twirl

If you've been following this blog for any period of time at all, you will have noticed that I tend to stick to a three looks. Ankle pants + blouse. Pencil skirt + tee. Fit and flare dress, belted. Mix in a few blazers, cardigans, and sweaters, and that's what I wear. I'm very picky about how things look on my body, which is why I don't really branch out from what I know works on me. There are so many things I'd love to look good on me - slouchy tops with skinny jeans. Off the shoulder dresses. Strapless anyything. But I hate being uncomfortable and I don't want look broader/bigger than I am, so I stick with my outfit formulas that work.

That being said, I've really tried over the last year just to branch out a little bit. I don't always want to stick to my "rules", which is why I kept this skirt after trying it earlier this year. I was a bit hesitant because I thought it gave me a weird hip shelf, and I didn't want it to cut me off weird, and what do you even wear with it?

But you know what? I looooooooooove it. I'm seriously in love with this skirt. Is a mid-length circle skirt really ground breaking? Nope. But for a girl who is very set in her sartorial ways, it was kind of exciting to try something new.

Plus it's fun to twirl in too :)

Tee: Ann Taylor [similar]

Skirt: Banana Republic [exact - more options below]

Necklace: Forever 21 [gorgeous similar]

Belt: Gap [very similar]

Bracelet: gift from my friend Lizzi [similar on sale]

Shoes: Frye [exact on sale]

Lipstick: Nars [exact in Roman Holiday]

and because my skirt is only left in a few sizes, here are eight fun options:

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

P.S. one of my all time favorite outfits of Bri's is this one, and I apparently felt it was time to copy it. It's like she gets me ;)

milly for all

I'm alive! After truly the worst timed cold ever, and almost a week of trying to study from bed while coughing up half a lung and drowning myself in cough syrup, I'm finally getting better. 

Today was the first day I actually got dressed, and I figured a little color was in order for such a joyous occasion ;) I was recently asked to share Kohl's newest designer collaboration, Milly for DesigNation, and I jumped at the chance because I've had a secret love for Milly for a while now. It's one of those loves where you admire from afar (and behind walls) because I can't afford any of the designer pieces, nor do I have a place to wear them, so I just stalk in the privacy of "in your dreams" land. SO, the chance to try out one of their pieces for Kohl's was exciting! The collection was inspired by Capri, which is truly on the top of my travel bucket list - CR and I are hoping to go on a European trip the month after we graduate (something has to keep us going the next two years!) and I'm insisting that one of the places we go to is Capri. The entire collection is just beautiful - bright and cheerful and inviting. Besides the skirt I'm wearing, I'd love to own this striped dress for casual days off this summer...or ya know, my future vacation ;)

Skirt: c/o Kohl's [exact - I suggest sizing down!]

Tee: Ann Taylor

Trench: Burberry [save | splurge of all splurges]

Wedges: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Also planning for a vacation, or just looking to add a bit of color to your wardrobe? Here are my favorites from the collection:

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

nine | ten | eleven | twelve

Disclosure: Thank you to ShopStyle for sponsoring this post! 

what I should have done differently

I loved this outfit the day I wore it - my pants were newly pressed, the snow was melting so I didn't have to wear boots (#hussyankles), and I got so many compliments on my new scarf (rightfully so...). Then after looking at these pictures I really thought I should have worn a blazer or more layers or something - this is kind of a boring outfit, huh? Nothing really special about it other than I liked wearing it. 

But here we are, looking at it on the internet anyway. I fight with myself a lot when it comes to picking out my outfits, and then uploading the pictures to share with you guys. I want to look nice and have it be interesting, but I also don't want to be fake, or just wear something because of the blog. I know a lot of us "every day women" bloggers struggle with that - dressing up enough to have it be worth sharing, but not dressing "for the blog". Do I think I may have been a bit lazy with this outfit? Sure - I could have layered a bit more, worn some bright lipstick, maybe tried to tame the frizz or made sure my shirt was properly tucked in (whoops!), but in the end, this blog is still a learning experience for me, my body, and my closet. 

Things I do know though? That this scarf is amazing and as soon as it stops being a BR Pick, everyone should buy it so we can all be twins. You'll love it, I promise.

Tee: Ann Taylor

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Scarf: Banana Republic [exact]

Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact on sale]

Bag: Kate Spade [similar]

P.S. Shopbop is currently having a 20% off sale items (use code EXTRASALE)*

one: pretty crossbody bags in a variety of colors and styles

two: necklaces that tie your whole outfit together

three: you'll always know what time it is because you'll never take these watches off

four: give yourself something to look forward to for spring (only 5 months away!)

*Disclosure: I receive a monthly credit to Shopbop but as always, my opinions are all my own.

get outta here

This past weekend was our first "free" weekend in ten weeks since school started in the beginning of August. We almost always have exams on Monday, which means our weekends are our hardcore study time, but last week we had an exam on Friday, which meant  freeeeeeeeeeeeeedom. Fake freedom because we still had to do work Friday afternoon and Sunday night, but mostly freeeedom.

CR and I took it as an excuse to get out of town - I've felt super cooped up lately, so I was more than willing to pay for a hotel room for the night. We decided to go to Pittsburgh, and it was so much fun. A lot of walking around, eating at fun restaurants (like a meatball place!), and seeing the sites. There were also a couple hours of television involved (since neither of us have cable) lounging on the king sized bed, and some time spent at the mall. I ended up getting this blouse from J.Crew that's currently on sale - it's perfect since I hate ironing ;)

Overall, it was a really great weekend. We're moving a little closer to Pittsburgh at the end of May, so I'm excited to explore even more on a regular basis. If you have any recommendations of must see/eat/visit places, I'd love to hear!

Top: Ann Taylor [exact on sale]

Pants: The Limited [similar]

Scarf: Victoria's Secret 

Belt: Gap [similar]

Shoes: Banana Republic [exact]

Earrings: eBay [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [exact]