cranberries

sweater: Francesca's houndstooth sweater (super old, but Francesca's is still a great sweater destination - this faux fur collar cape is a current favorite)

shell: Nordstrom Rack faux leather tank

skirt: J.Crew Factory pencil skirt (also loving this mod mini skirt with pocket details)

shoes: Old Navy ankle strap flats

necklace: old boutique ribbon necklace

All Photos | Kate Davis

Continuing from yesterday's office to office party outfit post - this look is also something that could totally work for a day to night transformation.

One of my tricks for gussying up a pencil skirt is a belt. The belt in these pictures is actually one of my wardrobe secret weapons! It has been featured in many outfits of mine, but I've never really talked about it. But today is the day that changes!

The key to this belt's magic, is that it doesn't have any holes, & instead cinches to any size - making it the perfect finishing touch for any dresses/skirts/trousers in my closet. This magic accessory came on a dress from years ago - I don't even really remember which one it was, but I have rounded up belts that have a similar belting mechanism (relying not on holes, but on cinching).

This pencil skirt usually sits pretty low on my hips, landing the hem right at my knees, but using the belt, I like to create a "paper bag" waist, raising the hem up a little.

Another way you can take this sweater + pencil skirt look to a more glam level, is by adding a touch of {faux} leather in the shell, & a dazzling collar necklace.

lady in leather

{ What I Wore to teach: Le Tote* tank + skirt // boutique sweater (old, also worn here) // heels ℅ Sole Society (similar) // Coach purse ℅ Dillard's Green Hills // RayBan sunglasses }
*I received a complimentary subscription to Le Tote & truly love this brand!

all photos | Zipporah Photography

This leather skirt was definitely a highlight of my Le Tote subscription. You already saw how I wore it on the weekend & now I'm back to show you how I styled it for work too! 

… soft faux leather in a lady-like midi length & pockets… it's love!

Happy Hump Day! 

Don't forget to say hi to this month's blogger in the spotlight & enter to win her Amazon gift card giveaway too!

ENTER HERE!

pumpkin pie

{ What I Wore: dress c/o Gentle Fawn // Francesca's cardigan, old (similar 1, 2, 3) // Charlotte Russe booties }

{ earrings c/o Jeweler's Wife // necklace c/o IN PINK }

'

Happy Monday. My brain is fried from a wild weekend, but I do have 4 random things to share:

{1.} I totally skipped Halloween this year, I think I'm too old for drinking holidays that fall on days that aren't Saturday. But I dressed in the colors of the season, so that counts right!?

{2.} Gigantic statement necklaces have their place, but I love this dainty necklace from INPINK. Score your own jewels with a 30% off coupon (code "HEREANDNOW30", expires 11/30/2013)

{3.} This past weekend I had the great pleasure of experiencing Raiford's Disco in Memphis... I definitely recommend it for anyone visiting... there is literally no other place like it.

{5.} Tis' the season for giveaways. I'm thrilled to bring you fabulous people another chance to win a $500 Visa gift card. This time brought to you by Sweet Lemon Magazine & a group of super talented bloggers that you should definitely befriend & put on your regular blog roll!

  My Style Vita // Waiting on Martha // Life With Emily // Katie's Bliss // Marionberry Style 

The Serena Saga // One Fine Day // Smashing Style // Tiffany Style // Side Smile Style

 Pearls & Twirls // Mae Badiyan // Paris Rouzati // A Little Dash Of Darling // Here&Now

 Living After Midnite // Kirstin Marie // Sparkling Footsteps // Suppose Anything Goes // Hunted Interior 

 A Lacey Perspective // Style Cusp // Lemon Stripes // Let It Be Beautiful

a Rafflecopter giveaway

getting back on that horse

It isn't that I haven't gotten dressed since finishing my 30X30 Challenge, it just that I was a little "outfit photo" burned out. Not a real world problem, only a Fashion Blogger problem, but taking outfit of ones self every. single. day. is HARD! 

Ok, now that I have that whining out of my system, here is an outfit:

{ What I Wore: Francesca's cardigan, worm as a shirt // Tulle jacket // Citizens of Humanity jeans // Nine West leopard heels (on sale!) } 

{ Get the Look }

red cropped jacket {$84.99} + houndstooth sweater {$98.00} + wide leg jeans {splurge $220, currently on sale for $67!! // save $39.97} + leopard heels {splurge $110.00 // save $20.98}

I have had all of these pieces in my closet since before I moved to Nashville - so at least 4 years, some even longer (the Tulle jacket & Citizen jeans are from when I used to work in a boutique, oh how I miss that 40% off discount!)

Yet I have somehow not arrived at this combination before today. I really like the "mod" look of the exaggerated houndstooth print, cropped jacket & wide leg pants.

Oh & after wearing skinny jeans pretty much everyday for the past few weeks, my legs feel so free in the comfort of all this denim space ... ahh!

Have you "rediscovered" anything in your closet lately?

After shunning 99% of my clothes during my 30X30, it is so nice to have all my lovelies back!

Happy Friday!

Congrats to the winner of my 30X30 celebration giveaway... was it you?
(the winner has been emailed, and if I don't hear back in 48 hours another will be picked)

P.S. When discovering all of these items in the back of my closet, I found many more that no longer fit my body/lifestyle, and listed them (at ridiculously low prices!) on Poshmark... check it out why don't you (so I can afford a new camera lens!!)