Sleek Chic

- outfit details - 
blazer || Target
top || H&M
jeans || Target (old)
heels || Charlotte Russe
earrings || Target
cuff || Target
bag || Phillip Lim for Target
sunglasses || Target

This outfit is one of my favorites from recent posts. There's honestly nothing too exciting about each piece individually, but pulled together with a sleek ponytail, coordinating lip/nail/shoe color, plus a few key accessories, and the overall look comes off polished, sleek and chic. 

Yesterday was my 24th birthday, and I'm still overwhelmed by all of the love from my husband, family and friends! Every birthday feels like the birth of a new season, but this particular birthday has brought that feeling stronger than ever. I'm still processing all of the goals and dreams God is stirring in my heart for this year but hopefully I'll be able to share more in the coming weeks! 

As always, thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your Monday! 

Business Casual {fall edition}

- outfit details -

blazer || Target
tee || H&M
jeans || Old Navy
ankle boots || Target
bag || Phillip Lim for Target
necklace & rings || Forever 21
watch || Michael Kors

"Business Casual" is timeless. Tailored, classic pieces are universally flattering, and personal style can still be incorporated through color, prints/patterns, accessories, hair/make-up, etc. Even though my occupation doesn't require the "business casual" look for the office, I still enjoy creating outfits in this vein. I've noticed that I legitimately feel more focused and alert when I dress up vs. dress down for the office. A black blazer, bootcut jeans, neutral bag, and some neutral or printed ankle boots are some great starters pieces for a business casual wardrobe. 

Happy Friday, everyone! Have a blessed weekend! 

Studded Ankle Boots

- outfit details -
top || H&M
jeans || Target (old)
ankle boots || Target (recent)
messenger clutch || Francesca's Collections (old)
statement ring || Forever 21
cuff || Target 
nails || Revlon ColorStay

With the exception of some brown lace-up combat-style boots, the boots pictured above are the only other "flat" ankle boots that I own. I used to shy away from ankle boots completely because I didn't think they were flattering on the shorter legs that come with my 5' 3" frame. While I've gotten more comfortable with high-heeled ankle boots, I still find myself having reservations with the flat versions (and yes, I realize the boots pictured above have like a one-inch heel, but in my world that may as well be considered a flat ;) ).

One key I've found to make flat ankle boots work - or at least make me more comfortable in them - is to wear the same color of pants/jeans as the color of the ankle boots. This creates an "illusion" of a longer leg. Another key is being mindful of proportions. For example, in retrospect, I should have worn a shorter top that hit closer to my waist than the middle of my thighs - this would have also contributed to the illusion of a longer leg.

Any other shorter girls out there have tricks to making flats and ankle-boots work well on our frames? I'd love to hear your tips!

And just to clarify... I'm perfectly content with the 5' 3" frame the Lord gave me :) - for me personally, the whole point of creating a "flattering" look is to avoid the opposite - a distracting one!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a blessed day!