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It might only be 15 days until Christmas but they will pass by quickly. I try to do a lot of errands and shopping during the week to avoid the weekend craziness. A skirt or jeans, a tee and a cardigan are my three key pieces to an outfit. These three core pieces help make me ready to go if I need to run to the store during lunch or after work.
~ Reindeer Tee, J Crew (one, two, three) ~
~ Merino V-Neck Cardigan, Distressed Quartz, J Crew (one, two, three) ~
~ Plaid Fit-and-Flare Skirt, Banana Republic (pencil, midi, mini) ~
~ Cece Ballet Flat, Black, J Crew (Lanvin, Toms, Vince Camuto) ~
I love this little skirt and decided to go a little festive with the J Crew Reindeer Tee from Holiday 2009. Instead of a red or green cardigan I chose this soft pink (distressed quartz) cardi instead. It looks a little more normal than “crazy Christmas lady” in green or red. 
I’ve done most of my Christmas shopping this year online, mostly from Amazon. Yay for Amazon Prime! That doesn’t mean I still won’t head to the mall but at least I don’t have the anxiety of trying to find that last minute gift for someone. How close are you to being done? 
Have a Great Day! 

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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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Happy Halloween! I hope your morning has been filled with more treats than tricks. I’m not in the office today but I know they are planning for a Door Decorating Contest, and trick-or-treaters later today. Not to mention all the cookies, cakes, cupcakes and other goodies that have been filling my Facebook and Instagram streams from co-workers. Though I miss this fun part of being in an office, I am a little glad I’m not tempted by all the yumminess that is there.

We are finally getting into Fall weather, on this last day of October. With temps lowering I was excited to wear the Factory Pleated Mini Skirt in Plaid. Surprisingly, if you haven’t taken a closer look at the skirt, it has tiny stripes of blue mixed in.

Using my Stylebook App, I created two additional looks for this skirt. Each time I make a purchase I create multiple looks with my Stylebook App. This helps me decide whether or not I can really use it in my closet and also prepares me when I think I have “nothing-to-wear”. Sometimes they look great IRL and other times, the outfit is a big fail. I think this will look really cute IRL with the blue bows bringing out the blue in the plaid pattern of the skirt. Depending on the day, I may need to add tights or switch to tall boots instead of the booties.


Of course, a little check-on-check pattern-mixing will work too. I’ve added the Hugo Guinness sweater for a layering option. 

{update} This won’t look too bad styled with last years shirt in the same pattern. The Factory version might be a little closer in color to the gray in the skirt. 

I’m halfway through the day and still have a lot to do, including going to Vote! The days got away from me and I didn’t plan out a costume until yesterday. I’ll at least be sure to share on Instagram. I can’t wait to see all the little Princess Elsa’s and ghouls and goblins tonight. 
Have a Great Day!

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/ Que Bella

I am lucky enough that I am able to work-from-home most of the year. I usually have to visit the office once or twice a month. It’s not required, but sometimes a project or meeting needs my actual presence, not my virtual one.

I love my Plaza Skirt in Glen Plaid and couldn’t wait to wear it again. This time I pattern-mixed it with the Tory Burch Peg Shell (now on sale). I was in a rush and didn’t have time for a great pic. I’ll wear this again though as I absolutely loved this pairing!

Hover over the hearts on the image for the rest of the outfit details.

I wanted to be casual but chic on my Wednesday visit and chose the same colors from my Old Navy post. The blazer came off around lunch since it wasn’t as cool by the afternoon. I probably could have done a darker wash jean but I love the Toothpick Jean in Miller Wash. They are so stretchy and comfortable.
 
These are two of my favorite outfits. I can’t wait to style something similar again!

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My VPS was lovely enough to pull together some outfits with the new arrivals and she did not disappoint. After looking at everything online it was nice to see a lot more basics than over-the-top beading, ruffles, embellishment. But I was a little bothered by the longer lengths on the shirts. Then my VPS said it reminded her of Clueless fashion! And now I totally see it, and quite love it too.

~ Merino V-Neck Cardigan, Medium, Vintage Cabernet ~

The fit is TTS with 10 colors to choose from. I have a Jackie in this color so there is no need for an additional cardi in the same color.

~ Suede D’Orsay Flats, Size 7, Highland Gray ~

These run a half size big. I tried on the 6 1/2 in the black and they were a much better fit. I would definitely get the gray if a promo comes along.

~ Silk Sleeveless Blouse, Size 8, Vintage Cabernet ~

This size was too big. Below, the black colorway is in a size 6 and the fit is much better. I love the color and that this is 100% silk and not Poly, which could have easily been done. I bought this color in the size 6. I think I will be able to use it a lot with various bottoms I already have. I think the Navy and Ivory would be two other great colors to get. Those colors can be mixed with so much.

 
   

I threw this denim jacket on over the Silk Sleeveless Blouse and loved the look. The jacket is currently on promo for $110 plus an additional 40% off. I ordered it this morning.  

~ Pleated Lattice Skirt, Size 8, Distressed Quartz ~

I unexpectedly loved this pink tone. The skirt surprised me too. The size 8 was the best fit and my more consistent bottom size. The size 6 pulled the latticed part just a little along the hip line. The length, at 18 inches, is perfect for me, but unfortunately not offered in Tall sizes.

  
What do you think of Outfits 1 & 2? There’s more to come over the next few days!

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