Happy Monday! I call this my ‘Pinterest Outfit’ because the day I wore it to work, a girl told me I looked like I stepped right out of a Pinterest board. I’m not going to lie, it made me feel pretty good. I’m sure it’s the necklace and the red coat (photos below) that made it feel so Pinterest-y but it works. I also think this is my favorite outfit because it feels very me. It’s simple yet classy and put together, and that’s how I like to think of myself.

I’ve realized over the last few months that my style preferences are changing and I’m drawn to more neutral, classic pieces. Actually, my preferences seem to be doing a bit of a 360 because I’m finding myself gravitating toward pieces and outfits I liked before I started blogging. I’m amazed, actually, at how much I let blogging influence my style decisions. I was constantly trying to convince myself that I needed to step out of my comfort zone and try to be like the other bloggers. After I realized that I didn’t like getting dressed and that I didn’t have to be like the other girls (because we all have something beautiful and unique to offer), I started stepping back into my comfort zone and getting dressed got instantly easier. So, if I have any advice to give to anyone, it would be this: stay true to yourself!

I’ve been wanting a red coat for a while now, and I finally found this one. It’s perfect. My last coat lasted at least 7-8 years, which is amazing, but the lining started to rip and it was getting old so I thought it was a good time to invest in a new one for the next 7-8 years. And doesn’t the red look great with the navy and gray?

Button down:Banana Republic | Sweater: Banana Republic | Pants: Old Navy | Coat: Banana Republic | Necklace: Hawthorne Collections | Shoes: Anne Klein via DSW

Linking up with More Pieces of Me | InDUFFinitely Me | Walking in Memphis in High Heels | Life of Meg | Still Being Molly

This is no ordinary sweater. It’s an open-backed pullover (or something like that) which is new territory for me. I wore this outfit to lunch and then again to work, but the first time I wore it I kept trying to pull the back closed, as if I were in a hospital gown. Nick finally convinced me that it wasn’t open too wide and that it looked really nice, and now it is quickly becoming one of my favorite winter pieces!

I love how it sparkles and is cozy and warm, despite the open back. I also really like how it looks a little chunky without swallowing me up. And can you tell that these jeans are black (and supposed to be skinny)? I’ve noticed that I’ve been wearing a lot of black and white and gray lately, but neutrals are never a bad thing when they look this classy! 😉

Sweater: Banana Republic | Tank: C. Luce via Stitch Fix | Jeans: Banana Republic | Necklace: Wal-Mart | Clutch: Francesca’s | Shoes: dexflex by Dexter via Payless

Linking up with The Tiny Heart | Perfectly Coutured

Apparently, I have a thing for little green dresses! I have three of them so far. However, I didn’t have a fancy green dress so when I saw this one, I had to have it. I figured it would make a good holiday dress and I was right. I wore this to my graduate program’s winter social. It wasn’t very cool out, even though it is December, so I didn’t need a wrap or jacket. But I did wear sparkly tights because SPARKLY TIGHTS!

I’ve been looking for a black clutch and wouldn’t you know, during our day of cleaning house, I found this old thing! It’s pretty outdated and kind of tiny and the cell phone pocket was made for a small flip phone (that should tell you how old it is!). I don’t think I’ll be keeping it, but it’s working until I find a new one.

These stud earrings were a gift from my mother-in-law. I don’t usually wear studs because of my attached earlobe but I love their simple sophistication.

I probably like green so much because it brings out the green in my eyes!

And here’s the blooper: eyes closed

Dress: Ya Los Angeles via a little boutique in Wilmington, NC called Planet | Booties: Target | Tights: Banana Republic | Earrings: gift from my mother-in-law | Clutch: who the hell knows!

Linking up with InDUFFinitely Me | Walking in Memphis in High Heels | I Do DeClaire | Tucker Up | Because Shanna Said So | The Pleated Poppy | The Tiny Heart | Perfectly Coutured | Living in Color Style

I’m back! Exams are over so I’m officially on winter break. I have to tell you that it feels great because this semester has been ridiculously tedious with papers and reading and other school work and it’s all because of two particular communications courses that I was taking as electives. Electives should not be that much work! But it’s all over now and I have a full month off to read for fun and to take pictures of my cute outfits!

Speaking of cute outfits, I wore this one to hang out around home and go grocery shopping. A Fresh Market just opened up near our house so we went to check it. How is it that I’ve never been to a Fresh Market? I’m definitely digging it. Then we came home and did some much-needed cleaning around the house. It was a nice, cozy Saturday.

I bought two of these cute little NC state necklaces, one for me and one for my best friend who moved to Los Angeles about three years ago, as going away gift/best friend gift. The heart is over Durham, where we met and lived before she left.

 Sweater: Banana Republic | Cardigan:  Annabelle via Francesca’s | Tank: Target | Leggings: Old Navy | Boots: Steve Madden | Handbag: Franco Sarto Sunglasses: Target | NC State Necklace: Etsy | Layered Necklace: Claire’s 

Linking up with More Pieces of Me

It’s almost Thanksgiving and the end of the semester is upon us, which means that exams and final project are slowly reaching their due dates. It’s crunch time! I’ll be doing a lot of sitting at the computer, reading and writing, so I won’t be too focused on fashion. Other than pajamas, this is the typical outfit you’ll find me in: t-shirt, jeans, and a cozy sweater cardigan, complete with leopard slippers and mismatched socks. I have a few other outfits that I will try to post in the meantime, but since there will be a noticeable lull, I wanted to leave you with something.

I hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving!