Out To Dinner Outfit

Last night I ate dinner at Houlihan's!  I love their Home Style Pot Roast and "Pomtini" Martinis... mmm. Anyways, I documented my outfit from dinner for today's post.  It's a  good "going out for a fun dinner" outfit.  Assuming you don't need to wear a dress or anything more formal, of course.  So, here your go!

Here's the Out to Dinner Outfit

Lace top: Lucky Brand

Belt and Maroon Tank/Wedges: Target

Dark Wash Skinny Jeans: Gap

Ring: Forever 21

I tucked the front of my shirt into my jeans to show off the belt and also because it felt a little baggy.  This doesn't always work with shirts but this particular one has a round cut bottom which falls nicely when the front is tucked in.  I also matched my tank color to my shoes but it was just a subtle pop of color.  Somehow I have a pair of really comfortable wedges and a tank top that match... But these wedges were on sale at Target for like $3 so I bought them, and I also bought them in grey.  

Details

This cute tan belt came with a pair of shorts from Target.  I love when you can use stuff like that for many different outfits.  Those shorts are in a future blog!

This ring is from Forever 21.  I like it because it's different and the color kind of just goes with everything.  It's a bigger cocktail ring without budging off your finger.  I'm really not an over accessorized but I do admit I could have added some pretty earrings or a bracelet.

The shoes were really difficult to photograph... Sorry!  But just imagine a maroon wedge and there you have it.

Second Look

Thanks for reading and make sure to follow me on Twitter @soiree_bisou !!

Fun T-Shirts!

Every now and then a simple t-shirt is exactly what you need.  Sometimes, all you want is to be able to wear a simple t-shirt.  If you're not into the whole dressing up thing, there are other options!  Fun "t-shirt-like" styles and designs are everywhere and they are very comfortable.  The idea is to dress nice without feeling uncomfortable.  

Some choices from my closet...  

Black LaceI love this t-shirt because it's comfortable and pretty.  Lace is really "in" right now and black is always a good go-to color.  I also really like how the sleeves aren't backed with black like the rest of the shirt.  Pair a shirt like this with jeans or even your spring red pants!

Sequined Top
Another great go-to top is this neutral colored sequined one from Express.  The sleeves are sheer and it is so comfortable and breezy. I would wear this out to dinner and drink with friends or wherever!  Sequined clothes are really in style right now, it's not secret, and this is a subtle option when you don't want to shine too much.

Chevron T-Shirt
This shirt is from the Missoni for Target line that literally flew out the doors.  Funny story... I got my wisdom teeth out a few days before this line launched.  I actually didn't even know Missoni was coming to Target!  A few days after my surgery, I was out and about at Target with my boyfriend and I started to feel horrible.  I just wanted to go home, crawl into bed with my pain meds and heal more.  On the way past the registers and to the door I looked over my shoulder toward the women's section and there it was... A huge sign that read, "MISSONI".  No matter how bad I felt I had to go over there.  The racks were so picked over I felt like I had been robbed of my chance.  I was picking through and came across this lone t-shirt in my size.  (A similar thing happened with Jason Wu)  I had to buy it, no trying on necessary.  I also happen to adore chevron!  This goes with skirts, jeans, black skinny jeans, and whatever else!

Knit T-Shirt
This type of t-shirt is different and interesting.  I found this while shopping in Vegas last summer.  I really like it!  I usually get compliments on how unique it is.  Another plus is that knitwear is in and especially lighter versions of it like this shirt.  I don't think this top is very dressy but it definitely holds its own when I'm out to eat or getting a quick drink!  This shirt made for some interesting sun burns in the summer time.. Always wear sunscreen girls and guys!

Thanks for reading!  Make sure to comment and follow me on Twitter (@soiree_bisou) !!

Jason Wu for Target

I was really excited about the Jason Wu for Target line to come out considering I've seen such little of his designs before.  I have to say, I was turned-off by the big cat print t-shirts and some odd cuts in a few of the dresses.  I was kind of excited by the bags in this collection but not enough to set my alarm and dash to Target when it opened.  Needless to say, I didn't run out to buy anything like so many others.  But now, I have to bite my tongue for not giving this "clean-lined" designer a second look.  While doing some Target shopping, I saw a lone Jason Wu for Target dress hanging on an empty rack.  It looked cute and was my size so I figured it was fate and I bought it.  When I got home to try it on I was less than happy about the boxy cut and how much my figure did NOT want to make this dress work.  Here's a photo of the dress when I first put it on:

I know, I need to do my laundry and do something about my ghostly white skin but focus on the dress.  But that's what the dress looked like before I styled it up.  I wasn't going to settle and just accept that I bought a dud.  If something is too big or just too boxy, a belt is always the answer.  That is, of course, unless you can return it for a better fit!  This dress was a little tricky because there are already horizontal stripes on it.  But I found a navy belt from an old A&F shirt that worked perfectly!

It's hard to see but around the neckline, arm holes and right above the chest is a thin sheer strip to add a little detail to a simple t-shirt dress.  I was happy with how the soft material worked with the belt and how it didn't bunch up when I moved around.  I think a belt with a buckle might be too heavy for this dress but any fabric type one should work!  There are always those people out there who can rock the boxy shape and if you're one of them then go belt free.

I went with simple accessories because I see this as being more of a day dress.  I picked nude pumps and gold bangles from Express.  Nude heels are supposed to elongate your legs more than a printed or dark shoe.  I typically don't wear heels with day dresses because they are usually a little short on me since I'm 5'10''.  But this modest cut and length was perfect for higher heels.

There weren't a whole lot of Jason Wu pieces at the Target near me so hopefully others have more luck...  Let me know what you think!  

San Fran' Chic

Okay, I may be going out on a limb here but I found this shirt at Forever 21 that I love. It's basically a "drug rug" shirt.  I had to buy it so the next step was deciding what to wear it with.  It's obviously really "hippyish" so I went for the obvious... Fringe boots!  I'll let you form your own opinion on what I'm calling, "San Fran' Chic" for the obvious reasons...

Here's the Forever 21 shirt; it even has a pocket and a hood!

Over-all outfit.  Shirt, black skinny jeans, fringe boots, and one of my favorite bracelets.  I also put a white-tunic underneath to add some separation between the dark pieces.  

The fringe boots!  They don't photograph that well on my iPhone, but you get the idea.  I love these but they tend to get mixed reviews.  I bought them probably three years ago from Journey's and I wear the hell out of them in the fall. 

I love this bracelet.  I like to think I add a little bit of "rock" to my wardrobe with things like this.  Ha, okay even I'm laughing at myself for that one... But I still think this is pretty cool.  I bought it in Seattle a few years ago!

And again... Comment and give your opinions!  I want to know what's worth reading and what's not.  Thanks!

Red is for Lovers

It's February and I am in love.  I am in love with the clothes coming out for spring and the fact that fire engine red is everywhere!  It's not always the easiest color to pull off, especially on the bottom half, but it can't hurt to try.  If you're not ready for the intense hue, you can try a more subtle shade of red.  With Valentine's Day right around the corner; bright red couldn't have a better opportunity to make its spring debut.  So get out there, start the hunt, and find that perfect red piece to add some POP to your wardrobe.

Here are some tips for pulling of the show-stopping color:

1. First you have to find a red piece that fits well.  If it's too tight, too baggy, or not the right proportions

DO NOT BUY IT!  If you have to go up a size, suck it up and cut out the size label later.  People won't know if you're wearing a medium instead of a small but they will notice if that small is too small.

2. If you're wearing red pants, don't wear a white shirt.  

3. Allow the red to do all the talking by keeping the makeup light and flirty.  Same rule applies for your hair-do and jewelry.

4. Wearing heels forces me to have confidence even if I feel like a giant.  Wear something that always helps "umph" up your confidence.

5. Smile!  The more well received your attitude is, the more well received your fashion choices will be.

Let's step into my closet...

A lovely Calvin Klein henely in bright red!  I know my photos aren't amazing but this shirt is.  I hate button downs, but only on myself.  I always feel really masculine in a button down but because this is just a henely and has a flattering tie-waste the shirt is a good balance.  The sleeve detail is my favorite part; aside from the gold buttons.  Throw this on with a dark pair of skinny jeans and some heels or boots.

Red GAP pants!  I fell in love with these boot cut trousers the second I put them on.  I mean, I never thought I would like the way I looked in red pants so much.  I paired them with simple black pumps and a black lace tee-shirt from TJ Maxx .  I can't wait to have an occasion to wear these!  And ladies, you don't have to be a size two to wear red bottoms.  I'm a size six and still can't wait to rock them!

(NOTE: I love Gap jeans and pants so much.  If you're over 5'8'' and need a place to find long pants and jeans, try Gap.  If you just want to feel amazing in your jeans, try Gap!  If you want quality denim with extraordinary fit and reasonable prices, try Gap!  Most importantly; if you don't want your crack saying hello to the world, try Gap!)

View From the Top; 6'3'' In Heels

Guess what?  I love shoes.  I hope that doesn't come as a surprise to anyone.  There's one problem though; I am 5'10'' without heels!  I always shy away from wearing a fabulous pair of heels because I don't want to tower above everyone else.  It's always been one of my insecurities but if everyone else is wearing heels or is really tall, that's a different story!  (Anyone know where tall people hang out?!)  So, for that reason, I continue to shell out tons of money on really expensive shoes I may or may not wear in the next two years.  However, I've really learned to slow it down the past few years because, well, life is freakin' expensive but I am not always able to fight the urge.  One day I hope to accepts that if I want to wear any of my tons and tons of heels that I need to just get over the whole "being tall" thing.  It's not going away!  Woah, thanks for the brief therapy sesh..

Back to the shoes.  Here's a peek into my closet for all you lucky readers!

Let's begin with my love affair with Michael Kors' high heels.  I have a serious "thing" for the Project Runway judge when it comes to his bags, shoes, watches and just about everything else.  In my "Go-To Gold Pieces" post I have my favorite pair of flats which are Michael Kors!  I even think my first credit card purchase was this amazing pair of Michael Kors:

If you don't love these heels then we can't be friends.  I started obsessing over this idea of zipper details on shoes while decorating my short lived dorm wall.  (By short lived I mean; two weeks and I moved the hell out of there! Let's just say, dorms ended up not being my thing.)  I would flip through countless magazines trying to find the coolest things to tape up that would, intern, make me look cool.  I was a freshmen, cut me a break!  I found a pair similar to these by a different designer that I was set on buying.  But something changed when I saw these little suckers at Macy's just begging me to buy them with my new credit card.  Do as I say and not as I do, please use credit cards more responsibly than myself.  They cost a lot, but half as much as the original pair I was hunting for.  Mine!  And I've loved them ever since.  

My next pair of Michael Kors that I think make a cute addition to my shoe collection I've never actually worn.  Isn't that ridiculous?  But I have never had anywhere to wear them or anything to wear them with.  They are high, too.  I had one of those "must have" moments with these purple pumps.  I can't even remember what store I bought them in!  Here are my Michael Kors mary-Jane inspired purple pumps:

I have a love/hate relationship with these.  I want to wear them so badly but never have anything to wear them with!  I know I already said that but it is stressful.  I can not see these with jeans.  Maybe with a black skirt or dress but I just don't know how fancy.  Ah!  Well, I refuse to get rid of them.  They're different than most shoes and that's how you build style, with unique accent pieces. 

My next fun pair are bright royal blue and wrap up to the ankle.  Other people seem to like these shoes more  than I do but that's one reason I like to wear them!  They are Madden Girl from DSW.  I don't know how a shoe from a line for "girls" fit me because my feet are big but they did!  They aren't very comfortable and they get beat up pretty easily but I still like them for jeans or the right dress.  (I couldn't find a "pro" picture) 

I know I said that other people like these more than I do but I actually like them the more I look at them.  They are a good heel height too!  They are probably 3 inches, so that's do-able.  Aren't my legs are so tan?

Every girl needs a pair of red dress up shoes!  Just a pair that will go with anything and give you that little "umph". Most red heels are super sexy and high but these ones are actually pretty modest and low.  They are just so comfortable I could wear them for days.  They stay on my foot like a glove and I can just wipe them clean if they get dirty.  Here is my first Nordstrom shoe purchase from a few years back:

 The designer is Anyi Lu.  Note the little heel.  They aren't the sexiest but they are the comfiest!  One day I'm sure I'll buy a pair of sky high red heels but I have my sights set on my first pair of Christian Louboutin's before anything else!


Metallic shoes are everything.  They work as neutrals when they are in gold or silver tones like these Nina heels.  I like them because they elongate the leg like a pair of nude pumps.  I think they're a little sexy and almost blend with the skin!  I will admit, they aren't the easiest to walk in, but we must sometimes suffer for pretty shoes.  They don't really cause blisters or anything though because there aren't any parts rubbing against your skin.  Here they are:

 

Simple and classic, I can definitely get a lot of wears out of these!

My last pair is a a really comfortable and easy pair of cage sandals, designer Etienne Aigner.  They are a wedge so they're easy to wear and walk in.  They are perfect for spring and summer because you can wear them anywhere and with almost anything.  Here are two different colors, I only have the brown ones, but I like them both:

Low, comfy, easy and cute.  

Is It Spring Yet?

I am LOVING colored denim and bright pants for spring.  This trend has been around for awhile, but I'm just finally getting around to it myself!  I find that I'm drawn to different bright blues and blueish hues for colored denim.  I am also loving red jeans but I am a little questionable on what to wear them with! (Suggestions please!)  I just bought these turquoise-ish blue skinny jeans, DKNY $30 at TJ Maxx!  So, I thought I would show everyone how to pull off the bright jean look even if you're, like me, NOT a size 2! 

Here is my "I can't wait 'till spring to wear it" outfit:

Ignore the iPhone photo, my photographer always takes Fridays off ;).  I love the bright blue jeans and the dark maroon tank color.  My guess is this color combo is going to be big this year!  At least for me... I paired the skinny jeans with some brown cage sandals and the tank with a light knit top in Ivory!  The total price for my spring pieces... Let's see; $30.00 for designer jeans from TJ Maxx, $8.00 Target tank, $16.99 knit top from TJ Maxx and caged sandals from... I think Macy's and my mom bought them for me.  Thanks mom!

Here's another look at the outfit:

I've been really into the knit tops and layering them over tanks.  It adds dimension and texture to an outfit.  It also helps hide the tummy area and hardly needs to be accessorized.  Here is my color palette and texture combination up close:

I'll leave the accessories up to you!  I would pair some of my go-to gold pieces with this and really any brown sandal would look good but the colors are so bright you'd be better off with a minimalist approach. I can't wait until it's warm enough to strap on my sandals, throw on some sunglasses and head out in my new spring look! 

Are you obsessing over a spring trend?? I want to know so I can obsess too!  Email me ideas or tweet them to me so I don't miss a minute of everything this spring has to offer my closet.

My Go-To Gold Pieces

I love gold accessories right now.  I was into silver for as long as I can remember, but now I've taken a shiny interest in all things gold colored!  The key to having good accessories is to have a lot of basics and just a few pops of interest.  Unless, of course, you are into really over accessorizing!  Here are all my fave go-to gold pieces I have in my closet!

Starting at the top.. These are my favorite two gold eyeshadows.  They both look completely different than the other but that's ok, I like to mix it up! The first one is called "aztec gold" and, if you couldn't tell, it is Bare Minerals!  It's really gold and goes on with a lot of pigment.  The bottom shadow is from an old MAC palette that I still love.  Does eyeshadow expire?  I hope not, because I know they don't make this palette anymore... But I'm sure, if you love it, they have a similar one in a single pot.

This is another eye makeup in gold that I LOVE!  It's from Avon, which I sell so hit me up, and it makes your eyes pop.  It's not sparkly so don't worry about looking like a stripper, not that it's always a bad look... I run this along the top of my liner that is already there, but I love my black liner, so it would look good on its own too!  You absolutely have to wear mascara with it though, or I won't sell it to you! 

THANK YOU Forever 21, for making really cute and cheap jewelry.  I no longer have to suffer through another broken Claire's necklace.  I love these gold square earrings. They are very '70's which is totally in style and the square shape will give your face structure!  Go for classic, geometric shapes for statement pieces to stay in style and also to have jewelry that will translate no matter what the trends are.

 I don't wear big jewelry everyday.  In fact, it takes a good party or event to get me to pull out all the stops, so I need pretty studs like these Forever 21 gold and amber studs.  I absolutely love these earrings, I also have them in a gorgeous blue with gold trim!  These look great on most face shapes too.

Blame it on Sex and the City but I love this gold name necklace!  I layer it with other gold necklaces and always get a good compliment.  And who doesn't love Carrie Bradshaw inspired style??? 

The tutu pendant necklace is very special to me. My dad bought it for me when we were in Paris at the ballet.  I've danced my whole life and I also love ballet performances.  On this trip I lost my dad, so this necklace will always be my favorite go-to gold piece.

I must have a fear of forgetting my name because here is another name piece that I love!  I had this made for me while in downtown Disney World on a random trip to Orlando.  I think it's cool and unique!  I love it.

Here is one of my statement rings that I really like.  It's a little over the top... but it's so different!  It's from Avon so it's not very expensive, which is perfect because it weighs nothing on my finger!  I wear this during the day and at night, it all depends on what you pair it with!

This is one of my newest and favorite gold jewelry pieces!  It is Mark by Avon and I just think it's great.  It's girly and tough at the same time and the chain links make it modern!  I love the different textured links and the way is falls on my wrist.  I also sell Mark, so let me know it you NEED this too!

I wear this Express gold cuff all the time.  It's a go-to piece not just because it's gold, but because it's the perfect amount of accessory.  

This is an old pair of Michael Kors flats.  I have had them for years and they are so comfy and go with everything from jeans to dresses!

Lasttly, the bag that gets all the compliments... My all gold Michael Kors bag which I got for Christmas years ago and I use it all the time still.  It's classic and perfect for everything!  I love Michael Kors, and you should too!

I have a rule when you're trying to look classy: keep your jewelry separate.  Which means if your earrings come down to your shoulders, skip the necklace.  If you're wearing a necklace, skip the earrings. If you're wearing a bracelet, keep it down to one ring a hand and if you want to wear it all... good luck.