It’s the end of the year and I thought I would share with you several of the outfits I wore during my last workdays of  2010.  I thought beside my outfit I would show you the accessories I paired with them too.

Fuschia Fun – I wore this Worthington top I picked up on the clearance rack from JcPenney for $5 with black pinstriped pants . I accessorized with a three color metal bamboo necklace and tiger-striped Dana Buchman flats from Kohl’s. (clearance Spring 2010, $10)

Oh, Orange – I got this Michael Kohrs top for Christmas and paired it with brown capris pants and chocolate boots. I accessorized with my multi-colored scarf, chocolate hat and a Jewels by Park Lane necklace and ring. I won the necklace at a quarter auction Tuesday night. It’s a $54 value and I got it for .25 cents. Not bad.

Spot on – This had to be the best bargain of the year for me at .80 at Kohl’s. I love the way this leopard print dress feels with its flowy fabric and frilly ruffles. Last time I wore it I paired it with a belt.This time I decided to wear a vest. I once again accessorized with jewelry I already had. The necklace and bracelets are Park Lane and the pink watch was gifted to me by my friend and co-worker Jill Moon.

I’m looking forward to sharing my fashion fun in the new year and if you’ve got any ideas of something you would like to see feel free to let me know.  It just feels good to end the year being able to share all by style finds with you.

So how was your Christmas? Mine was OK. I got a few things this season that I cannot wait to show you.

Although I didn’t get much this year I did get a few fashionable items. I received two INC International Concept dresses (both in blue hues too), a Michael Kohrs top, a necklace with crystal pendant, two rings and a pair of black Gianni Bini shoes.

No. 1 Sequined Sassy — This navy, black and gray dress has a cap sleeve with cowl neck and rouching. I paired it with black tights and my black, gray and navy Simply Vera Wang suede flats I got last year on clearance at Kohl’s for $8. I accessorized with a leather and silver chain necklace (Simply Vera Wang on clearance $12, originally $36) and black floral pin I attached.

No. 2 Seashore Sexy — I just adore this two-toned blue dress with the island sea flower pattern. It reminds me a bit of the seashore. I paired it with blue tights, a black cardigan and my Vera Wang flats. I accessorized with some silver jewelry, including my new Park Lane Enchanted ring, which is Swarovski crystals and faux pearl and Staxx ring.

Recently I was asked why I don’t write more about my accessories such as shoes and handbags. Well let me say I plan on it, especially since I got a few for Christmas and spending a little time with my 4-year-old niece I realize why “us” girls really like all that stuff.

Before the holiday my niece came over to spend the night and like always she decided she would have some fun going through my closet. She loves playing dress up and after posting her picture in my red high heels and top on Facebook I just thought I would share it with all of you too.

She enjoys walking around in all my shoes (my red patent Issac Mizrahi ones are her fave) and going through my jewelry box too. She also discovered my vintage handbag (I’ve blogged on it before), but of course I wouldn’t let her play with it and she understood. I did however have another one that I picked up somewhere several years ago and gave it to her.

It’s a silver and white beaded bag that she of course fell in love with immediately. She carried it with her when we ran errands the next day, but when my brother came to pick her up we couldn’t find it and she cried. I finally found it Sunday in my driveway with snow melting off.  When I see her again this week I’m sure she will be happy.

What I learn when I play with her is that accessories are fun. I believe that’s why we like them so much. Some of us may have to dress serious for work or wear a uniform, but it’s a ring, earrings or handbag that makes us feel good.

I think  once in awhile we should take our cues from little girls, because they don’t think about what they’re wearing, but rather putting together an outfit that makes them feel good.

Did you play dress up when you were little? What did you like about it? Or are you still playing?

Last night I went to the Fox Theatre in St. Louis to see Cirque Dreams Holidaze, which by the way was fantastic. I dressed up for work because I wouldn’t have time to go home after to change.

Here’s my look.

I wore a new dress I got from Lane Bryant (on clearance of course for $23) with colored tights, boots and layers of necklaces.

I felt like I wore the right outfit to see the show. It wasn’t over the top dressy and also went well for work.

My friend Deanna went with me and although I didn’t shoot a pic of her, she looked great as well. She had on this gorgeous metallic silver top, black leggings and black boots. She was most definitely “rockin’ ” it.

Actually the fashion at the Fox was amazing. You see such a range of what women wear. I personally enjoy dressing up, but I know not everyone does. However, I think more women would feel great about themselves if they simply put in the time to take care of their look. Remember ladies, style doesn’t cost money-only the limits of your imagination do.

You don’t need to have deep pocketbooks to put a great look together. If you’re like me all you need to do is shop your closet. Anyone ready to go shopping yet?

We’re in the stretch to Christmas and to bring a little cheer I thought I would share with you a few holiday inspired outfits.

I’m not a gal who wears Christmas sweaters, but I do prefer to get the hint of the celebrations colors into my wardrobe. It’s not all about red and green. I think winter blues fit the season too.

Here are several looks I’ve worn the past week.

No. 1 Cool blue – I picked a cool blue cardigan and wore it with gray striped pants and a white and gray ombre shirt.

No. 2  All seasons scarf – I received this blue lace and fringe scarf during a gift exchange at work. Our limit was $5 and I say the woman who drew my name knew me well enough to pick something fashionable. I think it looks fab with satin top that has hints of blue, denim and a black cardigan.

No. 3 Plaid about you – I picked this red plaid skirt and paired it with my black turtleneck and long black cardigan (it’s my favorite one if you couldn’t tell.) I accessorized with a gold pendant necklace and vintage gold and diamond earring that were my grandmothers.

No. 4 Green with envy – Oh, I just love the colors of the red and green with one another. I don’t have a holiday sweater, but the colors really do showcase the season. I paired my red scarf and a silver pendant with it.

Everything I wore during the past week is something I’ve had in my closet for awhile now. I’m going to be taking a “shopping diet” after the New Year.  I’m going to see how long I can actually go without buying anything – yeah right you say. Although I get most everything I have one sale or at resale shops, garage sales and other places I’m going to make it my mission to really Shop my Closet.

I’m now on Twitter. Follow me.

Now that it’s freezing outside how do you look fashionable and stay warm? As much as you want to look hot this winter, many of you may think you can’t. Well that’s not true. It simply requires a bit more thought and effort to remain stylish during the winter months.

The first thing to do is invest in a sturdy winter coat. Pick one that looks good on you, not the mannequin. Make sure you get one that’s appropriate for the weather too. Just because it looks great doesn’t mean it will keep you warm. The best materials are wool and quilted nylon. Look for ones that aren’t bulky and shapeless.

Think of it as  a financial investment rather than a fashionable item when making your purchase. A good coat can carry you through winters for years to come.

The next step is finding footwear. Stick to shoes that cover more than skin. Now is not the time to wear strappy sandals (unless you are heading to a more sophisticated event like party and you’re all dressed up just like I’m in this photo and didn’t even leave the house.)

These are the shoes I bought to wear with several outfits. I picked up these City Streets shoes at JCPenney nearly two weeks ago for $11 on clearance. They’re a 5-inch heel with an 1-inch platform. They make me stand really tall, but they are fabulous and the only exception to wear in the winter when you’ll be inside. (I got the dress on clearance at Marshalls for $15.)

The best bet for the cold is to find different styles of boots, cute tennis shoes or ballet flats for the frigid cold. Obviously your outfit will dictate they type of shoes you wear, as well as the weather.

Thirdly try layering clothes. It’s a great way to transition clothes from season to season. I typically will wear a camisole under a shirt or a ribbed turtleneck rather than wearing a bulky sweater. I’m also a girl who likes cardigans because they go with so many different outfits and they look good layered.

Winter accessories also have a purpose. Hats, gloves and scarves do more than look good — they keep you warm.

In order to stay stylish look for a hat in a fabric that is soft and luxurious. Although it’s nice to have different styles and colors of hats, one mainstay can instantly pull together a look. Find one that compliments your coat.

A scarf is fairly inexpensive and you can purchase a variety of fabric, color and styles. A scarf can pull your look together. Try wearing a color that will either accent your coat or match your hat.

Gloves are another item that you can purchase pretty cheap and the come in all kinds of fabrics and colors. Although mittens are the best whenever you’re outside, they are not as stylish as gloves. A rule is that your gloves should match your hat or scarf or fit the scheme of your outerwear.

Here are three recent looks I wore this past weekend.

No. 1 Orange You Glad— I paired my white jeans with an orange and white striped shirt and a orange cardigan. Of course I topped it off with some jewelry.

No. 2 Corduroy Cute — I pulled out a pair of corduroy’s I’ve had forever and only wear when the weather outside it bitter cold. I paired them with my Croc insulated boots, a denim shirt that I got in Germany 18 years ago, layers of white shirts, my long Jones New York cardigan I got when Famous Barr was still in town (I paid $8 for this sweater of clearance — it was originally $120.) I accessorized with a hat and brown scarf.

No. 3 Chocolate Chill — I wore my chocolate ribbed turtleneck, chocolate hat, with brown Coach shoes (recent resale find) and heavy knit striped pants. I wore a brown camisole underneath my turtleneck to add an extra layer of warmth.

I hope you’ve learned a few tricks about staying stylish when it’s freezing outside.

OK, I told you I would show you the other dress I got on sale this past weekend at Kohl’s once I wore it. So here it is.

I really like the colors of this Apt. 9 dress. I picked it up for $16 (70 percent off its original price) and it reminds me of the ocean and during this cold weather I can’t help but thinking about the sun and beach.

Is there any clothing that inspires you? Each month in flaire for women you get to Meet a Woman With flaire. In order to write about her I ask a series of questions. Anyway I thought it would be fun to share with you what my page might look like. As I filled out the questionnaire I realized it’s not as easy as it seems to answer some of the questions.

I consider my personal style Boho Chic with an urban twist. I like to wear comfortable clothes, but I also like to dress up. I prefer clothes with some character. The best piece of advice that I’ve ever got from a women is to dress for myself. Wear what makes me feel comfortable and what I feel I look good in. My Granny said that confidence is the No. 1 thing to looking good no matter what you wear or what size you are. She’s right. I may no longer be the size 8 I was 20 years ago, but my confindence is even greater.

Whenever I’m not working I enjoy spending my time volunteering.  I believe that when you have an opportunity to give back or help others that you should. I enjoy donating my time and I feel good knowing the others benefit from my actions.

1. Staxx rings - “My son got me one for my 40th birthday. They are interchangeable rings and I can match the colors to my clothing. How cool is that?”

2. MoroccanOil - “This is my all-time favotie hair care product. It’s like hair crack and I can’t live without it.”

3. Speck – “I couldn’t live without him. I just adore him. I adopted him years ago from the Metro East Humane Society and he’s my best friend.”

4. Costume jewelry – “It’s something I have a lot of and I enjoy wearing.”

5.  Gryson handbag – “I got this bag two years ago from Target. I love that it’s big and the best part is I got it on clearance. I like large handbags.”

6. Chic lit – “I love to read all types of books, but lately I find myself reading chic lit authors like Jane Green and Mary Kay Andrews. Their work is fun.

7. iPhone – “I never leave home without it.”

8. Brett Michaels – “He’s one of my guilty pleasures. I like mindless reality television live ‘Life as I Know It and The Real Housewives series on Bravo that takes me away from the daily life of covering the news.”

9. Memphis – “It’s the best vacation I’ve been on. I went with my son several years ago and we had a blast and we even got to see Robert Plant on Beale Street. He was in town for a concert while we were there. I will make it back again one day.”

If you are a woman with flaire or want to Meet a Woman With flaire send me your information and I will gladly get in touch.

Today I needed a little inspiration so I pulled out one of my “look books.” It’s my InStyle Secrets of Style book, which I actually picked up at a yard sale two summers ago. I paid .25 cents for it and believe me it was a great investment. The book was put together based on the fashion layouts of the popular magazine.

I think it has great tips for fashion and although many of the clothes are designer labels, the book really doesn’t play that up. Instead it focuses on the cut, fit and colors of clothes. The book is also sectioned in seasons.

I also have created my own book as well. I’ve cut out images from magazines of clothes that inspire me and put them in a binder. I think every now and then we all need a little boost.

Nothing I wore today is new. I realize that the outfit may not be exact, but that’s the point. I simply looked at a photo that offers inspiration. I would rather look at the book than stand in front of my closet for who knows how long to pick an outfit out. I think it  takes less time to look in the book and flip through the pages than trying things on.

What do you think? Do you have any ideas that you would like to share? Where do you get your style inspiration?

It’s been a few days since I shared any outfit ideas. So I thought this week I would give you seven that I’ve recently worn out and about.

In all of these outfits I’ve worn my black boots. I’ve got two pair that I really like and they seem to go with so much. The common theme in each of my outfits is of course black.  Most of the outfits I put together I already had, the only new item is a red shrug from Torrid. I purchased it a couple weeks ago to go with a black and white print sleeveless satin dress I like to wear during the holidays. Other than that I simply dug through my drawers.

However, this next outfit is one I picked up at Kohl’s this past weekend for .80 cents.

Yes, unbelievable I know. I had a $10 coupon and the leopard print dress was on clearance for  $10.80, which was 80 percent off it’s original $54 price.  I paired it with black boots, a silver-studded belt and some jewelry.

One of the reasons I like this dress is the fabric. It’s comfy and  will travel well. I will be going out of town this next year on several occasions and it will be nice to pack and not have to worry about ironing. I don’t mind it at home, but I really don’t like taking clothes with me that get wrinkled and I have no way to get the creases out.

The dress can also be worn throughout the year. I paired it with tights for winter, but in the spring I can wear a pair of nice strappy sandals.

As you can tell I like versatile clothes. I have one rule — I have to be able to wear something several different ways or I don’t want it. This dress is the “cat’s meow”, or rather outstanding for what I paid.

What are some of your rules for fashion?

I’ve been off for the past week and even though Black Friday took place I didn’t bother to trek into any stores. Of course I’ve still got to finish my Christmas shopping, but pretty much I know what I’m getting everyone so it will not take to long when I go.

If you haven’t seen the new issue of flaire for women I suggest that you check it out. I included great places in the region to go shopping. I’m a big proponent of shopping local, especially when it means supporting your local business owners. This weekend there is great opportunity to get some shopping done at the 22nd Olde Alton Craft Fair at Alton High School.  You should check it out if you’re looking for something to do  on Saturday or Sunday.  I’ll plan to visit fpr two reasons -  to volunteer (my son’s in Marching 100) and to shop.

There will be lots of vendors  selling all kinds of fabulous wares to include fun and fashionable items such as jewelry, handbags, scarves and more. I’ll be sure and let you know what I get.