Monday, January 5, 2015

one for me and one for you (leah lerner giveaway)

mustard cardigan with black and brown accessories
While I love to see what bags are currently the "in" purse to have, I know that in the long run, a classic bag is going to get a lot more use. Simple leather purses with classic shapes will always be in style, which is why I was thrilled with Leah Lerner gifted me one of their beautiful tote bags. With a very similar style to my Madewell tote, the grey color adds a cool feel while remaining super versatile. The leather is seriously so soft, and I think it's definitely one of those purses that gets better with wear. I need to make a bag shaper for it so I can start using it for school more often (I don't want to stretch out the bottom with a heavy computer!), but I'm very excited to add such a beautiful bag to my closet.

Interested in owning your own timeless bag? We're giving away one of their navy small pouches - just enter the rafflecopter below (it's open internationally!) Or use that left over Christmas money to buy this beauty of a bag!
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LARGE Distressed grey leather shoulder bag, Leah Lerner
Purse: c/o Leah Lerner [exact]
Cardigan: thrifted [similar]
Tee: Everlane [exact]
Pants: Paige c/o Zappos [exact]
Scarf: Banana Republic [exact on sale!!]
Shoes: suuuuuper old [similar]
Bracelet: gift from miss lizzi [similar]
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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, December 28, 2014

top three [12.28.14]

one | two | three
On the Internet

Spotted

On Franish

Notable Sales
  • Nordstrom's clearance sale has a ton of great options at super low prices. I love the wristband of this watch (currently 40% off), while these knee high boot are a steal at 50% off.
  • Banana Republic is offering an extra 50% sale items (code BRWINTER). I picked up this sweater yesterday for $11 in store (I used my BR card for another 10% off + a $10 reward!). 
  • All AE jeans are currently under $30. I know it seems a bit strange, but I really love the AE jeans. They're super soft and stretchy, they come in longs (and shorts), and you can order them online so you don't have to go into the store with all of the other 13 year olds ;)  I've worn this pair so much they now have holes in the thighs after wearing them for 4 years straight.  

Personal
  • I started my Invisalign braces this week. I had braces growing up (twice!) and even though I was the perfect patient, my teeth went back to crooked. I'm doing Invisalign for the next year to finally correct it. It's taking a bit to get used to (I have a lisp hahaha) especially when it comes to eating (you have to take the trays out whenever you eat) but I'm excited to have straight teeth at the end of this process!
  • After a week off from school, I've started gathering some of my board prep materials. I'm nervous about how much we have to learn this semester, but I'm also excited because in less than 5 months, it will all be over.
  • Christmas this year was really different, but also very special. I didn't get to spend any time with my own family, who I miss very much, but I was very much included in all of CR's family traditions and am so grateful for all of their love. I hope you all had a great holiday season!


Monday, December 22, 2014

wearing rain boots to work

how to wear rain boots to work I really love my Hunter rain boots - I wear them at some point almost every single day between the months of September through May. Several people have asked me to talk about more how I wear them with professional attire and my answer is...

I don't....really.

Rain boots are meant to kept your feet dry when it is wet outside, so once you get inside, there's no real reason for them (plus my feet and legs get a bit sweaty after wearing them for more than an hour anyway). But I still want to wear my rain boots on rainy days, so I always wear a skirt or dress on those days. I think it's much cuter that way, instead of awkwardly tucking dress pants into boots. Then you just change into flats when you get to work. So...not the world's most innovative tip, but that's how I do it :)

My other tip if you don't want to bring a pair of shoes to change into, and if you have a slightly more casual work environment, is to buy waterproof boots like this classic style of boot. I wear ponte black pants and boots on slightly rainy days, or when it's snowing. No silly tucked in dress pants, but my feet are dry and I don't even have to change.
Oversized Plaid Scarf - Multicolored
what to wear to work when it's raining

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Skirt: Banana Republic [similar]
Tee: Everlane [exact]
Cardigan: thrifted [similar]
Scarf: Target [exact - back in stock!]
Shoes: Banana Republic [exact]
Rain Boots: Hunter [exact]
Watch: Michael Kors [save a ton | exact]
Bracelet: C. Wonder [exact]
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Hunter Adjustable Back Boot
via instagram

And while I really love my Hunter rain boots, there are some really great cheaper options out there. Below are 6 that are under $75. I would go with the first one if I were you - how cute are they?!


Thursday, September 12, 2013

fall // mustard // psl

J.Crew Factory Sylvia, Hobo Morena Bag, Everlane Silk Blouse 
So this past weekend, the weather cooled down and it was amazing. I slept with the windows open and woke up all snuggled under the covers - the best feeling (besides waking up cuddling next to someone but ya know...LDR). I wore jeans and a scarf while outside! And while I didn't drink a PSL because as much as I love pumpkin everything else, I'm not a fan of them in coffee, but everyone else was achatter about them so...yay PSL season! 

I love fall (because I am a blogger and a walking cliche). Maroon is my favorite color to wear, and even though for the first 24 years of my life I never ever wore mustard (because I'm a blondie and I thought it clashed), I am now just a little bit obsessed. I was just looking to see what other mustard cardigans are out there when I found this one. While I don't know how practical a short sleeved cardigan is...something about the style is saying "Buy me Fran! Spend your fall budget on me! Think how cute I'll be with your new striped shirt!"...so...thoughts? Mustard, grey, walk away slowly? 

Also, it is now back up to 90 degrees here so...that's not so awesome. 

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Cardigan: thrifted
Blouse: Everlane
Skirt: thrifted
Shoes: J.Crew Factory [exact]
Bag: c/o Hobo Bags [exact]
Watch: Target [similar]
Bracelet: c/o Apple of My Eye

Friday, May 24, 2013

cold spell + J.Crew Button Front Dress Review

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Remember how about three days ago I was bitching how it was so hot and I have no clothes to wear for that weather? Luckily for me, the temps have dropped about 30 degrees so we're right back into perfect weather territory - just enough to layer a little bit but not not cold enough to need a jacket. All you need is a fun scarf ;)

Unfortunately this weather won't last long until it gets hot again. After hearing about Everlane for over a year, I finally caved and ordered two of the v-neck tees (I was boring and just got white and black). Both Jess and Lauren rave about their quality and longevity so I'm excited to test them out. I'll be sure to report back once I receive them. I also stumbled upon this tee from Express (as seen here) and I think it'll be a fun casual shirt to have for the summer. I'm hoping to do a bit of Memorial Day shopping (mostly to get those last few pieces for school) but I'm also going to keep my eyes out for shorts. Ick. Budgetting Bloggers goes up on Tuesday so at least consider trying to stick to your budgets while all of the sales are temping us!
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Cardigan: thrifted
Tee: Hanes
Scarf: Target [exact]
Jeans: American Eagle [exact]
Shoes: Tory Burch, thrifted by my mom
Bag: Madewell [save | exact]
Watch: Kate Spade [exact]
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In other news, yesterday I went to J.Crew to try on this dress. I saw it in stores when we were in Minneapolis, and then I also saw it on Lauren and thought it was just gorgeous. I've set some money aside recently to buy a dress specifically for my work going away party / summer weddings / possible white coat ceremony that isn't a part of my normal budget. I wanted something versatile and appropriate for all of those occasions, and I was hoping this dress would be it. I even had a dream about it, so needless to say, I had high hopes for it. 
In the catalog it looks like it was knee length, but online it looks a bit shorter. I think this picture is a little bit misleading as well because it is on the shorter side of "knee length", at least on 5'9'' me. The fabric is thick, and the lining would prevent having to wear a slip, and of course the pockets are fun. I felt that the dress runs small, as I wear a 10 in both blazers and tops at J.Crew, and this dress is a 12. It's too tight in the chest as you can see by the buttons pulling on the chest, and leaves too much of the armpit area exposed. 

I think my problem with the dress is more on me than on the dress. I really really dislike my arms, and therefore a sleeveless dress obviously is only going to show those suckers off. I'm disappointed because I kind of hoped that wouldn't be the case in this situation (why, I'm not sure, it's the allure of the skinny models wearing the pretty dress!). It's definitely a beautiful dress in real life, and I'm envious of those who own it, but it just isn't going to be the one for me :(

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

lines & edges

simple print + mustard cardigan 
I've been slightly obsessed with finding a geometric top after seeing this pin (Kendi's original here). The print is not something I really gravitate towards usually but for some reason I couldn't let it go. I always kept an eye out for something similar whenever I was shopping so I was really excited when I finally found this shirt at the Banana Republic Factory store this weekend. I know it will get a lot of wear now and once school starts because it is so so soft and can be worn a whole number of different ways.

And speaking of shirts that would get a lot of wear....have you been looking for the perfect striped long sleeved tee? Banana Republic currently has theirs on sale for $21.99, and with their 30% promotion that ends today, it's down to $15.40. Thank you to Professionally Petite for introducing it on her March Budget post!
printed blouse
white/black print
Blouse: Banana Republic Factory [save | extreme splurge]
Cardigan: Thrifted [similar]
Jeans: American Eagle [exact]
Necklace: gift from my sister [similar]
Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]
Watch: Target
geometric
geometric + mustard
P.S. I promise my hair doesn't stand up on its own like that. That wind is brisk!

Friday, February 15, 2013

turn a t-shirt into a scarf

mustard, pinks, lace
The other day I joked about wearing my scarf as a skirt as a way to try to branch out during TOPIO. While Heidi tried to convince me it can be done (see her attempt here), I was intrigued when Kate suggested I wear the shirt as a scarf. I really can't tell if she was joking, but it did get me thinking...could I do that?

Turns out I can. Today at work Emily stopped me mid work-related conversation to say, "Oh. My. God. Where is that scarf from?!!"

So if my most fashionable friend was fooled, I feel anyone could be fooled by this little trick.












turn a tee into a scarf
take tee  |  grab furthest apart pieces
tie with hair band  |  fluff





















mustard, pink, lace
In other news, I was searching on the Urban Outfitters site this morning in a fit of black jean desperation. They are currently have a sale on all of their BDG jeans, so even though my favorite pair of jeans isn't available in my size, I'm hoping that this pair works just as well. If you looking into trying the BDG jeans, now would be a good time as they are about $20 less than they are normally!

















lace, pink, mustard
Cardigan: Thrifted  {save | splurge}
Chambray: Old Navy  {exact}
Shirt as Scarf: Forever 21  {exact}
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact}
Belt: Gap
Earrings: Tiffany & Co.  {exact}
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington  {exact}
Shoes: Tory Burch  {save | exact}


















mustard, pink
























interesting techniques : interesting faces







linking up with plane pretty!

Monday, January 7, 2013

inspired

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This is a slight rip-off of this outfit with a few adjustments to my accessories. My second favorite part about blogging (the first is all of you ladies) is how inspired I am by other bloggers. I sometimes I look at my closet and wonder how I have all of these clothes but can't come up with an outfit...but then I just head to my Pinterest board full of outfits I pinned with pieces I already own and instantly find something to put together. Isn't providing and finding inspiration the whole point of blogging? 

But don't forget - there is a difference between finding inspiration and straight up copying. Give credit where credit is due and find your own style somewhere in the middle :)






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And if you need more inspiration for styling a mustard cardigan, check out Audrey's recap of the way she's worn hers! I'm also doing a little guest post for her so please check it out!



















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Cardigan: thrifted  {save / splurge}
Blouse: H&M  {similar}
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact}
Necklace: Ann Taylor Outlet  {similar}
Watch: Kate Spade  {exact}
Purse: Madewell  {exact}
Shoes: Crown Vintage  {save / splurge}





















Saturday, December 29, 2012

6 months of 2012: a review


Well, all the cool kids are doing it, so I felt obligated to do it too. Don't worry, I won't show you every.single.outfit of the year because if you cared that much, you know where the archives are ;) I only started blogging this year, and spent a good 2 months of that time as a "hiding in the bathroom faceless blogger" (my first real world post is here! such a baby) so it's really only a "best of the last 6 months" kind of roundup. Either way, here's a list of the best, worst, and wtf was I thinking of the year:

Favorite Outfit of the Year: This outfit is my favorite for several reasons. It has my new favorite purse in it, I really like this (new to me) color combination, and it has the perfect feminine/masculine vibe going on that I've realized is what I tend to gravitate towards. Plus the photography gods were on my side that day so overall, favorite.

Biggest WTF of the Year: This pattern-on-pattern monstrosity. In theory, not too bad since pattern mixing is all about staying in the same color family. Unfortunately, this is just too much, too bright, too overwhelming. You live, you learn. I'll stick to little pattern mixing instead.

Biggest Regret Purchase: Although these pants were only $20, I've only worn them one time. I don't really love drawing that much attention to my legs so bright green pants weren't the smartest purchase for me. I think this was one of those "everyone has colored jeans, I NEED THEM TOO" purchases. I've definitely learned my lesson.

Favorite Manicure of the Year: Although extremely simple in design and execution, I love this manicure and hold myself back from recreating it every week.

Biggest Learning Experience: I'm a huge fan of and participant on GOMI. There are some really smart and sassy ladies on there, and I love going to place that allows me to feel sane when looking at some of the more out there blogs. I've met some of my favorite bloggers on there as well. That being said, being on an anonymous site doesn't always mean you're anonymous. I've learned that as unoffensive as you try to be on the internet in general, you aren't going to please everyone but for every 1 person who dislikes you, there are in general 10 that do like you. My face and thighs aren't those of a supermodel, but I think I can add a little bit of value to "fashion" blogging as a whole in a normal girl kind of way.

Most Pageviews of the Year: This post about a little trick Bri taught me has 3 times as many views as the next highest viewed post. I hope all of the repins on pinterest have helped a lot of other women with the art of layering ;)

Favorite Thrifted Item: I'm pretty new to thrifting. My mother, literally the most stylish woman I know, is a huge thrift store person, so it's almost embarrassing to admit that reading blogs motivated me to finally go to a thrift store. I haven't purchased that much, but this mustard cardigan is my favorite. I'm unsure what the original brand is, or how old it is, but I love the color and fit, so I don't even care.

Favorite DIY of the Year: My tube bracelets are my favorite thing I've made this year, with my flannel scarf coming in as a close second. I made them in gold and silver, and reach for them almost every single day. Plus the materials cost less than $10 and are super easy to make - cheap and easy: sounds good to me!

Most Worn/Favorite Purchase: My favorite purchase of the year is also my most worn (makes sense, huh?). My J. Crew Schoolboy blazer, which was a birthday present to myself, is the most expensive piece of clothing I own, but I know the cost per wear will eventually be less than a lot of my cheaper pieces of clothing.

So that's it! I hope 2013 brings me the foresight to make smarter purchases to fill the holes in my closet, to still expirement with my clothes, and to continue to have fun with this little hobby.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

December Budget

1. Target Sweater {seen here}: on sale for $13
2. Julep Clutch & Nail polish: $30 - $20 credit = $10
3. Thrifted Wool Sweater {seen here}: $3
4. J. Crew Excursion Vest {seen here}: $110 x 30% off = $77
5. Madewell Tote {seen here}: $168 + 30% off + monogram fee = $135
6. Thrifted Cardigan {seen here}: $3

= $241 - $230 sold on eBay after fees = $11

This month I did go over budget, but I knew I was doing a lot of selling on eBay so I consider it a trade-off for my closet and budget.  I mentioned that I sold a smaller purse in exchange for my new Madewell tote, which is a purchase I've been contemplating for a long time now. I feel that a large tote bag is something I'm going to get a lot of use out of, which I can't say about the smaller green crossbody I sold (which I've only used three times in the 6 months I owned it). The vest was a purchase I've also been thinking about for a while as I wanted a thinner vest for layering in the winter, so I'm glad I bought it while I could before it sold out, but still during a sale. I realized that on days that I'm pressed for time when getting ready, I always grab for my dark grey v-neck sweater, so buying the Target sweater only made sense (plus it's so soft and so inexpensive). The Julep clutch was a Christmas promotion that had 1 sparkly clutch (something I didn't have at all but realized I would like in my closet), 3 nail polishes and a few little extras. The two thrifted items have already born worn a ton in the short time they've been in my closet, so I'm happy I got quality pieces for such a small amount.

Overall, I'm really pleased with how this month panned out. I sold some items that hadn't gotten any use in months/years, and have added pieces I know will be worn a lot. Next month I intend to buy some of the holes in my closet -  black pumps for interviews coming up (somewhat of a bummer to spend money on something I won't get a lot of use out of right away but something I need), possibly a black blazer that Audrey recommended, and I'm going to be on the look out for suede boots if I can find some in a decent price range. If not, that'll have to wait until February.

So how did you do this month? Did Christmas shopping mean you didn't spend much on yourself, or did the post holiday sales help you score some great deals? Link up below! Please make sure you link back so your readers can discover other budgetting bloggers.


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

sandy toes

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Merry Christmas y'all (I'm in the South, I'm allowed to say that now). I hope Santa brought you everything you wished for and more! My family didn't do a gift exchange this year as we are on vacation together instead, so let me live vicariously through you - what was your favorite present this year?





















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We've been doing more of the same down here - lounging, playing board games, tanning when the sun is out, going on bike rides and walking along the beach.







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Why did no one tell me sooner how versatile a mustard cardigan is?! I have seriously worn it every day we've been here.

Cardigan: Thrifted {similar} 
Tee: H&M  {similar}
Shorts: Aeropostale  {similar}
Sunglasses: Ray Bans  {exact}
Toe Nails: OPI My Throne for a Cranberry Scone
Dirty Hair: c/o laziness


















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Cardigan: thrifted (told you)
Tank: Old Navy  {similar}
Purse: via Boston Store
Jeans: American Eagle {exact on sale}
Sandles: Sam Edelman via AE  {similar}

























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We even did a little swimming and boogie boarding. The water was ....chilly.











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Various locations around the world that are special to our family, and how far away/what direction they are.



























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Fireworks and monopoly rounded out our Christmas Eve. The weather the rest of the week is looking promising, so hopefully I will return to Wisconsin with just a little bit of color.



linking up with wiww and because shanna said so.