trouser two-fer

I've got a two-fer for ya before this long weekend (don't worry - I've got posts coming 'atcha through the long weekend, though). This two-fer features the same pair of pants, but with different shirts each time. One shirt has polka dots, the other is a lace-detail chambray, but they're both button-ups. Points for me anyways?

Up first, polka dots on top, and light & subtle pinstripes on the bottom (tough to see in these pictures, I know). These pants are oldies, but they're the prettiest shade of light olive green with the most perfect little pinstripes. I'm so glad I've hung on to them since high school - aren't trousers making a comeback? Or something?

Secondly is something really similar to the first, but the shirt is different! It's chambray! *swoon* And no polka dots! And it has pretty lace detailing on the shoulders and back. Totally different look, right? RIGHT?

What's your favorite way to wear some trousers? Button ups? Blouses? Casual tees?

Spill.

polka dot button up: Old Navy

metallic sandals: Target

green trousers: GAP

lace detail chambray: c/o Aéropostale

beaded sandals: Kohl's

just one more fold and tuck

I have had this white button-up shirt for ages (we're talking high school). When it comes to closet clean-outs, it almost always makes its way to the "get rid of" pile - visions of choir and band concerts, and DECA presentations invade my memories...

But, before I officially bid the pile "adieu," I snatch the shirt back, sigh, and hang it back up in my closet. This shirt gets saved because of necessity. A white button-up shirt is essential, no matter what your dress code, style, or thoughts on uniforms. Really. It's a classic. And it's an easy default for a cleaned up look.

So, why does it teeter on the brink of existence in my closet and the donation pile? The fit. I've had it since my youth (so long, youth), and the sleeves are a tricky 3/4 sleeve length. The hemline is tricky - longer in the back, shorter in the front, is it even the right length?

HOWEVER...

DID YOU KNOW??

That rolling your sleeves just one more time than normal can give an old classic a new look?

A more refined, grown up, professional, "I know what I'm doing" look?

And that tucking your shirt in (or at least a half tuck), says

"I know how to wear my clothes? Looky here, I'm even wearing a belt, check out my waist."?

Because, those two small tricks have the power to transform an old classic into a new and refreshed basic. Trust - I'm so excited to wear this shirt after discovering those two tiny improvements, that it's already been washed, ironed, and paired with another outfit for this coming week.

All after this shirt has seen little-to-no wear in the past several years.

How's that for starting the week off with a bang?

white button-up shirt: GAP

green pants: from a friend via Urban Outfitters

brown wedges: Rocketdog via DSW

brown belt: American Eagle

brown necklace: Target

linking up:

Sequins & Strawberries and Garay Treasures // DC in Style

Style Elixir // Elegantly Dressed & Stylish // Sydney Fashion Blogger

Shopping My Closet // Curly Crafty Mom // The Closet by Christie

Forage Fashion // Mix and Match Fashion // Living in Color Style

Happiness at Mid Life // The Red Closet Diary // High Latitude Style

A Pocketful of Polka Dots

a bulldog to match my pants

Hi hi! I'm back! Back again after a lovely vacation with great friends. I'm happy to be home, but not looking forward to re-entering the real world. But, blogging and watching NetFlix is a good first step, right?

Anyways - that handsome pup up there matches my white pants. No, I didn't wear them to play in the grass with him, but I did throw his tennis ball quite a few times.

And also, I'm on the look out for new white pants. These work for now, but just know that I'm hoping to replace them sometime in the near future.

purple button-up: from a friend, who got it from American Eagle

white pants: Old Navy

black sandals: Kohl's

necklace: borrowed from Rocksbox

linking up:

DC in Style // Sydney Fashion Hunter

Shopping My Closet // The Red Closet Diary

saturday

Layers. Chambray. Plaid. Booties. Gold, and a side braid. 

Oofta. Saturday, you're here at least.

plaid button up: c/o Aéropostale

chambray dress: Kohl's 

gold belt: thrifted (Target)

ankle booties: Kohl's

teal & sky blue

Teal on teal, plus dark hair and dark skinnies. That's apparently how I roll. Or at least how I rolled on this particular day.

I've had this cardigan since high school...but the color never gets old! It's such a nice sky blue meets teal that makes my eyes POP, so, even though, it is almost the age of a 5th grader, on my sweater shelf it remains. And, wow, has the way I style it changed ten times over - Lara, Mom, can we all agree that this is very different than how I used to wear it way-back-when? (we're talking a tank top underneath, flared jeans, STRAIGHT hair, and those clog-type slide-on shoes everyone was wearing between 2005 and 2007 (mine were taupe). I might have even had a string (or five) of shell necklaces...

Back to THIS outfit: what I like about the combination of this plaid button-up and cardigan is twofold:

1) it mixes old and new(er) items in my closet; and

2) the monochromatic vibe is still there, without being TOO overwhelming,

know'i'msayin'?

plaid button up: c/o Aéropostale

cardigan: Eddie Bauer

dark skinnies: c/o Aéropostale

pink flats: Coldwater Creek

linking up:

Cappuccino & Fashion // Shopping My Closet

Lizzie in Lace & I Do DeClaire

The Red Closet Diary // Sydney Fashion Hunter

30 for 30: day 29 + day 30

The last two-fer, for the last two outfits in my April 30 for 30 style challenge. So, sit back, relax, sip that glass of wine, and continue to wait on the edge of your seat for my recap of these 30 outfits (you'll be waiting a few days. Did I mention I'm running a half marathon on Sunday morning?

because I am...)

day 29

These tights didn't photograph so well - they look more puke-green than in their packaging from Old Navy. Disappointing.

BUT

Never fear. One of my favorite dresses, my favorite boots, and a new necklace make for a redeeming outfit.

blue sweatshirt dress: J. Crew Factory

green tights: Old Navy

boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom

navy floral scarf: Target

necklace: WalMart

day 30

The last one. Not to read too much into this and create some meaning out of something that is probably pretty insignificant, but this is one of my favorite outfits. Not just for this month.

But EVER.

Polka dots, leopard, skinnies, flats + a faux leather jacket. I mean...

Do I have to say it?

All of my favorite things. Together. In one outfit.

And the print-mixing. This cardigan. This shirt.

LOVE.

 (apparently I've lost the ability to speak in complete sentences. excuse me. Friday?)

leopard print button up: WalMart

polka dot cardigan: J. Crew Factory

dark skinnies: c/o Aéropostale

black flats: Target

faux leather jacket: Target

30 for 30: day 28

day 28

Black and white. And gray all over.

So many shades of black/white/gray. Love it.

Lately, I'm really loving throwing a blazer over the top of something to complete my look. And this blazer really hits the mark - it's gray, with white piping, and a ponte knit, so it's pretty warm. Casual, comfortable, yet stylish and slightly professional.

black & white buffalo plaid: Old Navy

gray blazer: Aéropostale

black skinnies: Target

black flats: Target

linking up at

Book of Leisure

Pampers & Pearls

Vintage Gwen

Tucker Up

Cappuccino and Fashion

Classy Yet Trendy

Shopping My Closet

Pumps & Push Ups

Fizz & Frosting

Sydney Fashion Hunter