Christmas Wishlist 2014

Every year now it seems like My Christmas Wishlist gets shorter, and this year was no exception. 

iPad Air 2- The number one item on my wishlist this year is an iPad. I've never been too enthused about the iPad but now that I belong to the workforce it's an almost critical tool. 

Misguided Carrie Feather Strappy Heel - How fab are these shoes!? They are super feminine and currently sold out in the nude color, though I'm hoping another shipment will arrive before the Holiday Season comes to an end. Update: This shoe is now available in a Size 9, which just so happens to be the size that this girl needs it in... ;)

Michael Kors Fur Pom Pom Key chain- I'm not sure what's sparked my new found fascination with fur but, I think we can all agree on how cute this little pompom is. 

Frends Layla Headphones - My sister and dad both have a pair of beats and while I can appreciate the quality of sound from beats, I can't get into them because of how clunky they are. The Layla headphones from Frends provide the feminine and stylish alternative. 

Hijacking the Runway by Teri Agins - This past summer I read "The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever" by Teri Agins and gained so much knowledge that I have been able to apply on my job, so you can understand why I'm itching to get my hands on her latest book. 

Life is a Beach

Romper: Maison Jules / Flats: Steve Madden / Jacket: Old Navy / Purse: Zac Zac Posen / Sunglasses: The Limited 

Four days shy of November and some how I managed to find myself in a sleeveless romper splashing around in the ocean. I purchased this romper by Maison Jules for $12 bucks and thought I was going to have to wait until next summer to wear it, but the 80 degree weather at Myrtle Beach made for the perfect opportunity to show a little skin in these Carolina blue and cream stripes. I played around with a little pattern mixing pairing stripes with my favorite leopard print flats. I also threw on my denim jacket and over-sized shades to complete the look. 

Bare Naked Fall

Coat: Ann Taylor / Shirt: Haute Society / Jeans: American Eagle / Flats: Steve Madden 

Fall is in full force here in the Carolinas and I must say that I'm loving the fact that it's finally cool enough outside for me to wear my new trench coat. I searched high and low for the perfect trench and finally settled on this leather accented one from Ann Taylor. Though I typically think of a trench as something to be worn with  dressy attire on this particular day my appearance was casual to say the least. As much as  I love a bold lip, on this particular day a splash of Mac Oh Baby lip gloss on my lips, slouchy boyfriend jeans and cheetah print flats was the winning combination for a day filled with errands and relaxing. I have a feeling that I'll be embracing a bare naked face a bit more this fall too. 

Werk.

If you follow me on Instagram, you've known for about a month now that I'm officially a member of Corporate America. The transition to 9-5 life has been an interesting one but I think I'm finally starting to figure out the work/life balance and am glad to be back from my  [unanticipated] blogging hiatus! 

My current position is as an executive for one of the nation's premier retailers. That being said my work wardrobe is 95 percent black but, because I work in such a fashion oriented business and will forever be a fashionista at heart, I've made a point to create a work wardrobe that includes more than black suit separates.

 These past five weeks I've had lots of fun experimenting with different textures and fabrics and maybe a bit too much fun buying funky accessories to add some flair to my professional looks.This is a typical work outfit for me - polished, sleek and stylish. I'm particularly smitten with this faux-leather dress because it can easily be transitioned into the fall with boots and tights. These color block wedges are also my latest obsession. Not only are they comfortable but look great with nearly everything. 

Dress: Gianni Bini (similar) / Wedges: Express / Bag: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Charming Charlie / Rings: Express 

 Even though this outfit is for work, something about it screams "Werk." -- and that's exactly how I like it. Who says professional attire has to lack pizzazz? 

Well Said, Mr. Kelly: Macy's Style Event

Clinton Kelly, Macy's Style Expert 

I lived out one of my childhood fantasies yesterday when I attended a Macy's Style Event hosted by none other than, Clinton Kelly. I RSVP'd before the event and my younger sister was my plus one. Together we watched as CK did everything from offer solicited style advice to a member of the audience, tell about his time working as a singing waiter after college, and of course, style 6 beautiful models in clothing that the everyday woman could recreate. 

CK evaluating this brave audience member's outfit. 

My second favorite look of the night. Clinton emphasized mixing prints this season! 

Clinton removing the tag off of one of the model's backside. Lol

My favorite look of the night! Unfortunately, this was the only dress in the store, but it is online! 

Oh, how I need this dress! 

Clinton offered a plethora of style (and life) advice last night. One thing he said that definitely registered with me is "Fashion is like a buffet....style is what you put on your plate." His personal mantra is also one that I've decided to adopt, "Wear something cute and don't take any crap." Well said, Mr.Kelly! 

Flawless

Shades: Rue21 / Shirt: Ebay / Skirt: c/o Deb Shops/ Sandals: ZooShoo / Jewelery: Old Navy 

In December, Beyonce released her self-titled album, Beyonce, and many people were shocked by the edgier sound of her music. Pundits like Bill O'Rielly did all but call the songstress out of her name and argued that "Yonce's" new music made her a bad role model to "girls of color." 

I couldn't disagree more. 

The first song I heard off of the album was Flawless, a musical tirade against misogynistic values and ideals that oppress women. In the four minute song, Beyonce, along with Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,speak out against social mores that confine women to submissive and subordinate roles to men.I remember hearing Flawless for the first time and being filled with a powerful surge of energy that bordered rage. At the time of the album's release I was going through a Britney Spears-esque "I'm not a girl, not yet a woman" phase and this song  helped me realize that the awkward stage I found myself in, was natural. Just as Beyonce had progressed as an artist and displayed a matured sound, so too have I matured and progressed in my life. A primary way in which I display this is my style. 

Though post graduation I still find myself having to get used to the fact that I'm "grown," the idea of being a full fledged adult is not as scary as it once was. To mirror the transformation I've undergone in the past four years I decided to redesign the blog. Some of you may have noticed that things look a little different, a little more sophisticated, and that is why. This new design reflects the evolution of my style, maturation as a person, and me attempting to embrace grown womanhood.

This outfit was inspired by Beyonce's Flawless as, "I woke up like this," is a popular line from the song.I dressed up the cotton tee with a black pencil skirt, my strappy sandals and black cat-eye shades.Here lately I've been wearing a lot of black and white and this ensemble fits the bill of my current style.