Demure Meets Distressed

Shirt: Vintage, thrifted, $1 // Jeans: Almost Famous via TJMaxx, $20 // Shoes: Urban Outfitters, gift // Earrings: Vintage, thrifted, $1

I love the contrast created by pairing pretty, feminine pieces with edgy ones. That was the sole driving force behind this look that I wore last Friday.

In other news, I've decided to take part in Kendi Everday's winter 30 for 30 Challenge! For those unfamiliar, you can get the full scoop here.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about my desire to simplify my life. This means taking a hard look at my consumption habits. Ideally, I would like to shift my focus from trendy fast fashion to quality basics. Of course, I still want to have fun with what I wear, but I can easily thrift quirky items. While I don't think this will be a drastic departure from the status quo, I definitely want to make subtle adjustments, so that my behavior more closely aligns with my values. The philosophy of remixing speaks to this goal, and I think the 30 for 30 will be a great starting point in implementing change.

Being a procrastinator, I have yet to select my 30 items but will do so tonight. It may be a bit tricky as Kansas weather is unpredictable. As long as some good layering pieces and my snow boots are included, I think I'll be golden. Are you doing the 30 for 30?

Old Dress, New Tricks

Dress: Kieu's (old), $40 // Tights: Target, $5 // Necklace: Forever 21, $6 // Boots: Forever 21, $28

I tend to fluctuate between two extremes when it comes to outfit selection. Sometimes I fret too much over planning ensembles each day. Other times, I throw caution to the wind and just randomly put stuff together. In an attempt to find a happy medium, this week I've tried to let outfits "come" to me. Rather than forcing creativity, I've just been casually ruminating over what to wear and letting ideas pop into my head. It has worked surprisingly well.

So, using my new psychic sartorial abilities (hehe), I summoned this old dress. I've had it for many years and haven't worn it for many years, but I'm glad it saw the light of day again!

How do you choose what to wear?

Out of Proportion

Top: Old Navy, $15 // Jacket: H&M, $20 // Jeans: Forme, $20 // Boots: Forever 21, $26

While the feel of this outfit was just what I had in mind, the proportions were a bit off. I desperately wanted the jacket to be longer to balance everything out. A pair of wide-leg jeans would have done the trick, but - alas - I ran out of time to change. Oh well, the result was merely the illusion of an oddly short torso and long legs... there are worse things.

With or Without You

Shirt: Old Navy, $6 // Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Belt: Thrifted, $2 // Boots: Forever 21, $30

After an especially casual weekend, I wanted to get all cleaned up for Monday morning, so I reached for this girly little skirt. To tone down the frilly factor, I paired it with a neutral button-up. It proved to be a well-balanced look to start the week off right.

Cream of the Crop

Sweater: Urban Outfitters, gift // Dress: Forever 21 (old), $25 // Boots: Seychelles via Gilt, $20 after credit // Earrings: Gift

I felt like I was channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw yesterday with this cropped sweater. I've randomly caught a few episodes this week from an early season in which she wears crop tops constantly. Of course, her perfect abs are always completely exposed. I will follow suit on a few conditions. One, I get some abs. Two, it's warm enough to show bare skin. Three, I'm on a beach. Okay, it'll never happen. I'll happily stick with my modest use of short tops.

Oh, and sorry for the sub-par photo. I was on such a roll with no night shots!

Festive After the Fact

Sweater: Thrifted, $3 // Jean shorts: Old // Boots: Target, gift

I kicked myself when I realized my favorite holiday sweater didn't make it out of storage till after Christmas. Our relationship began humbly when I purchased it for an ugly sweater party for lack of a tackier option. My initial disappointment was quickly replaced by swooning over the shawl collar and classic pattern.

Oh well, it's still winter, so I'm going to wear it with pride. Igby's just lucky I didn't make him wear his holiday best!

Primary Colors

Dress: Old Navy, $15 // Tights: HUE via TJMaxx, $5 // Boots: Target, gift // Necklace: Gift

Though these pictures were taken just yesterday, the bright outfit and sunny day seem like a distant memory. Granted, it was super cold, but nothing like the winter blast we're getting today. It's currently blizzarding like mad! I'm hunkered down at a coffee shop wearing sweaters and snow boots, sipping on a hot toddy and feeling quite content. Local folks, stay safe and warm!

Flashdance Lumberjack

Shirt: Forever 21 (last year), $14 // Skirt: Kieu's, purchased with gift certificate // Tights: Gift // Legwarmers: Payless, $5 // Boots: Seychelles via Gilt, $20 after credit // Belt: Thrifted, $1

That's what I lovingly call this look even though I didn't exactly love it. This is what I wore last Friday, and I've been going back and forth as to whether I should post it. It was one of those outfits that looked better in my head. So with that, you should hop on over to herCatwalk to check out their Kansas Couture interview and inspiration board!

So Long

Sweater: Thrifted, $1 // Skirt: Forever 21, $20 // Necklace: Forever 21, $9 // Belt: Old Navy, $8

The maxi trend has been going strong for some time, so I decided to get in on the action and bought this skirt awhile back. The tags did not come off right away. For some reason I found myself rather intimidated by it.

Seeing Krystal and Christine style this very skirt in several gorgeous ways was definitely a source of inspiration. Kyla also had an impressive streak of fabulous maxi skirt looks. Now that I've worn mine a couple of times, I can see it becoming part of the regular rotation. I envision it with a tank, sandals and statement necklace come warmer weather.

A Winning Combination

Top: Vintage, thrifted, $2 // Sweater: Thrifted, $4 // Jeans: Urban Outfitters, $29 // Boots: Forever 21, $28 // Belt: Came with F21 shorts // Necklace: Birthday gift

Often when I'm putting together an outfit, I feel like some kind of gimmick is required -- an unusual statement piece, an unexpected pairing of items, etc. Perhaps the cold weather is stifling my creativity a bit, but yesterday I didn't try anything fancy. Rather, I relied on the idea that combining several classic pieces would result in a successful ensemble... basic jeans, a simple top, a cozy cardigan, practical boots and a couple of accessories. It may not be flashy, but it certainly worked for me.

Happy Friday! My goal for next week is no night shots!

Jumper for Joy

Turtleneck: Target, $10 // Dress: Vintage via Arizona Trading Company, $10 // Boots: Vintage via Wild Man Vintage, $15

I couldn't resist the schoolgirl charm of this vintage jumper dress. The almost-neon yellow and green plaid adds just enough kitsch. Because of the bold centerpiece, I kept the rest of the look simple. And it's a wonder I don't have a look of utter anguish on my face in this photo. It was painfully cold! Sometimes winter makes it rather difficult to feel chic.

Snow (Birth) Day!

Bunny shirt: ModCloth, $20 after credit courtesy of ModCloth // Plaid shirt: Thrifted, $1 // Sweater: Forever 21, $18 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Socks: Forever 21, $3 // Boots: Courtesy of Timberland and Lucky // Coat: Secondhand Urban Outfitters, gift

I promise I'll shut up about my birthday soon, but it's been more of a week-long celebration than a single day! This is what I wore on my actual birthday, which ended up being rather blizzard-y. Just the other morning, I was thinking about how mild our winter has been. The weather gods must have read my mind and decided to give me a winter storm. Thanks... I think. While the precipitation did put a damper on some of my plans (and the impractical outfit I intended to wear), it was an absolutely beautiful day.

Let Them Eat Cake

Dress: Ruche, $45 // Earrings: Local shop, $12 // Shoes: Courtesy of ModCloth

Last night I went out on the town with friends to celebrate my birthday. I was lucky enough to get the royal treatment, complete with a sushi dinner, drinks and dancing. This sweet sixties-style dress was just right for the special evening.

Running on Empty

Shirt: Forever 21, secondhand, $6 // Pants: Old Navy, $9 // Jacket: Forever 21, $10 // Boots: Borrowed

The combination of recovering from sickness and going back to work after vacation has made this week a real struggle for me. I've managed to screw up even the most mundane tasks. Forget about putting together a decent outfit and taking photos... I can't even pour a glass of water without making a puddle on the floor. Incidentally, I did get some pictures snapped yesterday morning despite being thirty minutes behind schedule. Unfortunately, I did not like this outfit at all. Much like my mental state, it's kind of a hot mess. I'm looking and feeling better today, though, and I have high hopes for the weekend. I will be celebrating my birthday in style!

Cherry on Top

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $5 // Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Boots: Vintage, gift // Necklace: Forever 21, $6 // Belt: Vintage, thrifted, $1

I'm just now getting around to posting these photos from an unseasonably warm day last week. The sixty-something temperature was, much like these new red boots, quite a treat! I also had the pleasure of meeting Maggie of Dimestore Diamond. We had a blast talking blogs!

Hopefully your week is off to a better start than mine. I just can't seem to kick this cold! Here's hoping for a pajama-free Tuesday!

Happy New Year!

Dress: Courtesy of ModCloth // Tights: HUE via TJMaxx, $5 // Shoes: Borrowed from my sister

I hope everyone had a fabulous New Year's Eve! Despite having a rather nasty cold, I managed to don some sequins and have some fun. I've been waiting patiently (for what seems like forever) to break out this glam dress. Now that I have, I can't wait to dress it down with a sweater and boots.