Thursday, September 19, 2013

the fanciest of tees

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I will take just about any excuse to wear a tee to school, so I was pretty pumped that this month's Third Thursday Threads (HOW IS IT THE THIRD THURSDAY ALREADY) challenge was dressing up a tee. Thanks to the awesome credit earning program at Everlane , I had a few great options to choose from** but I ended up going with the navy because I wanted to wear it with my new scarf I received from Surfdome - hello, polka dots and tassles. I didn't purposely start to put together a whole blue outfit but it somehow worked out! Now if only I had some blue heels...like these ;)

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Tee: Everlane
Skirt: J.Crew Factory [exact]
Scarf: Roxy c/o Surfdome [exact]
Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact]
Bracelet: "J.Crew" via eBay
Belt: Old Navy

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** I just wanted to say again that I don't wear my Everlane tees on here just to earn the credits (I receive a $20 credit if you sign up through my link and make a purchase). I truly love these tees, and would wear them all the time even if I didn't have a blog. I will never suggest or wear something that I wouldn't actually spend my own money on.

Friday, March 29, 2013

5D5W: Casual Friday

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I think this may be one of my most favorite outfits I've ever worn. I was trying to figure out why that is exactly. Some theories:

+ I just feel best in these jeans. I think bootcut really just looks best on me. I haven't had any luck finding a second pair on eBay yet, but I continue to be hopeful that a pair will come my way eventually. I still will not pay full price for them because once school starts I won't be wearing jeans much, but some days I'm tempted. Some one hold me back.

+ This blazer rivals my schoolboy blazer for most worn top. I love the neutral color, the fit, and the elbow patches. The blazer is from H&M which has always been kinder to me than Forever 21. I may have to see if they have anything similar currently...in April (side note: budgeting bloggers goes up tomorrow! eek.)

+ My new soft striped tee. This outfit was inspired by Chioma - I don't think I would have paired stripes and plaid like this on my own, but it works. right? yes. stripes + plaid = win

+ Cognac on cognac - my closet neutral color

Okay so I may not have a concrete answer...but I really did like wearing this.
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Blazer: H&M  [similar]
Tee: Tahari via TJ Maxx
Jeans: Joe's Jeans [same style]
Belt: H&M Mens
Shoes: Crown Vintage [similar]
Watch: Kate Spade [exact]
Bracelet: "J.Crew" via eBay [similar for less than $20]
Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue
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Today is the last day for the 5 Day 5 Way link up I put together with my good friend Whitney. It brought such a smile to my face going to all of your blog posts and see you guys commenting, encouraging each other, offering advice, and just connecting in general. I love blogging because of my new found group of friends - you guys honestly bring so much joy into my life with every comment, email, and tweet. I hope this little challenge brought new readers, followers, and friends into your lives. Can we do this again soon? Maybe a end of spring 5 Day 5 Way Challenge? Please say yes.

Now onto the challenge - Casual Friday. Every day of the week is "Casual" for me - I could wear jeans and sweatshirts every single day. I make the effort to look just a little bit more pulled together than that (mostly so I can blog about it, amiright?). Here are 5 of my favorite "casual" looks from the past couple months. Jeans, flats, layers - doesn't get a lot more "work appropriate" casual than that! Go check out everyone else's definition of Casual Friday over on Along the Lines of Style....and thank you again for reading / participating / bringing joy into my life. You are all great :)


1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Linking up with Plane Pretty.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

unblog

Stripes, Leopard
This is one of those outfits that I normally wouldn't have blogged. The lighting was off, the outfit is pretty boring, my pants look all puckered even though they are almost too loose, I'm still getting used to my new lens, and I look/feel kind of frumpy in these pictures. wah wah.

While I try to keep it pretty real on my blog, I also try to put my best food forward. There are at least 3 outfits a month where I intend to blog about them, but what I see in the mirror doesn't translate to what I see in pictures. Please tell me I'm not the only one, and not that all of you other bloggers look amazing all the time.

But... with this whole "take one pass it on", I couldn't pass on blogging because I specifically wore the scarf again. Damn you, blogging challenges!





Stripes, Leopard



























Stripes, Leopard 3
Shirt: H&M
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact}
Scarf: H&M  {similar}
Belt: Target
Watch: Fossil  {similar}
Bracelets: J. Crew via eBay, Forever 21




















fossil, jcrew, forever21




leopard scarf

Linking up with because shanna said so

Sunday, January 6, 2013

friend ♥...and cold ankles

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After I graduated from college in May 2011, I had somewhat of the "recent graduate blues". Besides the whole "real world" stuff, I'm not exaggerating when I say that all but one of my girl friends moved away to go to graduate school, or go on adventures in other states/countries. Chris was also in the middle of hardcore studying, so I felt really alone a lot of the time. I mentioned that I'm so thankful for all of you blogging friends I now have because you make me feel like I have friends I connect with every day...which is probably why Chris doesn't always understand why I spend so much time typing on my computer ;)  

But we all need to have people in our real lives, so this is all just a rambling way to tell my last Madison friend standing, Lizzi, how much I appreciate her. She's the friend that I go to concerts with, the girl I go pilates-ing with, and the girl I call when things don't happen like I want them to. We met up Saturday afternoon just to chat, and I think the signs of a true friend are when you get chat for hours and could keep the conversation going with ease. So thank you Lizzi, for being a true friend, my confidante  and sometimes photographer.
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Sweater: J. Crew Factory  {exact}
Scarf: Forever 21  {save / splurge}
Jeans: Gap  {similar}
Boots: Frye  {exact}
Belt: H&M Mens
Watch: Fossil  {similar}
Bracelet: J. Crew via eBay  {similar}







P.S. I know some of you have expressed a bit of concern about my bare ankles during the work week. Please know that I'm not some cold ankle baring hussy all day - I park my car in our attached garage at home, and only have to walk about 30 yards from my parking spot into work, so I spend minimal time outside during the winter. On days where it has snowed, I wear either my real boots, or I'll wear my ugly $10 Target fake Uggs into work and change. I didn't want you to think that wearing thin ballet flats is the norm for Wisconsin winters ;)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Advice for Shopping at Forever 21

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mentioned on Monday that I think I've figured out how to shop in Forever 21, and several people asked for tips, so I've been thinking about how I figured out how to shop there. Hopefully these help you in the land of inexpensive clothes and accessories.

1. Take your time getting to know the layout of the store. When F21 first came to our mall, I did not set foot in it for at least a year. It's huge, and has so much in it that I always felt overwhelmed. I slowly worked my way through the store and figured out the layout of the sections - the boho, the glam, the girly, the sale, the basic, the "kinda for the office" section.

2. Once you know what is found in each section , you'll slowly figure out what sections resonate with your style. I generally stick to the girly and the "office" section.

3. Take your time and walk around. I'm a big "toucher" when I shop. It drives Chris crazy but I like to walk around and just feel the clothes. I usually do 2 loops around the store and pick up anything that catches my attention. Don't feel that you have to look at every single piece in the store.

4. Try on anything that caught your attention. I generally try on 6-10 items when I shop at F21, and tend to buy maybe 1 of them. Which leads to #5...
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5. Figure out what pieces work and which don't. Many items are cut similarly at F21 (and most stores). At Forever 21, I can't buy blazers because they are too tight on my arms, dresses because they are too short, and jeans because they too short. That limits me to tops. I basically eliminated a majority of the store, but that also means I skip over a lot when I'm looking for things. By knowing what pieces won't fit me, I don't bother trying them on, thereby bypassing any feelings of annoyance while in the dressing room.

6. Don't be afraid to size up. I'm generally a size medium in tops in other stores, but am almost exclusively a large at Forever 21.

7. Don't forget the accessories department. I like the jewelry at Forever 21 more than the jewelry at H&M and you really can't beat the prices. When people ask me where my jewelry is from in real life, they are always surprised to hear Forever 21. They also have inexpensive scarves, bags and hair accessories.

8. Don't buy something just because it's inexpensive. What's the point if you aren't actually going to wear/love it?

I hope that helped! What advice do you have for shopping at Forever 21?
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Blouse: Forever 21  {exact}
Scarf: H&M
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact on sale}
Belt: Target  {similar}
Shoes: Tory Burch {20% off with code FANDF}
Watch: Kate Spade {exact}
Bracelet: DIY, J. Crew via eBay



















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Linking up with Real Girl Style and Work it Wednesday.


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Plaids and Rain

Oh heyyy, welcome to my basement, where pet hair comes to party. I've been wondering what I was going to do about taking pictures for this here blog once winter really sets in, when it's dark before and after work. My questions were all answered today when it was dark before I left, and pouring rain when I got back. Looks like you'll be seeing a lot more of my basement and a lot less of my backyard from now on.

But you can here for me and not the background, right?!

.....right?
Yesterday I mentioned that I was hoping homemade banana bread and crafting were going to brighten the beginning of the week. The banana bread was delicious - you should all be disappointed you don't live near me (if I were to share...which I'm not going to, so back off).  I also made the middle bracelet, which I now refuse to remove. I'm also going to make a silver one and document the process so you can make your own - it's super easy!














Blazer: H&M  {similar}
Blouse: H&M
Pants: Gap
Belt: The Limited
Shoes: Crown Vintage via DSW  {similar}
Watch: Target   {in stores only}
Bracelets: J. Crew via eBay, DIY (instructions and opportunity to win one here)







linking up with wiww

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Understated Statement

This month's Marionberry Style Trend is statement necklaces. I, like just about every blogger out there, has a knock off J. Crew bubble necklace that was a gift from my sister (she bought it at H&M Germany). I decided not to wear it this time because 1. how original and 2. sometimes a little understated statement necklaces are more appropriate for wearing under a lab jacket.











Plus now I get to look like I'm celebrating the 4th of July.





















Cardigan: Old Navy {similar in black}
Necklace: Ann Taylor Outlet  {similar, similar}
Blouse: H&M  {exact}
Jeans: Gap Outlet
Shoes: Rocket Dog
Watch: Fossil
Bracelet: J. Crew























Linking up with Real Girl Glam and wiww.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Spotted

A few weeks ago I was debating between getting a pair of maroon skinny jeans, and a pair of green ones. Ultimately I decided that for $75+ a pop at Express, a maroon pair was going to be a better fit for my wardrobe.

But when I saw that Old Navy was coming out with a whole line of colored jeans, I knew that that green pair was waiting for me. I had a coupon which brought the price down to $25 - a much better option for my budget (which also brings my July budget to $180). I had a rebate code for paying off my Gap card over 6 months ago, which made the top free! According to Laura that makes me smart, not cheap ;)

(just as an fyi, these jeans run super small. I got 2 sizes larger than my normal pants size)
I'm loving pattern mixing on others but continue to do it in baby steps. Last time it was floral + leopard print...and this time it's polka dots + leopard print. I'm linking up with Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month - go see how all the other ladies are more adventurous than me!

Shirt: Old Navy  {save, spend, splurge}
Jeans: Old Navy  {save, spend, splurge}
Belt: Gap  {save, spend, splurge}
Shoes: Rocket Dog
Watch: Fossil  {save, spend, splurge}
Bracelet: J. Crew  {savespendsplurge}
Nails: Seen here

Linking up with Real Girl Glam, Two Thirty Five and Visible Monday

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Wrapped

Happy Thursday everyone - it's almost the weekend! Any fun plans? I'm going home to spend some much needed time with my closest friends. I see lots of wine and cheese in our future :)

Speaking of future, I am already getting so excited about fall. It was almost tolerable outside today (70s, not 101!) so I've been doing a little online window shopping in my excitement for the brisk weather. This fall I'm hoping to buy a pair of dark brown boots (like this pair), some new jeans, and some longer cardigans (like this, this and this). I'm planning on scaling back on the purchases in August so I can do a little more fall shopping. Even though I'm not going back to school this fall (hopefully next fall though!), I always get excited for Back To School shopping, which obviously also includes stocking up on school supplies. Luckily for you, you have the chance to win some awesome swag from AT&T Back to School Promotion including smart phones, tablets, and so much more. You can enter every day for a chance to win so get a clickin. May the odds be ever in your favor!










What's your favorite part about back to school time? The clothes, the new toys, or the chance to re-organize all of your notebooks (ok guilty - school supplies are my favorite).




Cardigan: H&M  {save, splurge}
Top: Forever 21 {save, spend, splurge}
Jeans: Gap Outlet  {save, spend, splurge}
Belt: H&M
Necklace: Forever 21  {exact}
Bracelets: J.Crew via eBay  {savesplurge}
Shoes: Vaneli Serene  {exact, save - on sale!, splurge}





2 days left for the Nailed It decal pack giveaway!







*Disclosure: I  was contacted by M80 to help get their word out about their Back To School Promotion. I receive a free product by participating but I do not receive anything for your entry. I'm crossing my fingers for you :)

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Investment Pieces

After looking over the last couple months of budgeting, I decided that instead of buying fast fashion/cheaper pieces, it was time to do a little investing. I love classic blouses and have heard great things about Equipment shirts. A $200 brand newblouse was not an option so I  went to eBay and found this beauty for $50. The shirt feels amazing on and is even prettier in real life. I already am planning for a nude companion :)


This Kate Spade purse was another investment I made about 6 months ago. I got it during a flash sale and love it to pieces. It is the closest I'll get to a quilted Chanel any time soon.

What have you invested in recently?
Blouse: Equipment (similar at NM for $80)
Jeans: Urban Oufitters
Necklace: Forever 21 (save, splurge)
Shoes: Rocket Dog via DSW
Bracelet: J.Crew via eBay (save, splurge)
Purse: Kate Spade (save, splurge)
Hair: Tutorial by The Small Things
Nails: OPI - originally seen here

My friend Kim and her husband (!) just got this adorable Corgi named Tucker. They came over today for a play date with Hans and Baer. They had so much fun rolling around. Isn't he adorable?











linking up with fashion friday :)