Ladi Look Back 2013

As 2013 comes to an end, there is no better way to prepare for the new year than to look back at how far you have come in the past year. My style has surely evolved, and I have have taken risks this year that I would have never dreamed I would try (hello crop tops!). Next year I want to continue with this fashion fearlessness, but work more on creatively shopping my closet rather than buying something new, and using accessories to transform an outfit.

Beanie Baby! (OOTD)

Beanie: Merona / Sweater: i Jeans by Buffalo / Top: JCP / Jeans: Mossimo / Boots: Steve Madden

Fit for A Print-cess (OOTD)

Beyoncé Inspired Accessories

Source: Columbia Records; Perez Hilton

Last Friday, Beyoncé shocked the world and quietly released a visual album with 14 new songs accompanied by 17 (!) stunningly beautiful music videos.  The videos showcased the gorgeous performer as a style chameleon, effortlessly switching from sultry to sweet, serving a Naomi catwalk strut to 'Yonce sidewalk realness with artistic to retro-inspired fashion.

BA Star Holiday Red Lip Pencil Review (+ Discount Code!)

Recently I had the opportunity to try out the BA Star Holiday Red lip pencil. I am a huge fan of a bold red lip, but I have never tried to get the look using only a pencil.  To my surprise, the BA Star lip pencil worked great!

How to Wear: Fall/Winter Florals

Beautiful blooms are not just for the Spring. Floral prints are gorgeous and appropriate all year long, but you may need to make a few changes for colder weather.

• Opt for darker shades, like deep plums, blues, or a print with a dark background.  
• Layer lightweight fabrics over heavier materials, or under stylish outerwear.  If you are really feeling bold, choose floral printed outerwear!
• Pair floral items with on-trend items for Fall/Winter like leather, over-the-knee boots, and anything in the color oxblood.  

Are you rocking florals year-round?

Ladi Likes: Oversized Knits

I love wraps, cocoon sweaters, cardigans, dusters, and cardi-Coats (thanks to Old Navy for that one)...whatever you call it--if it is big, cozy, and warm, I am totally here for it!  Lately my style has been all about comfort and finding any opportunity to wear boots. After searching high and low for stylish boots that don't look cheap and fit around my not-so-dainty calves, I found 2 pair (!) and have been wearing them out!

My typical weekend uniform consists of an oversized sweater, some knee boots, and a pair of skinnies or leggings. To keep my look interesting I usually opt for a sweater with some standout color or texture/print, and load up on accessories.  I am in love with each of the knits above--but that bottom right one has completely stolen my heart!  Which one is your favorite?

Look Ma, No Pants! (aka...Leggings OOTD)

Is it just me, or is time moving at warp speed? 

Stripes, Birds, and Boots...Oh My! (OOTD)

This outfit is everything. Now I don't mean everything in the "ooh girl you DID that!" way, but literally there is a bit of everything in this look.  

Camo & Corny Titles...OOTD

Coming up with blog post titles is hard work. Striking the balance between witty and descriptive, attracting readers while effortlessly rolling off your tongue, the perfect title is so simple that it makes sense, but so clever that when you read it you think "ha, I would have never came up that."

Work It: Joggers

Why was I so late to jump onto the joggers trend? These silky black joggers were so comfortable when I tried them on that I had to have them.  My first chance to style them was for this work look; I paired the pants with a zip detail sweater, a little bit of jewelry, and a dark Fall lippie (Revlon Color Stay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Backstage).

Back to Blazers OOTD

This past weekend, I took a little lot of time to organize my closet and swap out my Summer tanks and cutoffs for my Fall-appropriate sweaters and jackets. I also went to another birthday dinner (yay for free meals!), so I decided to wear a blazer, partly because I haven't been able to wear one in months, but also because nothing screams "Hello 26!" like a sophisticated blazer.  Of course, I completed my look with my Phillip Lim for Target handbag! 

Summer Leftovers

For some reason or another, these pics never made it onto the blog...until now!

Top: Flying Tomato / Jeans: A.n.a. (similar) / Shoes:  Matisse / Bag: London Fog / Watch: Fossil

Born Day OOTD

It's been a long time...I shouldn't have left you...*cue Eric B/Rakim beat*

Hey guys! For the last couple weeks I've taken an impromptu break from the blog and most social media. I've been so busy with wedding planning and doing work around the house that I haven't had the time to keep up with what's going on in the Twitter streets, and most of the time when I leave the house my clothes are less than blog-worthy...well unless leggings, an oversized sweater, and wedge sneakers are your thing. Any-who...I found a wedding dress (*squeals*), bought some lace up heels(!),  had buyer's remorse after my Phillip Lim for Target haul and returned that floral blouse, and last but definitely not least...I had a birthday (!!) which gave me an excuse to get dolled up. 

Last Days of Summer OOTD

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target: What I Bought & How To Wear

Did you score any goodies from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Collection? 

From what I saw on instagram and twitter, shopping at Target on the morning the collection was released was reminiscent of Black Friday with crowds, lines and craziness.  One of the few benefits of living in a smaller, less fashion-forward city is that there aren't many people rushing out to buy these designer collabs. I made it to my local Target at around 10 am, the Phillip Lim section was relatively untouched and there was only myself and another lady looking at the collection. However, there was not a lot of variety available--my Target only had handbags in black and taupe, did not carry any of the pajama sets, and had none of  the clothing with leather details. I made my way to another Target and the scene was basically the same; I found a few more handbags (including the yellow mini satchel that IMO was way too small to be $35) but still no leather or pajama sets.  

I purchased 4 items-- the animal print pullover and skirt, a floral print blouse, and a black top-handle crossbody.  I really wanted one of the large tote-bags, but I just could not bring myself to spend $50+ for a bag from Target no matter how cute it was.  My favorite piece by far is the animal print skirt--I cannot wait to wear it to work, for drinks, on date night, and everywhere else in between.  Below are some ideas on how to rock it, dressed up or dressed down!

How to Wear 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Animal Skirt  

Ladi Likes: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

We are less than a week away from the debut of the much anticipated and highly praised 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collaboration.  This collection is super sophisticated, but does include fun pieces in graphic animal or camouflage prints.  Above, I have featured a few of my favorite items from the collection. I've budgeted for 4 items from the collection, and I know for a fact that one of them will be one of the handbags (the yellow one is calling my name!)

What items from the collection do you have your eye on?

Forever Young (OOTD)

Celebrity Style: Blonde Bob-Shells

Tumblr, Marie Claire, Getty Images

Warm weather has sparked more than a few haircuts in my past, so it does not surprise me that many celebrities have traded in their usual long manes for shoulder length and above bobs. Nicki Minaj sported a platinum blonde graduated bob on the August 2013 cover of Marie Claire magazine. Around the same time, Ciara was spotted rocking a chin length style, seen above in tousled waves.  Earlier this month, Beyonce' shocked the world as she did a "big chop" and revealed a pixie cut, then quickly made the switch to the chic bob she has been wearing ever since.  Lastly, Roc Nation (aka Jay-Z's) artist Rita Ora appeared this past Sunday at the MTV VMAs looking ever so lovely (and a tad like Beyonce'!) in her own chin length 'do.

What do you think of these blonde bob-shells? Would you wear one of these cute bobs?

Ladi Likes: Lace Up Heels

1- Zara Snake Ankle Boot / 2- Shoe Mint "Romy" / 3- Steve Madden "Gladly" / 4- Chinese Laundry "Jackpot" / 5- Steve Madden "Mucho"

I am obsessed with the lace-up heel trend. A pair will definitely be on my wish list for my birthday next month!

The Button Up Shirt (Style Me Friday Link Up) OOTD

Top: Charlotte Russe (similar) / Jeans: Old Navy / Shoes: Steve Madden (on clearance now!) / Bag: The Limited 

Necklace: Charming Charlie / Earrings: Asos / Lip: MAC Candy Yum Yum with a pink E.L.F gloss over it

TGIF! Friday at work means a laid back day in the office where I can wear jeans. I kept my look work appropriate with a button up top and pretty jewelry. To show a little personality (and a mood boost whenever I looked at my feet) I completed my outfit with a metallic shoe. Might I add, these Steve Madden beauties were only $15 bucks, down from $80! I know this phrase is played out now, but #WINNING! :)

This week I'm linking up again with The Fashionista Next Door. The inspiration for this week's Style Me Friday link-up is the button up shirt.

Ladi Like Style: The Printed Pant

Ladi Like Style by carmeme 

Me Me in the Midi OOTD

Ladi Like Style: Chambray and Stripes

This look is right up my alley! I am all for chambray anything, and I love how the chambray looks with this graphic striped skirt and pops of yellow.

Would you wear this outfit?

Boyfriend Jeans OOTD

Something Leopard OOTD (Style Me Friday)

Top: Merona / Shorts: MNG by Mango / Sandals: Matisse / Clutch: World Market / Earrings: Asos (similar)  / Necklace: H&M / Bangles: JCPenney (old) 

This outfit is one that came together very quickly. Mainly, because it consisted of brand new items that ended up working together. My honey surprised me and took me shopping (!!!),  so I ended up scoring these cute little shorts, the necklace I'm wearing, and a dress that I know I will be wearing soon. Whenever I buy something new, it is at the forefront of my mind and I can't wait to wear it! LOL. As soon as I saw the inspiration for this week's Style Me Friday Link Up--something leopard!--I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to rock my new shorts.