{ Rodarte X Opening Ceremony Draped Plaid Skirt; BarIII Blouse; Juicy Couture Trench; JCrew Crossbody Bag; Vero Cuoio Booties; Ted Baker Slip; H&M Tights }

I’ve always had a slight obsession with plaid, especially when it comes to plaid shirts.  Though I have never been keen on plaid skirts (thanks to my dear Britney  circa 1999), I’ve fallen for this Rodarte X Opening Ceremony number.  Not only does the plaid print come in a subtle shade, but the draped material helps play up my pencil straight boyish figure – falling perfectly to the sides and helping accentuate those so-called hips.

My work attire has been pretty relaxed lately since I’ve been spending a lot more time in the office so I thought I’d give you a sneak at some of the recent work wear I’ve been sporting.  I’ve been playing around with structured silhouettes and this versatile blouse is everything I’ve been looking for and more – with a nice weight in the material to layer under jackets just in time for fall/winter, and just the right amount of detailing that allows it to be dressed up or down.  Paired with these herringbone printed cropped pants (that I scored at this sale), this outfit makes my day at the office feel less constricted. I added my favorite structured bag and a pop of color with coral lips and my 9-hour Louboutins to give myself some added polish.

{Zara Blouse; Asos Pants; Christian Louboutin Heels; Emporio Armani Bag;  Necklace from NastyGal Revlon Coral Lipstick (also seen here)}

Sometimes it’s good to be reminded what relaxing weekends are all about.  For me it’s about lots of alone time with the man, movie nights, lattes, walks in the neighborhood park, and of course…outfits like this.  Out for a quick run for some fresh air after lounging around all day – throw on a blazer and toss the head around a few times for a quick refresh.  A slouchy blazer with leather detailing and contrast buttons are just some of the reasons why I’m loving Rachel Roy right now.

The weather in New York has been a bit off its rocker lately – with this awkward in between stages, I decided to put on this trench that I had yet to wear. I had made a visit to Forever 21 months ago during one of my lunch breaks and purchased it impulsively when it was still 90 degrees and humid. Good thing it didn’t break the bank, but has proven to come in handy. I threw it over a crisp collared shirt and scalloped shorts, and even though I’m always hesitant when it comes to pairing heels and shorts (due to a complex I have about my legs), I stepped out of my comfort zone by adding these wedges I purchased at a sale last year.

I grew up in a fairly large family so I’m quite accustomed to sharing clothes and receiving hand-me-downs. Whether it was ripping and tying up my older brother’s t-shirts or wearing my sister’s dresses over pants, those hand-me downs were my one escape from the signature mushroom haircut (sigh). Well, we are far beyond those days but things haven’t changed much – I’m no longer sporting the mushroom but definitely still borrowing and thrifting away. So when one of my best friends decided to make a move to NYC, I naturally jumped at an opportunity to “borrow” some of her clothes.

My obsession for billowy shirts was resurrected in this floral top I borrowed from her. I layered it with a light jean button-up and a vintage army fatigue in order to give this Spring top a touch of fall. And since unpredictable New York weather is always right around the corner, these boots kept me warm enough while a little leg gave me some room to breathe.

{Army Jacket – Vintage (similar here); Dress- LF; Denim button-up – Millau; Shorts – Madewell (Found here); Boots – NineWest (here); Purse – Vintage Celine}

I love unexpected details in clothing and Rachel Roy seems to get it right with this striped button-up. The double button detailing combined with the horizontal and vertical stripes really upgrades the usual striped look and can easily be dressed up or down. It’s ideal for layering with jumpers and leather vests. In addition, I combined some of my other favorite elements including velvet (wedges), diamonds, and silk!

This combination is everything I’m about this fall: soft knits, silk, and deep jewel tones. Since this weekend brought about the long anticipated fall weather, I only found it appropriate to wear this while strolling about downtown while running errands, grabbing coffee, and just enjoying the day. This shade of deep purple and with red undertones is the exact color I’ve been looking to add to my wardrobe and pairing it with my latest obsession of miniature plaid trousers, made me weekend complete.

BarIII sweater (here), Thrifted necklace and rings, Purse – Chanel, Pants – Zara (here), Shoes – YSL

Well weather aside, I put together this ensemble that reminds me much of the prep that I used to be/ still am.  Feminine prep with a bit of sport chic, I paired this star-lined blazer with a sleeveless collared shirt to mix and match the boyish blue tones and gave it all a bit of girlish personality by adding a shimmer linen skirt I found at a JCrew sale. Love it? Hate it? Doesn’t matter. I understand that the umbrella and the bush are totally overpowering in these shots.

{Jacket – Zara; Shirt – Asos; Skirt – JCrew; Purse – MiuMiu; Belt – Just Cavali; Sunglasses – Cutler and Gross; Shoes – NineWest; Bracelets – JCrew, Madewell, Vintage}

 Casual Fridays don’t really exist in my realm of work since I’m normally booked with meetings, but I thought I’d throw a fun outfit together to help kickoff this rainy weekend and show how I would dress if I did get a casual Friday in the office.  These silk micro-plaid pants walk the fine line between professional and casual while this comfy jumper is perfect to layer with a collared shirt – but since its Friday, I ditched the collars and added a simple loose layered necklace for a less constricting look.  And since I’m always keeping it conservative with weekday nails, I thought it’d be best to add subtle hint of gold tones to my deep plum shaded manicure –I think  it might just work with my professional attire too!

{Jumper- JCrew; Pants- Zara; Necklace- Madewell; Rings- Cheap Monday; Shoes- YSL}

Harem Pants – Roberto Cavalli (similar here); Slip – Free People; Shirt – Freeloader; Collar Necklace – Vintage; Sandals – Michael Kors; Purse – Rebecca Minkoff; Bracelets – House of Harlow and Vintage ;Rings – Vintage; Sunglasses – Ray Ban

I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate pieces into my wardrobe that are both comfortable and chic, and this weekend I’ve been living in these harem pants.  From dressing them up with a bright sequined top and a pair of stilettos for a girl’s night to running errands/ grabbing lunch throughout the weekend, these slinky pants are an altogether versatile piece that fare well with just about anything.

Despite what many may think about baggy + saggy harem pants, these are an altogether CHIC piece in any wardrobe.  Paired with a long knitted sweater-shirt to create a relaxed fall look, this combo may just last me all the way through my winter hibernation period.  I lounged around the couch all day and when it came time to leave my cave, I put my ratnest into a fishtail braid and added a tough studded bag and embellished necklace to give myself a touch glam.

So looking chic doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort – it means creating a look that works for your body type and wearing makes you feel good. What’s your comfy chic look?

]]> http://thespicystiletto.com/2011/09/13/knit-wit/ Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:22:29 +0000 Serena http://thespicystiletto.com/2011/09/13/knit-wit/ {Mags&Pye Dress, Millau Sweater; Bracelets – House of Harlow and Vintage; Necklace – Marc by Marc Jacobs}

Even though it’s still a bit too hot for knitted sweaters, I find myself gravitating towards them and pairing them with just about everything.  I’ve layered my darker knits with bright summer dresses like this Ikat cut-out I got on my trip to Miami.  The pop of color really helps display intricate detailing and give the otherwise gothic piece a feminine touch.

{Alexander Wang, $279; Cheap Monday, $70; Funktional, $110}

{Madewell T-Shirt; UO Shorts, Vintage and Madewell Bracelets; Jeffrey Campbell Sandals}

Being “stuck” in Miami isn’t so bad after all. With an eclectic combination of flavors, fashions, and fiestas, this is a city that has provided me with a variety of things I love (and of course, helped me avoid the hurricane). During my extended stay in Miami, I was able to track down a Madewell store and found a sale rack filled with an abundance of brilliant finds. I dug up this boat-neck striped tee and as per usual wore it immediately. Paired with some of my favorite bright hot shorts, ankle-high JC sandals, and fun arm candy, this outfit was comfy-Miami-chic.

]]> http://thespicystiletto.com/2011/08/22/lip-therapy/ Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:30:30 +0000 Serena http://thespicystiletto.com/2011/08/22/lip-therapy/ {Revlon Coral Lipstick; Ray Ban Sunglasses, Top Zara}

I don’t usually wear lip color and if I do I normally stick with my favorite shades of nude.  But I was feeling a little adventurous today and needed to brighten up my day after finding out that I would be battling Irene while in South Beach later this week, I am now sporting my latest impulse purchase and new favorite color – Revlon, Coral $8.

Lush Top and Pleated Skirt; Michael Kors Sandals; Vintage Bracelets

The perfect date nights require a combination of class and flare. Whether it’s date number 2 or 50, it’s important to stick with what works for you and your body. I love keeping my outfits simple while adding subtle details like pleats or sequins.

This sheer pleated skirt reveals just enough and not to add, it’s an extremely versatile transition piece for the fall. Try pairing it with a leather jacket, some heels, and even a simple tee (my favorite here). As for the sequined top – it’s officially my new favorite shirt in my closet and a much-needed addition.

Zara Blazer, Walter Top, Urban Shorts, Bracelets - Flea market find, Marc by Marc Jacobs Clutch, Joan & David Flats

The last weeks of summer call for some vivid colors and what better way to combine the bold and beautiful than color blocking. I had initially purchased this top to pair with some of my more monochromatic pieces especially since the shoulder detailing is quite complex, but when I got these fun little hot shorts, I decided to take the outfit to another level by combining the two and then injecting it with a final touch of color and subtle print.

So as I ventured out to hunt for the perfect polka dots to match the ones on my face, I stumbled upon this blouse at Zara.  I absolutely fell for the material – silk, of course.  This deep red blouse and the off-white contrasting polka dots is a perfect addition to my wardrobe.  I matched them with a pair of mint scalloped shorts and some simple accessories to really make the outfit pop.

Sweater dress – Paul & Joe (Get it here); Sunnies – The Row; Scarf – Get one here; Shorts – TopShop; Platform Sandals – Alice + Olivia

Though I didn’t personally experience a love reunion like theirs, I seem to have been reunited with my very own prints charming.  In the mood to wear all things print this weekend – from peacocks to leopard, I pulled out all my favorite wardrobe prints and recycled them into easy breezy outfits.

Madewell Printed Scarf, American Apparel Tube Dress, Reiss Maxi, LF Belt

Elizabeth and James Peacock Frock; Urban Outfitters Crochet Top

LF Lace Tank, Forever21 Flower Skirt, Vintage Bracelets, Rebecca Minkoff Purse, Zara Wedges

Habana Outpost Interior - Fort Greene, BK

I have a tendency to stay local and rarely venture out of Manhattan, but after my day trip to Fort Greene on Saturday, I have a newfound love for Brooklyn.  The afternoon started off with a visit to the BKFlea – and even though I didn’t find much, I enjoyed the company of all the treasure hunters and hipsters.  After a few hours of having the sun relentlessly beat down on us, my friends and I decided it was time to get underway with a round of frozen drinks from Moe’s. Splashed with indigo hues and vintage record wallpaper, the scene was exactly what we needed to start off our afternoon.

We then made our way to the lively Habana Outpost.  With lines out the door and every seat in the joint taken up by an eclectic mix of people, we were ready to infuse our afternoons with even more fun.  I guess venturing out of Manhattan was absolutely worth it  – especially when the afternoon comprises little gems like this… and let’s not forget the Elote and Sol beers as well!

{Mo's Bar and Lounge - Margaritas}

{Mini Lace Vest and Ruffled Cropped Tank by Milau, Jean Shorts, American Apparel}

This Alice + Olivia accordion pleated skirt is a perfect way to make your day even brighter.  The skirt’s chiffon material is lightweight while the asymmetrical hemline and effervescent colors give it a lot of personality.  I normally don’t love wearing maxi skirts because I have an absolute phobia of anything brushing against the New York streets, but I will make an exception for this one.  And it’s not news that pleated skirts are a must have in any wardrobe.  I’m looking forward to taking this and pairing it with a simple tee or tank and a belt.

{Another favorite: accordion pleated skirt.}

Am I obsessed? Slightly. Try out these fun pieces I found, these pieces will definitely make a statement.

Give your signature pieces a jump start.  We all own the standard pants and skirts, but to mix things up a bit, try adding a variety of cuts and colors OR small accented pleats to your wardrobe.  I love pairing my “brighter” straight leg trousers with a loose fitted silk top.

Walk the walk.  Heels or flats, show that you’re making an effort by dressing up your feet.  Save the strappy sky-highs for the weekend and put on some sophisticated pumps.  And as for flats, don’t go for the plain jane ballet flats – try to find something with a bit more pizzaz!

Accessories are key.  Bracelets, rings, necklaces, bags, and more!  Don’t go overboard, pair 1-2 pieces of jewelry like a cocktail ring or a simple necklace, with a sleek bag that can you can fit your day in.

{Mom’s Vintage Chanel Flats} I love pairing these flats with some black skinny jeans and an airy feminine top. It helps complete my outfit and gives it a bit more complexity.

So far this summer has proven to have its fair share of hot and humid days.  Though I’m looking forward to the cooler Fall months, I love the endless summer outfits that roam the streets of New York especially the cropped tanks and tees.  This silk cropped tank by Lea Reena Goren found on Etsy is a favorite of mine.  I love the loose fit and silky material, and mostly love the printed faces throughout. Cropped tanks are perfect to pair with just about anything including these tube skirts.  So as the lazy summer days dwindle by, I’m looking to pack up my schedule to pull off this look.

So needless to say I was pretty surprised to see flannel literally everwhere in London, on both guys and girls.  At first I was not into it as a look for myself, but right now, at this minute, I am wearing flannel.  And I like it.  I have fallen in love with the whole grungy (and lumberjack-y!) look of the moment right now.  In fact, I own two different flannel shirts.  When I go home to Wisconsin I’m going to raid my dad’s closet because he’s been wearing flannel for years!

Here’s some of my fave grungy, roughed up stuff to wear-perfect for rolling out of bed and throwing on with some jeans and boots: