Giveaway...

Rose over at from Sneakers to Stilettos is celebrating her 6-month blogoversary by giving away a pair of earrings she made herself. The gal's got some beautiful, fresh, attainable style and despite being relatively new to the fashion blogging world, she has mastered layering and pattern mixing.
Since we live in the same area, I'm hoping to meet her one day over a cup of tea or lunch. Hows about it Rose?

Anywho, head on over to her blog and enter for your chance to win!

A Day Late and a Dollar Short...

I worked from home yesterday because dear fiance dislocated his finger at soccer practice on Sunday, and it took him until yesterday to realize that it might be a good idea to have it checked out by a doctor. Since I was already home, we decided to head over to our new leasing agency and actually sign our lease.
That said, I wasn't really wearing anything blog-worthy.

Yesterday's inspiration calendar called for Color Combo: Coral and Gray. Since today's theme called for Denim Shirt & Skirt and my office frowns upon denim, I decided to go with yesterday's theme instead.



Gray Top: H&M
Coral Cardi: Old Navy
Charcoal Pants: Lane Bryant
Shoes: Steve Madden
Earrings: Claire's
Belt NY&Co

I swear, the cardi and belt match more in real life.
I love wearing these earrings with this gray top because they both have that lace-esque detailing that reflect so well on one another.I love the detailing on the top of this gray top, but often find myself tugging and smoothing out the bottom. I am wondering if maybe I need a little spray starch to give it a little more *umph* so it doesn't get so wrinkly when I wear it.

May not post for a few days, due to moving. Hopefully it won't be too long before our internet us up and running!

Giveaway...

Danielle of Fell4Fashion is sponsoring a giveaway over on her blog.
The winner will receive $100 to CSN Stores!
Head on over now for your chance to win!

Tenacious...

Since all you have seen from me so far are outfits I have worn to work, I finally decided to snap a few photos from a weekend outfit. On the one hand, I don't think I put as much thought into pulling a real "look" together on the weekend (unless I actually have plans). But on the other hand, I feel like I'm more free to dress the way I want and be myself on the weekend. It's a bit counter-productive, I suppose.



Thermal Tee: Tenacis D Concert
Jeans: Levi's (overdyed by me)
Boots: Torrid
Knit Beret: Torrid
Earrings: NY&Co
Cuff: Claire's?

I *FINALLY* found myself a pair of flat, faux suede, slouch boots that not only fit over my calves, but are actually large enough to fit over my jeans too! It's a look I have really loved on other bloggers and wished for quite some time that I could replicate myself, but until last week I couldn't find any boots that would work. Ideally, I really wanted brown boots, but all they had in the store was black, so I jumped on them. (I let my mommy know I wanted the brown ones, which are still being sold online, so hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised!)

I got this thermal tee at a Tenacious D concert many a moon ago. I love Jack Black, and was really surprised to find out that the man actually has some serious musical talent!
What you maybe haven't been able to tell from my blog thus far is that at heart, I'm really a rocker chick. Yes, I'm the girl who, back in high school, hung out with all the stoner kids and wore dog collars to the mall. Actually, I'm pretty sure I still have a spiked collar in a random jewelry box somewhere...

What are your thoughts on this beret?
I don't often wear hats because I think with my short hair and the extra weight I've got in my face/neck area, they generally just aren't very attractive on me. But I didn't have time to wash and dry my hair this morning, and we had a long day of starting to pack up the house for our move next weekend -- so I really didn't want to be pushing my hair out of my face all day. I still wanted to look kinda cute, so I threw on this knitted beret that was a last-minute purchase (at the same time I was buying the boots). Sadly, when I came downstairs after getting dressed, my fiance took one look at me and started laughing... I'm thinking he wasn't a fan. I didn't really love it at first, but I think it has grown on me -- surely its more stylish than my usual solution of just clipping it back to keep it out of the way.
What say you?

Peacock Strut...

Do you have a piece of clothing that you really love, but you just can't seem to make it work right?
That's how I feel about this top -- I love the peacock print, and I even love that it is sheer, but I haven't really figured out a good way to style it. Because it is larger and blousy, I always feel the need to cinch it at the waist, but then I feel it makes my proportions look awkward.
I am thinking this top will be easier to style in the summer when I can just wear a cami or tank under it. I think since it is sheer, my figure will show through and I won't feel the need to belt it. Right now, since I am forced to layer thicker (i.e., *warmer*) layers beneath it, I don't think my figure shows through as well, and it makes me feel frumpier -- hence my constant desire to belt it.



Turtleneck: H&M
Peacock Top: Forever 21 (Faith 21)
Pants: NY&Co
Belt: NY&Co
Scarf: Laila Rowe
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction
Bracelets: various -- Laila Rowe, thrifted, from a friend, gift from mom
Earrings: gift from future MIL

What I love about this outfit is how the orange scarf brings out the touches of orange in the top, which I usually pair with green accessories.
I also love the cluster of bangles that I stacked up on my right arm. Usually I try to go a little more sparingly with my accessories, so as not to look overdone, but this top has sort of a boho feel, so I think the tall stack of bangles works.

---

On a side note, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful bloggers who have already made me feel very welcome in this large community. I am still learning the ropes and gaining a "fanbase," but already I feel like I am carving out my little niche here.
I am grateful for all of the help and feedback that you provide, and most of all, I truly appreciate having the chance to read your blogs and get to know all of you.
You really have created a wonderful community, and I am happy to have finally become a part of it!

Kickass Scarab...

Today is another day that I decided to follow Kimberly's Inspiration Calendar. Today's theme was "Dress with a Major Necklace." Truly, I was already thinking of wearing this necklace since I haven't sported it in far too long, so when I saw the theme for today, this outfit was a no-brainer.
Now, while I did make this necklace (and the matching link bracelet) myself, I totally have to give credit where credit is due. I first saw this pendant over on Erin's blog, and when I saw it at my local craft store I snapped it up and totally rode off her. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, no?



Dress: Target
Cardigan: NY&Co
Shoes: Fioni, thrifted
Earrings: aqua stones (unseen) Claire's
Scroll Bracelet: Claire's
Link Bracelet: made by me
Scarab Necklace: made by me

BTW, please excuse the huge nasty bruise on my leg -- dance team is kicking my keister! Despite being a dancer for almost all of my life, I took several years off from competing or even really seriously practicing when I was in college and for a few years afterward. Despite teaching itty-bitties for a few years since then, my body just doesn't work the same way it used to! Needless to say, joining a competitive hip-hop team may have been a bit ambitious. ;)

PS: now that I have a few posts under my belt, I'm interested in hearing your feedback. What are you interested in seeing here on my blog? Simple outfit posts like I have been doing? Coupons/sale alerts? Analysis?

Movin on Up...

Today the fiance and I found out that our application for the new rental house has been approved! That is great news. Of course, that means that in the next two weeks I have to pack up everything I own, move, compete in a dance competition (which includes extra rehearsals), and still fare well at work while things are getting busier. Somewhere in there I am hoping to hit up another bridal show and get some wedding planning done.
*WHEW!*



Yellow Tee: Target
Striped Sweater: Marshalls
Vest: H&M
Pants: NY&Co
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction
Socks: very old
Belt: TJ Maxx
Earrings: Claire's

I don't own many items with stripes, and this is a problem I seriously need to remedy! I have seen several bloggers layer striped tees and turtlenecks in the cutest way, and I am totally inspired!

I am realizing more and more how much I love this vest (another item I bought after having been inspired by you bloggers!) I love layering it for funky casual looks and for professional looks with a little bit of flare. It creates a defined waist even when worn beltless, but sometimes, like today, I like throwing on a belt for an added oomph.

Are there any items you were inspired to go out and buy after seeing other bloggers rockin a great look?

Ta-Ta Tights...

This outfit was supposed to include a pair of tights (the same Spanx pair, worn last week in this post) but alas, having worn them only once before, when I was putting them on this morning, my finger went RIGHT THROUGH THEM, thus relegating them to the garbage. Thankfully it was relatively warm outside, since I didn't have time to dig out another pair or find pants to put on instead.
I am considering writing to the company -- Spanx is a reputable brand, and I would expect their product to be a lot sturdier. I am smack-dab in the middle of the size range for the pair I had, so it's not like I was stretching them to their limit.
What do you ladies think?
Should I write to the company? Do you think they would respond?



Top: NY&Co
Skirt (with built-in shorts): Land's End, thrifted
Shoes: Payless
Earrings: Claire's

This outfit felt very *blah* all day without the tights.
Looking at this photo, I'm not sure if the top is too tight, if my pose is awkward, or if maybe I really am more of a pear/inverted triangle shape than I believed myself to be. But I feel as though this outfit is really emphasizing my midsection, and not in a good way. Suggestions?

And One For Me...

if anyone cares to purchase a "welcome to the blogosphere" gift for me, I would really, really, REALLY like this adorable owl pin from FutureLint's etsy shop.

How cute would this little guy be when incorporated into my outfits?

Save on Boots...

I received this offer in my email this morning, and I wanted to share. I know how tough it is for ladies with wider calves to find good boots -- I searched for almost 2 years for mine! I have dealt with this website -- my experience was extremely positive, and I would recommend them!

WideWidths.com has a special offer for all of our valued customers:
$10 OFF EACH PAIR ON ANY BOOT $119.99 OR OVER and/or $20 OFF EACH PAIR ON ANY BOOT $179.99 OR OVER. Offer ends Friday, January 22, 2010. SHOP NOW!

To redeem, enter coupon code "SAVE$" into the comments section of any new order (OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO PREVIOUS ORDERS). VERY IMPORTANT: Your confirmation will still show the full amount before the discount but your order will be reduced by the offer amount when it is processed.

I am not affiliated with widewidths.com in any other way than as a paying customer.

Long Weekend Ahead...

I have this coming Monday off for the MLK holiday. My fiance and I are going to be spending much of the weekend looking at rental homes, as our lease is up at the end of February, and we don't want to stay on where we are living now. Since we have so many places lined up to look at, we decided to take Friday (tomorrow) off to make an extra-long weekend out of it. In addition to house-hunting, I also have 2 bridal shows, 2 concerts, and an extra long dance practice scheduled for the weekend -- we shall see how many of those actually happen.



Dress: Mossimo via swap
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: xhilaration, thrifted
Earrings: Laila Rowe
Necklace: vintage, thrifted
Belt: TJ Maxx

I wasn't initially sure about the color combination I put together with this outfit -- mainly, I wasn't sure if the dress and the shoes went together. However, the belt contains both a dark blue and a pale blue (though the pale blue of the belt isn't the same as the blue of the shoes) so I decided that it worked.

I think a lot of fashion is attitude.
I have seen so many women wearing amazing outfits, but there is something in their personality or demeanor that makes the outfit just not-quite-right on them. Conversely, I have also seen ladies wearing outfits that would look totally ridiculous on others, but because they have the attitude to make it work, they totally rock the ensemble.

For example, take the lovely Gwen Stefani and her posse of Harajuku girls:

(image originally found here)

These gals have decided that they look hawt, and thus are ROCKIN their fashion!
However, if I were walking down the street in that getup, I'd look a total fool!

The lesson?
If you decide that something works, and you carry that attitude along with you, others will agree. It's all about confidence.

I'm Blue (da ba dee, da ba da)...

When I put my outfit together last night, I wanted something simple and comfy. These pants have always felt good for a long, boring day at work. This sweater is new, and very soft. Blues and grays always bring out my eyes, so they are go-to colors for me when I am feeling otherwise uninspired.

There are a lot of things in my world right now that are a little hectic, so comfy, easy, and cozy are huge keywords for me right now.



Sweater: NY&Co
Button-Up: Gap via Thrift
Pants: Larry Levine via Marshalls
Shoes: Sam and Libby via Marshalls
Earrings: Target
Necklace: made by me

Learning Curve...

I have learned a lot of styling tips and tricks in the time that I have been reading the fashion pages, and I have incorporated several of them in this outfit.



Gray Top: NY&Co
Teal Top: thrifted
Floral Dress (worn as skirt): Swapped
Tights: Spanx
Boots: Ros Hommerson
Belt: NY&Co (I think)
Earrings: made by me

Here are some of the things I have picked up from other bloggers that helped me pull this outfit together:

(1) Layering for warmth.
(2) Making non-seasonal clothing appropriate for the current season.
(3) Turning a dress into a skirt.
(4) TIGHTS!
(5) Thanks to Allie of at My Wardrobe Today for featuring these fabulous boots, "Maryland" from Ros Hommerson. I have a very hard time finding boots to fit over my calves. Combine that with my being extremely picky, and that totals up to two years that I searched for the right pair of boots. As soon as I saw Allie's post featuring these beauties, I knew I had to have them! Alas, they were sold out in my size, but the wonderful customer service staff took it upon themselves to email me and let me know that they would be back in stock in mid-December. So onto my Christmas list they went, and Santa brought them to me! YAY!
(6) Belting.
(7) Hidden layers (you can't see the extra socks I have under the boots or the cami I am wearing beneath the dress and two tops).

Is this the perfect outfit? No.
But it does get me thinking creatively about my clothes, and it inspires me to actually wear what's in my wardrobe.
I received many compliments, comments, and questions on this outfit yesterday, so I think I must be doing something right?

Very First Outfit Post...

That's right ladies and germs, here it is: my very first outfit post! It might not rock the world of fashion, but it's an exciting even for little me.

For my first outfit post, I'm sharing an outfit inspired by the Inspiration Calendar created by the lovely Kimberly over at Fab Finds Under $50.
Monday's theme called for Color Combo: Purple & Orange so I went with it.



Cardi: TJ Maxx (I don't recall the brand)
Black Tshirt: H&M
Khaki Pants: NY&Co.
Shoes: Vera Wang for Kohl's
Scarf: I don't recall -- probably Claire's
Earrings (unseen): Claire's
Necklace: made by a friend

(apologies for the creased pants -- for now, photos are being taken after work)

When I bought this cardigan, I wasn't sure how often I would wear it since the orange is a little bright for my skin tone. (I'm really quite terrible at knowing which shades of which colors look good on me, so more often than not, I just wear the colors I am drawn to and hope they "work.") I think wearing the darker color top beneath the cardi helped subdue the brighness of the orange and made it manageable.

I didn't wear the scarf for most of the day because I wanted to world to see this lovely necklace made by a friend of mine. I don't own much purple jewelry, but I loved the beads in this one, so I just had to snatch it up.
When I did have the scarf on, I tied it using the new-to-me knot that I learned here. I always get compliments from the ladies at work on the way I tie my scarves, and the funny thing is that I really don't know any actual knots -- I just mess with them until I like how they look. Thanks to Kimberly for pointing out this video. Now I can share the knowledge with other fashionable ladies!

These shoes are to DIE for. It's hard to tell, but they are really a very deep aubergine color, not black. Purple suede heels had been on my WANT list for a while, and while these aren't suede, as soon as I saw them (and saw that they were only $30!) I decided that they were sufficient to fill the void. I have a tough time with heels because no matter the quality of the shoe, they *always* end up hurting my feet. But these do surprisingly well. I still wouldn't run marathons in them, but I can sport them around the office and not want to throw them out the window when I get home. (I suppose that it helps that I sit at the desk most of the day and wear "comfy shoes" for walking to and from the office.)

Since I still very much consider myself a student/novice in this fashion blogosphere, I openly welcome constructive comments from you wonderful ladies (and gents!) who have already established yourselves here. Since you are my reason for starting this blog in the first place, I invite your comments on anything and everything -- colors, fit, style, you name it! I'm here to learn and maybe even teach others who can learn from my mistakes -- and I expect I will make plenty of them!

Get Thee to Marshalls...

I was browsing around my neighborhood Marshall's yesterday afternoon when I noticed that they are having a severe clearance on all of their purses. OK, the whole store is under a major clearance, but the purses in particular caught my eye. There were many high-end, name-brand purses on sale for as low as $20! Myself, I was *thisclose* to snatching up a buttery-soft mustard yellow Nine West purse, but alas, I saw no clearance sticker on it. It was literally, the ONLY purse I saw without one. I now wonder if I could have asked if it was on clearance, but really, it's for the best that I didn't get it. I have a plethora of purses -- really, I have several that I should probably part with. In addition, I am trying to save up for my wedding later this year, and one of my self-imposed rules is to curb all non-essential purchases. Didn't get the purse, and I'm still alive, so I guess it was non-essential after all!

In the future, I will try to snap some photos on my camera-phone when I come across such super deals.

Also, stay tuned for an outfit post -- I need to find a good time/place for taking outfit photos on a regular basis...

Welcome to the Jungle...

After having been inspired by a plethora of fashion bloggers out there in the blogosphere, I have been inspired to start my own blog. I have chosen the blog name "Stumble into Style" because that really has been my fashion philosophy over the last several months. I randomly stumbled across a few fashion blogs, which I instantly became addicted to, and after picking up a few hints and tricks, I started incorporating what I learned from these lovely ladies into my own personal style.
I am by no means a fashion expert. Half the time, I'm not even sure what I actually like or what looks good on my own body -- I think that is what this blog is going to help me with. All I do know is that I enjoy trying out different looks and that I have found a lot of inspiration here in the fashion corner of the blogosphere.

So, here's a little bit about me:
My name is Sam and I live in Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. I am in my early thirties, and I am getting married later this year. When I was a little girl, I was a total tomboy -- so much so that I often wore my brother's hand-me-down clothes. The only time I ever got dressed up, wore makeup, or did my hair was for dance competitions and performances. I have been a dancer since I was 2 ½. Throughout middle school and high school I dressed mainly NOT to be noticed, though deep down, I always wished I were one of the cool kids. When I went to college, I found a whole new world where individual style was celebrated, not admonished. After college, upon entering the workforce, I had a bit of an identity crisis -- one I still struggle with today. I want to present myself professionally, but I don't want to be dull and boring. Meanwhile, I am struggling to dress an entirely new body type -- despite being very tall and thin for most of my life, in the past few years, I have put on quite a bit of weight and my shape has changed significantly because of that. I still love myself, but in many ways, I am still discovering who I am. I'm not sure that any one style described me or my personality -- and frankly, I love that about myself. (As Ani said, "You've decided to love me for eternity; I'm still deciding who I wanna be today") But it does make it a little difficult when it comes to getting dressed in the morning: should I wear an outfit that says "Promotion, please!" or something that says "I'm a fun and funky gal?" While I have seen several fashion bloggers out there who have a firm hold on how to combine all of the elements of their personalities into a singular style, this is something I am still working toward.

I am not starting this blog to give advice or to pretend to be an expert on anything. By all means, ask me questions if you have them and I will do my best to answer them (or at least point you toward someone who can), but really, I think this is going to be a place where I can reflect on what I see about me. About my fashion. And as always, I will be reaching out to and leaning on all of the lovely ladies whose blogs I have so enjoyed visiting for the last few months. Some of you probably don't even know that I have been lurking there, so I figured the least I can do was to introduce myself.

Hi, I'm Sam. Some of you may know me as evanadine. And I'm a fashion junkie!