Scarf Obi Belt

 Top: Gap Basic V-Neck Tee - S / $3 (similar - this might be it exactly...) (similar - these are so soft!)

Belt: H&M Leaves Scarf (recent) - $10 (20% coupon w/ newsletter signup) (this one's beautiful but pricey) 

 Skirt: Forever 21 Red Skirt (sides slimmed) - XS / (i like this ponte mini) (cute $9 option)

Shoes: Marco Santi Dash Nude Pumps via Sole Society - 5 / $50 (buy - sold out in nude) (love this pair!)

Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy) 

Necklace: The Limited Coral Necklace (w/ coral strands hanging in back)- $9 (love this one!) (statement one - now on sale!)
Bracelet: Forever 21 - $5.80 (love this one from The Limited and on sale too!)

Purse: YesStyle Sarah Quilted Bag - $93 (similar)

Happy Friday!  To get ready for the weekend, I went for a casual t-shirt and skirt look.  To keep it somewhat interesting, I decided to have some fun with the belting.  I found this super cute scarf at H&M when I went in last weekend {same trip where I found my scalloped shorts} and couldn't let it go.  The mix of pinks, burgundys, and olives as well as the scattered leaves print make it the perfect Fall accessory item {not to mention the fact that scarves are one of my favorite ways to jazz up a simple outfit}.

I've seen the Japanese-inspired obi belt in a few lookbooks this Fall, and wanted to try belting this scarf as such {good thing Elaine has a tutorial on this!}.  Although I was a bit wary of wearing something so wide and colorful on my waist, obi belts are actually quite figure flattering!  I think the fact that because the belt loops back on itself and transitions from wide to narrow, it surprisingly enough makes your waist look more narrow than it is.  I have a feeling I'll be sporting the obi belt look much more often.  :)

Have a great weekend! 

P.S. In case you missed it:

• jcpenney Feature + Giveaway - Enter to win a new Call It Spring Leopard Purse!  Tweet everyday to increase your chances of winning (click to tweet)
  

  Enter to win a #giveaway for a fabulous leopard cross-body bag from @kileencheng !   http://t.co/InRKrVrQ

• Closet Shopping Creativity -An "interesting" color combination from old closet pieces.

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Closet-Shopping Creativity

Cardigan: Banana Republic Zipper Trim (old) - XS (great UO option) 

Top: Forever 21 (old, straps hemmed shorter) - S (one w/ shoulder cutouts!) (asymmetrical tunic) 

Belt: borrowed from Express dress - (so tempted to buy this obi belt)

Skirt: Forever 21 strapless dress worn as skirt (old) - XS/ $24.80 (cute bandage skirt)
Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy) 
Shoes: Target Mossimo Pearce Camel Patent Pumps - 6 / $30 (buy)  
Bag: Vieta Lucille Buckle Satchel (c/o TJMaxx) - $30 (very similar Aldo satchel!)  

Sometimes when I shop my closet for new outfits, I come with some unexpected results.  Take my outfit for today, for example.  I never would've thought to pair hot pink with cobalt blue, but I actually think I really like the combination!  Maybe it's because of all the colorblocking and mixing of bright colors that we've been seeing for months now, but this combination of two "clashing" colors doesn't really seem like too much at all.  In fact, I think I could actually even had added a bright sunny yellow top with this outfit and it would've been even more fab.  Now who wants to find me a nice yellow top... ;)

Sans cardigan.  Cause that's the only way to not melt in the afternoon sun.

P.S. In case you missed it:

• jcpenney Feature + Giveaway - Enter to win a new Call It Spring Leopard Purse!  Tweet everyday to increase your chances of winning (click to tweet)
  

  Enter to win a #giveaway for a fabulous leopard cross-body bag from @kileencheng !   http://t.co/InRKrVrQ

• Fur Vest - A lovely white vest, perfect for fall layering!

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jcpenney Feature + Giveaway!

A brand-new jcpenney store is opening up in my neighborhood{official grand opening on Friday, September 30 - map} and I couldn't be more excited.  I was invited to attend a special sneak preview last Friday and I wanted to share a bit of my experience with you guys {as well as have a giveaway for you, of course!}!

Amazing display definitely caught my attention upon entering!

I actually don't remember the last time I stepped foot into a jcpenney store {probably almost 10 years ago).  And if you're like me, you will be amazed at how much jcpenney has changed within that time!  Did you know that jcpenney has over 200 in-house designers with names like Arizona and Worthington as well as incredible exclusive brands with names like Olsenboye and I "Heart" Ronson? My favorites are actually the collaborations with big brands like MNG by Mango, Aldo's Call It Spring, and even Conde Nast's Modern Bride.

jcpenney's collaboration with MNG by Mango is one of my faves!

A Modern Bride collaboration?!  If only I knew when I was getting married!

When I went browsing through the store, I found a number of things that caught my eye that are right on trend for fall fashion.  Here are a few of my recent looks:

Olsenboye fur vest, MNG by Mango Sweater Tank w/ Neck Tie, Call It Spring Leopard Cross-Body

Something really cool that is special to jcpenney are their Style Watch pieces.  Editors from People Magazine actually hand-select these items as things they have determined are the most fashion forward pieces for the latest season.  And, I have to admit, these were definitely the pieces that caught my eye first! Useful tip: If you're shopping online, type in "People StyleWatch" into the Search box and you'll be taken right to these tagged items!

For those of you looking for those colored pants for fall, look no further!

Satisfy your colored denim craving here!

And now, on to the giveaway!  Because I received such positive feedback from my last handbag giveaway, I'm now back with a another handbag giveaway -- enter for your chance to win a SOLD-OUT leopard print cross-body bag from jbpenney's Call It Spring line in collaboration with Aldo!

<a href="http://www.cuteandlittle.com/2011/09/jcpenney-feature-giveaway.html"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6194417078_c01b1d2084_m.jpg" alt="kileen cute and little JCPenney Call It Spring leopard cross-body purse giveaway" ></a>

I'm trying out a different giveaway entry form.  Hopefully this Rafflecopter thing makes things easier...  :) 

Disclosure: I was given a gift card to use at jcpenney and bought this purse to share as a giveaway for my readers!

P.S. In case you were looking for an outfit post:

• Fur Vest - Get a better picture of the fur vest I'm styling in the picture above!

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Fur Vest

Vest: Olsenboye Faux Fur Vest (c/o JCPenney) - S / $30 (buy - $10 off $50 coupon) (similar)
Pin: LOFT (old) - (similar)

Shirt: Forever 21 Semi-Sheer Button-Up (sleeves will need hemming) - S / $24.80 (buy)

Belt: borrowed from Forever 21 cardigan (similar)

Pants: H&M Mustard Trousers - 2 / $12 (buy) (similar on sale $36 - 3% rebate)  
Shoes: Marco Santi Dash Nude Pumps via Sole Society - 5 / $50 (buy - sold out in nude) (love this pair!)
Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)   

Bag: Vieta Lucille Buckle Satchel (c/o TJMaxx) - $30 (very similar Aldo satchel!)
Hair: curled using Enzo Milano 25mm 3/4" Round (buy)    

I'm sure you've all noticed that I've been hitting it up big with JCPenney recently {leopard bag, MNG scarf top -- full post with giveaway coming shortly, promise!}.  This fur vest is another gem that I found from their Olsenboye line from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.  I've been lusting after faux fur vests for awhile now but never pulled the trigger as I've usually deemed them as being being too tricky to style for work.  Well, this one is absolutely perfect!  I love the fact that it's a winter white color {so luxe!} and the fact that it has a crochet panel in the back prevents it from adding too much bulk to petite frames.  I decided to add a bit more glam to it and add a little flower pin on top.  Oh, and did I mention that this vest is on sale?  :)

And yet again, the weather here in Texas has been quite the chameleon -- cool enough in the mornings to make a jacket acceptable but definitely hot enough in the afternoons to make you search for your t-shirt and shorts!  As such, I layered the fur vest on top of a super light and airy pink top I found at Forever 21 last weekend.  Before this year, I was never a fan of baggy button-up tops, but recently I've realized that they're perfect for layering and pairing with tailored / feminine bottoms.  And I actually think it's again one of those pieces that looks more expensive than Forever 21!

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Eye Catching - Combining the military and nautical trend!
• Color Brigade: Vol 38 {MNG By Mango} - Featuring a lovely scarf neck-tie tank!

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Eye Catching

Jacket: LOFT Military Peplum Jacket (shrunken in dryer 2x) - 00 / $49.50 (similar)

Dress: LOFT Wanda Stripe Knit (recent) (sides slimmed) - XS / $8.50 (super cute ShopBop one!) (loving this striped one -- only $15!)

Belt: Gap Outlet Yellow Snakeskin (holes punched) - M / $5 (cute Anthro one on sale $10)

Shoes: Marco Santi Dash Nude Pumps via Sole Society - 5 / $50 (buy - sold out in nude) (love this pair!)

Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)  
Bracelet: Agaci (old) -  (similar)

Bag: Vieta Lucille Buckle Satchel (c/o TJMaxx) - $30 (very similar Aldo satchel!)

I'm new to the idea of styling military-inspired jackets, but after seeing it on several other bloggers as well as practicing on my own, I am now a firm believer that they go with everything!  And did I also mention the fact that it's the perfect fall transition item?  I love how they give this feminine dress a bit of a tough edge while the fitted cut still keeps it from looking too masculine.  After all, I am {and will always be} a girly girl.

And what's an outfit without a pop of color right?  I had to throw in a bright yellow belt just to add a little something that would catch your eye...  :)

And because temps reached back in the 90s again later in the day, this is how my outfit ended up looking come 5pm. Good thing I had that belt!  Otherwise it's almost like an optical illusion.  :)

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Color Brigade: Vol 38 {MNG By Mango} - Featuring a lovely scarf neck-tie tank!
  
• Like Destiny - Love me some scalloped detailing!

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Color Brigade: Vol 38 {MNG By Mango}

Cardigan: J. Crew Chiffon Placket Cardigan - XXSP (similar) (similar - ruffles!)

Top: MNG By Mango Sweater Tank w/ Neck Tie (c/o JCPenney) - XS / $32 (buy - $10 off $50 coupon)
Belt: Forever 21 (old) - XS (a nice one from BR)

Skirt: J. Crew Super 120s Pencil Skirt - 00P / $118 (buy) (similar)

Shoes: Steve Madden Elevaate - 5.5 / $60 (similar - so beautiful!) (another Steve Madden option)

Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)

Purse: YesStyle Sarah Quilted Bag - $93 (similar)
Hair: Asian BumpIt - (buy) 

  

Isn't this little built-in scarf addition to this top simply amazing?  I mean, why worry about accessorizing when it's designed right in for you!  Even more so, the silk texture adds a wonderful luxe feel  and the multi-color dots make this top an instant winner for the Color Brigade.  It's like it was made for color mixing!  Even better was the fact that this MNG top fit perfectly right off the rack {form-fitting knits are awesome like that}!  Hooray for my first successful MNG purchase!

Yes, my Asian bumpit was involved.
Makeup colors same as in this post.

And so speaking of colors, let's get on with this week's Color Brigade!  The winner of last week's feature is Ilene of Much Love, Illy rocking a green, pink, and black combination.   I totally need more green in my closet after seeing her outfit!

Submit your entry below and tell all your friends to "Like" your entry and click on your link.  The entry with the most likes and clicks will be featured next week!

<a href="http://www.cuteandlittle.com/search/label/color%20brigade"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QpF4YBXi0UA/TSnYvr5HXfI/AAAAAAAAFCw/NfOw7_yFP54/s1600/colorbrigadebtn.jpg"></a>

Add the Color Brigade button on your blog sidebar (copy the html provided).  Entries without this button will be removed.  Submit your link by clicking on the "Click here to enter" button at the bottom of this post.  Please have an outfit that combines at least 3 different colors.  Prints count as 1 color (e.g. leopard print = 1 color) In the "Link it to:" field, please provide the url of the specific post (not the url of your entire blog, lol). In the "Caption or Title:" field, list the different colors you're wearing.  Example: Gold, Cream, and Red. You're done!  Go back and check out the other amazing entries from members of the Color Brigade!

If Linky Tools is being flaky, try this link directly:  click me

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Like Destiny -Finally hopping onto the scalloped shorts bandwagon!
• Red, Leopard, and Lace - Sporting a bold red lip too!

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Like Destiny

Top: Forever 21 Polka Dot Top (recent, sides slimmed) - S / $17.80 (so cute!) (love this bow print)

Shorts: H&M Wool Scalloped Shorts - 2 / $40 (similar) 

Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy)  

 Purse: Chanel Classic M/L Flap Replica - gifted from uncle (similar)

Shoes: Marco Santi Dash Nude Pumps via Sole Society - 5 / $50 (buy - sold out in nude) (love this pair!)

I've been wanting scalloped shorts for months now so you can imagine my squeals of delight when I noticed these scalloped shorts at H&M yesterday.  Although I was a little afraid of the light oatmeal color washing out my pale legs, they're actually not too bad.  And I could totally see these shorts as being super cute layered over black tights when the weather gets colder too.  While the outside material is all wool, there's a great inner lining that makes these shorts safe for those of us that find wool itchy {me!}.  I was originally on the fence about keeping these shorts when I first bought them, but turns out that I just bought one size too big {that's what I get for skipping out on the 30-minute wait for the dressing room}.  Lucky for me the lady brought out the last pair in my size out from the dressing room just as I was walking out the store.  It was destiny calling my name. 

Eyes: MAC soft ochre paint pot, MAC mauvement pigment, MAC folie eyeshadow, fresh faces bermuda party eyeshadow, MAC sweetjoy eyeshadow, MAC jumbo penultimate eyeliner, maybelline one by one mascara

Face: MAC studio finish concealer, fresh faces sheer neutral light foundation, fresh faces first kiss blush, MAC lightscapade msf
Lips: MAC roleplay lipstick

P.S. In case you missed it:

• Red, Leopard, and Lace - A mix of my favorite trends!
• Color Brigade: Vol 37 {Orange + Chambray} - Get ready for this week's feature!

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