Fashion's Night Out in Orlando

It might not be New York, Milan, or Paris but Mall at the Millenia in Orlando sure knows how to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out. I made it to Neiman Marcus right on time for the fashion show and even managed to grab some seats before they were all taken. The styling was beautiful, of course. They featured some great fall trends: mixed greens, versatile jackets, navy paired with blacks and brights, menswear influenced pieces fitted for women, and (my favorite) digital prints. Sigh, if only I had an endless supply of money.

Neon Caribbean Colors

You might recall how some colors trigger memories of my childhood in Puerto Rico (see here). Well, this time it wasn’t just a memory. I finally went back to my little island and relived it all again. Of course, I wasted no time to bust out the neon bright colors. I wore this lively ensemble to an impromptu boat ride around the southwest coast of the island. Not exactly a boat tour type of outfit (one needs a bikini when coasting along a Caribbean paradise). But it turned out perfectly because all around me the vivid colors of my outfit were reflected in the scenery.

Thrifty Thursday: A Wool Coat

I realize it’s officially Spring, I live in Florida, and I’m wearing a coat. I just couldn’t resist sharing this awesome find with you! Can you believe that I found this wool coat at a thrift store for $5?!! Yes, $5! That’s every Floridian girl’s dream. Rarely do I want to spend $100+ on a coat that I’ll wear once a year or occasionally when I travel up north for work. In fact, I’m notorious for assuming I’ll keep warm during a winter conference with just my business suit. It’s got a coat –err, jacket thing, right? Wrong. It’s really cold up north. Not Florida cold. But I don’t learn and I continue to freeze. Admittedly, I endure frost bite because I feel that nothing within my budget looks sophisticated enough for that kind of event. So, I hit a gold mine when I saw this piece at the thrift store! Besides the amazing cost, the silky lining makes me feel like I’ve splurged on a designer coat. You’ve heard of the “Power Suit”? Well, this feels like the “Power Coat”. Cold chill, blizzard, or snow storm can’t keep me from my next winter conference! Finally, I won’t be the girl shivering in the business suit while other attendees roll their eyes and go, “She must be from Florida.”

Fashion Tip: Think of creative ways to make the thrift store pieces your own. My coat had missing buttons and no belt but that didn’t stop me from taking it home! Buttons, fitting, and missing accessories can all be fixed. Just add a little patience and love!

What I’m Rockin’:

Wool coat – Thrift store

Blue silk tunic – Heritage 1981

Necklace - Beya

Black tights – Target

Boots – Charlotte Russe

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

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

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!