2016 roundup

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With the end of another year upon us and the prospect of starting fresh, I can’t help but look back on highlights of 2016.  Starting Magenta Blazer was definitely my favorite part of the year.  I’ve always put a lot of planning into what I wear, but I didn’t start sharing my outfits and the crazy antics that go into putting them together until this past March.  From the start with my namesake Magenta Blazer to just this past week where I shared four ways to heat up your winter sweater pairings, I hope you’re enjoying this adventure as much as I am.

Reiterating my very first blog post, "I love clothes, shopping and feeling confident in a great outfit. I won't claim I'm a fashionista or a fashion-anything, but I ️love a perfect combination of great pieces and the confidence that results from it." This still holds true today.  It’s amazing how an outfit can really affect your mood. Here’s a look back at some of my favorite outfits from 2016.  

My fiercest outfit:  One of my most favorite trends and pleasant surprises of 2016 was the high-waisted and crop top pairing.  

July 27:  TopShop crop top, Banana Republic leather skirt

July 27:  TopShop crop top, Banana Republic leather skirt

My funnest outfit:  I really embraced the neckerchief trend, inspired by this beautiful Hermes scarf gifted to me by my mother-in-law.   

September 14:  Express camisole, TopShop slacks, Hermes scarf Michael Kors anklestrap pumps

September 14:  Express camisole, TopShop slacks, Hermes scarf Michael Kors anklestrap pumps

 My most confident outfit:  Equal parts comfort and style.  This outfit was a chance pairing and made me incredibly happy.  

December 5:  Papermoon plaid button down, Level 99 joggers, Via Spiga heels

December 5:  Papermoon plaid button down, Level 99 joggers, Via Spiga heels

The outfit that I will wear over and over:  This was one of those moments where all the parts just came together perfectly.  Why mess with perfection?!

July 20:  Express sleeveless trench and camisole, Who What Wear for Target pleated skirt, Splendid sandals

July 20:  Express sleeveless trench and camisole, Who What Wear for Target pleated skirt, Splendid sandals

What I wear when I want to own #casualfriday:  I was incredibly excited for sneakers paired with skirts and dresses to be trendy again.  My feet are also grateful.  

September 16:  Kimchi Blue dress, Express jacket, Adidas Stan Smith sneakers

September 16:  Kimchi Blue dress, Express jacket, Adidas Stan Smith sneakers

My go-to outfit for an important meeting: This blush dress embodies fun and creativity while still saying boss lady.  I had a lot of fun accessorizing it.  

September 28:  TopShop wrap dress, Banana Republic leather necklace, Michael Kors ankle-strap pumps

September 28:  TopShop wrap dress, Banana Republic leather necklace, Michael Kors ankle-strap pumps

One tiny issue with sharing my outfits everyday is the pressure to always wear the freshest trends and have new outfits to show off.  As a result, money spent on clothing has increased.  This came to a head in June when I bought an entire summer wardrobe in one trip to Target.  I’ve gone periods of vowing to not shop, but in 2017 one of my resolutions is to shop smarter.  I need to buy items that make me feel happy and can be paired with several items that are already in my closet.  Rather than buying the cheap item that is super trendy, I’ll go for comfort, happiness and items that I can see myself wearing for more than one season.

Favorite 2016 purchase:  Wilfred vegan leather leggings from Aritizia.  These amazingly versatile leggings symbolize how far I’ve ventured out of my comfort zone and how much I am loving it!  They make me feel fierce and can be dressed up or down.  Expect to see these quite a bit in 2017.  

Smartest 2016 purchase:  When you find jeans that just fit and you love the reflection back in the dressing room mirror, buy them!  These Madewell jeans did not disappoint.  In fact, I’ve started calling them my tall jeans--I’d wear them everyday if I could.

The item I’ve had forever and is still going strong: My Magenta Blazer, of course!  This blazer remains the symbol of adding some sass to an otherwise standard item of clothing.  Whether it be through color or unique pairings, I will continue to stand by the goals this namesake item stood for since the beginning.

The item that will take me through every season:  This gingham print pencil skirt surprised me as an all-season go-to.  The print is classic, yet fun.  The high waist and longer length allow for some great pairings.  This item is so versatile, it works perfectly for the heat of summer, business meetings and also my office holiday party!  There aren’t many items you can say that for.  

More outfits, shopping adventures and Magenta Blazer antics to come.  See you in 2017!

To ensure you don't miss a single outfit, follow @MagentaBlazer on Instagram and like the Magenta Blazer Facebook page.

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