I think this is my new favorite outfit! I love the lace of the tank and the stripes in the blazer and the wedge in the shoe. I wore it to the office and then out for a casual dinner. It was pretty hot out so a few times the blazer had to go, and the outfit looked just as cute without it.

I’m extremely happy that Stitch Fix sent this top because I love the lace-front top trend; it’s so pretty and can be dressed up or down. I had a lace-ish tank before this one but it wasn’t as versatile. So, as soon as I saw this one in my box, I knew it was a keeper even though it was too long in the shoulders and I had to get them shortened. Definitely worth the extra expense! I can see so many different outfits with it both now and in the fall/winter. It’s definitely my new favorite top.

OBLIGATORY FENCE-LEANING SHOT! 🙂

Linking up with Living in Color Style | More Pieces of Me | Mix & Match Fashion | The Pleated Poppy

Top: C. Luce via Stitch Fix
Blazer: J.Crew Factory
Jeans: Old Navy
Wedges: Target
Necklace: Accessorize It
Earrings & Bracelets: Old Navy

As I mentioned in my last post, I practically lived in these denim shorts this weekend. My first look was boho-inspired which was a little out of my comfort zone. This time I stayed closer within my fashion comfort boundaries and went with a nice form-fitting top and some wedges. This necklace was another purchase from my Savannah trip. It came with matching earrings, which I wasn’t a huge fan of because I think dangly earrings look better in my unattached ear lobes. But I love the pale pink color because it adds just the right amount of color to the outfit, at least for me.

This shirt is striped and has a fun scoop-neck back! It’s what takes this top from “just another stiped top” to “wow, a striped top!”

Here’s the fun one:

Top: Banana Republic
Cami: Target
Shorts: Gap
Shoes: American Eagle via Payless
Bracelet: Old Navy
Necklace & Earrings: Accessorize It
Sunglasses: Target

I got this shirt in my latest Stitch Fix box and when I first tried it on, I thought it was way too big and figured I’d have to send it back. But then I tried everything on again – because I usually try things on several times before making a decision – and when I did, a lightbulb went off and I thought maybe it’s supposed to be a little oversized, and even if it isn’t, that’s what I’m telling myself anyway. I really like the abstract chevron pattern and the cut but I’ve always been afraid of the oversized trend because I’m so short that it if I’m not careful I look like I’m playing dress up in my mom’s clothes. But I added the belt and the wedges and I  fell in love! So here’s one of my new favorite outfits. I’ve worn it to work already; luckily, the dress code for graduate assistants is pretty lax in my office.

Wearing that high of a heel to the office is fine because I sit at a desk most of the time, but I won’t pretend that heels (especially these) are super easy or fun to walk in so I changed into a more practical shoe for errands. I wore the little canvas shoes to the grocery store. I hope to do a whole post about the nostaliga of these little Ked-esque shoes… I love them!

Here’s the fun one!

Top: 41 Hawthorne via Stitch Fix
Jeans: Kensie via Stitch Fix
Belt: Old Navy
Wedges: Target
Canvas Shoes: Target
Bracelet: Old Navy
Earrings: Target

I think I’ve found the perfect dress. I wore this outfit last week to my day at the clinic and I got so many compliments from the nurses, mostly about my shoes. They kept telling me how nice they looked and kept asking if they were comfortable. I’m sure that comfort is really important when you’re a nurse who’s on your feet all day.

I really like this outfit because it’s a nice mix of high- and low-end pieces. The blazer is from Banana Republic and the dress is from Target. That counts as mixing high & low, right? This dress is so comfortable that I’m probably going to live in it for the rest of the summer. And I added the blazer as a professional touch. I felt really official at the clinic!

I love a dress that you can class up a bit and wear  to the office (or a health clinic) or you can keep it casual and wear it out for lunch or lounging around with friends. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

Dress: Target
Blazer: Banana Republic
Wedges: American Eagle by Payless
Necklace: gift from my MIL
Bracelet: Old Navy

On Sunday, we went for brunch at one of our favorite spots, Parker and Otis, a little restaurant and giftshop in the historic downtown area of Durham. We love that they use fresh, local ingredients. That’s very common in Durham, though; it’s very much a wonderful foodie town. Parker and Otis have so much wonderful stuff that it’s almost overwhelming. But you can go in and order a yummy breakfast or lunch (or in our case, brunch) and then browse through all of the candies, knick-knacks, cards, wine, and cooking paraphernalia while you wait.

They have lovely seating inside and out. Sunday was a bit gloomy as far as the clouds go, but it wasn’t too hot or humid so we were able to comfortably sit outside and enjoy our meal.

I got a grilled pimento cheese with bacon on sourdough bread. Their homemade cole slaw is the default side, and it’s delicious. If you’re not familiar with pimento cheese then you are missing out. It’s an indulgent spread made of various cheeses, mayonnaise, and pimentos. Everyone has their own recipe and most are very delicious. Parker and Otis’ pimento cheese is also very good!

Nick got a grilled banana, peanut butter, and bacon panini with a side of fresh fruit.

We had a visitor while we ate: this cute little guy!

Lots of scrumptious candies and food stuffs. And a coffee bar

I told Nick that I want to make a chandelier just like this. I mean, really, how amazing is this? I think it’s just beautiful!

Cook books galore! And plenty of pots and pans and other cooking utensils.

The area around Parker & Otis is very industrial because the majority of the buildings in the area were warehouses used for tobacco processing.

This is what I wore for our little outing. Can you think of anything more comfortable than these drapey pants? They looked great when I wore them out and were super comfortable when I got home and kicked off the wedges to sit at my computer and get some school work done.

That’s it for our little outing. I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the cool things Durham has to offer!

Shirt: Gap (old)
Cardigan: Old Navy
Pants:Old Navy
Wedges: American Eagle by Payless
Necklace: Hawthorne Collection (online)
Handbag: Franco Sarto via Ross