Peridot Skies: Ann Taylor

Favorite Green Pants

February 15, 2018

And the week just keeps flying by. I almost started this post with a Happy Wednesday.... ummm no, it's Thursday!

I hope everyone had a Happy Valentines Day! I have noticed a hint of spring in store windows with fun pastels and that makes me very happy. Although, I know there will be about another month of transitioning; that means making the most of the items you have in your closet. I have really had fun reworking these green pants with so many different tops and sweater. If you don't have a pair of army green pants, I would definitely recommend you look for a great pair. These are from Loft, but I know Gap has some great slim fit pant too. Speaking of Loft, Ann Taylor has always been a favorite place for me to find great work wear pieces and the only store left open here has closed. I still like to shop in stores rather than always online; another store bites the dust in a world of online shopping. What are some of your favorite stores? Leave me a comment.

Pants // Sweater similar one // Necklace // Sunnies // Shoes // Bracelets c/o // Earrings c/o // Bag LV

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

February 15, 2018
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Casual Office Wear

September 27, 2016

Ann Taylor

I share a lot of my casual outfits and love styling for the weekends. Today I am sharing a great work outfit. I jump at the chance to style a little denim for work and my jean jacket is the perfect item. I love how denim is so easy to dress up or down. I wanted a little dressier flair to my jacket so I paired it with these fun zipper heels and some bold Ashley Pittman jewelry. The bracelets are so fun and as I mentioned in my post Stripes and Chambray, Gayle and I have made just about every color you can imagine. With fall nipping at our heels it is time to start thinking about layers and blanket scarfs. I am ready to bust out my wool hat and have a few fun outfits lined up to share soon featuring a few new brands and items so stay tuned. What are some of your favorite fall trends?

Skirt Old // Tee // Jean Jacket // Heels last season // Ashley Pittman Earrings c/o // Ashley Pittman Necklace c/o // Ashley Pittman Pendant c/o // Bead bracelets similar // Lipstick //

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

September 27, 2016
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Stripes and Chambray

September 22, 2016

Ann Taylor

It's a crazy time of the year for me. I have been neglectful in posting and I am sorry. Work is keeping me so busy with deadlines, and I have so many other things in the works that by the time I get home I am a zombie and want to just relax. I hope I am finally on the upswing and back to regularly posting. For a long time (like the first two years) I posted every week day. Then I slowly toggled between 4 and 5 days. I am thinking with my current schedule I may set a routine and post Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If I post on Mondays and Fridays it will be a bonus!! I want you to know you can count on fresh content and when I post. I truly appreciate all of you for following and reading. I love blogging and have no plans of stopping anytime soon. Life is just happening (In a good way) and I needed to let you know what to expect from me! So on to the outfit today.

This is a versatile skirt I picked up a while back from Ann Taylor. I love the stretch in the fabric and it really has been a great piece. If you don't own a stripe skirt, you need to. Seriously, what doesn't go with a stripe? I paired it with my Talbots Chambray top; another versatile must have item. I know you have seen me wear these Ashley Pittman earrings all summer. I love them. They are light weight and go with literally everything. The teardrop shape and cutouts makes them so versatile to dress up or down. When I was in Florida earlier this summer, Gayle and I stopped into a bead shop in Key West and picked up a bunch of natural stone strands. We have had so much fun making bracelets and adding a fresh stack to our outfits. We have made over 25 different bracelets in a variety of colors in natural gemstones. Have you ever tried beading or jewelry making?

Stripe skirt options here, here, and here // Chambray shirt // Bead Bracelets personal collection ( similar ) // Sandals (Similar) // Ashley Pittman necklace c/o // Ashley Pittman pendant c/o // Ashley Pittman Earrings c/o // Bag //

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

September 22, 2016
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3 Ways to Wear a Button up shirt

September 01, 2016

Ann Taylor

I have enjoyed styling my button up shirts a lot this summer. They are quite versatile and I think the right white button down shirt and denim shirt are wardrobe staples. These items shouldn't be investment pieces as you can pick yourself up a really good shirt for around 70 bucks or less if you shop the sale right! Old navy has a great selection that won't break the bank, and when Gap, Madewell, or Talbots has their sale, (which we all know they do several times a year) watch for your favorite to go down in price and grab it! I picked up my white shirt at Madewell, and my denim shirt at Talbots.

There are many ways to style a button up and here are a few of my most recent outfits. Tie it around your waist for a great layered look. One favorite by many is the half tuck. I shared both my chambray and my white button down with a half tuck in two outfits below. I layered my chambray shirt in the third picture with a light sweater; great look for transitioning seasons! Have fun with your button ups and think outside of the norm when it comes to traditional wear items!

See the full post here

Read the full post here

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

September 01, 2016
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How to Mix Patterns

July 01, 2016

Ann Taylor

Remember earlier this week when I shared my Talbots pink paisley skirt and I wasn't overly pleased with my top selection? Well this time I did a hem tuck. I think sometimes it is referred to as a half tuck, but this is clearly not half tucked in!! I like the way this striped tee works with my paisley skirt much better. Don't you agree? You know I am always up for some fun pattern mixing and my Clare V leopard bag was the perfect amount of mixing this outfit needed! Don't be afraid to mix and match items in your wardrobe. All of these items were already in my closet so there was no need to purchase anything new for a fun summer look.

Style tip: When pattern mixing be sure to keep your prints in two different scales. If you are still hesitant to mix things up, read my entire post on pattern mixing. Notice how the narrow stripe with the larger paisley works well; a wider stripe would have been too much. Remember the rule: leopard is a neutral!

Skirt options here and here On Sale 40% off // Tee // Converse // Bag // Earrings c/o // Cuff

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

July 01, 2016
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Gingham Pants

June 30, 2016

Ann Taylor

Sharing today another successful shop my closet outfit with you. These gingham pants are a favorite of mine. You know I love gingham!! As I was pulling items for my upcoming trip to Palm Beach I came across this off the shoulder top. I actually forgot about it. I have had it a few years and the shoulders can be worn up or down. I like that it is versatile. I paired this outfit up with a colorful cardigan. You an never have enough cardigans for a pop of color or light layering.

This holiday weekend we are expecting thunderstorms off and on. I feel bad for everyone who may have plans to go to the lake, or attend a big fireworks display. Hopefully the weather will hold off and only bring mild temperatures! Fingers crossed! What plan do you have to celebrate the fourth of July? Do you celebrate with fireworks, or do you prefer to just watch them? I was more daring when I was younger and didn't mind setting some off, but now I am pretty content watching a display, or some simple sparklers and snakes for the grandkids! We get to enjoy a few spectacular shows from our deck which makes it that much nicer.

Gingham Pants On Major sale // Top options here and here // Sandals Options // Bracelet // Necklace c/o // Sweater // Sunnies // Watch // Earrings

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

June 30, 2016
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Weekend Deals

April 22, 2016

Ann Taylor

I rounded up my favorite stores that are having sales and included the discount codes as well. Treat yourself to a few great sales this weekend. You're Welcome!!

J Crew is offering 30% off with code SCORE.... I have my eye on this!
Ends 4-29

Tory Burch is offering up to 30% off with code BLOOM.... A pair of these would be the perfect summer addition!
Ends 4-25

Express right now has $25 off every $100 with code 1234..... I can always use a few more of these that are bogo1/2!
Ends 4-25

Ann Taylor has 40% off any full price items. I have to shop online since they no longer have a local store, but this is a must!
Ends 4-24

Kate Spade has an extra 30% off with code SMILE.... These are darling!
Ends 4-25

Bloomingdales is another great sale with $25 off every $100 purchase with code SHOP25.... I think this is a must.
Ends 4-25

Old Navy's sale is a must with 30% off with code THANKYOU..... Loving this dress.
Ends 4-30

Madewell has an extra 30% off spring essentials with code ASAP30. I might need to pick up a few more of these.
Ends 4-25

Macys has an extra 20% off with code SAVE. You can never own too many pair of these.
Ends 4-23

April 22, 2016
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Pattern Mixing Trends

February 04, 2016

Ann Taylor

Put me in pink and I am going to shine. It's just a fact. This Express Portofino shirt is awesome and on sale right now. I paired it with my Ann Taylor windowpane slacks with of course a pop of leopard. I shared a peek of this outfit on my instagram and facebook earlier this week and received a lot of comments about pattern mixing. I shared an entire post on pattern mixing you may read here. I love a pattern challenge if you will call it that. Mixing patterns really is easy. If you are new to pattern mixing, or afraid of it then start simple. Take your solid color item in your outfit and add one item that is a pattern. Remember the color wheel rules... I shared that post with you here. One thing to remember is sizing your patterns. Don't put two small scales together just like you wouldn't put two large scale prints together. Balance them.

Style Tip: Pocket placement on your jeans and slacks can make an huge impact on your shape and appearance. Be sure to always check out your bum in the mirror to determine if they make your butt appear bigger, or flat.

Depending on your shape, choose a smaller print for the top if you are busty to not accentuate it. Like wise if you are broad in the hips or thighs, use patterns that are smaller as they look best on the bottom half. The exception to this is an extremely large print could be worn on your pants or skirt if the cut of the clothing is appropriate. An A Line skirt, or a wide straight leg trouser is a good example. Bottom line is...you know your body shape and what works. If your smallest part of your figure is under your bust line, then find items that draw the eye to this area with a fuller skirt. Pair a cute cardigan with a belt and position the belt under your bust line. Trust me it works! This will make you look bustier if you already are so just know that.

Pants // Top (On Sale BOGO 1/2) // Blanket Scarf // Shoes // Bracelets // Sunglasses // Lipstick // Earrings //

February 04, 2016
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Navy Windowpane

January 11, 2016

Ann Taylor

It seems like ages since I have shared an outfit. Not like any one's been busy with holidays or anything right? I didn't realize until I got to the office that I actually looked a lot like a gender reveal cake. Blending blush pink and soft blue highlighted with a little white. Then Erin asked if it was intention that I combined the pantone 2016 colors Rose Quartz and Serenity. Nope not my plan at all! I would have rather had a crisp white button down to go with these windowpane pants but the next best thing in my closet was white collar and cuffs. I purchased this moto jacket in early fall and shared it with you here, but have only worn it less than a handful of times. Do you ever purchase something and love it so much you hate to wear it and chance it looking old? I am guilt of that sometimes and this jacket was one of my items. After wearing it however with this outfit I won't be holding it back any longer. It's comfy, the right amount of blush pink and very trendy. I am scheming this jacket with all sorts of pants coming to you in outfit post as soon as the weather cooperates.

Windowpane Slacks // Jem Skull Slippers // Sunnies // Cuyana Tote // Blush Moto Jacket (on Sale) // Bracelets // Lipstick // Earrrings c/o

January 11, 2016
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Work Day

November 05, 2015

Ann Taylor

Ahhhhhh..... blanket scarf weather. I am so glad we are having mild enough weather to enjoy my scarfs without technically bundling up in them. Today I am sharing the first of three looks on styling your blanket scarf. First up is the work day. Camel is a really hot color this fall and such a versatile neutral complimenting my blackwatch plaid scarf. It's not cold enough yet to need a pair of tights so I opted for leggings with my booties. Not to mention I really wasn't in the mood to shimmy into a pair! lol This is a pretty basic look with a black skirt but you could really switch it up and go with an all leather skirt. Burgundy would look great with this scarf and camel and even a pair of slim pants and knee boots. How would you wear a blanket scarf to the office?

Scarf ~ Sweater (I like this option and this one) ~ Leggings ~ Skirt (Love the cut of this one) ~ Booties ~ Bag ~ Earrings

November 05, 2015
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On top of the Town

September 29, 2015

Ann Taylor

Sometimes it's not the outfit that makes the picture; it's the picture that makes the outfit! I am excited for jacket weather. Who else is with me on that? This past weekend was Kansas City Fashion week and I can't wait to finish going through all my photos and share with you what an event it was. SS2016 is looking pretty fabulous!

Field Jacket ~ Plaid Shirt ~ Watch ~ Lipstick ~ Sunnies ~ Shoes ~ Belt ~ Lipstick ~ Bracelets ~ Distressed Jeans

September 29, 2015
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How to wear heels with shorts

July 16, 2015

Ann Taylor

If you follow me on instagram or Facebook then you know we saw Dave Matthews Band Tuesday night and my son who was front and center of the concert was lucky enough to meet Dave. You can see the pic on my Facebook page! It was a fabulous concert and he played for almost 4 hours. It was a late night out for a "school night" and today I am on my way to California. I will be traveling most of the afternoon and arriving in time for a sunset beach stroll! I am looking forward to sunshine, and maybe a little shopping! Be sure to follow me on instagram to see my trip as it happens! I am looking forward to some downtime for sure.

Distressed and ripped denim is on trend; or "fleek" as some would say. I tried to get into this trend.... but something with the idea of paying good money for ripped clothes at a premium price no less, was just not setting well with me. I opted for no holes. Hey, if they are going to show wear I want it to be authentic and most certainly have a story attached to any holes or tears!! I found the perfect pair at Gap. These white denim shorts are a great length and with a cute rolled cuff. With a slightly higher waist, but that works in my favor! When pairing your shorts with a heel be sure to match the height of your heel with the length of your shorts. The longer the short.... the lower the heel. The shorter the short.... the higher the heel! Any heel over 4 inches with a pair of shorts is too much in my opinion. I don't care how short your shorts are and how good your legs look. Put a dress on instead. These shorts have a 5" inseam so I paired a 2.5 inch heel with them. To keep my outfit casual I wore a chambray top; add a pop of leopard and turquoise jewels for the finishing touches. Would you wear heels with your shorts?