Snow Boots and Vests

 I have to be honest with you guys, I feel kind of guilty showing you outfits that are with vests on every-other post.  But, at the same point I pretty much love them this winter, and this blog is about showing my daily outfits....so here you go, another outfit with a vest.  I've recently discovered that the perfect addition to an outfit with a vest are snow boots. The ones I have are actually like four years old. I bought them at of all places, Walmart. I was pregnant and needed boots so I wouldn't slip and fall walking in and out of school. I wore them a little bit that winter, and since then they were pretty much forgotten in my closet until just recently.  You guys. They are so comfortable, and I actually really like them. I actually wish I'd worn them yesterday.  Cool me, took a corner too quickly on our newly waxed floor, and although I didn't fall, I was wearing these booties and I twisted my ankle pretty badly. : (  I'm elevating it and icing it as I write this.  Fingers crossed I'm good today and don't have to limp around having to explain to every 7th grader I pass what happened....

Vest: Fossil $3 (thrifted)

Shirt: J.Crew Factory $25 almost exact

jeans: Old Navy $19 similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot  same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot same, same

Watch: Citizen same

boots: similar

Linking up with:

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

What I Wore to Work Link-up

Also, on Friday I'm linking up with Katie at For Lauren and Lauren and her Kid Style Link-up.  I snapped a few quick pictures of Grant after church last Sunday.  FYI, he picks out his own clothes.  During the week it's pretty much Super-Hero everything, put he knows on Sunday he picks from his "church clothes," not bad if I do say so myself. : )

Vest: Polo

Button-down: OshKosh

Pants: Gymboree

Shoes (not pictured): Target

Double Stripes

Sometimes there are outfits that I just wear time and time again, and this is one of them.  It was originally one of those outfits that came together unexpectedly, but there's just something about it I love. Before getting my booties I wore this with simple heels, but I love it with the booties. If you want more tips on how to style booties, check out this post. Honestly, I think I just like this outfit because it's a little edgier than my norm and it makes me feel cooler than I really am. :)

Cardigan: Ann Taylor $6 (thrifted with tags) similar

Blouse: Express cute sale option

Skirt: Target $11 (sorry I couldn't find a similar one that was affordable)

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Renegade, Urbane

Watch: Citizen same

Tights: Target 

Booties: Jessica Simpson $37 same

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Teal and Polka Dots

I recently this to work and I actually picked up this blazer for $.99 at Goodwill and found this Lauren Conrad blouse for $3 that day too. I actually went in to try to find an ugly sweater for a Christmas party, but no luck. I was pretty excited to find these pieces though, especially since the blazer is Tahari by Authur S. Levine and retails for around $140! Say, what? The blouse is also studded with polka dots, similar to this one. I'll have to wear it on it's own soon! I decided to pair the blazer and shirt with my polka dot skirt and Phoenix Pendant. I mentioned recently I wouldn't go without tights until spring, but I just couldn't do it with this outfit . Luckily my bare legs made it through the short walk into school.

Blazer: Tahari by Arthur S. Levine $.99 (thrifted) in velvet

Blouse: Lauren Conrad $3 

Skirt: Loft $20 drooling over this option

Neckalce: Stella and Dot Phoenix Pendant

Bracelets: Stella and Dot  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade

Shoes: Bandilino $30 similar / DSW Coupons

Bag: Coach (Christmas gift)

Linking up with:

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

What I Wore to Work Link-up

Scarves and Dresses

This dress is definitely one of my favorite pieces. I've worn it a number of times, but was kind of stuck on how to style it a different way until Lauren of Fizz and Frosting wore her leopard dress like this. I feel like the bright scarf was the perfect touch to her look, so I decided to give it a try myself. I really love how it came together. I don't think I have considered scarves with dresses much, but after this outfit I definitely think I need to consider it more. Finding out my closet is even more mixable definitely brightens my day!  I think sometimes I take for granted the little things like this, so I thought today I'd share some of the simple loves in my life:

1. Clean. Sheets.  Seriously, sleeping on clean sheets is the best! If I had the time I probably put on fresh daily instead of weekly.

2. Bubble baths with a book.  I don't think I need to elaborate on the awesomeness that this is.

3. Pedicures- I used to go monthly before Grant was born and now I'm lucky to go twice a year.  Over Christmas break Grant went to daycare a few times and on one of the days I went and pampered myself with a pedi and my feet have never been happier, seriously, that girl was amazing.

4. Compliments from fellow fashionistas; it always makes my day to have stylish ladies give me a compliment.  Have you guys read The Five Love Languages? If not, you really should, mine is words of affirmation, AKA compliments.  My husband is good at a lot of things, but compliments isn't high on his list, so you ladies really help me out it that department. : )

5. Gift cards for Christmas, I'm excited to shop Loft's new spring clothes and am loving this skirt.

6.  The Grantster.  He's a pretty sweet kid....I might just be slightly biased. 

What about you?  What makes your day?  I'd love to hear about it.

Scarf: Craft Show almost exact

Cardigan: Banana Republic $7 (thrifted with tags) similar

Belt: Target $12 same /Target Coupons

Bracelets: Chimera, Moxie , Renegade 

tights: $5 TJ Maxx similar

Shoes: Bandilino $30 similar / DSW Coupons

Linking up with Lauren for Mix it Mondays.  Here are two other ways I've worn this leopard dress:

First Post / Second Post

Blazers and Boots

I found this Loft blazer last year at Goodwill and wore it a ton, but for whatever reason it's been totally under utilized this winter.  I decided to pair it with my polka dot sweater, also totally under utilized this winter and my red scarf.  I feel totally cozy and warm, and when it's ridiculously cold outside that's a winning combination.  

Blazer: Loft (thrifted) similar

Sweater: Old Navy (last year) similar in orange

scarf: craft show $10 almost exact

jeans: Old Navy $19 similar

Boots: Born (three years old) similar

How To: Style a Boyfriend Cardigan

I'm excited to be starting a how-to series, which I'll be sharing with you all weekly.  This week I'll be sharing tips on how to style a boyfriend cardigan.  Now, these cardigans can be great, but the length and tendency for them to be over-sized can make them difficult to style.  I have some great tips on how to style them for you all today.

• First, when trying a boyfriend cardigan on in the store, try on your "normal" size and then one size smaller.  You might find that the small works better than the medium, etc.  Also, check the length.  For me, having a boyfriend cardigan hit right below the hips is most flattering.  Due to my short petite figure, cardigans that are longer than this are not flattering on me and look more like a weird dress with buttons on the front.  Not cool.
• One great way to style a boyfriend cardigan once you've gotten a well fitting one is with a jersey dress like this one I'm wearing in the first picture below.  Boyfriend cardigans are more casual in nature, so wearing it with a jersey dress works great.  I'll done this quite a few time and and always feel put together and cozy all day long.  A belt also helps to accentuate your waist with this combo too.
• The second ways to wear a boyfriend cardigan is with skinny jeans.  This is a great combo for casual Friday or for a weekend look.  I think skinny jeans are best because you don't want to create more volume with the outfit by adding a wider leg jean; this outfit can have a tendency to look overwhelming and make you look bigger than you are.  I styled mine below with booties, but you could also easily wear ballet flats or tall boots too. I also feel that tucking in your shirt or wearing a more form fitting shirt is the most flattering with a boyfriend cardigan too, just like with the jeans, an over-sized shirt can make you look bigger than you are.
• The third way to style a boyfriend cardigan is with a mini-skirt.  Now pencil skirts can be ok with boyfriend cardigans too, just keep in mind the casual nature of this piece, so a cotton skirt is probably best.  Once again tucking your shirt in will be the most flattering for this look and I think booties are boots look best.  I don't recommend wearing an a-line skirt with a boyfriend cardigan, just like I stated above with over-sized shirts or wider leg jeans, adding more volume is not very flattering.
• The last way I'm going to show is to wear a boyfriend cardigan with leggings.  I love this with a longer tunic and boots or booties.  I don't recommend wearing leggings to work, I'd stick to wearing this combo for a night with friends or on the weekends.  You also want to make sure your rear is covered by the tunic and cardigan and that the legging are nice and thick.  To wear this look at work, simply swap out the leggings for black jeans or the gigi pant and you're ready to go.

I've worn this look a number of times and Instagrammed it too.  I wore it like this on the blog earlier this fall when I could actually go outside without tights.

Cardigan: Target $12 same / Target Coupons

Dress: Target $22 same 

Belt: Kohl's $1.5

Leggings: Target 

Boots: Born similar

I also wore this outfit on the blog earlier this fall as part of my color series, What to Wear with Mustard.  I love this combo and blue and gold are definitely one of my favorite color combos.

Cardigan: Target $12 same / Target Coupons

Top: Loft $30 cute option

Jeans: Old Navy $19 similar

Belt: $1.5

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Booties: $29 (ebay) same in black

I've worn boyfriend cardigans and mini-skirts a number of times together before, like here and here.  It can give the look some great casual ease, but still make it totally work appropriate.

Cardigan: Target $12 same / Target Coupons

Top: Loft c/o Chippmunk similar

Skirt: Loft (thrifted) cute option

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Leggings: Target

Booties: $29 (ebay) same in black

I love this combo below and recently wore it for a girl's night in. I think this look can be great with a boyfriend cardigan, just remember, keep that rear covered. : )

Cardigan: Target $12 same / Target Coupons

Scarf: Joe Fresh $10 similar

Chambray: Gap $15 same

Leggings: Target 

Boots: Born similar

Next week I'll have another topic to cover, make sure to come back for it! Also, is there a topic you'd like to see me cover? Let me know, I'd love to try to tackle it!

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Red and Leopard

I'm loving this combo today. I think I pinned something red and leopard awhile ago and have been waiting to wear them together. I feel like some outfits just don't work with tights. Tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this???? However, I totally think they work here, which is good because I'm pretty sure today is supposed to be pretty cold today, so my fleece lined tights are a definitely a necessity.

*I found out we get a cold weather-no school day today, so this outfit will have to wait for tomorrow. To those of you dealing with these freezing temps, stay inside, keep warm, pin some stuff, and follow me on Instagram while I try to keep the Grantster entertained and inside.

Blazer: H&M $25 similar

Blouse: Target $19 similar

Skirt: Loft $3 (thrifted) cute option

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets:  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade Stella and Dot

tights: $5 TJ Maxx similar

Shoes: Bandilino $30 similar / DSW Coupons

Bag: Coach (Christmas Gift)

Linking up with Lauren for Mix it Mondays.  Here are two other ways I've worn my red skirt, I'm just crazy about it!

 

full post                                                      full post

Keep It Simple

Whelp, back to school today. Whomp, whomp.  Break has been great, I've had some time to myself and some great time with family too. Today is a workday and I have grades to finalize and lesson plans to write.  

As for my outfit, I'm going to come out and say it, sometimes layering a shirt under a sweater is just too much work. Seriously. Getting the arms and collar just right is the last thing I want to do when I'm already tired in the morning, and having to get up early for the first time in weeks. So, today I am keeping it simple with this red vest and my Stella and Dot necklace, and that's ok. I love the overall ease of this, and it's perfect for looking put together and cozy at the same time.

Vest: $3 Studio Works (thrifted) similar

Sweater: Express similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets:  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade Stella and Dot

jeans: Old Navy $19 similar

Shoes: Vera Wang $12 similar