I’ve been wanting a rust-colored top so that I could recreate this pin, and this one, and even this one, and I found one while thrift shopping. I snatched it up as quickly as I could and wore it the very next day. That’s just how I do.

We spent the weekend cleaning out our closets and made a ton of donations, so I don’t feel quite as bad about adding another cardigan to my wardrobe. In my opinion, cardigans are the most versatile piece in the world (next to denim) so you can never have too many. When you have at least three+ pins to inspire you, I think it was meant to be!

So, more ruffles. I think I’m going to have to take back my previous statement of not liking them because I realize I have several tops with ruffles that are totally adorable. They’re very subtle, though, so I guess I like ruffles as long as they’re not in your face. We’ll leave it at that.

Top: J. Crew (thrifted) | Scarf: Amazon | Belt: Banana Republic | Denim: Loft | Heels: Target | Earrings: Target | Bracelet: Old Navy

I might as well just stop trying to fashion blog right now because I’ve found my new favorite outfit. I’ll probably wear it every day for the rest of the season. I was going to say ‘the rest of my life’ but the weather will eventually warm up and I’ll end up sweating it off. But seriously, I love this outfit. I first wore it on Thanksgiving, even though I had planned to wear something slightly different, and decided then and there that I would wear it again every chance I got. And I almost have!

I absolutely adore this sweater because of the beautiful lace-like detail on the front. I don’t wear sweatshirts, but with this one I can get the feel of a sweatshirt with a look that is still casually elegant and put together. Also, the pattern on this vest is great! I know I mentioned in a previous post that you couldn’t really see it but in this photo you can. It’s not quite houndstooth but it works!

 I didn’t intend for my porch umbrella to end up in these photos, nor did I intend to match it! Actually, the umbrella is a burnt orange and my sweater is red so I don’t really match. *whew*

Sweater and Vest: Banana Republic | Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: Steve Madden

It’s really gray outside today but luckily it isn’t raining. Yesterday was the last day of classes and today is “reading day” which means I have all day today and most of tomorrow to study for final 1 of 2. Wish me luck!

I bought this vest right before Thanksgiving and it is quickly becoming my all-time favorite. It’s so easy to style, it’s soft and comfortable, and is puffy but not too puffy. I started off simple by pairing it with a black sweater, but you could pair it with just about anything! I wish the lighting was better so you could see the pattern.

Vest and Sweater: Banana Republic | Camisole: Ross | Denim” Loft | Boots: Steve Madden | Earrings: Target

I’ve decided to try Sarah’s Real Life Take One, Pass it On: 2.0 Challenge. As Sarah explains on her blog, the way  the challenge works is participants will:

• Start out by wearing any outfit you want to wear.
• The next day, take one thing from the previous day’s outfit and wear it again in a new way.
• The next day, take one thing (besides the already repeated item) from the day before, and…you get the idea.
• Do this for as long as you want!

Yesterday, I wore an easy outfit for working on a group project. Today, I’m “taking” those jeans and “passing them on” to today’s outfit (see photo at the bottom for recap). This is my first real attempt at pattern mixing and I’m pretty sure that polka dots and plaid are BFFs.

And these shoes! I’ve been looking for a pair of oxford/brogue style shoes for a while (heel optional) and finally found these. The color is flawless and the heel is just the right height, but those laces have got to go! I’m going to change those out and then they’ll be perfect. And look how great they are for playing in the leaves!

Top: Old Navy | Blazer: Target | Jeans: Old Navy | Shoes: Crown Vintage via DSW | Sunglasses and Earrings: Target | Necklace: Old Navy

Take One, Pass it On: Day 1

When I was working 9-5, it was Monday through Friday and my weekends were free. When you’re a grad student, you’re ALWAYS working. This is what I wore to meet my study group on Sunday to work on a project that is due next week. Truthfully, if it wasn’t for that, I would have staying in my pajamas all day. But, It was a beautiful day with the temperature around 70 and very few clouds in the sky. I apologize for the less-than-stellar quality of these photos, but I’m in a different location than usual and have to figure out the best lighting.

I just got these booties this weekend and I am in LOVE; I’ve hardly taken them off my feet!  On the other hand, when I purchased this flowy vest, I wasn’t sure I would get a lot of wears out of it. In fact, I wasn’t even planning on wearing it today until I saw all the wrinkles in my shirt (please don’t judge) and realized I should throw something on over it to cover them up. This vest is a clear winner. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner!

 Top: Target | Vest: Ross | Scarf and Jeans: Old Navy | Booties: Target

What do you normally wear on the weekends?