I left my heart (but got a blouse) in Mexico

“I’m inspired by different cultures around the world and love to incorporate these facets into my collection.”
– Rachel Roy

A Casual Beach Stroll

As much fun as it is to get all dolled up, sometimes a girl just wants a laid-back day with cozy pants and a soft blouse. Something you can take a relaxing stroll in and just be your natural self. It’s like being in your pj’s but in a much more acceptable form. And this has been extra important for me this past week because – get this, I have poison ivy!?! Eww. First time in my life I’ve had to endure this allergic reaction. The first thing I learned was that soft, flowy, and loose clothes are my best friends. This outfit was the perfect combination of comfortable and fashionable. The mix of textures with the embroidered flowers and the linen striped pants make the outfit interesting so I don’t look like I have given up on dressing up and it also manages to hide the fact that I am in poison ivy pain. Sigh, at least it’s an excuse to take things slow and casual.

What about you – do you take casual outfit breaks or are you a fashionista all the time?

From the Runway to the Boardroom

Is it weird if a piece of clothing I’m wearing has had a longer and more intriguing life than me? I find that remarkable and slightly disturbing.

DIY: An Easy 3-Step Crop Top

It’s another quick DIY (see here for the first one)! This one is so simple that I’m sure you’re going to run over to your t-shirts and start cutting them up immediately.

Recently, I was hunting for a cute graphic crop top but all I was running into were some $40 options, um, thanks but no thanks. That’s when I took matters into my own hands and grabbed this little number for $1. Now time to chop up!

My Blog’s Six Monthiversary!

Can you believe it? Iris Focused on Fashion turns six months old today. Wow, how time flies! Reflecting back on those early days, I’m struck by how much this baby blog misbehaved – refusing to follow the simplest of instructions, acting out by posting in outrageous fonts, refusing to stay on deadline. Alas, this blog has grown up and I’m no longer an intrepid new momma, we’ve grown up together.

Chantilly Lace: Not just your grandma’s lace

My grandmother’s table doilies and her Sunday church dress are the first things that come to mind when I think of Chantilly lace. Gentle, soft, and feminine – just like my grandmother. But it’s time for a new outlook on this traditional lace. I’ve been determined to step out of my comfort zone and re-evaluate my preconceived notions. With this new approach in mind, I decided to reinvent how I wear lace. In fact, this time lace would not be so delicate. This time there would be a twist.  Lace will now have a tougher look. Now it’s Chantilly lace with an edge. Probably not grandma approved but sometimes a girl has to break out of her obedient role and introduce a little bit of mischievousness and defiance into her life.

Springing Forward

Look around: the earth is stirring, waking up from a deep slumber. Roses are peeking out of their buds, leaves are squirming out of their stems, and birds are testing their wings against the cool breeze. Spring has sprung and brought with it transformation. 

It’s a Bird, It’s a Train… No, it’s Fashion!

You may have noticed that I have a fascination with old trains (see this post).  No surprise that I was intrigued by this colorful and whimsical one. I couldn't resist striking a pose with a train that looks like it was pulled straight out of a 1920’s children’s toy set! This life sized toy brought memories of my own childhood. I quickly realized it would be the perfect match for my playful bird blouse!

The pattern of vibrant birds reminds me of the bright shirts I would wear in elementary school. But now it’s a modernized and mature version. As soon as I saw the blouse my 5-year old inner Iris screeched with joy. I quickly snatched it up! She screeched again when I passed this train. I felt like little Iris playing with my old train set while wearing my Rainbow Brite inspired outfits. Life sized toys mixed with fanciful fashion…what more can a little girl ask for?

What fashion brings back memories of your childhood?

Fashion Tip: Bored of pairing your patterned tops with solid colored bottoms? Try pairing it with tweed bottoms. Tweed will add color and texture to your patterned tops!

What I'm Rockin':

Blouse - Lily White via Millenium Nordstrom Rack

Shorts - Forever21

Heels - Qupid

Bracelets - Gift

Belt - Goodwill (also worn here)

A Pink Remix

As you might know from this post, I am absolutely in love with the brightness and spunkiness of my pink jeans and all the wonderful memories it conjures. However, when I first got them I got remarks such as, “Where will you wear that to?” and “How many outfits can you come up with that color?” and even “You think you’ll even wear that more than once?” O ye of little faith, not only do I wear my pink jeans more than once, I probably wear them too many times.

Vivid and bright colors may seem daunting at first for pairing into every day wear. The colors appear wild and untamable. They mask all the other pieces in your closet and you worry they won’t play nice with your pastel colored cardigans. Fear not, taking control of these feisty ensembles only takes a little practice and a little daring.

Fashion Tip: Treat your vibrant bottoms as neutrals to help you pick out a top. Don’t be scared to use floral patterns, prints, and stripes. These will perfectly complement your colored jeans. If you want to take it a little easier pair with solid colors and layers. Start with three colors in your outfit until you are an experienced tamer. Then go wild!  

What I’m Rockin:

Jeans – Celebrity Pink Jeans via Macy’s

Outfit 1

Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Beya

Watch: Bijoux Terner

Belt: Forever 21

Sunnies: D&G

Outfit 2

Safari jacket – Old Navy

Blue Blouse – Marshalls

Cocktail ring – Forever21

Nude pumps – Target

Necklace – Beya

Outfit 3

Floral Blouse – Forever21

Scarf – Bijoux Terner

Pastel pink pumps – Qupid

Cross bracelet – Charyli, Winter Park

Bracelets (assorted) –Forever21


Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to follow on Google Friend Connect (Click on “Join” on the right), “Like” on Facebook, Tweet me on Twitter, follow on Bloglovin, and even see my random photos on Instagram (@StyleOfIris)!  

Last Minute Valentine's Day Inspiration

Need some last minute inspiration for tonight? Don’t have time to go out shopping for a new outfit? Reinvent your Little Black Dress (LBD) for a sure hit on Valentine’s Day!

Romantic Evening

You are ready to be swept off your feet like a true fairy-tale princess. It will be a romantic evening with the love of your life (or the flavor of the month, whichever you prefer). 

Fashion Tip: Blend sweet, classy, and sexy.  Remind him why he loves to brag about you to his boys but also why he wants to take you home to mom. Slip a satin or silk shirt over that LBD and pair with sparkly shoes for some sex appeal that’s not over the top. Add an air kiss and a wink and he will be yours all night long.

Girl’s Night Out

You have no plans to sit at home sulking over a tub of ice cream. You and your girlfriends find Valentine’s the perfect opportunity to let loose, show your spunk, and maybe even run into the future hubby.


Fashion Tip: Time to try out your favorite trends! Your friends will truly appreciate your fabulous outfit. Express your style and fierceness by complementing the LBD with eye-popping accessories. Leopard print, chains and big cocktail rings are all fair game. This is not the time to hold back. Celebrate love, even if it’s love between you and your best girlfriends!

What I'm Rockin':

Dress - Express 

Romantic Evening:

Gray belt - Forever21

Purple blouse - A'gaci

Black Glitter Pumps - Love Culture

Purple necklaces (assorted) - vintage

Cocktail Ring - Forever21

Girl's Night Out:

Gold chain necklace - Filthy Magic

Leopard Pumps - Charlotte Russe

Cocktail Ring - Forever21

Assorted bracelets - Nordstrom Rack

Happy Valentine’s Day!! Don’t forget to follow me on Google Friend Connect and “Like” me on Facebook!

Valentine’s Day Picnic

Candlelit dinners, Godiva chocolates, and sparkling wine - you guessed it, Valentine’s Day! But why do we always associate that special day with an evening out? To switch things up why not try a Valentine’s Day picnic instead? I’d like to try this concept, so here is my official Valentine’s Day picnic outfit. The flirty heart shaped pockets, soft pink undershirt, and floral sandals give it a hint of festiveness without being overly done. It’s soft and sweet! Plus, it’s one of the most comfortable outfits I own. Lookin’ flirty and comfy sounds like a win to me!

What are your plans for this Valentine’s Day?

Fashion Tip: For a fun Valentine’s Day look, incorporate some hearts to your ensemble. Give it a special twist by grabbing pieces that have them in unexpected places like pockets, tights, and headbands. But most importantly, have fun with it! It’s Valentine’s Day after all! 

(Me and the Hubby)

What I'm Rockin':

White Blouse: Old Navy

Pink Blouse: Target

Skirt: Forever21

Sandals: Bliss Boutique

Necklace and Bracelets: Gifted

Ring: BeautyTease

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

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

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

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.

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!