Peppy in Peplum! {A Friday Favorite!}

I just love peplum tops and dresses!  They are instantly slimming and refined.  Today I have on double trouble peplum!  I have a peplum jacket paired with a striped peplum top underneath.  You would think this would be peppy overkill but it really just gave me a little more flounce, which is just fine.

Did you know that the term peplum is derived from the Greek word peplos meaning tunic or shawl?  It is described as a short overskirt that is usually attached to a fitted jacket, blouse or dress.  Essentially this makes your waist appear smaller and your hips fuller.

The peplum look was popular in the 1940’s and again in the 1980’s.  It is now considered a vintage look although I feel it can look quite modern depending on the fabric and the cut of the skirt.

I find that peplum tops are very versatile.  I can wear them with pencil skirts or full skirts as well as slacks or jeans.  Adding a belt to a peplum top can change the entire look of the outfit!  Also, as I’ve done today, don’t be afraid to layer your peplum top or dress with a peplum jacket!

As a tip, should you find yourself overeating at lunch or dinner during this bountiful Holiday season, the extra ruffle of the peplum skirt can hide a multitude of indiscretions – both past and present!

Peplum IIPeplum I

Live Life Colorfully…A Guide to Wearing Bright Colors…

It’s a rainy day here and very drab.  I was thinking about how “ugly” it was outside today when I picked my attire this morning.  I chose a bright (as in, don’t look directly at it for fear of blindness!) yellow jacket with a black and white striped skirt.  Why not wear something bright on a rainy (or in some cases snowy) day?  Bright colors are always so happy and eye catching yet many people shy away from them.  Here’s a little guide I use for choosing and wearing bright colors.

When in doubt choose one bright color:

As you become more comfortable, you can possibly add an accent color but when first adding color to your wardrobe, stick to simple.

Start with a bright blouse or shirt under a dark jacket:

A bright blouse will shine underneath a darker jacket.  This POP of color will brighten your wardrobe and your day! (as will the tons of compliments you receive!)

Be careful when wearing brightly colored jewelry with brightly colored clothes:

I see this very often, especially in summer.  Someone is sporting one color from head to toe and to top it off, a beautiful necklace (and maybe earrings) of the same hue.  Too much of a good thing is…uh… a bad thing.  When you wear too much of one color (bright or not) it appears overwhelming and the outfit loses focus.  Plus you can be identified as “the lady who wore that REALLY “insert bright color worn” outfit that day and caused everyone’s eyes to water”.  No one wants to be that lady.

 Pair a bright color with black and white patterns:

This is an instant hit!  No matter what the black and white pattern, you can typically wear it with ANY bright color and it looks great!  Browns and denims can also be used this way as they are neutrals.  Check out my look for today as I’ve used this rule and paired my yellow jacket with a black and white striped skirt!

If at all possible, wear bright red lipstick:

Ok…this is just my personal mantra but I do SO enjoy red lipstick.  And it often pairs wonderfully with bright colors!  Give it a try!

When you’re ready…add a compatible color:

This can be tricky but if you get it right, the result is a whole lotta awesome!  It may sound silly but you can use a color wheel to pick your wardrobe.  Here are the rules:

Pick colors that:

  • Are directly next to each other (example: yellow and orange or yellow and green)  OR
  • Form a right angle with each other (example: orange-yellow and red or red-orange and violet) OR
  • Directly across from each other (example: yellow and violet or orange and blue)

colorwheel

 

Live life colorfully, my friends!

Cortneybre…

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Faux Fur Vest – Wooly Mammoth or Really Marvelous

Today I have on a faux fur vest.  It is very warm and I’ve paired it with a skirt and boots.  I have a friend who also owns a faux fur vest and looks smashing in it…but do I?

I am not one who typically doubts her fashion choices.  Everyone who knows me or sees me on a regular basis knows I am quirky and a risk taker when it comes to trends.  I like standing out in a crowd and don’t mind pushing the boundaries with my choices.

Today, however, I feel as if I’ve murdered a fluffy stuffed bear and taken its pelt as my prize!

Perhaps it’s the puffiness of the vest or that I can pet it if I’m feeling needy.  Or that when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I thought I could accessorize with a nice Neanderthal-esqe club.  All jokes aside, I find it difficult to wear faux fur.  The first question of the day was, “Is it real”…which is at first flattering but quickly concerning as I’m not one to wear real fur (I’d have some explaining to do to my fluffy cat at home).  The real difficulty lies with the fur look itself, even though it’s faux, looking too riche or upscale for more informal or business settings.

I think I’ll see how the vest is received today.  The looks and comments I receive are usually a good indicator of the outfit’s success or failure.   Or maybe I’ll just wear it with pride regardless of reception.  If someone doesn’t like the look, I might just knock them about with my Neanderthal club and be done with it!

Cortneybre…

Shirt - Worthington JC Penney Skirt -MNG by Mango  Boots - Nine West Vest - Bedford Cottage Watch - Kate Spade Bracelets: Danish Design
Shirt – Worthington JC Penney
Skirt -MNG by Mango
Boots – Nine West
Vest – Bedford Cottage
Watch – Kate Spade
Bracelets: Danish Design