Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Nautical for Spring

Nautical for Spring

trench coat
Steve Madden flat shoes

earrings
scarve

Spring is just around the corner and I'm sure you're seeing lots of bright colored clothing at every turn.  You'll also being lots of it here on my blog. =)  Here's a great nautical inspired look to help you transition to Spring as thoughts of beautiful yellow daffodils and rich red tulips dance in your head!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Splash of Green

Splash of Green


 
sweater
straight leg jeans
oxford booties
Zara tote bag
jewelry

Add a splash of green to an otherwise neutral outfit.  Green probably wasn't your first thought when thinking about this outfit, but it works really well!  The green shoes are super fun - maybe a bit bold for some people's taste, but you can always swap them out for something more conservative.  I also love OPI's new Dutch inspired Spring line of nail colors.  Here's my personal fav - Kiss Me on My Tulips.  The names are so witty!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Casual Friday at the Office

Casual Friday


 
J Crew knit top
chino jeans
Skimmer flat
Handbag
studded jewelry
Scarve

Happy Friday!  Here's a great look for casual Friday at the office, or dinner out on the town. 

I'm busy gearing up for a speaking engagement tonight. The extra bonus is that I get to bring my daughters along because it's a Mother/Daugther Banquet.  They've never heard me speak before and are also serving as my models, so it should be a blast (unless they tell me that I'm terribly boring and no good). 
Here's hoping!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Primary Colors

Untitled #104


 
Talbots sweater
striped top
shoes
Hobo tote

sterling silver jewelry

I always love seeing new spring clothing hit the stores with all the bright, cheery colors.  The winter black and greys become so blah after a while.  Let me tell ya, a little color cheer goes along way to help fight those winter doldrums! You will be seeing lots of brights for spring this year, so I thought I'd get us started with this great primary color combo.  Love this look!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Closet Staples

Untitled #103

 
cardigan
blouse
straight cut jeans
boots
leather bag
animal print belt

Here's an outfit full of closet staples!
1.  Neutral colored layering blouse/tank - the possibilities are endless and effortlessly ups the chic quotion of any outfit
2.  Black cardigan - need I say more?
3.  Statement necklace - Another easy way to dress up any outfit
4.  Fun belt - Takes an ordinary outfit to extraordinary
5.  Great neutral boot & bag  - Classy Style 101 
6.  Mid-rise dark wash jeans - the most flattering and timelss denim

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Vacation


I'm back!  I have returned from a wonderful Mexican vacation with my groom.  We celebrated 15 years of marriage (technically our anniversary isn't until May) down in Cabo with lots of sun, fun and relaxation. We stayed at an all-inclusive and ate way too much food, but hey what's vacation for?!

I loved getting dressed up for dinner at night, although somehow I was still a little overdressed even with a dress code (which no one really seemed to follow).  In this particular picture we had forgotten to put our shoes on first.   It seemed I still had my soft winter feet because my wedge sandals were killing me. I actually bought this pink dress at Christmas time and wore it with black tights and ankle booties.  I knew it would be great for vacation as well as spring and summer.

Here's a picture from Valentine's Day dinner.  The resort staff did a great job of decorating with ice sculptures and balloon arches that night.  The evening temps. would get in the low 60's, so I was glad I packed enough cardigans to throw over my dresses. Bright solid color cardigans are a closet staple for me (another Christmas dress).

We spent one afternoon in town shopping after our snorkeling excursion.  This picture was taken on the third floor of the mall.  As my husband told me, I can find a mall anywhere. =)  I bought this Esprit tunic late summer on clearance and generally wear it over white jeans, but it worked perfect for a cover up too!

It was so great to get away, but there's no place like home. I'm back in full swing, so contact me if you need help getting your wardrobe ready for an upcoming vacation,  kate@steenwykbuilders.com
It's also not too early to start thinking about Spring updates for your closet and getting rid of those winter pieces you haven't worn in a few years now! 

Friday, February 10, 2012

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

Here's a fun and festive look for your Valentine's Day next week.  I am so in love with these flats, aren't they adorable?!
I'll be enjoying a little sun and relaxation south of the border next week with my hubby, but when I return I hope to have some pics to share and maybe a few tips and suggestions for your winter getaway.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Pink & Red

Red & Pink

Cardigan
Old Navy jeans
TOMS flat shoes
Handbag

Pink and red - not your average color combo, but they do work beautifully together.  A great way to embrace Valentine's Day (or any day) and look cool and sophisticated all at the same time. Throw on a dark pair of trouser jeans or skinnies, along with some boots or flats and you're ready for dinner out as well, viola! 

Monday, February 6, 2012

Pink & Grey

Pink & Grey

cotton coat
jeans
slouchy boots
handbag
Earrings
Floral shawl

Valentine's Day is only a week away, so my posts this week will be inspired by cupid himself.  Dare to take a risk girls, not only on love, but with your wardrobe too.  Go ahead and mix different patterns together, as I've done here with the stripes and floral.  Everyone's doing it.

Don't forget, nothing says I love you like a gift certificate to Real. Life. Real Style!  Start dropping hints now, ladies. Better yet, just give him my email address.




Friday, February 3, 2012

Conservative, But Not Boring

Conservative, But Not Boring


LOFT stripe sweater
boatneck tee
boot cut jeans
shoes
shopping bag

Here's a fresh look to carry you through the rest of winter, right into spring!  I love the pop of red to this otherwise neutral outfit.  Sometimes you can just let the accessories do all the work.

P.S. This sweater is currently 50% off at LOFT!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Think Spring - Plus Size

Think Spring - Plus Size

Old Navy empire top
Old navy sweater
boot cut jeans

Flat shoes
Metallic handbag

Think spring in this lovely navy and pink color combo (one of my all time favs).  This outfit has  flattering lines for any plus size woman. 

Not sure what clothes look best on your body shape?  I'd love to help.  Email me at kate@steenwykbuilders.com.