golden globes outfit inspiration: cap sleeves 3 ways

The Golden Globes fashion was off the chain this year. Out of all the gorgeous silhouettes, colors and styles, what I was most inspired by the cap sleeve trend. Unlike the previous years, 2014 feels like the year of the bicep and I couldn't be more excited. Be sure to keep up on those arm dips, ladies!

 

julianna margulies

blouse / midi skirt / solange knowles / leather tote / watch / bracelets / booties

julie bowen

blouse / rihanna / bag / pencil skirt / heels

elisabeth moss

dress / clutch / biana balti / necklace / heels

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.

Jen & Chad's place: blind fever.

With Jen's sketches (see post here) taking longer than expected, I thought I'd take this time to throw up some additional inspirational photos that I'm using for the sketches. One of the larger challenges with the space is trying to find the perfect sliding glass door treatment. The space currently has some tracked panels but they don't work very well, are a little clunky and could use a little character. Below are some options that I'm hoping will provide us with an answer. Hopefully, I'll have completed the sketching tomorrow to share with everyone!

natural woven grass for some texture

(window treatment showcase)

larger, patterned panels

(instyle interiors)

tall, patterned drapes (not very Penny the Cat friendly)

(the assistant)

And that's all I've found so far. Smells like a DIY project to me!