Shopping was a BIG success yesterday! It was so exciting to find so many new and exciting pieces…it should probably not come as a surprise that I REALLY like shopping for other people…especially when they are down to try things outside their comfort zone {cuz, you’re the BEST!}

We did a complete overhaul of Lila’s fall wardrobe. Purchases included: a pair of delightful oxfords, big chunky sweaters, layering shirts, belts, cardigans, and a new favorite jean…the straight leg BOLD CURVE.

We ♥’d the Levi’s Curve ID tagline {above}. The mission statement was also awesome, but I couldn’t find an image of it that was large enough to use {boo hoo}. I was a little surprised to see that the ad campaign is getting so much heat from critics.

We just hope that these jeans stick around for a long time. Going through the process of finding the right pair of jeans is definitely enough to make a grown woman cry…am I right?

Next steps for this wardrobe makeover? A remix! Integrating the new pieces with existing items, and finding new ways to wear old stuff. A polaroid camera would be ah-mazing. Stay tuned!

Here’s a story about what happens when you’ve worked 3 years with someone:

One day you have an executive review with all the really important people at your company, and you will have to stand up and defend your work…

You will also showing up wearing the same outfit as your fellow Merchandising Manager.

How Regina did it:

White pants, Ruffle top, and Metallic flats accessorized with:
leopard print belt
structured blazer
Oversized neutral sunglasses

How I did it:

White pants, Ruffle top, and Metallic flats accessorized with:
Black Cropped Cardigan
Vibrant scarf {love this one, too!}
Oval chunky cocktail ring {oh, hello} {gold option, here} & chain bracelets

This post goes out to a good friend of mine who’s looking to spice up her wardrobe at work and on the weekends. The thing I like most about the set below is that it can be mixed and matched to get any number of looks. Plus, you can tell my obsession with floral belted dresses hasn’t changed much.

My girl’s parameters were this: “edgy”,”conservative”, and “jewel tones”. Only a touch contradictory, right? I think the look ends up being balanced…meeting in the middle at on-trend. What do you think? Mission accomplished?

 

Silky Floral Dress, $30
Grey Floral Ruffle Tunic, $55
Multi floral gypsy dress, 32 GBP
Simone wool cardigan, $225
Armand Basi Daju silk-blend cardigan, $104
Cotton Boyfriend Jacket, $395
Steve Madden Annton, $129
Seychelles Sophia, $78
Praia Platform Espadrilles, $595
Teal Flower Petal Cuff, $45
Vintage Heart Locket, 39 GBP
Eye-bobs Thick Eye Reading Glasses, $65
skinny double belt, $36

The only thing I’ll say about dresses for work is watch out for the length. Minis are in, but not at the office. Above the knee is fine, mini is not! Now if only we could all look like this while we’re running errands about town:

I am dying over this look. Seriously. Those shoes!

image via moodboard

…er, earlier today. For some reason, I just love how prep school a fitted blazer feels. It finally stopped raining in San Francisco, so I was able to wear some cute shoes! And also, I love that I can wear jeans to work. I’ve been able to wear jeans at every job I’ve every had, but was reminded recently that some people actually have to dress up. eek! Back tomorrow with suggestions on what to wear to a rodeo {hint, hint}.

p.s. I officially want a pair of red keds. I have NO idea what I would wear them with, but I just think they’re so cute! Actually, maybe I’d wear them with this exact outfit! love.

Oh, did you want to see the whole outfit?

I’ve been feeling really low energy this week, to be honest. So the work I’ve been doing {aside from the day job and all} has been from my bed. My really super comfy new bed. Except for this little gem:

I finally completed my Indie Biz binder. Now the goal is to fill it, hah. In a magical-but-far-away-in-the-future dreamland I own my own business {I don’t know if you know that}. And I’m a little bit scared/shy about saying it out loud, so be nice please.

One of the current projects is to come up with a name. I got really lucky with undeniable style {I don’t know if you know that, either}. It only took me a couple of hours and quick email to friends to make it happen. This time around is not proving to be so easy. First of all, I don’t think Undeniable Style is a good name for a shop, even though I loooooove it for my blog. Second of all I have tossed around tons of words, and nothing is clicking for me. I’m looking for something that represents my style and perspective…

So I’m opening it up to you. If you have ANY ideas, feel free to email {katemfranco at gmail dot com} or leave a comment below.

Off to bed now, good night!

I am totally in love with this look…except I don’t know anyone who can pull off plaid pants…

 Image via

STL Post-Dispatch recently ran an article on geek chic. In keeping with that sentiment, here are a few of my favorite “geeks” lately:

• Marc by Marc Jacobs
• Emma Watson
• President Obama…yep, you heard me…you know he’s sometimes referred to as a “policy geek“

Happy Friday all!

Swoon. Marc Jacobs Saunder Striped Skirt, $178.50

Sweet. Free People High Waisted Button Skirt, $98

Couple of tips for you…I’ve been reading some places that because I’m petite AND short-waisted I shouldn’t be wearing high-waisted anything. I think ANYONE can pull of the high-waisted skirt. Here’s how:

• If you happen to be petite or short-waisted, choose a shorter hem line. Yes, the high waist might make your torso look shorter, but cute flirty length will elongate your legs.
• Your best bet is to pair this look with some type of heeled shoe…boots, sandals, stilettos, platform wedges etc. The extra height will further elongate your legs and streamline the look. Beware: flats will kill the effect!
• Conservative work environment? You can definitely still rock it. Opt for a high-waisted but basic A-line or pencil skirt. The more classic silhouettes can be paired with blazers and conservative french cuff shirts.

Still want to know more? Check out this video.

Last winter I bought my first (faux) fur piece and fell in love with how glamorous and luxurious it made me feel. Now searching for a way to way fur to work…do you think it’s possible? Or just entirely too over the top?

 TO MY SWEET FRIENDS! by **G A E L Y** 

Items in this set:
Ripul Tiered Bow Dress by Armand Basi, $463
GOSH Heels, $254
STALO MARKIDES – SHREADED NATASHA CLUTCH, $667
Buy Erickson Beamon Single row crystal cuff, $405
Cara Couture Multi Strand Chain Necklace, $98

 Russian Roulette is Not the Same Without a Gun by BohemianStorm4

Items in this set:
ACB Black Diamond Fringy Sparkle Necklace, $318
Emerald Cut Necklace, $357
LaRok Shagadelic Fur Vest/ Gilet, $163
J Brand Cigarette leg jeans, $111
Obsessed With Shoes | Balenciaga Shoes Fall 2009, $1,097

I got an email from Kate Spade yesterday, and it reminded me of how much I miss my darling little wallet…my first “designer” purchase out of college. I’m years away from that wallet, but in the market for a new one.

With life being the way it is, I will probably be refraining from paying $155 for a wallet, though my old wallet was also green, and I just loved it.

I was out to dinner with Abby last night, and she had just the cutest frame wallet I’ve ever seen. She referred me to KailoChic, which of course I am now promptly obsessed with. LOVE the fabric choices…and especially love this little number, which also happens to be just a little bit more in my price range.

 I cannot believe how the summer has flown by…and how so much has changed in just a few short months. In the last hurrah of summer, I’m taking a trip to Vegas. Partly for work, mostly for fun. Since I have less than a week left before I leave, I’m desperately trying to put together my work {and play} wardrobe. I’m used to going to market by now, so I feel prepared enough, but you know I always like to dress to impress.

Here a couple of looks lately that I am loving. Looking for outfits that can go day to night, and are sexy but professional. And, of course, it’s important to look pulled together and “on-trend” {I hate that term!}

And, by the by, all images were taken from Polyvore, a new obsession. Fab source for fashion inspiration. I swear, some of these people are so inspired. It’s basically like a virtual dressing room, pair anything and everything together, see how it looks before you buy it for real.

Click on the images above and they’ll take you to the original Polyvore pages, where you can see just where to buy each of these looks online.