Throw Some Glitter, Make it Rain

Hey guys! You know how I said a few days ago that I'm just not in a 'pants mood' lately? Well, I've taken that to a new level and forgone bottoms altogether. I felt a little like Ke$ha today because this tunic is just short enough for a potential wardrobe malfunction. What can I say, I'm living on the edge. Oh, and don't let the title fool you--thankfully this was the one day it didn't rain this week.

I love love love (did I really just say that?) these royal blue bangles. They're from this Indian neighborhood in Chicago and they're just so pretty! My sister has similar ones in a beautiful magenta, but unfortunately they're so tiny I can't borrow them. Judge me if you want, but I was just watching ANTM and they were in Morocco, and I got inspired to try to incorporate some more unique, ethnic pieces into my everyday wardrobe.

{tunic-Old Navy; sweater-Costco; leggings-Costo; bangles-Devon St.; earrings-Tiffany & Co.; boots-Steve Madden}

Easter Bunny

Hey guys! I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter. In a Chicago weather miracle, it was actually quite sunny and warm. We had brunch with some family friends and just relaxed for the rest of the day. Of course I love dressing up for any holiday, but Easter is that one day a year when you can dress girly and adorable without looking too young.

I bought this dress about four years ago and recently hemmed it about 6 inches. It was an awkward right-below-the-knee length before and I'm happy with how it turned out. I think I blended in quite nicely with these two five-year-old twins at my church. Like my "Easter purse"?

{dress-Burlington Coat Factory; cardigan-Zara; sandals-Loft; purse-gift; headband-F21}

Sunshine

Hey guys! There's nothing fancy about this outfit but it made me really happy. I think its the combination of the bright floral scarf and bouncy, full skirt that made me want to skip down the hallways singing "The Sound of Music". Unfortunately, I restrained myself.

I honestly can't remember the last time I wore pants. Oh calm down, I'm wearing yoga pants right now. What I mean is that I'm going through a skirt phase and gravitating towards girlier things (even more so than usual....). I think the last time I went through this phase I was a toddler and would often pair every outfit with either angel wings or a hardhat. Look at me now!

Old Friend

Hey guys! This dress does not get the proper attention in the blogosphere. I've worn this tank/dress combo tons of times in the summer because it's so easy. I feel like I've been filtering my outfits (and being lazy...) so the same nicer pieces always show up in posts when I actually wear a wider variety of pieces. I also found this list of all the clothes I own (call me OCD, but it's handy!) and it inspired me to try to wear everything in my closet. If I haven't worn a piece by the end of 2011, it's going in the Goodwill pile. Speaking of Goodwill, I've been more interested in thrifting lately and, after this insanely busy month of school is over, I've decided to go on a thrifting adventure. I actually haven't bought new clothes since about October, which is really rare for me. I'm becoming more aware of how expensive constant shopping is and I would rather have a few unique pieces than a bunch of clothes that look the same.

{dress-Old Navy; tank-Old Navy; shoes-Spain; earrings-Target}

Unexpected Pair

Hey guys! I'm not sure if this is a duh! moment, but I recently realized that navy and turquoise go nicely together. Usually I wear turquoise (a whole subsection of my wardrobe) with white or brown but this looks so much better. This weekend I got a little eager and dug out my summer clothes. It was sunny and in the 80s, so beautiful! Today was absolutely crazy at school (five tests and a quiz!) so I decided to dress up to keep me in a good mood. Usually when I'm up late studying and have a busy day I feel like curling up in sweats, but dressing nicely actually makes me more alert and puts me in a better mood. This is my favorite kind of outfit because it's simple, colorful, and comfortable. And my gold flats brighten up any day!

{top-stolen from my sister; skirt-thrifted; shoes-H&M; earrings-Nordstrom; belt-vintage}

Pushing It

Hey guys! I have a new theory. Actually, it's borrowed from my friend Kathryn, but I think she got it right. Here it is: If you dress like it's summer (despite the fact that it's 40 out), summer will come sooner. Sure you have to endure some purple toes and goosebumps, but it's worth it. I originally wanted to wear a floral sundress with a bright cardi, but it was gross out so I settled for a bright skirt and sandals. Opening up my box of summer clothes is like shopping in my own closet, which is pretty fortunate because I have zero money to actually shop. My friends and I are planning a clothing swap for this month because we all seem to have lots of clothes yet we envy other people's wardrobes. A clothes swap has the three Fs I look for in any event: free, fun, and fashion-related. Okay, I just made that up (fashion-related?) but you get what I mean. Got any tips for a successful swap?

{top-Target; skirt-vintage; necklace-F21; sandals-Loft}

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}