Loving Me Some California

A little while ago the company I work for sent me to San Diego for a conference. I know, what a sacrifice. I absolutely love that city. The tranquil ambiance and unique culture make the city irresistible to any hardworking business woman. As soon as I stepped off the plane I couldn't help but be pulled into the relaxed California vibe. I tried my best to stay focused but by the second day of the conference I had let my hair down and left the black power suit somewhere on the the hotel room floor. Instead, I slipped into bright shorts, a breezy linen blouse, comfy leather sandals, and a cool Carlos Santana fedora hat. I had fully accepted and integrated into the San Diego laid back philosophy. Sure, there were seminars occurring and meetings I should have probably attended, but who has time for that when I'm busy strolling around the marina? Sometimes a girl has to re-evaluate her priorities and take some time to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon. I'm sure my employer would understand...maybe.

Seasonal Transitions

One of the major challenges of being a Florida Fashionista comes around the Winter season. I yearn for the super fabulous fur boots, cozy sweaters, and silky scarves (let me clarify that I don't yearn for the weather just the fashion!). But should I really spend money on an entirely new winter wardrobe? Unfortunately, the answer is no. A cold front for a week in January makes it difficult for me to justify winter purchases. Admittedly, I've had the same sweaters for about 8 years now..sad..I know. To overcome this challenge, I've figured out a few tricks to make my summer and spring outfits more wintery. For this ensemble I exchanged my summer sandals and floppy hat for a long-sleeved shirt, scarf, tights, boots and voila! It’s like I’m not even a Floridian…okay, that might be a stretch.

Fashion Tip: Toss a long-sleeved shirt and sweater over that light summer dress to transform your look into a new winter outfit. Don’t be shy about using your floral dresses either!

What I’m Rockin’:

Sandals – Purchased in Puerto Rico

Floppy hat – Bijoux Terner

Shirt – Target

Scarf  - Bijoux Terner

Tights – Target

Boots – Charlotte Russe

Necklace – Tiffany’s

Dress – Heavenly Couture

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

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.