Bold Jewelry

Red wrap shirt, Newport News. Long brown skirt, Casual Corner. Buff cami, Mossimo for Target. Necklace, Target. Earrings, World Market. Boots, Nine West.

This outfit turned out to be much less exciting than I envisioned it would be. The only saving grace was the jewelry. I don’t normally wear both earrings and a necklace, let alone such large pieces together. However, I think this particular combination worked without being overly matchy-matchy. (I hate it when people wear earring/necklace/bracelet sets all at once. So boring.)

Red Velvet Mandarin

Red velvet mandarin-style jacket, Cami (Newport News). Black, lace-top blouse, Victoria’s Secret. Black, pin-striped pants, Forever 21. 3-strand pearl necklace, JC Penney. Earrings, Nine West (or is it Liz Claiborne?)

I have a thing for velvet jackets. I have three – in red, blue, and brown. I’d like a black one too…

Note to self: wear lipstick when I take these photos!

Victorian

Peacock blue velvet jacket, New York & Company. Lace shirt with ruffle, Newport News. Chocolate brown pants, Victoria’s Secret. Chandelier earrings, Claire’s.

I got this jacket for a pretty incredible price, $10, on clearance. I love the color, the fabric, the puffed sleeves, and the REAL pockets.

Booty Skirt

Red, button-down bodysuit, Victoria's Secret. Black and white tweed skirt, Victoria's Secret.

By now, you may have noticed that my secret is Victoria's Secret - not the underwear, but the clothing line. Among my many VSD purchases, I have three of these button-down bodysuits - in pink, white, and red. I like them because they stay tucked in, no matter how low-rise the pants or how high I lift my arms.

This skirt looks best as I'm walking away. The back has cute details - a buckle and two rows of covered buttons. The kick pleats flare as I walk, creating a nice hourglass shape. The only think I don't like about the skirt is that the thick fabric creates quite a bit of bulk. I don't mind it in the back (after all, this skirt is all about "back"), but I like a more trim look in front.

Empire Waist Dress

Black and beige patterned, empire waist dress, some department store brand. Black silk knit shrug, INC. Brown boots, Nine West. Brown and gold choker, Target.

This photo really doesn't do the outfit justice. The dress is really cute and comfortable. In life, the empire waist is more flattering than it appears in the picture. I'll wear it with a cropped, velveteen jacket later in the season.

Ladylike in Black, White, and Red

Red silk sweater, Victoria’s Secret. Black lace camisole, Cuddle Duds. Black skirt with lace stripes and bows, New York and Company. Multi-strand pearl necklace, JC Penney.

I often wear black, white, and red. For me, it’s predictable, but easy.

I receive many compliments on this skirt. The stripes seem a little clownish to me, but other people really like the lace and bows. It is very comfortable because it’s a size too large and sits loosely on my hips.

The sweater is a twin of my green one. I wear them all the time. They are very versatile and have far outlived what I expected for $20 sweaters bought over a year ago.

End of Summer Pale

White, button-down, 3/4 sleeve shirt, Gap. Tan, embellished waist skirt, Okinawa, Japan. Tan pumps, Target. Shell earrings, Target.

Today was the last time we'll see 79 degrees until next spring. I thought it fitting that I wear one of my most summery outfits. The colors and fabrics always make me feel cool, even on the most hot and humid days.

I bought this skirt from a sale rack at a department store in Okinawa, Japan. Generally, I was far too large for the clothing sold there, but I must have happened upon the fat lady department that day. I love the high waistband and the mid-calf length (which I find flattering on myself). Interestingly, this skirt fastens with a zipper, button, snap, and tie - all located at the top of the left hip. The button fell off and I don't even miss it.

Indian Summer

Turquoise tunic, Ann Taylor. White, lace-top cami, Express. Brown, veleveteen skirt, Delias.

Sunday was a warm fall day. The season is far enough along that long sleeves, scarves, and velvet seem appropirate, but the day was warm enough that a short skirt with no tights was okay.

I love wearing scarves. I usually tie them so that the ends fall over my back. I think it makes for an interesting rear view.

Black and Winter White

Black sweater dress with flower embroidery, Melton. Black shrug, INC. Pearl necklace, Newport News.

I found this sweater dress for 500 yen in Japan. It is a wrap dress and fastens with two ties on the left side (right side in photo). The top is lowcut and sleeveless, so I always have to wear something over it. I love this dress for fall and winter because it is warm and comfortable.

No head today because I couldn't get a picture without some absolutely stupid look on my face.

Limey

Lime green silk sweater, Victoria's Secret. White, sheer lace shirt with tuxedo ruffle, Newport News. Lime green tweed skirt, Talbot's. Tan pumps, Target.

They say that most people don't look good in green, but I wear it anyway.