Some outfits are instant classics that can–and should–be worn over and over again. That’s what I’m sharing with you all today: a classic outfit I wore about five years ago that looks just as good, if not better, with a few little updates. While color is fun, I’ve never been afraid of neutrals or beige; in fact, I’m drawn to their simple, classic appearance. That’s one of the reasons I like this outfit so much! Recreating this outfit was a no-brainer when I realized that I had all of the necessary pieces in my closet.

Old outfit originally worn on May 18, 2015:

Top & Cardigan: Target | Jeans & Flats: Old Navy | Hat & Necklace: Banana Republic | Sunnies: Target

I wore the original outfit to the farmers’ market and to run some errands. I no longer have these jeans or top because I traded them both in for an upgrade. What’s really funny is that I remember feeling like this shirt was “too boho” for me so I didn’t wear it very much. It was a really nice top but I think the crochet floral top in the photo below is way more of my style.

Today’s outfit: June 24, 2020

Top: C. luce via Stitch Fix | Cardigan: Target | Jeans: Just Black via Stitch Fix | Hat: Banana Republic | Shoes: H&M

My new distressed denim fits so much better (the ON pair were too big and long while these are petite sized) and the crocheted top, in my opinion, has a more grown up elegance to it. And swapping out the flats for heels gives this outfit a fresh, modern feel. I didn’t really have anywhere to wear this new updated version so I just wore it while I was working from home. It’ll definitely be on the menu once things open back up and we venture out to more places.

What do you think of this update?

Summer is in the air! Even though it doesn’t officially start for a few more weeks, it’s already hot as a dickens outside and I find myself reaching for my shorts, sleeveless tops, and hats. I’ve put away sweaters, scarves, and boots and I’m ready to sit poolside in my swimming suit, sipping mojitos. In the meantime, I’ll have to settle for running errands, grabbing lunch, and going for walks in these cute green shorts.

*this is a long one but hopefully worth the read*

I took a six-month blogging break so I could figure out what blogging meant for me. Am I even a blogger? I like writing but what do I want to write about? And would anyone else care about what I had to say? These were the things I thought about and even consulted with some of my friends. There were plenty of times I thought I was ready to start back up. A post idea would come to me and I’d start writing it in my head but the post never made it to paper/screen. Before I could sit myself down to write it all out, I would have talked myself out of it. I’d tell myself that it was a stupid idea and that no one would care about it. Or I would put together a super cute outfit and get tons of compliments on it and think, ‘this should go on the blog,’ but then I’d hear that voice telling me that sure, it’s a cute outfit for me, but it would never stand up to some of the outfits being displayed by the more popular bloggers — even though I had all the same elements.

I’m writing this post because I recently had an epiphany. Okay, maybe epiphany is too strong of a word. But I realized that I first started my blog because, although I was still learning how to be fashionable myself, I really liked my style and was getting a lot of inspiration from other bloggers, and I wanted to share my new knowledge with others like me, average girls who wanted to feel pretty and stylish. I came to understand that everyone who has a blog does so because they just put their stuff out there and that stuff makes its way to people who like reading it, whether that’s an outfit, a story, travel tips, life hacks, etc. I know that’s very simplistic, but in a nutshell that’s all blogging is.

Now, I’ve hated telling people about my blog because I haven’t felt like a real blogger. I’m just someone who puts words and pictures on a screen and then sends those words and pictures out into the ether of the internet. Even now, I mostly put together my outfits based on inspiration I’ve gotten from other bloggers and what I see on Pinterest. My google searches often start with, “How to wear…” so that makes me feel like I don’t know enough about fashion to be a “fashion blogger.” But one time, at a party, I showed my friend the trick for wearing non-skinny jeans with tall boots and she told me that I just had to put that on my blog. At the time I resisted because it was already on someone else’s blog but now I know that while I may not have come up with that idea, I did help spread it to a new audience. Isn’t that what the internet is even for?!

So, yes, I look to Pinterest, other bloggers, and the styled mannequins at clothing stores for outfit inspiration, but I’m pretty good at putting my own spin on whatever I put together. In high school, I proudly wore purple pleather pants, dammit. I’m going to continue to wear what I like, write about things that interest me, and share it all with you in case you like it, too. Maybe it’ll help you. Maybe it’ll entertain you. Maybe you’ll find it educational. But that’s what blogging is to me and it’s what I’ll continue to do!

 Sweater: J. Crew Outlet | Hat: Old Navy | Necklace: Stitch Fix | Denim: Banana Republic | Shoes: Target

It doesn’t get any easier than putting on a pair of shorts and a comfy tee. It’s even easier when you stick to the same colors! I’m continuing my neutrals obsession with simple black and white, and a pop of cobalt. It’s getting hotter outside so I’m trying to avoid jeans and anything that will make me sweat even more than I already do. I’ve gained a few pesky pounds these past few years during grad school with all of the driving and fast-food eating I did so I’m slightly limited on what bottoms I can wear. I haven’t gained a lot of weight, just enough to make my jeans and skirts feel uncomfortably snug. Anyway, these shorts feel great and I purchased a white and navy pair as well, so you’ll probably see them a lot more often.

I wore this outfit to officially meet the babies I’ll be babysitting for the next few weeks. They’re one-year-old twins and absolutely adorable. I worked with their mom for several years before quitting my job and going to grad school and I’m happy to be helping her out. Plus, I’m earning some extra cash until I can find a full-time gig.

Nick got me a Fitbit Charge HR as a graduation gift. I’ve been wearing it for about two full weeks now and I. AM. LOVING. IT. Seriously, I’ve never been more obsessed with meeting my steps goal, monitoring my heart rate, observing my sleep patterns, and tracking how many calories I’ve burned. It’s the best thing ever. I would totally recommend one.

Also, is it just me or does my hat look funny in these photos? A little misshapen perhaps? I can’t tell!

Tee: Banana Republic | Shorts: Gap | Shoes: X-Appeal | Hat: Banana Republic | Hat, Sunnies, & Necklace: Target

Linking up with Third Thursday Threads @ Work Clothes, I Suppose

I do not consider myself a trendy person, and sometimes too much trend at once will overwhelm and scare me. These pants are coated so they look shiny even though they’re denim. They’re gaining popularity these days and I like that they provide a nice alternative to leather pants/leggings because I’m just not there yet. That said, I wanted to keep it toned down a bit so I went for a simple monochrome look with the striped top and dark gray vest. Oh, and I added the hat because it just felt right.

I haven’t actually worn this outfit out yet but, just like yesterday’s outfit, it’s in the lineup. I’ll probably wear it to work and class one day this week since the weather is cooling off a bit.

Here you can see the shiny coated denim better.

I wanted to get more pictures in the sun because you can really see the shine of the coated denim but then this happens (which you’ll probably recognize from my Bloopers post):

Top & Pants: Banana Republic
Vest: Ross
Shoes: Anne Klein via DSW
Hat: Banana Republic