I was pinspired by the outfit in this pin and I have the same shirt and new ankle boots, so I knew it would look great. I felt strange, though, when I got dressed because it’s a nice Fall outfit and I really shouldn’t be wearing it in Winter; I should be focusing on Winter outfits. Then I remembered that it’s technically still Fall! Awkwardness averted.

Also, I know you’re thinking to yourself, “Damn, Nikki’s hair is looking good, like a Victoria’s Secret angel’s hair!” Why, thank you 😉 It’s true, I was fresh out of the salon when I took these so my hair was pretty fabulous. My hair dresser, who I’ve been seeing for about 5 years now, usually just straightens my hair after a cut but, today, she was eager to try out a new blow-drying technique that adds tons of volume like a Victoria’s Secret Model. I think it looks amazing but would probably take too much time for everyday wear. But I’ll rock it while it lasts!

This maroon/burgundy/oxblood/whatever-you-want-to-call-it color is kind of timeless because it’s definitely in this season, but I feel like it was “in” last fall/winter, too.  It’s probably not a bad idea to invest in maroon/burgundy/etc.  because it’s likely to stick around for a while.

Top, Jeans, & Necklace: Old Navy | Ankle Boots: Target | Scarf: Amazon

It’s a rainy Monday in my neck of the woods and I’m studying for my last final tomorrow so I won’t be leaving the house all day. What that really means is that I won’t be changing out of my pajamas so I won’t have a nice outfit to share with you today. Instead, I’ll leave you with the outfit I wore for family photos last month. For the last few years, we’ve had beautiful family photos taken by our favorite photographers – who also photographed our wedding and are available if you’re in the market – to put on our holiday cards. They offer an event where you have 10 minutes to take all the photos you can get for a very reasonable and inexpensive price. The photos always turn out gorgeously, as you can see, because Thad and Sarah are artistic geniouses!

As we do for every event in life, Nick and I coordinated our outfits with a pink/navy/brown color scheme. I’m wearing a pink sweater with denim (for my navy) and he’s wearing a pink button-front under a  navy pull-over sweater. Unfortunately, Nick wouldn’t let me dress up the dogs, even though Mia has the cutest little seersucker dress in pink!

These photos could also serve as engagement photos if we weren’t already married so I hope it gives you some good ideas for your own photos!

I’ve decided that any sweater and this white vest make the perfect match. And were made for Fall! I do sometimes wish the vest wasn’t quite as puffy as it is, but when that happens, I push as much air out of it as possible and then I’m happy. I like to think it doesn’t take much to make me happy, but I have a feeling that Nick (and probably everyone else around me) would argue otherwise. Oh, well.

As I mentioned in this post, this sweater is less of a light green/blueish and more of a kelly green. Either my clothes just don’t photograph well, or I suck at lighting and need a new camera. Hint, it’s the last one!

Sweater: J. Crew (thrifted) | Vest: Old Navy | Jeans: Banana Republic | Camisole & Earrings: Target | Feather Necklace: Old Navy

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

Vest: Old Navy | Sweater: Banana Republic | Jeans: Banana Republic | Shoes: Rocket Dog via Zappos | Pearl Necklace: Francesca’s |Feather Necklace and Bracelet: Old Navy

I’m wearing my white puffy vest again! I almost didn’t get it when I saw it in the store because I was afraid it would get dirty and that it wouldn’t go with much. I had the same fear about the white vest as I did with white pants but I’m realizing just how well it goes with just about everything! And, unlike white pants, I love pairing it with dark colors.

I decided to switch out the dark denim for these lighter washed Old Navy jeans and rolled them up at the bottom. I think I like this look better than the long jeans because you it shows off the shoes, and the rolled bottoms add a nice balance to the sweater and vest.

Would you wear a puffy white vest?