OMCZ #20 {Color of Confidence}

I'm trying something new as of late. I was fortunate enough to pair up with the wonderful ladies participating in the OMCZ challenge and I could not be more pleased about it. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the challenge, Steph over at Seeing Spots describes it as an opportunity "to push us out of your comfort zone, dig deep in our wardrobe and wear those hidden gems we bought but decided we could never wear." We each get a week to select a challenge theme, something that will likely challenge ourselves or others in the group. This week, Vicky has chosen "The Color of Confidence". She says,

 "My theme is going to "The Color of Confidence".  For me, red is the color of confidence and everything I wear it, be it lipstick or clothing; I feel an extra boost. What is your confidence color?"

Old Navy Maxi Dress | Apt. 9 Heels (old) | Dana Buchman Bangle | Charter Club Necklace (gifted) | Brighton | Brighton Earrings and Bangles 

I have this dark hair, pale skin thing going on. I have cool undertones and tend toward a Winter color palette. I stand out the most in jewel tones like emerald, royal blue, royal purple, navy blue, and amethyst. Not to mention burgundy. I have been stockpiling this decadent color for the fall and when I stumbled across this maxi dress from Old Navy, I knew it would be the perfect addition to my fall and winter wardrobe. Burgundy brings out the richness of my hair while really emphasizing the fairness of my skin, not to mention my greyish blue eyes. I feel right at home in my own skin when I'm wearing burgundy. 

 

The reason I consider this a challenge is not because I am uncomfortable or apprehensive about the color now, but that I never really wanted to like this color to begin with. It is a classic color for my classic look. I never wanted to be dark haired and light skinned. I wanted blond hair, a deep tan, and crystal clear blue eyes. I wanted to be the true southern babe in cut-off shorts and white tank top. I wanted to wear mint, coral, salmon. All of those adorable colors the sorority girls wear when they go downtown to party. At this age I have discovered, I am a southern girl. Just less Dixie Chicks and more Scarlette O'Hara. And I am ok with that.  

Don't forget to check out these other wonderful ladies! I am a little late on my post, but I have seen many of these already and must agree that each of them truly looks beautiful in their confident color!

Stephanie	http://www.seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk
Leah	http://www.justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk
Mary	http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt
Becky Brown	http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com
Rachel	http://www.adressisforlife.com/
Natalie	http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk/
Nikki	http://www.nattynikki.blogspot.co.uk/
Rebs	http://sullen-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/
Verena	http://aplussizefashionobsession.blogspot.de/
Beka	bekasstuffystuff.blogspot.com
Rebecca	http://theplussideofme.com
Hollie	Http://www.prettybigbutterflies.com
Sabina	http://www.femmefatalexsabina.blogspot.de/
Betty	http://www.bigfatbetty.com/
Katt	http://acurvycupcake.blogspot.co.uk/
Mookie	http://muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk/
Erin	http://erinslittlebigcorner.blogspot.co.uk/
Debz	http://www.wannabeprincess.co.uk/

Who's That Girl? {Celebrity Inspiration}

So. Let me be frank here. I'm a little bit angsty. Like. Sometimes I can be an absolute CF. I take myself pretty seriously, and I would like to say I am organized, poised, and efficient. I am wonderful at logistics, I cook wholesome dinners most nights, I always strive to say the "right" thing and so help me, I will be THE BEST friend in the whole wide world (or die trying). But I can be a true mess. So, while I don't always love Jessica Day from New Girl, I can relate to her a little. And let's face it...her bangs are AWESOME! When I "accidentally" cut my own fringe, I was really channeling Jess (and subsequently, Zooey Descahnel). For Halloween this year I took B-Dog, in his skeleton jammies, and we went to watch Mr. BD and his marching band during their last rehearsal. I wanted to dress up, but wanted to do something low-key, something I could wear to work. And from that was born my Jess costume. She can seriously rock a cardigan, a-line dress and flats, so that was easy to recreate from my closet. 

I had a whole collage of previous Halloween costumes to share with you, but I never got the opportunity, so overlook the fact that this is from almost a MONTH ago. Sorry. Enjoy these random prints of Jess as an apology.

Are you as equally obsessed with Jess? No? Then who?

Georgia On My Mind {Georgia Weekend}

This weekend Mr. BD and I made the five hour trip to Georgia for the UGA vs. App State game. I marched with the UGA Redcoat band all four years of college and was lucky enough to return for homecoming to march again with the alumni band. It was a completely packed few days staying with an assortment of friends, dinner at our favorite vegetarian restaurant, coffee at our favorite coffee shop, attending church with my parents and stopping in on the way home to visit Mr. BD's parents. I woke up this morning very tired, but glowing from all of the love and happiness I experienced this weekend. My move to North Carolina just over a year ago was scary, and while I feel I am slowly putting down roots, it is always so wonderful to revisit the familiar places of your younger years and be with those who know you the most.

 

On Sunday we snapped a few pictures with my family after church and then visited with my best friend and her family on the way out of town. We also ended up with a card-worthy picture with her pups Aries and Atlas, which would surely confuse everyone if that showed up in the mail this Christmas. 

 

Old Navy Women's Striped Sweater Dress (XS-XXL) | Old Navy Quilted Barn Vest (XS-XXL) | Clarks Ingalls Dealware Boots (similar in brown here) | Necklace (Gifted) 

How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting?

One Item + Three Ways {Antonio Melani Lace Top}

First Outfit | Antonio Melani Lace Top | Dorothy Perkins Black Leather Look and Ponte Wrap Skirt | Chelsea Crew Maxin Leather Pumps | Pearl Earrings (Gifted) 

Second Outfit | Antonio Melani Lace Top | Old Navy The Rockstar Jeggings | Clarks Ingalls Dealaware Boots | Asian Floral Clay Earrings, theshagbag via Etsy 

Third Outfit | Antonio Melani Lace Top | AB Studios A-line LBD with Skinny Belt | Clarks Ingalls Dealaware Boots | Charter Club Diamond Earrings (Gifted) 

I decided I would be ironic and wear my favorite blue shirt to work this past Monday for having the Monday Blues. I thought, "I can make a witty yet refreshing post and everyone will go crazy over it and I'll rule the world!", but when I saw the pictures from my mini photo shoot with Mr. BD at the end of the day, I was not impressed with the quality of the pictures. I was, however, impressed with my ability to create a completely new look from items I wear separately very often. It's not a new concept to blog about One Item, Three Ways but I sure haven't tried it so I thought I'd give it a shot. 

This top is classic, good quality, and on-trend for fall with the cobalt blue. It truly suits my fashion personality with the lace fringe trim along the sleeves and tiny, delicate buttons down the front. It is the kind of piece that needs no accessories, but is hard to pair with anything other than white or black. Any blouse can be utilized as the central item of a series of outfits with very little effort. My suggestion is, find a blouse in a color that compliments your complexion (for me, it is any jewel toned color) with unique elements (texture, cut, and embellishments) that can be layered or tucked for versatility. 

Do you have a versatile item that always completes an outfit?

Friday Football Fashion {Fall Weather}

Old Navy Women's Chambray Shirt Dress (up to XXL) | Old Navy Quilted Barn Vest (2 colors and up to an XXL) | Merona Opaque Tights in Light Gray | Black Skinny Belt (old) | Dana Buchman Bangle |  Clarks Ingalls Dealware Leather Boots 

Fridays are crazy for us right now. I try to make my clothing choices function for both the office and football because there is very little down time between the two. I would say I have much more interesting things to do than spend my Friday evenings at a high school football game, but, I don't. Mr. BD and I are very supportive of one another which means, sadly, that my Fridays and Saturdays are the property of the LHS marching band. If you are wondering about the sty in the background, this is Mr. BD's office. He wanted me to tell you that the half of the office behind me belongs to the chorus teacher he shares his office with (pfft, whatever). Anyway, this vest has been part of every LHS event outfit for the past several weeks. It is versatile, warm, and trendy. The exposed zipper is preppy, and the quilted pattern is reminiscent of more expensive retailers like J.Crew and Eddie Bower. I even got a compliment on it from one of the students, which always makes me giddy (validation from people 10 years younger than myself is nothing to be proud of, I know).

What would you wear to a high school football game?

Houndstooth + Purple

Eloquii Wrap Dress | Houndstooth Scarf (thrifted) | Clarks Ingalls Dealware Boot | Brighton Love & Peace Bangles | Dana Buchman Bangle | Brighton Love Affair French Wire Earrings 

With the erratic weather and busy schedule, I have found it difficult dressing myself with any sort of finesse or creativity. This eloquii wrap dress is so convenient to pull on when I am feeling tired and lazy. I've worn it with wedges for the summer and was inspired to pair it with a military-esque jacket. Houndstooth is such a classic cool-weather pattern and with a need to stay warm without unpacking my coats, I knew this scarf would be just right. Not to mention I have zero ability when it comes to picking out statement jewelry. 

And if you haven't noticed, I gave myself some blunt fringe for the fall. I joke about keeping my forehead warm, but really, I've been watching too much New Girl. 

How are you handling the change in seasons? Are your pictures as impossible to take as mine?  

Style It My Way Challenge {Summer to Fall}

This week's challenge is centered around transitioning a summer piece into your fall wardrobe. This dress hasn't been featured yet on the blog, but you may recognize the wine-colored layer underneath. A top from several months back, it was perfect for adding a layer of warmth to an otherwise warm-weather article.

If you are the type to throw a jacket or cardigan over an outfit to make it weather-ready, consider a less conventional way of layering. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Apt. 9 Crepe Blouse | Elle Lace Flare Dress | Clarks Ingalls Dealaware Boots | Brighton Love and Peace Bangles | Dana Buchman Bangle | Brighton Love Affair French Wire Earrings 

Stop by and visit these other wonderful ladies who are also participating in challenges, or check us out at  #styleitmyway on Twitter.

Felicity Hart

Becky Brown at Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat

Natalie at A Wheel Barrow Full of Style

Nikki at Natty Nikki

Hannah at Nounzilicious

Style It My Way Challenge {Bodycon}

This week's challenge for Style It My Way is "bodycon". I am new to the bodycon trend as I have made it a point to avoid clothing that fits tightly across my hips. I featured a recently purchased Dorothy Perkins bodycon on the blog several months back and consider it one of my most rewarding fashion experiments. This dress is not what I would really consider a bodycon, but it is fitted enough throughout the length of my body that I felt it met the needs of this challenge. 

I don't subscribe to the fashion industry's "rules" for fat women. I do, however, know what makes me feel comfortable. If you are apprehensive about trying something outside of your comfort zone, choose an element that allows you to feel comfortable while also challenging yourself. My compromise for a fitted dress was a dress that came a few inches above my knees.

 

 

I also hope you enjoy this rare picture of B-Dog in which you can actually identify his facial features. He's so dark that his face tends to come out looking like an amorphous blob. Not cute. 

Apt. 9 Animal Print Dress | Chelsea Crew Maxin Pumps | Brighton Love & Peace Bangles | Dana Buchman Bangle | Brighton Love Affair French Wire Earrings 

 Stop by and visit these other wonderful ladies who are also participating in challenges, or check us out at  #styleitmyway on Twitter.

Felicity Hart

Becky Brown at Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat

Natalie at A Wheel Barrow Full of Style

Nikki at Natty Nikki

Hannah at Nounzilicious

Four Elements Challenge {Fire}

If you have followed me for any length of time you may remember the Forever 21 challenge concept I came up with several months back. I was inspired by a line they released centered around the four elements. This is the last installation of the challenge series. You can see the previous posts for Air, Earth, and Water here, here, and here.

I purchased this dress online from Kohl's and have been waiting to wear it for this particular post. I love red with my dark hair and pale skin, but don't have much of it in my wardrobe as of late. Mr. BD and I went to a cookout this weekend with the C's and G's and both wives are cute and fashionable so I always try to put together an outfit that makes me feel equally as cute. There is nothing I hate more than being underdressed. 

 

I am a big fan of ELLE, but many of their most recent items have been cut strangely around the arms. The opening is too severe in front, as you can see from the picture below. I am considering getting the dress altered and removing the sleeves completely to make the cut less noticeable. 

The original concept for Fire was something akin to Katniss in The Hunger Games with her fierce hair and eyes and I really tried to accomplish that with this look, but my hair never seems to be as big or as striking as I want it to be. All-in-all it was a sweet outfit for a cookout, but nothing as devastating as I had imagined. 

ELLE Pintuck Fit & Flare Dress | Vintage Necklace | Gold & Diamond Bracelet (Gifted) | Pearl Earrings (Gifted) | Steve Madden Heaven Leather Flats 

How would you style an outfit inspired by the element Fire? 

Four Elements Challenge {Earth}

I don't know about you, but when I need some fashion items for less I turn to Forever 21. I can always count on them for disposable garments that are on-trend without breaking the bank. They offer several different lines including Capsule 2.1 and Love 21, amongst others.

Love 21 has just released a new Lookbook for summer with a slew of new clothes. It's cleverly entitled "The Elements of Style" and the concept centers around nature's four elements: Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. Pieces are designed with color and characteristic in mind. Browns and olive green, muted oranges and yellows for earth. Bright red, burnt orange, sunshine yellow for fire. You get the picture.

Find It Here

I am embarking on yet another month-long shopping diet, but I am completely inspired by this concept. It is my goal over the next several weeks to shop my closet for an outfit representative of each element. To get the ball rolling, I have already designed an outfit for Earth. 

I own quite a few army green/olive garments and the outfit I originally picked out for this post showcased some brown buckled ankle boots and an olive button-up utility dress. When I finally got dressed this morning, however, I decided I would take a chance on a dress I have been waiting to showcase. This dress is a hefty weight, soft and sturdy material, and a vibrant kelly green. The fit up top is just a little off for me. I was waiting to get the top altered before I featured it in a post, but I was truly feeling it this morning. I feel like Link from the Legend of Zelda games (don't stone me for that reference, please). 

 

Land's End Pleat Shoulder Drapey Ponte V-Neck Dress | Thrifted Belt | Gifted Bag | Steve Madden Wedges (similar here) | Assorted Gold Bangles | New York & Company Aviators | World Market Leaf Necklace | Brighton Earrings (similar here)

Do I look earthy? 

My Boho Chic

 

 

Nurture Dress via Dillard's | Clay Asian Floral Earrings, theshagbag via Etsy (her shop here) | Black Gemstone Necklace (gifted) | Vintage Spoon Bracelet | Kate Landry Bowler Bag via Dillard's (several years old) | Steve Madden Heaven Leather Flat

This is another one of those dresses I found at the Dillard's 90% off sale. I picked it up on the first day of my shopping diet while there with a friend and knew it was perfect for me, but I was trying to be so good! When I found out it was only $12, marked down from $119, I knew I couldn't put it back. It is more of a fall dress, in my opinion, with the muted pink/gray, but I wanted something airy and flirtatious today. It deviates from my standard solid color with unique accents outfit formula, so in a way, I feel like I am challenging myself. Part peasant, part boho, this dress has moved to the top of my "love list". 

Blue Monday

I love my job. I love having a career in the nonprofit industry and I love the people I work with. HOWEVER, weekends are sacred to me. It is the time that Mr. BD and I get to catch up, clean, and love on B-dog. We get to explore our relatively new city, take walks, try new restaurants, and have unrestricted fun. By the time Monday morning rolls around, I am pretty blue. Like I said, I love my job, but Mondays are rough. To combat my less than stellar mood, I like to put my best foot forward with a professional outfit, a nice cup of coffee, and getting to the office a few minutes early to prep for our Monday staff meeting.

For me, a professional outfit is modest, well-made, and well-tailored.

I have a love-hate relationship with this dress. It is gorgeously made, lined on top and bottom, a prefect fit, and has a unique element with the peplum-esque ruffle on the skirt. I hate it because I can never seem to accessorize it in a way that makes it feel less, well, humdrum.

 

 

Max & Cleo Dress via Dillard's (Similar here) | Levity Caden Bootie | Brighton Earrings | Dana Buchman Bangle 

A little about these suede ankle booties. They. Are. Amazing. I found them at DSW originally for $105. They were on clearance for $70 or so with an additional 50% off, I had a $10 off coupon, and the sales associate gave me an extra percentage off for some inaccurate sizing on another shoe from clearance I was going to purchase. Needless to say, I bought these bad boys for a whopping $15! Can you say "Major Steal"?

How do you get ready for your work week? And how do you accessorize your sometimes bland professional wardrobe?

Weekend Warrior

For me, the mundane, errand-running weekends are always the hardest to dress for. I want to be comfortable enough in my outfit to be zipping around town all day picking out new towels or restocking the pantry without forfeiting my personal style or tastes.

I don't wear shorts too often, but just can't stomach jeans in the heat of the summer. As a compromise, I usually opt for a more casual dress and spruce it up with accessories. If you can't tell, Mr. BD (I'm required to say he is a great photographer if I want him to continue taking pictures) and I were trying to find the perfect lighting in the outside stairwell of our apartment, which is why there is no two alike.

This was not an actual selfie, though it does appear that way. Mr. BD was being difficult and not taking my need for pictures seriously, so he snapped a quick one of my close-up face just goofing around. I'm glad he did because it captured my earrings and makeup so well!

Old Navy Chambray Dress | Gifted Scarf | Brighton Earrings & Bracelet | Target Sandals | Envelope Clutch via Ebay (not sure what brand) | New York & Company Aviators