not so fun.

 

It's been almost a year since I last wore this dress - I don't know how I completely forgot about it hiding in the back of my closet! I went to see how I wore it last, and I realized that I kind of miss the way I used to dress back when I was working instead of being in school. I had more time to think of how I wanted to pair my clothing, and I felt I could get away with a bit more. Not to say that a stretchy striped dress is the most professional piece of clothing I own now, but I tried to tone it down a bit with neutral colors and less layers. 

If you've had to make the transition from "freedom" to restrictions, how did you handle it? 

Dress: Old Navy [save | splurge]

Cardigan: Gap

Tights: Target [exact]

Boots: Franco Sarto via OnlineShoes.com [exact]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Scarf: H&M

Nails: Essie After School Blazer + OPI

Ring: Gorjana Griffin [exact]

linking up with Bri!

help me! ahnu shoes contest with onlineshoes.com

 

A few months ago, OnlineShoes.com approached me to participate in a contest to style a pair of shoes. I was super excited about the opportunity, but there were a few more months until it was all going to go down, so I kind of put it on the back burner. This summer when I was in Seattle, I was having drinks with Bri and Katrina and we started talking about blogging (obviously) and being approached by companies. I mentioned that I was approached to participate in this contest, and how it should be pretty interesting. Turns out, of the thousands of bloggers out there, one of the four contestants is Katrina! And she's fierce competition, because just look at her. 

So I we all received the same pair of Ahnu boots - the Himalaya style, each in a different color. I decided to stick with a neutral palate (with my newest and possibly favorite cardigan), cognac, and denim. Hansi even made an appearance to show his approval. If you also approve, I would really appreciate it if you could go here and vote for me - all it takes is a click! And then if you are interested, you can enter to win a pair of Ahnu shoes too (I think the Karma shoes are so cute). Thank you so much for your support :)

Shoes: c/o OnlineShoes.com [exact]

Shirt: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Cardigan: Gap [exact]

Jeans: Gap 

Belt: H&M Mens

neutrals like whoa

Last week during a particular weak moment of anatomy sadness, I ordered a few things from Gap during one of their 40% off sales. I originally just planned on ordering this polka dot button up, but then this cardigan caught my eye. A tan cardigan has been on my "holes in my closet" list for so long, that I figured I had nothing to lose since I would have to return at least part of the order in store anyway (I was ordering the button up in two sizes). When the package arrived a few days later, I didn't even take the button ups out of the package - the polka dots were neon, and I knew there was no way I was going to ever wear the shirt. 

The cardigan, on the other hand, is a keeper. I've felt myself pulled towards more neutrals lately anyway- I think they are not only super versatile, but I feel there's just something so pulled together about a neutral outfit/closet. With my cognac shoes, belt, and bag (which is now available online!), I felt like it just all fell together so easily. My girl Lauren has talked at length about how she's transitioning towards an all neutral closet (also see this and this post!) and I'm so inspired by that. Neutrals don't have to be boring as long as you keep it interesting with texture and accessories. I don't see myself getting rid of the color in my closet, but I would like to make my closet as versatile as possible, piece by piece.

Cardigan: Gap [exact - use code GAPEARLY to get it for 30% off]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Tee: Everlane

Belt: Gap [same style]

Bag: Target [exact]

Watch: Target

Shoes: Banana Republic c/o Chippmunk [exact]