Top: Gibson Ruffled Hankerchief Hem Top // Blazer: Similar, Similar, Similar // Jeans: Old Navy (Similar, Similar) // Shoes: Similar, Similar, Similar, Similar // Necklace: Similar // Clutch: Similar // Sunglasses: Similar, Similar // Watch: Similar, Similar

Hi, Friends!! Happy Sunday!  I had big plans to get this post up by Friday (as you can tell by the title), but clearly, it didn’t happen.  I usually try to take pics for the blog way ahead of time, but that didn’t happen (and often doesn’t. lol). These pics were taken on Thursday by my blogger friend Chigi (that I collaborated with here and here) in front of a fancy apartment complex, The Carter.   We were about to head into a blogger event.   I was so annoyed at myself because I forgot the memory card for my camera, so these pics are cell phone pics.  Can you tell the difference between this and other posts??  Anyway, the event we went to was pretty cool.  We took a tour of The Carter, which was super fancy.  Some of you may have seen my Instastories about it.  The pool looked like some kind of Vegas pool.  They even have a bar in the lobby for residents…how cool is that?  The event was held in the penthouse,  which was amazing.  It was beautifully decorated and had an amazing view of Houston from the balcony.  We enjoyed some fruity margaritas and light bites, while we heard two presentations.  One was from a food and lifestyle blogger about staging a good photo.   That was interesting.   The other was about tequila and was accompanied by a tequila tasting!!!  So needless to say, I was too busy enjoying myself and didn’t make it home till late…hence the lack of post on Friday.  But here I am today!! Better late than never!!

This casual Friday slay look was inspired somewhat last minute.   I’ve been looking for an excuse to wear this top on the blog, so I created an outfit around it. I love this red/orange ruffle top.  If you remember, it was my only purchase from the Mall of America in Minneapolis.  I love the color and the ruffles.  It’s so fun and it comes in some other beautiful colors too!  It was definitely a good buy because it’s very versatile.  It can be worn by itself or with a skirt over it, like here.  Or with a jacket/blazer over it like in this post.  FYI – when wearing the blazer, I tucked in the ruffles on the side so that the shirt wouldn’t be hanging down under the blazer.  Speaking of the blazer, I got this blazer many years ago when I used to work at Express.  That was back when I was in college (which was a LONG time ago)!!  I love it because of the length.  I think it’s a good idea to have a boyfriend length (slightly longer) blazer as part of your wardrobe because they are perfect for longer shirts and certain styles.  I think if you are wearing a slim pant, your blazer should be longer to balance it out.  I paired the top and blazer with my favorite straight leg Old Navy jeans, my favorite yellow block heels, fun jewelry, and this gorgeous clutch my sis-in-law made for me (yes, she made it…awesome, right?)!

Anyway,  I love these pieces paired together.   You can see the difference between the look with the blazer and without.  I think the blazer adds polish to the look, which makes it perfect to wear to work on a Friday (perhaps with a larger bag).  Then after work, take off the blazer for happy hour fun!  I hope you enjoyed this post.  Have a great week, and thanks so much for reading!!

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Photographer: Chigi’s World