Preppy Seahorses

Isn't the print of this shirt awesome?!  Nautical is big right now, and I think the seahorses are so fun!

Seahorse Print Button-Down | Target (recent, but sold out online -- check your local store; similar)

Cardigan | J. Crew (Factory version $29.50 + additional 30% off; adorable option)

Trouser Jeans | LOFT

Necklace | J. Crew Factory (similar; similar)

Bracelet | H&M (pyramid bracelets available at BaubleBar -- sign up here)

Pumps | Style & Co. via Macy's (similar)

Brights and Stripes

I just bought these shorts and love them. I don't have the most...um... delicate of thighs or legs (yay for sports growing up), so I have a hard time with shorts. These, I love. They're short enough not to make me look stunted, but long enough to not ride up as I walk. The material is nice and thick, so it doesn't wrinkle. I love them so much, I bought them in orange and navy.

Shirt | LOFT (similar; similar)

Shorts | Ann Taylor (same)

Shoes | GAP (similar; similar)

Birds and the Bees

I must confess, I really didn't have a wardrobe need for this shirt.  I already have a yellow shirt with a print (white bunnies -- adorable) that I normally wear with this favorite J. Crew cardigan from ages ago.  I just really loved it.  I'm a sucker for any type of bird print, and I love the yellow.

Bird Print Button Down | Target (same)

Dot Print Cardigan | J. Crew (similar in pullover)

Trouser Jeans | LOFT

T-Strap Peep Toe Heels | LOFT (similar)

Maxis for Mini

I own exactly one maxi dress (before this one).  Mostly because I'm not tall, nor am I slender.  Maxis tend to make me look pregnant.  I love the material in this (not cotton, so doesn't wrinkle), the slit in the side to help me walk, and that it cinches at the waste, minimizing the preggers potential.

I don't think I'll be buying many more maxi dresses, but I'm sold on this one. I can totally see the "ease" potential of wearing these.

Maxi Dress | LOFT (same)

Necklace | Bubble Necklace via eBay (lots of inexpensive ones available here)

Bracelets | Kate Spade via T.J. Maxx (same)

Flip Flops | Banana Republic Factory 

Sunglasses | Kate Spade via Nordstrom Rack

Stripes and Florals (Take 2)

After my stripes and floral success on Tuesday, I did another version on Wednesday. This one was a complete copycat of a picture I found on Pinterest (same skirt and I'm pretty sure same shirt).  Surprisingly, I see a lot of young women in DC with this skirt... either that or it's the same 2-3 women and I just see them a lot.

 

Shirt | J. Crew (similar; similar)

Skirt | J. Crew Factory (similar; similar; similar) 

Belt | LOFT

High Heeled Sandals | Ivanka Trump (same)

Paisley, and polka dots, and monochrome, oh my!

Bit cray-cray today!  I knew I wanted to wear this skirt today, but didn't know what I wanted to wear it with.  The paisley shirt caught my eye.  I hesitated a bit, but decided to go for it!  Part of me felt a little bit Emma Pillsbury with the whole monochromatic look.

Paisley Shirt | J. Crew Factory (similar)

Dot Pencil Skirt | Ann Taylor (same)

Belt | Old Navy (similar)

Pumps | Stuart Weitzman (same)

I actually got the idea for this outfit on one of those in-flight magazines. I think the advertisement was for some type of dating service?  Anyway, the woman in the picture wore lavender and red-coral shoes.  I added the seersucker blazer to make it appropriate for work. I got many compliments on my blazer, so I consider this a success!

Seersucker Blazer | Tahari by ASL via Nordstrom on major sale (similar for $35!; similar; similar )

Silk Tank | J. Crew (similar)

Denim | Levi's (same)

Pumps | Dolve Vita (similar; similar)

Purse | Kate Spade Outlet (similar; splurge)

Summer White

Snaps for summer!!!  I wear a lot of color, and it's unusual for me to wear all neutral, but I felt so summery today!

Sweater | LOFT (similar)

Skirt | LOFT (similar)

Pumps | Ann Taylor (similar)

Belt | LOFT (similar; similar)

Necklace | Francesca's Collection (similar; similar)

Hah-vahd!

I wore this outfit to my very good friend's graduation from Harvard Law last Thursday.  It was a harrowing 24 hour trip up to Boston from DC, but I'm so glad I went.  Congrats, K!

Shirt | Forever 21 

Skirt | J. Crew Factory (similar; similar)

Pumps | J. Crew Factory (similar)

Pink Bracelet | BaubleBar (get it here)

Seafoam Bracelet | Forever 21

Necklace | Francesca's Collection (very similar; cute option)

Three things

1. I love mixing florals and stripes, but I don't have a whole lot of floral in my wardrobe (crazy!).  I got this idea from Pinterest, but apparently it was actually some J. Crew styling.  I went around today feeling very J. Crew, so I guess I was right!
2. This is one of they few days recently that I haven't worn dots. I need to branch out.
3. Clearly, I love this necklace. Three times in one week?! Again, with the needing to branch out.

Floral Shirt | LOFT (similar; similar)

Striped Tee | LOFT (similar; similar)

Trouser Jeans | LOFT

Pumps | Ivanka Trump Amoro (similar; same in different colors)

Bubble Necklace | eBay (lots available here)

Lock and Key Necklace | Tiffany & Co. courtesy of Mr. Matched

Eyelets and Stripes

I haven't posted in months, and I think the reason is that it's turned into a lot of work!  I've decided I need to simplify. I'd really like to just create a record of what I'm wearing. Perhaps when I figure things out a bit more, I'll be a little better.  For now, I'm going to try to get back into the groove.

I've decided just to take some cell phone pics of my outfits arranged rather than on my body.  It takes a lot of time to take pictures with my real camera, edit them, and upload. This saves a few steps.  Not quite as glitzy as my favorite blogs and it probably won't win me any awards, but that's okay!  So, here we go.

This look was 100% inspired by Mix&Match Fashion, who has worn an outfit similar to this twice.  Not realizing it, I combined aspects of both (here and here).  We have really similar styles, so I love her blog.

Shirt | LOFT Outlet (looks identical)

Necklace | eBay (same for only $15)

Skirt | Forever21 (similar; similar)

Shoes | Ann Taylor (good option in a wedge and block heel)

I realize that this outfit uses the same necklace and shoes, but it's getting so warm, and those shoes are just so "summer" to me!  My favorite part of this is the colorblock shirt I picked up yesterday at Forever 21 for just $9.  It's basically the short-sleeved version of the shirt J. Crew had last year. I was tempted to get the neon green one too, but resisted:

 Shirt | Forever 21 (similar in other colors; similar)

Necklace | eBay (same for only $15)

Bracelet | LOFT (similar)

Skirt | LOFT (similar)

Shoes | Ann Taylor (good option in a wedge and block heel)

Terrible

I know; I know.  I'm a terrible blogger.  I'm feeling pretty glum in my work life lately, and its sort of tapped my energy for... well... everything.  I've also had a lot of late late nights and haven't had time to get my eyebrows done, let alone blog (gasp!).  I had days where I was totes uninspired, and didn't put on anything special to wear, so I didn't even bother taking a picture.  I may re-do outfits that I did like, but didn't feel perky enough to take pictures.

Here we go!

Blazer | Target

Ruffle Tank | Ann Taylor Factory

Jeans | LOFT

Shoes | Dolce Vita Notty (similar.   Sign up for ShoeDazzle here)

Bracelets | J. Crew Factory; LOFT

Necklace | T.J. Maxx

 White Button Up | LOFT
Lime Skirt | J. Crew Factory

Pumps | Ivanka Trump Pinkish via T.J. Maxx

Scarf | LOFT

Disclosure: I like the colors/patterns for this outfit, but I don't think I arranged everything in a flattering manner. I'm not sure those jeans were the best.  I think a pencil skirt would have been a better idea.

Peasant Bloused | Forever21

Silk Leopard Print Scarf | J. Crew

Jeans | LOFT

Pumps | Ann Taylor Perfect Peep Toe

Belt | Ann Taylor

Headband | LOFT

 Whereas that outfit was a fail, I love this one and think it's a total win:

 Double-Breasted Knit Jacket With Patch Pocket | LOFT

Silk Polka Dot Blouse | J. Crew

Camel Wool Blend Skirt | Ann Taylor

Pumps | Ann Taylor Factory

Necklace | H&M

This outfit was actually based on a pair of shoes from SoleSociety.  I was so close to buying those shoes, but I'm glad I didn't.  I think it's great when you can be inspired by something.  I'm sure my husband will also be excited that I didn't spend money.

You can buy those Sole Society Sheila shoes here.  Sign up for Sole Society here.  I'm also a really big fan of this rust/leopard combo.  

I may try something closer to that soon, even though I wore a version of leopard/red very recently. Mine was more in the blue/red/darker leopard, but I like this more orange-rust color of those shoes, and I have some Kate Spade Leopard Pumps that match the leopard in those shoes.

Leopard Cardigan | Old Navy

Burgundy Tee | Banana Republic Factory

Black Pencil Skirt | J. Crew

Pumps | Ann Taylor Perfect Platforms

Flower and Pearl Necklace | LOFT

Belt | Ann Taylor

I think every blogger has this sweater.  It is awesome.

 Polka Dot Sweater | Old Navy

Collared Button Down | Banana Republic

Mint Corduroy Pants | Lands End Canvas

Riding Boots | Nine West via Zappos

Necklace | Forever 21

Bracelet | LOFT

 This is actually inspired by one of Kendi Everyday's very first blog posts (#6 apparently):

 Sweater | Old Navy

Mustard Skirt | T.J. Maxx

Buffalo Print Scarf | some kiosk in the mall

Pumps | Ivanka Trump Kayden

Bracelet | Forever21

And this look was inspired by a very recent post from Jean from Extra Petite.  I liked her look better, but I tried :)  We are wearing the same shoes, though.  Please forgive the shiny face and messed up hair.  I took this after work, and was looking less than fresh.

Cardigan | LOFT

Mustard Tee | Target

Tweed Skirt | T.J. Maxx

Tights | ummmm?

Pumps | Ann Taylor

Necklace | T.J. Maxx

Thanks for sticking with me!  Yay for all these outfit posts finally getting up!

I'm back!

Sorry, folks. I know I've been MIA for forever.  I went on my honeymoon (ALASKA!), and when I came back, I was so swamped at work and at home that I just didn't make an effort to take pictures and post.  I was wearing some really cute outfits that week, so maybe I'll take some time this week and recreate them and take pictures.

Can I also just mention that I got this new camera which is better than my old one, but I'm less satisfied with the pictures?  The lens is the same. It's just the body that's different, but I'm having the worst time trying to figure out the best settings to take pictures. I tried the same settings as my old one, but for some reason the computer in the body doesn't process things the same way?  I have no clue. Either way, I'll get this down!

Long post with lots of pics today, so I'll just mention where they come from and won't add much else.

This picture was loosely based on Atlantic-Pacific.  Looking at the pic again, I wish I had worn leopard pumps, but my cobalt pumps look pretty good.

Herringbone Print Top | H&M

Sateen Skirt | Ann Taylor

Cobalt Pumps | Rock & Republic for Kohls

Bauble Necklace | J. Crew Factory

Wide Cuff Bangle | J. Crew

 Citron Cardigan | H&M

Snow Leopard Skirt | LOFT

Bow Necklace | J. Crew

Dark Coral Red Pumps | Dolce Vita

I felt a little Jersey in this outfit.  And when I got home, there was a massive hole in my hose. I only hope that it happened at the end of the day, and I wasn't walking around like a Snooki wannabe.

Black Scarf Print Blouse | Forever21

Black Ponte Pencil Skirt | LOFT

Boots | Nine West via Zappos

Belt | LOFT

Chain Mail Rhinestone Necklace | J. Crew

I based this look on a BodenUSA Catalog image.  I bought this top ages ago from Target, and can't believe I've only worn it once. When I saw this pic in Boden, I knew I had to recreate it.

Emerald Cardigan | J. Crew

Burnt Orange Polka Dot Pussy Bow Top | Target

Wool Blend Tobacco Pencil Skirt | Ann Taylor

Pumps | Cole Haan

Today's outfit was loosely based on one from J. Crew's new style guide (the one on the right).  I felt really bulky in it (as I always do when I wear a button down under a sweater).  These are not the most flattering pictures, and my hair looks like I'm wearing a helmet.  Fail.

 

Button-up | LOFT

Side Tie Sweater | LOFT

Polka Dot Pencil Skirt | Target

Seafoam Pumps | J. Crew Mona

Rosewood Dot Necklace | DIY

Do you like my necklace? I made it myself.  It's based off of Kate Spade's Rosewood Dot Necklace:

I bought the wooden beads and gold beads at Michaels (coupon). The neon pink (which is more pink and less redish in person) is actually model enamel paint, so it's nice and shiny.  The chain is this old belt that I took from my mother because she insisted on wearing it with random things and it always looked so bizarre and 70s.  I took the belt so she would stop.  Bonus -- it has a lobster clasp, so I didn't have to add one. I just clipped it short.  I think for $10, it turned out really well.  The original was like $150, so I definitely think I came out on top.  I think I'm going to pain the other half of the pink beads gold, though.

Thanks for hanging in there for the long post!  See you soon!

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Ahoy, Mateys and Fair Wenches!  It be Talk Like a Pirate Day, me favorite day of the year.

I originally had on a completely different outfit, and then remembered what an auspicious day it was, and immediately changed (making me epic-ly late for work).

I feel very Emma Pillsbury, but know that I was going for piratical, not Glee.

I tell people that I have a lot of anchor things because my husband's in the Navy, but the real reason is because I love pirates.  I buy a ton of anchors because it's my way of being a subtle pirate every time I wear it.  Today, I went for the trifecta of awesome -- Anchor shirt, anchor skirt, ship's wheel necklace.  Oh, yeah.

V-Neck Sweater | LOFT (similar)

Anchor Secretary Collar Blouse | Forever 21 (similar polka dot secretary collar blouse in silk. expensive.)

High-Waisted Anchor Print Skirt | Brooks Brothers Factory (similar)

Bracelet | H&M

Ship's Wheel Necklace | J. Crew Factory

Striped Peep-Toe Pumps | Ann Taylor