Here’s a few views to tempt..

Here’s my favorite versions of it, from the Luxe to the Less…

And here’s a few more options..

And some Celebs and their Fur..

BTW, in case you’re wondering where I’d gone off too.. I got buried away in corporate wasteland for several years and am finally in recovery mode. I quit my job at Cisco after 12 years to find myself and spend more time with my family. It’s been incredible having the time to raise my daughter hand in hand and wake up to the experience of real life. I can’t say I’d never go back to corporate but right now I’m enjoying the new. I’ve started consulting part-time for user experience work and am now finally dusting off the Luxe Mix! Hope to see you more… I’ve missed this place.

Fast forward 20 years and here I am playing with shoulder pads again! Well strong structured shoulders at least. I guess garment technology has improved since he 80′s and padding is not necessary to sculpt a look. Very good thing. No embarrassing white pads flying out of your jacket.

What do the rest of you think? I get a sense that the strong shoulder trend is not one that is going to take off with the masses. Maybe that’s a good thing. It certainly doesn’t look right on just everybody. I think it helps if you have a stronger profile to begin with. If you’re dainty and delicate this look might swallow you up for dinner.

I went el frugal route and picked up this zippered cardigan with sharper shoulders at H&M over the weekend, (see 1st photo below). Barely makes the cut as a strong shoulder top but it’ll do. And for under $30 it’ll tide me over until I find the real strong shoulder piece for my closet.

The rest of these were strong shoulder looks that inspired me..

Here’s a few of the things from Modcloth I’m considering…

So what’s on my mind right now? Sequin blazers! Is it just me or is this the trend that’s anywhere and everywhere. I don’t know exactly why started it but I think Rachel Zoe had a big impact.. esp. with her show the Rachel Zoe Project. Whatever she says on the show you end up seeing everywhere. By the time I’ve finally finished writing up this post, I’m actually on the verge of sequin blazer overload. Is it just me or do fashion trends seem to spread a lot faster and further than before?

Anyway, I’ve been photoshoping like mad and putting together some outfits with sequin blazers. The first look on the left is something I’d wear on a regular day, simple black and black. This is a very safe way to go. When in doubt go for all black, no one can say you didn’t know what you were doing. The next look (blue sequin blazer) would be something I’d wear at a more conservative event, maybe a work holiday party. Now that I look at it thought it’s a little on the mature lady side. The 3rd look (light grey/silver blazer) is definately work appropriate. The last look is a little wacky but I thought I’d try it out. What do you think? Does this work or is it just too mixy matchy?

I hope to hear you guys all try out the sequin blazer trend soon. If not sequin blazer, sequin anything. It’s everywhere so you can no excuse of not being able to find one you like!

Here’s some looks I found online that I’m going to have to steal… let me know what you think..