Weekend Recap

Usually I only end up wearing one outfit worth sharing on my blog over the weekend, since Sunday's are really lazy and I don't go out much that day. However, this weekend was much different! I had two outfits worth sharing with you guys! Like I've said before, pairing a flouncy skirt with a simple top is such an easy, yet put-together outfit for casual occasions. Here I'm wearing my new chambray skirt from the Target kid's department (it's a guilty pleasure) and a simple Gap crewneck.


Every once in a while I browse the kid's department at Target. So far, I've found two great pieces that don't look like ten year old's clothing. Luckily, I'm able to fit in a kid's XL or XXL, although the only problem is that the clothes aren't really made for "post-pubescent" bodies. This skirt is a little difficult to get up past my hips, which is expected for a kid's dept find, but it fits great on my waist and is the perfect length. Another great thing about the kid's dept: cheaper prices! I was able to snag this skirt on clearance for $6. A great deal for such a versatile skirt.


Shirt: Gap Favorite Tee, sz S
Skirt: Cherokee for Target, kid's sz XL 14-16
Necklace: American Eagle Outfitters
Shoes: American Eagle Outfitters
Bag: Mark.
Does anyone else feel just a little special when you know you're able to fit into kid's size clothing still? Or am I just weird?

Classy Weekend: Cramming in a few more summer outfits

This past summer, there were two things on my wishlist: A t-shirt dress and a nautical striped dress. I still haven't found the "one" when it comes to either of them, but later on in the summer I stumbled upon the best of both worlds: A nautical striped t-shirt dress! This one comes from one of my favorite stores: Land's End Canvas. LEC is usually way out of my price range, but when things go on sale, the prices are more reasonable. Luckily, I found this on sale for about $30, I believe. It's made of almost a polo shirt type material so it is a little heavy. Attached is a rope belt, which doesn't come off unless you cut the loops on the side of the dress.


I'm a sucker for anything classically nautical. It's really hard to find any nautical pieces with classic silhouettes these days, so when I saw this, I had to get it ASAP! The rope belt definitely adds to the sailor style. Love it!


Dress: Land's End Canvas in XS (Not available anymore)
Cardigan: Merona for Target, sz S
Shoes: DSW sz 8 (On sale now; Get it here in limited sizes and colors.)
Sunglasses: Ray Ban Aviators

I paired it with a red cardigan and nude striped espadrilles. The dress is in a size XS, but I could've used a XXS. It's a bit boxy and I had to get it hemmed above the knee. With fall quickly approaching, I'm trying to wear as many of my summer pieces that got neglected this year! But, especially with the cardigan and Arizona weather, this outfit should work well into early fall.

Review: Essie Mademoiselle and Pinkadelic

I had never thought to mix polishes until a manicure at the Red Door Spa. I had picked my go-to nail color: Essie Mademoiselle. When I use that color at home, I use about five coats to make it look opaque (It seems to have to do this with a lot of Essie's sheer colors). But the nail technician had only used two coats, and told me it was too sheer. After telling her about my five-coat habit, she then picked up another color: Essie Pinkadelic, and added two more coats on my nails. The result? The most perfect sheer, custom nail color I've ever worn! I've since bought a bottle of Pinkadelic off Amazon and have been using the combination of the two ever since!
Here is Essie Mademoiselle by itself in regular light, with about two coats:

Here it is in natural sunlight:

As you can see, Mademoiselle is quite sheer for two coats. If you like an unoticeable, shiny and almost "jelly-like" top coat for your nails, then two coats should work well for you. But, if you are like me and prefer a more noticeable light pink for your nails, more coats or a mix of another color would be necessary. So, here is Mademoiselle with two coats of Pinkadelic on top:

In natural sunlight:

I took these pictures while the polish was still drying. It has actually dried to a more opaque color than is shown in the picture, but it is very similar. Pinkadelic is a bit lighter pink and less "jelly-like" than Mademoiselle. It also has a tiny hint of what looks like purple or pink shimmer. The combination of the two stands out as so classy. Perfect!

Left: Essie Mademoiselle (Available at Target or on Amazon)
Right: Essie Pinkadelic (Since this is an older shade, I'm not sure if it's available at Target. I bought mine off Amazon for a little less than retail price.)

Daily Outfit and Review: Gap Perfect Trouser pants

I'm usually afraid to wear pants to work. Number 1, because I just really love the classically feminine work wear of dresses and skirts. And number 2, because I could never find a perfect fitting pair. But, when Gap had it's 40% off premium pants sale, I took the plunge and bought two pairs: the Perfect Trouser and the Modern Boot. Today, I wore the Perfect Trousers in gray plaid:

This pant is very similar to a wide-leg pant, althought Gap has a true wide-leg version as well. I feared that such a shape would swallow me up and make me look sloppy, but I was quite surprised at how feminine and flattering this pant is! As with all slouchy or wider leg pants, its important to keep the top fitted and feminine. I completed the outfit with a ruffled jersey knit top, my purple cardigan (It's getting a lot of use with my work clothes!), and my new Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps. I got complimented more on this outfit than any others I've worn to work so far. Not sure if that's good or bad yet!

The fit was alright for a size 2 ankle, but I would be happier with a 0 ankle. (They don't sell size 0 in their "ankle" lengths in store. Bummer!) Overall, I love this pant as a wide-leg option for those who fear the typical wide-leg dress pant!


Blouse: Dillard's junior's dept. (old)
Cardigan: Merona for Target in XS
Pants: Gap Perfect Trouser pants, Size 2 ankle in Grey Plaid (Find grey plaid here; other colors here)
Belt: Gap (old)
Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps in black

Daily Outfit: Classic Black and White

Once again, I am wearing my classic black pencil skirt with my new bow blouse for work. Dressing for work is so easy when you have multiple pencil skirts and a few blouses on hand!

In a previous post, I wrote about this new black pencil skirt from the Dillard's junior's department. I bought it in a size 3 and it was still a little loose in the waist, but today it was incredibly loose on me! I could've probably worn a size 1, but I didn't see any at the store. I tried the skinny belt to keep it up higher on my waist, but it just bunched up in the back (which is okay, because I wore a lab coat over my outfit all day!). Still looking for the perfect fitting pencil skirt within my price range... or maybe I will just have to get the waist taken in.

Blouse: "Soulmates" from Dillard's junior's dept (I've been finding some nice stuff there lately!)
Skirt: "Takara" from Dillard's junior's dept
Belt: Came from another skirt
Shoes: Steve Madden Ulltra pumps in black patent

As a side note, I got my first Ann Taylor order today! I took advantage of their 40% off everything sale and bought a tropical wool pencil skirt and a pair of black Perfect Pumps after reading so many reviews on other petite blogs. So far, I'm happy with my purchase and I can't wait to try both pieces out!

That's one good looking guy...

Who gets lucky enough to have an other-half who knows how to dress well and complements your own style? I have been so blessed to find someone who understands my shopping/clothes addiction!

This is an example of Nick's every day work outfit. Fitted chinos and a button up... Doesn't get any better than that for basic preppy business casual! (Though, his pants desperately need an quick run through with the ironing board!)

Shirt: Hollister Co.
Pants: American Eagle Outfitters slim straight chinos in Khaki
Belt: American Eagle Outfitters
Shoes: Perry Ellis America

Classy weekend: Transitioning from summer to fall

I'm a bit excited to start putting away the short shorts and t-shirts from summer and transition into fall clothing. (Of course, in Arizona, I could probably extend my summer wardrobe well into October.) But with highs in the mid-80's and much cooler nights, I think it's appropriate to start bringing out the fall fashions! This weekend's best outfit consisted of rolled up "boyfriend jeans" (I say this because they aren't really boyfriend jeans), a plain tee, a light cardigan, and boat shoes. Please excuse the hastily-taken photos. :)

Boyfriend jeans are apparently a "weekend-wear staple" because they're so laid back and can be put together stylishy. I've tried the style before but found the shape to be very unflattering and a bit sloppy. But, I love the "laid-back-yet-put-together" feel of the style, so I did some experimenting. With a small/petite frame, finding a looser pair of straight cut jeans does the trick. You still get the boyfriend jean feel, but with a better fit. And another advantage: the pants can work double duty. Worn rolled up like boyfriend jeans, or rolled down for a sleeker style. And as for shoes, flat styles work best, especially boat shoes or thin sneakers like Keds or Vans.

The trick to styling such jeans is to make sure your top is a bit more feminine and slightly more fitted. You'll look like a slob if you're wearing something loose on top and loose on the bottom! Here I just wore a white tee and a yellow cardigan. I love the preppy casual feel from this outfit, and it's perfect for transitioning from summer to fall.


Shirt: Gap crew neck tee in XS
Cardigan: Merona for Target (told you I have one in every color!) in XS
Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters Straight jeans in size 6 (This is an older pair. For some reason, size 6 in AE is way too big for me now in their newer styles)
Belt: American Eagle Outfitters
Shoes: "Rock and Candy" boat shoe from DSW

An un-casual Friday

I'm stuck when it comes to different casual Friday outfits. I had my post last week on my "casual Friday without being too casual" outfit, but I don't wanna wear the same thing every week! Back to the drawing board I suppose. So for this week's "Casual Friday" I just went for the usual pearls-and-pumps ensemble:

Plus, I wanted to wear my new black pencil skirt from Dillard's! I've been waiting months for them to re-stock my size in the junior's dept, and they finally did. I wore it with a satin blouse (which I just noticed is in dire need of ironing) and a cardigan, as well as my Steve Madden Ulltra pumps (Still waiting for my Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps to ship!). You just can't go wrong with the classics. :)

(This is me mid-sentence... Nick still takes great pics. :] )
Blouse: The Limited, sz XS
Cardigan: Merona for Target, sz XS
Skirt: "Takara" from Dillard's junior's dept. (sz 3, still a little too big at the waist.)
Shoes: Steve Madden "Ulltra" pumps in black patent
Sunglasses: Ray Ban aviators

Daily Outfit: LC Lauren Conrad Chiffon Skirt

Here is the last of the two pieces I bought from the LC Lauren Conrad line at Kohl's: The LC Pleated Chiffon skirt in Size 2 (The smallest size available). The fit is great if you like to wear your skirts higher up on your waist. As always with size 2's for me, the waist is just a tad bit loose. I think that could be fixed by wearing a thicker blouse tucked in, however. I felt that this outfit was a little more trendy than my usual classic work attire, but I was still very happy with it!

It took a bit of thought to figure out what to wear with this skirt. In LC's Fall 2011 look book, she pairs the skirt with a white lace top. I find that only black or white matches with this skirt, especially to wear in a professional setting. It's so flowy and fresh, and I think that it'll still work far into the Fall season.

V-neck: Victoria's Secret PINK
Skirt: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's (Get it here; two colors available)
Blazer: 'Stoosh' (Dillard's junior's dept.)
Shoes: Payless (old)

So, readers-- What other colors would you pair this blush colored skirt with?

Daily Outfit: White after Labor Day!

As promised, here is one of my latest purchases from the LC Lauren Conrad line at Kohl's, which is the polka dot blouse. I paired it with crisp white pants (not very crisp in the picture; the fabric wrinkles horribly after a long day at work), a patent bow belt, and nude heels.

This has got to be one of my most bold work outfits yet. I tend to gravitate towards the usual dark colors for work, but I got so many compliments today for this outfit! (Nick said I looked like a Charlie's Angel wanna-be. Like he'd know; That was way before our time!)
As for the LC blouse, it was very comfortable and true to size, which is XS (The smallest size they carry is XS for LC clothing, and I usually wear XS). It's 100% polyester, but has such a silky feel. I felt so fresh and summery in this outfit! Summer isn't over yet. :)

Blouse: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's (Get it here; No longer available in XS or S, however.)
Pants: I.N. San Francisco (from Dillard's junior's dept), hemmed.
Belt: Marshall's (One of those "steals" you just come across every so often)
Shoes: Steve Madden "Ulltra" pumps in Blush

Who else is taking advantage of the end of summer with fresh outfits?

New line to love: LC by Lauren Conrad

I've always been aware of Lauren Conrad's clothing line at Kohl's, but I never took the time to look into it. I figured it'd be all the same overpriced trendy clothing, however, after seeing her latest Fall 2011 collection video, I had to check it out. First off, the prices aren't bad, but it isn't great for bargain shoppers either. I ended up spending about $80 on two pieces and a pretty ring from her line. That great thing is that even though the Fall collection is fairly new, Kohl's has marked down every single piece to a more reasonable price. Next, her line has some trendy pieces, but a lot of it can be worked into a classic outfit. It's the perfect combination of classic meets fresh and youthful. Here are some pictures from her Fall collection look book that I liked:

The last two looks include the two pieces I bought. The polkadot blouse (not a big fan of it with the shorts though) and the pleated chiffon skirt.
Stay tuned for more posts about the pieces I purchased...

Daily outfit: Inspiration from Extra Petite

After reading Jean's post (on her blog, Extra Petite) about how to style a skirt and cardigan combo, I decided to try out some of her exceptional looks! Here I've attempted to copy one of her looks:

Instead of wearing a cardigan outside of your outfit, tucking it in is supposed to give you a little more shape. For some reason, I found that I lost a bit of my "hourglass" figure when wearing this outfit. Maybe it was the bulky layers? I'm not too sure what it was about it that made me feel a little straighter-figured while wearing this.

Cardigan: Merona for Target
Cami: Forever 21
Skirt: Nordstrom
Shoes: Steve Madden 'Ulltra' pumps in black patent

I would try it again, but it definitely isn't one of my favorite looks. I still have two more of Jean's looks to try!

Follow me on BlogLovin!

Here you can see all of your favorite blogs in one place, including Long Live Classy! The link is below. :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Dressing up a sun dress...

There are some occasions where you need to dress casually... but not too casually... but not fancy, either. In the summer months, this is easy to accomplish. Just pick your favorite sun dress and add a blazer or cardigan, accessories, and some dressier sandals. Here, I went for a "dressier" sun dress made of dark gray satin and dressed it up with a khaki blazer and pearls. I wish I had nude sandals, because I thought they would work perfectly with this outfit, but the gold worked out just as well.

Dress: American Eagle Outfitters
Blazer: Old Navy
Sandals: Merona for Target

For an even "dressier" occasion, or to make it more appropriate for a night time event, adding a darker blazer and either wedges or summery heels should do the trick. The khaki blazer and sandals were perfect for the daytime event that I was attending. It kept the outfit summery, yet polished.

For a more casual example, I wore a colorful, jersey knit strapless sun dress with a navy cardigan, belt, and shimmery sandals. This is one of my favorite outfits for summer time. Even in the summer, cardigans always seem to make an outfit look more put-together.

Dress: Billabong from PacSun
Cardigan: Merona for Target
Belt: was included with a different dress
Sandals: Gap

Now, to think of outfits for Fall...

Daily Outfit: Casual Friday

Casual Friday... without being too casual. That's what we're all about, right? Too often I see people take advantage of casual Friday by wearing jeans (and they're often too faded, too light, distressed, ill fitting, the list goes on...). And really, are jeans appropriate and professional for any office? Since I (like most people) wear jeans on the weekend or after work, I leave them out of my work outfits.
Here is one of my favorite work outfits by far:

I love the preppy feel of this outfit. The khakis fit so well, the floral flats add a classy, feminine touch, and my signature string of pearls tops it all off. When it gets cooler in the Fall, I can complete the outfit by adding a cardigan. In the Winter, wear the shirt, cardigan, and finish with a heavier jacket or pea coat. Even though I have the floral flats, any neutral color would work for this outfit. It's super versatile.

Shirt: Merona for Target in Extra Small
Pants: Mossimo Supply Co. for Target in size 4, hemmed.
Belt: American Eagle Outfitters
Flats: Mossimo Supply Co. for Target (Not available anymore)
(I just realized this outfit is mostly made up of Target clothes!)

What are your favorite casual Friday outfits that aren't too casual?

Daily Outfit: Neutrals with a twist

Here is my work outfit for today. Something I threw together at the last minute again, but this time it did turn out pretty good.

Blouse: Gap
Cardigan: Merona for Target (I have over ten of these in various colors, they complete so many outfits)
Trousers: Mossimo for Target in size 4, hemmed. (Still a little too big in the waist)
Belt (too dark to see): Gap
Flats: Mossimo for Target (Available online and in stores now)

The nude colored blouse and black trousers (all neutrals) by itself seemed a bit too boring for me, so I added a purple cardigan to add some color. In the pictures, it doesn't look very figure-flattering, but it worked out pretty well on my petite frame. (I usually don't like to wear dress pants because they swallow me up.)

The only thing I was really concerned about: The flats. I own over 70 pairs of shoes, but I don't own a pair of black flats. I opted for these patent taupe flats, hoping it would compliment the neutral colors of the outfit. I think they matched pretty well though. What do you all think? Would black flats match with this outfit better?

Daily Outfit: At the office

I was in a rush this morning to try to put something together for work, and this is what I came up with. It looks okay, but it's definitely not my favorite.

Blouse: Merona for Target
Pencil skirt: Takara (from Dillard's junior's dept.)
Cardigan: Merona for Target
Shoes: Mossimo 'Pearce' Pumps in Navy blue from Target (available online in many colors)

Is it a faux paux to wear navy on navy? Especially varying shades of navy blue? I'm not too happy with my new blouse from Target. It's a very clingy, staticy fabric that isn't very figure flattering. I prefer silk or satin blouses with pencil skirts, usually. And as for the heels, this is the first time I've worn my Mossimo Pearce pumps from Target in navy blue. They look a little too cheap for my taste and have such a wide footbed and no toe cleavage (I normally hate toe cleavage, but a little bit is okay!) Looking at it in the photo, they remind me of flight attendant shoes (not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not my style!). Back to the drawing board for better work outfits...

Essie Ladylike review

Since I've been searching for the perfect Fall pink for my nails, I excitedly picked up one of Essie's latest shades from the Fall 2011 collection: Ladylike. From what I hear, this collection is supposed to be based off colors of vintage handbags. Therefore, the colors are more muted, neutral and definitely Fall appropriate. Ladylike is the only pink-ish shade in the line, while the rest are more gray or brown. I really only like sheer, classy pinks on my fingernails, so Ladylike seemed so classic and perfect for Fall!
Well, here it is...

I am very disappointed with this shade, actually. First off, the application was a bit streaky but it still applied opaque enough for one coat. Essie is known for its pretty sheer colors that take almost five coats to become opaque. This one isn't one of them, thankfully. I guess what I don't like is the color. It makes my hands look old and much too mature for my age. I'm thinking its the dusty lavender tones that just don't flatter my skintone.
But, I tried a glittery top coat in an attempt to make it more youthful:

I'm still not satisfied. I'll have to try it on my toes when I take off Essie's BoatHouse (such a flattering, pretty shade of coral!).

Easy, effortless, everyday

Whenever I feel like wearing something other than shorts and a t-shirt on the weekend, a more put-together outfit can be made in four simple steps!

Skirt: Hollister Co.
Cardigan: Merona for Target
Shoes: Old Navy
Bag: Mark.

Just take a pretty printed skirt with a little bit of volume... tuck a coordinating camisole or tank into it... add a cardigan (You could even belt it at the waist for more of a shape, but a belt was too much for this outfit. I just buttoned up the two buttons at my waistline to add some shape)... and finish off with peeptoe flats or sandals!

These steps can also be followed for a dressier occasion: Take a flouncy skirt (In a more formal fabric such as chiffon or jacquard), tuck a simple blouse into it (I'm thinking something silky or lacy), add a blazer, and some classic pumps.

This outfit can be switched around in so many other ways, and it's a casual style that still looks put-together. Other suggestions: Swap sandals or peeptoe flats for light wedges or espadrilles, go monochromatic with a matching skirt and top, with a bright cardigan on top with neutral shoes. The possibilities are endless!

Any other suggestions?

Keeping it casual and preppy

One of my favorite outfits on Nick:

I find his button up shirt to be perfect for Fall. Not too summery, and not too much like a lumberjack.

Shirt: Hollister Co.
Pants:Hollister Co. Slim Straight jeans
Shoes: Vans Authentic

Another "nautical casual" look...

Even though I gravitate towards wearing a shorts and a t-shirt combo in the summer time, I like to keep the look even just a tad bit preppy. Here is one of my favorite weekend outfits that still maintains classy and cute. (And my love for nautical stripes!) I thought my jeweled Steve Madden sandals added a classy touch to make the outfit seem not too casual.

Please excuse the cell phone mirror pic... I didn't have Nick to take my picture!
Shirt: Hollister Co. (old)
Shorts: Mossimo for Target, Navy blue shorts (very old)
Sandals: Steve Madden

My favorite classic look... Nautical styles!

The one summer style I am constantly attracted to is anything nautical. Navy striped boatnecks, sailor style dresses, boat shoes... basically anything navy blue. The preppy-classic East Coast nautical style is what I love. Here, I have a more casual interpretation of a nautical style...

Shirt: Gap Soft V-Neck Striped Tee in Navy Blue
Shorts: Hollister Co. (old)
Sandals: American Eagle Outfitters