hello, it's me

Oof, October was truly not my month for blogging. Chalk it up to still sharing a car (that’s now resolved – hallelujah!), something different after work most nights of the week for most of the weeks, being out of town for at least part of the weekend almost every weekend, a very slow laptop and a very ill desktop computer, and, most likely the real culprit, a lack of motivation.

I’m trying here, but I’m feeling quite uninspired lately: by my wardrobe, and to write. I’m not sure why – I’m purposely cutting back in some areas of my life, and perhaps that has translated its way to the screen/keyboard? Whatever the reason, even though my outfits have not been that great for the past month (months, let’s be real), I do have a few to share here. Perhaps I just need to ease off, throw away any “schedule” and let this be a place to come hang out when I’m inspired, instead of forcing it. That sounds quite deep, yes? We’ll see how that pans out for this schedule junkie...

And now, a monochromatic look to share with you, made interesting with the use of different textures, and a belt. Obviously, this picture is not TOO recent (late September, methinks) - it’s too cold for open toesies now. In an effort to not look like a black blob of clothing, I wrapped my sweater around me and belted it, almost creating a karate-style-type jacket, but not quite (the wrapping of the sweater was essential, because I tried it hanging open and belted, and be glad I’m sparing you those terrible scars on your eyeballs).

Bear with me, as it’s now dark at noon (exaggerating), and my pictures will be relegated to a quick weekend outfit shoot (not my favorite), if they happen at all. Still friends?

black sweater: Ann Taylor

black belt: thrifted

black pants: c/o Aéropostale

black sandals: Kohl's

lace on white

I won't say "Something about all white screams summer to me," because, obviously, it does.

I WILL, however, say, "Pairing white with cream with tan + different size beads + some texture really makes for a sweet outfit" instead.

It's white-on-white, with a wee twist - cream on tan on lace on white on beads. This gives this look an "Oh, I just threw these things together and they look great" vibe, which is my favorite. Outfits that look great, but take minimal effort (really! the hardest part was not spilling red wine on my pants...) are the best.

For reals.

shirt: gift

pants: Old Navy

necklace: WalMart

sandals: Kohl;s

cohesive

It's almost the weekend. It's almost the weekend. And with that comes friends, good food, and some fun summer outfits. Enter all black, a hat, and some wedges.

Not my usual MO, but I'm really loving it (if you can't tell, I'm into monochromatic looks this year). The easiest way to fake cohesiveness + having it all together is to wear all black. At least, that's what I'm telling myself when I feel like I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off. At least my outfits matches, right?

shirt: Target

shorts: GG Boutique

wedges: Target

hat: KMart

Horsetoothin' around

A few weeks ago, some of my husband's family came up to visit us for an evening. My mother-in-law packed a lovely picnic lunch, and we all took a drive up to Horsetooth Reservoir, just west of Fort Collins.

Confession: I've lived in the area for several years, and this was the fifth time I've been to the reservoir...once was at night, twice on hikes that overlooked the water (no time to look, only concerned about breathing and getting back to the air-conditioning), and the other was a boating expedition, where I was more focused on tubing and drinks.

So, we went to Horsetooth, picnic-ed (is that a word?), and I was gently reminded how beautiful the view is. The view, the water, the mountains, and all of the green trees and bushes. It was warm, but not hot, and of course there was a breeze to keep everything moving.

In essence, a lovely summer evening.

I threw on these anchor print shorts after work, going for a monochromatic look with my navy blue shirt. The anchors also seemed a bit fitting because of the marina and boats at the res (in retrospect, of course I dressed for a nautical theme ;] ) At times, these shorts can look pajama-esque, but a navy button-up helps to elevate them a bit, and keep them looking more sharp & smart than lounge-y.

I'm trying to enjoy all of the summer things before fall gets here and we are inundated with Pumpkin Spice lattes and pictures of leaves and sweaters and boots (can you tell how I feel about fall taking over everything?).

On that note, I've got plans today to celebrate a new friend's wedding at a poolside reception, and then enjoy a free music festival with more friends (and great beer).

Here's to a few more weeks of gorgeous summer, Colorado!

button up: thrifted (J Crew)

shorts: J Crew Factory

sandals: Target

beautiful nature: c/o of Colorful Colorado

linking up:

DC in Style // Shopping My Closet // Sydney Fashion Hunter

The Red Closet Diary // A Pocketful of Polka Dots // Classy Yet Trendy

Tucker Up

summertime monochrome

All black might seem a little too dark for the summer, but, done correctly, it can be very chic, methinks. A lightweight black sun dress, a light black/dark gray chambray (to make it work appropriate), and black fringe-y sandals are all it took to create this layered summer look. I'll probably recreate it again, and soon - maybe in a slightly different color scheme?

What is it about monochrome that I just luuuurvvvvve?

black dress: thrifted (Target)

dark chambray: Old Navy

black sandals: Kohl's

necklace: borrowed from Rocksbox

linking up:

Work Clothes, I Suppose // The Red Closet Diary

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

30 for 30: day 23

day 23

All the blacks and grays! All of them! I kinda dig it…but I know...

It’s spring!

The sun is shining!

The flowers are blooming!

The grass and the trees are green!

And that’s all correct. Except for when it snows. And when it does snow in the spring, something like this outfit is pretty perfect.

black chambray: Old Navy

black cardigan: Maurice's

gray skinnies: c/o Aéropostale

black ankle booties: Kohl's

monday does it again

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, or a tugboat tooting my own horn, or Kanye singing his own praises, this outfit is another one that just came another in the early morning (yesterday did, as well). This look has a few different elements that, when combined, form a cohesive (and dare I say, classy?) look.

First up is the colorblocking with the navy top half, and the wine-colored pencil skirt. Colorblocking works best when the 2 colors are of the same saturation, or level, of color. So, a deep wine color, and a rich navy blue work here. Or a deep emerald with another equally deep and rich jewel-tones (see some of my past not-so-great colorblocking looks over here...).

Next is the monochromatic layers up top - the navy blue button-up under the navy blue vest.

The third is tying together the boots with the necklace and scarf. Cognac meets brown paisley and brown + gold - not matchy-matchy, yet coordinating and pulled together. And lastly, I wore a necklace under the scarf so that if/when I took off the scarf and vest (which I did), my outfit would still look complete, and not like it was missing some element.

button-up shirt: thrifted (J. Crew)

vest: Old Navy

scarf: gift

necklace: Target

pencil skirt: J. Crew Factory

boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom