If you follow us on Instagram, you’ve probably already seen a little peek of this outfit. It seems a little silly to wear sweaters in the summer, but the office where I work as a graduate research assistant loves to keep the temperature approximately arctic so sweaters are necessary. I won’t lie, I kind of like it. The only downside is you have to walk outside in the heat to get inside to the chill, but those few minutes are worth it.

I had trouble deciding if I wanted to wear the belt or not. Ultimately, I went with it but I started out without it. You can see in the photos below that it’s missing. What do you think, belt or no belt?

Here’s the fun one: This was just a test picture so I could get the lightening right (or, at least, as close as possible) and just as the camera snapped, my neighbor jogged by and made me laugh. It’s a cute photo so you get to enjoy it, too.

Linking up with More Pieces of Me | Monday Bloom | Still Being Molly

Sweater: J. Crews (thrifted)
Skirt: Target
Shoes & Belt: Banana Republic
Cami & Necklace: Target
Earrings: gift
Handbag: Franco Sarto via Ross

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

Cardigan, Blouse Belt, and Trousers: Banana Republic | Bracelet: Old Navy | Shoes: Target

This is another outfit where the majority of the pieces came from one store: Banana Republic. There are two main reasons why I regularly shop there: 1) Nick works there so we get a sweet discount and 2) Most importantly, they carry petite sizes that [almost] always fit me perfectly, meaning I rarely need to get anything hemmed or taken in. When you’re 5’1″ it can be a real chore to find clothes that fit you properly, but Banana Republic really delivers when it comes to us shorties.

Hey, look, more ruffles! I know I said I’m not usually a fan of ruffles, but again, these are fairly subtle and add a little something extra to the blouse. Also, purple is my favorite color, and I love the rich, fall-ness of this cardigan. I would probably wear it every day if I could. When it gets a little colder out, I’ll probably wear a purple scarf with it, too!

What’s your favorite color?