Part Dos

Hey guys! As promised, I took a second set of blog pics on Tuesday. I bought this dress last weekend at Target because I was inspired by my upcoming trip to Costa Rica. For most of the trip we'll be wearing cargo shorts, high socks, and hiking boots, but we need one nice outfit and I thought this would be perfect. After throwing this look together in maybe 3 minutes, I realized I would not object to living solely in sundresses and cardigans. Enjoy the long weekend!

{dress-Target; cardigan-Loft; sandals-Target, jewelry-Tiffany & Co}

True Blue

Hey guys! So I hope it's not too obvious I took these pictures myself. Woops, well now you know. It is quite an ordeal because, lacking a tripod, I have to set the camera precariously on my deck. Then I set the self-timer, hoping and praying the camera doesn't fall backwards onto the stone steps or, worse, fall forward and crash down the stairs into a million little pieces. I'm living on the edge. Literally.

Today was "splotchy patterned skirt" day for the clothes swap challenge. I was pretty impressed for coming up with that as a category. This skirt is one of my favorite pieces from Kristin's wardrobe, along with the black sundress I wore last week. I've actually borrowed this skirt before, here, and I wore it with a tye-dyed light blue shirt. I must have tried six or seven combinations of tops before I decided on this cami and weird sweater-shirt thing. I bought the white thing at Old Navy and I'm still not quite sure what it is. It feels like a t-shirt but looks like a sweater? Too confusing for my logical brain.

P.S. I just changed into another outfit for tonight so there may be a Style Rush First- two posts in one day. Obviously I've posted two outfits in one day before, but they were always worn on separate days. Exciting things are happening out here in suburbia.

{top-Old Navy; cami-Costco; skirt-F21; jewelry-Tiffany & Co; shoes-thrifted}

Palm Beach

Hey guys! I felt very tropical and springy today. We took a little break from the clothing swap so I had to dig through my own clothes to find something decent. This top makes for such easy outfits because it has shape, color and matches lots of things. If you haven't noticed in this, this, this, this and this, I have a slight obsession with coral. And, maybe I'm just not that creative but I always pair coral with turquoise. Their both such bright, tropical-Skittles colors that I can't help going all out. Combined with this white skirts, new Target sandals, and my complete lack of motivation for school, I may as well be on summer vacation right now. Except I'm going to spend summer vacation in very attractive hiking boots, cargo pants, and high socks. Accesorized with binoculars, of course.

{top-thrifted; skirt-Wet Seal; shoes-Target; necklace-gift}

Summer Daze

Hey guys! I took this pictures VERY late Friday night, so I've taken the liberty of deleting the more, let's say, eccentric ones. I got a little carried away with some supermodel poses and lemme tell you, hair was flying everywhere. Thankfully, I had my precious 13-year-old photographer to keep me in check, saying: "Can we take the dang picture already?". LYLAS Olivia!

Anyways, since this is a style blog, I guess I'll say something about my outfit. This dress was thrifted in Philadelphia by the fabulous Kristin. This is the type of dress that I'm always looking for yet I never find. In an ideal world, I would only wear little sundresses with light jackets and sandals. Ahhh California is a tempting choice for college. Coincidentally, the day after I wore this, I found an adorable sundress at Target. Seems like things always happen that way, right? Last summer, I couldn't find my denim shorts for months, and once I bought a new pair, the old ones appeared out of nowhere. Then again, I'm not a girl to complain about having too many clothes.

You Look.....Shiny

Hey guys! So the main comment (I hesitate to say compliment) that I received on this outfit was "You look shiny/sparkly". I think Ke$ha would take that as a good thing, but I'm not so sure. This skirt is awesome what with the paisley pattern, solid silver, and huge bow. However, it does not match a blessed thing in my closet. Right when I saw Kristin's studded shirt I knew this skirt had found its match. Now I just need to crack out my silver-studded sandals and I'll be good to go.

Also, all this monochromatic talk reminds me of a certain teacher who wore a denim-on-denim ensemble complete with denim Toms--and she pulled it off. Kudos! (First time I've ever said that in my life, and you're probably hoping its the last).

Petite Fleur

Hey guys! It's been a crazy weekend (in a good way) and I'm looking forward to a pretty quiet week. This top is yet another clothes swap item from Kristin and I love it. We realized a few days ago that after we traded clothes, Kristin has been dressing fancier and I've been dressing more casually. I just think it's intersting how different people incorporate the same pieces into their wardrobes because a lot of my pieces are bright and feminine while Kristin gravitates towards chic neutrals. While I did kind of dress this down, I can see myself wearing this flirty top with a black pencil skirt and heels for a classier look. Watch out K, some of these pieces might just accidentally get lost in my closet....

Clothes Swap

Hey guys! I'm excited to share my first clothing swap experience. Its probably not what you're thinking. It did not involve hundreds of crazy women swarming over tables of clothes, clawing each others' eyes out for the best pieces. However, I'd like to think it was just as exciting.

My friend Kristin and I raided each other's closets this weekend, grabbing whatever pieces caught our eye. Since they're free and not even for keeps, this is the perfect way to try out new looks. For example, Kristin said she rarely wears brights so she borrowed a few of my more colorful pieces. I stole a lot of drapey shirts that I would describe as "very Kristin". You'll see what I mean in a few days...

I wore this grey dress yesterday with my own blazer. I liked how it looks chic with just the right amount of detail. Sometimes all neutrals looks bland, but different textures can make them interesting. Coincidentally, we were both wearing stripes so we decided to semi-coordinate as many days as we could. Keep your eyes out for a special "clothes swap" page. Good night everyone!
{dress-Target; blazer-Loft; necklace-Silpada; shoes-thrifted}

Playin' Catch Up

Hey guys! The busiest month of my life is finally over and I couldn't be happier. Today after school my friends and I went for Freez-Ins (delicious ice cream with your choice of mixed-in toppings!). We just wandered around and then took some blog pics that will be posted presently.

I wore this last week right before it got EXTREMELY hot. I'm talking 95 degrees, 70 percent humidity. I whipped out my summer clothes and, lo and behold, three days later it was raining and freezing. All I have to say is thank you, thank you Chicago for having the most unpredictable weather.

This outfit is very me. Just a comfy sweater with a touch of lace and some cool earrings from my fave, Silpada. I'm hoping this was one of the last times I have to wear jeans this season. However, I wore my winter coat yesterday so I won't get my hopes up. Stay tuned, there's a fun clothes swap project to come!

{sweater-Costco; lace tank-Target; cami-Aeropostale; jeans-AEO; boots-Steve Madden; earrings-Silpada}

Office Chic

Hey guys! Although I've been very nonchronological, this is actually what I wore today. This outfit came together quite haphazardly (I guess it's big words day?). I think it's the first time in two weeks that I've worn pants, which I think is a personal record. I've finally given in because, despite the fact that it's May, it's still in the 50s. Poo.

According to my sister, I looked "office chic" today because my pearls and blazer are classy while the sweater and jeans are casual. I'll let you in on a little secret. The days you feel the crappiest or the most tired (aka-Mondays!) wear structured clothes in neutrals because it seems like you spent time coordinating your outfit, but really you just threw it on. You're welcome.

One last tip- when you are having one of those days, just wear sweats, curl up in your bed, and tell your dutiful followers you're out of town/don't have internet access/were abducted by aliens.

{sweater-Gap; blazer-Loft; jeans-AEO; necklace-Silpada; shoes-thrifted}

P.S.- This necklace is from the wonderful Silpada. I love how the pearls aren't perfectly round and they're separated by chain instead of being one continuous strand. Check out the website, they have beautiful sterling silver, turquoise, and glass beads.

Short and Sweet

Hey guys! Happy Monday! I wore this last week and the post from today is coming next. This outfit involved no effort but looked pulled together. Isn't that the best type? This blouse and skirt have definitely become staples of my wardrobe. Also, I love that these earrings look like little jewel handbags.

Finally, a random poll: where do you guys buy cute, quality sandals that last longer than one season?

{top-Zara; skirt-Loft; cami-Costco; shoes-thrifted}