trendy work looks

bright white and neon

| The Fashion Huntress

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“We will be more successful in all our endeavors if we can let go of the habit of running all the time, and take little pauses to relax and re-center ourselves. And we’ll also have a lot more joy in living.” Thich Nhat Hanh

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Dress: Diane von Furstenberg ($20 marked down from $150)

Blazer: Badgley Mischka via consignment ($30, retails for approx $350)

Shoes: Sophia Webster via Saks Off Fifth ($100 marked down from $450)

Belt: Old Navy ($1.99 marked down from $7)

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Fashion Huntress tips:

1) Ahhh, Sophia Webster! Wow, I just LOVE her shoes. This is my first pair, mostly given that they tend to be quite expensive and challenging to find on sale! However, if you’re in the market for Ms. Webster’s lovely designs (they get so elaborate, you have got to check out her website…it’s pure magic), they can be find at Saks Off Fifth at times, and via the website the Outnet.

Websites to check-out:

https://www.sophiawebster.com/

http://www.saksoff5th.com/

http://www.theoutnet.com/

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my heart beats for these babies. #unhealthyobsession
2) I really loved this DVF dress but the back of it was wide open- totally fine for some people, I just don’t feel comfortable in that style due to limited undergarment options. Thus, I grabbed some lace and lime fabric at my local Hobby Lobby and sewed up a patch in the back “v” of the dress. You can see my DIY in the photo below; this is a great, super quick, easy fix, on an otherwise open back dress. It took about 10 minutes and was about $2 worth of fabric! No pattern needed- right up my alley!!

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Anyone else have tips for open back dresses? Loving Sophia Webster? Thanks so much for stopping by, readers! I appreciate it so very much!

silky and springy

| The Fashion Huntress

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Hi, readers! Thank you so much for all of the warm wishes for my vacation! After a seriously magical trip to Disney World with my family, I am back in Chicago and back to work. Sigh, I definitely miss the most magical place on Earth, but I think I’ve stocked up on enough magic to last me until my next trip. I also am hoping that I’ve brought some extra sun and warmth with me back home, because it’s definitely summer in Orlando! Happy Monday, readers!

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Top: Equipment via Saks Off 5th ($50 marked down from $215)

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft ($5 marked down from $70)

Pants: Ann Taylor Loft ($5 marked down from $60)

Boots: Not Rated via DSW ($60 marked down from $75)

Bracelet: Bauble Bar via Nordstrom (gift)

Jacket: Kenzie via Nordstrom Rack ($35 marked down from approx $115)

Necklace: (gift)

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Fashion Huntress tips:

1) I had a really great experience at Ann Taylor Loft recently, which isn’t too surprising, since I’m generally a big fan. Any who, I didn’t see a clearance rack there last time I visited. So I asked if there was one, and the salesperson pulled some pieces from the back for me that weren’t on the floor. Woot! Super nice! So, if you don’t see a sales rack there, you can definitely ask if there is one or if there are items that are not on the floor. 

2) I wear a lot of button downs, but this is the first time I’ve worn a silk button down. Let me tell you readers, I’m a long time fan! My silk button down is basically like wearing pajamas at work. I’ve found that silk tops are quite expensive, but there’s a great selection at Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off 5th for good prices. I highly recommend wearing them with an undershirt, so as to avoid any staining and reducing increased dry cleaning costs. 

Anyone else have silk top tips? Thank you so much for visiting, readers! So glad to be back!

forward focus: 2015 (and a flashback)

| The Fashion Huntress

Well, it’s about that time, readers: time to focus on goals for 2015. I mean it, I really mean it, this year, I’m going to clean out my closet and keep my “donate” pile going! I’m also going to try and finally get my dry cleaning to the cleaners (versus hanging out in the trunk of my car), get my shoes re-heeled, and all-around addressing the bags that sit on the floor in the corner (you know what I’m talking about, right?!)! Aside from fashion goals, there’s always the personal growth goals. Letting go tends to be one of my residual goals from year to year. There’s always room for improvement, right?

Cheers to another happy and healthy year! Thank you for your endless support and encouragement on Fashion Huntress. Here’s a look back at some of my favorites from 2014…I can’t wait to see all of your looks and hear all of your stories in 2015. Happy New Year, readers!
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nearly new year

| The Fashion Huntress

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It’s hard to believe that many of the holidays have already passed and now New Years is just around the corner…with all the chaos, joy, running around, sparkles, and all-around holiday haze, I’ll make this one short and sweet: this is my “it’s nearly New Year!?” outfit. 2015, here we come…

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Sweater: Maje via Nordstrom Rack ($22 marked down from $515)
Layered skirts: gift, purchased at Tru Bleu Boutique in Barrington, IL
Tights: Simply Vera by Vera Wang via Kohl’s ($7 marked down from $14)
Boots: Not Rated via DSW ($60 marked down from $75)
Necklace: gift, purchased at Charming Charlie
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Fashion Huntress tips:
Be your wonderful, fabulous, witty, smart, glamorous and fashionable self in 2015! I’ll be back to my regular posting by the first week in January. Thank you so very much for stopping by and Happy New Year!

happy pre-holiday

| The Fashion Huntress

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I’m generally in the camp of limiting a lot of holiday spirit before Thanksgiving, but lately I just can’t stop myself! I’m already listening to holiday music and putting up holiday decorations. Poor Thanksgiving. But you can’t really get into a Thanksgiving themed outfit quite like you can a holiday themed outfit (ie lots of gold and glitter). This is my happy pre-holiday look, both pre-Thanksgiving and pre-holidays. Even thought it’s a little early, I’m loving every minute of it.

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Top: Nordstrom Rack ($19 marked down from $40) similar here/here/here

Skirt: HIP via Nordstrom Rack ($21 marked down from $32) similar here/here/here

Cardigan: Banana Republic ($18 marked down from $70)

Leggings: Limited (approx $10, a long time ago!)

Boots: Bloomingdale’s Outlet ($18 marked down from approx $60)

Necklace: Anthropologie ($15 marked down from $60)

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Fashion Huntress tips:

1) It can be really challenging to find tulle skirts at a decent price, for whatever the reason! Finding a tulle skirt around $20 took me a while, but I found a bunch at Choies. If you find that the tulle skirts you are finding are too long, you can always consider shortening them on your own. I had to modify the one I found at Nordstrom Rack by cutting off approximately 8 inches of tulle. I like the long versions, but liked the shorter version for work. Either way, I’m here to say that you can find an affordable tulle skirt and you can make it work appropriate!

2)  Speaking of searching high and low, would you believe that I found these boots in the kids’ section at the Bloomingdale’s Outlet? I’ve read in the past that if you anywhere from size 8.5 and smaller, you can generally fit in kid shoes. I never believed it, until I found this pair! It’s true, readers, it’s actually true! So, why not check out the kids’ section next time you’re at a department store? Just look for the sizes that look similar to your shoe size (hold up an adult shoe next to them to compare). You might be surprised at what you find!

Anyone else loving tulle skirts lately? Wearing them to work? Wearing kids’ shoes? Thanks so much for stopping by, readers! I appreciate it so much! Happy Monday!

all for fall

| The Fashion Huntress

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Back when I was just a wee Huntress, I used to have a book called “All for Fall.” I’m pretty sure the book was about jumping in leaves and generally enjoying fall. Maybe that’s where my love of all things fall began. Either way, I am definitely all for fall as an adult: fall colors, throwing leaves, wearing tights, you name it, I’m all about it. This is my all for fall look…welcome, Autumn. I missed you, girl.

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Dress: Savers ($4, retails for ? no idea!)

Necklace: vintage via Greg’s Antiques in New Orleans ($3)

Tights: Hue via Nordstrom Rack ($3 marked down from $15)

Shoes: Banana Republic via Crossroads ($20 marked down from approx $120)

Jacket: Banana Republic ($30 marked down from $175)

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Fashion Huntress tips:

1) I was a little on the fence about a short sleeve sweater dress, but I ended up really liking it! It’s especially perfect for a fall-ish/summer-ish day. And, of course, I can easily add a long sleeve tee-shirt underneath to add more warmth in winter. So if you’re on the fence about short sleeve sweater dresses, fear not, they are a definite go for fall and winter. I think this one is a little on the short side, so I wore completely opaque tights to ensure looking work appropriate.

2) I found this dress on my first visit to Savers and let me tell you, readers. I. Am. A. Fan.  They have a very interesting business model that helps support local non-profit agencies. The Savers in my area support the Epilepsy Foundation. Super cool. From what I gather, Savers is essentially a for-profit discount chain that provides local charities with financial support for bringing in clothes, regardless of whether or not Savers ends up selling the clothes in their store. The prices are just slightly higher than at Goodwill (approx $5-$6 for a top versus $3-$4).  If you donate there, I’ve been told that they will give you a 20% off coupon for your next visit. I definitely found myself digging quite a bit, but the stores are very spacious and well lit. There are even big changing rooms, carts, and baskets. If you have 30-60 minutes, I definitely recommend trying out a Savers near you. You can read more about them here: http://www.savers.com/

Anyone else have feedback about Savers? Tips? Thanks so much for stopping by, readers! As always, I appreciate it so very much! Happy almost mid-week!

painted and patterned

| The Fashion Huntress

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Oh, readers, it is that beloved time again: Fashion Week! I’ve been loving all of the the street style posts; seriously, could the attendees look any cooler? And the shows….swoon. So many amazing show posts.  And, of course, last but certainly not least, the September issues are all gloriously out and include hundreds of pages of glossy ads and articles. I’m just swooning…and to top it all off, fall weather hit Chicago today, so I’m even busting out my seasonal mugs. All in all, long story short, this is fashion heaven, if you ask me, and I am loving it. This outfit is my ode to Fashion Week; even though I’m not attending the shows (maybe one day??), I’m pretending I am in my painted and patterned kimono.

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Dress: BCBG via consignment ($35, retails for approx $150)
Leggings: Old Navy (approx $10)
Statement necklace: Kohl’s ($2 marked down from $28)
Triangle necklace: Forever 21 ($3)
Wedges/mules: Rampage via Amazon.com ($22 marked down from $60)
Sandals: Banana Republic (gift)
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Fashion Huntress tips:
1) The mules/wedges pictured here were purchased on Amazon.com. This is actually my first pair of Amazon shoes and let me tell you, I am quite pleased. I actually saw these shoes on the DSW website, but realized they were cheaper on the Amazon.com and came in more colors on Amazon. Hmm. I don’t have enough experience in this area as of yet, but I think it’s worth checking for shoes on Amazon to potentially snag better prices and color options. I’ll report back, though feel free to share feedback, if you have any!
2) I read an interesting article about nail polish in Consumer Reports the other day. Umm, Consumer Reports is where it’s at! I love that magazine- I’m sure no one is surprised by that. They don’t accept payment for any of their reports, and they put out great unbiased reviews. Anyway, check it out; they recommend the Sinful Colors nail polish ($1.99) as their top pick for quality and cost! I love Sinful Colors and normally get it at Walgreens. 
Anyone else have feedback about buying shoes on Amazon? Or Sinful Colors? Thanks so much for stopping by readers; I appreciate it so very much! Have a good rest of the week!

power suit/power clash

| The Fashion Huntress

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Some days, even though my job doesn’t really call for it, I just really want to rock a power suit..and not just a power suit, I want to power clash in a power suit. While I don’t envy people who have to wear them everyday, I like the option of sporting the look occasionally. Well, let me tell you, readers, G (my fab photog) really outdid herself this time with capturing the spirit of the suit in these photos. The thing is, G is one of those people who doesn’t judge when poses go all sorts of awkward (and they get plenty awkward, let me tell you). In fact, she doesn’t even mind when people walk past and stare during photo shoots (for example, as cars drove past today in the alley way, people rolled down the window, and asked what we were doing) (taking blog photos, obvi). And don’t even get me started on her contributions to The Fashion Huntress, because I’ll get all teary-eyed… Anyway, the spirit of power suit/power clash is exactly what G is all about: owning it. Given that we spend 40+ hours together a week (for the past four years now), I think (I hope) I may be picking up her spirit to just own it…I sure hope so. Cheers to the people to who lift us up and inspire us to be the best version of ourselves …and doing it while in a fab outfit. #ownit #beyou #grateful

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Suit (blazer and skirt): Marni for H&M (…years ago, but I did pay full price; maybe $150?)

Bonjour shirt: H&M ($8)

Necklace: Banana Republic ($12 marked down from $80)

Shoes: BCBG via DSW ($11 marked down from approx $100)

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Fashion Huntress tips:
1) I’ve had this suit for a few years, since the Marni for H&M collection came out. I actually rarely wear it as a full suit, but it’s nice to have the option. One of the nice things about suits is that you can always break them into lots of different outfits because you can wear the pieces separately, together, change the top underneath, and change the shoes.  Speaking of shirts, I actually found the shirt in the post today in the “kids” section at H&M. The sizes go up to around 14+ years (at least in their tops they do), which would easily fit an adult small/medium. You have to kind-of walk around the full kids’ section to find what I guess is a “teens” section, but they do have a handful of sweaters and tops, and, of course, the prices are lower than they are in the “women’s section.” Additionally, they are having a 50% their sale section store-wide, so check it out if you’re around an H&M.
 
2) Since I got it, this necklace has made countless appearances on the blog. Banana Republic and J Crew have really great statement necklaces that are incredibly versatile; you can dress them up, or dress them down. J Crew Factory (http://factory.jcrew.com/) has great pieces at great prices, whereas I think they get a bit pricey in the actual store, even on sale. The time to get jewelry at Banana Republic is when they have the 40% off their sale section events. I believe they have one going on right now, and often do on Wednesdays, for whatever reason. You can easily get great statement necklaces for $10-$20 at either location. 
 
Anyone else have statement necklaces tips? Where do you find your favorites? Thanks so much for stopping by, readers! I appreciate it so much! 

safari chic

| The Fashion Huntress

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Even though it’s no longer the weekend, my mind was clearly still dreaming of vacation, as someone pointed out to me that I looked ready for a safari today in my outfit. I was feeling all sorts of safari chic which, I think, makes sense. After all, whether it be the urban jungle, the general jungle of life, or a safari vacation, it’s always good to be prepared and look the part: safari chic. Rarrr. I could totally dodge a lion in these sandals, right?

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Dress: Burberry (gift)
Shoes: Marni via consignment ($25, retail for approx $500)
Necklace: Nadri via Nordstrom Rack ($14 marked down from $50)
Bracelet: gift from Africa
Giraffe ring: Forever 21 (set of three animals, only featured one, $5)
Earrings: gift from Panama
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Fashion Huntress tips:
1) Long sleeve dresses are totally wearable in summer, especially if styled with “summer” pieces. Here, I wore this long sleeve dress with open toed sandals and no tights. The summer sandals keep the look from seeming too fall or winter. As for transitioning this dress, add some tights and boots and it’s ready for fall and winter. Here’s how I styled it last winter:
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2) Mixing all sorts of pieces is one of my favorite ways of styling via the high/low price point method. I’m a firm believer that you can make just about anything look great with one great piece. Investment pieces (one great pair of shoes, a dress, pants, purse, etc.) can help your other everyday items like that much nicer. I like to pick investment pieces that are wearable year round…and of course, finding investment pieces on sale is ideal! I like Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth, and the Bloomingdale’s Outlet for designer pieces, though I think the prices are Nordstrom Rack really cannot be beat.
Anyone else have a favorite investment pieces? Tips for finding them? Thanks so much for stopping by, readers! I hope everyone is having a good start to the week!