Burlington Mall®

On my last trip to the Burlington Mall I could not help but stop and take a photo of this perfectly styled mannequin at Banana Republic.

The outfit is the perfect balance between relaxed casual and sophistication. At an office where jeans are never allowed (like mine), this is the perfect way to pull off casual Friday with just the right amount of polish.

Steps to putting together the perfect casual Friday ensemble.

1. The pant: Go for something with a little flair like these micro dot chinos (for more inspiration, check out my post about printed bottoms trending). The cut is tailored, the fabric is refined, and the length is perfect.
2. The top: I have said it before and I will say it again; a chambray top is a modern day girl’s closet essential. You will wear it more than your favorite LBD, fact. Dress it up or dress it down, in this case it dresses the pants down without looking sloppy because of the structured fit.
3. The bling: Add an oversized statement necklace and some plain gold, pearl, or diamond studs. Optional: gold menswear inspired watch, bangle, cocktail ring.
4. Shoes: It’s casual Friday-- go for flats! Try the trendy pointy toe flats if you've got them. Though pumps will look great too, particularly if you’re skipping out to happy hour or after work dinner with some girlfriends. 

What are your biggest shopping or outfit-making struggles? Leave a comment below or ask me on Facebook, I’d love to address them!

I am constantly thinking of ways I can work my favorite trends into outfits that will be stylish at work while maintaining a certain level of sophistication, polish, and appropriateness at the same time.

Accessories are a fun and easy way to work trends into an office-appropriate outfit and they pack a lot of style punch. One accessory trend that I am loving, and I believe is here to stay, is the structured bag. Every professional or aspiring-professional girl needs to add a structured bag to her must-have and must-find list immediately, like yesterday. Keep size in mind and know that for the working girl, there will need to be plenty of room for a laptop, portfolio, planner, and any daily essentials. 

this bag, is everything.

Winged Tote via Nordstrom's Topshop: $90

Structured bags feature architectural straight lines and sharper corners. Their stiffer structure allows the bag to hold its shape, which looks more polished and professional than a slouchy version. A solid neutral color such as black, tan, or brown is ideal for the workplace and will complement a wide range of outfits. Keep the detailing such as metal hardware or chains to a minimum, but don't be afraid to sport a little silver or gold. 

Do you have a structured bag for the work place? Leave a comment below and follow me on Twitter (@PoodleShoeGirl) for more trend updates!

I won't say there was no way anyone could see this coming. Introduce spring 2010's romper trend that's still going strong to spring 2011's chambray fad that's still going strong, and what are we left with? Denim overalls. If you're a believer that everything that goes out of style will someday be back in-- you're in luck with this one, it's time to dig up those overalls you've been saving from the 90's (remember when I said the 90's are back?)! But if you're like me there's no way you will fit into your trusty overalls from 3rd grade; don't worry, you can get in on the trend too.

Left: Topshop via Nordstrom, $76. Right: Levi's via Urban Outfitters, $78

Five reasons you just might warm up to the trend:

1. They're comfortable.
2. Big pockets.
3. Like a dress, you can get away with very little effort towards the rest of your outfit.
4. Not form-fitting. Could they be the new Thanksgiving pants?
5. They remind us of simpler times.

At $76 and $78, both versions of the denim overalls are fairly affordable and perfect for casual summer weekends by the water. Style them with a solid t-shirt, fedora, and sandals for a no-fuss outfit or pair them with a more ornate button-down, bold lip color, and flats, heels, or booties for a more city-chic take on the trend.

What do you think of this season's overall trend-- will you try it? Leave a comment below and be sure to follow me on Twitter  (@PoodleShoeGirl) for more information on what's trending and where to get it at the Burlington Mall. 

Last week I went to the Burlington Mall to check out an event that Topshop in Nordstrom was having. Topshop is a great place to go to for trying on the latest trends or even to just be inspired by what’s trending.

Things I learned at the Topshop event:

• Crop tops are still very in. They look great with maxi skirts, high waisted shorts or pants, and statement pants.

• Funky sneakers are trending. I liked this pair with leopard print details—definitely a statement making pair. Wear them with skinny jeans and a loose t-shirt or flowy top for a night out on the town.

• The Topshop at the Burlington Mall is the only Topshop in a Nordstrom department store. So if you have yet to check it out, be sure to do so immediately
• Topshop is a great go-to spot for trendy items with integrity. I found that the quality of the pieces are great for their price points.
• And the sales associates are very happy and willing to help find styles that work well for you. I worked with Trisha who was happy to show me around and point out pieces are particularly popular like the outfit pictured below. 

• And remember when I talked about farmer chic overalls being a trend for spring 2013? Topshop had an array of overalls, including ones with a twist like these pictured below that are a cross between a romper, overalls, and a dress. 

Have you been to the Topshop in Nordstrom at the Burlington Mall? Leave a comment below and be sure to like my page on Facebook!

A friend recently asked me if the leather sleeves trend is still in style. My instinct was "yes" but to reassure myself I turned to the street style of spring 2013's fashion week. What I discovered came as no surprise to me, leather sleeves are in fact still very popular and stylish. This trend is often referred to as "mixed media" as well because of the combination of different materials, fabrics, and textures.

• My favorite adaptation of this trend also happens to be a permanent fixture on my ever growing "wish list":

The Burberry Leather Sleeve Trench Coat, $1,795

I'm still coping with the fact that I just might never actually own one of these... but we can wish!

• A more affordable take on the trend is a surplus jacket with leather sleeves from Urban Outfitters:

Ecote via Urban Outfitters, $90

• A casual more every day wear option is a t-shirt with leather sleeves. Pair with dark skinny jeans, pumps, an oversized necklace, messy top knot, and a bold lip for the perfect going out look:

Forever 21, $13.80

• Of course I had to include a blazer in the mix of leather sleeved goodies, I like this one:

Rag & Bone via Nordstrom, $695

Whether faux leather or real leather, this "mixed media" leather sleeve trend is as stylish and on trend as ever and it's a surefire way to give any outfit an edgier look. 

Would you wear the leather sleeve trend? Leave a comment below and be sure to follow me on twitter (@PoodleShoeGirl) to keep up with the latest trends and where to find them at the Burlington Mall. 

At the risk of sounding like a nag, I'll keep this short and sweet: Everyone, ladies and gents alike, needs to have a Tide To Go instant stain remover stick handy at all times. I swear by it. Nothing can put a damper on your day like having to walk around with a fresh new stain on your clothes especially if it's on your favorite piece of clothing, or something brand spanking new! Spills look sloppy and by association, you will look sloppy too. Be sure you're one step ahead with the Tide To Go stick. 

Tide To Go via CVS: $3.49

I will admit that I might not have one on my person at all times (although I should), but I do make it a point to stock up and strategically store them in places that might prove useful. 

Places you might consider keeping one of these life savers:

1. In the car glove compartment (comes in handy particularly for coffee drinkers)
2. Your work desk pencil holder
3. Your home desk
4. Various purses or handbags that you carry often (or your make-up pouch that goes with you everywhere)
5. The kitchen
6. Keep one in your travel suitcase
7. Your kids' backpack

You get the idea.

Storing a Tide To Go stick in my desk at work and in my car has proven to be useful on more occasions than I care to share, including just last week when I accidentally put my elbow in soy sauce.  Of course there are similar products to the Tide To Go stick, but I have used this one; I know that it works well and I am happy to recommend it.  Regardless of brand, be sure you have something!

Not an oxymoron. I am actually talking about sneaker sandals. Trending. This Spring 2013. This is definitely a trend I think is best left up to the edgier and trendier crowd and worn only in more casual situations. Sneaker sandals pack a whole lot of personality into one trend and make a statement. 

Similar to many things currently on trend right now, I can't help but think the sneaker sandal trend can be traced back to the 90's having a moment right now. Sneaker sandals do combine chunky platform soles, strappy straps, and the high top sneaker look-- all of which were very prominent in fashion from the 90s...

Jeffrey Campbell via Urban Outfitters $110

Vagabond via Urban Outfitters $100

Ash Eloise via Urban Outfitters $175

How to wear the sneaker sandal trend:

• Try pairing them with jean cut off shorts, a plain t-shirt, and a cross-body bag with frindge on it.
• As an unexpected element with a flowy crepe maxi dress.
• With dark skinny jeans and a sailor striped top.
• With leather pants for an edgy nighttime look.
• With worn-in boyfriend jeans paired with a chambray top.

When to wear the trend: 

• A night of dancing with the girls.
• To a concert at the House of Blues in Boston.
• A casual weekend outing.
• A day of shopping at the Burlington Mall.

What do you think of the sneaker sandal trend? Is it wearable, or too out there for you? Leave a comment or let me know on Facebook!