WHAT I WORE: Summer Florals

Mostly in summer, I tend to wear a lot of dresses. But occasionally, I’ll sport pants on the days when it’s not sweat-your-tuckus off hot. White jeans are great for casual Friday, and most often, I’ll sport black pants for the every day.

When I saw this peplum back top on Audrey’s blog earlier this summer and I bought it up in 3 colors – black floral, red floral and white. Mostly because, like I’ve said, I like to buy things in multiples. Which I do. Often. (I have no shame in admitting this.)

 

I dressed it up with a pair of nice black ponte pants (that were too hot for the weather outside. WHOOPS) but because this top is black, you can sport it with any number of bottoms – white, olive or maroon.

And because I’m original (NOT) I love the black and white look of this same top… in white. With black pants and a pop of cognac with the shoes (though today I’m rocking leopard print heels)

(Also this pic totally captures my summer ‘do that I recently got updated. So fresh and delightfully blonde!)

As for the fit, definitely size down – the black top is a small (though tight in the arms) and the white is a medium but it’s a touch big in the body. Some colors are currently on sale for $29.90 so snatch it up! It’s a great transition/summer piece that I’m sure I’ll be sporting well through the fall even with a bright cardigan.

Summer Florals
Happy Monday my friends! 

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Sidewalk Skirt Casual

Monday was a pseudo-casual Monday since it was a half-day before the Tuesday holiday. Needless to say, it was a perfect opportunity to bust out one of my favorite skirts. This is a little more casual than I usually go for a non-friday, but like I said, half day and half the office was off for the day so why not?

[skirt (on sale!)  | Tee | Necklace | Sandals (old, similar)]

I love the sidewalk skirt for its casual dress up and dress down look. One thing I should note about my style is that when I find something I love, I tend to buy it in multiples. For instance, I have about six of these skirts – three for summer, and three for fall/winter. Same with the sidewalk dress from JCrew – I have it in five colors.

….

Whoops?

I digress, dress up with a pair of heels or dress down with sandals and a tee like I did- it’s a super versatile skirt for any weekend or business casual environment during any season 🙂

Do you have an item that you love and buy in multiples???

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May Stitch Fix Reveal

Happy Tuesday y’all!

It’s been a busy week/weekend – we just got back from a whirlwind 24 hours in Boston and nearly 20 hours in the car over 48 hours. Do not recommend driving to Boston for such a short visit but was significantly cheaper than flying so…you do what you gotta do.

A couple weeks ago, I got my May Stitch Fix. Since I’ve been reading up a lot on how to make fixes better and giving more productive feedback about fit and style, my fixes have improved. My issue with Stitch Fix is still prices largely, but it’s always a fun package to receive so I’m going to keep on keeping on with them.

Top: Skies are Blue Leann Lace Blouse | Bottom: Liverpool Anita Skinny pant (petite)

I have these pants in burgundy and a pair in navy (that I only recently realized are not petite length thus…way too long) and they are so comfortable and flattering. I noticed that my favorite Ann Taylor skinny ponte pants are getting worn in the legs, so I mentioned I was looking for a replacement pair of black pants for work – they delivered. Huge win, these pants are most flattering and comfortable. Keep!

The top, I wanted to love. It was a touch too big for me, but I loved the color and style generally but when it came to deciding factor, it was a $58 shirt which is a lot for me to spend on one top (especially since I was getting the pants for definite). I passed on the shirt, but style wise it was on point. Returned. 

Top: Blu Pepper Kenward V-Neck Top

I was very ehhhh on this one. I wasn’t in love with the color, and the crochet like detail on the collar was not-exactly work friendly for me. Though the style/shape of the top was okay, I didn’t really love it at all. Returned. 

stitch fix scuba dress

Dress: Wisp Mere Lasercut Scuba Dress

Generally, I like A-line dresses. I love ponte style fabrics – I find them flattering and comfortable. I requested to see what they had and they came back with a cute black and white dress in scuba like fabric. It was….okay. The dress itself was comfortable, but a little bit dressier than I was looking for. I wavered back and forth but ultimately, I just wasn’t in love with the dress as much as I wanted to be for the price tag. Returned. 

Skirt: Le Lis Maura Zip Pocket Detail Skirt

Skirts are SO hit or miss for me. They’re either too high waisted or they sit wrong and flaunt my mom-gut that I’m still working on getting rid of. This skirt, unfortunately, was no different really. The print was cute, but the way it fell was just…nope, it was too high and the pockets were too awkward. I disliked it so much, I forgot to take a picture. I promise…you’re not missing much.  Returned. 

I’d give this month’s fix a 3.5 of 5. Reading up on how to get the most out of your fix has really helped as has joining a couple of styling groups on facebook to see what others are getting to give yourself ideas as well.

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet?  What was your experience like? 

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My Favorite Dress is back!

Happy Wednesday!

Earlier this month, I got to spend a few days in Georgia for a work show. It was a great time – I got to see the beautiful Lake Lanier, I caught up with a college pal of mine, and I got to try out an Orange Theory Fitness class (FINALLY) – they need more OTF fitness classes in MD, that’s my conclusion. Best workout I’ve had in a while.

Lucky for me, the first two days I was there (out of three) the weather was perfect and I got to bust out one of my favorite spring dresses!

jcrew daybreak dress

 

jcrew dress

[Dress – JCrew Factory; Shoes – Target; Necklace – JCrew Factory, similar; belt – Gap, similar]

Gah, I’m so glad the weather is finally getting warmer – this dress is so comfortable (i have it in red, green, blue and striped – dare I say, I’m obsessed??) and so versatile. It was super comfortable to wear for my work event, I just slipped on a pair of heels, and a sweater to fend off cool hotel conference rooms, and the switched to sandals after the fact.

Do you have a favorite spring dress??

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February Stitch Fix Box

february Stitch Fix

Happy February friends! After a couple of disastrous Stitch Fix boxes, I moved my Fix to quarterly. I updated my profile to be more specific, asked for a new stylist and even asked for a couple of specific pieces that I’ve seen across the blogosphere, 

This month? That feedback paid off in one of the best fixes I’ve received. If half of it had fit me better I probably would have kept ⅗ of the box. So we’re closer. Much closer. 

Margaret M Deandra A- Line Skirt

stitch fix skirt

Ugh, I wanted to love this skirt. I did. The pattern was on point but it bunched up in the front and wasn’t the most flattering cut for me.

Verdict: Return

 

Skies are Blue Farley Lace Detail Blouse

Stitch fix lace detail top

Man, these petite tops are not working for me. Not working. This was cute, and I am all about both navy AND lace but just nope. Too small – and while I love the exchange option that Stitch Fix added, this top wasn’t available in any sizes. Wamp wamp. (Also please excuse my wet hair and the mess on the dresser…it’s Hubs’s side. This was NOT my best “photo shoot”) 

Verdict: Return 

Market & Spruce Evella Boatneck top

stitch fix evella boat neck top

I specifically requested this top. I wanted it in blue (I’m still on the prowl for it, will trade!) but got a purple-ish pink instead. I could have done with a size up because it was more fitted than I prefer, BUT the small worked.

Verdict: KEEP!!!

Market & Spruce Anella Puffer Vest

Stitch FIx puffer vest

If only…I loved this. The dots were on point. The fit was good. It was a winner. Buuuttt I just got a vest for Christmas that’s similar (though not polka dot) and I have a plain navy vest. But seriously, I loved this (and the price wasn’t terrible either!!).

Verdict: Return

Skies are Blue Gustav Chambray Top 

Stitch Fix chambray top

Another winner – but a terrible fit and was sold out in other sizes. Another petite size, another just…womp womp. But I loved the style and the chambray is always a winner in my closet (nevermind the fact that I have THREE other chambray style tops).

Verdict: Return (reluctantly)

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? If not, it’s a favorite package of mine – even if it hasn’t been perfect – and I’d love for you to use my link to sign up! 


As always, this post may contain affiliate links, and/or if you sign up using my link I may get some referral benefits  but no Stitch Fix boxes have been provide for free. Womp.  All opinions here are my own. 

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What I wore: Ruffles and Heels

There are two things that scream girly to me – ruffled anything and pretty shoes, specifically, heels.

I’ve begged off wearing heels for a while now, but for some reason, I felt like I wanted to feel a little stepped up. So heels it was!

You may recognize this top from my Inbound suitcase – it’s a little lightweight, a find from the big summer/fall Nordstrom sale – BUT since it’s been unseasonably warm for January, I didn’t freeze. Of course it helps that I keep a heater at my desk because I get cold easily and prefer warm feet.

BP ruffle blouse

{pants | top (similar, similar) | necklace (similar) | heels (similar, similar)  }

What do you wear when you want to feel girly? 

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What I wore: Winter Gray

Happy new year folks!

Already my resolutions/intentions are off to a terrible start. No blogging last week but total writers/block.

That being said! I’m back! Happy 2017! Again!

jcrew tippi sweater

[pants | shoes | sweater | button down (similar) | necklace ]

tippi sweater

I’m absolutely in love with the Tippi sweater. It’s super versatile, I want it in all of the colors. (i have two currently. I also love the Charley sweater from JCrew Factory which has since been discontinued but can be found on Poshmark.)

{Near duplicate outfit here! See, multiple colors.}

FTC disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links and may provide compensation from clicks or purchases. All opinions are mine and mine alone. Thanks in advance for supporting my little blog habit! 

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What I Wore: Holiday Party Girly

I am the WORST wanna-be style bloggers ever. I had the CUTEST outfit for my holiday party a couple of weeks ago and alas, I did NOT get a picture of it. Not one. So Much FAIL.

 

[Skirt | Top | Necklace | Shoes (old, similar) ]

These shoes y’all. I have had these shoes for FOREVER, they’re Steve Maddens and I love them. They desperately need new inserts but I wear them two, maybe three times per year because they’re my holiday shoes. I usually trip and near break my ankle at least once each time I wear them (true story), and this year was NO different. But every time I wear them I feel fun, flirty and festive – which is how any girl should feel around the holidays.

My outfit was inspired by this pin – I DESPERATELY wanted to try a tulle skirt. For no other reason than I wanted to try something different and I really don’t get that many opportunities to dress up throughout the year so, I wanted to get a little girlier than I normally do.

Another “fun” fact: if you’re going to shop at Charlotte Russe (which is where, after scavenging many retail establishments in the greater Annapolis area, I finally found a tulle skirt), be prepared to size up at least 1 to 2 sizes from where you normally are. Don’t take it personally. Their size 8 is more like a size 4. Vanity sizing is disgusting my friends.

All of this and of course I forgot to snap a picture. I’ll get better at this whole blogging thing again I promise – its a new years resolution.

What’s your favorite festive party wear?

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What I Wore: Festive Copper

How has it been nearly a month since my last blog post? I have half a dozen drafts sitting in my backlog but no time/energy to wrap them up and schedule them. Maybe I’m over thinking this blogging thing but some of my favorite bloggers have such beautiful photos and images whereas I’m in selfie-city. Somedays I feel like such an amateur. Either way, setting the bar low for myself. Blog one time per week. Two would be fantastic, three would be a dream. Let’s see if I can get my act together!

jcrew tippi

[sweater | pants | shoes (similar) | Necklace (similar, similar) | Button down (similar) ]

I know JCrew has gotten some crap lately regarding their quality and that , but I got a beautiful Tippi sweater on a black Friday sale and I’ve gotta say, I’m in love and want at least ten more in different colors.

In other news, this weekend we’re going to be in full cooking baking, gift wrapping, holiday movie watching mode. Shopping is ALMOST done and I am READY for Christmas morning with my two favorite people. Cue “matching” pjs, mimosas, a festive brunch and all of the Christmas movies with Little man. It’s going to be a fun day 🙂

Tell me about your favorite parts of the holiday season! Any great finds that you’ve found through the Holiday Shopping season?

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OOTD: Gingham and Camel

When you’re stuck in a blogging rut my friends, find an OOTD post that you’ve been meaning to post for 3 weeks but haven’t taken the time to write up. Voila! Insta-blog! AMIRITE?

Anyhooo, One of my favorite fall looks is gingham and/or plaid. Put it together with navy and camel – two neutral staples in my closet and you’ve got a winning combo! Usually, Friday’s are casual days, but earlier this month a business meeting up near Philly had me dressed up during a normally, dress down day.

{shirt – J.Crew Factory | Pants – J.Crew Factory | Shoes – J.Crew (consigned), Similar | Cardigan – JCrew Factory, Old; Similar | Necklace – Loft Factory, old; Similar}

And y’all…those shoes. What I call my power shoes because leopard heels? Rawr. Those are JCrew heels that I found on consignment for $20. There is nothing I love more than a fantastic deal – which is why I’ve been loving Poshmark and Amazon lately for shopping. And those pants? Six months ago were too tight. Now? They’re too loose. #winning.

What’s your favorite look that leaves you feeling confident? 

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