At Last

Shirt: TJMaxx, $10 // Skirt: Goodwill, $4 // Pumps: Go Jane, $18 // Bracelet: Courtesy of Lucky Mag and Loft

While leopard pumps are definitely a staple in my book, I somehow have never owned any! They've been on my shopping list for awhile, but it wasn't until this week that I finally got a pair. I'm sure I'll invest in some nicer ones down the road, but for now, this chunky platform pair is positively perfect. Provided they aren't too uncomfortable, I anticipate wearing them all the time this fall. 

Sponsor Kansas Couture

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Puppy Love

Top: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Jeans: Gap, $10 // Shoes: Target, $12 // Necklace: Wild Man Vintage, $11 // Ring: jcpenney, $7

As you can tell by the hair, this outfit is out of order. It's just a super casual ensemble I wore to work last week. My favorite part about these photos is the peeking puppy at the bottom. Igby likes to watch me take my pictures, but I usually manage to keep him out of the frame. 

Since he clearly loves the camera, here's a shot of my cute, crazy sidekick. On that note, it's time for a walk!

Favorite Fall Trend: Loafers

Move over, oxfords! Like many, I'm loving loafers this fall. I hope to acquire a couple of classic pairs -- one heeled, one flat -- that will have lasting appeal. How about you? Does this menswear trend make your list?

ASOS River Island Fringe Loafer

 Nine West Abalene Platform Pump

Dirty Laundry Odell Slip-On Loafer

In the Red

Hooray for new hair! While I've loved being blonde, I was ready for another overhaul. I had been toying with the idea of red for awhile, and as fall drew closer, it became even more appealing. It just feels right, and I think it will pair nicely with my fall wardrobe.

Top: Forever 21, $10 (similar style) // Jeans: Gap, purchased with gift card (similar style) // Belt: Old Navy (similar style), $8 // Ring: jcpenney, $7 (similar style)

Working for the Weekend

Dress worn as top: ModCloth, on sale for $25 // Skirt: Vintage, thrifted, $3 // Shoes: Old Navy, $10 // Necklace: Wild Man Vintage, $11

Just this week, I finally found a way to make my hair tolerable... a pompadour in front and little French roll in the back. Despite that, I have never been more excited for a haircut and color! I will be paying a long overdue visit to my stylist tomorrow. Check back on Monday for the big reveal. You know me... it'll be another big change. Also coming up next week, I will be highlighting some of my favorite trends for fall.

 

As for this outfit, these are some forgotten shots from last weekend. I love the print of this dress, but it's too big, so I decided to pair it with a waist-cinching skirt. I was glad to finally get some use out of it!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Day at the Circus

Dress: Ruche, $43 // Shoes: Lulu's, $29 // Necklace: Wild Man Vintage, $11 // Belt: Forever 21, $10

Nothing new to see here. I've shared it with you all before, but I'm still loving this playful striped dress. Despite its decidedly summery sensibility, I'm starting to think about how to transition the frock into fall. A cropped sweater and ankle boots just might do the trick.

Don't forget to enter the jcpenney giveaway!

Smells Like Tween Spirit

When jcpenney contacted me about doing a back-to-school-themed post, I jumped at the chance. It's been years since I've had a first day back, but the bookworm in me still gets excited every August.

Top: Courtesy of jcpenney // Shirt as skirt: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Dolce Vita via Gilt, purchased with credit // Ring: jcpenney, $10

The challenge was simple: create an outfit inspired by a school picture from childhood. While I couldn't find any first day photos, I did find a relic from picture day, which was just as important an occasion.

 This gem dates back to 1994. As you can see, I was going through my grunge phase at the time. Just look at that flannel! I would have made a good little second-grade Seattleite.  

While shopping, this gorgeous yellow number was the first thing to catch my eye. I reminded myself to focus! This top bore no resemblance to my inspiration. Then... a lightbulb! It dawned on me how cool this pattern would look paired with red plaid. The only trouble was, I don't have any plaid skirts. Then I remembered a post on the Concrete Catwalk awhile back in which Jessie fashions a button-up shirt into a skirt, so I gave it a shot. Paired with some strappy black sandals (the next best thing to combat boots), I thought this look captured the rebellious spirit of my bygone style while still looking grown-up.

Tell me about your best (or worst) back-to-school look in the comments section of this post for a chance to win a $50 gift card from jcpenney! Open to US residents only. Entries will be accepted through Wednesday, August 31st at noon central time.

The Sun Sets on Summer

Dress: Shop in San Francisco, $36 // Necklace: Antique Mall, $6 // Socks: Target, $3 // Shoes: Lulus, $29

I'm super excited to be guest posting for Orchid Grey today while Julie celebrates her recent marriage! Go check it out!

Lazy Sunday

Dress: Bloomingdales, purchased with gift card // Belt: Forever 21, $10 // Necklace: Courtesy of Accessorize // Shoes: Thrifted, $1.50

Sometimes I find myself being so lazy when it comes to getting dressed! Case in point: just yesterday I rolled out of bed and threw on this simple sundress and nude flats. As I was out the door for brunch I realized that if I just added a couple of accessories, this look would go from mere clothing to an actual outfit. So I did just that. It's still a simple ensemble, but I felt much more pulled-together thanks to a tiny bit of extra effort.

Advice, Please!

Who wants to humor me and my silly indecisiveness? While I know this choice is pretty inconsequential, I thought it would be fun to put it up for a vote! I recently ordered these pumps online and can't decide whether to keep them. When I added them to my shopping cart, I thought I had credit. Turns out I didn't, and I bought them anyway! I usually have a strong reaction to items I receive in the mail, but I can go either way on these. Also, they were an expensive (for me) impulse buy, which is leaving me with a lingering feeling of guilt. I'm usually quite deliberate with my pricier purchases.

PROS

-I own very few pairs of pumps because I usually go for statement styles. These are classic yet unusual at the same time because of the heel. Business in the front, party in the back, if you will!

-They are better quality shoes than what I usually buy, so they will probably last longer and be more comfortable.

-They will fit in nicely with my fall wardrobe. A pair of red pumps was on my seasonal shopping list, and these could fill that need.

CONS

-While they are a nicer brand than my usual fare, I'm not that impressed with the craftsmanship. There's glue visible in a couple of places, and the leather smells bad.

-They're a little bit odd looking, no? I just wonder if these would become a staple, or if I would tire of them quickly.

-I might be able to find something I truly adore for the money I spent rather than something I'm so-so about.

Okay, wise readers, weigh in if you like!

Is this pair of pumps a keeper?
	Yes
	No
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Basic + Baubles

Dress: Old Navy, $6 // Shoes: Old Navy, $10 // Necklace: Vintage via antique store, $12 // Sunglasses: Target, $14

Sometimes dressing up makes me feel a bit better when I'm under the weather. After staying home from work yesterday, I wanted to look nice today but didn't have the energy to put much effort into an outfit. Hence, a simple shift dress with a couple of statment accessories -- the gold pearl necklace and bedazzled wedges. Red lips and Jackie O. sunnies add some touches of glam. Here's to a (hopefully) healthy and stylish weekend ahead!

99 Problems

Dress: Forever 21, $23 // Shoes: Lucky Brand via RueLaLa, purchased with credit // Necklace: Wildman Vintage, $11 // Belt: Thrifted, $1

My apologies for how quiet it's been around here. I have a whole slew of excuses including having recently moved, being out of town, forgetting to bring my camera with me, being sick (again) and just a general lack of inspiration. I haven't been excited about getting dressed recently. I'm not too worried, though, as I've definitely gone through these phases in the past, and they usually don't last long. A change of season always helps, and fall is on the horizon.

One Piece Wonder

Romper: Target, $20 // Shoes: Target, $12 // Necklace: Antique store, $12 // Belt: Thrifted, $1

It has since cooled off considerably, but last weekend I needed a quick, cute outfit for a warm night out, so I pulled out this black romper that has been hiding all summer. While I love a low-cut back, I did feel slightly exposed. Luckily, the looseness of the bottom half evens things out. After throwing on a few accessories including a new neon necklace and a scarf to tame my mess of hair, I was good to go!

Common Threads

I'm blogging on Delightful Dozen today. Hop on over to see some of my favorite remixed looks.