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}

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}