN LOVE with colored corduroy. Take my old reliables. These are last year's navy Gap Always Skinny version that I probably wear at least once a week. I have a huge problem finding pants that fit and Gap seems to have one of the only answers. Had I been smart enough last year, I would have grabbed a pair in every color.

It all started when searching for a pant option I could get away with wearing in the office that had the same comfort level as a jean. I'm not a huge khaki fan so cords seemed to be the perfect option. As soon as I buttoned them up, my mind started racing through the millions of things I could pair them with. Like this.

The mix of pattern compliments the corduroy texture while the bright mustard and fuchsia create contrast. I can't resist adding some metallic to the mix which, in the end, pulled the whole look together.

Next I picked up Gap's lightweight corduroy leggings in maroon. These were purchased during my birthday shopping spree earlier this month with my mom (hi mom!).

I liked the darker hue because it could still be used as a neutral and gave off that whole ski-lodgey vibe I'm way into for fall and winter. Again, adding some pattern and sharpening the color by adding brighter red pulled the look together.

Finally, we have my beloved hunter green corduroy mini I found at Forever21. Also purchased during the shopping spree madness, I CANNOT wait to start adding to the mix. Yes, hunter green can be pretty drab (hello 1990s interior design) but I think the buttoned-up front and trendy accessories will modernize the piece, making hunter green seem almost as cool as neon.

Uh, pretend those rolled up wife beaters are cute little white socks. And aren't those gray Nine West booties adorable? 

P.S. the picture doesn't do my new crocheted headband justice. On, it looks more like this.

craftaholics anonymous

And for the record: I've not worn any of these outfits yet. SO DON'T STEAL THEM! For makeup, I'm thinking a fresh face would look adorable with all of the looks - lots of highlighter, a thick cat-eye and neutral lip.

tig-fashion

IN MY CLOSET (from top to bottom):

Gap Always Skinny Navy Corduroys

Target mustard 3/4 sleeve cardigan

Target brown and white striped tank

Target fuchsia and gold scarf

Forever21 metallic beads

Old Navy metallic ballet flats

Gap Lightweight Maroon Corduroy Legging

Forever21 red plaid shirt

Forever21 patterned sweater

Nine West red suede loafers

Forever21 hunter green corduroy mini

Old Navy patterned sweater

(??) beaded necklace

Forever21 crocheted headband

Nine West gray booties

layers of cardigans.

Ok first of all, this polyvore thing is ridiculous. You can put outfits OR ROOMS together based on photos you import or find around the web. It's a great, low risk way to try out an idea you have in your head but are still a little unsure about it's potential.

Second of all, like most ladies, I like to shop. A lot. And with this whole budget business I've got going on, my "disposable" income is teeny tiny along with my chance to go on a shopping spree. So when my parents offered up a shopping trip for my birthday, I took full advantage. On top of the spree, I received some bonus cash from my Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Ronnie and Uncle Mark. Yes, I know I'm spoiled and I'm totally ok with that. Definitely no starving artist card being played over here.

Knowing that this would likely be my one and only shot at getting new clothes until Christmas, I knew I had to choose things that were flexible, accessible and timeless. Enter the cardigan. As mentioned in this post, I love me some good cardigans. They're easy to layer, can add some color and can be dressed up or down depending on the occassion.

Referencing my mental images of my closet, I knew I had plenty of neutral cardigans but could definitely use some in brighter colors and patterns.

[from top to bottom: ann taylor loft, forever21, hm]

P.S. I know all these photos are crappy and the clothes wrinkled. I took these quickly before work this morning - towel wrapped around my head, two different shoes on and all.


Since I already had a mustard 3/4 sleeve verson (which I LOVE), I opted for a more unexpected color to add to the collection. This rich coral color goes perfect with cords, jeans and a thermal or even my nude voile dress and tights.

[top to bottom: mossimo from target, old navy, nordstrom rack]

For some reason I was really feeling the ski lodge vibe when choosing the other two cardigans during the spree. They both are thick, textured and screamed sit-by-the-fire-and-drink-spiked-hot-chocolate. I love how the beige one has shorter sleeves for layering while the other has electric blue accents within the all-over pattern. Both make me want to bust out some preppy accents like striped collared shirts or oxfords and paint my nails OPI's You Don't Know Jacques.

[top to bottom: forever21, old navy]

Because of the long length, you can also wear these with leggings, colored socks and wedged boots. Add a knit hat, a parka and you're ready for some winter festivities.

[via polyvore]

Can't wait to start including them in my wardrobe rotation!