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    Tag: bag

    Ann Taylor Finds & the 40% off Friends of Ann Event

    Fashion, Workwear by louise

    Blouse and Skirt by Ann Taylor // Shoes by Sam Edelman // Bag by Kate Spade NY

    Keeping it simple today guys. I’m sharing a few finds from Ann Taylor today along with the “friends of Ann event” 40% off every single thing sale that ends soon!!! I just thought I will spread the love a little bit (lol). For the working woman, they have some lovely skirts, blouses, and dresses.  For the more casual look, there’s also a few items like the skinny/straight crop/and wide leg jeans along with a few dresses and accessories (or statement pieces). If you decide to take advantage of this sale, use code FRIENDS40. ~xoxo Louise

    Look 1

    Anyone else love animal print? I love this skirt so much that I have worn it a couple times with different blouses already!  For this look, I paired the skirt with a plain solid-colored shirt and nude pumps.  This is a great office look yet adds some fun elements with the print skirt ;).

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    Look 2

    Sticking to the minimal look, I got this shirred mock neck blouse which is the perfect answer to crisp days in the Spring. I added a statement piece to the black skirt with a bold belt, and finished off the look with black pumps and bag. It’s also a lovely office look if you don’t want to be too distracting during a meeting or if you are not one to play with bold colors.

    Either way, there’s a dress for everyone with this awesome sale at Ann Taylor!! I have had a few of their clothes in my closet that’s 8-years old and since they have classic pieces, they do not necessary go out of style. Let me know if you do take advantage of their sales.

    Blouse by Ann Taylor // Skirt and Belt by Ann Taylor // Shoes by Charles David // Bag by Kate Spade NY

    A Touch of Festive Colors This Christmas

    Fashion, Style by louise

    A Touch Of Festive Colors

    As Christmas approaches, everything comes to life in a magical way. Sparkling lights illuminating the streets and strung around trees like a pretty wrapped gift, beautiful displays in store windows, festive and seasonal food at every corner, and a happy attitude replacing the usual aura of people on the run.  It seems like most people around this time of year take the time to soak in the holiday cheer.

    This is such a wonderful time and a reason to explore the city with the family and join in on the festivities. The Gaylord Texan Resort features a favorite story coming to life in 2 million pounds of ice! This year’s feature is Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and we are already planning to go as part of our yearly holiday tradition. There’s also ice-skating which is mesmerizing during the day and even more spectacular at night. My favorite place to visit with the kids is the Prairie lights in Grand Prairie because you can wear super comfy clothes or pjs and just sit in the warmth of your car driving through a park with holiday themed lights and listening to Christmas music.  It is oh, so pretty, and we love having hot cocoa in the car while slowly driving through the park. Then there’s the Symphony which is certainly a MUST for us. So much to do in so little time!

    With our fun-packed schedule, I always love to be dressed comfortably when we make these family outings to join in on the Christmas festivities. Comfortable jeans and a scarf with boots is a necessity because with our Dallas weather, you never know if you’re going to get warm, wet, or a slightly nippy day. So far, I have worn this outfit at least a handful of times and I plan on wearing it over the weekend when we take the kids on our holiday adventures which may likely include a little bit of walking around too!

    On this particular occasion, I made do without a jacket since it wasn’t as cold in Dallas but still managed to wear these cute Michael Kors boots as I had a day of holiday shopping and walking around on my agenda. My other splurge was investing in jeans that can be worn through the seasons. I opted for Joe’s white stretchy  jeans that are slightly frayed at the hem. These look great with boots and booties, and will also look awesome with wedges or heels in the Spring. Now isn’t this just the most merriest time of the year?

    How to Style the City Pant

    Fashion, Workwear by louise

    Keep It Simple

    Start by selecting tones that are neutral or a color palette like a black/white contrast. If you do this, you likely can’t get the rest of the ensemble wrong and it will be easy to layer pieces or accessory to the look. These pants are just the basic black but I love how loose fitting it is and how it tapers down giving the perception of longer legs and an effortless classic feel. I added this white and black polka dot ruffle henry shell blouse from Ann Taylor Loft and love how the look can be transitioned into an office wear by adding a jacket or seamlessly into an after work look for cocktails or dinner with friends.

    Add Classic Pieces

    Accessorize by adding simple yet timeless classic pieces.  For this look, I opted to stick with the monochromatic colors so black bag, shoes, and bracelet all add a varying tone of color. You may be inspired by how you can turn a black and white piece into simple elegance with just a few accessories.  Even black accessories can have patterns too! So, for the shoes, I opted for a Charles David polka dot pump since it adds a little bit of flair to the white polka dot blouse. You can still go for a plain colored shoe and still look great. I love jewelry pieces from Michael Kors so this cuff bracelet which you can purchase online or at Neiman Marcus adds a bold statement without being too gaudy. I have also linked a similar bracelet under the “Shop My Favorites”. Finally, always complete your look with a favorite bag but keep your color palette and tone in mind.

    Confidence

    Finally, own the clothes you wear. Keep in mind that it is not always about what you wear, but how you wear it. With that said, wear your clothes with self-confidence and you will always look amazing! This means whatever the brand or price, wearing any outfit in a dignified manner and character, will exude a level of self-confidence and carry through in making you look great!!! Now isn’t this what every woman wants?

    Getting the Most Out of Your Casual Wear

    Fashion, Style by louise

    Never underestimate the importance of simplicity. I particularly enjoy casual chic since it is a great look for everyday wear.  Color and style can make a difference when selecting outfits for your wardrobe.

    When I shop, I usually keep in mind a couple things; 1) how much wear i can get out of the outfit, 2) quality, and 3) cost.  So, I was pleasantly surprised when I accidentally stumbled on this bow cuff long sleeve blouse from Target on one of my shopping errands. The day was beautiful and I was enjoying my grocery shopping spree when I saw the blouse from the corner of my eye, and immediately knew I had to get it. I guess it was “meant to be”. This blouse is also available on Poshmark.

    I love to mix and match my brands. I also don’t think there is anything wrong with mixing high end brands with more affordable outfits. In fact, it is genius! You can create a very stylish look by just adding a nice designer piece and you can get the most wear out of it. It really is all about how you feel good on the inside.

    The Outfit

    Let’s start with the bag. I got this Cole Haan square leather satchel from Saks Fifth Avenue as a gift last year. I believe it is still available and now on sale so an even much better deal! I am infatuated with the color and how many compartments it has. The perfect satchel to carry all your essentials because we all know that a woman can’t have enough extra stuff in her bag! I have only used it a few times and it sits perfectly in my wardrobe until I need a change.

    My shoes are surprisingly comfortable. The heels aren’t awfully high and give the perception of height. I usually love nude color shoes because they are like a blank canvas and can go with almost any look. For this look, I went for some easy pieces to mix it up.

    Jeans can be so versatile and are the perfect wear for day to day activities. These high waisted original distressed vintage skinny ankle jeans from Express fits well and I think is super comfy. Simple accessories like earrings and this essential oil diffuser necklace can be part of the look, right? I am a big fan of essential oils so this is the perfect necklace for me.

    This ultimate hydra-plump lip booster serum from Make Up For Ever is the ultimate touch for everyday wear. It hydrates and smoothes, adding fullness to your lips. The color (o1 Cinema) is beautiful and I really, really love it.

    Wishing you a lovely Friday, hope you are all having a great time!

    @LOUISEMILLEN