Feathered

If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you’ll know that I really like bow-neck blouses. I think I have 4 of them, including this one. They are just so elegant and classy and I tend to gravitate toward them when I’m shopping. I got this one as a gift and it’s definitely a fan favorite. And by “fan” I mean “myself.” Who am I kidding? They’re all my favorites.

More ways to wear bow-neck blouses: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Cardigan: NY & Company
Blouse & Belt: Forever21
Skirt: Carmen via TJ Maxx
Flats: Spring

Plum-spiration for the Holidays

I got these corduroys several years ago as a Christmas gift. I liked them at the time, but had no idea how to wear them and they sat in my dresser for a long while. This outfit was inspired by this pin. Can I just say: thank goodness for Pinterest. How on earth did I get dressed before it? Anyway, these really are the most beautiful burgundy/plum color and they’re perfect for fall. I wear them to work, especially as the weather gets cooler (corduroys really keep you cozy!) and I also like wearing them them to holiday dinners with the family!

Wearing
 Sweater & Blouse: NY & Company
Bangles: Forever21
 Corduroys: Delia's
 Oxfords: Restricted via DSW

Leo-pardy

You guys. This is my first ever pashmina. And I am obsessed. The print is so fun and it really does keep you warm when it’s cool outside. In fact, this morning, I totally snuggled up on metro with this baby.

Wearing
 Scarf: Amazon.com
 Tee: Old Navy (old!)
 Belt: Heritage 1981
 Skirt: avital (gift via Overstock.com)
 Heels: Payless

Fun & Flirty

I wore this outfit last month right as the season started to change. I’ve got to tell you: I was pretty excited to pull out this pretty tweed blazer again this year. This is also my first time wearing this new skirt. I saw it in TJ Maxx and though, “nope, I definitely don’t need another black skirt” but I tried it on and fell in love with it. I figured I could part with one of my others in favor of this more flattering circle skirt. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t need a new black skirt. They’re so versatile, amirite?

Wearing
 Earrings: NY & Co.
 Blazer: Target
 Blouse: TJ Maxx
Skirt: Carmen via TJ Maxx
 Flats: Payless

Neutrals for Autumn

When I think of fall colors, I usually think of burgundy, burnt orange, forest green and navy, but there is something about wearing neutrals that feels appropriate for pretty much any season. I made this outfit even more autumn-inspired with my leopard print flats, which should probably be replaced here pretty soon! Gotta love leopard print, especially for cooler weather!

Wearing
 Cardigan: NY & Co.
 Blouse: Forever21
 Belt: Target
 Crops: Gap
 Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Compliments

These shoes are probably one of my oldest pairs. I got them from Payless in high school (!) and they have really stood the test of time. It always cracks me up because they were super cheap, but every time I wear them I get a TON of compliments.

Wearing
 Blouse & Belt: Forever21
 Skirt: Norma Kamali for Walmart
 Heels: Payless

Sweet

I have always felt that I dressed pretty simply, but when I actually catalog (i.e. blog) and look back at outfits, I have realized tend to wear a lot of bright colors or graphic prints, particularly to work. I guess something about the monotony of cubicleville makes me bust out my pops of color. My casual outfits lean more towards a jeans and a tee approach. This outfit doesn’t have a lot going on color-wise and it feels very subdued, but despite the neutral color pallet it’s anything but boring. Just look at those ruffles!

Wearing
Necklace: c/o Born Pretty
Top: swapped from a friend
Belt: Heritage1981
Skirt: avital (gift via Overstock.com)
Wedges: Steve Madden via DSW

Floral and Neutral

I wore this outfit to brunch earlier this month. As the weather heats up, this skirt is quickly becoming a go-to for me. I got it as a gift from my sister years ago for Christmas. I was a little wary of it at first because it’s very thin. However, the thinness is what makes me love it. It basically feels like I’m not wearing anything which is key when it’s hot and humid.

Wearing
Cardigan: Target
Tank & Belt: Forever21
Skirt: avital (gift via Overstock.com)
Oxfords: Restricted via DSW

Coralicious

I picked up this dress in late winter from Victoria’s Secret. I really liked the color and although it’s not particularly winter-wear, I couldn’t pass it up. I tried it on and it fit perfectly. The ruching is slimming, but still gave the illusion that I have curves. You don’t see them? Shove it–a girl can dream.

Wearing
Dress: Victoria's Secret
Blazer: H&M
Pumps: Payless

Bridal Shower

I wore this outfit to my friend’s bridal shower earlier this month. I wanted to look cool and effortless and be comfortable. This outfit hits all three of those requirements right on the head.

The shower was amazing. My friend’s parents’ house (well, kitchen) was recently renovated and looked beautiful. I was totally drooling over the stove, even though it had more burners and compartments than I could ever know what to do with. The guest list was small and intimate. What really stood was that it was the first shower I’ve ever been to where the bride didn’t open any gifts! I know a lot of people put their nose up at this, but it was great. First of all, watching someone open gift after gift gets boring! Furthermore, it’s awkward for the bride who has to kind of exaggerate their reaction and after the first 10 or 15 gifts, “Aww, thanks!” starts to feel kind of forced. There was none of that, “Wow your gift is so much better than mine” type-feelings from guests. Plus, it gave us more time to socialize.

The thank you card I got was so sweet and sincere; so much more fulfilling than watching the bride open her gift–I’m now fully a proponent of no-gift-opening showers.

Wearing
Tee: TJ Maxx
Cardigan: H&M
Belt: Forever21
Skirt: gift via Overstock.com
Flats: Payless