Bring Spring to Work

Bring Spring to Work by style-mi-vida featuring leather heels

Finally a warm day! My legs have come out to play in this almost knee length, flowing dress from Target. I love wearing print and pulling out one of the more subtle colors from the piece to add to the ensemble. The blazer gives the outfit more structure making it office appropriate. I might wear this dress on the weekend with some flip flops and a scarf or white denim jacket. Paired with the pumps and statement jewelry, I am ready for a day at the office!

I put together some fun samples that show you how mix different colors, patterns and textures. The first dress is a retro, florentine print from Nordstrom. I paired this with a cardigan with the same neckline and some fun pointed pumps. The silver in the pumps in echoed in the collar necklace. This adds a bit more formality and flair to the outfit. 

The second ensemble is edgier with the neon yellow ruffled dress against the bright blue pumps. I wouldn't pair this with a blazer that is too structured because it would stifle the ruffles. The kimono style blazer is perfect to let those ruffles move about.  In the third example, I used the very popular animal print but in a monotone print.I love pairing anything coral with black & white. The gold accents in the shoes and necklace work perfectly here. Finally, the forth ensemble takes a super casual, solid color, cotton wrap and pairs it against a printed silk blazer. The shoes and statement necklace borrow colors found in the blazer and bring the whole thing together. That's it for now, enjoy!

Closet Style | Get The Look

Casual Punk Inspired Outfit by style-mi-vida on Polyvore

Today's outfit was inspired by my radiant red lipstick. I like to take a style and really play it down so it can only be detected in minor details of the ensemble. I used various subtle studded elements like the ankle boots and collar of the blouse. These contrast against two pops of color, the red lips and a clutch (or in my picture, the blazer cuffs). The FUNBUN is essential to show off your stud earrings, embellished collar and red lips. A high, sleek pony tail will also give the same effect. Here are the elements you need to create this look. 

1 - Red Lips - I used Urban Decay lip color with the Sephora Waterproof lipliner.

2 - Studs - Any studs will work. It's hard to see mine in this photo, but there are grey & silver studs I found on sale for $10 at Banana Republic. I LOVE BR's sale section - I try to never pay full price there.

3 - Black & Silver Bracelets - Mine are the cheap kind from H&M.

4 - Embellished Short Sleeve Blouse - I picked mine up at TJ Maxx a while ago for about $15. I really like the one I picked out for this set from Forever 21. It has some nice contrast and the embellishment isn't overwhelming

5 - Dark/indigo Skinny Jeans - The darker the better in this case. Contrast is important when you are pairing it with a grey blazer.

6 - Grey Blazer - Any grey blazer will do with or w/o lapels. I got mine at H&M a while ago but you can find similar styles currently at H&M, Charlotte Russe and even F21.

7 - Black Ankle Boots - Mine don't actually have any studs or embellishments on them, but in my fantasy world, I would have wore the ones I picked for this set. I like that it mirrors the punk on my arm and collar.

8 - Bright Clutch - Finally, you want a bright pop of color somewhere on your outfit. Just the right amount is the size of a clutch or a belt. In my case, the insides of my sleeves give me some color.

Show me your style! Did you try this look? What is your take on all the studs and spikes all over everything these past seasons? Enjoy :)

Closet Style | Spring Transition

It's the second day of Spring and I donned my new sheer maxi with an infinity scarf and white denim jacket. The t-shirt underneath is Theory and actually has some lop-sided dots on it. A striped or Chevron t-shirt work work equally as well. I spent the day at the park with my handsome fellow - my dog - all the while wishing I would've worn flats! I paired my outfit with a medium, black Coach satchel filled with doggie treats and toys!

Actual brands: Scarf - H&M | Maxi - Forever21 | Denim - Ann Taylor Loft | Shoes - BCBGeneration | Braclets - Forever21 | Belt - Target | T-shirt - Theory

Pretentious Kitchen

So you heard about this whole Peruvian cuisine trend right? Here is my fresh take on an ancient ingredient: quinoa. Quinoa is a super-food (or so I've read) and pairs great with crunchy lettuce and hearty garbanzos. The great thing about this salad is how you can store your cooked ingredients for a few days and mix them up for a quick dinner or on a picnic. Our fresh salad has three components: quinoa, dressing, and garbanzo beans.

1. Quinoa: rinse your quinoa properly and boil in 2 parts water. Before you get your boil on, add in lemon juice and/or zest, salt and splash of EVOO. Boil that baby on MED until the water drops to the quinoa line, reduce heat and continue to boil until it's soft and fluffy! Cool your cooked quinoa in the fridge for any amount of time you would like. 2. Garbanzos: Preheat that oven to 375 F and while you wait, toss your washed garbanzos with EVOO, any flavor of balsamic, salt, pepper and a dash of cayenne pepper - to spice up your life. Foil line a baking pan and spread the dressed beans evenly. Roast those babies for 15 min and let them cool off in the fridge. 3. Dressing: (skip this step if you are not pretentious enough to only consume homemade salad dressing) Whisk equal parts EVOO and balsamic with a dash of your favorite spices. I use: salt, pepper, paprika, lemon juice, and a dash of truffle oil - mostly because truffle oil is super pretentious. Salad: So once all your hot ingredients have cooled, wash up and chop that crisp romaine head - toss in large bowl with fresh red onions, and your cooked quinoa & garbanzos. Finally top it all off with the dressing and freshly shredded aged asiago cheese.

Enjoy with a glass of crisp white white such as Jessup Cellars buttery Chardonnay! Questions anyone?? Class dismissed!

Closet Style

This is my first "closet style" post. My photography-loving co-worker found this pretty cool backdrop in the ruins of our work parking lot...so this will be standard. Anyway, I plan to feature at least one outfit a week from my personal closet and design a Polyvore set of how to get the look. Pretentious right? I just assume everyone wants to dress like me...but seriously...people do ask frequently...so I am here to tell. Today was a bit windy, but warm so I layered a sheer Forever 21 chevron print blouse with my khaki boyfriend blazer, bright blue skinny jeans and my new Coach sandals. My dream closet would have afforded some MOSCHINCO pants with nude MK flats and bright orange leather satchel. I used contrasting orange in my dream set, but in reality I just paired my outfit with a gilded Coach tote. Enjoy!

MAXI-NISTA

MAXI-NISTA by style-mi-vida featuring ankle length skirts

Maxi's have long endured in the memories of our predecessors, the flower children of the 70's, and the boho chic style that emerged in the recent years. Last year, maxis re-emerged and might be on their way out by now but I continue to droll over the endless variety and effortless style maxi skirts bring to my life this spring. My maxi wearing days are limited and will most likely cease as summer 12' comes to an end...but we are not there yet!

My fave maxi's are fold-overs like this floor length skirt shopambience.com. These are super easy to wear and wont create that bulge associated with tie or elastic waist maxis. I like to tuck in my favorite sheer sleeveless henley or a cutoff tie front tank.

I won't leave for summer vacation without something like the Zara long legs short skirt...perfect for a romp on the beach or drinks under the sun. When the sun goes down I would choose a textured or tiered maxi dressed up with some over-sized bling and a simple tank. The versatile maxi creates endless outfit possibilities and I plan to rock this trend to the end!

Pretentionista Pick: Coral Blanks

I finally found my coral denim (Marshalls - about $32)...a little late to the trend but nevertheless...in time for spring and summer! For work I will pair with a striped blouse and lightweight menswear inspired blazer. Hot summer days I'll go with a simple tank or native print front tie shirt...flats or wedges work fine with the details of the season...sea foam green, fedoras, feathers and native prints.

Coral Blanks by style-mi-vida featuring steve madden sandals

Peru 2012 Day 6: Beach Day & Dancing Night

Peru 2012 Day 6: Beach Day & Dancing Night by style-mi-vida featuring plastic jewelry

Peru 2012: Day 5

Peru 2012: Day 5 by style-mi-vida featuring flat sandals

Napa Day Trip

Napa Day Trip by style-mi-vida featuring leather booties

Peru 2012 Day 3 & 4

Peru 2012 Day 4 by style-mi-vida featuring waterproof hats

Peru 2012: Day 2

Peru 2012: Day 2 by style-mi-vida featuring hobo handbags

Peru 2012 - Day 1 - Travel

Peru 2012 - Day 1 - Travel by style-mi-vida

Peru 2012

In the next week you might notice a number of my posts dedicated to my upcoming trip to Peru in March. This is my 20th+ trip to Peru given I have family there but this trip will be graced with the presence of my bestie (and its her first time)! We are visiting Cusco/Machu Picchu for 4 days and are in much need of wardrobe inspiration not to mention trying to pack as light as possible. 

 So what does a pretentionista pack on her pretentious world travels? Check back in the upcoming week to find out what I plan to put in my bags!