Ruffles & Stripes

Good afternoon all!  So it's back to the old grind after a 4 day weekend and I'm coming down with a case of the creeping crud - ugh.  The good news is that I only have to tough it out and be brave 3 days this week - I think I can, I think I can...

I've been experimenting with mixing elements in my outfits lately.  I needed a cami for under this top (to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions) and typically would have reached for a solid color since it already has ruffles at the neckline.  I'm always aware of not having too many embellishments going on at once but I reached for the zebra - and it worked!

I didn't want to wear a necklace since there was already so much going on there so I piled on the chunky bracelets instead!

The gold one with the pave "diamonds" is from a boutique over in Philadelphia, the gold chain link one is from Charming Charlies, the white one is a vintage EBay purchase from Leru, and the gold oval link is Liz Claiborne - all different but they do look lovely together!

Here's a close up of the detail. 

I could wear all black every day and did for a few years back in my 20s.  I'm just drawn to it and it really is slenderizing but I make the conscience effort to branch out with other colors but I do still love me in black!  Is there a fav go-to color you've always been drawn to or do you dabble in all the colors of the rainbow?

Arm Party!!

This is my first attempt to participate in a Bloggers Do It Better Challenge over at Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  I actually got the idea yesterday from Patti at Not Dead Yet Style.  I loved how she mixed her bracelets/bangles so I wore my own creation to work today and took a picture and was going to do a post about it when I stumbled upon the Arm Party!

I tried to mix a little bit of everything!  The gold bangle on top belonged to my grandmother, the wood & bead bracelet was from my recent trip to Charming Charlie's, the brass bangle I bought for $2 at an antique store that was going out of business and the brass/silver chain bangle is Liz Claiborne.

Typically I would not have combined... well, any of these with each other but I really love how they look together and who doesn't love a party?!?!?!! 

Can't wait to link up with everyone tomorrow and see all their creations!

Sneak Peek - Tropical Punch

I work in a fairly conservative environment but I still like to dress stylish without everyone making a big fuss.  I can't even tell you the chaos I caused when I wore my clip-on ponytail one Summer a couple years ago...mayhem, I tell you!  Even a new hairstyle can send my fellow co-workers (who have had their same hairstyles since the 1970s) into a tailspin!

I lay my outfit out every night for the following morning because if I don't, I wind up ripping my closet apart in the morning trying to find something to wear, then I wind up obsessing over it and the next thing I know - I'm late for work.  So each week I'm going to take some pics and give you a "Sneak Peak of the Week" of one of my outfits. 

I hope you like it!

I love this coral tank top I just bought - the frills around the neckline make it so feminine!  I'm usually between sizes so I tend to order the larger size then pull out my sewing machine and make any modifications I need to make the items fit me better - like I did with this tank...  The coral and turquoise colors remind me of the tropics!

I wear a lot of cami/cardi combos because I'm always looking for ways to expand my wardrobe on a budget and this way I can mix and match.  I've had this white sweater for years!!!!

I have to lay out my jewelry selection too - I actually enjoy my nightly ritual of picking out my outfits.

I didn't really get a pic of my chocolate brown slacks but you can see them here a little bit.  I love these sandals, they go with EVERYTHING!

So that's my head to toe Sneak Peak of the Week! 

Do you pre-plan what you're going to wear the next day or do you just "wing it"????

Jewelry:  Necklace/White Bracelet - Fashion Bug, Gold Bracelet: Liz Claiborne

Ruffle Top:  K-Mart

Sweater:  Fashion Bug

Sandals:  Impo