One Jacket, 3 Ways

Delicious and healthy recipe for... Brussel sprouts

I know, I know... Brussel sprouts? Yes! I have never been a fan, so when my mom told me she had found a great way to fix them I was... Skeptical. Wow was she right!!! So yummy and full of good-for-you nutrients. I literally find myself craving them!

To prepare:

Half sprouts and place in large mixing bowl. Add 4 tbs olive oil, 3 tbs minced garlic, kosher salt and crushed pepper to taste  let them sit for about 1 hour then spread them in 1 layer on a cookie sheet (with edges) covered with parchment paper. Bake at 420 for 20 mins. Flip after 10 mins. 

Enjoy! I served them with herb crusted salmon and wild rice. Delicious!!

Road Trip!

When you're hitting the road, often comfort is the most important consideration when deciding on attire.  This outfit will make sure you can relax for the long road ahead (and not feel the need to slink into the gas station restroom under the cover of darkness to avoid being seen)!  Who knows, you might even be inclined to make some pit stops along the way... you know, because you pass an outlet mall or something ;-)

Top | DVF (I got mine on sale at Neiman Marcus, not available online)

Bracelet | Etsy

Sunglasses | Alexander McQueen (I got mine at Last Call Studio for $70 - originally $350, not available online)

Ring | Alanna Bess on Gilt

Coated Denim | Current Elliot (I got mine at Neiman Marcus 65%, not available online)

Scarf | Zara ($12.99!!)

Shoes | Alice and Olivia (I got mine at Last Call Studio for extra 60% off, not available online)

The Shift Blouse, Spring 2014 Trend

Glamour Magazine named the shift blouse as one of the most wearable trends for Spring 2014. 

I found mine on sale at Zara ($39.99)! Because it's a print, boxy, and has some beading on it I styled it with minimal jewelry and accessories.  I'd like the sculptural quality of the top to stand out the most.  It could easily be paired with a slim trouser for work as well.

Top | Zara

Booties ($20) | Polyvore

Earrings | Alexis Bittar

Coated Denim (also on sale for $29.99) | Mango

Bag | Zara

Cuff | Charlotte Russe

A Night on the Town

It can be hard to plan an outfit to wear for a night out when you aren't sure where the night will lead. This one can take you from happy hour, to dinner, to the theater, or out dancing. This dress is so fun (and on sale)! I love the ombre sequin effect - it goes from blue to green to gold depending on how the light hits the sequins.  This same pattern is also available in a pencil skirt - HERE - if the dress is too much for you.

Dress | Topshop at Nordstrom

Necklace | T and J Designs

Gold Pave Bracelet | T and J Designs

Spikey Bracelet | T and J Designs

Opaque Tights | Hanes

Faux Fur Coat | Halston Heritage

Black and Gold Bootie | DSW

Trend Alert! Mixing prints + leather details = super fab

This is currently my FAVORITE scarf! It is a floral print with skulls mixed in, plus its color palette of mint, emerald, olive, navy, and teal is to die for (no pun intended).  It is $14.99 at Target.  LOVE.  The skull theme goes perfectly with these fantastic Alexander McQueen wayfarers - let's face it, nothing goes together like skulls and McQueen!!  The rest of this outfit is just oh so comfy!  The Vince jacket is currently on the TIP TOP of my wish list, along with these B by Brian Atwood booties (which are currently an additional 40% of the sale price at lastcall.com). This outfit is perfect for lunch on the patio in weather like we will be having in Houston this week, sunny and mid-high 60's! Enjoy!

Scarf | Target

Shirt | Pinko, Farfetch

Leggings | Theysken's Theory Gray Pohn Leggings

Earrings | Gilt Groupe

Necklace | Forever 21

Sunglasses | Alexander McQueen, HERE but also in store at Last Call Studio on SALE

Coat | Vince

Bootie | B by Brian Atwood, Last Call

Easy Saturday

Running around this weekend?  I love this outfit for its comfort, and for its look forward to spring!  The Vince jacket is a great hybrid with leather sleeves and linen body.  I am wearing it with a Parker silk floral top similar to the one picture below that I found on CLEARANCE at the Last Call Studio across the street from work (for just $30).  How amazing are those Alice and Olivia flats?  They are a silver and pink glitter (also a huge score at the Last Call Studio store for 60% off the sale price).  If you haven't shopped Last Call, you have to give it a try!  They can order anything you found online (but didn't see in the store) so I highly recommend looking online first, and then hitting the store so you get the best mix of selections.  Happy Saturday!

 

Jacket | Vince

Shirt | Paul Smith

Earrings | Alexis Bittar

Jeans | Fade to Blue

Bag | Marc by Marc Jacobs

Scarf | Forever 21

Shoes | Alice and Olivia

How to wear a full skirt... no matter what your style

A friend of mine, the consummate girly girl, is preparing for her bachelorette party -- a night of bar hopping and drag queen shows -- and is at a loss for what to wear.  She has a super cute flowy A-Line skirt picked out, not what comes to mind when I think of Rupaul, but that is her style... So she asked me to help her style it so that it worked for a night out on the town.  It also got me to thinking about the trend for skirts this style (I always said they weren't for me).  So, I set to work not only helping her decide how to wear hers, but also, to find a full skirt for any style!

The Girly Girl:

 

Tulle Skirt | Cordelia Skirt, House of Fraser

Beaded Top | Forever 21

Crystal-backed pumps | Rachel Roy, Neiman Marcus Last Call

Earrings | Devon Leigh, Neiman Marcus Last Call

Watch | Kate Spade, Macys

Headband | Cara Skinny Crystal Headband, Nordstrom

Belt | Skinny Bow Belt Ted Baker London

Clutch | Valentino Rock Stud Clutch, Lyst

The Edgy Fashionista:

 

Shirt | Forever 21

Belt | MNG by Mango, J C Penny's

Earrings | Gilt Groupe

Skirt | Orla Kiely, ASOS

Clutch | Hello Fab

Gold Spikey Bracelet | T & J Designs

Black and Gold Leather wrap bracelet | Gorjana, Gilt Groupe

Booties | Giuseppe Zanotti, Saks

To be continued...

Stay warm without sacrificing your style!

The weather can definitely hamper your stylishness this time of year.  Here are some things to try to keep you chic AND cozy!

For a casual day
Inspiration photo:

Get the look:

Boots | Sole Society

Jacket | Route 21

Skinny Jeans | Neiman Marcus Last Call

Scarf (similar) | Rick Owens

Flannel Shirt only $22 | Mossimo

Grey Button Up | Old Navy

Earmuffs | ASOS

Boot socks | Target

To dress it up a little
Inspiration photo

Get the look

Coat only $68 | Etsy

Boots | DSW

Neckwarmer | Adrienne Landau

Hat | Adrienne Landau

Gloves | Gold Nappa Leather Driving Gloves

Tissue weight turtle neck | J Crew

Coated Denim | Mango

Last Call is my FAVORITE time to shop at Neimans. It's when I stock up on all my designer duds without breaking the bank!  I literally save for it all season long :-)  Sale starts tomorrow!


Here are some of my picks after scouring the website and the store here in Houston:

These are some great pieces I can wear now, and a few for spring/summer.

1) Joie suede leggings - I am hoping these will be as versatile as the leather leggings I have been wearing all season long.  These fit great and I LOVE the grey!  I am having a hard time thinking of things I WOULDN'T wear them with.

2) Extreme Heel Pink Valentino pumps - These look hot pink in person. LOVE.  They are EXTREMELY comfortable for a heel this height.  The gold studded heel is just beautiful, and they are very VERY sexy.

3) LaMarque Leather Cropped Blazer - Lightweight and great for work, this deep plum works well with neutrals.  The draping is also really flattering.  My boss owns one, and I am always coveting it each time she wears it.

4) Theory Emerald Emry Vest - OMG.  It's green fur. Done and DONE!  If you know me, you know that I'll buy anything that is a variation of teal (I mean my COUCH is teal!).  I'll wear it now with long sleeve blousy tops, and into spring with a tee or tank.

5) DVF Alagna Knit Dress - what a great basic piece, every girl needs something like this.  Throw it on with a pair of heels and go.  No muss, no fuss!

6) DVF Harper Charlie Snakeskin bag - This will be my go to errand bag for spring.  Fits your wallet, cell phone, keys, and lipstick.  Everything you need on-the-go, and what a  FANTASTIC color!

7) Vince contrast - stripe Cropped Trouser - another work basic.  Can be worn with heels or flats and are a great off-white for maximum versatility!

Extra % off CLEARANCE sales!

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Shopping this weekend?

Make sure to check the clearance sections as many retailers are clearing out for all of the new Spring clothes coming in!

Ann Taylor Loft | Extra 60% off sale items


J Crew Factory | Extra 40% off sale online and extra 60% off in store


Banana Republic | Extra 40% off sale items


Bloomingdale's | Extra 25% off sale items


Happy Shopping! I'm off to the gym, and then BRUNCH!

How to style your fur

Whether you're into the real thing or prefer to go the faux route, there's no denying the huge fur trend!  Here's how to wear a few key pieces:

The Fur Vest:

 

Adrienne Landau Taupe Rabbit Fur Vest, Neiman Marcus Last Call

Mossimo Gold Glitter Bow Belt, Target

See by Chloe nude bag, Neiman Marcus

Chambray Shirt, J Crew Factory

Double Serge Wool Skirt in Heather Pine, J Crew

Nude Pump, Mango

Stud earrings, House of Harlow at Neiman Marcus

Spikey Bracelet, T and J Designs

Michael Kors Watch, Neiman Marcus Last Call

The Fur Hat:

 

Oversized sweater, Sheinside.com

Charlotte Calf Hair print bag, Rachel Zoe (old)

D'Orsay pumps, gilt.com

Adrienne Landau gray rabbit fur knit hat, Neiman Marcus Last Call

Gray jeans, J Crew Factory

Green Snakeskin belt, ANN TAYLOR

Michael Kors watch, Neiman Marcus

The Fur Pop-over:

Emerald Fur Cable knit popover, Ann Taylor Loft

Bracelet, Leslie Danzis on gilt.com

Michael Kors watch, Neiman Marcus Last Call

Camel Coat, Zara (old)

Polka dot Joie shirt, Neiman Marcus

Skinny Jeans, Neiman Marcus Last Call

The Fur Coat:

Faux fur jacket, Anthropologie

Earrings, Indulgems at Neiman Marcus Last Call

Rebecca Minkoff Pumps

Haute Hippie Cowl Neck shirt, Neiman Marcus

Studded Skinny belt, JC Penny

Pussy Cat Faux Leather Leggings, Cusp.com

 To see links to many of these piece follow me on pintrest, http://www.pinterest.com/sarahood338/

Mango Sale - 50% off

Mango.com is a great site to find everyday basics (think H&M meets Zara).  I love their pants and jackets especially, but I found some other great, and really inexpensive pieces as well.  They sell out fast, but you can get on a wait list for the size you need if it's something you really fall in love with!

1) This striped blouse looks nice on its own, and it is a great layering piece (for my blossoming collection of fur vests) $29.99!
2) The pointed toe pump is WHERE IT'S AT these days.  So for $49.99, DO IT!
3) Great stone ring! I love accessories that are unique and eclectic.  They add so much personality to an outfit - $14.99!
4) This blouse is so fun (and another great layering piece!).  The back is woven mohair- super soft and light weight. Only $29.99!
5) Wax coated jeans are a huge trend right now. The treatment definitely dresses up plain old denim, and it gives them a kind of leather-look (at about 1/20 the price!!).  You can find all kinds from embossed to moto, but this chocolate pair could easily be dressed up or down for weekends, casual Friday at work, or drinks. $29.99
6) How great is this suede jacket? I love it with jeans (especially those in #7). MMM... I love the color! $59.99
7) I have looked at several pairs of green leather leggings, but they are just too much money for some green pants (I mean I'd have to wear them 100 times to get my money's worth!).  These are a great alternative for $29.99!

Fashion forward and work appropriate? Yes please!

Working in professional environment where fashion is the focus can sometimes make it hard to know where to draw the line between work attire and a fashionable outfit.  The pieces below bridge the gap perfectly (not to mention that all of these pieces are AMAZINGLY comfortable!)

 

1) This great DVF Vint splash jacket was purchased on sale for $131 at Neiman Marcus/Cusp.  It's a great fun piece to add to an otherwise basic outfit!

2) My T&J Designs Spikey Bracelet was a great buy for $38.  I wear it almost everyday!

3) This fun Leslie Danzis Bracelet is still available for just $29.

4) Rebecca Taylor is one of my favorite contemporary brands.  This top is so silky and has a great beaded neckline and pleated back. I purchased mine on sale at Neiman Marcus.  This top is still available on sale for $88 here. I bought a size 12, even though I'm usually a 6 so that it would be long enough to cover my upper thighs.  

5) This Michael Kors "Parker" watch is currently my go-to timepiece.  It has a rosegold face and just enough bling!  I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus, but it sold out and is on sale at Rakuten.

6) These T&J Designs Angle Wing earrings have turned out to be one of my favorite gifts from Santa! I have worn them several times already, and despite their size, they are not too heavy!

7) Theory Leather Leggings again!  They are on sale right now if you are in the market.  I could live in these!  It seems like they go with everything right now.  If you are looking for a great pair without the investment, check out this faux pair here.

How to wear your NYE sequins

Option 1: Running around like a crazy person trying to get ready for the evening's festivities!

This DVF Gracie sweater is from Neiman Marcus, and I love the graphic sequin print!  Theory leather leggings... definitely an investment piece, but also a must-have edition for my wardrobe (these are on sale at Neiman Marcus).  Rebecca Minkoff suede Selina pumps, the rose gold detail on the heel makes them extra fun.  These little rock stud earrings are only $19 on gilt.com!

Option 2: NYE dinner party

Whether you're hosting or attending this outfit will look chic and be comfortable!  These grey jeans and sequined shirt are from J Crew Factory (for a steal)!  The polka dot blouse by Joie, and can be found at Neiman Marcus.  The earring are by Indulgems and the bracelet is by Panacea and both can be found at Neiman Marcus Last Call.  The shoes (now sold out) were purchased on gilt.com and have just a 3 inch heel, so standing around and chatting won't be too painful!

Option 3: A night out on the town

This outfit will look chic as well as keep you warm as you hop around town to all the best parties.
The green fur popover is from Ann Taylor Loft.  The awesome sequined dress is on Sale at Zara for $59.99.  The green snakeskin belt is from Ann Taylor and came out to only $10!  The angle wing earrings are from T and J designs and add a little bit of rock and roll to any outfit.  This tassle key ring will help make sure your DD doesn't misplace the keys.  I love this Valentino emerald green silk rosier tote. Classic!  And what is not to love about some super sparkly Jimmy Choo's?  These are the same Theory leather leggings featured in the first option - makes it super easy to get ready, basically just throwing on a new top and some fresh accessories!

Sometimes, you just want to be casual!

I was off on Sunday, and running around trying to get ready to host NYE dinner at my apartment.  I needed to throw something on (without looking crazy) but not spend a ton of time getting ready.  This was perfect!

1)  I love this sweater, and actually saw it on another blogger, Emily, from The Sweetest Thing.  I grabbed it on sale for just $23.  Make sure to sign in with your facebook account to get your extra 20% off!  It is actually super comfy and surprisingly well made for the price.  Don't order it the week before you plan on wearing it though, because it WILL take at least 2 weeks to receive it...

2)  I have 2 of these J Crew tissue weight turtle necks.  They are so so comfy and thin (great for layering without adding bulk!)  And, for only $14.99 (during a sale), they are worth EVERY penny!

3)  I've had this Michael Kors watch for nearly 3 years now, and I still want to wear it all the time.  It was a great buy, and you can get it now on Amazon for only $150!

4)   These grey skinny jeans from J Crew Factory are perfect!  I feel so much more put together wearing grey jeans than blue jeans these days.  They are also very flattering (unlike some skinny jeans that make me look/feel like a sausage!)... but the best part?  They only cost $31.50 before any extra discount the store is offering that day!  Score.

5)  This bag is another one of my Zara sale finds.  It's really more of a zippy wallet with a strap - perfect for running errands without weighing yourself down!

6)  My pink loafers are super old and from nine west, but these are super cute with the tassles and are from the Ruche's website... I love tassles!

JCP clearance sale

A co-worker of mine recently turned me on to MNG by Mango at JC Penney.  I haven't shopped there since my mom used to drag my brother and I kicking and screaming to buy new school clothes in Elementary. Yikes.  It was so refreshing to see a brand I love (Mango) doing great inexpensive pieces for JCP.  I found some great buys!

These cream pants will be great going into spring!  For know, I'd style them with a chunky cable knit sweater in the same color and black suede pointy toe pumps.  As it warms up, they'll look great with a bright pop of color, or a soft blush!  Best part?  They  were $19.99.

How great is this belt?  It came to $9.34 - what's not to love!?!  I got a small so that I can wear it at my true waist over a dress or cardigan.

I stumbled across this sequined fringe skirt by a brand called Joe Fresh (never heard of it before), but for $16.99 I figured it was worth a shot!

These are two that I am going to keep my eye on:

This one is a sequined leopard print, and is adorable (it's still $40, not on sale) but I decided to wait since I ordered the one pictured above.  I firmly believe in sequins for daily wear, but am trying to not go CRAZY here!

 

OMG.  I LOVE this jacket.  First, teal is my favorite color.  Second, gold is the only accent metal I wear these days.  Third, the shape is super cute and feminine.  BUT... they were sold out online!  I am seriously thinking about making the trek to Pearland where they say that it is in stock (which is SO not like me because I hate to drive more than 5 mins anywhere!)  It's only $23.99!!!!!!!

My picks from the Zara sale!

The Zara Sale is one of my favorite times of year.  They have great fashion forward clothes that are SO reasonably priced - at sale time, they are downright cheap!!

I love this chunky charcoal sweater!  It's not too heavy for Houston, and it's super snuggly.  Great paired with skinny jeans or leather leggings.  I'd also wear it with my leather mini skirt and pointy toe flats when the weather warms up. Just went down to $49.99!

This top is SO fun with a slim cut trouser for work or wax coated jean for date night.  Its a nice dense material, so it will hold its slightly puffy shape and will look best with a slim silhouette on bottom.

What a great piece for layering with a blazer or cardigan!  This piece would be so versatile and can easily be dressed up or down.  It would work with a dramatic wide leg trouser just as well as with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans rolled up at the ankle!

This little dress is super fun in person.  It's got great black and ivory detailing with a beaded neckline.  I wore it belted with a cardigan and opaque black tights and knee high black boots for work.  It's really a great transitional dress, and will look good worn with strappy heels for spring.

I am going to HAVE to go back and buy this dress.  The way it is structured reminds me of the awesome Balenciaga dresses Jennifer Connelley used to wear.  And the best part?  It's only $39.99!

This dress is sequined all over, and perfect for a night out!  It dips low in the back adding a little somethin' somethin' if you know what I mean!! It could be worn with a blazer to make it a little more professional.  Anything I buy has to be versatile!

The outfit I can't wait to wear!

Most of these pieces were ordered online, and I can't WAIT for them to come in!  The black and white sweater with sequined shoulders is from Ann Taylor Loft, and is currently sold out, but keep checking back!

 

Saks outlet sale, extra 40% off at Loft continues, and up to 50% off at Bloomingdales

The Saks Off Fifth outlet sale is going on now with 40-50% off their sale prices!  I love to look at shoes, jewelry, and accessories at the outlet. 

These black suede d'Orsay pumps by Rachel Zoe are AMAZING for $141.  They are perfect to pair with jeans, leather leggings, and pencil skirts.  They also have a great little gold detailing on the back, and you know I love GOLD!  The pointy toe pump has made a come back in a big way, and it is definitely an easy way to update your look.

 

 

Ann Taylor Loft is one of my favorite places to find comfy chic pieces, and today is the last day of their 40% off everything sale. 

I told Santa that this keychain simply HAS to be in my stocking. Wink, wink Jimmy!  What a great unexpected accessory.  Tassels are definitely a hot item right now. 

 

 

And this neck warmer is so cozy (since we have been getting more than our share of cool weather this year!) I LOVE the green!  I have a grey cape that will look fabulous with this.

These T Tahari faux leather panel leggings are at Bloomingdale's for just $35.  Great deal, and so versatile!  They can be worn well in to spring with light weight flowy tops and strappy sandals.  They would also look great with the Rachel Zoe pumps pictured first in this post or booties.