/ Que Bella

This week I’m styling the Ryder Dress from Tory Burch, taking it from Late Summer to Early Winter (at least here in South Texas).

~ Ryder Dress, Tory Burch ~
~ Blossom T-Strap Flat, Tory Burch ~

These were the shoes I ordered during the Fall Event and I’m so happy that I did. I ordered the size 7 and they fit TTS. I was worried that the strap wouldn’t be long enough since that has been the case for several other Tory shoes I’ve tried on. But this time, the strap was long enough and has a few extra holes. I’ve worn them a few times already and they are pretty comfortable. The body of the shoe is leather and the toe is patent. The little flower blossoms are by the buckle. This blossom design is also offered in a ballet flat, a bootie and a tall boot.

~ Ryder Dress, Tory Burch ~
~ Cashmere Tee, J Crew (one, two, three) ~
~ Strappy Heeled Shoes, Zara (one, two, three) ~

This was probably my favorite outfit of the three. I initially chose a cashmere cardigan in the same color but loved how the tee transitioned this from a dress to skirt. I also have the idea incorporate tortoise into this outfit by adding some opaque black tights, the Gemini Link Loafers and my Tortoise Flower Necklace (one, two, three). I cannot wait until it’s cold enough to break out the cashmere. I will probably add my black Lexington Blazer over this.

~ Ryder Dress, Tory Burch ~
~ Chunky Shawl Collar Cardigan, J Crew (one, two, three) ~
~ Harper Boots, J Crew (one, two, three) ~

This last outfit will be perfect for my work-from-home attire. I’ll be able to stay nice and cozy in this chunky sweater while still looking put together for my day “at work”. The waist on this dress is elastic so I think I do need to add a black belt. This will help keep the dress from riding up at the waist.

I hope you enjoyed seeing how I styled the Ryder Dress. You can always see more items I’ve styled on my Tumblr.

/ Reviews

I mentioned during my review of the Patio Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool that I had ordered the Tux Stripe version. They finally arrived and I absolutely love them! They will be a great alternative to skirts or dresses for the Holiday events when the weather is colder.

 ~ Patio Pant with Leather Tux Stripe in Bi-Stretch Wool, Black, 8 Petite ~

I ordered the 8 Petite because I wanted them to be cropped like they are in the model image online. They hit just above the ankle in the Petite. The slacks fit great in the Petite through the waist, hips and thighs. I’ll keep the pockets closed for as long as I can as I like the sleek look and I rarely use my front pockets.
 
I came up with two different ways to wear these Patio Pants. First is with flats and what I would wear to the office.
~ Merino Cardigan, J Crew (J Crew, Loft) ~
~ Polka Dot Blythe Blouse, J Crew (J Crew, Bluefly) ~
~ Candy Studded Flats, Christian Louboutin (old) (Dillard’s, Kenneth Cole)
 
And here’s the second outfit with a solid Cashmere sweater and fun heels. Just add a favorite necklace and you’re ready for a nice dinner or casual Holiday party.
~ Cashmere Tee, J Crew (Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s) ~
~ Etta Printed Heels, J Crew (J Crew, Guess) ~
 
Have you tried the Patio Pant or seen the Patio Pant with Leather Tux Stripe in person? Our weather is starting to cool off at night so I’m hoping I can wear these on our next date night.

/ Uncategorized

It’s Restaurant Week and Husband and I try to take advantage of it, especially when there’s a set menu. Sometimes I just like to have a small choice of what to order but only because I want to try everything on the bigger menu. 
Fancy Pants are always nice to have around for an impromptu date night. They are so easy to pair with Cashmere Tees or Tippi Sweaters. I just so happened to have the matching shoes to the pants, my beautiful Etta’s. 
~ Other Fancy Pant Options: Lemonade Print, Medallion Floral, Dutch Floral ~
Sadly, they are now only 3-4 hour shoes. If  I’m mostly sitting that is. Add standing in there and it’s 2 hours, tops. The height, at 4 inches, is really too tall for me to handle now. I’m a 3-inch heel or lower kind of gal now. But aren’t they GORGEOUS!
I love that the Blue Tee works well with the Pants. I added my Black Lexington Blazer and some bracelets from J Crew and C.Wonder to finish the look. It’s always fun to wear those dressier items that linger in your closet. 

Have a Great Day!

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I was immediately inspired by this store styling but it took me a little while to re-create it since it’s been a little chilly to wear skirts. The sweater used is the Tippi Sweater in an Heather Olive. Any color sweater will do especially a bright blue or purple (for me at least). Instead of the white Perfect Shirt I layered the Ruffled Rhinestone Top under the Cashmere Tee in Jalepeno from years ago. 
I am so glad I bought the Pleated Lattice Skirt in black when I did. It sold out in a size 8 pretty quick in-store but it is still available in all sizes online. I bought the size 6 instead though it pulls just a teeny bit across the hips. I figure I will wear tops over the skirt and no one will notice. The reason I bought it so quickly and early is because the 30% off all items was still going on. (This was before Christmas.) I’d have to pay full-price if I ordered it online. 
I am in love with how the burgundy tights and Everly T-Strap heels worked so well with the whole color scheme of the outfit. I added my Black Lexington Blazer (one, two) and the Ensign Necklace from Madewell to finish the look. 

This was my outfit for the office today and I am very happy with how my version of the J Crew Store Styling turned out.

Have a Great Evening!

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Banana Republic currently has a 40% off, online only, promo through tomorrow 11/20. Use code BRSMILE40 for the discount. Exclusions apply, including BR Picks, BR Monogram, Cashmere, Leather, and blazers, to name a few.

This is the same style, but in a pattern, as the Gray Flannel Fit-and-Flare Skirt I reviewed in late October. This plaid option showed up online just after my review and I knew I wanted it. I decided to order the 8 Tall to have a little more length in the skirt. At the time, this skirt was a BR Pick, and excluded from online promos, and it was on back-order. The skirt finally shipped last week but not before I also found it in one of the stores here in town.

The store did not have a size 8 for me to try so I grabbed the last size 10 on the rack. The size is perfect. The Gray Flannel Skirt was a little snug at the “fit” area, though not uncomfortable. But the 10 leaves me room to tuck in shirts and still not look like it’s too small or tight on me. I’m not necessarily saying to size up. I still think this skirt runs TTS but right now, the size 10 in this style is good for me.

It looks good with the Noir Sweatshirt I bought on sale last week but I think just ok with the Fringe Tank. I think a little pop of red on top will look great and bring this into the Holiday season.

  
Here are two other styling options I’ll try with this skirt. Both J Crew, the Masquerade Tee is from 2009 and the Harper Boots are from 2012, . They are so sleek and thankfully came in Extended Calf sizing. This tee is one of my all-time favorites.  

My booties are the Christian Louboutin Melisa that I splurged on last year. I have worn them quite a bit and will be wearing them frequently again soon. I’m normally a 37 in the CL Simple Pumps but sized to a 38 since these ran a little narrow. The necklace is the Radial Necklace from J Crew about a year ago. This may be my Christmas Eve or Day outfit. 

Being able to style this 3 different ways immediately is a good sign I’ll be keeping this skirt. As soon as I receive the 8 Tall I’ll be returning it. Especially since I paid full-price for it. Since it’s no longer a BR Pick you can get this skirt with the 40% off, BRSMILE40, promo.

Have a Great Evening!

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