There are a lot of times on campus where I feel really out-of-place because I’m looking fairly fashionable and it seems like everyone else couldn’t be bothered to get dressed for class that day (i.e. they’re wearing yoga pants or just jeans and tshirts). Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but, being one of the older students on campus, I’ve already been there, done that when it comes to wearing PJs to class. Just kidding, I’ve NEVER worn pajamas to class. The closest I’ve come is wearing track pants, and that was ONLY to 8 AM biology and chemistry labs. Those are tough!

However, I wore this outfit to present a proposal of a program my group created, and luckily, in graduate school, everyone knows that presentations = dress appropriately. So I didn’t feel out-of-place on that day. This shirt has very thin white and black stripes, which make it look gray. It also has a cute scoop neck in the back, but I couldn’t get good photos of it.

The wind was blowing, making it a little chilly so I added the black sweater cardigan for warmth.

Top and Sweater Cardigan: Banana Republic | Skirt and Belt: Target | Necklace: Francesca’s |  Bracelet: Old Navy | Shoes: Target (super old)

On day three of Sarah’s Real Life Take One, Pass it On Challenge 2.0 I’ve “taken” the pink sweater from yesterday and “passed it on” to this cute little outfit. The monochrome of the pink and maroon look great, and the cognac in the boots are the perfect complement. You might not be able to tell, but my miniskirt is corduroy, which adds a nice texture to the ensemble. Had it not been so chilly out today, I might have worn my oxfords instead. But the boots kept my feet and legs nice and warm.

This blazer has elbow patches, which always makes me think of a college professor. It should probably be associated with students because I find that now, as a student again, I spend a lot of time with my elbows on desks taking notes or listening intently to lecture. The patches help prevent my elbows from rubbing holes in the fabric, right? Let’s go with that.

Sweater, Blazer, and Skirt: Banana Republic | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: Francesca’s | Bracelet: Old Navy | Earrings: Target

Take One, Pass it On: Day 3

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?

Sweater: Banana Republic | Camisole: Target | Belt: Banana Republic | Jeans: Old Navy | Shoes: Payless (old) | Earrings: Target | Necklace: Francesca’s (the single strand of pearls was a gift) | Bracelet and Watch: gift

There’s nothing like ruffles and pearls to make you feel all girly and feminine. I’m not usually a fan of them, but I like the subtly of the ruffles on this sweater. I feel very pretty in it.

I layered two pearl necklaces to add some bulk to my neckline to contrast the deep plunge of the sweater. It’s all about balance. This bracelet, however, is kind of a problem. I don’t normally wear them because my wrists are freakishly small and most jewelry just slides right off of them (as you can see in the photos). My watch only stays on because I took out every link except one. Is it normal to have such small wrists? I should probably see my doctor about it….

What makes you feel all girly and feminine?