#OOTD according to my iPhone Instagram selfies

#OOTD | The Carrie

Shoes are always tough, let's face it. You just never know! With clothes, you try them on and it's pretty obvious if they are going to fit or not and if the fabric will bother you or the fit will drive you crazy. But with shoes, it takes a few wears to figure out those quirks. To figure out that that they rub you the wrong way (literally) or that the heal isn't quite the right height or whatever.

I have found THE best simple black elegant pointy toe stiletto. Seriously. Amazing. I am on my third paid and I always fear that Guess will stop making them and then what will I do?!?! They are the perfect height, perfect width of stiletto, perfect point, and the interior has a cut in them that just makes the shoe that much more elegant and classy. You can find them at a variety of different department stores, but here is the link for Macy's.

Shoes | Guess "Carrie"

Pants | Gap

Sweater | J. Crew

Denim undershirt | Gap

Necklace | Banana Republic

Bracelet | J. Crew

Watch | Tag Heuer

 

#OOTD | What's black and white and red all over?

Red is definitely one of my favorite colors, but I was really nervous to buy these red pants! But paired with tall boots, I really like them. The boots break up all that color. Paired with a fun graphic tea and a cardigan, this is a pretty typical outfit for me. 

Shirt | J. Crew

Pants | Gap

Cardigan | Banana Republic

Blazer | J. Crew

Coat | Michael Kors

Hat | Target

Necklace | Fossil

Watch | Swatch

Bracelet | Swatch

#OOTD | Bringing Color to the Polar Vortex

When you live in the Polar Vortex, you have to find little ways to brighten the day. One way is to brighten your wardrobe! Why do pretty pastels have to wait for spring and summer! Some layering, some boots, and you are ready to go!

Sweater | Theory (TJ Maxx)

Chambray undershirt | J Crew

Pearl Necklaces | Herberger's

Bracelet | Guthrie Theater Gift Shop

Watch | Tag Heuer

Rings | Market finds in Asia
Earings | Aldi

Scarf | J Crew

Bag | Salvatore Feragamo

Boots | Enzo Angiolini

Jeans | Vigoss Studio

Coat | Calvin Klein

Starting a New Trend

When you have a closet as big and full as I do, one would think you are always thinking fashion, style, combos, etc. But often times I fall into a rut. The same old same old.

I blame a lot of things ... One of them is that I absolutely hate mornings. Like, with a passion. I cannot wake up to save my life (or my 8:30 meetings). So what happens? I wake up late, I throw my hair in a bun, throw on a "safe" skirt and top combo with some "safe" accessories, and out the door I go.

Well, that does not an exciting, expressive, unique, or inspired style make.

 Nope, it does not.

I never have time in the mornings to think, to pair, to try a few things. I am afraid to start trying layering because it takes time and energy to figure it out and I have a fear of stretching my clothes. Yikes!

So I don't do it. Not really.

But I want to try. See, part of it is that I lost 35+ pounds, and now all my clothes look great! I still have a little ways to go, but I am super happy with how things fit! I can layer and not feel like I just look chunkier in the process. I have beautiful clothes, but why do they always have to be worn so predictably? Layer them. Throw patterns together. Mix and match accessories. Have fun. That's what style is all about. Having fun and being you.

So this blog is my daily test. To style it up. To mix it up. To make it truly iunique (get it, see what I did there?). I want to get dressed in the morning and think: would this be blog-worthy? Instagram-worthy? Heck yeah!

So follow along. Let me know what you think!