December 8, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Office Party


The challenge: style this Limited sequin tee for an office party. It comes in six colors; I was given black and asked to create an office party look for Limited's Facebook page. I wanted to cover up my arms, and I didn't want a jacket or a cardigan to hide the sequins. A thin, almost-sheer blouse worn underneath was my solution, and the colorblocking details on the sleeves and cap-toe pumps give it a "tuxedo" vibe. Add one sparkly pencil skirt that's long enough for the office, and you are ready to celebrate with your co-workers in style! How would you wear this sequin tee? Which skirt below is your favorite?

Sequin shirt: c/o Limited, $47
Collared shirt: TJ Maxx, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: New York & Company, $25
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30 
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry, $99 (25% off with code Party25)
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79


Nasty Gal / Lands End / LOFT / Arden B
Karen Kane / Bebe / ModCloth / Limited

60 comments:

  1. What a pretty outfit for a holiday office party! Love your blog!! I like all of the skirts in the second row, they are all really pretty. I think I would have worn my leather pencil skirt with the sequin tee and my black pumps. You look fabulous !!!
    -Rebecca

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  2. Cute! I wouldn't have thought to wear the sequined top with a sequined skirt, but adding sleeves to it balances the whole look out! Love it!

    Lynette @ lynette marie

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  3. Great look! I love holiday outfits that can go from dinner events to cocktail parties. Home run!

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  4. I love sequins & feel like this top with the skirt is sequin overload. I do love that you paired the sequin top with the sheer blouse, but I would've forgone the gold sequin bottom & stuck with a black pencil skirt. For an office party, my favorite skirt is the black on from the Limited. The length is appropriate & so is the color. If I were going out, I'd opt for a dress. I have two sequins skirts (black one & gold one)that still have the tags on them- not sure how to wear them!

    xo,
    Tiffany
    http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com

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  5. i am stuck between the lands end and mod cloth skirt. Dont you think that these sequined skirts are starting to become a closet staple? And I have no clue how I would style that blouse #stuck

    xo Casy
    http://theworkette.blogspot.com/

    PS I just did a post on simple office party stylings and reasons people should attend them :) 

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  6. I really like how you styled it! The shoes go perfectly with the top and skirt! The Lands End skirt is so fun!

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  7. I'm digging the shoes!  I think the shoes tie it all together. 

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  8. Doesn't work... Looks weird and too much sequence!

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  9. Casy, I have had this skirt for 2 years I believe? It goes with more than you would think - I've worn it with a camel camp shirt and military belt, and a chambray shirt would also work casually. You could also do tights and booties. Love 'em.

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  10. Tiffany, in person the skirt and shirt together look like a sequin dress! :-) And the back of the shirt is cotton, not sequins, which I think helps tone it down a lot.

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  11. honestly, I don't like the sequin/sequin combo, especially the two different colors. I maybe would have paired the top with a pho leather skirt or something.. I'm not sure, i'm terrible with styling, but I don't like what you did above.. love your shoes tho! 

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  12. i'm loving the bebe midi skirt! esp with that comfy waistband!
    super cute...

    xo - heather
    www.ThisLifeIsYours.com

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  13. I really like the golden skirt! Such a great piece, it will brighten up every outfit)

    http://tri-skelos.blogspot.com/

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  14. Normally I love your outfits, but not loving this one.  The double sequins looks like a costume! Sorry :(

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  15. I've seen (and liked) the sequin-on-sequin look before, but wow . . . . . that is just not working.  Plus, layering the 2 tops like that makes it look like you're wearing a varsity jacket or something.  Two words for this outfit -- trend salad.

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  16. “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” - Einstein

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  17. I think it could have been a great outfit if one of the sequin pieces was replaced by something else.  I think it was sequin overload, mostly because of the different colors. But I def get what you were trying to do, and your shoes are amazing!

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  18. J - You've had some kind of negative comments on this outfit and everyone is entitled to their opinion obviously, but I just really want to tell you this.

    One reason I love your blog so much is because you do things that I would NEVER think of. I have never seen sequin on sequin and I have never seen a lot of the color combinations you do. For example - I used to pair a bold color with a neutral, always, but now I will pair two bold colors. You inspire me to make brand new outfits out of clothes that I already have. Now I have the idea that YES, I can and I will try out my sequin top with my sequin skirt - something I never would've thought of on my own. You inspire me with your fashion. Whether some think it is right or wrong, it is your most daring outfits that get my creative juices flowing!

    Thanks for being such an inspiration for us not so fashionable women out there. Love you for it.

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  19. Thanks so much for your feedback Katie! You are sweet. People not liking my outfits doesn't bother me one bit. :-) Expecting me to have a perfect "10" everyday does though. We all look at fashion differently which is something to be celebrated in my book not something disappointing, and one of my biggest goals with this website is to NOT be perfect. We see enough of that in fashion media already! ;-)

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  20. I would love if you did another post with the sequin skirt! I also have one in my closet that I haven't worn since I bought it in 2010... Thanks! Love your blog!

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  21. Not my favorite but you still rock it!

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  22. You sell yourself short, J! You run a style blog, you get paid to do fashion consulting and wardrobe styling, you have a fashion tv show... How does your "hopelessly unstylish" perspective qualify you to do those things? I get that we can't please all the people all the time but are you saying THIS look is a personal fashion fail? If so, why allow The Limited to use it for advertising? If you don't think this is a fashion fail then defend it as such! Stand behind your sartorial choices or stop selling yourself as a style authority. I'm getting mixed signals.

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  23. Oh I love that skirt from Lands End???  Lands End?  I had to say that twice....  

    XO Lulu
    www.simplylulustyle.com

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  24. I think Limited wanted to see this top from the perspective of a "regular" person! :-) It's a funny pedestal we often but bloggers on - just because someone has a large audience doesn't make them an expert, a Stylist, or a model. I don't consider myself any of those. I'm a journalist and a girl from a small town who likes clothes and like helping women get dressed and feeling fab. I'm honored when someone likes my style! But that's not why I blog. Hope that makes sense. :-)

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  25. I think what many are saying is that a "regular" person would have paired this top with a not-sequin skirt and a cute blazer. While I applaud you for taking a risk and doing something many of us wouldn't try, it doesn't work for the "regular" person going to a work holiday party where our co-workers and bosses will see our outfit.  

    I understand what you are saying about you being you, but 2 out of the 5 'hire me" categories are styling categories, therefore making you a stylist. If companies offer you clothes and ask you to style them for certain occasions, that's being a stylist. Do you know what I mean?

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  26. Fair answer as to why The Limited used this image, thanks for that. Still a bit confused as to why you charge for one-on-one style consultations and for style seminars (from your "hire me" section:"My 30 to 45-minute seminar is ... part educational how-to with tons of tips on shopping and styling") if you don't consider yourself an "expert" or "stylist." You say you blog to help women learn to shop smart and learn to feel fabulous through fashion but your running narrative of "just a small town girl who likes clothes" undermines your brand, I think. Why would someone who describes herself in that way feel qualified to have a makeover show? Can you see the contradiction there?

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  27. I love the look of sequin skirts for holiday parties but they make my butt look WAY too big and sparkly haha :)









    Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com 
    ENTER MY GIVEAWAY WORTH $500!!!

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  28. I live the top, but I'd pair it with a more matte bottom, like my JBrand rust-colored velvet wide leg pants or a pencil skirt (not more sequins), due to the more conservative nature and maleness of my workplace. But I could see yours at a really artsy work party.

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  29. Hi J, 

    I have never commented on your blog until I saw this outfit as I think it was truly inspiring and it got my fashion juices flowing bc I do really enjoy colorblocking, gold as highlight color, and layering a sheer blouse under a 'shell' or tee. I live in NYC, which does tend to take its dressing and sequins to a more glam level and I think this look totally works (although in my personal life, I would have gone for a gold/metallic skirt thats not sequin). Then I read all the other comments and was equally surprised at some of the opinions voiced as well as your responses. I do not mean to give unsolicited advice as I dont actually know you, but it seemed that in your responses you were trying to neutralize negative feedback and make yourself more relatable. But J, never sell yourself short. You are trying to make a statement / possibly living off your fashion sense. It takes hard work, late nights, lots of closet editing, and opening yourself up to a wide internet forum. You try to always put out positive energy, but part of that positivity is also sometimes defending yourself, and defending a choice DOES NOT mean the same thing as being defensive. I hope that makes sense. You make fashion fails, we all make more of them, that is why your blog draws the audience because we relate. You are not by any means hopelessly unstylish, and you should not try to bill yourself as such to justify what others judge as an outfit that doesnt work for them or to be more relatable. 

    Happy holiday, 
    Kat

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  30. This sequin tee is so versatile and I would totally wear it with a blazer this time of year.  I also like the look of a sequin tank over a collared blouse.  Of the skirts you showcase, I love the ModCloth skirt the best.  I love how it has longer hemline to it.  I could see myself wearing it with a simple black turtleneck, opaque black tight, patent black heels and a burgundy clutch and lip for added dimension.

    coverupchic.blogspot.ca

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  31.  I'm also confused. Why would someone pay you to style them if you are "hopelessly unstylish" ?  I would like to make a suggestion that instead of falling back on that default when you are criticized, you just explain that as a stylist, you try to take chances in fashion, and sometimes those don't work out. Or.. simply to each his own. You are ruining your brand by telling people you are not a stylist!
    I hope this isn't taken as unfriendly. I love your blog and read it every day, but it bothers me when you send mixed signals to readers.

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  32. Well, this one isn't my favorite, just because personally it's too much sequins for me. I'd probably wear a colored pant/skirt. However, I LOVE the idea of layering under the sequins. Since I live in the north I'm CONSTANTLY struggling on how to wear some trends without always covering them up with a blazer or cardigan.  When I first saw this i didn't even realize it was two shirts until I read on further! This gets my mind spinning! Thanks!!

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  33. I don't have to go to an office party, but I do think that sequins and glitter are great for the holidays! I would wear this just for a family and friends neighborhood party as well.

    http://emmastyleguide.blogspot.com

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  34. Seriously Hater, get a life.  J does a great job. 

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  35. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Does it matter what you choose to call yourself? Idon't think so. Your work speaks for itself, and it is beautiful.

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  36. When I first looked at your outfit, I also thought you were wearing a colorblocked sequin DRESS, too, because the juncture where both the skirt and shirt meet............ is so *smooth and unruffled*!!   

    I consulted my - (non-fashion expert, haha!!) - husband about your outfit, telling him how some Commenters would//some wouldn't have worn a sequin skirt with a sequin tee, (i.e., personal preference is just eternally-*huge* in fashion!!);  then my husband looked at your outfit on my computer screen and said............ "I think she looks  s.p.e.c.t.a.c.u.l.a.r.!!"    To be honest, I was expecting maybe something like, "I think she looks nice!!";  or "I think she looks great!!";  but, "I think she looks  s.p.e.c.t.a.c.u.l.a.r."??!!    (Haha!!    I MYSELF think you look just *spectacular*, too, J.!!)

    I like the "tuxedo" vibe from the colorblocking details on your SLEEVES and cap-toe PUMPS!!    The contrasting black collar trim on your shirt would, I think, look more "tuxedo -ish" if it could be a little bit more symmetrical "peeking-up-through," (although that neckline "lopsidedness" is probably simply from your hurrying to get in front of your  t.i.m.e.d.  tripod camera!!)   

    On the other hand, I almost think having your neckline area ALL black............ might better-maintain The Sleek Quality of (the rest of) your *sparkly* outfit!!    I wonder how firmly coiling a plain BLACK necklace............ (e.g., like Stella and Dot's "La Coco Jet Faceted Necklace--Black," approximately 60" in length)............ 3-4 times right underneath your black collar, COVERING UP your shirt's white silk material----(i.e., all around your neck, particularly in the front there)----would work??    A small BLACK silk chiffon neck scarf----(i.e., to cover up the white silk material at your neckline)----could also work;  but a "jewelry fix" might feel-and-be more *stable*, you know!!    Your outfit here is "New York STYLE," J. ............ and will probably be Inspiration for............ Holiday Dressing FOR many, *many* of your readers!!

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  37. I am a dedicated follower of your blog and even have a whole album of outfits that I love and turn to whenever I need some inspiration. However, I've actually never commented or read comments on your page before. But I thought that this is an uncommon pairing so there would definitely be some mixed reviews. 
    I think it looks great on you, but i dont know if I could personally pull it off. I would likely go with something a little more safe. I love the idea of sequence for the holidays, it just seems right. 
    Anyways, I just wanted to say that even though I do not personally plan on recreating this look, I did want to take the time to say that I think that you do a great job of mixing it up. Its easy to wear the same kind of thing on a day to day basis, but somehow you manage to find a way to gravitate away from this habit. So, moral of my story: Keep on doin' what you're doin, because the majority of us think its great. It is hard not to let those with negative things to say get to you, but you can't please everyone! Besides, as long as you think you look good then who cares about the rest of em. :)

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  38. I have read your blog for about a yr and have learned a lot about fashion and color. I am not a young woman - in fact I am over 50. I wish that back in the 80's ( when I was in my 20's)  this kind information had been available to help with developing one's style. All  that was available was fashion magazines,  what you saw in stores and tv - no wonder I  always saw myself coming and going - everyone looked like they were in unifrom. Your blog and some of my other daily reads offer alternatives and choices - thanks for your individually and creativity - you have a gift and you share it with many - keep up the good work. Happy Hoildays - "you look marvelous" ( think Billy Crystal and SNL - the over 50 crew will get it)

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  39. I love this so much! Thank you for the feedback and for saying hello! Happy Holidays! :-)

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  40. Beth, as a first time commenter and reader I just wanted to say thanks for saying hello! I really appreciate your kind words! 

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  41. Kat, thank you so much for taking the time to share this feedback!! I really appreciate it! Some great nuggets of advice in here. I have tried to market myself as the "Rachael Ray of fashion." I don't think Rachael Ray is a top chef, and I don't think she has ever tried to sell herself as one, which is why I like her and relate to her. My style is not at all on par with top stylists, and that's not what my goal is, either. It's definitely frustrating when people have top chef standards for my work though. All we ever see is super-high end fashion journalism though so people aren't used to seeing anything else.  I totally understand what you are saying though and will consider this going forward! Thanks again.

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  42. I felt totally normal in this outfit in person and think it definitely works in real life! At an office party for a creative industry in cold weather, and especially for someone 50+ (although I would wear it too). 

    I went and read my Hire Me again - which 2 categories seem like "stylist" opportunities? (sounds like I might need to edi!)  I guess what I'm saying is that I will never feel comfortable using that word for myself ("stylist") because it traditionally means something else - runway shows, celebrities, none of which I'm comfortable with or have any aspirations to do. Maybe "everyday stylist" or another term that indicates I specialize in real women on tiny budgets, but definitely not a stylist in the traditional sense.

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  43. Hi J--
    I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your blog and all that it represents. As a graduate student with an enormous love for fashion but an unfortunately tight budget I appreciate this website more than you could know! I love coming to the site day after day and finding new ways to shake up my outfits. While I may not love every outfit you post (pretty rare!) it is almost guaranteed that I will take away some inspiration for my own closet. So thanks for being the "Rachael Ray of fashion" and I can't wait to see where the future take you!

    Carissa

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  44. You inspired me with the sequins!!!!! I wanted something with sparkles that I could incorporate into my every day wardrobe (I'm a teacher!) and I found it..,Sparkle denim pencil skirt from Lane Bryant.  It sells for $49.95  (I would have paid it!) but it was on sale for $44.99 but that's not it.  They had a sale for 40% off + another 20% off yesterday for their daily  Christmas Special.  I scored it for $21.60 and can not wait to get it so I can wear it!  Thank you so much!   I'm excited!

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  45. Thanks for this feedback Melissa! I think maybe we are just defining the word "stylist" differently. To borrow a term from the food industry, I equate the word stylist with top chef. But  I am definitely not a top chef/stylist. I call myself the "Rachael Ray of fashion," because I don't think Rachael Ray is a top chef, and I don't think she has ever tried to sell herself as one, and I'm the same. My style is not at all on par with top stylists, and being a stylist is not my goal, either. My goal is just to be an everyday girl who shares everyday fashion, much like Rachael Ray helps with food. 
    Also, I'm not sure where the impression comes from that people pay me to style them and that is my job? The "Hire Me" section? I make a full time living as a journalist, and that section is just for special projects. The shopping trips were mostly for research and use on my makeover show - a form of video journalism.

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  46. Thanks for this Stephanie! I'm happy to clarify. I make a full time living as a journalist. My makeover show is a form of video journalism. It's not about styling outfits, it's about coming up with a show concept, writing a script, and producing the episodes. The outfits are maybe 5% of the whole process. When I shop with a person, I like to "teach them to fish" so ideally they are coming up with the outfits, or at the very least we are collaborating together. I don't feel comfortable just styling outfits for them and putting them in my own ideas - I'm not qualified to do that, and I also want them to find what works for THEM, and what they enjoy wearing.

    My style seminars are based on my background and skills as a public speaker, and are instructional in nature. They are not concerned with how to style outfits, but instead give tips for shopping, saving money and feeling confident with your personal style, categories I feel very qualified in. 

    I think the amazing thing about blogging and even reality TV to some extent is that "just a small town girl" HAS become qualified to be journalists with large platforms, have their own TV shows, etc. Communication has become more democratic, and people appreciate hearing fashion from the perspective from someone in the 'burbs as opposed to fashion editors who live in NYC, which used to be our only source. I think it's refreshing to learn cooking skills from someone like Rachael Ray who seems like a regular Joe, than a top chef who is beyond my realm of understanding. That's my goal with fashion. It's often confusing because we don't have anyone doing that yet.

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  47. Love that feeling when you find something you love for a great price! Thanks for sharing Vicky! :-)

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  48. Carissa, you are too kind! Thank you so much for the nice note! Happy Holidays!

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  49.  "and especially for someone 50+"


    What a ridiculous statement.  50+, I know how to dress, and I have NEVER seen a body con sequin shell layered over a conflicting long sleeve schmatta.

     

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  50. LOL. See previous statements: I am NOT a fashion expert. That's my opinion though, and everyone is entitled to one. ;-)

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  51.  Thanks for taking the time to answer. I don't know if you have recently edited it at all, but your Hire Me section seems more appropriate now & I appreciate that.
     I still think its interesting that someone would pay someone "hopelessly unstylish" $100 to talk them through their closet, but other than that, I like that you are selling yourself more as a journalism/PR expert (I come from a similar background myself.)

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  52. I edited the Hire Me section about 2 months ago I believe? And hopelessly unstylish is how I feel about myself - how well I feel I'm able to capture my mood each day in clothes. I'm a perfectionist and will always be an awkward tomboy at heart, so I don't give myself high marks. But if someone else loves my style (I hear this from time to time) then I don't disagree with them because we all view fashion/art differently, and I respect their opinion. I find whenever I post "fails" many people pin them and love them anyway. This makes me incredibly happy that I can pass on a useable idea to someone, and I say more power to 'em! :-)

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  53. I think is a really fun outfit for a work party. I totally want your skirt.
    Method Clothe

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  54. I really like this outfit a lot!! The skirt length is really flattering on you!

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  55.  It clearly does bother you when you jump on the defense after every negative comment on your entire blog

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  56. Love the skirt. I am totally sporting anything and everything sequin this holiday. I love it.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com

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  57. I've never seen so many rude comments on one of your posts before, J! (Maybe I'm not looking hard enough). YIKES! Funny how one sequin outfit can cause so much controversy. Ha! Anyway, stylist or not, I love you, I love your posts - you inspire me to do new things with clothes - things I never would've done on my own. THANK YOU!

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  58. I like the idea of layering a sequined tee over a sheer blouse to make it more appropriate for an office party environment. It still looks festive without showing as much skin.

    As for the bottom half, an alternative for those who aren't comfortable pairing sequins with sequins might be a pair of skinny black pants with those cap-toed pumps, strappy heels or even heeled boots. (Of course a non-embellished pencil skirt would work here, too.)

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