Black and White

Maybe it’s all of the snow outside, maybe it’s just the simplicity – black and white has been a weekly staple for me this last month. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some brights. But as I’ve said before, neutrals are always a comforting change and lately I’ve been gravitating towards the bold but easy black and white. Here’s a few of my recent black and white outfit faves – from work to date night!

First up…work looks! I picked this Merona blazer up for a mere $11 at my local Target after seeing it on the masses on Instagram. It’s still available online for $24 but it might be worth a look at your local Target’s clearance rack…$10.98 in store! This is the second Merona blazer I’ve purchased this year and I am loving it! For some reason, I had the worst time pairing this one…it’s actually ivory, not white with black dots/trip. This outfit started as a black cashmere turtleneck and my Banana Republic slim cropped Martins for an exceptionally cold and early morning.  I’ll be honest, I originally wanted to wear a black turtleneck and pants because I had to be to work so early…but I just couldn’t do it. Somehow I worked in this blazer and J.Crew inspired necklace I picked up from Groopdealz. The bracelet is the real deal J.Crew crystal rosette bracelet. And well, another excuse to wear the bow heels, why not?

20140122_064226

I am in love with this necklace. At first I thought it was too big but…then I asked myself why I would ever think such a thing.

20140122_064040(0)Necklace: Ameera Noor via Groopdealz / Blazer: Target / Turtleneck: Ann Taylor

20140122_090621Bracelet: J.Crew

And another work outfit…trying to rock these awesome Banana Republic Sloan pants again…which I paired with a J.Crew Blythe blouse and J.Crew leather pocket sweater.

20140123_081930

Jewels are J.Crew…quickly becoming one of my favorite necklace stacks. These J.Crew Pearls are a staple in my wardrobe!

20140123_081518

And the bracelets…J.Crew crystal triangle bracelet, Kate Spade bangle, J.Crew Factory link bracelet.

20140123_081808

And can’t forget the shoes…my J.Crew Factory steal…these J.Crew Retail Martinas hiding as Factory Sylvia Patent Leather Wedges for $32

20140123_081828

And finally…an outfit for a night out! No full shot because I was taking pictures in the evening…loving these triangle pairs! Blouse is the J.Crew Lace-trim swiss-dot top, a surprise love for me! My only complaint about this top is that it buttons up the back…and the buttons are a little flimsy. I wore this outfit when I was out with some friends last week and a random lady walked up to me to tell me half my blouse was undone. Oops. Might have to look at stitching this shut.

20140117_211507

20140117_211604

So there you have it…no color but some great basics. What do you think? Fine as is, or do I need a pop of color? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

signature

More Layers

Hi there! I checked the extended forecast today and as much as I want to think about spring…we’ve got a little ways to go around here. So, since I’ve decided to do the Closet Remix challenge for February which means no new clothes, shoes or jewelry…I’m getting the most out of my winter outfits!!  With the cold temperatures lingering I am still all about the layers (I don’t think I have much choice!) So here’s a few of my favorites from the last few weeks:

I found this cashmere J.Crew sweater on eBay a few weeks ago and had to have it – I don’t wear a ton of argyle  (not sure I totally love it on my chest but I’m embracing ME). It has a hint of pink and coordinated perfectly with my J.Crew Blythe blouse in shocking pink. Shocking pink is exactly the color of this blouse – it is BRIGHT. Just the way I like it. I paired with my Banana Republic ankle Jackson pants and the Crystal Cluster Necklace from Purple Peridot (J.Crew Factory inspired). Silver shoes were the finishing touch. I’m seriously starting to think that I am going to need a backup pair of these mirror pumps!

20140114_080742 Sweater, Blouse, Shoes: J.Crew / Pants: Banana Republic / Necklace:  Purple Peridot

20140114_080406Another layer! Finished it up with a trusty J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer

20140114_080629And my arm candy courtesy of J.Crew Factory, Kate  Spade and Tiffany’s

This was one of my favorite winter outfits – cozy and cute!

20140115_075742Sweater, Pants, Shoes : Banana Republic / , Blouse: J.Crew / Necklace: Purple Peridot

20140115_075649How great is this necklace? Another Purple Peridot stunner!

20140115_095244And my J.Crew Crystal Triangle Bracelet which was a surprise love.

Oh and here’s when I decided I could wear a sweatshirt to work if worn the right way. J. Crew has taught me that such things are acceptable. And I think under a preppy blazer and a girly blouse underneath…you can totally get away with it.

20140116_081315

Of course if you get up close you see it’s a sweatshirt but come on…look at those cute bows!

20140116_081030

20140116_081358I want to wear this outfit again!! With another month of winter (at least…) I think this might have to go in the rotation one more time.

And finally…another weekend look in which I (probably foolishly) protest a coat. Sadly the weather turned to miserable rain as I was out but lucky I had my Hunter boots to keep my feet dry.

20140201_141348Sweater, Shirt: J.Crew / Vest: Coldwater Creek / Jeans: Gap / Boots: Hunter / Necklaces: J.Crew & Purple Peridot

20140201_141452

So there you go, some of my recent layers! What do you think? Can I pull off a sweatshirt at work? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

signature