Black on Black

You might remember that I generally shy away from monochromatic outfits. 

But lately, I've been trying it out and liking the results.

My feet look big in these flats... I probably should have paired this outfit with heels. Oh well, maybe next time.

Shirt: Ross

Skirt: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Earrings: Francesca's

Bracelets: Audie's

What shoes do you wear to work? I do a lot of walking so I tend towards flats but I love the look of heels. Any suggestions?

Tailoring: Leopard Skirt

My second newly tailored (by a professional) item is this leopard pencil skirt. When I first bought it, it fit perfectly around my hips and the length was right, but it was too loose at the waist. The gap wasn't enough to stick out, but it didn't help at all to define my waist. So, for $10, my new tailor took it in. 

 Part of me wishes that the skirt sat a little bit higher on my waist, but then my behind would be in the wrong place, so I guess I will work with it as is. Next time, I may add a thick elastic belt to give the illusion of a higher waist, which will work better now that it has been tailored since there will be less fabric to bunch up underneath it. 

P.S. Do you like my penguin pose? I think I was thinking animal print + dressed up = penguin. Hmm, I'm not sure it all adds up.

Does anyone know the name of the extra little panel at the bottom of the back of the skirt that makes it flowy? I like it, but can't figure out what it is called.

Earrings: Target

Sunglasses: Kate Spade

Shirt: Ann Taylor

Bracelet: 10,000 Villages

Skirt: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Shoes: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Pink Lace

Every afternoon that Sunny wears her pink lace skirt I'm instantly jealous. I love the feminine details of lace. It just makes me feel a little more dainty. I own very little lace, but I'm hoping to stock up this fall.

Shirt: PacSun

Skirt: H & M

Ring: Gift

Shoes:

Tailoring: Black Dress

This is the first of a three part series documenting three pieces that I had tailored. They will be scheduled while I am away in Florida visiting Katie. I will write some fun Florida-themed posts when I return.

I honestly can't believe that it took me so long to seek out some professional help. Believe me, I will be leaving my major alterations to the pros from now on, but I will still take care of the minor ones myself.

You may recognize this black dress from my previous post, In Memory. Well, I finally followed through and took it to a tailor, who shortened it and took in the sides. When he first saw how it fit, he said, "hmm...a little bit too grandma." He speaks Italian and has a sense of humor.

After the tailor did his magic, I found that rather than hanging from my shoulders, it is now body skimming, but not too tight. I think the shorter length suits my height better as well. So after 10 years, this classic black dress has found new life. What do you think?

Here is the before and after:

Here is a shot of the little tailor shop. Look at the old sewing machines and iron! Plus, as I mentioned before, he speaks Italian, so I can practice. It is so quaint and he did a great job, so I will be going back.

                                                        

Here is my 'I'm so happy that I found a good tailor' shot.

Dress: Ann Taylor (tailored)

Necklace: Target

Shoes: Ann Taylor Factory Store

Have you ever had anything tailored?

Nautical Stripes

I bought this sweater on our honeymoon and have always had trouble styling it. It is the kind of sweater that has narrow arms (so you can't wear much underneath it) and has a long drapey front.

I usually end up tying it in a knot in the front (which I've been told looks stupid) so I finally tried tucking it in.

I love the thickness of the stripes. It brings interest to your outfit without making me look incredibly wide.

I'm sorry for the poor picture quality, I had to snap the pictures quickly once I got home from work.

One thing I'm coming to dislike about this skirt is the way it has an elastic band in the back. It gathers and makes me look like I have a saggy old lady butt. See the picture below to the left if you have questions on what that looks like.

This pink necklace has become my new best friend. I bought it over a year ago and hadn't worn it once. Then I just forced myself to wear it and now I'm finding ways to pair it with less predictable outfits.

It's amazing what you can do with an accessory if you force yourself to use it.

How would you style a skirt like this that has a tie in the front and elastic in the back?