Keepin' it Warm and Cozy

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you’ve all managed to stay toasty this holiday season. This month has been unusually warm for Florida but luckily I got a chance to throw on this “winter” outfit on a recent “cold” day.

I am obsessed with this oversized cotton sweater. I’ve worn it in a million ways! I simply can’t resist the luxurious feeling of the soft cotton gently wrapping my body. A silky pashmina shawl draped around my neck, adds a rich color to the outfit. And comfy black boots keep me warm in the cool evening air. How am I to deny an outfit that makes me feel pampered and fashionable all at once? I can’t. So, I will continue to wear this sweater in any Florida weather.

 What’s the winter piece you can’t live without?

Fashion Tip:  Worried about looking too big or slouchy in your oversized sweater? Well, stop worrying. Rock your oversized sweater with a long statement necklace. It’ll elongate your figure!

What I'm Rockin':
Oversized sweater - The Limited
Shawl - Gift from my mom 
Boots - Charlotte Russe
Jeans - American Eagle
Black undershirt - Wet Seal
Statement necklace - Hand-made by BeautyTease
Bracelets - Forever 21
Clutch - Bijoux Terner

My Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is just around the corner! Mistletoe hung, twinkling holiday lights, and of course… opening gifts! I noticed this year my taste is a little more expensive than usual for Christmas gifts. Can Santa get layaway? He might need it for my wish list. But what fun is a wish list if you can’t get a little crazy?? It’s Christmas after all! 

If you are still doing some last minute shopping but aren’t interested in getting in serious debt, check out Culture Climax’s Holiday Gift Guide (I was the guest post!). 

My Christmas Wishlist by styleofiris featuring a maxi skirt

1. Side Split Sheer Maxi Skirt - Can you believe I don’t own a Maxi skirt?! I think that’s a sin for a fashion blogger. I love the sheer look. It’s sexy and looks great on petite women.

2. Red Cruiser Bike - I can already imagine the romantic bike ride on the beach. Can’t you just see a vintage dress with some bright red lipstick? Too cute!

3. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation - This is pricier than my usual foundation but I heard it’s worth the money and I’ve been dying to try it.

4. Christian Louboutin Black Patent Leather Pumps - What girl doesn’t want a pair of Christian Louboutin heels? I want my first pair to be classic black.

5. Tacori Diamond Stud Earrings - A perfect match with my engagement and wedding rings!

6. Clarisonic – It cleans 6 times better than your hands alone! Enough said.

 What’s on your wish list?

Thrifty Thursday: Workin’ Hard for that Money

Finally, it’s the day you’ve all been anxiously waiting: Thrifty Thursday! (I can hear your gasps of excitement!)

Now, I firmly believe that the right outfit can change your attitude and this outfit did it for me. A fierce ­and frugal find, I scored this animal print A-line skirt for only $3. To give it a polished and sophisticated look, I paired it with a black blazer and classic black heels. Boardroom, here I come! Hand me those contracts, send me some financials, I need those reports ASAP! …. Too much? Well, that’s the difference confidence (and a killer outfit) can make.

Fashion Tip: Usually I'm hesitant to wear A-line skirts with my petite frame but why let that hold me back? To add definition and correct the proportions, simply pair the skirt with a tailored or cropped top that shows off your waistline and cinch with a belt. Finish off with sky-high heels for height.

What I'm Rockin':
Skirt - Merona via Goodwill
Blazer - Forever 21
Blouse - Heavenly Couture
Heels - Target
Bracelet - Charlotte Russe
Ring - BeautyTease

Tribal Princess

Obviously, the centerpiece of this outfit is the earrings/necklace combo jewelry, unique, strange, and beautiful, it’s a perfect combination for a statement piece! I found this bold combo at the Gateway shops in Salt Lake City, UT a few months ago and immediately adopted it. The silky texture, the glint of the gold - when I set my eyes on it I knew I had to have it. In fact, as soon as the feathers brushed against my skin, I was transported to a mossy place, assuming my rightful spot on a wooden throne, biting down on succulent grapes, wallowing in the breeze rising off the fanning palm fronds. My skin tingled from the heat of the bonfire and my thoughts were muted by the loud chants and piercing howls of the natives. These earrings - exotic, mysterious, and powerful - took me on a journey through time and back.

Back in the present day, I paired these bold feathers with a subdued but textured linen shirt, a leaf-carved cuff that recalls the outdoors, and dark denim wide leg jeans that add sleek lines and a clean finish. Here’s an outfit any modern day Pocahontas would be proud to rock, with or without John Smith at her side.

Fashion Tip: Don't be too shy to step out of your comfort zone (and into the forest) and try jewelry atypical of what you normally wear. Pick one piece and then let it tell the story by keeping the color and cut of the rest of your outfit simple.

What's the most unique jewelry you own?

What I'm Rockin':

Earrings - Gateway shops, Salt Lake City, UT

Blouse - Heavenly Couture (http://www.getheavenly.com/), San Clemente, CA

Cuff - Charlotte Russe 

Jeans - Marshalls ($12!)

Booties - Charles by Charles David via Marshalls

Purse - Gifted, Hand-Knitted by my cousin

All That Sparkles

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”

I love all the signs of Christmas. The festive ornaments, fluffy stockings, and decorative sparkles! Oooh the sparkles! One of my favorite trends right now is including sparkle in any part of an outfit. Are you wearing a cardigan, scarf, eye shadow, blouse, or skirt? All fair game for sparkles (although reframe from wearing ALL sparkles)! Unfortunately, my day job is conservative and I can’t visit customers in sparkly ensembles. So occasionally I find a way to sneak it in. And today it’s my nail polish. As an additional sneaky trick to show my defiance towards our dress code, the nail polish changes color! Oh, that’s right. Indoors it has a light hint of sparkle that glistens under the office fluorescent lighting. However, as soon as I take these devious fingers outdoors they quickly transform to their alter ego…bright red nail polish with sparkles! It’s almost like the nail polish is a direct reflection of who I am. A conservative professional at work but an eccentric fashionista outside!

I got these shimmery bottles of rebellion in St.Thomas, VI. But fear not! You can easily grab your own online at http://www.delsol.com/.

Fashion tip: Do you tend to be more conservative with your nail polish? Ease into a sparklier transition by using a neutral base and adding a glitter polish with only one glitter color (e.g., soft pink base and gold glitter polish). Avoid multicolor glitter polish until your level of sparkle confidence increases.

Naughty or Nice: Lace and Leopard

Sugar and spice, naughty and nice, that's what little girls are made of. How do you dress the two sides with one stunning outfit? Masquerading, versatile lace. Feeling subtle, timeless and romantic? Swath yourself in an ivory lace embroidered with delicate beads.  Stepping out for the night in a much more dramatic look? Slip into a black lace with silk accents. No matter how you're feeling or where the night will take you, lace will turn your ensemble from naughty to nice (or vise versa!). And what woman doesn't need an outfit that can express her two sides? 

Though my inner courtesan longed to wear this lace to a grand masquerade ball, I wore it to my office holiday party. Not as grand but still elegant (alas, no invite yet to Orlando's costumed ball).  For this outfit, I paired a black Chantilly lace with an asymmetrical satin shirt and a thin leopard print belt. A touch of class, a touch of wild, all Iris. How do you incorporate lace into your outfits?

Fashion tip: Remember that simplicity is elegant. For a more refined look, I opted for minimal jewelry, my pearl studs and wedding rings were all that I needed. The leopard print speaks for itself.

What I’m Rockin’:

Blouse – A’gaci

Skirt – Gemma via HauteLook

Belt – Forever 21

Shoes – Charles by Charles David via Marshalls

Lady Blogger Meet Up

Is that... could it be… a chill in the air? Yes, it’s true!It’s cold in O-town, home to a blazing hot sun and scorching temperatures! Finally, winter is here! I couldn’t resist dusting off my (not often used) favorites:closed toe booties, toasty tights, and a cozy blazer. Luckily, the perfect event was already on the calendar forthis warmer-than-usual outfit, the Central Florida Lady Blogger Meet Up! (You can read about my experience here: Central Florida Top 5)

This layered combo is one of my favorite outfits to pair with this bi-polar weather. The cotton blazer keeps me warm in the crisp morning air but it’s light enough to stowaway once the day warms up. And the blouse and tweed shorts are a stand-alone outfit - if the temperature rises, I can sneak away and remove the tights too. It’s a truly versatile ensemble … and colorful too! The blue blazer gives the usual fall colors a boost and takes them from dreary to dramatic. It’s amazing how a pop of color can change the spirit of an outfit!

Fashion tip: If you are short in stature (like moi), consider pairing short shorts (but not so short that they are hot pants) with dark colored tights. It tricks the eye into thinking your legs are long and lean. Pair it with some heels and voila! You are now practically a runway model…okay, maybe a stretch but you’ll look a little longer than usual!

What I’m rockin:

Blazer: Forever 21

Blouse: A’gaci

Shorts: Forever 21

Tights: Target

Booties: Charlotte Russe

Bracelet: Miami Merchandise Mart (Best place to buyaccessories!)

Watch: Burberry

Fall into Pink

The air is getting crisp and the leaves are floating off the Palm trees. Fall has arrived! But instead of turning to the muddled browns, mossy greens, and somber blacks, I’ve noticed I’m turning to another go-to color: delicious, fun, flirty hot pink. Proof? You can see my penchant for incorporating pink into my outfits here and here. Finally I can say, “Take THAT fall. I’ll wear all the bright colors I want!!”

This bright pink is an automatic pick-me-up, reminding me of carnival cotton candy, every single one of my Barbie’s accessories, and sweet bubblegum. It’s my fashionable rebellion against dull and dreary fall and a natural addition to my wardrobe. Work it into yours too!

Fashion Tip: Fight the instinct to neutralize your brightly colored jeans with a staple black or white tee. Instead, welcome the color into your life! Bust out a color wheel (you can check one out here: Basic Color Theory) and choose complimentary tones to finish out and brighten up your look. Most importantly, don’t forget to "rock it out" because fashion is all about confidence.

What I’m Rockin:

Pink jeans: Celebrity Pink by Macy’s

Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Beya

Watch: Bijoux Terner

Belt: Forever 21

Sunnies: D&G

Runaway in Midnight Blue

Hello, My name is Iris. And I am an unabashed and hopeless romantic. So much so that I love attending weddings, witnessing two madly-in-love people commit their lives to each other. It’s a true-life love story, exactly what this dress brings to mind, which is why I wore it to a family wedding this weekend.

CFL Blog Con Meet Up: Networking in Hot Pink Heels

(Photo Courtesy of Bess Auer. This is me ---------------------->)

On Tuesday, I had the great pleasure of attending the Central Florida Bloggers Conference Tweet Up. The tweet up is a meet and mingle for bloggers in the Central Florida area. Bloggers can meet up with old friends and newbies get to learn from the pros.  More importantly, it's an excuse for me to meet the fabulous fashionistas behind some of my favorite blogs.

Festivals of Speed Orlando: Black and Lace

As you might have read in my About Me, I am working on my relationship with Orlando, so my love towards it can blossom. To nurture our relationship, I am trying to attend Orlando events that I’ve never been to before. So, on Sunday I attended the Festivals of Speed Orlando. The proceeds of the event benefitted the Arnold Palmer Hospital. I gawked at the amazing luxury cars that I otherwise would have never been able to touch. There was supposed to be a fashion show at some point. I probably arrived late or it was in a secret area that I didn't know about because I missed the show. I also didn’t see a runway so apparently they pick up quickly. However, it’s also very probable that I just didn’t notice the stage. It wouldn’t be the first time that I was oblivious to something! Oh well, maybe next time. So basically we strolled around in wonderful 75 degree weather and admired opulent cars. I guess I can’t complain! 

Thrifty Thursday: Sweet Fashion

I realized that I really enjoy putting outfits together with my thrift store finds so I decided I will make a habit of it. This is the first official Thrifty Thursday post. Enjoy!

Thrifty Fashion

I've recently had an obsession with shopping at thrift stores. My husband was the one that introduced me to this new world. He loves it for the tools and gadgets he finds but I’m most intrigued by the fashion riches hidden away. I love the thrill of discovering some lost treasures and then imagining all the stories involved with that one ring, shirt, skirt, belt, or hat. Needless to say, I come up with some pretty elaborate stories for my bounty. Unfortunately, you can’t find the same treasure at all thrift stores but I hope these posts inspire you to also plunder your local thrift store to find great things. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you are helping the environment and your local economy! I got these great linen pants at Goodwill. Happy Thrifting!

Rusty Train and Hot Pink

This is my -okay, it’s not that cold in Orlando but I’m still going to wear a scarf and jacket- outfit. I was obsessed with this romper all summer because it is so comfortable and can be easily worn during the day and glammed up at night. However, I have to admit that mid photo shoot I got hot and had to peel it all off.  Regardless, I have no intentions of breaking my relationship with it this fall, especially since I love it even more now with the scarf and jacket addition. 

Stars and Stripes

This is my very first post! I wonder if I’ll look back at it 10 years from now and go, “Holy cow, Iris. What were you thinking?” Let’s hope not.

This is a fitting outfit for my first post considering what I do for a living. I am a military contractor and love that I can work side-by-side with such amazing American heroes. Besides that, I love that this outfit works for the office and can easily transition to after-work drinks. Enjoy!