A beautiful necklace livens up a simple long sleeved top.

2 necklaces combined: Charles Klein $8 each

Corals are not just for summer if you get the right hues.  Paired with a simple dark top in a related color, this faux stone necklace is winter friendly.

 

"My Converted Duster Sweater"

When I first bought this duster sweater from Village Discount, it was really too big and long for my petite frame. I knew I could still make it work because I loved the pattern and the upper part fit me just right.  I shorten the length and voila, a new and improved sweater was made....

BEFORE



printed sweater/blouse: Discovery $13, necklace: Charlotte Russe $13, Gap maternity pants (I just love this pair even though I'm not pregnant anymore): Goodwill $2, cowboy boots: Plato's Closet $8



purple turtleneck: Discovery $8?, floral top: Salvation Army $3? belt: H&M $12? boots: Urban Outfitters $90



white long sleeved top: Discovery $10? navy skinny jeans: Discovery $15? leather belt: Plato's Closet $3, boots: Plato's Closet $16

Why does this sweater work for my figure?

The sweater's fit is loose enough for my larger bust and the traditional print is in correct proportion to my "proportons". The bottom of the sweater creates some volume on my small hips and helps keep the look from being too top heavy. It is the color and print of this sweater that makes it a classic staple.  It's subdued enough to be able to multi task.

"New Year's Eve Special III"

Best of 2012: December



"Indian Inspired"

Jewel tones and gold are the best combinations this season. I put this sheer ornate shrug/bolero (Charlotte Russe) over my blue sleeveless dress from Discovery, and I finished it with my favorite earings from Francesca's. I purchased them last year when I was in my last trimester as a christmas present for myself. I got so excited while trying them on at the boutique that the sales girl asked if I was OK. I probably looked like I was about to pop.

"New Year's Eve Special II"

Best of 2012: December




"Baby It's Cold Outside"

Last New Year's Eve, I was planning to stay home and drink some mint hot cocoa with my huge Alaskan mug, from our former Alaskan relatives who have now resettled in Hawaii (I don't blame them one bit). I put this sheer sequin "dress" from Discovery with another fitted dress from that said store. Then I put my Old Navy faux fur vest on top just to add an interesting contrast of texture, and  make a "warm and toasty" look, not sparkly and plain ". I also needed to camouflage the disproportional "girls". To finish the look, I neutralized the flashiness with these tan FLAT casual boots. In short, Sparkly + Short + Heels = Skanky, a look I'm not going for!

 

"New Year's Eve Special"

Best of 2012: December


  





"The Black Swan"

Since I gained some weight during the holidays and still nursing, I wanted to stick to dark colors. Here's a creative way I pizzazed my LBD (little black dress). I used my godmother's unwanted older lady's blouse turned it front to back to be used as a vest. Then I wrapped it with a black ribbon to create an hour glass silhouette.





"Flapper Girl"

Since I was going to a hypothetical warm weather "soiree", my white flapper dress was a winner. It perfectly camouflages any weight I've put on. The fringes made it look like my extra "curves"were part of the design. The fact that the dress is not too fitted was a plus! The dress was purchased in 2009 at Ragstock's costume clearance rack.



























   









 

































 





"Orange Accents"

Best of 2012: November

dress:Forever 21 $16, cardigan:Discovery $10, orange beaded necklace:Discovery $4, ethnic beaded necklace:Walmart $8

An Anthropologie inspired look

Enjoying the Indian Summer

Best of 2012: October

I love how dresses make an effortless instant impact.



dress: Express from Plato's Closet $13 belt:Discovery $8 shoes:Forever 21 $20