Opposites Attract (See Jane Wear)

Zara coat + sweater, thrifted shirt, J Brand jeans, H&M belt, unknown necklace, Reed Krakoff boots, Karen Walker sunglasses

The top half of this outfit is a casual-classic while the bottom is, well, something a bit edgier.  I saw these Reed Krakoff boots on sale at Saks after Christmas and was in awe by their unique and angular architecture.  They'll probably be just as fun with a more fashion-forward outfit (I envision wearing them bare-legged with a pastel, knee-length skirt in the spring) but for now, I'm putting my own personal spin on them and pairing them with some classics that I wear day to day.

Say Yes to the Vest (See Jane's Friend)

vest via 'the fur man,' Vince top, YSL bag

Sometimes I bring my camera to work so that my wonderful co-workers can snap a few pictures of my outfits.  My office is definitely a stylish one (remember Jan?).  Now, meet Sara.  We joked about the origin of her vest, which came from the "Fur Man" in NYC, according to her mother (who bought it for her).  Wherever it hails, I love it and thus, felt the urge to capture it on film.

Prim (See Jane Wear)

American Vintage sweater, Club Monaco blouse, Gap skirt, Prada booties, Jewelmint necklace (c/o)

I don't always don a fur vest à la Cher (as my dad likes to call me when I wear it).  In fact, many days, I like to keep it buttoned-up; I attribute this habit to four years of working in a corporate environment.  Nowadays, I can be a little edgier with my workwear and I'm getting there...slowly but surely.  To me, this outfit looks perfectly prim on top with a bottom half that's unexpected--a mini skirt with (faux) leather detailing and my tallest, black booties.

Beauty Basics (See Jane Make Up)

I'll admit that I'm not very adventurous when it comes to makeup.  I stick with what works best for me and rarely stray unless it comes highly recommended by a friend.  Since college, my skin has become increasingly sensitive and the term 'adult acne' has become unfortunately familiar*.  Long gone are the days of sleeping in makeup and showing up places with a bare face.  Here are a few staples that have treated me well amidst my skin's temper tantrums.

1. Bare Escentuals Foundation SPF 15 (my #1...rarely leave the house without this on)

2. L'oreal Voluminous Mascara (I've strayed but I always go back to it)

3. Bare Escentuals Bronzer in Warmth (no need for a fake tan--just a quick swipe on the cheekbones and forehead)

4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray (perfect for rehydrating skin--especially in the winter)

5. CoverGirl Lipstick in 'Spellbound' (I can't bring myself to buy expensive lipsticks and this hot-pink hue does the trick every time)

6. Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder in 'Starlight' (finishing touch for that dewy, air-brushed look)

7. MAC Lipstick in 'Crosswires' (A wonderful everyday lip color and great value for $12)

*If you have any issues with sensitivity or breakouts, I highly recommend testing out Bare Escentuals; it's a little scary making the jump from a liquid like tinted moisturizer, but I'll never go back.


Also, do you have any eyeliners you love?  I've never found one I love and am always looking for suggestions!

Work Badge (See Jane Work)

At Trunk Club, we're always striving to offer a unique experience and the most personalized service we can--it is clothes we're dealing with after all.  Soon our clients will be able to actually see their stylist when they access their profile online.  Our awesome photographer, Adam, took these full-body shots of everyone; it's our version of the corporate head shot!

Gap turtleneck + boots, J Crew skirt, Express tights

Dreamcatcher (See Jane Wear....and Forward On)

 J Crew top, Zara cardigan, BB Dakota vest, Gap cords, Chloe boots, Rebecca Minkoff bag, F21 necklace, Acanthus gold rings (c/o), borrowed Handle Only With Love dreamcatcher necklace

It's week #3 of the Bib + Tuck Forward Fashion project and as you can see, it's a litte more subtle than last week's item.  I thought a fur vest and a dreamcatcher necklace might be a little too 'Cher' for my taste but paired with my everyday basics like a silk top, dark cords and a striped cardigan, I think I toned it down to be more my speed.  Just goes to show that you can tailor anything, no matter how outrageous, to be more your style by incorporating it into your everyday wardrobe.

Compromise (See Jane Style Two Ways)

Perusing spring clothes is extremely tempting right now, but sadly, such a counterproductive activity for me.  Winter basically just started in Chicago and while winter coats and sweaters are on heavy markdown, it's now (and the next three months) when I'll be needing them most.  If you're tempted (like me) to buy spring items right now, I suggest browsing lower-priced stores to pick up a few lighter fabrics, like this Old Navy sweater and incorporating items you already own in your wardrobe to spring-ify your outfits, like brightly colored jeans or snakeskin heels (throw them in your work bag and commute in your snow boots).  Or, if you must pull the trigger, buy items you can wear now (or any season) like metallic loafers or a season-less lightweight scarf.

1. Old Navy Waffle-Knit Tee

2. Hartford Scarf

3. Current/Elliot Low-Rise Coated Denim

4. J Crew Biella Loafers

5. Chloe Snakeskin Pumps

6. Malene Birger Leather Skirt

7. Threadsence Darius Necklace

Enjoy your weekend!

PS. If you have a minute, check out my interview over at StyledOn.