OOTD: Stripes and Peplum Love

If there’s one thing you can probably gather from my outfits, it’s that I have a strong love of neutrals (ah-hem black, white, navy) and stripes.

So when I picked up this black and white ruffle hem top it was love at first wear.

ruffle hem top

[Peplum Top (similar)| Pants (similar) | Shoes | necklace (similar)]

ruffle hem OOTD

It’s just one of those classic looks – stripes, peplum. And let’s all be on the same page here, there is NOTHING that doesn’t go with black pants. Nothing. Black ponte pants? My go to. I think I need another pair of these because I wear them so frequently. I don’t know if this falls under a signature style but if I had one? Stripes and black pants might just be it.

What is your signature style? Do you have go to pieces in YOUR closet?

 

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What I Wore: Black and White

I’m a big lover of neutrals. Like, seriously give me a wardrobe of black and white and navy with a splash of blush, olive and burgundy and – oh wait. That is my wardrobe. Throw in some stripes and plaid and polka dots and you’ve pretty much got my closet.

That’s why I love, love, loved the simplicity of this outfit. And I love getting dressed up for work

black and white striped

Striped shirt (Similar) | Skirt | Flats | Necklace (similar)

This skirt is one of my favorites. Hands down. I have it in three versions (tan linen, camel wool and black) and love all three equally. I also may have just ordered it in turquoise. #sorrynotsorry.

Also, this striped shirt (though I couldn’t find the exact) comes in a few  different colors and totally feels more expensive than the $12 I paid for it. That is #winning.

Many thanks to two of my favorite bloggers Anne and Katie for inspiring this outfit – they both rock the stripes and the skirts on the regular and I finally was like “oh wait. I should put these two together!” I did and it’s a new favorite in my work outfit rotations.

Happy fall. Happy neutrals.

What’s your favorite fall skirt? 

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Navy Gingham

I am obsessed with all things navy. Navy was my wedding color (navy and kelly green), it WILL be a predominant feature in my decor at home as soon as I get around to decorating…you know, with all that free time I have.  It’s also a predominant color in my wardrobe.

So when I saw this adorable navy gingham dress from Loft, I knew I had to try it – easy to justify since my wardrobe has NOTHING like this. The drop waist with the ruffle hem pretty much sold it for me.

 

It’s a little preppy librarian, but the dress is super breezy, looks really cute with a cardigan, and could definitely be belted to accentuate any curves (i did that the first time I wore it but ahaha forgot to take pictures and forgot to put it on this time around. WHOOPS.)

navy gingham dropwaist dress

[dress: Loft | Shoes: Target (on clearance!) | Sweater: Gap (similar, similar, similar]

I can’t decide if I’m ready for fall weather yet – I don’t think I am, because I’m still loving dresses and skirts and tank tops but then again…fall means cozy cardigans, comfy leggings and beautiful boots. I’m pretty sure next

I’m pretty sure next months big purchase has to be a new pair of nice cognac boots. Mine kind of look like crap after surviving Snowmaggedon 2016 so I’m in desperate need of a new pair (never mind that they’re nearly 3 years old in February… suggestions of favorite wide calf boots welcome!)

Are you ready to bust out the fall wardrobe yet? What are your favorite fall pieces??

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Meet Carly: AKA My First Lularoe Dress

I’ve been tracking the Lularoe phenomenon for a while – and have gotten into scouring for cute clothes. They’re a little more than I would usually spend on a t-shirt or a dress so I’ve not bought that many pieces.

Then I saw Molly’s post about five ways to wear the Carly dress and I knew that this was the dress I was going to try. I got really lucky winning a 25% off raffle in a facebook party that a friend of mine had which worked out because there was a heathered blue Carly dress that was in my size and I was sold. 

lularoe carly dress

Friends, I’m in love. People don’t lie when they talk about the Lularoe fabric being so super soft. I’d probably go ONE more size down (size down twice) since it was still a little bigger than I’d like but returns and exchanges are tough and i didn’t feel like dealing with them.

As for how I intend on feeding this newfound Lula obsession of mine? A former colleague of mine just opened up her shop (check out her page here) and she always has the CUTEST outfits posted. I’m going to be co-hosting an online pop-up shop in mid-September with another favorite consultant that a friend of mine introduced me to and can NOT wait. I’m dying to try the Madison skirt, the Randy tee and of course, the never-ending mission of finding leggings with a most-perfect pattern (i like subdued. Black ideally because I can wear them with anything). I’m also going to be co-hosting an online pop-up shop in mid-September with another favorite consultant that a friend of mine introduced me to and can NOT wait (hi, free clothes!). I’m dying to try the Madison skirt, the Randy tee and of course, the never-ending mission of finding leggings with a

I’m dying to try the Madison skirt, the Randy tee, the Amelia and MAYBE a maxi skirt – maxi dresses and skirts are so hit or miss on me because I’m short. 

Conclusion: I give this dress a whole-hearted two thumbs up. If you’re on the fence, definitely try it (and if it doesn’t work out and you’re a size S or XS? Let me know, I’ll take that dress off your hands 😉 )

Have you tried Lularoe? Any favorite consultants I should check out? What’s your favorite piece? 

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OOTD: A Stitch Fix Winner

This week it finally stopped raining. Seriously, I was ready to throw my spring clothes away and stick with black leggings and chambray button downs for the rest of the spring. But then the sun came back, and one of the first pieces I grabbed for was my white jeans.

This was one of the few times I was able to bust out my navy lace stitch fix top that I got in my March Stitch Fix box and I loved this top as much as the first time I wore it. Will definitely be a summer staple for sure!

Navy top: Stitchfix (similar, similar) | White Jeans: Old Navy (similar) | Sandals: Target (exact) | Sunnies: Target (exact) | necklace: hand me down (from my late Nana) (similar)

 

What’s your favorite way to wear white jeans? 

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What I Wore: Weekend Wear

Ahhh the weekend. Generally, I spend my weekends in leggings and oversized sweaters – it’s the two days that i don’t need to dress up or put a lot of effort into. Prior to the comfiness this past weekend, I got a little “dressed up” for a sweet Junior League event and stepped up the weekend outfit effort.

{Sweater – JCrew  | Shirt – Target, old (similar, similar) | Jeans – Old Navy | Boots – Macys (Similar) | Belt – Gap (similar) }

Hubs had drill this weekend so it was just Little Man and I at the Junior League of Annapolis’ Pig & Pearls event. Which was fun. But last time we held this event, Hubs was at BCT in Oklahoma and I didn’t have to chase around a 2 year old. In retrospect, I could have – and should have – considered a baby sitter but it was billed as family friendly. Which it was, very much so, but not necessarily to rambunctious 2 year olds.

Apparently Little Man is a fan of Bluegrass tunes. Kid’s got some good taste in music!

Either way, we – well, I – had oysters, some BBQ and I enjoyed a glass of delicious Boordy and some good company – wasn’t as great as if I had been able to go with Hubs or solo because wrangling a 2 year old who wants to get into EVERYTHING can be very trying BUT he loved the music, I loved the wine and the friends and he took a LOOONNNGGG nap afterwards so…win win.

What does your weekend wear typically look like? Do you put a lot of effort in or are you a leggings and tunic kind of gal (which I was after we got home…not gonna lie)? 

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What I wore: Girls Night Out

Tuesday night I had a lady date to celebrate a pal’s birthday. I don’t usually stay in work clothes for a night out unless it’s a work straight to happy hour type thing, usually I’m all about comfort – give me ponte pants/leggings or give me death but the other night was different.

But I was really digging this outfit. I loved the simplicity of it and kind of wanted to show it off. Also – there was a rush to get home, get E settled and head out to meet my pal – the desire to get out the door was stronger than the desire to change my clothes and try on six different outfits which I knew I would inevitably do.

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{Pants | Top (similar) | Flats (Similar– SAVE!) }

Sorry for the serious lack of posts – the struggle between training well for a race, being a FT Working parent and the need for solo time to decompress is a fickle balance and one that, a year and a half after going back to work, I’m still working to figure out. I do love these easy what I wore type posts though – my issue is I never remember to take a picture until I’m home or changing into my running clothes. No bueno!

That all being said – stay tuned for some fun ideas I have in the works. And as always… find me on twitter, facebook, and instagram. I’m still relatively active most days!

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What I Wore: Lusting over Loft

Lately, I’ve been all about Ann Taylor Loft. One weekend, when I stole away during naptime, I managed to pick up quite possibly the comfiest pair of ponte pants. Bonus, they’re not quite leggings so I can get away with them at work.

The past couple of days have been more fall like so I’ve been putting aside the dresses and reaching for pants and silky shirts that I was too afraid to wear over the summer because…pit stains. Need I say more? I actually snagged the top at Uptown Cheapskate in Annapolis, I recently purged a whole bunch of workout gear and had some time while it was being checked out and managed to find this gem. I rarely like to browse and sift through racks but I’m really glad I did because I got this for the perfect price of $7. WIN!

And the pants? Well they’re an added win and I recently picked them up at a Loft sale. Super comfy. There’s a more tailored looking pair from Ann Taylor that I’m eyeing but I loathe paying full price so I’m waiting (and should have gotten them this past weekend on sale but didn’t. Fail.)

Happy Fall!

 

Shirt (Lush | Similar ) Pants (Loft | Similar) Shoes (Tory Burch)

What are your favorite seasonal transition outfits? 

 

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What I Wore: Camel and Stripes

I’m lusting for fall weather that I know is right around the corner. So the other day when I saw morning temperatures were only in the 60’s, I grabbed the latest cardigan I picked up on our most recent outlet jaunt.

I had happy hour plans that night so I wanted to be sure I would be comfortable. That was the great thing about this outfit – it totally took me from office to happy hour without much effort. The sweater, tank combo was perfect for casual Friday and the tank, necklace, sandal combo was great for casual happy hour at Greene Turtle.

Another plus? I can totally make this a more business casual outfit by trading out the jeans for black pants or a pencil skirt. Win!

Tank: JCrew Factory (Old. Similar) | Jeans (Old Navy) | Sandals (Target, Similar) | Sweater (JCrew Factory) | Necklace (JCrew Factory, Similar)

 

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What I Wore: Camel and Tan

I picked up a new bag this week and I’m in love. Since starting my new job, I’ve been looking for a new bag, something with a bit of spunk without breaking the bank. Earlier this week, I found it on a lunchtime trip to Target.

black and camel outfit

Excuse the wrinkles. It was the end of the day.

Pants | Tee | Necklace, (JCrew Factory, sold out – similar) | Sandals, Loft (sold out, similar) | Bag (other fun satchels: here, here, here, here and here)

merona satchel

I wanted a bag smaller than the standard tote bag (this is similar to what I was using, which i picked up when I first went back to work in February 2014), and this satchel is the perfect size where I can carry the necessities (kindle, wallet, notebook for blog topics/ideas, makeup) but small enough that I won’t accumulate a bunch of crap – which I often do.

Also, about this tshirt, I know it looks like garbage because…selfie. Which I’m bad at taking. But seriously? It’s the basic crew neck tee from Loft, and oh em gee, they’re the softest, best quality tee shirts I’ve found in a very long time. And they’re cheap as you know what (Especially right meow with their 50% off “everything” sale – code GET50).

Happy Thursday folks!

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