Friday Vest Repeat!

Told you this Akira vest was getting a lot of wear... like in last Friday's post.

This was just a basic easy outfit for the end of the work week when I couldn't be bothered with bright colors. But I guess everyone needs a small break from the bright from time to time. Especially on the days when that person is trying to lay off the coffee...

And for all those wondering about/hating me for getting a full week out of my manicures like I talked about in yesterdays post, well have a secret for you. That secret is Essie's "Good To Go" topcoat. It dries in like 3 minutes (seriously!) and makes my nails look like they are fresh and glossy for days. It's been my tried-and-true favorite for years now!

Old Navy Boots

Black "Magic" Pants from Express

Ralph Lauren Outlet Button down

Akira Vest

Oia Jules Chain Necklace

That's a Wrap

I don't know why I keep assuming that I can deal with bare legs outside. 

I need to face it, it's getting cold. Like the kind of cold where you just have to wear tights even if you're wearing boots. I guess I'm still trying to hold on to the Fall weather.

This coat is an old Zara favorite that I found at the Winter sale a few years back. Basically it works for every occasion because it's a wrap coat. So it's super easy to throw on, plus I love how the oversized collar dresses it up to wear for winter weddings and events. 

I call it my Shirley Maclaine coat because in the move The Apartment she wears one like this and I was OBSESSED with it (and her, she's my favorite!).

Stay warm out there you Chicago ladies and don't forget to wear your tights!

LOFT Leopard Dress (sold out but similar here) 

Macys Vest

Forever 21 necklace(find here)

Ivanka Trump boots

OPI Royal Rajah Ruby nail color (buy here)

Green Day

If you look closely in this post, you will notice something that almost never happens to me. My nails are unpainted! 

My secret to keeping a fresh looking mani all week (because let's face it, that's pretty much the shelf life if you're lucky) is to cut my nails super short so there is no breakage or bendage that creates chips. After that, it's a strict schedule of Sunday nights in the bathroom where I emerge an hour later with a fresh glossy color!

I know most people don't really care about having polished finger tips 24/7, but I do. In fact it actually kind of hurts my cuticles when they are bare, plus they just look plain ugly to me. This week with the holiday travel I just didn't have time!

And now a fun story: Yesterday was "color day" as part of spirit week at school and 5th grade's color was green hence the green outfit. Every time I wear one of my cargo vests to school I get comments from students that I look like a safari ranger or a zookeeper but today I got my favorite yet: Dora the Explorer! I promised that student, while I do see the similarities, MY vest was actually quite fashionable.

PS: extra credit to anyone who isn't Amy who can guess where this picture was taken. :)

Forever 21 Fringe Boots, necklace, and bracelet

Target Skirt (old)

Old Navy Surplus vest and white long-sleeve tee

Gap belt (old and scored it for $4!)

Retro Prep Thanksgiving

This outfit is from Thanksgiving day in Ohio where we were visiting family! It was amazingly nice out so we were able to spend time outside on the deck enjoying the sun! My husband and I were kinda matchy in our plaid shirts and solid sweaters and got lots of comment how we looked like a couple out of the 50s. I could think of much worse insults.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday! I know I did!

Gap Sweater

J Crew Factory Plaid button down

Target Sunglasses

Madewell Scarf

DKNY tights

Old Navy Boots

ASOS bag

J Crew Navy Corduroy Pencil skirt

Smashbox lipstick in Mandarin

Ann Taylor Outlet Necklace

Forever 21 Bracelet

Michael Kors Watch

Blushing

Pencil skirts have always been a dream of mine. While yes I could have one by simply buying one,  I always wanted to have the body for one. Though I'm far from Sophia Vargara's curves I think finally figuring out that the blousy top/slim skirt combination create the illusion of curves that is ladylike yet still kind of sultry all at the same time. It's a classic look that I will always appreciate and love!

To all my readers, I have a special request for you today. I have this number in my head and that number is 100. I would love to get my HOTPINKstyle page out there to more people, just a few more people to make that number a nice 3-digit number. So if you know anybody who loves shopping or appreciates fashion please pass along my information by sharing a HOTPINKstyle facebook link and to give it a "like" if they like what they see! 

Thank you all so much for your support! It means the world to me! I can't wait to hear from some new friends!

Joe Fresh Blouse

Target Skirt

Nordstrom Necklace

Forever 21 Bracelets

C-Label Hudson 10 (on sale now for 20%off) via Piperlime

J Crew Factory Belt

The peplum coat is back from the tailor and I think the smidge I had it taken up made all the difference.

Gift ideas

A smattering of pretty things that would make any girl happy this holiday season!

Don't you just love these pretty soaps that look like macaroons? They come in so many pretty colors. Would be a great hostess gift or for a coworker.

That Revlon Just Bitten lip stain balm in Smitten is my new favorite! My hair stylist recommended it and now I'm hooked. It would make a great gift for a friend or stuffed in a stocking.

I'm just throwing the Clarisonic out there (in the shade of the season, oxblood of course) to anyone who REALLY loves someone! It has been one of my favorite gifts I have ever received. Not the cheapest gift, but the smaller version, the Mia, is only $150. Makes a great gift for the girlfriend or wife. Are there any men out there even reading this?

Statement necklaces make a great gift for a friend. She will appreciate all of it's eye-catching splendor in all of her holiday pictures and have you to thank for how great she looks!

And who doesn't love a big cozy sweater? That mixed media tweed/cobalt one has got my eye!

Also I'm in love with these Henri Bendel sparkling bow hair clips and so many of the other hair accessories on the site. Check them out to get $25 off orders of $100 and free shipping! I swear, they are the cutest!

Happy shopping...

Black (faux-leather) Friday

Today is the most insane shopping day of the year if you are a bargain hunter. I love a good bargain as much as the next girl, but I don't think I've ever looked forward to the craziness of Black Friday! 

If you are brave enough to venture out today, good luck and be safe!

So onto the fashion. I can't tell you how many times I almost donated these boots but something always made me change my mind. Glad I kept them around because I think they pair great with my faux-leather Topshop leggings!

I picked up this long tee at old navy and this vest at Akira last weekend after sadly having no luck at the Randolph Street Vintage Market. This vest has turned out to be a great find though and has been in heavy rotation.

Check my Face book page for Cyber Monday deals and all the discount codes/sale alerts I can round up!

Old Navy Boat Neck Tunic Tee

Topshop leggings (last seen here)

Marc Fisher Boots (old)

Akira Vest

Target Sunglasses

Forever 21 Arrowhead Necklace

Thankful

Sending some love from Chicago to all my readers on this Thanksgiving day! Hope you are all enjoying the day with family, friends and loved ones! I just wanted to say how thankful I am to all of you for the support and feedback you provide me with here @ HOTPINKstyle and on Facebook. It gives me the motivation to keep doing this even when I start to doubt myself! 

And for those of you who don't get to see me in person, here is the first glimpse on the blog of my new darker hair!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

If you are looking to buy this bag it just went on sale yet again on ASOS.com!

Old Navy Boots

Zara Blazer

Asos Belt and Bag

Ralph Lauren  Outlet Button-down

Zara Jeans

Forever 21 Spike Necklace 

Yes to HOTPINK!

Staying true to my site name on casual Friday at work, what better choice of color to pair with jeans than hot pink? 

I'm really loving this gold dot blouse I found at Forever 21. I really cant wait to try it with my new faux-leather short sleeve sweater over it, but I didn't feel it was quite the approptiate mix for teaching 5th grade. Probably not.

Forever 21 Gold dot blouse (similar here)

Zara Faded Skinny jeans

C- Label Hudson 10 Studded flats

J Crew Tippi sweater

La Mer Wrap watch

J Crew Skinny Pink belt

Forever 21 Necklace 

Purple and Burgundy

Not sure why, but these purple J Crew Minnie pants were calling out to me all week to be worn with some burgundy. Here's how that turned out. Not sure these Minnies work best with boots especially because they are are a little big on me which makes them look a little slouchy. Even so, it was a very comfy outfit for a chilly day.

This ASOS sweater was such a favorite that I went ahead and ordered it in navy especially because it was on sale for 30% off (and still is)! Tall friends, this is a great sweater to pair with leggings. Everything stays nice and covered up!

J Crew Minnie pants (last seen here)

Etienne Ainger Celtic boots DSW (last seen here)

ASOS Sweater 

J Crew Necklace

Nordstrom Bow earrings