one of the guys

 

It's like Bri always thinks of me when she is picking her Third Thursday Thread link-up. Menswear? Done and done. I try not to play up the girls too much anyway, so I love wearing pieces traditionally made for men to counteract them. This blazer was one of the first I ever purchased over two years ago, but it's one of my favorites. You can't see them, but there are elbow patches involved. It always reminds me of a German professor I had in college who used to wear one just like this.

Speaking of pieces that'll last you through the years, I'm so excited to show off my newest watch. Daniel Wellington has been a company I've been in love with for a long time - I wear their Classic watch at least once a week, so I was thrilled when they offered to send me a new design. I chose one with a lighter brown strap from the new line, which have a smaller face, and tiny Swarovski crystals on the time points. While I generally don't like bling on watches, these are so subtle but it adds just enough. If you are in the market for a timeless watch that'll go with everything, I highly recommend checking out Daniel Wellingon. Now through November 10th, you can get 15% off your purchase using the code Franish. If you want something on the girly side, the Classy line is the way to go. Want something a bit larger and masculine? Try the Classic line. And if you want something a bit sportier, try out the Classic with the natostrap. Don't forget to follow along on instagram and facebook where they post daily picks of their favorite follower pictures!

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Blazer: H&M [adorable similar]

Chambray: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Pants: Gap [exact]

Boots: Frye [exact]

P.S. I'm guest posting for Shanna today while she's on the most amazing vacation. Read up on my budget, how I make my money stretch, and what I've learned along the way!

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

two

 

A list of alternative titles:

+ you look just like ke$ha : my co-worker looked at the sequins on my shirt and said I was all sparkly and looked just like Kesha. I suppose, if Kesha dressed like a cross between an old man and a disco ball....so maybe that is an accurate description after all.

+ total copycat: AJ wore her chambray with her sparkly shirt so I wanted to too. That's what friends are for right, showing us how to wear our own clothes?

+ pro-layerer: months ago I wrote about how I really struggled with layering, how I knew what I wanted to look like, but wasn't sure how to make that happen (side note: don't let me dye my hair dark ever again). With a lot of experimenting, and a few helpful tips, I feel like I'm finally able to dress myself the way I wanted to. It's not that wearing one shirt over another is something that's difficult, it's just that I never felt comfortable, that there was weird bunching, or that I felt like there was just too much going on on my torso. I don't know what has really changed over the last 6 months, but I finally feel comfortable with the clothes in my closet and how I wear them. I don't spend all day tugging and pulling and wishing I was wearing something different - it just somehow clicked, ya know?

Chambray: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Shirt: Loft 

Pants: Urban Outfitters [exact]

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Purse: Coach [current style]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

I am so obnoxious.

a girl's best friend

 

About four years ago, I started getting puppy fever. Chris and I were moving in together, and I really wanted a dog. I begged and begged - I want a puggle and I was going to name him Puggle and we were going to be a happy little family of three. I talked about Puggle every night before we went to bed. Chris learned that some puggles have breathing problems, and decided against it. Instead, he surprised me on my 22nd birthday with a little dachshund (who, let it be known, eventually have back problems...) who we named Hans. We loved having a little puppy around, napping in our arms and getting excited every time we walked in the room. 

I was still in college, so I was home off and on throughout the day, but I always felt guilty about leaving him at home alone. That following January, I started looking at all of the adopt a shelter dog sites for a brother for Hans. We wanted another dachshund, but the few in the shelters got adopted real quick. A local humane society informed me that they had a litter of dachshund mixlings so we packed up the car with Hans to "just take a look" but we all know that you can't just go take a look at puppies, so that's how Baer came into our lives. 

Turns out, Baer is a dachshund/basset hound/lab/retriever mix so he's much larger than we anticipated. He's also much sweeter than we ever could have imagined. Baer is excited to meet everyone. He wants nothing more than to have you touch him, and he will do just about anything to get into your lap (all fifty pounds of him). He really just wants you to be happy, and is a big comforter - just yesterday when I was crying my eyes out after watching this video, he just quietly sat next to me and then licked a tear off my cheek. He's the sweetest.

Anyway, Baer isn't dying or anything, which I feel I kind of made it seem like, I just really love my sweet boy. He had an appointment with the vet today (just to get some shots!)so I figured it was time for a little more screen time. He's a natural poser, right? I should take notes.

Chambray Popover: J.Crew Factory [exact now on sale]

Necklace: Jewelmint via B&B giveaway

Pants: Gap

Watch: Fossil [similar style]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Nails: Essie Lapiz of Luxury 

and for Friday Favorites: how I worn this chambray popover last week and in the past...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

linking up with Plane Pretty.

trend salad

I tend to think that I'm not a very "trendy" dresser. I've said that usually by the time I warm up to trend, it's already over so I choose not to participate at all, which is great for my wallet but can be a bit boring sometimes. I liked the idea of floral pants and so when I found this pair for under $12 at Target a few months ago, I figured that was the time to try out this trend (which at this point had already been around for at least two years). I was driving to work this morning after taking these pictures, thinking about my outfit when it dawned on me that I'm a trend salad today. 

Statement necklace? check

Chambray? check

Ridiculous printed ankle pants? check

Please tell me you'll forgive me.

Shirt: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Pants: Target [save | splurge]

Necklace: Ann Taylor Outlet [similar]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Shoes: Old Navy [similar]

linking up with wiww.

one year of budgetting: a slap on the wrist / pat on the back

I purchased this anchor belt last summer, and I think it may have been the smartest purchasing decision I made those months. If I look back to what I actually did purchase a year ago (May/ June/ July), I'm not really wearing those items any more (except this belt of course). I was making a lot of impulse purchases, not thinking about what I wanted my style to be, and what I wanted in my closet. I wasn't thinking about how I could re-wear items, how they fit on my body, and if the trends were something I wanted to spend my money on.

I started working with a budget a year ago, and I've definitely learned a lot since then. I've sold or donated most of the items from a year ago actually, and it makes me angry that I wasn't better about shopping then. I'm no where near a perfect shopper now, and I still make shopping mistakes, but I do feel like my purchases are adding something to my closet other than just another item I won't own a year from now. Between my list of items I would like to add, and understanding my preferred style better, I feel the purchases I've made recently won't end up in someone else's closet by this time next year. For example, my new nude flats have already been worn three times this week. They were something I identified was missing in my closet, I took the time looking for a quality pair that is comfortable (which these are! they were comfortable from the second I put them on and have required absolutely no breaking in, which is a first for me), and now I feel I could wear them everyday.

I still have a lot to learn about being a smart shopper, especially with the transition my wardrobe is going to take in the coming months, but I'm proud of where I am now as compared to a year ago.

Blouse: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Skirt: thrifted

Belt: Madewell [exact on sale]

Tights: Target

Shoes: Sam Edelman [exact]
Necklace: Forever 21 [exact]

Earrings: Ralph Lauren [exact]

Watch: Target [save | dream]
Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue + Julep Oscar

downside of taking your own pictures: no one around to tell you your necklace is all wanky.

lazy

You may have already seen me complain about this on twitter, but this weekend was somewhat of a dud. With Chris being gone I've lost that built in person to go do things with, and I'm getting to the point where I'm sick of going out and doing everything by myself. wah wah, life is so tough!

But I did spend most of the weekend on my couch. I ate about 4 omelets (they were delicious), and watched the whole first season of Homeland. Living the dream! Maybe next weekend I'll actually go outside and enjoy the springtime. Or watch season 2. 

Blazer: Old Navy [save | splurge]

Shirt: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Jeans: Urban Outfitters [exact on super sale]

Earrings: Tiffany & Co. [exact]

Watch: Fossil [exact]

Necklace: Gift from Whitney

Shoes: Rocket Dog [similar]

via instagram

5D5W: Dresses!

 

I don't really own a lot of dresses that I really like. In fact, I'm taking a bunch to be consigned soon because I feel guilty about them hanging in my closet. I've actively been working on getting rid of any clothes I don't wear in my closet, but what tricks me is the other closet that we don't use that holds all of my dresses. Every single dress since my senior year of high school hangs in there, and I don't wear a single one. Most don't fit correctly (please, like you fit into the clothes from when you were 17), are too short for a 25 year old lady to wear, or just have no place in my life. Anything that hasn't been worn in 2+ years is getting consigned in the coming weeks.

But not this dress. This dress is like wearing pajamas but without having to be embarrassed about wearing them in public. She's soft, surprisingly flattering for a striped tee shirt material, and best of all, didn't cost me more than $20. The cost per wear is lower on this dress than I think any dress I've owned before, and I've only worn it 4 times (twice not blogged - I know, I'm shocked too). I wish Fran from 3 years ago would have made smarter shopping decisions.

Dress: Old Navy  [save | spend | splurge]

Chambray: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Tights: Target

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Belt: Gap

Watch: Fossil [exact]

Necklace: gift from Whitney

via instagram

How have you worn the dresses in your closet? Are you a remixing master when it comes to dresses, or are you a shameful neglecter like I am? Link up with Whitney for the second to last day of 5 Days 5 Ways. Tomorrow is Casual Friday...which means you can just show us 5 ways you've worn a more casual outfit, or how you've worn jeans 5 ways, or a comfy skirt, or...whatever you feel defines a casual Friday for your life! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve :)

 1 | 2 | 3

5D5W: Pants

For today's 5 Days, 5 Ways challenge we have pants (or if you want, skirts!). I obviously do not struggle with wearing pants since it is what I wear ~95% of the time (but not always by choice). I originally was going to show ways I've worn my favorite pair of jeans, but after Kimmie pointed out that wearing a black cardigan is just about the easiest thing out there to do (so true) yesterday, I felt I needed to step up my game for this blogging challenge.

A few weeks ago AJ posted the cutest outfit - I needed those pants in my closet immediately. I have always wanted to wear floral pants, but almost all of them out there are printed denim, and as I've learned the hard way, I just don't like printed/colored denim on myself. But these were dress pants - much more flattering for my thighs. I went to Target in hopes that I could find a pair for myself - and I did find them on the mythical clearance rack that everyone always has so much luck at, but I never find anything on. Except these pants. I found these pants for $12 and change. TARGET DOES IT AGAIN.

But because they require a little bit of alterations at the waist, I haven't worn them yet in the "real" world. Instead I played dress up in my bedroom. I came up with the following six (overachiever status) outfits. Which one is your favorite?

Outfit 1:

Blazer: Overstock.com  [similar]

Blouse: Banana Republic

Necklace: Souvenir from Australia

Shoes: Old Navy  [similar]

Outfit 2:

Sweater: Gap  [similar]

Button-up: J.Crew Factory  [exact]

Necklace: Forever 21  [save | splurge]

Shoes: Tory Burch  [exact]

Outfit 3:

Tee: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Bag: Coach  [current version]

Bracelets: Forever 21

Sandals: Target [very similar]

Outfit 4:

Jacket: Souvenir from Germany [similar]

Shirt: Forever 21

Necklace: Gift from my mom/sister

Watch: Target

Shoes: Crown Vintage [really cute option]

Outfit 5:

Blazer: Old Navy [similar]

Tee: Gap

Necklace: Wal-Mart [very similar]

Watch: Fossil

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Outfit 6:

Chambray: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Scarf: H&M

Shoes: Aldo [similar]

And all together now:

Looking to add neutral colored floral pants to your closet? Try this Tilly pair for $14, this pair F21 pair for $23, or this Ann Taylor pair for $60!

Your turn! How have you worn different bottoms? Please link up below. Tomorrow's challenge is accessories - the link up will be on Whitney's blog! I'll give you one guess what my accessory will be.

<div align="center"><a href="http://franish.blogspot.com/2013/03/5d5w-pants.html" title="Franish" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/GYAUGRG.jpg" alt="Franish" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

no springing, just jumping

What, you expected that I wasn't going to wear my new shirt right away? We all know better.

While it was only 6 degrees on the first official day of spring, I felt it would only be appropriate to wear my new floral scarf that Audrey tracked down for me (what a gem that girl is), and my favorite belt. I got this Madewell belt last summer on clearance (worn here), but it looks like they brought it back again this year - smart move, Madewell. 

Don't forget! Monday starts the 5 Days, 5 Ways link up - first up is tops! I can't wait to see all the ways you've worn a shirt / jacket / vest / something that covers the top part of your body.

Looking for a way to make a collage? I use iPiccy for every collage I make - it's super easy to use.

Chambray: J.Crew Factory  [exact]
Jeans: Urban Outfitters  [exact]
Scarf: Target
Belt: Madewell   [exact]
Shoes: Nine West  [save | splurge]
Watch: Target [LOVE this similar white style]
Bracelet: Forever 21
Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue







P.S. Kimmie said she was going to ban me from the internet if I didn't post this picture. I was trying to spring forward. It is truly embarrassing and awful but also hilarious. Hilariously awful.

P.P.S. One day left to enter the above the knuckle ring giveaway!

chambray popover: a 4 store review

In an effort to make smarter purchases, I have taken it upon myself to do a bit more research on the pieces that I would like to add to my closet instead of settling for the first one I find. I hope that by taking my time in choosing these items that I'll spend my money on something that is exactly what I want. I don't want to have any regrets about the purchase a week/month/year down the road and then go out and buy a similar item to make up for the original not being what I wanted in the first place. Spending smarter, not more!

So with that in mind, I started on a "mission" to find the perfect chambray popover. I talked a bit about looking for different versions here, but I actually ordered or tried them on in store to find the right one for me.

Old Navy Chambray Button-Yoke Top: originally $19.50

I ordered the Old Navy popover version in three sizes during a 30% off promotion a few weeks ago, making the end cost $12.50. My full button-down Chambray from Old Navy is a Medium Tall so I assumed that the yoke version would fit similarly. As you can see above, it does not. The fabric is waaaaaaayyy too tight in the arms, a problem I do run in to quite a bit. The Large Tall fit my arms well, but had a lot of extra fabric at the bottom, which would have made it difficult to tuck in and/or layer with other shirts as I plan to do with this shirt. Out of the three sizes, the regular Large fit me the best. The arms weren't too tight and there wasn't too much extra fabric towards the bottom.

For me, the biggest downside of this shirt is that it does not button up all the way. There are only 3 buttons, so it would be difficult for me to layer it how I would want to. In the end, I know that I would want a shirt that allowed me to layer it multiple ways so even though the price was amazing, I knew I had to make the smarter decision and keep looking (and trust, for $12, that was really difficult for me).

.......................................................................................................................................................

New York & Company: $44.50

Beth sent me an email telling me she had seen a chambray popover at NY&Co. and that it was worth checking out. I generally don't shop there as nothing ever seems to fit me right, but I was hopefully. I ended up making about 5 laps around the store until I found the shirt - but it was only left in a medium so it must have been a very popular piece! Unfortunately for me, it did not fit properly on me. Again it was too tight in the arms, and also somewhat short on me (as most pieces there are). I liked the color of the shirt, and it buttoned all the way up which is was a plus. For me, the wrong fit was obviously a deal breaker, but I think I would have probably passed on this as well as I think the front flap pockets would make it difficult to layer.

.......................................................................................................................................................

J. Crew Faded Chambray Popover: $78

The J.Crew chambray picture is actually what sparked this desire for a chambray popover, which is why I was so excited initially when I saw the Old Navy version. I'm glad I went in and tried this shirt on instead of ordering it blindly (for close to $80! that's so much!). Again the medium is too tight in the arms, but the large fit well. Besides the outrageous price for a shirt (hi, literally half of my month's budget), I wasn't IN LOVE with it. The color is just a bit lighter than I would want - it's a really really faded blue which I think may make it harder to wear with certain other colors. In the end, I knew I couldn't spend that much money on a shirt that I wasn't 100% sure I was going to enjoy wearing.

.......................................................................................................................................................

J.Crew Factory Chambray Popover: $49.50

As I mentioned, I ordered the J.Crew Factory version during their recent 30% off everything promotion, so with shipping this shirt cost me $40 (there wasn't anything else I wanted to spend money on, and the nearest outlet is an hour away so I made an exception to my no paying for shipping rule). I ordered it in a Large as that is what my polka dot popover is. I AM SO HAPPY WITH THIS SHIRT. It is exactly what I was looking for. It fits me well in the arms, it is long enough to so it isn't boxy on me, it buttons all the way  up, and the color is something that is more true to what I wanted. The only small downside I can find is that the pockets on the front are two different sizes but that doesn't bother me as I think they somewhat blend into the shirt. I felt the most comfortable in this shirt and I really can not wait to wear it. I'm so happy I didn't decide to overspend on a shirt, or settle for the cheap alternative. This smart spending thing takes a bit more time but I think, for me, it'll be worth it in the end.