So many cardigans

I probably have over 40 cardigans in my closet. I swear I have almost every color there is - yet every time I go shopping, I browse through the cardigan sections as if I need another. I'm not sure why I wear them so often... occasionally for work I'll put on a cropped jacket instead, but if I have my choice I stick with my favorite. Cardigans are just comfortable and you can add them to an outfit without sleeves to layer it for winter, or you can wear one in the summer to cover your shoulders. I'm going to go ahead and call this my biggest wardrobe staple. Mr. Rogers was definitely on to something.






Karen Millen cardigan (similar); J Crew factory blouse; Banana Republic pants; Zara shoes; Michael Kors watch; Francesca's clutch; F21 bracelet; old earrings; (Plā) Beauty lip gloss in Sheer Delight

Typical

Still trying to incorporate more brights into my winter looks... this look is suuuuuper typical of my work style. Classic navy trousers, white button down - funny how I put on this patterned scarf and bright orange bag and thought 'oh good, not so boring anymore!'  Then I look at the pictures and think 'nope, still pretty boring' haha. :)  What can I say?  I can't exactly pull off cutting edge fashion in my office environment (at least without getting looked at like some kind of freak), but I try to make the best of it. :)




Ann Taylor Loft blouse and pants; NY&Co scarf; Banana Republic belt (similar); Zara shoes; Cynthia Rowley bag; Michael Kors watch; WHBM earrings (old); Charming Charlie's ring and bangles; Francesca's sunglasses; L'oreal Colour Riche lipcolor in Volcanic (similar)

Happy Pants

I got these slim, cropped blue pants at AT Loft last weekend and I was SO happy to have found them there. I love the color, can think of tons of looks to put together with them, and they are NOT GREY OR BLACK!!! I was instantly cheerful (obviously so cheerful that I put a yellow sweater with them!) I love finding things (on sale) that I've been looking for, especially right now when I desperately need to have some bright-colored basics added to my otherwise drab winter wardrobe.

Moral of this post is: expect to see these pants quite a bit. I have lots of spring/summer looks in store for them. :)






AT Loft pants and sweater; J Crew blouse, Michael Kors watch, NY&Co bangle, Studded ring from Posh Boutique, old earrings, Charming Charlie's necklace, DG sunnies, Zara heels, Expressions NYC clutch from TJ Maxx

Here we go

To say that I am not looking forward to going back to work would be SUCH an understatement.  It's not the work or job that I mind, it's just that I've really enjoyed my time off.  Being able to relax, run, shop, cook, and get some home projects squared away has been complete bliss.  Not having to set the alarm has been awesome, too.  Want to know what the very best part of being off work is at this time of year for me? DAYLIGHT.  I hate that it is still dark when I wake up for work and dark again by the time I leave the office.  The good news is that it will start to stay light for a little longer each day, and in less than 10 weeks (yes, I'm already counting) we gain a whole extra hour!  Bring.It.On.      






AT Loft cardigan and jeans, Old Navy shirt, Banana Republic belt (old), Michael Kors watch, Zara heels, Francesca's sunnies, Charming Charlie's ring, Anna and Ava elephant ring, F21 earrings, Louis Vuitton 'Sarah' wallet

Why so windy?

SO much wind. Every time I take outfit pics lately. The best part is that my hair does some hilarious things in the wind. Someday, I will post a gag reel/outtakes of pics for this blog that include some intense wind-blown hair, a few encounters with bugs (I HATE bugs), and some unfortunate poses we've captured. Someday.

Some outfits make you feel more like a fashionista than others. This one wasn't over the top for me, so I felt encouraged when a few people commented on it while I was at the mall. Isn't that just the ultimate validation of an outfit... retail clothing associates commenting on how cute it is? Always makes me happy.








Target sweater; Michael Kors shirt (thrifted) and watch; NY&Co Jeans and earrings; Zara pumps; Cynthia Rowley handbag; F21 bracelet and red ring; AT Loft ring; Woo Nashville necklace; Loreal lip color in Volcanic

Weekend facts

Just a few facts I'd like to acknowledge from the past weekend:

1) Brunch is my favorite meal. It's just special.  Any time I can have some of my favorite foods AND any champagne beverage before noon, I'm happy.

2) Super windy days are not good for outfit pics.  It seems like a good idea in theory, but it just isn't.

3) No matter how well I plan, even in the very best of circumstances, I can NEVER check everything off my to-do list for the weekend.  It may be impossible.








Old Navy jacket (ancient, no longer available), Zara top, TJ Maxx skirt, Hue tights, Civico10 boots, Necklace from Woo Nashville, NY&Co chain bracelet and earrings, F21 bangles, Michael Kors watch, Rebecca Minkoff bag 

Shirt Dressing

I always look forward to weekends...I know everyone does. But there are weekends that I look forward to, and weekends I NEED. I know, bloggers often mis-use the term 'need' (i.e I need these boots, I need this jacket, etc). But saying that I need this weekend is pure fact.  Another fact: I need a massage.

So I've been working a lot. But I did get to wear this dress that I love (worn here and here) as a blouse this week. When you're lost in spreadsheets and presentations and meetings, funny how you'll cling to something as simple as wearing a favorite item of clothing a different way to help make you feel more chic.  #ItsTheLitteThings








Parker dress worn as a shirt (similar), Ann Taylor trousers (old), Banana Republic trench, Zara pumps (no longer available), Coach bag (old), Gap belt (old), F21 earrings and bangles, Michael Kors watch, NY&Co Earrings, Ann and Ava elephant ring (similar), Lancome L'asbolu Rouge in Jezabel, Revlon nail color in Vixen.

Attempted 'How To' Post

I love the idea of wearing white after Labor Day. Sure, part of it is the rebel in me (yes, I know - whoa now)... but mostly it's just because I think white is perfect when mixed together into a palette of fall colors. This outfit was going to become a 'How To: Wear White after Labor Day' post - but it truned into something else. First let me say, I loved this outfit in person... I was very comfortable and felt stylish all at the same time (bonus). But all day I just felt like this outfit reminded me of something. Something funny. I couldn't put my finger on it until I saw the pictures...








Zara scarf and dress; Hue tights; Ann Taylor cardigan; Louis Vuitton bag; Dolce & Gabbana aviators; Michael Kors watch; F21 bangles and bracelet; Posh Boutique ring (similar from Shop Frankie's); Francesca's boots and ring


and THIS is what I realized I kept thinking of while wearing this:

Source: google.com via Star on Pinterest

BAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAAAA. GO ahead and laugh.  I did too :)

Back to Life

I really can't complain about the move... Apart from the garage ceiling falling in at my old place (no big deal, right?), everything went surprisingly well. Even though it went smoothly, moving is undeniably exhausting. Now that I'm all settled, I've finally gotten motivated to pick out furniture as well... So before long there will actually be a place to sit in the new place. ;)

I felt like bright red, suede wedge pumps were the best back-to-life/work option for a post-move Monday morning. And a pencil skirt, of course.






Parker blouse (sold out, but available here in a similar pattern), Zara skirt (similar), Ann Taylor shoes and belt (similar), Francesca's collection clutch, F21 bangles (similar here and here) and earrings/ring (similar), Michael Kors watch

In the leopard business

I usually take a few liberties with 'business professional' on days when I don't have as many meetings. Animal print is a trend that I fully embrace in my casual attire, and part of this blog is about incorporating my everyday style into work-appropriate looks.  I am a firm believer that this can look very classy and sophisticated in an office setting as long as it's done right.  By 'done right,' I mean:

1) nothing shorter than knee length
2) nothing inappropriately tight
3) no more than 1 animal print piece or accessory per outfit
4) keep the rest of the look simple and classic
4) behave like a lady*

*this is actually an everyday guideline, but I thought I'd just slip it in there for good measure

...so that's it.  When you find yourself walking out the door wondering if your animal print is 'too much' - ask yourself this: "Will anyone who sees me today have any reason to reference Peg Bundy?"  If the answer is YES- change clothes immediately. Please.  If the answer is NO- have a great day, Gorgeous! ;)






Charter Club skirt (similar), Zara blouse, AT Loft necklaces (similar), Vince Camuto pumps, Michael Kors watch, F21 bracelet and rings, NY&Co earrings (similar), Francesca's Collection clutch (similar), DG shades from TJ Maxx (similar)

still crushing: coral

We all know by now that I LOOOOVE coral/orange.  It really brightens my mood and makes some of my otherwise boring outfits look not as boring so much more stylish.  This week was a tough week and I definitely needed the boost that this color gave me to get through it!

I'm thinking I've just about worn this bright colors/animal print thing completely out.  So this fall I'm going to change things up....to darker colors/animal print.  Genius, I know.






Zara shirt (here), BR pants (here), Apt 9 (Kohl's) belt (similar), old earrings (similar here, but love these and these too!) and necklace (similar), F21 bracelet, Michael Kors watch (here), Rebecca Minkoff bag (here), Vince Camuto pumps (here)

Animal Lover

SO EXCITED to feature a guest on my blog.  Clearly continuing my love of chambray, flats, and all things animal print... I decided this would be the perfect time to introduce a very special friend to you all.






Zara skirt (similar), GAP outlet shirt (here), Karen Millen belt (similar), Sam Edelman flats (here), AT Loft necklace (similar), F21 bangles (similar here and here), Michael Kors watch (here), Francesca's shades (similar) and ring (similar), Rebecca Minkoff bag (here), Essie 'Turquoise and Caicos' polish, gifted earrings from my friend Jodi :)

This is Dixie!!  Also known as 'FBG' (Fat Baby Girl - check out the belly).  Dixie is 9 years old, and I've had her since she was just 8 weeks old!!  I swear this dog is the love of my life.  If she could talk, I just know she would be sarcastic 99.9% of the time... check out the "Mother - what on earth are we doing?" face....


You will never see a happier dog, she is so friendly and up for anything.  She also loves to travel, and she's even going to Tampa with me for the Blogger Brilliance conference! :)


Action shot... I just know she's singing "I'm on the EDGE of GLOOORRRYYY....."* while she's running around.  *That was just for you, Jenn ;)


Okay so she's starting to get a little fed up with outfit pictures here.  This is what we know as the "Seriously?" face...


And then the "when in Rome" attitude comes in.  If I must be here, I suppose I'll practice my high editorial pose...

Oh.  I'm tired.  Just a little nap won't hurt anything.

(She looks plenty sweet and innocent... just FYI she snores like a trucker)

I know what you're thinking - and the answer is NO.  NO, you have not ever seen anything this cute in your whole life.  :)