taking my own advice

A couple of weeks ago I said I was going to try wearing more outfits I liked just because I liked them, and not not wear them just because they may look better on someone else. I figured it was time to actually do that! This outfit was inspired by Kimberly - I tried wearing a button-up under this fluffy (so comfy!) turtleneck, but since the sweater is already very thick, it didn't look good. So this is my own version. There are of course things I would change (hello, drop shoulder sweaters. who thought you were a good idea? probably not someone with broad shoulders!) but I also just loved being comfy and cozy and not necessarily worrying about how it could look better.

Baby steps!

Sweater: BB Dakota c/o Shopbop [exact]

Vest: J.Crew Factory [very similar]

Jeans: Uniqlo [exact]

Shoes: Sperry [exact on sale!]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

you x modcloth

A few weeks ago, I was offered the chance to try out a few new pieces from the new Modcloth label. Coincidentally, I was already eyeing a few of the pieces anyway, so it was perfect timing! The designs are adorable - just enough whimsy to make them special, but still appropriate for every day life. 

I chose the Peace and Client dress to wear to CR's cousin's wedding last week, and it was perfect for a family wedding. It's stretchy, flattering, and with a small stitch put in, appropriate for a night of dancing with parents and cousins. Bonus: it has pockets! I got so many compliments on it that I may just wear it for the next wedding we are going to. 

During last week's fall preview (it was in the 60's for most of the week!), the snuggly cardigan in forest was perfect to keep me comfortable while reading outside at a coffee shop. The fabric is thick and soft, but doesn't feel heavy like some other open cardigans I've tried. I went with the green version of the cardigan because it's CR's favorite color, but they also have a red version that would be super cute during the holidays. 

outfit one

Dress: c/o Modcloth [exact - I'm wearing a large]

Belt: Gap [very similar]

Shoes: Banana Republic [exact]

Necklace: c/o Rocksbox [use code franishxoxo for 1 free month]

outfit two

Sweater: c/o Modcloth [exact]

Tee: Everlane [exact]

Jeans: Uniqlo [exact]

Shoes: Sperry [exact]

Purse: Madewell [save | exact]

Below are some of my picks from the new Modcloth collection. I've always wanted a bright and cheery skirt, so maybe this yellow one will have to be future purchase. Which of the following is your favorite? 

one | two | three | four

five | six | seven | eight

nine | ten | eleven | twelve

Disclosure: thank you to ShopStyle for sponsoring this post!

all you need is a light jacket

If I were a better planner, I would have waited to post these until the perfect date.  But I'm not, so here we are! 

I ordered the J.Crew field jacket a few weeks ago during a particular good sale. I've had my eye on it for the past two years, but never actually bought it. When it went on sale for just over $70, and it the weather outside looked like it would need a jacket for the next month, I finally bought it. I ended up ordering it in tall large and after trying it on, was debating exchanging it for a medium. When I wear a light shirt under it, it is a little too big on me, but I figured that I will want to wear it with sweaters and more layers during the cooler months of the year, so I kept the large. It's come in handy over the last week since we've gone from 60 and sunny to 20 and snowy within 24 hours!

Blouse: J.Crew [exact on sale - I'm wearing a medium]

Jacket: J.Crew [exact]

Jeans: Uniqlo [exact]

Bag: Madewell [exact | black version on sale]

Shoes: Banana Republic [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [love this pink face version]

P.S. J.Crew Factory's jewelry is all on sale for $15 or less. I just picked up this $50+ necklace that I've wanted forever. Sale ends tomorrow!

stripes, the eternal trend

My boyfriend thinks that stripes are a trend right now. I think he sees my closet, full of stripes, and then sees striped shirts in stores, and thinks that they are the trendy thing. I'm still trying to convince him that stripes are a classic, not a trend, but you know how boys are ;)

But really, I love a great striped shirt. I think they are so versatile - they can stand on their own, they can be combined with other patterns, or they can be used as a layer to add interest. I've been looking for a white shirt with black stripes, long sleeves, and a longer hem for a long time. I finally found it when I found this tee at Loft a few weeks ago. I'M OBSESSED. It's has the longer rounded hem that makes it perfect for layering. If you've been looking for a simple striped tee, this one is currently on sale for $15 (no code needed). I found that it runs true to size, and I can't stop wearing it. 

Striped Top: Loft [exact]

Sweater: Soft by Joie c/o Zappos [exact]

Jeans: Uniqlo [exact]

Scarf: H&M [exact]

Watch: Kate Spade [save | same style]

Shoes: Sperry [exact]

Bag: Madewell [save | exact]

july budget

1. Target dress [seen here]: $20
2. Hudson jeans via Nordstrom Rack [seen here]: originally $180, on sale for $35
3. Project Social tee: $35
4. J.Crew dress [seen here]: originally $158, on sale for $55
5. J.Crew pants: originally $98, on sale for $35
6. Banana Republic Factory sweater [seen here]: $25
7. Uniqlo Jeans [seen here]: $40

Total July spent: $245

Quarterly Budget: $110 in May + $120 in June + 245 in July = $475

So I knew that July would be a bigger shopping month for me because of the trips to Seattle and NYC. Both of those trips were more about seeing friends and going exploring, and less about shopping, so I only purchased a few things in each place. While almost fall under my "rules", I felt like I tried to at least step a little out of my normal items. The striped pants (which are still on sale + 40% off) are a fun addition to my normal school pants collection, while the Hudson jeans (which I still can't believe I got for one sixth of the original price) are so comfortable that they'll be perfect for long weekends at the library.

I did order these shoes at the end of last month, but have decided I'm going to return them. While they are cute and very inexpensive, I don't have a need for another pair of sandals right before school starts. I also didn't really like the black part of the sandal as it looked a little too plasticy.

As for as c/o items this month, BaubleBar sent me these beautiful pieces of jewelry. I've been a long-time fan of the brand, and all of my pieces from them have held up very well! My favorite is this necklace, which I've worn at least five times since I received it a few weeks ago. It's something I would never have thought of purchasing, but it's my go-to item right now.

one | two | three [seen here] | four

So what are my plans for next quarter? Well, I have to wait until we get our student loan checks, so for the first three-ish weeks shopping is a little on hold. I did order this vest as it is backordered for another three weeks, so it won't ship/charge until after we get money. Once that comes in, I'm hoping to add a few of the items mentioned here so round out my closet....although this dress just came out, and I'm trying to figure out if there's a way I can make it work for school - thoughts?

Did you stick to your July budget? I would love to hear more about it - please add your link below, and be sure to link back to this post so your readers can read and discover other budgeting bloggers!

sweet sweet summertime

After a whirlwind summer of traveling all over the country, I'm excited to spend the last two weeks at home before school starts again. I have a few projects I want to finish around the house (I started making this pinboard today for our kitchen), bike rides to go on (after receiving a bike as a surprise present!), and hopefully finishing Breaking Bad (only two seasons to go). After a day of sleeping in, going for a swim, and making a delicious dinner, we capped off the night with a Starbucks date. The cooler temperatures meant I got to wear both jeans AND a long-sleeved shirt....so while I'm not excited for school to start, I am excited for FALL.

Please don't hate me for bringing up fall in the middle of July ;)

Top: ASOS [exact on sale w/ popback sizes!]

Jeans: Uniqlo [exact]

Necklace: c/o BaubleBar [exact]

Shoes: thrifted Tory Burch [current version]

Bag: Madewell [save - read Audrey's review here | exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [save | exact]

P.S. It seems that J.Crew is becoming the new Gap with their constant sales...and I'm not complaining. With their 40% off sale items, I picked up these adorable pants after seeing them on Kendi. I can't wait to wear them with all the red and cognac accessories ;)