Outfit: Animal Instincts

It’s been so long since I did an outfit post. I’ve been wanting to for a while, but it seems like we are always rushing when I’m decked out.
Even this time we had to rush, using my iPhone. This was my Saturday night outfit. We went for hibachi dinner and drinks with my friends afterwards. It was a fairly nice day, so I could rock the “leather” jacket, no bulk necessary.

I’d been looking for a leopard shirt for a while, and I finally found the perfect one at Salvation Army.
I am a firm believer than you can find anything you want if you look hard enough in the thrift stores.

Jacket – ASOS/Shirt – Thrifted/Jeans – PacSun/Booties – Payless

Outfit: Swirl and Twirl

This is the outfit I wore for my Sun-date with Brad. I am in love with this dress. It was only my second time wearing it.
I bought it on sale from ASOS during my massive shopping phase on that site.
The print, at first, seemed really intimidating. But I loved the shape and flow of this dress.
I bought it when I was first watching Mad Men, and it reminded me of something Betty Draper would wear, if she were a badass punk rocker.

It’s so swingy and fun to wear.  And I love the fruit and flower print on top of the otherwise simple Houndstooth.
I paired it with simple black accessories. Opaque tights, my favorite 5 dollar spiky flats (that recently lost a spike…boo), and my “weekend purse,” a little satchel I bought at H&M almost two years ago.

Dress – ASOS/Tights – Target/Flats – Target/Purse – H&M

I just can’t help but twirl around in this dress!
It’s been a while since I wore a dress.
And even though I was cold, it was fun. I’ve missed it.

Spring needs to get here and fast. I miss skirts and dresses and bare legs.

Brad had me take a picture of him modeling his Sun-date outfit. Innit he cute?

Outfit: Colours

It has been over a month since my last outfit post. I’m embarrassed and slightly ashamed. This blog was never intended to be outfit post heavy by any means, but I wanted to try and keep up with them, trying to do about 1 a week. But, and I know I mentioned this before…winter really makes fashion hard for me. I dress to stay warm, not to necessarily look all that great. But comfy and cute can go together.
In this case, I decided to take the ol’ sweater and jeans routine and add a nice dose of color.

Aside from my Bass loafers, this outfit is 100% Old Navy. Are these jeans not the best color? My sister Maria picked them out and we both got a pair for Christmas. I’ve worn them quite a few times with quite a few colors. It’s a great neutral while still being a bit of a surprise. I guess I would classify them as a bit of a Rust hue? The sweater was recently purchased on sale. Used to be $40, got it for $15. I fell in love the moment I found it on the rack, but I don’t often by things full price anywhere, let alone Old Navy. You can always find the same item on super sale in a few weeks. Thank God I waited (and thanks to my friend Jenna for notifying me!).

And, just for cute factor….

…a picture of me dancing with Cali girl! What is life without puppies???

Sweater – Old Navy/Jeans – Old Navy/Loafers – Bass

Outfit: Creature of Comfort

For me, winter is one of the hardest times to stay fashionable. I have such a low tolerance for cold weather, and that keeps me from being too adventurous. It’s funny…I went to parochial school growing up and spent day after day in a skirt and knee highs and barely complained. Now I layer up in thermals and sweaters and it’s all very boring (and often never enough). Which is why I asked for this comfortable yet chic sweater for Christmas. I’ve found myself drawn to golds and mustards lately. The colors themselves are so warm, it’s hard not to feel extra cozy. The fun, slouchy, mullet-esque  shape keeps it fresh and steers it away from being too dowdy. This isn’t one of the most fashionable or original outfits you’ve ever seen, but it did the job for a simple Wednesday night. Chinese food for dinner, shopping for organizational tools for my room, and ending the evening by visiting Brad’s roomie on his bartending gig and having a couple of beers. Not too shabby.

The shoes were also a Christmas present from this past year, thanks to Brad! They are fun and super comfortable. Little leopard booties.
The necklace was another gift from my man, from the previous year. I simply adore it.

Sweater – Sosie/Denim Leggings – PacSun/Booties – Forever 21/Necklace – Betsey Johnson

Outfit: Business In Front/Party In Back

Introducing my New Year’s Eve outfit. This ASOS playsuit (similar one here) was one of my Christmas presents and I positively love it. I have a soft spot for rompers and I probably always will. They are such a fun variation on a dress. Mine has a secret…

I loved this piece from the start, but the open back sold me. It’s a fun little surprise. I’m a little shy about showing skin, but a backless piece is an interesting way to do it, and maybe not as risqué as some other flesh-revealing outfits. I paired my outfit with my some of my favorite flats, a new pair of sweater tights, and my Hello Kitty Bow Ring. That was another present, and I find myself wanting to wear the ring all the time and start a collection of two-finger/brass knuckles-style rings.

Playsuit – ASOS/Tights – Hot Sox/Ring – Fred Flare/Shoes - Target

Outfit: Saddle(shoe) Up!

I wore this outfit last week for my little sushi and martini date with Brad. I thrifted this skirt sometime before Halloween, and it’s been sitting at Brad’s ever since I gave it a good wash. I’m glad this is one of the things I kept at his house. It pretty much goes with anything. The Houndstooth pattern can be a little dizzying at times, but I love the swing of the skirt and the easy black-and-white palette. I definitely got the idea to pair a mostly black and white outfit with green tights from one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess. This is not the first time I’ve used the color combo and it most certainly won’t be my last. It is a reminder, however, that I need to go out and buy tights of every color.

It just occurred to me that I have had these shoes for almost 2 years. I’ve worn them countless times. And yet, this is the first time they are showing up on the blog. You can tell they are a little beat up. I should definitely give them a good buffin’ or something. For a while, I was obsessed with finding a great pair of oxford or saddle shoes. When I saw the Sophie Shoe by Vans, I automatically fell in love. Luckily, they still make these! I’d highly recommend them if you’re in the mood for a modernized pair of saddle shoes.

Sweater – Old Navy/White Blouse – H&M/Necklace – Fred Flare/Skirt – Thrifted/Tights - Target/Shoes – Vans

Apologies for the not so fabulous picture backgrounds here and there. It’s so hard to shoot outfits when it’s pitch black by 5 PM.

5 Days! Here’s a cheesy Christmas song I loved growing up, by my then-favorite band HANSON!
Don’t mind the cheesy Zac Hanson photos, it was the only video I could find that wasn’t a live performance.

Outfit: Cardigans, Converse, and Comfort

I think one of my favorite places in the world is the big Salvation Army I frequent. I have found so many incredible articles of clothing there. And there isn’t a time I go where my arm isn’t sore from carrying all the cool things I find. I purchased this oversized cardigan last Wednesday, when I was hunting for my ugly Christmas sweater. I definitely picked up a few more items you’ll see later on.

I’m definitely a big proponent of Converse sneakers. I believe everyone should own at least one pair at all times. I myself have 3 (High Tops>Low Tops). Magenta, green, and the CLASSIC black, which gets the most wear. I don’t wear them as religiously as some people (I think it’s cool that a lot of people have to get a pair annually/bi-annually due to hard wear), but they are comfortable and go with everything. Basically, you are automatically cool if you own Chucks. I don’t care who you are. Your awesome-factor will climb the charts. Just saying.

Cardigan – Thrifted/Tee – American Apparel/Jeans – PacSun/Sneakers – Converse

Outfit: May Your Days Be Merry and Bright

This past Friday, I wanted to stay cozy yet cute for a night out. I recently purchased these pants on ASOS. I was having second thoughts, but when I went to check sizes and colors again, the product was no longer in stock. So I maybe bought the last pair? Whatever. They are an amazingly bright pink color that’s even more shocking in person. Slouchy pants are a hit or miss. I’m unsure how I feel about all the slouch going on in this outfit, as I look more like I dug it out of the bottom of my hamper (I didn’t, the sweater was folded and the pants were actually ironed before I put them on…). I had to wear a pair of knit leggings under the pants…not only are they incredibly lightweight, they are kind of sheer too. Despite all of this, I will be wearing them again. Don’t you fret, my pets.

I topped off the outfit with some of my favorite pieces of jewelry. My elephant bling is in constant rotation these days (you’ve seen it before here, but I’ve worn it plenty of times since), but a new addition is this connector ring from Strange Days Jewelry on Etsy. I know the creator and was anxiously waiting for her to add new stuff to the shop. As soon as she posted pieces, I scooped this beautiful ring up. I love it.
Such an interesting piece. Please check out her store and see for yourself!!!

Sweater – Old Navy/Trousers – ASOS (Vero Moda)/Shoes – Target/Necklace – Ruche/Rings – Strange Days Jewelry

Outfit: Bundled Up

Wednesday night was an icky, dark, rainy, cold mess. The unfortunate thing about the winter is I’m horrible at dressing for the cold. I’m trying to branch out and purchase more sweaters, instead of covering all my short sleeved tops with the same old cardigans. This sweater literally fell into my hands at the Salvation Army, with a pink tag on 50% off Pink Tags day. I figured it was fate. It’s pretty big, so I’ve gotten used to belting it, but it’s super comfy and it was a steal.

I’m trying to prevent getting sick of jeans by avoiding them for as long as possible. I only have a couple of wearable pairs.
I suppose I could get more, but why would I when my closet is chock full of different shorts and skirts?
This outfit isn’t perfect, but it kept me warm on a crappy Wednesday night. That’s all I really asked for.

Sweater – Thrifted/Shorts – ASOS/Tights – American Apparel/Booties – Forever21/Pashmina – Gifted from a college roomie

Outfit: Jeans and Tees

I know very well about dressing in my “Sunday Best,” but I am partial to dressing down and staying casual on Sundays. Last Sunday (the 27th, not the 3rd) was insanely gorgeous, no coat weather. So I stuck with a nice, light and fuzzy sweater and one of my favorite Threadless tees. You do know Threadless, right? If you don’t…well, you had better fix that. They have so many great tees and they often have great sales as well. Going with my current obsession with The Muppets, they have an excellent array of tees dedicated to our favorite felt friends.
Another thing I love about Threadless (aside from comfort and great prices) are their subtle pop culture references.

Can you guess what my shirt references? Shirt name is Off the Reservoir. (Answer at the bottom of the post…)

No casual and carefree outfit is complete without a comfy pair of sneaks. I’ve had these Nike high tops for two years now and they are still in mint condish. Ok, so maybe I don’t wear them all the time. That’s probably why. I have lots of shoes. I need to keep it circulating. Whatever.

Sweater – Old Navy/Tee – Threadless/Denim Leggings – PacSun/Sneakers – Nike

Answer to above question: Reservoir Dogs! I love the way they executed the concept.

Outfit: Slouch and Shine

I wore this outfit on Saturday. It is super-comfortable, but I believe the slouchy, shiny trousers keep the outfit from looking too bland or everyday. I bought them for a steal at Old Navy and I think they are amazing. Even if they wrinkle within 5 seconds of wearing them. I topped it off with two standby closet faves…a silly-soft top from the Gap and a wraparound sweater from Forever21.

I decided to break out the hair pin I bought at the Art Star Craft Bazaar last week from Giant Dwarf Design. Not going to lie, I geeked out a little when I saw she had a table. I’d been admiring her pieces on Etsy for a while, and I first saw her work on Elsie from A Beautiful Mess. I also bought little heart pins as well. Nothing like sparkles to pick up an outfit. Not too mention my nails.

To say I’m obsessed with the Muppets Collection of OPI nail polishes would be an understatement. I have Excuse Moi and
Rainbow Connection and I don’t plan on stopping there. If I could get every glitter polish from the line, I would. I am continually entranced by my sparkly nails and the way they gleam in the light. Not so good for an easily distracted mind like mine.

Sweater – Forever21/Top – Gap/Pants – Old Navy/Hair Pin – Giant Dwarf/Shoes - Target

Outfit: Make Over Your Monday

I had the Monday-est Monday ever today. As in, I was exhausted when I woke up because I had bad dreams all night. As in, I woke up later than I wanted to. As in, I was almost an hour late to work because I locked my keys in the car and eventually needed Brad to go out of his way to drop me off and have my sister bring me the spare keys. As in, nothing really went my way.

Brad and his housemate Lou have been planning to go to Doc’s Oyster House for their Buck a Shuck deal for about a week now. I’m allergic to shellfish, but I went along for the ride (and had some pretty tasty nachos and a beer to ease my woes) anyway. Since we were going out, I was desperate to deck myself out a little and pick up my spirits. Basically, completely make over my Monday from an exhausting and frustrating day to a fun, easygoing, happy day!

I’ve been hankering to try this little shirt-skirt tactic ever since my sister did it months ago. I finally purchased a large-enough shirt from the Salvation Army with a fun and colorful print that could really go with any color top. After looking up the perfect approach, this shirt was also  (like my Monday) made over into a skirt! I love how effortless this is, and how you can completely change one item of clothing into another within seconds. Might I just add that it was incredibly comfortable, as well?

Tee – Old Navy/Shirt_Skirt – Salvation Army/Locket – Flea Market/Booties – Payless

If any of you have large, over-sized shirts (steal one from your dad/brother/boyfriend/husband too!), I highly suggest you try this!