Hot Date

Today I'm sharing some Valentine's Day date night inspiration! When I think about going on a hot date with my fiancé (which, if I'm being honest, is rare--between long distance and the fact that he's not really a "hot date night" kind of person) I think of a few pieces in my closet, two of them being these heels and this skirt. I decided to see how they might look together; pairing them with the blush stripes definitely brings it more into my day-to-day style, and makes the whole look a bit more casual.  

Are you already thinking about Valentine's Day? Is your man a "hot date night" kind of guy? Btw, I'm totally okay with my guy not being one, because then it makes the few times we do dress up and go somewhere special even more special! :)

Also, I just feel the need to note that my hair is doing this rocker-girl sort of thing, and that was totally unintentional, but I'm digging' it... I think that might mean I'm in need of a trim! 

Outfit Details

J. Crew Striped Tee / LOFT Leather Skirt / Bandolino Heels (similar)

Premier Designs Jewelry: Camille necklace, Iris earrings

--Caroline

Dots & Spots

Old Navy Maxi Dress / Old Navy Jean Jacket / Bandolino Heels / Premier Designs Jewelry

Mixing prints is one of my favorite things to do in my outfits lately. Here I've done it a little more subtly, by pairing a cute polka dot maxi with a leopard print necklace. The key with mixing prints is to pair different sized prints together, which doesn't look as busy. Another tip I have is to stick with the same general shape with the patterns; polka dots and leopard print spots are both round, which allows them to pair together very easily!

I wore this last week to brighten up my week... the day prior I went to pick up my ring from being sized, and it was still too big! Long story with that is that I'm without it for another couple weeks, and I was looking so forward to having it back on my finger. Any engaged readers out there feel my frustrations? 

Also, as I write this post from the front porch where I can enjoy the beautiful day, my friend Marisa says the caption of this post should really be "Hi look how cute I am!" :)

--Caroline

Linking Up With: Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas for the Trend Spin Linkup

Leopard & Leather

Old Navy Sweater (similar) / LOFT Skirt / Apt. 9 Tights / Bandolino Heels

Coach Bag (similar) / Premier Designs Jewelry

I wore this edgy look to chapter the other night, and had my Little snap a couple quick pictures! I love this leather skirt I picked up on super clearance on LOFT.com not too long ago... It's just the updated and trendy basic I had on my wish list from this post about defining your personal style! I can already tell that it is going to become a staple in my wardrobe. Also... While I love my Coach bag (which I got as a gift many year ago) I think I would have loved to be carrying this purse instead! It would have matched my necklace perfectly. I just might have to go see if they have it at my local Stein Mart... :)

Happy Tuesday!

--Caroline

Linking Up With: Walking In Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas for the Trend Spin Linkup!  And with Sincerely Jenna Marie for the Weekly Linkup. 

Red, Gold & Glitz

Piko Bamboo Dress c/o Caralase / Bandolino Lace Up Heels

Premier Designs Necklace / Target Pave Bracelet 

This was what I wore last week to go to the comedy club with my man for date night! Since I didn't get a New Years Party this year (my post-traveling eyes were basically shut as soon as the ball dropped!), I used going out as an excuse to dress like how I would have had a actually done something NYE. I found these sparkle tights when I was home, and I thought I might as well bring them back with me... after all, you never know when sparkle tights will come in handy! :) I love them paired here with this ruby red dress and lace up heels, accented by my gold accessories. A great holiday-inspired look that's a little bit sweet and a little bit B-A. Okay, maybe not B-A but I felt pretty great rockin' this look!

You might recognize this dress... I have it in cobalt blue and wore it here when I was in Europe last summer. I asked for another one for Christmas because it is just such a comfortable dress, lightweight and perfect for traveling. A bonus is that's it's made in the USA and of bamboo! It's also on super sale right now, limited colors and sizes available, so check it out on Caralase ASAP!

Do you keep wearing sparkles after the holiday season?

--Caroline

Linking Up With Jenna for the Sincerely Jenna Marie Weekly Linkup. And Ashley & Jaylnn for the #WIWT Linkup.

On The Dark Side

LOFT Tank / Charlotte Russe Kimono / Charlotte Russe Jeans (similar)

Bandolino Heels c/o DSW / Premier Designs Bracelet

Nine West Bag (similar, similar)

I snapped this photo last week on my way out to celebrate a friends birthday. The original intent was something cute but comfy, since I had been in classes all day and was tired. So I kept on the tank I was already wearing, topped it with my new kimono, and was going to keep the rest of the outfit chill with skinny jeans and flats. Then, I decided to test out a new darker red lipstick I had picked up (I'm still not wearing eye makeup yet from my pink eye fiasco). And then my new heels came on and all of sudden my outfit was not the relaxed look I had been going for! Funny how sometimes fashion can have an affect on your mood... Anyone else experienced that before?

--Caroline

Linking Up With: Walking In Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas for the Trend Spin Linkup! Also with the Three-Fer Thursday Linkup hosted by Perfectly Coutured and White Coat Wardrobe. And with Sincerely Jenna Marie. 

Closet Vitamins

Weird title for a post, I know. But bear with me. 

I've posted recently about being in a bit of a closet rut. I feel as if I've got good pieces in my closet that were once great, but now they are a little sick. Perhaps they still are great; my wallet would prefer that! We've all reached that point though where we need a mini wardrobe renovation, a little detox. Now, I pride myself in frequently cleaning out & editing my closet (see posts here and here), but I think it's time to do some replacing. I have a list of items I'm okay with, but would like to love more. It's time to replace them with some fresh new pieces, a little extra Vitamin C here, a little B over here. (C for cute tops, B for belts? Sure!)

So I've been doing some shopping, and I've added some new items. Some are still on their way (so excited for that DSW box to arrive!), and some are already chilling in my closet, waiting for the perfect entrance. 

1. Yes, I went for them! I've been lusting after lace up heels since this post, then talked about them again earlier this week. So ordering these pretties was a no-brainer.

2. I order the cutest leopard top from toAdorn, similar to this one.

3. While this isn't the exact top, I picked up the softest plum patterned tunic from my local Francesca's recently, and I can't wait to layer it when the temperature gets cooler.

4 & 5. Two belts, same style. They are replacing a belt I have that is not really gold or silver and sometimes looks funky. 

6. I'm trying the mustardy trend with this scarf!

7. These classic J. Crew shorts are replacing some from the factory store which are thinner--the thicker version maintains shape better throughout the day.

8. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone with this plum belt, but thinking it will look great with number 3 & 6!

9. Leopard flats in the style I have two other colors of... How could I say no?

Notice how the majority of these pieces are accessories, like shoes, a scarf, and belts. I say this all the time at my Premier Jewelry shows, but clothes are your backdrop and accessories are your personal statement! They are also the easiest way to update your wardrobe without stretching your budget too much! 

How do you remedy a need for a closet detox?

--Caroline

Dreaming Of Shoes

Heels: Caged / Lace Up / Ankle Strap

Flats: Leopard / Cutout 

It has recently occurred to me that I am getting a little bored with my clothes, and that it might be time to update some pieces, as well as incorporate some new styles. One of the areas I'm thinking is in need of an update about is my shoe collection. As far as heels go, I've got great black pumps & nude pumps, a dated pair of patchwork mauve pumps, and dressy gold-ish heeled sandals. That's it! Nothing special, considering I wear heels fairly frequently for sorority events. Now to my flats--I was getting ready for an interior design event the other day when I realized that I really wanted some brown flats to go with my outfit, yet I had absolutely none in my closet! Especially with fall around the corner, I believe this might need to change. I've done some shopping around, so we will see if my dreams can become a reality!

Do you have any shoes you've been dreaming about?

--Caroline

Tulle Skirts & Lace-Up Heels

Hi y'all! Sorry I went MIA for a couple days... I flew to CO to see my little brother graduate high school (yay! he did it!) and things just got a little crazy on my end. It was really such a treat to be home and spend time with my family, even if it was a short visit. 

Like my trip home, I'm keeping today's post simple & sweet, just sharing with y'all a couple things I've been seeing in the Pinterest world and blogosphere that have captured my attention recently: tulle skirts & lace-up heels! Worn together or separate, these two are awesome statement pieces to have in your closet, yet both are incredibly versatile! 

Photo Credits

Skirts: Left / Middle / Right

Heels: Left / Middle / Right

Happy Wednesday!

--Caroline