jacquard me crazy.

From a previous post, you all know how crazy I am about jacquard as one of this season's best trends, particularly for the work place. So when I saw these gray jacquard pants at Mango, I almost keeled over, but instead, I decided to do an outfit post. Happy Tuesday!

Top / Pants / Bag / Necklace / Bracelet / Heels

ba-roque.

Shopping on a budget can be difficult. However, it doesn't mean you have to throw style out the window just because you can't buy that $200 Tory Burch purse. I think online shops, particularly those that are headquartered in the UK, are perfect for those of us that may be a little ba-roque. Here's an outfit that features many of my favorite online shops, along with some traditional ones, with items all under $50. Enjoy!

Earrings / Purse / Shoes / Top / Pants / Belt / Bracelet / Ring

what i wore.

I'd like to start posting what I actually wear to work (with a few minor changes if I can't find the actual item online). So consider this my first in a series (maybe weekly?) of posts featuring my outfit for the day. Enjoy!

While this is a silk shirt from piperlime, I'm actually wearing a similar one (sans pockets) from Zara. It's such a great top because it's not too sheer, but light enough for the hot summer D.C. sun. 

I just got this skirt from ebay!! It was my first ebay clothing purchase. Look out for a future post about my ebay escapades in the next few days. It's a j.crew skirt that was new, with tags, and more than half off the original price. 

And while I'm wearing different, but very similar versions of these items, here's what else I've featured in this post: Purse / Shoes / Necklace (out of stock at BR) / Earrings / Bracelet. 

neiman marcus - target collaboration.

The fashion community has been buzzing about the most recent collaboration between Neiman Marcus, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and Target, set to be released on December 1st. Prices range from $7.99 to $499.99, and will be sold both at Target and Neiman Marcus as part of their holiday collection. How Target thinks it will sell $500 dollar items is beyond me, but most items are said to be under $60.

What's really awesome is that Target and Neiman Marcus are donating $1 million to the Council of Fashion Designers of America for its 50th Anniversary. This is great news because the CFDA provides great opportunities for fashion designers just starting out in the business. Here are the designers that will be participating in the collaboration:

Alice + Olivia
Altuzarra
Band of Outsiders
Brian Atwood
eddie Borgo
Judith Leiber
Lela Rose
Marchesa
Philip Crangi
Prabal Gurung
Proenza Schouler
Rag & Bone
Robert Rodriguez
Rodarte
Skaist-Taylor
Thom Browne
Tracy Reese
Carolina Herrera
Derek Lam
Diane von Furstenberg
Jason Wu
Marc Jacobs
Oscar de la Renta
Tory Burch

Given that my two favorite designers (Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta) are both participating in this great venture, I've created two outfit posts inspired by their most recent collections. Enjoy!

Oscar de la Renta: Necklace, Top, Skirt, Shoes
Carolina Herrera: Necklace, Dress, Brooch, Shoes

indiana jones and peplums.

While watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade last night, I fell in love with Dr. Elsa Schneider's classically chic style. There's something about the late '30s and '40s that exudes professionalism and highlights great tailoring for both men and women.

By 1930, about one out of every six married women had a job, a number which continued to increase with World War II. Pintucked waists and skirt suits were all the rage. In fact, the modern peplum became popular in the 1940s (and you thought this was a new trend, shame on you). Here's a great example of some cute peplums:

source

And here is an outfit inspired by Dr. Elsa Schneider, and the working women of the 30s and 40s that paved the way for us today. Wear this with a light, cropped cardigan or blazer for a work-appropriate look.

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