Another Black Maxi

Outfit Details:

maxi dress: Charming Charlie (similar and similar)

necklace: Charming Charlie

shoes: Talbots

lipstick: Nars in Heat Wave

sunglasses: Loft

Simply put, you can never have too many black maxi dresses. They are such an easy piece to throw on when you have no idea what else to wear or you can jazz them up with lots of color or some crazy patterns. 

I love the versatility of this piece of clothing! I do only have 2 of them, so obviously I need a few more in my closet so I don't repeat them too often and so they all last longer! Simple logic there. 

Here I kept the pairings pretty simple. I added my Bcbg belt for a bit of sparkle and these sandals from Talbots, which are going to be making an appearance on this blog A LOT this Spring and Summer. They are the perfect comfortable chic sandal that goes with everything! The necklace added a polished touch to the look and the pop of red lips always adds the perfect pop of color to brighten any outfit! Here I have Nars lipstick in Heat Wave on, a great orangey-red for those of you who like the warmer toned reds. 

Maybe once I feel I have the right amount of black maxi dresses in my wardrobe I will switch to the ever-faithful navy to switch things up! 

Do you guys think this is a rut I am getting stuck in or a smart move because of its versatility?

photos by Margaret Thombs

Lace and Cobalt Blue

Outfit Details: 

dress: Bobeau from Nordstrom Rack (similar)

bag: Danielle Nicole from Piperlime (similar)

necklace: 14th & Union via Nordstrom Rack (similar)

bracelets: vintage

shoes: gift 

fox ring: The Alchemy Shop

I absolutely love this cobalt blue cross-body bag I got during the amazing 50% off sale Piperlime had back after New Years. The other cross-body I use coincidentally enough, is also by Danielle Nicole! They have super cute, yet very affordable purses and bags for everyday or evening. 

The bonus is that I can remove the long strap to make it just a hand-held purse. It fits everything I need in a chic compact size that isn't too bulky. 

I paired this pop of color with my go-to comfy lace dress and these low-key polka-dot heels. I wore this outfit for a personal styling client meeting. Lately I have made the conscious decision to utilize my wardrobe fully whenever I go out, even if it is just to meet with someone for 30 minutes. I have felt so much more awake and motivated to get things done, when I feel polished and put-together. I just have to keep this up and not only reach for my usual pieces, like jeans and a tee, unless I had some awesome heels and statement jewelry with it! 

How do you utilize your whole wardrobe?! 

photos by Margaret Thombs

Casual Side Braid

Outfit Details: 

hat: Urban Outfitters

dress: H&M

necklace: Natasha via Nordstrom Rack

tights: Ricky's

flats: Talbots

bag: Aldo

This is a dress I wear for work a lot, so I thought I would add some fun splashes to take it from a work outfit to a great everyday casual look! Adding fun tights to any work dress instantly elevates the outfit from boring work to "hey, I'm ready to have some fun!" The blue hat adds a nice pop of color and the necklace adds the much needed edge. The flats bring the soft touch of chic to pull it all together!

To break it down, in order to take a work dress or outfit to the next level , where you would actually want to wear it in an environment other than work.... add a dash of funk, a pop of color, a slice of edge and a touch of chic! 

How do you change up your work clothes to make them more wearable?

photos by me (Carolyn Thombs Fine Art & Photography)

Snow White

Outfit Details: 

sweater: Bobeau via Nordstrom Rack

top: Bcbg MaxAzria

pants: Kensie via Macy's

shoes: White Mountain via Macy's (still available in Dust)

necklace: 14th & Union via Nordstrom Rack

lipstick: Underage Red by Kat von D 

I am not of the mindset that you can't wear white after labor day, of course I just pair it with different pieces to make it a more weather appropriate. As in this outfit where I wore my amazing new sweater I got from Nordstrom Rack a bit ago that is so so soft and warm. For my shoes I paired these warm, sturdy White Mountain booties to keep my toesies warm and to keep from slipping. The dark components help to winterize the outfit, even though the whole time during this shoot I was imagining myself in warmer weather because the wind was so cold and biting right through my clothes. 

Some quick shopping advice: If you have never shopped at Nordstrom Rack and don't mind a somewhat cluttered and crowded shopping location then you must start! I find the best pieces there when I have the time to look and always at very low prices. I get a lot of my wardrobe staples there; like my black shirts for work, blazers and fun jewelry. So next time you need something try out Nordstrom Rack and see what you find! I always prefer shopping there earlier in the day during the week and find those are the times when the stores are almost deserted so you won't get claustrophobic.

What are your thoughts on wearing white in the winter? 

Think warm thoughts everyone, Spring is close!!!

photos by me