One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Hey guys! I can't believe it's only Wednesday. The week before spring break always seems so long! I was about to take out my summer clothes on Monday, but this ugly gray haze made me want to cozy up in a sweater and boots.

I always have some difficulty styling this dress because it has a strange drop-waist. I'm sure it looks great on models, but at 5'5'' it makes me look a little stubby. I love the plum color though, so I've experimented with different accessories. This long, drapey sweater was actually a gift along with the dress, but being my rebellious teenager self, I never paired them together. The tan definitely lightens up the look, especially with dark, heavy tights and boots. As a finishing touch, I added a funky Silpada necklace made out of leather, silver, and pearls. I love the mix of textures and the lack of pattern in the beads.

{dress-H&M; sweater-H&M; tights-Hue; boots-Nordstrom; necklace-Silpada}

Sunny Day

Hey guys! Everyone seems happier and more energetic on these sunny days. Plus, it's almost spring break, so I can't help being excited! I wore this outfit on Friday and literally just threw it together. I was rushed, coming home from my lacrosse game and "eager"(aka stressed, not like I was looking forward to it) to start my homework, so I just picked some random pieces. I've watched my fair share of What Not to Wear, so even though I was in a rush, I made sure to include some color and shine.

Can I also just say that this skirt shrunk. Or I got taller....but that's pretty unlikely so I'm gonna say the skirt shrunk. Either way, it complimented my Primark blouse nicely. I usually wear the frilly blouse with more girly pieces, but I liked the ultra neutral look of the cream and blues. The necklaces are my favorite part of the outfit because they're remixed.

I know what you're thinking: jewelry can't be remixed, right? Wrong, my friend. I've tried a few jewelry DIY projects and ended up with some pre-school level craftsmanship, so I'm sticking to remixing. For the mostly pearl necklace, I attached each end of a strand of pearls to the clasps of a thin gold chain. I originally did it because the clasps of the pearl necklace broke, but it's a cool way to either lengthen the pearl chain or have this half gold/half pearl look. The other one is just a clip-on earring attached to a thicker gold chain. The combination of gold and pearl in both necklaces made them a perfect pair.

{blouse-Primark; skirt-Daffy's; shoes-Spain; necklaces-remixed}

Ode to Rachel Berry

Hey guys! To all you Gleeks out there, this outfit is an homage to the wonderfully ridiculous Rachel Berry. Anyone else really excited they won regionals?! If I just spoiled last night's episode, then you're not a true Glee fan.

I was inspired by these cute star earrings from Silpada which totally reminded me of the star necklace Rachel has. Since I wasn't feeling the plaid skirt/argyle sweater combo, I chose to go with her other statement piece: the vintage polka-dot dress. The one above is the most similar to mine, but she's worn a bunch of different styles. The weird thing is that she is supposed to look like a fashion-challenged geek, but random outfits are really cute! Is that just me? Oh...embarassing.


Anyways, hopefully I won't be wearing annoying tights anymore because it's absolutely beautiful out today. Knowing Chicago, it'll probably snow like next week, but I'll enjoy it while I can. It's an exciting week in my household because tomorrow is my first lacrosse game of the season (against our rivals!) and it's also my sister's opening night for "Once Upon A Mattress". Wish us good luck!

The inspiration. Find these and similar pairs at www.mysilpada.com/julie.charrette

{dress-H&M; sweater-Loft; tights-Loft; earrings-Silpada}

Fade to the Blackness

Hey guys! Is anyone else totally thrown by the time change? Everyone's been walking around like they're half-asleep. I guess I'm weird cause I'm always somewhat revitalized by Mondays because it's a fresh start to a new week. That's probably why it's easiest to get dressed up on Mondays but come Thursday I can barely drag myself out of bed. I haven't worn this skirt in a while but the sneak peaks of spring inspired me to get one final use out of my winter favorites. As you can see in other posts, this skirt has a huge bow in the front which I just wasn't feeling today so I pulled my sweater over it and threw on a belt. I've been on the prowl for some knee-high socks and I finally found some cheapie ones at Target yesterday ($2!). They also had some over-the-knee ones but I'm not confident I can rock that look. What do you guys think? My younger sister would like everyone to know that she thoughtfully picked out these earrings for my birthday. She's been mad at me for not wearing them because apparently "silver matches everything!" but I was waiting for the right outfit. Thanks Olivia!

{sweater-Loft; skirt-Wet Seal; belt-Anne Klein; earrings-Claire's; socks-Target; boots-Nordstrom}