September Outfit Inspiration Calendar

Getting dressed this time of year can be hard. If you are like me you are sick of your summer stuff and the temps don't allow you to dive into Fall Fashion yet. Well, hopefully this month's Outfit Inspiration Calendar will help to get the creative juices flowing.

Wednesday, 9/1 - Stripes & Pencil Skirt
Thursday, 9/2 - Blue, Yellow & Gray
Friday, 9/3 - Belt a Scarf
Saturday, 9/4 - Shorts & a Vest

Monday, 9/6 - Crops & Cardigan
Tuesday, 9/7 - Add a lightweight scarf
Wednesday, 9/8 - Yellow & Turquoise Combo
Thursday, 9/9 - Go Gingham!
Friday, 9/10 - Try a tone-on-tone look
Saturday, 9/11 - Oxford & Jeans

Monday, 9/13 - Denim & Yellow w/ a touch of snakeskin (recognize this cutie? It's FASHION du jour - make sure you read her blog! So many great outfits and she is a total sweetie!)
Tuesday, 9/14 - Menswear Mix
Wednesday, 9/15 - Shirtdress
Thursday, 9/16 - Try a light-colored blazer with a dress
Friday, 9/17 - Denim Jacket & Dress Combo
Saturday, 9/18 - Skinny Cargos

Monday, 9/20 - Mix up some patterns
Tuesday, 9/21 - Toss a Cardi over your Shoulders
Wednesday, 9/22 - Bold Black & White Print
Thursday, 9/23 - Floaty Skirt & Cute Shoes
Friday, 9/24 - Wear Clogs with a basic white & denim mix
Saturday, 9/25 - Leopard & Jeggings

Monday, 9/27 - Mix: Leopard & Army Green
Tuesday, 9/28 - Pair a bold necklace with a dress
Wednesday, 9/29 - Texturized Black Mix
Thursday, 9/30 - Navy & Peach Color Combo

To check out past months' Outfit Inspiration Calendars, click here!

Sync up with the Outfit Inspiration Calendar for easy access:

This month's looks are from:
SWAK Design's Facebook Page, LOFT's Facebook Page, Kmart's Facebook Page, Lane Bryant's Inside Curve, FASHION du jour's blog, and the magazines Elle, Bazaar, InStyle, O, Real Simple, and People Style Watch.

Daily Outfit - 08/31/10

Can you believe it is the last day of August? Woah, where did the month go? If you follow me on Twitter you know that I didn't work yesterday, so I decided to combine the last two days of the Outfit Inspiration Calendar in one look today. Yesterday was "purple and navy" and my dress has lilac and navy in it and today's inspiration is "patterned skirt". While I am technically wearing a dress, it is still patterned.

Also, I know that Bazaar stated that strong shoulder items were to be "stored" on their Buy, Keep, Store Page this month I am still wearing this blazer. I actually just got it a couple of weeks ago and haven't worn it yet. Plus, I am not that much of a slave to trends!

Blazer - Lane Bryant, super clearance for $18 (originally $118) (Aug. 2010)
Dress - Dots, $13 (2008)
Necklace - Avon, $13 (Summer 2010)
Snakeskin Heels - Marshalls, $30 (2008)

Friend Friday - Fall Fashion

I am sure you have seen "Friend Friday" on one or a few of the other fabulous blogs participating. I thought it would be a good way to share a little bit more personal info with all of you great gals since I don't do a ton of that on a daily basis. This week's questions are lighter than the past couple of weeks, but look for this to be an on-going Friday thing!

Also, thanks to Katy with Modly Chic for organizing this fun "Friend Friday"! Check out her blog here and to see the other blogs that are participating in this week's Friend Friday click here.

What new fashion trend are you looking forward to sporting this fall?

I have to say I am loving just about every trend for fall. My inner girly-girl loves the turn towards "lady-like" things - longer hems, lace, hourglass silhouettes and more. However, I also like all the juxtaposition of soft and hard being mixed together that is continuing to be everywhere (i.e. ruffles with worn denim, military with a dress, and lace with studs).

(Reese looking cute as ever in her military jacket over a dress.)

Which item in your closet is most likely to be your go-to transition piece?
I can see my army green jacket being a great transitional item. I have already worn it with rolled up jeans and a maxi dress this summer, but can see it working just as well more layered up for fall.

What item from last year are you looking forward to reinventing this fall?

I don't know so much about "reinventing" but I am definitely looking forward to wearing lots of boots, booties and vests. I plan on adding a lot of bling and embellishment to everything this fall and winter. I can't wait to wear a cluster of brooches at the top of a pair of knee high boots also (sorry I can't find a pic to share).

What is your favorite part about this time of the year?
Everything! The crisp mornings, sleeping with the windows open and having to snuggle under the down comfortor, all the layering without sweating you can do, Colts Football Games, prepping for the holidays - - I could go on and on about fall!

Will you be attending any fashion events this fall?

Nothing planned right now, but that is okay. I have big plans for Las Vegas in February!

Daily Outfit - 08/27/10

I take back all of the snarky things I have said about Mother Nature over the past couple of months. The super hot temps and lack of rain are all forgiven after the gorgeousness of yesterday and again today. However, I heard she is feeling a little bitchy and it is going to be back up in the 90s on Sunday. Oh well, I can deal!


Black Statement Tee - Kmart, $17 (Aug. 2010)
Black Cardi - NY & Co, $20 (2009)
Gray Cargo Pants - Lane Bryant, $30 (June 2010)
Sandals - Botkier, RueLaLa (Summer 2010)

Is It Worth It?

When I buy an article of clothing I try to mentally put together a couple of outfit ideas incorporating the item in my mind before I drop the dough on it. It helps me visualize the item working with my wardrobe and staying away from purchases that never end up out of the closet (or worse the bag!).

So with Lane Bryant's big 40% off everything sale I have been going over their website selecting items that I like and envisioning them working with my current wardrobe. One item that caught my eye in particular is the Tweed Sweater Jacket that is currently on sale for $39. I love that it has a classic Chanel Jacket look, but it is a sweater and more comfy (in my opinion) since it would move and stretch more than a normal jacket.

So, I put together a few outfits using other current Lane Bryant items (and a couple of other retailers) that are similar to clothing items I already have. It looks like this jacket is a winner!

LB Tweed Sweater Jacket - Set 1 by dddgirl79 on Polyvore.com

LB Tweed Sweater Jacket - Set 2 by dddgirl79 on Polyvore.com
Do you visual clothes fitting into your wardrobe prior to purchase also?

Daily Outfit - 08/26/10

We are actually having some slightly cooler temps here in Indy this week (today's high is only 77!). Granted we will be back up to 90 come this weekend. But in the meantime I thought I would take advantage and wear some pants and a heavier weight jacket. While trying to decide on what pop of color to go under the jacket I got some inspiration from one of our dogs - she is a brown and black dog and is currently sporting a bright turquoise collar. Love this color combo!

Leopard Jacket - Kohl's, on sale for $30 (Dec. 2009)

Crinkle Cami - Lane Bryant, super clearance sale for $8 (Aug. 2010)
Brown Pants - Lane Bryant Outlet, $20 (2008)
Brown Heels - Vera Wang for Kohl's, $20 (2008)

Grab a New Purse for Fall

Handbag Heaven for Fall by dddgirl79
Don't forget, right now you can get the Friends & Family Discount at Handbag Heaven on any of these and all of their bags! Click here to shop!

Daily Outfit - 08/25/10

This is one of those outfits that was inspired by a look I saw on another blog that ended up completely different . . . the inspirational look was a denim shirt layered over a floaty blouse with a skirt and flower pin. The blogger's shirt reminded me of this sheer floral blouse that I believe I have only worn once before. Then I was going to possibly wear my blue oxford shirt over it as an alternative to a denim shirt, but I have pulled that thing on a few too many times lately. In the end I decided to grab a basic black cardigan, but I did still go with a flower pin. Kind of funny how things like that work out.


Black Cardi - NY & Co, $20 (Spring 2009)
Floral Shirt - TJ Maxx, $15 (Summer 2009)
Black Dress - Target, $15 (2007)
Belt - NY & Co, $10 (2008)
Flower Pin - H&M, $5 (Feb. 2010)
Heels - Nine West via 6pm.com, $25 (Fall 2009)

Guest Post - Pattern Mixing

I did a guest post on All Tumble Down on pattern mixing - be sure to check it out! Also, be sure to have Nina's great blog on your list of must reads. She keeps things fashionable while maintaining her religious practices, and I love her kitchen cabinets!!

Reader Question - How to Style Up This Dress?

I bought this dress and I love it and want to keep it, but need to figure a way to wear it in fall and winter before I can justify it (i'm a grad student). My immediate thought was a gold belt and shoes because its too shapeless as is to go without something up top. My usual cold weather plan is to just put on black tights and sweater, but that won't work this time. :( Do you have any ideas?
Thanks!
-Anna

Anna, what a gorgeous dress! I think you should definitely keep it and in addition to the gold belt idea you had here are a few that I styled up:

ON Dress - Warm Temps by dddgirl79 featuring summer dresses

ON Dress - Fall by dddgirl79 featuring sheer dress

ON Dress - Winter by dddgirl79 featuring strap dress
Those are a just a few of the ideas I had - hope they help!

Splurge vs. Steal - Quilted Purse

I have long been a fan of the classic Chanel 2.55 quilted bag as seen on many celebrity arms and socialites over the past 50+ years. However, their $2,000 + price tags don't really fit in with my lifestyle.

Luckily, Handbag Heaven has some great inspired-by styles and for a mere fraction of the cost.

To make things even better, Handbag Heaven is offering a 15% Friends & Family discount, and you, my friend, are eligible! Click here to begin shopping!

Daily Outfit - 08/23/10

Ack, the dreaded bathroom pic! I didn't have time to take anything else and it had been a couple of days, so I figured why not. Sorry the big pic is so blurry - I was nervous I was going to get caught! :-)

Today's outfit inspiration calendar called for neon yellow and tan. This is a combo that I love, but my clothing items are seriously lacking in those colors. However, this yellow belt caught my eye while doing the aimless stare into my closet last evening, this skirt was nearby and I hadn't worn this shirt to work yet (though I have worn it a few times casually). At first I had on brown wedge sandals, but knew those weren't a good pick. Then I remembered these and loved the extra pattern and color it gave the outfit. How is that for some rambling on how I came to wear this today?

Blue/White Shirt w/ Ruffle - Lane Bryant, clearance for $6 (June 2010)
Yellow Belt - Michael Kors via TJ Maxx, clearance for $10 (2009)
White Skirt - Fashion Bug via Sonsi, clearance for $8 (August 2010)
Wedge Sandals - Cynthia Vincent for Target, $30 (Spring 2010)

Reader Question - Mix & Match Fall Wardrobe

I have been a reader of your great blog for two years now, and I am constantly inspired by your great posts. You did a post last September for a reader called "Mix and Match Momma" that was just wonderful for my stay-at-home mom lifestyle. I felt fashionable and fabulous mixing and matching all the pieces you picked last fall and winter, and shopping was such a breeze! (I even had a few of the items already) Now with the new fall season approaching, I find myself struggling to put a shopping list together to update for the trends for Fall/ Winter 2010. I like to be somewhat "dressed" up during the day, but have to keep the shoes to a flat or small wedge. I also love outfits that are comfortable while being trendy. Please, Please, Please (Pretty Please) help me this season by doing another post for a Mix and Match momma so that I can be as fashionable at the PTA meetings as I was last year!

Thanks, (and keep up the great work!)

Heather

Heather, thanks so much for reminding me of that post! I haven't done many mix & match posts lately, so this was a good reminder. In looking at the post I have to say I think all of the looks are still great go-tos for Fall/Winter 2010. However, I pulled together a new batch of 18 items and remixed them all to create 24 looks. I hope you find it just as helpful as last years!

(Don't forget you can hover your mouse over any of the items in the 3 sets below for store and price details!)

Fall Mix & Match by dddgirl79 featuring Old Navy

For the tops - stripes are still huge and are a great way to add pattern to your wardrobe, you can never go wrong with a black long-sleeve tee, the purple top is a great way to add a bit of lace and a jewel-tone color to your closet (both hot trends for fall), cardigans are great for layering and a white tunic-length top is a great staple that can be worn out or tuck-in for extra options

Fall Mix & Match 2 by dddgirl79 featuring Old Navy

Next up - hop on the Army trend with a great jacket that can be worn inside and out depending on the temps, a chunky knit sweater vest will be a great layering piece, the denim dress is the perfect alternative to a pair of jeans, necklaces of mixed chains and baubles add so much to a simple outfit and a long pendant necklace is fantastic also

Fall Mix & Match 3 by dddgirl79 featuring Old Navy

To see all all of the same or similar items that I used in this Capsule Wardrobe that are available in sizes up to 26 click here (or see below).

To finish off your capsule wardrobe grab an army green skirt that can be dressed up or down, a pair of basic jeans are always a go-to or if you want to get more trendy grab a pair of jeggings instead, scarves are still hot and grabbing a leopard-print one and a jewel-tone purple one are perfectly in tune with fall trends, and to finish off with shoes grab a bright pair of flats, a printed pair (camo is another hot print for fall/winter!) and lastly I show a pair of ankle boots (the pair pictured has a heel, but these could easily be swapped out with a wedge or flat pair or a simple pair of black flats or clogs).

Now for the looks:

I drew inspiration for these trends and looks from the September Issues of Lucky and People Style Watch Magazines. If you want to see my "style board" check out my Facebook album by clicking here.

Mix & Match Fall Wardrobe - Plus Size Options

After I posted the Mix & Match Fall Wardrobe earlier today, Amy left a comment daring me to do a plus size version.

Well, here you go, Amy! Below are all of the same or similar items that I used in the Capsule Wardrobe that are available in sizes up to 26.

Fall Capsule - Plus Sizes by dddgirl79 featuring old navy cardigans

Fall Capsule - Plus Sizes 2 by dddgirl79 featuring old navy tops

Fall Capsule - Plus Sizes 3 by dddgirl79 featuring scarves

As for all of the outfits combos, I think all of the looks could easily work on plus sizes also.

In Search of the Perfect Fall/Winter Wedge

I have come to the realization that I need a pair of cold-weather shoes that have a wedge heel. Over the summer I found that on casual Fridays and weekends I grabbed pairs of wedge sandals the most often. They are comfy, give me a little height, offer more stability than a heel, plus they made me feel more pulled together than a pair of flat sandals.

However, in thinking ahead and visualizing my fall and winter shoe wardrobe I have a hole that needs to be filled. My mailbox has been stuffed daily this week with all the fat September Issues of various fashion mags. I haven't made it through them all, but I have already narrowed down what I want on my feet this fall come casual days.

I want to find the perfect mix of these:

(images scanned from Sept. Issues of People Style Watch and Lucky)

Lace-Up Booties + Rugged Boots + Chunky Ankle Boots + Wedge

I took a quick look around the web and found the following pairs so far:

Boot Options by dddgirl79 featuring GAP shoes

The Gap ones on the bottom are currently not only my favorite, but the best priced. I am initially drawn to the khaki color, but think the flint gray might be better. Decisions, decisions . . . hmmm . . .

Have you seen any boots like this? What is on your list for Fall Footwear?

Kmart's Lace Tee - 4 Ways!

Yesterday I shared a few looks and items from Kmart's Fall Collection. One of the items that really caught my eye was the Lace Tee (currently available here). The tee stood out to me as an item that could be mixed and matched into numerous outfits and could be worn to the grocery store, work, girl's night out and more.

Here are a few of the looks that came to mind for the tee:

Lace Tee - Work by dddgirl79 on Polyvore.com

Left Outfit: Pair the Lace Tee with a black pencil skirt and as temps cool off add a floral cardigan and tights to the outfit. Adding a fun colored purse to play off of the cardigan will add interest to the outfit.

Right Outfit: Layer a bright colored short sleeve cardigan over the Lace Tee and pair with black pants. The burgundy purse and shooties with ruffle detail keep this look from being too expected.

Lace Tee - Errands/Out by dddgirl79 featuring Forever21 jewelry

Left Outfit: Even though you may just be running out to the grocery store toss this Lace Tee on with jeans and finish off the look with raspberry colored flats and even add a pop of green with your purse.

Right Outfit: Headed out on the town with your man or girlfriends? Grab this go-to Lace Tee but layer an open front vest over it, finishing it off with some dangly earrings and hot heels. You will be good to go!

For shopping details hover over the item for retailer and price info. All items featured are from Kmart, Handbag Heaven or Forever 21.

Don't forget to enter Kmart's Fall Fahion Giveaway too! Click here for more details and to enter.