Black on Black

Sometimes you have to embrace the beauty, simplicity and upscale appeal of black. As a color fiend, this is rare for me, but today I'm giving in on a rainy, October morning. The slight drama of the peplum in addition to leopard pumps give it just enough to standout from your every day black on black ensemble. 

Peplum Top: Olivaceous (Locally at Uniquities), Crop Pant: Gap , Pumps: 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, Bracelets: Adriana Orsini, Stella and Dot, Hermes  

Monochromatic

There is not much easier than a classic wrap dress...unless it's a faux wrap. This dress is easy to throw on and you don't even have to worry about tying the perfect bow! The brown and white animal print is simplistic enough to add a variety of accessories or color. I embraced a more monochromatic route for understated style. 

Wrap Dress: Laundry (love this DVF) and (and this Tinley Road), Heels: Vintage, Bag: Furla for Saks

Chartreuse

Chartreuse is a perfect hue for fall. It is bold, yet muted appropriately for the season. I swoon over the neckline that is made up of multiple bands. It feels sophisticated with a splash of fun. I love the idea of mixing a print in with the leopard heels. 

Dress: DVF, Heels: 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, Bag: Louis Vuitton, Watch: Michele, Cuff: David Yurman, Sunnies: Tory Burch

Leopard Lust

Forgive me for my brief absence. Wedding planning has gotten the best of me! Crisp mornings are upon us and we are seeing the slightest glimpse of fall! I'm in love with the idea of a loose, non-fitted blouse and pairing it with skinny jeans or leggings.The look is relaxed yet chic! Today, I'm wearing my black wax denim that I've been dying to show off since I bought them this summer! Fall has me giddy over gold hardware from studs to chains and I mixed in a few gold bangles and subtle colored bracelets. 

Blouse: Equipment (similar here), Wax Jeans: 7 For All Mankind, Flats: C-Label, Clutch: Michael Kors (similar here), Bracelet: Alexis Bittar (I love this one too!), Watch: Michele (Available locally at Charlotte's), Earrings: Sheila Fajl (Available locally at Gena Chandler)

Jacquard

How can you not feel lovely when wearing sequins? Though we are seeing them mixed more and more into casual attire, they still carry a certain posh element. I threw on the sequin top with my jacquard mini and finished the look with black booties. 

Chevron Sequin Top (not the same, but would make a statement!), Jacquard Mini (similar), Skinny Belt (similar), Black Bootie.

Sayonara 2012

As we bid farewell to 2012, we look forward to fashion favorites that 2013 will bring! (I do anyway!) Not always a turtleneck fan, I couldn't resist the eye-catching color and the distinctive cut and relaxed feel of the the snugly sweater. I'm mad about my fresh wedge booties that are making their blog debut. Happy New Year!  

DVF Aghita Sweater, Ponte Pant, Leather Gloves with Leopard Trim, Jeweled Earrings (Found at For Your Convenience, Raleigh), Nine West Tweeks Bootie, Tory Burch Sunnies   

Welcome Mini MAC

I'd like to welcome the Mini MAC to my wardrobe. I'm aware of my tardiness, but I finally bit the bullet and caved for one. The wool pencil skirt is an alternative to the over-worn black pencil and as always I wanted to throw print in. 

Printed Sweater (similar here), Wool Pencil Skirt, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC, Black Bow Pumps (old)

Cardi Fun

For an unfussy look, I combined a classic cardigan in a fun color over a printed blouse. To amp up the attire, I used a studded olive hue skinny belt. I heart these jeans because of the flare that gives the slight illusion of a trouser pant, but in denim! Happy Black Friday!

Banana Republic Cardigan (old), Leopard Printed Blouse (old), Trouser Jean (similar here), Studded Belt (similar here), Layered Necklace (old, but found at Charlotte's)

Mad about Prints

This funky printed long coat is not only lavish, but was a steal! While briefly living in NY, I snagged this Nicole Miller gem at a Loheman's! It can enhance the most simple of attire! I like to venture out with colored tights. As much as I love black, I can't help but want a splash of color, even if it is subtle. The eggplant tights (thank you Katie Whitmore Christmas 2009) are in heavy rotation for fall! 

Nicole Miller Jacket, Black Sweater Dress (old, found at Gena Chandler), Spanx Textured Tights, Seychelles Wedge Boot, Leopard Trim Leather Gloves (old, found at Banana Republic)

A Ladylike Cape

Thanks to hurricane Sandy, I was able to pull out my favorite fall accessory, my cape! This was the first Christmas present I ever received from my fiance (this is the first time I'm writing that word!) and I have adored it ever since. I'm drawn to the skirt because of the Jacquard leopard fabric. 

Black Cape with Fox Fur Trim, Silk Bow Blouse (similar here), Leopard Jacquard Skirt (similar here), Kate Spade Polka Dot Tights, Bow Pumps (old!)

Prep in my Step

When in doubt, I compile all of my J.Crew apparel! It's sense of classicism makes it easy to throw an outfit together when you hit snooze one too many times in the morning! PS- There's something about a crisp blouse, but I adore the pleating detail on the sleeves and collar. 

J.Crew Blouse (old), J.Crew Toothpick Cord , Leopard Belt (similar here)

Kate Spade Chantal Sunglasses (on sale here!), Moon & Lola Monogram Necklace,  Studded Flats