American Stripes

Shirt: J. Crew Denim Jacket: H&M Cargo Pants: Ralph Lauren Shoes: BCBG via DSW Jewelry: Forever 21, gifted, Kohl's Sunglasses: Apt. 9 via Kohl's

I'm the patriot, today...move over Heath Ledger. Hope you all are having a lovely week! :)

All Dressed Down

Shirt: Ann Taylor Jacket: J. Crew Denim: American Eagle Belt: Forever 21 Jewelry: Vintage, gifted, Forever 21 Shoes: BCBG via DSW

Happy Passover/ Easter, everyone! 

It's fun to get dressed up, but it's also nice to take your fancier pieces and dress them down.  I love this shirt - it's super elegant and professional. When paired with white denim, a bright blazer, and a white belt to cinch it in, voila! A casual shirt.  That may or may not be drooled on in an hour by a very adorable young cousin. Oh, well. 

And what girl doesn't love a pair of candy colored ballet flats?

Enjoy! xo

(J.) Crew Cut

Shirt: H&M Jacket: J. Crew (similar, here) Pants: Rugby Collection by Ralph Lauren Shoes: Apt. 9 Jewelry: Forever 21, gifted, vintage

Yesterday, my friends, I took the plunge. I've wanted to cut my hair shorter for a while now...I've just never had the courage to do it! Each time I sit in the hairdresser's chair and wonder "Well, can I do it today?" Every time the answer is "no, certainly not, just get a trim" (I go to a personable little salon on Route 23 called Hair & Us! Their amazing prices and wonderful staff make it my go-to place for awesome cuts). Yesterday was the day. I'm still working with it and trying to figure it all out, but it's been smooth sailing so far. It's best to keep your hair short if you have fine hair like mine - I'm a sucker for "big hair" and with long locks, it's hard to keep it full. It actually looks longer in photos than it actually is!

I'm loving these pants. In the dead heat of summer, when it is ninety-five degrees with 90% humidity, you will see me in these corduroy cargo skinnies. Okay, maybe not, but I'll be thinking about them and longing for cooler temperatures. You can dress them up and down and all the way around - they are comfortable and slimming and really just make you feel put together in a cool, casual kind of way. My J. Crew red/pink cropped jacket is another favorite that can be worn any which way....it's so fun to pick and choose and try out pieces for different functions. 

We're half way through the week, and spring break is right around the corner! Anyone have any cool plans? Looking forward to some time off? I know I am!

xo

The Problem with Billowy Shirts

Shirt & Jacket: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's Denim: American Eagle Outfitters Earrings: Forever 21 Shoes: Forever 21

It was much too windy to take pictures in a billowy shirt - it looked as if I were wearing a circus tent. Which I don't exactly think is trendy now or ever....So, even though I didn't wear the jacket today (and I Know you've already seen it), I figured I might as well not look like Ringling Brother's freak show. It's better for us all, trust me. 

Have a great weekend :) 

The Little Dress That Could

Dress: Francesca's Collections Cardigan: Old Navy Jacket: Forever 21 Shoes: DSW Earrings: Forever 21 Bracelets/Watch: Gifted

Allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite dresses. She's a simplistic lady with beautiful coloring, an open back, and a sweet but not too revealing hemline.  She also likes pina coladas and getting lost in the rain. Not really, but you get the point. Here's three interchangeable ways to wear her: with a cardigan for work/school, nothing for a night out (should have snapped a shot of the gorgeous open back!), or with a jacket or blazer for chillier outdoor events. The best part about her was that she was $14.99 final sale on the Francesca's clearance rack at Garden State...and the rest is history. 

The shoes, I don't really have words for. They were another great steal - DSW truly is the best place to go for shoes not only for their incredible selection, but for their slamming sale rack. Although...I am definitely obsessing over these right now....in turquoise and in cranberry. And they are nowhere near sale price, unfortunately :(

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather today....it was great to see everyone outside around town, just enjoying the prelude to spring.

Happy Thursday! xo

PS - Check out the Formspring widget I just added to the blog! Feel free to ask me anything about fashion/style/etc...it would be great to hear from you guys :)

Ergo, Cargo

Shirt: Old Navy Cargo Jacket: Forever 21 White Denim: American Eagle Outfitters Purse: Dooney & Bourke Vintage Shoes: Nine West

....And when I should be studying, writing papers, doing packets, etc, I blog. 

This outfit is so easy....throw an olive cargo jacket over a tee and voila! Instant success. I absolutely love my white denim jeans...I'm always a bit iffy in the pants department - short and curvy doesn't always mesh with stores' platonic notions of the ideal female figure (stick-like, hips like a boy's). American Eagle offers short/long sizes depending on your body type...I buy most of my jeans there, and have never found any reason to switch! So, considering the functionality of this cargo jacket and the cute factor of white jeans, I'd have to say that yes, both are staple pieces. And they can be worn in most seasons! That whole "no white after labor day" mantra does not exist. I repeat, does not exist.

Enjoy the last of the weekend! xo

When is this spring weather supposed to kick in? (Yesterday was such a tease).

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Shirt: Forever 21 Jacket: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's Skirt: Forever 21 Tights: New York & Company Scarf: American Eagle Outfitters Shoes: American Eagle Outfitters Belt: No clue! Earrings: New York & Company

I love pieces that come together with virtually everything. I've worn this skirt a million times in so many different ways - it's probably one of the most functional skirts I've ever had. It makes me proud. (Yes, my clothes are like my small children.  I love them.) Combining patterns, like with this polka dot shirt and checked scarf, is a great way to add versatility. It's nice to change things up every now and then! I suppose what's great about the skirt, the shirt, the jacket...everything stands on its own, sure, but really, when put together, every piece works towards an overall, polished look. I love mixing and matching and trying new things. If it doesn't work, oh well! On to the next.

Someone asked me what my ten staple pieces are - basically, what pieces I rely on that have never failed me. And look good. So stick around and check out my top ten list; I'll post my essentials sometime tomorrow.

Have a great weekend! xo

Flowers in the Trenches

   

Shirt: American Eagle Outfitters Pants: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's Trench: H&M Necklaces: Vintage Rings: Forever 21Watch: Seiko Bangle: Lucky Brand Shoes: Ellen Tracy via Macy's

I think Spring is just starting to come around...which is good because I'm so excited for spring fashion. Incorporating patterns (hence the pants) into your wardrobe is an easy and pretty way to add color and individuality to your outfits! I picked these pants (black, white, tan, pink floral pattern) up yesterday at Kohl's;75-90% off clearance, how could I resist? Obviously not.

A trench coat is another essential - it really ties an outfit together. 

Spring, please come soon! Happy Monday, everyone :)