Audrey at Putting Me Together always has great style advice and one that I’ve used on multiple occasions is winterizing a spring or summer dress. As she says, the key is adding layers: tights, boots, and a cardigan. I’ve done a similar look with the tights, boots, and a cardigan before here. It’s really feeling like winter these days in NC so I wore this outfit to class and to work last week. Everyone said I was adorable! I went with my thick, sweater cardigan because this thing is extremely warm, and I would also add that, depending on how cold it is, you might want to add a few extra layers like camisoles or even a slip. I wish I had done that with this dress because it’s very light and airy, which allowed the chilly breeze to make its way through. Brrrr!

Oh, and in case you can’t tell in the photos, my tights are brown.

Sweater Cardigan: Annabelle via Francesca’s | Dress: mystree via Stitch Fix | Belt: Francesca’s | Tights: christmas gift | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: Target

As a Christmas gift to each other, Nick and I decided to upgrade our bedroom closet and maximize space as much as possible. We’ve ordered one of those DIY-install closet systems and while we wait for it to arrive, I’ve been trying to reorganize/whittle down my clothes. I realized I haven’t worn this red sweater all winter, and as if she was reading my mind, Laura from I Do DeClaire posted this outfit.

I decided to copy Laura’s outfit and wear this one for Galentine’s Day. If you’re not familiar with this event, then you need to be watching Parks and Recreation1 Seriously, it’s okay, I’ll wait. See, wasn’t that great? 🙂 Two of my friends and I spent the day together, shopping and eating and having a great time. It really was one of the best Galentine’s Day I’ve ever had.

Laura wore knee-high cognac boots with her red sweater and pixie pants, which looked really cute on her. When I tried it with my cognac boots,I felt like I looked a lot shorter than I already am so I ultimately decided to wear my new ankle boots. I haven’t had them long but I’m already in love with them; they’re the most versatile boot I’ve had because they go with everything. EVERYTHING. But wearing them for a day out with the girls probably wasn’t the best idea considering we did a lot of walking and I haven’t really had a chance to break them in yet. Needless to say, they’re broken in now and my feet are only a little sore!

Sweater: Banana Republic | Pixie Pants: Old Navy | Boots: BP Trolley via Nordstrom | Red Bead Necklace: Target | Layered Necklace: Claire’s (old) | Bracelets: Old Navy

UPDATE: I just realized that this week’s Style Challenge from Audry at Putting Me Together is Wear an Old Piece (aka something you haven’t worn in at least 6 months). Technically, I haven’t worn this sweater since last winter, and not at all this winter – until now – so I think it counts. Therefore, I’m linking up!

Linking up with InDuffinitely Me | The Tiny Heart | Mix & Match Fashion | The Penniless Socialite | Putting Me Together

Nick and I don’t usually make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day. In fact, our usual tradition is to eat dinner at Chipotle (or somewhere similar) on Valentine’s because it’s less crowded and we’re of the mind that we don’t need Hallmark to sell us a day to show our love. BUT, with me being away at school so much these past two years, Nick decided it would be a nice, romantic date night opportunity.About a month ago, he told me not to make any plans for Valentine’s because he already did. Nick doesn’t plan things like this very often (if ever) so I was pleasantly surprised. He wouldn’t tell me where we were going or what we were doing – except that we were going to dinner but he wouldn’t tell me where – because it was a surprise, but he did tell me I could dress up. So, only knowing that we were having dinner but nothing else, I put together two outfits and told Nick to pick the most appropriate one. I chose a nice blouse and pants for outfit #1 and a really cute dress for outfit #2.

Scroll through to see the outfits in more detail, and at the bottom, you’ll see what we did and which outfit he chose!

Outfit #1: Black and white blouse, black pixie pants, pink heels

Outfit #2: Black and white print dress, tights, and ankle boots

The Date

Our date was dinner at Taberna Tapas, a delicious and authentic Spanish restaurant serving small & large plates, including charcuterie and paella, and then a comedy show at the Carolina Theatre featuring Maria Bamford! I had mentioned to Nick as soon as I found out she was playing in our city that I wanted to go see her and he remembered! (And he doesn’t remember ANYTHING!)

And the Winner is…

The dress! Nick said he liked both outfits but this was his favorite of the two, so it’s what I wore.

We had a great time and I’m really glad we celebrated Valentine’s this year. And the best part was, as we were leaving the theatre, it was snowing! It didn’t last long, and it was REALLY cold and windy, but there was something a little magical about it.

Which look is your favorite? Did you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Outfit 1: Blouse: miami via Francesca’s | Pants: Old Navy | Shoes: Christian Siriano via Payless | Bracelet: Old Navy | Earrings: gift from my MIL

Outfit 2: Dress: Soprano via Nordstrom Rack |Belt: Target | Tights: Banana Republic | Booties: Target | Bracelet & Necklace: Old Navy | Earrings: gift from my MIL

Linking up with More Pieces of Me | Still Being Molly | InDUFFinitely Me | Because Shanna Said So | The Pleated Poppy | Tucker Up | The Tiny Heart | Mix & Match Fashion | The Penniless Socialite

I went to lunch with my friend, RT, and asked her to take some photos of this outfit with my phone since I was nowhere near home and didn’t have my nice camera with me. They turned out pretty well, considering. Please forgive the coloring, but the lighting was not the best. I’ve been feeling a little guilty about my lack of posting lately and this outfit was really cute, so I didn’t want to miss the chance to post it. It was inspired by Annie from Stylish Petite. The last few days have been unseasonably warm for the middle of February and I was going to wear this outfit without the sweater like in the first and last photos of Annie’s post, but there was a breeze so I needed the extra layer.

Here’s the fun one: Goofing off, it’s my favorite thing to do with my friend!

Sweater & Pants: Old Navy | Chambray: Banana Republic | Shoes: Christian Siriano for Payless | Jewelry: Old Navy | Handbag: Franco Sarto via Ross

So, I recently purchased this “coffee straight up” graphic tee from Banana Republic.I love coffee and I’m really excited to wear it, but graphic tees are fairly new to me so I  turned to Pinterest for ideas on how to style it. The weather hasn’t been quite warm enough these last few weeks to wear it so I’ve been collecting a lot of inspiration and ideas for when it does get warmer.

There were at least 4 outfits on Pinterest that I found very inspiring for my personal taste.

Look #1: Graphic tee with black pleated midi skirt & gold belt.

Pinterest source

This first idea seems simple enough, and it’s similar to Banana’s product photo so I thought it would be a good place to start. I already have a midi skirt (although not pleated) and a gold belt so this one might be pretty easy to copy. And it looks like I don’t even have to master the half tuck, which makes it even more appealing because I’m still trying to figure that one out.

Look #2: Graphic tee tied over striped button-down with denim skirt and red sandals.

Pinterest source

I’m *loving* this look. I’ve actually pinned several looks that feature a short-sleeved graphic tee over a long-sleeve button down (or long-sleeve tee) but this one really speaks to me for some reason. It’s been a while since I’ve worn a denim skirt, but I’m willing to acquire one to make this look happen. I’m thinking that my coffee tee, a gray striped button down, and either dark denim jeans – or a skirt, if I can find one – will work quite nicely.

Look #3: Graphic tee with oversized cardigan and sequin skirt

Pinterest source

What a fun way to wear a graphic tee! This is another look that doesn’t require a half-tuck! It does, however, require a sequin skirt, which I do have but I’m a little worried about how it will look with a black and white tee. I think what I really love about this look is the rose gold color of the sequins in the skirt and the leopard accents. I have an idea of how I can style it with pieces I already have so, hopefully, that works out.

Look #4: Graphic tee with patterned capri trousers

Pinterest source

I could totally see myself wearing this outfit to work in an office; simply throw on a blazer and it’s completely work appropriate (for most offices). AND it’s a full tuck. I have a pair of checked capri trousers that I plan to pair with my coffee tee. I’m not sure it will look as good as the outfit in this photo but I’m willing to give it a try.

I haven’t tried my hand at recreating any of these outfits yet, but I will happily share them when I do. I might even share if they don’t turn out as well as I’m hoping. Do you like graphic tees? What is your favorite way of wearing it/them?