GUESS Alex Pleat Skirt Coat

Oh how I wish I’d had this GUESS Alex Pleat Skirt Coat in the "milk" color pictured above last weekend when I went to dinner with friends.  It would’ve been a great contrast to the multitude of dark colors I have in my closet for winter.  Plus, I love how the pea coat double-breasted style is balanced with a belted waist and pleated skirt.  Paired with tall boots, I would’ve been the talk of the dinner table…in a good way.  For only $198, you can stop wishing for a great light-colored coat (like me) and start revving up for winter. 

Adrianna Papell Floral Silk Halter Dress

This gorgeous silk charmeuse halter dress by Adrianna Papell is the perfect blend of sophistication and fun.  When I spotted the vibrant floral pattern, I simply couldn’t look away.  The shirred waist and full pleated skirt hide a multitude of sins on any body type while the V-neck halter shows off a lengthened neckline.  Tiny yet tasteful beads and sequins add a touch of sparkle to this dress.  Wear it to your next cocktail or holiday party and you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd. 

Adrianna Papell Floral Silk Halter Dress at Nordstrom for $178

3.1 Philip Lim Blue Short Sleeved Knot Tie Tee

Although I am usually a big one for clothes the hues of the seasons (i.e. golds and browns in autumn) this color of blue is wonderful and vibrant for the crisp days that I am greatly anticipating.  On top of that, a t-shirt that is a little more dressy can be worn to classes, the office (dressed up with a skirt and possibly a cute little blazer), and out shopping is the perfect closet staple.  The knot detailing on the piece gives a comfy basic a lot more personality.  I love Philip Lim because even though I can’t necessarily always afford him, he still inspires me to attempt to be creative with pieces that are already in my wardrobe. 

3.1 Philip Lim Blue Short Sleeved Knot Tie Tee- $167

Victoria’s Secret Stretch Pencil Skirt

Any old pencil skirt is a cinch to find, but finding a pencil skirt that’s easy to walk in and won’t bunch up on your thighs as you move is like finding a needle in a haystack.  As I searched for my own sleek and modern piece to add to my wardrobe, low and behold I found that Victoria’s Secret has once again reached beyond sexy lingerie to create the ultimate pencil skirt.  The back ruffle adds a sexy detail to this skirt and the European fabric won’t wrinkle or bunch.  Ah, sweet success.       

Victoria’s Secret Pencil Skirt for $59.50

Jumpers vs. Rompers

Jumpers always make me think of my first day of kindergarten when my mom put me in a pink corduroy jumper with a white blouse underneath.  The jumper had straps- very similar to those on overalls, except the bottom was a skirt.  It also had pockets, and I loved it.  In the U.K., jumpers are what we would call sweaters.  Either way, it’s a cool word for various items of clothing.  Just make sure you don’t look like the 60-something woman who played the piano at my cousin’s high school graduation.

A romper, on the other hand, is more like a playsuit.  In short, this is a loose, light-fitting one-piece garment, similar to a jumper in that the top is attached to the bottom.  The main difference is that the bottoms are usually shorts and they may be gathered (like a fancier version of the onesie underclothes, which newborns may wear).  All in all, the romper is a fairly practical item as far as physical activity is concerned- unless you need to you the bathroom in which case you better hope you’re not in a hurry since you need to practically undress.  Rompers have had a recent comeback among the hipster elite and A-list celebs, but there’s no reason why six-months-from-now, people won’t be saying you look like an overgrown, skanky extra from Barney.