GIVEAWAY: $30 Vivilli.com voucher

 I started my week with a fun new blazer from the generous people over at Vivilli.com. I always need more texture and pattern in my wardrobe, so when they offered me this tropical print blazer I snapped it up! It will add character to any Fall outfit.

Floral blazer c/o Vivilli.com - Forever21 blouse - thrifted skirt - Forever21 belt - H&M pouch

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Now it's time for the giveaway details!

What? Another giveaway? Yep, that's right! This time around, the amazing people over at Vivilli.com sponsoring! One lucky reader will win $30 worth of Vivilli goods. The best part is the winner gets to choose! If you need some ideas, I've found a few wonderful pieces that are around $30 or less!

 Heart-print blouse $31

Princess Bust Skirt in black $30

Gold Plate Bracelet $9.99

Here's how to enter:

1. Like VivilliFashion and Fleur d'Elise on Facebook (required)

2. Follow VivilliFashion on Twitter (required)

3. Tweet a message about the giveaway and leave your Twitter handle in a comment below

Message example: @VivilliFashion giveaway is awesome, u should check it out www.fleur-d-elise.net

The more steps you complete the more chances you have to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Look of the Day: Cheetah+Neutrals

Not much to say today, mainly because I'm not supposed to be typing. I've developed yet another overuse injury. This time, it's in both of my wrists and thumbs. Must rest! For that reason, I will be skipping the links to blazers, trousers, etc. that are similar to the pieces I'm wearing. If you need help finding something, just let me know!

xoxo, Catie

Don't forget to enter my latest giveaway!! 

You have a chance to win one of two notebook sets, perfect for blog brainstorming!

H&M Blazer - Vintage fur stole - thrifted oxford shirt - thrifted leather belt - Forever21 trousers - H&M clutch - MIA Limited Edition Audrey Flats

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Look of the Day: Pants Season

The weather has cooled down a bit, so it’s time to break out the crazy pants. I always seem to wear them around this time of year. I think it’s probably because in the Spring I’m sick of pants and excited about wearing skirts and shorts. Now, the tables have turned, and it’s pants I’m excited about!

What are you excited to wear this Fall?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway! It ends in 4 days!

CLICK HERE!

H&M Coat - Vintage striped shirt - Diesel denim vest - Vintage abstract print jumpsuit (similar & cuter) - Forever21 sunglasses - Vintage leather satchel (similar)

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And now for my poor, neglected feature, Friday Fashion Facts!

Friday Fashion Facts:

As of 2011, American Vogue had a readership of 1,248,121. That's about half of Glamour's readership!

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Summer-to-Fall: 1 Maxi 2 Ways

I'm divided right now. 

Do I let go of summer and embrace Fall in all it's layered glory, or do I soak up the last of these sunny days? Living in Seattle, it seems silly and wasteful to start donning caps or scarves when it's still in the 70s. No need to rush into that 9 months of clouds we have ahead of us!

Nevertheless, I'm still excited for Fall. I've been finding some amazing sweaters and scarves at garage sales, and I'm kind of excited to wear them. Especially the J.Crew cashmere turtleneck I got for $17 (that's like 92% off the original price)! This mix of guilt and excitement has inspired me to try my hand at transitioning Summer pieces for Fall. It's a good way to get more use out of seasonal items. For instance, this yellow chevron maxi dress from Gap. I found it on clearance for $17 (sorry the dress at the link I posted below isn't as cheap!) and was worried it wouldn't carry over into the next season, but I've found ways to make it work.

1. Casual/Work

 I always want to wear loads of black and grey in the Fall and Winter, but by the time January rolls around I've got fashion-induced depression. I've made it a goal this year to make color a part of my wardrobe year-round. It can seem tricky, but remember that most "Fall" colors are neutrals and go quite well with brights.

 A cropped sweater keeps the skirt looking long and lean. For extra warmth, layer maxi dresses and maxi skirts over leggings. No one will even know you're wearing them!

2. Fancy/Event

 Try some lush layers and textures to add some drama, as well as warmth, to any outfit. Here I'm wearing vintage fur and an oversized cardigan that my husband hates, haha. It's so thick, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to wear it as a coat this winter.

 A great thing about maxi length dresses & skirts is that you don't need to wear heels. That means, whether you're walking around at Fashion's Night Out or dancing the night away, you'll be comfortable.

 Again, neutral colors keeps this texture-loaded look from getting too wild.

 Don't forget to add a bit more glam with some jewelry. Don't overload, though. Do earrings or bracelets, but not both.

GAP chevron maxi dress - H&M blazer - Vintage sweater - Handemade circle scarf - Vintage leather satchel (similar) - Madewell Meshbound Earrings - Thrifted cat eye sunglasses - Thrifted wool cardigan (similar) - Gap clutch - Chloe flats - Vans Classics

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Madewell Style Sessions

As many of you may have heard, last night, I had the privledge of co-hosting a styling event with Madewell and Fabsugar. I got to spend the night with lots of stylish young ladies and the awesome staff at the University Village Madewell store (who are all stylish young ladies, as well!). Here are some photos and highlights from the night.

New for Fall: Skinny Skinny Ankle Cords and Skinny Skinny Ankle Jeans

I wore the red Sheer Shapes Tee with a beige tulle skirt from Forever21. You'll have to just take my word, as I have no pictures and managed to destroy the skirt when I got home (zipper sewed to tulle is quite possibly the worst idea ever). At least I didn't wreck the shirt. I love it and am excited to add more red to my wardrobe.

On my wishlist!

This is Caitlin, the marketing specialist for Madewell at U Village. She is lovely and so easy to get a long with. I really enjoyed working with her.

Esther: pattern mixing specialist and Madewell employee

Leather bracelets

We had a live DJ!  (name coming soon, sorz)

I want ALL the Sidewalk Skimmer Flats!

Featherfan necklaces

Artdot shorts and cute boots

My friend Tara stopped by to check out the sale racks and the Highriser jeans (my fave)

my picks from Madewell by fleur-d-elise featuring a long pencil skirt
This is my Madewell wishlist. If I were slightly less poor, I would own it all right now! Instead, I'm probably gonna go back next week and buy the Screencard shades, at least. Not shown: The Artdot Blazer, which is beyond adorable and fits perfectly!

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Look of the Day: Cats & Dogs

 Finally jumping on the peplum bandwagon. It's not that I hated the trend, it's just that I hadn't found the right one yet. This spotted one from H&M is The One. It fits like a glove and cost $16! What more could you want?

And how about this amazing Coach portfolio?? I found it at Crossroads Trading Company in the U District. Technically, I didn't pay a cent for it! I just used my store trade-in credit and half-heartedly planned on giving it to my husband, but I love it too much. Now it's just a point of contention between us, haha

Thrifted GAP denim jacket (similar) - H&M Peplum top (similar) - Forever21 skirt (similar) - Thrifted cat-eye sunglasses - Classic Coach leather portfolio - Cooperative wedges - Forever21 bracelets - Vintage cocktail ring (similar)

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Fall 2012 Color Trends

I hate to say this, but Fall is just around the corner. I'm trying to get myself excited about it, so I've been looking into trends and checking out F/W 2012 lookbooks. I always use color as my starting point, so it goes without saying that I've been referring to Pantone's Fashion Color Report a lot.

I needed a place to collect my "thoughts", so I started a collection on SocialBliss. Here are a few of my favorites:

"French Roast" Pantone 19-1012: Polka Dot pants from J.Crew

Honey Gold and Ultramarine Green at Kate Spade

"Olympian Blue" Pantone 19-4056: Viv Patent Flats from J.Crew

Rose Smoke" Pantone 14-1506: Chloe F/W 2012

"Tangerine Tango" Pantone 17-1463: As seen at VersaceF/W 2012

Note: Tangerine Tango is Pantone's Color of the Year!

Update: Cee brought up a good point in a comment on this post: Are these really Fall colors? They seem too bright. Well, my argument is that, yes, I think these work for Fall. Maybe not all together, and maybe you won't really feel like wearing them till later, but when you get sick of black and brown, these colors will be a nice pick-me-up for your wardrobe. Still having trouble imagining how to wear them? Think mod-meets-cocktail-party, like at Kate Spade in the F/W 2012 collection. 

Personally, I don't like how the colors look all grouped together, and I'm not a huge fan of Pink Flambe or Rhapsody (the pink and purple circles), but I know, once I've had my fill of navy and burgundy, a shift dress in Tangerine Tango will be just the thing! 

For more Fall Color Trend reading:

Color Trends: Fall/Winter 2012

You're Invited!

I'm beyond excited to announce that I am partnering with Madewell and FabSugar for a fun-filled styling event! The Style Sessions are happening all over the country (check the schedule here), and I am the Guest/Blogger of Honor at the Style Session taking place at University Village in Seattle.

Please come!

I'll be there from 6pm to 9pm

For more info and to RSVP, please visit the Madewell Facebook page. Hope to see you there!

Fall Favorites: 4 Different Looks

Right around this time of year, inexplicably and without fail, I start getting excited about dressing for Fall. Maybe it's that I'm tired of the heat (if you can call it that in Seattle) or maybe I'm just tired of sandals and shorts. Whatever the case may be, my mind starts wandering and I soon have my Autumn wish list. This year, my main focus is shoes! Now that my feet are starting to feel better, and with fancy new custom orthotics in hand (er, shoe) I have more options! At the moment, my favorite place to drool over shoes is on ASOS. They have a great collection of super stylish, super affordable women's shoes!

For Work

It's off to work oui go! by fleur-d-elise featuring a pencil skirt

First and foremost: I want more classic flats! I like these ones because they add a bit of texture, but will still go with a lot. I don't really need another vintage Coach, or more stripes, but I am in desperate need of a cocoon coat! It's been on my list for years!

Weekend Getaway

weekend wear by fleur-d-elise featuring a double breasted trench coat

I can't begin to tell you how badly I want a pair of Chelsea boots. ASOS has several different versions, all pretty well priced, considering they're made of leather. Here, I've paired them with a look I would wear on a weekend get away. Most people take their vacation in the summer, but our's is always in the Fall, on account of my husband's busy summer work schedule.

Blogging Event

blogger event by fleur-d-elise featuring wedge shoes

I always save my crazy pants and loud patterns for blogger meet-ups and girl's nights out. My husband doesn't "get it", but I know the ladies will :) These t-strap wedges are so fun and totally different from all the other shoes in my wardrobe.

Night Out

hot date by fleur-d-elise featuring an envelope clutch

On date nights, I wear outfits my husband understands: shorter skirts, balanced with more coverage on top, in this case, a great motorcycle jacket from H&M. The leopard print pointed court shoes add another touch of "ooh la la," but the lighter shade of lipstick will keep the look from going too red-light district.

Wrapped in Merino

It's time for another fun campaign from the Woolmark Company. I'm honored to have been asked to be a part of it and it excited to share it with you! Click here to watch the promo video. You might see a familiar face ;)

 For this campaign, their goal is to wrap the entire World in a scarf! Visit the Wrapped in Merino website to wrap yourself in a scarf, and you will have a chance to win a Merino prize pack as well as a Net-a-Porter voucher!

If you live in the northern hemisphere, it might seem a little silly to be wrapping everyone in a scarf right now, but Woolmark is from Australia, and if you paid attention in school, you'll remember that their seasons are opposite ours. It's pretty chilly down there right now! One thing they didn't teach us in school, though, is that wool is great for all seasons! It's just as good at moisture-wicking as any of those fancy yoga pants, which makes it great for activewear. On top of that, wool is anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial, which means it stays fresh much longer than most other fabrics. To learn more, visit the Woolmark website, which has a special section on the many features and uses of wool.