I have only ever won one thing in my life and that was an Olympic jacket from Kroger when I was in the third grade.  While my mother scoured the grocery aisles for healthy snack and meal options, I stuffed the ballot box, so I am not sure you can even call it a win.  All I know is, one fine day the USPS delivered a shiny white nylon jacket and all was right with the world.  I wore that jacket everywhere, convinced that every one who passed me by vied to see the Olympic athlete in their midst.

Apparently, my luck runs in 27 year streaks as just Monday I was contacted by one of my favorite retailers, Kate Spade, informing me that I was the winner of the Fashion Night Out handbag drawing!  I cannot even begin to tell you how over the moon I was when I learned that I had won!  (Seriously, it is my dream to one day work for the brand as it epitomizes everything I adore about fashion.  If you know me and you have ever visited the brand’s Scottsdale location you know why I have to refrain myself from taking up residence!) The bag couldn’t be more perfect for me either! Classic colors in a bold, graphic print? Yes, please!

When styling today’s look I wanted to, once again, play a little homage to Kate Spade.  In keeping with the brand’s playful whimsy and classic pieces, I paired a black top with a stitched bow embellishment with a classic black cigarette pant.  An aside about this top, when I first started wearing it to school students loved to tease me about it, calling it my “tuxedo” shirt, but today I received compliment after compliment from students.  Bows and quirky elements are definitely having their moment!  Compliments or not, I adore this top and will wear it until the fabric disintegrates.

I love the “menswear” feel the blazer adds to the overall look without being too stuffy.  The black piping and the lovely touch of the polka dot lining are the little details that can help make seemingly boring pieces a lot more fun to wear to work!

Style Notes: Gap blazer (summer 2012) / Limited shirt (fall 2002; similar style) / Limited pants (summer 2012; similar style) / Me Too shoes via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelets (spring 2011, fall 2011, spring 2012)/ Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Banana Republic statement ring (fall 2011; similar style) / Kate Spade bag (summer 2012; won at FNO!)