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

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 24 + day 25

day 24

Since I've already worn this cardigan with this pencil skirt this month, I tried something a little different this time around- I wore this cardigan as a shirt. I buttoned it all the way up, and tucked it into my skirt. I paired it with black ankle booties, and of course, my black faux leather jacket, to "toughen it up" a bit. And it's something I'm pretty into.

black & white polka dot cardigan: J. Crew Factory

pencil skirt: J. Crew Factory

faux leather jacket: Target

black ankle booties: Kohl's

statement necklace: Walmart

day 25

Here we have some (extreme) print mixing. Leopard up top, and stripes on the bottom. Not just a small piece, or an accessory here or there. I went all out. All leopard, and all stripes. And while I love the idea of this, the shirt didn't tuck in so nicely into my skirt, so this outfit (or some variation) is going to be revisited. And soon.

leopard button up: WalMart

striped skirt: Target

faux leather jacket: Target

pointy toe flats: Target

30 for 30: day 21 + day 22

day 21

Nothing TOO crazy over here, but I did manage to dress up a striped sweatshirt by pairing it with black pants and pointy-toe flats. Oh oh, and pretty jewels from Rocksbox! Read more about this set here, and even more about Rocksbox here.

striped sweatshirt: Old Navy

black skinnies: Target

black pointy-toe flats: Target

day 22

This outfit seemed so great in my head, but the execution is lacking – the length of the skirt and the ankle booties don’t do my short-girl legs any favors. Oh well – live and learn, right? However, I do really like all of these pieces separately – and sometimes, too much of a good thing is just too too much.

cream top: American Eagle

black skirt: from a friend

leopard print scarf: WalMart

faux leather jacket: c/o Aéropostale

black ankle booties: Kohl's

gold clutch: thrifted


linking up with The Red Closet Diary

30 for 30: day 19 + day 20

day 19

Cobalt & ikat.

And gray.

And dots.

And tassels.

So we have a bit of print-mixing going on here, but from a distance. And lots of neutrals, broken up by a fair amount of cobalt. Not my favorite look from this collection of 30 outfits (“collection.” sounds so fancy.), but not bad, either. Perfect for work, then seeing a girlfriend and playing closet. Then rolling on in to my parent’s house well after midnight…YOLO?

cobalt sweater: GAP Outlet

gray skinnies: c/o Aéropostale

ikat scarf: WalMart

flats: Target

day 20

This sweatshirt dress is such a favorite of mine (maybe most favorite?). The color, the fit, the warmth, the fact that I can easily dress it up or down, wear it with tights or leggings and boots, or bare legs and sandals.

However, as with all dresses, I find it difficult to style it differently (almost) every time I wear it. It’s not that I’m opposed to wearing the same outfit over and over again, but I do like to challenge myself to find new ways to wear my clothes. Then I can really maximize the use/wearing of items in my closet. I do this by changing out my shoes, accessories, jewelry, layers, and bags.

Sometimes I’m more successful than others.

All of that to say, I’m about stumped on ways to wear this dress differently than I already have – I’ve done sandals, tights and boots, and almost every scarf that would look decent with this all navy dress. Any more ideas?

sweatshirt dress: J. Crew Factory

scarf: gift (Old Navy)

sandals: Target

crossbody bag: thrifted

linking up at Elegantly Dressed & Stylish

30 for 30: day 17 + day 18

Aaaaah, Sunday. And also the day the Lilly for Target line is released...!!

So, please enjoy these two looks I've put together, and excuse me while I try to snag some Lilly goodies at my local Target store (or the one in the next town over. or the next one).

day 17

I tried to tie in some metallic elements with this all black and white ensemble for a little visual interest - my headband, scarf, jewelry, and the zippers on my booties. Sometime's it's nice to throw in a little metal with a simple outfit to spice it up.

black shirt: Eddie Bauer

black cardigan: Maurice;s

striped skirt: Target

scarf: WalMart

black ankle booties: Kohl's

day 18

lime green top: Old Navy

black skinnies: Target

black flats: Target

monogrammed green clutch: gift

jewelry (except for the pave style bracelet on my right hand): c/o Rocksbox

(use the code "sweetbananiexoxo" for a free month of jewelry rental at Rocksbox)