Banana Republic

Most work days, I don’t overthink my outfit. I choose basics with a bit of flare, either a graphic print, fun jewelry, or sassy shoes. But when there’s a big meeting, I try a bit harder to look extra put together.

Flare jeans are synonymous with the 70s. I always imagine a hippie chick with a flower wreath around her head and ultra wide, light washed, high waisted jeans. But flare jeans aren’t just retro, they are totally on-trend for spring.

One of my favorite parts about spring is getting to wear light weight jackets. One of my favorites is this airy green trench coat. Phoenix weather doesn’t usually allow me to wear many coats, but I’ve been traveling a lot for work, so I’m glad I get to bring along some of my favorite jackets to layer when the weather is a bit iffy.

My new job requires me to dress up a lot more than previous jobs. My go-to work uniform tends to be slim-fitting cropped pants, booties, and some blouse/cardigan combination. When I saw these cropped black and white printed pants, I knew the fit would work (as I already own two pairs of the same pants in other colors), but was unsure about the print.

Stacey’s Look: Banana Republic Dress (similar); Anthropologie Cardigan (similar); Ann Taylor Bracelet (similar); Gap Belt (similar); Prada Clutch (similar); Manolo Blahnik Heels (similar)

What was the first interview suit you bought for your first real job interview? For many of us, it was a standard issue black pants suit – practical, versatile and boring. It takes effort to bring an outfit from boring to chic, that’s why many of our black suits don’t often make it out of…

You know that one item in your closet that you wear and instantly feel fabulous? Well, for me, that’s my little red a-line dress. We know that red is color that elicits power and confidence. It makes you feel sexy and the opposite sex finds red appealing. If these things actually make you shy away from red. Stop it! Everyone should wear red.

When I saw this quilted drop waist dress, I initially wasn’t going to bother trying it on because the 1920s silhouette doesn’t usually look very good on my figure. I have a much smaller waist and very wide hips, which doesn’t usually jive with a drop waist dress. But I grabbed it anyway and proceeded to the dressing room.

Vests have remained one of my favorite trends since last fall, when I first featured them. I love vests because they make great transition pieces for cooler weather, without the bulk of a winter coat. In Phoenix, I rarely need to wear anything heavier than a fall jacket.

Have you noticed neoprene and scuba clothes everywhere the past few seasons? I personally love these pieces because of the architectural nature of the stiffer fabric. I recently found this scuba biker jacket (on sale!) and chose it for a couple reasons.

I love wearing gem tones because they work really well on my olivey complexion. When I saw this top, I was excited to try it on because I really love lace, and I liked how the lack mock neck top had the scalloped detail around the neckline.

I love wearing dresses, especially cocktail dresses. Unfortunately, my busy work and family life very rarely call for dressing up. When I saw this black lace party dress, I instantly knew it was something I needed in my closet.

In live in Phoenix, which means there are few days each year when I actually need a winter coat. The mornings can be a bit chilly though, so I opt to wear leather jackets or lighter-weight fall coats. I was pretty excited to find this pink car coat at a great price.

I’ve owned this red asymmetrical jacket for several years. It rotates in and out of my closet every few months. I literally move it into a storage closet when I get tired of it, and then a few seasons later, I’ll grab it to add to my current wardrobe. I only get tired of it because it has such a specific style, I can’t wear it too often.

I’ve been blogging about midi skirts for a couple years now. I love how feminine and pretty midi skirts look, so it was surprising to me that I didn’t already own one. This navy floral midi dress is actually the first piece I’ve purchased with the flattering mid-calf midi length.

You know when you see a dress at the store and you’re like, this totally won’t work on me, but you try it on anyway? That’s how I felt about this pink sheath dress I found on ultra-clearance the other day. The color was quite bright, almost neon, and the shape seemed a bit too straight for my curvy body.

Finding a pencil skirt that works for me is a tall order. I usually stick to A-line because they tend to be more flattering on my lower body. Pencil skirts tend to pull in all the wrong places and draw attention where I’d rather not have it.

According to Brides.com, wedding season begins in the spring and ends in the fall, generally. So, do you know how to dress for a wedding? There are some unwritten rules and social norms that you should at least be aware of. Therefore, I’ve put together some great tips to ensure you are dressed appropriately and have a great time.

I’m not a huge skirt person. I just recently decided I can wear pencil skirts, after years of avoiding them. The same goes for a maxi skirt. I’ve worn maxi dresses every now and then, but I generally stick to knee-length or midi-length skirts or dresses because I find them more flattering on my figure.

Everyone knows pastels are popular for spring, but wearing army green in spring is much less expected. As I think about what people wear in spring, I’m reminded of one of my favorite Devil Wears Prada scenes, “florals for spring? Groundbreaking.”

While I was in London and Paris the last few weeks, I couldn’t help but notice nearly every store window I passed had a mannequin wearing an off shoulder shirt. I didn’t actually see any ladies wearing the hot trend, but then again, the weather has been pretty chilly in both cities.

There is no better summer accessory than a floppy sun hat. There are three major reasons why I believe every summer wardrobe should be centered around floppy sun hats.

Nautical stripes is a classic American sportswear pattern that I happen to love wearing year-round, but especially in the summer. Ralph Lauren’s style guide put it perfectly, nautical stripes evokes a sporty, all-American elegance.

My favorite summer trend is off shoulder dresses and tops. I previously discussed the trend and mentioned all the reasons why I like it. The very first reason I love this trend is because off shoulder dresses are so light and romantic for summer.

When you find the perfectly distressed jean jacket, you’ve hit the jackpot. A denim jacket is one of the most versatile pieces you should have in your wardrobe. Jean jackets are cool, classic, and can be edgy if you style them correctly.

On my recent trip to Italy, there was one item I knew I had to take with me. These white sneakers were my travel staple. Why are white sneakers so important? Well, because they literally go with everything.

You’ve heard it before…wearing white after labor day is not allowed. Who created this arbitrary rule away? I personally think it is a dumb rule and most fashion rules are made to be broken. Since we are only a week away, I wanted to tell you that you can and should wearing white after Labor day! There are tons of ways to make wearing white after Labor Day still feel really chic and fashion forward.

I’m in love with my black and white tribal print dress. I recently got it on major summer discount for under $10! Although my dress was technically from summer, it is a great piece I plan to wear this fall because it is made of a thicker material and will be easy to wear with tights and booties when the weather cools down.

I love a statement necklace, and one with leather detailing is even better. An eye-catching necklace is still my go-to accessory because it instantly changes the whole vibe of my outfit. I might wear the same black dress every couple weeks, but it suddenly feels different and new depending on which necklace I pair with it. This statement leather necklace really sets off my look.

Every girl needs a pair of coated denim. Although they’ve been around for awhile, it’s a fall trend that keeps on giving. Here are the three reasons you need to invest in a pair of coated denim pants this fall.

One of my favorite fashion trends that continues from 2016 is the saddle bag purse trend. I love their retro, yet practical vibe. I’m constantly searching for the perfect cross-body bag for all my travels and I think I finally found it. I’m obsessed with my denim blue saddle bag for three reasons.

The 2017 Pantone color of the year is called Greenery. When I found this floral dress, I didn’t even realize it was the Pantone color of the year. I actually chose it because I just loved the bold print against the spring-green color.

Plaid prints are a major spring fashion trend. Women’s Wear Daily talked about plaid clothes for women as part of the Resort 2017 collections. I’m loving the plaid spring fashion trend because it doesn’t feel emo or grunge this season. It feels a lot more elevated and modern.

I’ve noticed this spring that a lot of the styles I liked in the 90s are coming back. Shell toe sneakers, embroidered jeans and jean jackets, patches on jackets and backpacks. I guess I’m at that age where the trends I liked as a kid or teen are cool again. Man, that makes me feel old.

If you had asked me if I could wear a jacquard dress, I would have said no. I would have thought the knit material would cling to the areas I try to hide. I never thought a jacquard dress would hang right on me. Well, as I’ve said before, you’ve gotta try everything to know what works on you. This dress is now one of my favorites in my closet.

Spring has finally arrived in Boston, and I seriously couldn’t be happier. Baseball season also officially kicked off last week. I’m pretty sad I missed all the Phoenix spring training this year, but hopefully I can get back next spring. With spring and baseball on my mind, I started thinking about how baseball inspires fashion. Well, enter the baseball jacket aka the bomber jacket.

Remember last week when I talked about taking more fashion risks? Well, this floral suit outfit is waaay out of my comfort zone.

2018 is a year of change for me. I’ve been pushing myself in a lot of areas, to get more comfortable with uncertainty and change. This mentality has infiltrated all aspects of my life, including my fashion and style choices. I realized I was really stuck in a style and fashion rut. In general, I tend to play it safe in most of my life decision. I’ve been working to change that.

What are you wearing for Valentine’s Day? Is it red? Is it strappy or strapless? Does it show a lot of skin? Not that there’s anything wrong with showing skin, but have you ever worn a completely covered up dress and felt just as sexy as if you’re showing a lot of skin? I have. That’s exactly why I’m planning to wear this long sleeve black midi dress this Valentine’s Day.

There are a lot of great summer sales happening right now. It is the perfect time to find great pieces you can transition into your fall wardrobe, like maxi dresses. Unlike a lot of summer clothing, maxi dresses are a style you can wear year-round. For one, the full-length adds much-needed coverage for the cooler months, but the light-weight materials are also airy for the warmer months.

I love holiday parties because they gave me an excuse to wear a glittery, shimmery, ultra feminine dress. I hardly ever suggest buying clothes that aren’t versatile, but holiday party dresses do not apply. This is the one time of year where I think it’s totally OK to buy a dress you might only wear once or twice because it’s the holidays.