Envelope Clutches

I'm currently obsessed with envelope clutches. Surely I'm not the only one who thinks that a normal-sized clutch is just too small. I mean, how am I supposed to fit all my essentials in a bag that barely fits my phone and some chapstick? An envelope clutch easily solves that problem and fits everything I could possible need.

Envelope Clutches by awmc56 featuring pink clutches

Bright Sandals

Perfect for summer don't you think?

Bright Sandals by awmc56 featuring leather shoes

Worn on TV

Do you ever wonder where Jess from New Girl got that awesome dress she wore last episode? How about the jacket Mindy Kaling wore on The Mindy Project back in January? I do. ALL THE TIME. I finally ran across a great site called Worn On TV. They find either the exact match for an outfit or find pieces that are close to a match. They do this for 20+ TV shows. I only wish they had one for the character of Angela on Bones. Seriously though, go check it out. It's what I've always wanted but never had the time or the patience to compile myself.

A Day at the Beach

It's hit 90º in Austin the past couple of days, and I'm longing for a beach getaway. These sandals and this floppy hat would be perfect for a stroll down the beach.

A Day at the Beach by awmc56 featuring long earrings

Scandal's Olivia Pope

I have recently been catching up on ABC's Scandal, and I think it may be my new favorite show. Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope is fantastic, and each week I am riveted by not only her performance, but by all of the characters as well. Plus, her outfits on the show are incredible. Of all of the characters on TV, I would choose to have her wardrobe. In this past week's episode she went to a political fundraiser in a white and black Escada gown that was to die for. See for yourself - isn't she gorgeous?

Get the Look - Olivia Pope by awmc56 featuring crystal pave earrings

Mint

I've been seeing mint-colored items popping up everywhere, and I have to say, I'm loving it! I recently purchased a mint sweater, cardigan, and a pair of earrings. Mint is proving to be a refreshing color change to my closet. What do you think? Are you liking the mint items you see around town?

Mint by awmc56 featuring a mint green necklace

Neutral Colorblock

While I'm still loving the colorblock trend, sometimes I want my pop of color to be my shoes or my bag, not part of my dress. That's why this neutral colorblock dress is perfect, especially for a more conservative work atmosphere.

Just another day at the office by awmc56 featuring platform heels

Casual Work Wear

I just started a new part-time job this week (woohoo!) while I wait to hear about medical school. The dress is business casual, and I'm loving the look below for a polished and put together, yet low key work outfit.

Work Wear by awmc56 featuring leather shoes

Red Peplum and Flats

I absolutely love the simplicity of wearing dresses, especially to work. I am a huge fan of just slipping on a dress, throwing on some jewelry and shoes, and being out the door in no time. You don't have to worry if your pants match your top, if your top goes with your sweater, if your shoes are too tall or flat for your pants, or whatever else your worry may be. I'm a flats girl so I love that the flats below are dressy enough to go with the structured peplum dress.

Red Peplum and Flats by awmc56 featuring genuine leather handbags

Rainy Day Grey

Sometimes you just need to match the rainy day, and I am fairly certain this jacket would get me through countless rainy days.

Rainy Day Grey by awmc56 featuring burberry

Red Pants and Leopard Shoes

I have been on the hunt for the past six months or so for the perfect red pants and leopard flats. I have tried on, purchased, and returned countless of both with no luck thus far. I still keep my eye out for each, and I'm hoping to find what I'm looking for soon! Until then, I'm perfectly happy dreaming about the outfit below, plus we all know I love a well-tailored blazer.

Out Shopping by awmc56 featuring topshop

An Elf-Inspired Outfit

One of my favorite Christmas movies is Elf, and I love this Elf-inspired outfit that gets you in the holiday spirit!

Elf Inspired by awmc56 featuring peep toe pumps

Christmas Luxe

I love the thought of getting all dressed up for Christmas parties or even just a family gathering. I imagine that the outfit below would be the perfect low-key (but definitely luxurious) Christmas brunch hostess outfit. Simple, but elegant.

Christmas Luxe by awmc56 featuring michael kors

Emerald - The Pantone Color of 2013

I have to say, when Pantone declared emerald as the color of 2013 I was a little relieved. Simply because last year's color, tangerine, is not a color I can readily wear. Emerald, however, I can work with. What do you think? Is it a color for you?

Pantone 2013 - Emerald by awmc56 featuring leather belts

Rent the Runway

If you haven't heard of Rent the Runway, and you love (but usually can't afford) designer dresses you're in for a treat. I hadn't taken the time to check out Rent the Runway, but I recently received a coupon in my Birchbox. Um... how have I not taken advantage of this site before?! You can rent designer dresses and accessories for a fraction of their retail value, look fabulous at your event, and return the dress a few days later! My brother-in-law is getting married in January, and now all I have to do is choose which dress I'll rent and wear! My top two choices:

Peplum and Prints

Don't you just love the purple peplum top and print of this skirt?!

Peplum and Prints by awmc56 featuring gold jewelry

Wearing Watermelon

I have always loved the combination of green and pink, and ever since I was little any ensemble that combined the two was always deemed a "watermelon" outfit. Decades later I still love to wear watermelon, and I think the outfit below would be just perfect for a date night out on the town.

Watermelon Wonderful by awmc56 featuring a zipper dress

Mustard and Boots

I'm itching to change up my wardrobe, and I think this mustard jacket and these cognac boots would be fabulous (and budget friendly!) additions to my closet.

Mustard and Boots by awmc56 featuring agate earrings

A Kendra Scott Surprise

I was surprised by the UPS man today because I couldn't remember what, if anything, I had purchased.  Upon opening the box I was reminded...

Ever since I discovered Kendra Scott's jewelry I have been snatching it up like a bandit.  So much so that I'm pretty sure Lars thinks I'm going crazy.  Any time there's a sale... any time he's taking me out somewhere special... any time I get a few extra dollars... you can find me buying Kendra Scott jewelry - earrings especially.  There is just something great about affordable jewelry that you can color customize yourself or simply drop by and pick up an already made creation.  (It's nice for me - she has a shop on South Congress in town.)  If you need a pop of color or need to add a little more oomph to an outfit, I highly recommend checking her stuff out.  It's fun knowing that another girl may have the same style of earrings/necklace/cuff you're wearing, but she sure doesn't have it in your same color combo.  Go treat yourself to some new jewelry, and have fun at the Color Bar!

The Magic Jacket

I love cardigans.  I'm not sure why, but I always have, and I feel a strange connection to Mr. Rogers because of it.  Cardigans can easily change the look of a simple shell, plus they're really easy to throw on over almost anything.  Not too long ago though, I managed to find a blazer that fit me perfectly, and my world has been turned upside down.  This simple blazer is lightweight, grey, and was on super sale from Gap, and I quickly came to realize that it's magic.  I can wear my comfy Saturday clothes (read: skinny jeans and a casual shirt) to work, and with the blazer on I always have at least one person tell me how nice I look.  It's seriously like the blazer puts some spell on everyone else, and they only see the nice looking tailored jacket... like I'm the only one who knows that I'm wearing jeans and a slouch shirt.

I feel like I've figured out this secret that I'm not supposed to know.  How is it that I've gone years ironing dress pants every night before work when I could have just thrown on jeans and a blazer this whole time?! Clearly I don't work for a high powered firm where suits are required, but I certainly can't go into the office or meet clients looking like schlub either.  It's like I've figured out the secret to being continually comfortable at work, and I am all about being comfortable.  There is nothing that kills your confidence more that being uncomfortable in your clothes - at least for me there isn't. A (now) normal day at the office:

Work Wear by awmc56 featuring a pinstripe jacket

I'm beginning to build up my blazer collection slowly but surely, and I can't wait until I run across a perfectly fitting blazer in a beautiful jewel tone like this:

Red Blazer Work Wear by awmc56 featuring embroidery jeans

Isn't it fabulous?!  If you don't own a blazer, or if you swear by cardigans like me, I highly recommend finding a blazer that you love that fits your personality - it might just change your life.