“It is that time of year were we are preparing to attend various social gatherings and if you are like me, you are wondering “What should I WEAR???” Well, wonder no longer! I have put together 3 different looks that appeal to many different style preferences and budgets.”

Check out the rest of the post here ….

http://bliss-athome.com/2012/11/15/celebrate-the-holidays-in-style/

I also feature the necklace I was able to get with the city cash I redeemed this week. Since it was on sale for half off and I had my plethora of city cash to redeem, I was able to pick it up for a mere $4.75. I do have a system when it comes to using coupons and promotional offers. First, when they are issued, I put a reminder in my phone for the day that redemption starts.  That way I never let my coupons expire. Then,  in the few days prior to the beginning of redemption I plot my plan of action. I compile my list based on the items I need to complete my inspiration board and then I  begin calculating how to get the most for my money. The goal is to price each item and then determine which combination of items allows me to purchase everything on my list. In the event I am unable to afford everything on my list, I must determine which items are must have and which items can actually wait for the next coupon. If  I can complete an outfit using a piece I already own then that particular item falls into the it can wait category. Once I have my list finalized, I am ready to go. By this time I am familiar with the coupon policy of each store. If though you have not read the fine print on the back of your coupon then make sure you take a few minutes to school yourself on the policy of each store. Some people allow you to use their coupons on clearance merchandise and some do not. The more items you can find on the clearance rack, the farther your wardrobe dollars go.  However you choose to prioritize your shopping list is truly up to you. The most important thing to remember is to stop letting those store rewards go to waste. You earned them and you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Fall is all about the art of layering as we explored in Peeling Back the Layers of Style, ( http://myfashionforwardblog.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/peeling-back-the-layers-of-style/). In order to be able to layer effectively, your wardrobe must contain the proper pieces. One of those essential pieces is a lightweight sweater. A sweater can be used to provide style as well as added warmth, so it is important to choose wisely. If you are looking for the best value for your dollar, then choose your sweater in neutral colors. Colors like cream, black, and grey will provide the most versatility in your wardrobe as they can be styled with any other color with ease. If you are not as interested in price and value then look for bright, vibrant colors that will liven up your style. It is important when it comes to sweaters to choose multiple lengths. Longer lengths are great to pair with a skinny jean and either a flat shoe or a knee-boot. The most important thing to remember about sweaters with longer lengths is to tie them appropriately. In the outfit featured above, the sweater is tied at the waist in order to highlight the smallest part of the body. When you tie your sweater, make sure that you have the fabric flush against your body to avoid a bulky appearance. Next, choose several options for shorter sweaters that can be worn with your dress pants and khaki trousers. When you are styling these sweaters you can choose both long and short tanks to wear underneath. If you choose a tank that does not fall below the hem of your sweater, then make sure you tuck it in order to avoid a bulge at the waistline where the tank top bunches.

Option 1:  Apparently my hem is falling out and I didn’t notice it until I saw this picture!

Option 2: I buttoned up the cardigan leaving only the bow peaking out and switched out the skirt for a sleeker pencil skirt.

{Blouse: Goodwill(originally Loft), A-Line Skirt: Banana Outlet, Pencil Skirt: JC Penney, Cardigan: Old Navy, Shoes: Urbanog.com}

I swear it seems the earlier I get up, the later to work I am….It’s because the more time I have in the mornings, the more I think I can get accomplished and then suddenly it’s time to leave for work and I still need to make coffee and pack my gym bag. Does anyone else have this problem?

-Tamara

!

The blazer is one of my favorite fall pieces. The burgandy color plays into the current jewel tone trends that are seen everywhere. It can easily be dressed up or dressed down depending on the situation. I have also worn the blazer to a Christmas concert at my daughter’s school. In that instance I paired the blazer with a denim crop pant and a brown knee boot. If you want to dress it up, pair it with a black trouser and classic heel and wear to dinner with friends or to an after 5 cocktail hour. When you are creating your wardrobe and incorporating unexpected elements, remember that you never know how something will look until you try it on. The way that a garment looks on a hanger is not necessarily what it will look like on you. Go into your shopping experience with an open mind and don’t rule anything out. In this case my reward was a spring and a winter outfit that I could not wait to share with everyone. If you were to open your mind to the experience what could you find? You never know until you try…

You Might Also Like

The Journey to Spring Part 8: The Tools

Designer Marc Jacobs NYC Apartment Flooded

Scarves!

Hanes Convertible Tights Giveaway | The Luxury Spot.

I went in with the intent of using my $30 off of $70 purchase. I had my eye on this lightweight sweater. It is the perfect weave for the temperature here in Texas. Much to my delight I found that the entire store was on sale for 40% off. I was able to snag the sweater, the orange top, and a purple tank and spent less than $60. The other bonus I got was that on this day cardholders received double city cash so I also got four coupons to use later. For me this Thrifty Thursday was a slam dunk & I now have a valid excuse for another shopping trip. (At least that is what I can tell my husband.) Tip of the day: Watch the sales cycle of retailers issuing bounceback coupons. The longer the issue cycle goes the deeper the discounts you will find and the more bang you will get for your buck. Tune in next Thursday for the conclusion of my city cash adventure and to see what other great treasures are buried at New York and Company.

1. Oxblood

This is the absolute “it” color of the season, consider it like a burgundy, but richer in dark brown. You will see this color popping up everywhere and a great pair of oxblood slacks will look great with your mint green tank left over from the summer and a cute jacket.

2. Leather

if you still don’t own a great leather jacket now is the time, but stick to a cute motor jacket or cropped leather jacket(especially if your shorter, the crop will give you length). But don’t just limit yourself to a jacket, a great leather skirt or dress is all the rage right now. I would invest in real leather, as fake leather will just look cheap and wont last. Leather is truly something that will never go out of style. If you’re looking for something more affordable check out bebe.com

3. Velvet

Velvet is back but make sure its not overdone, a pair of velvet slacks, sleek velvet jacket, or even a velvet dress. I love velvet in deep rick hues like of course oxblood, burgundy, forest green, dark purple, and navy blue.

4. Metallics

Spice up your outfit with metallics, even sweaters are getting a metallic sheen. The key is not to over do it, a simple metallic cardigan or sweater is just enough to really make your outfit pop.

5. Booties

Last year was the riding boot, but this year it’s all about the booties and the trendiest this year are beige suede ankle booties, and velvet wedged booties. If you’re on a budget check out forever 21′s new shoe collection, they have both!

Alright ladies you know what time it is, get shopping! Winter is in full swing and who says you can’t look great while you’re freezing your tootsies off =)

clockwise from top right
one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten

Leather isn’t just reserved for your favorite biker or bomber jacket anymore.

Expect to see many wearing something and anything made of leather, from full skirts to entire dresses. Not the usual tough, rock chick aesthetic though. Think soft and beautifully draped, even leather laser cut to look like lace like those found at Valentino.

HOW TO WEAR IT

You want to mix and match fabrics when you wear leather. Think tight leather pants with a cozy over-sized sweater or breezy loose chiffon top.  Opposites attract in this part of the closet when you are working with leather.

Check out some of the pictures below to inspire your inner leather goddess.

For my first attempt, I decided to use my sequin skirt.  I just love it so much and I look for any opportunity to get more uses out of it.

The skirt is from WHBM and I got it for $10 on final clearance this past spring.

Obviously, I wouldn’t recommend seeking out and purchasing a sequin skirt if you are trying to build a work-appropriate wardrobe.  A black pencil skirt would work perfectly for each of these outfits and would be appropriate for even the most conservative of offices.  I just wanted to have some fun!!

So, without further ado, here is my sparkle skirt worn 4 different ways, one for each season:

Spring:

I kept it light and fresh with spring-like colors, nude shoes and some layering for chilly mornings.

{Blouse: Banana Republic Outlet, Cardigan: Limited, Necklace: Target, Shoes: Rack Room}

Summer:

Around here, it’s hotter than hot during the summer, but every building is over-air conditioned so you need something that will breath but will be significant enough for the cold air conditioner.  I decided to keep it simple with a soft grey cotton short sleeve sweater(with a tiny bow on the neck!!) and minimal accessories.

{Sweater: Banana Republic, Bracelet: WHBM(gift), Shoes: Kate Spade}

Fall

Fall in Georgia is a tricky business.  One day it will be in the high 80s and the next, it will be in the 40s.  I’m kind of trying to cover both eventualities here:  short sleeve turtleneck if it’s hot, but tights/boots for warmth if it’s cold.  Obviously, if you live somewhere that is much cooler, you could wear a long sleeve turtleneck(but this is the only one I own).

{Sweater: Banana Republic Outlet, Necklace/ring: Target, Boots: DSW, Headband: Payless}

Winter:

I probably would never wear all these pieces together…not because I don’t like how it looks(because I actually LOVE it), but because it is way to warm for any of the weather we ever get around here.  Long-sleeve blouse+wool sweater+wool blazer=FURNACE! I was sweating just taking these pictures.  I might wear it without the blazer though!  If I were actually wearing this in the winter and not just for this post, I would’ve traded out the sheer black hose for some thicker ribbed sweater tights.  But I was running short on time!!

{Blouse: Goodwill(Originally Banana), Cardigan: Banana Republic, Blazer: Ann Klein: From a Suit, Necklace: NY&Co, Shoes: Urbanog.com}

So which option did I end up wearing today? It’s actually a combination of sorts.  I’m wearing the summer version, but with tights and closed toe black ballet flats.

Do you have a “spring/summer” wardrobe and a “fall/winter” wardrobe?  I hear of people packing away their summer clothes and getting out winter clothes but I haven’t had to do this in my adult life(since I’ve only lived in Florida and GA with a brief stint in North Carolina).  I do keep my tights and a selection of cold weather running items in a basket at the top of my closet, but other than that I have full access to my wardrobe at all times.

-Tamara

Shirt-Zara, Shorts-Urban Outfitters, Bag-Halogen, Sunnies/Bracelets/Rings/Necklace-Forever 21

Don’t forget tomorrow is voting day!

xoxo,

AVC