Blanket scarfs are so cozy, aren’t they? They’re also huge so I almost passed up on this trend because I thought it would weigh me down. Jean from Extra Petite convinced me to give it a try, though, when she posted her video showing a few different ways to style to it. She’s actually about an inch shorter than me (while her style sense is miles above mine) so I figured if she can make it work then so could I. Her video is really helpful so even if you’re not a shorty like me, I would recommend it. I’ve found that the trick is not only in the fold (fold it in half first) but also in rolling it a few times so it isn’t quite as long. All that folding and rolling does leave it feeling a bit bulky so I usually save the blanket scarf for those really cold days when I need the extra warmth.

I really like this dress because it’s comfortable, warm and stylish. I’ve worn this outfit several times, mostly to the office and probably even to the grocery store a time or two; it’s quickly becoming a go-to. It snowed here in NC over the weekend, as you can see, (and I love snow so I was really excited) but I also got to test out this outfit in really cold weather. That’s how I know it’s the perfect winter dress!

Even though this dress is office-appropriate, I added the blazer to make it feel more “office chic.” I got a lot of compliments on it!

And here’s the fun blooper: adjusting my tights!

Dress: Gap | Necklace: via Le Tote | Fleece-lined Tights: gifted | Sunglasses: Target | Ankle Boots: Old Navy | Blazer & Coat: Banana Republic

Linking up with Hello Monday! | Start the Week Stylish | Confident Twosday

The Dress

Several bloggers I follow either already have this dress or want this dress, and I wore this Grecian-inspired dress to my friend’s Indian wedding! I picked it up several weeks ago because it’s beautiful and absolutely perfect to wear to a summer wedding. You see, my friend, Waseem, is Muslim so as soon as I was invited, I knew I wanted to be respectful and cover up. The long skirt is obviously perfect, the flowy material was light and airy so I wasn’t sweating the whole time, and it looks great with a cardigan! But perhaps the best thing about it was that IT WAS AVAILABLE IN PETITE!

Dress & Shoes: Banana Republic | Cardigan: Old Navy | Clutch: Nordstrom | Charm Necklace: Target | Layered Necklace: Claire’s (old) | Bracelets: Old Navy

The Wedding

The wedding was absolutely beautiful. It was my first Indian wedding so I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was great. As you might expect, it was almost completely different from a traditional Christian wedding, but there was plenty of prayers, well wishes, and Waseem walked down the aisle with her father. Also, the food was delicious and everyone was so happy for the couple. In true NCsquared fashion, Nick matched his tie to my dress. Oh. My. Goodness. we are the cutest couple ever!

These are my awesome friends, Kristin (left) and Aarti (right). They specifically requested to be on the blog, so here you are ladies, this one is for you! *wink*

This is Kristin, me, Aarti, and our other friend, Leigh. We all met in my master’s program and graduated together. I absolutely love these girls. They’re incredibly smart, talented, funny, and I know I wouldn’t have made it through without them. Kristin just moved to the Triangle, so we’ll get to hang out all the time now. Our new mission is to find jobs for Aarti and Leigh in the Triangle so we can be together again. Unfortunately, Waseem is leaving for the midwest and we’re going to miss her!

Also, fun fact: Aarti and I went to the same high school but not at the same time because I’m 5 years older than her (I did, however, know her older brother because he was in my grade). After we discovered this, we bonded over our stories about our hometown and the people there. Now we’re the best of friends!

The decorations at the wedding were beautiful. This one little picture just doesn’t do it justice.

Ok, maybe I’m a little biased but I think my friend, Waseem, is the most gorgeous bride that has ever existed, even more beautiful than I was as a bride! She’s also really sweet and super cool, so I’m extremely happy for her and her new husband.

Congratulations Waseem & Ahsan!

Linking up with:
Start the Week Stylish | Still Being Molly | Mix It Mondays | Fashionably Employed | Garay Treasures | Trend Spend | C appuccio and Fashion | The Pleated Poppy | Tucker Up | Rachel the Hat | Charming Friday

Happy Monday! I call this my ‘Pinterest Outfit’ because the day I wore it to work, a girl told me I looked like I stepped right out of a Pinterest board. I’m not going to lie, it made me feel pretty good. I’m sure it’s the necklace and the red coat (photos below) that made it feel so Pinterest-y but it works. I also think this is my favorite outfit because it feels very me. It’s simple yet classy and put together, and that’s how I like to think of myself.

I’ve realized over the last few months that my style preferences are changing and I’m drawn to more neutral, classic pieces. Actually, my preferences seem to be doing a bit of a 360 because I’m finding myself gravitating toward pieces and outfits I liked before I started blogging. I’m amazed, actually, at how much I let blogging influence my style decisions. I was constantly trying to convince myself that I needed to step out of my comfort zone and try to be like the other bloggers. After I realized that I didn’t like getting dressed and that I didn’t have to be like the other girls (because we all have something beautiful and unique to offer), I started stepping back into my comfort zone and getting dressed got instantly easier. So, if I have any advice to give to anyone, it would be this: stay true to yourself!

I’ve been wanting a red coat for a while now, and I finally found this one. It’s perfect. My last coat lasted at least 7-8 years, which is amazing, but the lining started to rip and it was getting old so I thought it was a good time to invest in a new one for the next 7-8 years. And doesn’t the red look great with the navy and gray?

Button down:Banana Republic | Sweater: Banana Republic | Pants: Old Navy | Coat: Banana Republic | Necklace: Hawthorne Collections | Shoes: Anne Klein via DSW

Linking up with More Pieces of Me | InDUFFinitely Me | Walking in Memphis in High Heels | Life of Meg | Still Being Molly

My friend calls these drapey pants/joggers my “fancy pajama pants” and I can’t argue with her. They are crazy comfortable AND super cute. I love how I can dress them up or down and wear them to work, to school, out shopping, or for movie nights with friends. Seriously, there’s nothing you can’t do in these pants and that’s why I love them.

I wore this outfit to a birthday dinner at an incredibly delicious new Italian restaurant in Durham. My friend, whose birthday we were celebrating, has a knack for finding the best restaurants in town so I love going to eat with her or to any place she recommends. I’m glad I wore my comfy pants because I ate so much yummy, authentic pasta that I thought I was going to burst into little pieces of Italian happiness. I didn’t, though, so that’s good 🙂

Top & Pants: Old Navy
Heels: Target
Jewelry: Old Navy