black and blue

Looks like I've worn this exact same look before (here - this past winter). But with different shoes.

Guess I liked it so much I had to repeat it...

or I can't figure out what else to wear this top with. The fit is boxy, so just any bottoms won't do.

*sigh*

Any ideas?

shirt: Ann Taylor

pants: Aéropostale

wedges: Target

Dots & Poppies

I came up with the idea for this ensemble ages ago. Then had to wait WEEKS for the weather to cooperate (it's currently cooler than 50 degrees right now. and dark. and rainy. which is FINE. however, I was hoping to spend all day today and tomorrow laying in the sun at a friend's pool. so, there's that).

And then, I waited WEEKS to post it here.

I know, I know!

Worst blogger EVER. 

To be honest with you, I haven't felt inspired/motivated lately. To blog, to play in my closet, to write anything, to impress you with my witty self. Part of it is I've been a wee bit busy - training for another half, booking flights to the Sunshine State, patio drinking, drinking Snapshots at New Belgium Brewery, and taking video of my handsome Turb rolling in the grass.

But part of it is I feel like I'm out of sorts, and this poor little blog gets neglected as a side effect.

Bear with me, if you will - that'd be great!

with my denim jacket. and my sweeties, of course

shirt: WalMart
sweater: J. CREW Factory
denim jacket: from a friend (Old Navy Outlet)
skirt: J. CREW Factory
shoes: Kohl's
neclace: Ann Taylor

2 Basic Ingredients

 

 

  

 

 

These two outfits each contain two similar ingredients: a chambray, and polka dot pants. Yet, very different outcomes! It's like when you make banana bread, but instead of adding bananas, you add zucchini, or pumpkin. Similar inputs, change up a thing or two, and voila! A different, yet equally delicious outcome.

Have I mentioned that my chambray collection has really grown? We're talking upwards of 5 shirts...not to mention a dress...and a skirt. Don't judge - they go with everything!! So, I find myself reaching for them all the time . And if I'm shopping and see a wash or fit that I don't have, it doesn't take much for it to come home with me. Sorry not sorry?

on the left:

chambray: thrifted

pants: Ann Taylor LOFT

scarf: thrifted

sandals: Target

on the right:

chambray: Kohl's

sweater: Hollister via Plato's Closet

pants: Old Navy via Plato's Closet

flats: thrifted

Mr. Picks Mondays: Memorial Day

 

A few things to share with you today:

1) Happy Memorial Day! Thanks to all those who serve and have served. I love days like today (the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Veteran's Day more than most other holidays), because I make sure to profusely thank my favorite vets (Mom and Dad), and every other veteran I meet, for their selfless sacrifice of protecting our freedoms.

2) The next summer holiday, Independence Day, I'll be celebrating in my favorite place (the beach) with some of my favorite people - WEEEEEEEE!! In a really sweet American-flag print swimsuit. Heyooooo! I plan to spend the whole time on the beach, and when I'm not beaching it, on a boat.

3) My Mr. picked out this polka dot chambray for me to wear. And while I love it, remember my optical illusion trick when it comes to this boxy fit? This time, I layered a sweater over it. Which was totally necessary, because, hello, springtime in the Rockies.

My Dad reminded me yesterday that it snowed on Memorial Day weekend several years ago. Which is enough to make me question why I live here. I mean, I love Colorado - don't get me wrong. We have the beautiful mountains, I always know which direction I'm driving (the mountains are west. unless you are IN the mountains, and then, well, take a gander), our summers are great, winters are pretty, the skiing is spectacular, but every year, from March to May, I seriously consider moving somewhere where it DOESN'T SNOW IN MAY. Like, Florida. Or somewhere in the South. Or even California. This crazy weather is enough to drive a girl mad. Just ask my husband - every time the weather gets all wonky, I get cranky and start packing my swimsuits and flip flops, and threaten to forget how to drive in the snow.

*sigh*

But, then, the sun comes out and melts away all the snow, and I'm reminded that summertime in the Rockies is one of the most beautiful things in the world.

chambray: thrifted

sweater: Aéropostale

pants: Aéropostale

boots: Rack Room Shoes

Dots, Tweed, and...Python?

closeup of my print mixing madness

I wore this outfit several weeks ago when one of my best friends was in town. I took her for drinks with some work friends (after work, of course!), and really enjoyed getting to show her where I work and live and play.

I came up with this outfit several weeks before I wore it. I was trying to decide what to wear for something else (surprise), and somehow these 2 items ended up next to each other on my bed, due to my haphazard tossing and grabbing. When I looked closer, I realized they didn't look half bad together.  In fact, they were pretty interesting. And so, an outfit was born. However, this "ah-ha!" moment happened when there was still snow on the ground, so this wonderful combination had to wait for a warmer day. And I added the python print flats for kicks, since dots and tweed have the potential to be too cutesy ;)

shirt: Old Navy

jacket: Express

jeans: GAP Outlet

flats: WalMart

Tall(er) Shoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet ANOTHER two-fer outfit post today - I'm feeling so behind! I can't really show you layered winter looks when it's nice and warm and sunny out, now can I? And that's where the weather is finally headed - skiddleydee!! 

Summer is my most MOST favorite season. Mine and the Turbo pup's - he just loves laying in the sun on our patio. We're both sun lovers, while Cali and my Mr. are more snow & winter lovers (Cali bounds through the snow like a rabbit - cutest thing you ever did see). Now, don't misunderstand me, I do like skiing, and a few other things about winter, but summer takes the cake.

It's warm.

The sun stays out longer.

People seem happier.

You don't have to scrape your car.

Or shovel the driveway.

Did I mention it's warm?

So, here are two more colder weather looks that I'm trying to eek out before it's totally inappropriate to wear sweaters. Or even think about sweaters and coats.

SHOP THE LOOK...OR SOMETHING SIMILAR

on the left:

top: GAP similar below

scarf: WalMart similar below

jeans: Aéropostale <--exact

shoes: thrifted (Target) similar below

on the right:

shirt: Old Navy similar below

sweater: Eddie Bauer similar below

jeans: Kohl's similar below

shoes: Famous Footwear similar below