versatile

I had no idea when I picked up this scarf over the summer that it would be so versatile. I've worn it for every American-pride day that has passed: Labor Day, Veteran's Day (the day I wore this), Election Day, probably going to wear it for Pearl Harbor Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, D-Day, the Air Force's founding date (September 18th - so proud, Dad??), y'know, any and every day I can get away with wearing an American flag-inspired scarf. 

I paired it with a striped tee for some print mixing, added the red cardigan and white down vest for warmth, but also so I'd be wearing red, white and blue for Veteran's Day :)

shirt: Old Navy

sweater: from a friend (Banana Republic)

vest: thrifted (Aéropostale)

scarf: Aéropostale

jeans: Aéropostale

booties: Old Navy

neon and houndstooth

I've had this skirt for ages, but it hasn't gotten tons of wear for having had it for so long. I used to only wear certain things with certain things - this tank with that shirt, this top with that skirt. Close-minded, I know, but I thought if I did the leg-work of thinking about my outfit beforehand, I'd save time when I was getting dressed in the morning. 

However, I've since abandoned that train of thought (hallelujah!) and now mix and match to my heart's content. Exhibit A - neon and houndstooth + gray tights + cognac boots + teal-ish jewelry. How's that for mixing and matching and accessorizing?

top: Old Navy

skirt: GAP

tights: Old Navy

boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom

different vibes

Here are two (slightly) different looks, using the same pieces of clothing. One with a bit more sass, the other more casual. Both are made up of black & white plaid, leather, and pearls - say what?

I like to think the fedora and the booties add a teeny bit of an air of mystery, or perhaps, intrigue...?

It's fun to play with different accessories to see how they can easily change up a look.

And then the Chucks dress down my look.

I've got several different vibes going on:

plaid (casual)

+

leather (tough-ish?)

+

pearls (sweet & classy)

+

glasses (super smart)

+

swapping out the shoes (trendy vs. casual)

+

the oxblood fedora (mysterious-ish?)

Not something I used to do a lot of, but now, I'm a big fan of combining different looks

(sassy + sweet, or edgy + warm&fuzzy) into a single outfit.

And, somehow, this worked (I think).

See how I did this just a few days ago here.

black and white plaid: Old Navy

leather skirt: thrifted

pearl necklace: Ann Taylor

bracelet: Target

glasses: America's Best

fedora: thrifted (Target)

booties: Old Navy

Chucks: actually, they're Converse One Star via Target...

Blizzard-ing

Sunny Sunday errands call for Dairy Queen Blizzards. Can you believe I got away with bare legs in November?? It was really short lived though - we had snow the following evening.

This look is composed of a few layers. First, a black American Apparel tank dress with Zeta Tau Alpha running down it in neon pink, layered under a slouchy pink striped sweater from Aéropostale. Secondly, a gray statement necklace paired with gray faux pearls. I'm all about adding dimension and texture, especially when it's the same color, or within the same color family - gives it a little something extra.

Accessories here include: jewelry, sunglasses, bag, and my fave - the Blizzard.

dress: ZTA Recruitment via American Apparel

sweater: Aéropostale

shoes: Payless

purse: T.J. Maxx

gray faux pearls: Kohl's

gray statement necklace: WalMart

Blizzard: Dairy Queen

not what I wore for Thanksgiving

This is not what I wore for Thanksgiving.

But if I'd had a more "traditional" Thanksgiving with a turkey and stuffing, I'd have warn something like this - stretchy skinnies, and a roomy button up. And see how I accessorized with my scarf, jacket, and purse??

Instead, I wore my bathing suit and lounged by the pool in the sunshine.

Instead of turkey, my brother and sis-in-law made a delicious low-country boil.

Instead of stuffing or sweet potatoes, we had a delicious conch ceviche. 

Instead of falling leaves or snow, we had lots of sunshine and a delightful sea breeze.

I've spent the past few days at the beach with my family, and heading home is going to be rough...however, I'm very thankful for the time I got to spend with them.

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for reading!

buffalo plaid: Kohl's

scarf: from a friend

skinnies: Aéropostale

jacket: Target

booties: Old Navy

purse: T.J. Maxx

blues & greens

I found out yesterday that my high school football team is playing in the state championship (again!). And what do you know? Our school colors were navy blue & forest green. Above I'm wearing navy blue & neon green - close enough, right?

I also did some print mixing with the polka-dot scarf and plaid. Can't believe I haven't worn this combination before. Taking off the scarf and vest create a different look - so consider this vest an "accessory." At least today...

plaid: Old Navy

scarf: Aéropostale

vest: Old Navy

jeans: Aéropostale

booties: Old Navy

back to accessorizing

Back to accessorizing - scarves, bags, glasses, tights and jewelry. One of my favorite things about this dress is the myriad of ways it can be dressed up or down - simple with nude sandals, a little more funky with neon shoes, or a bit more complex with shades of blue and red and new boots (above). It's also roomy enough that I can layer underneath it, instead of just on top. I'm not saying I'm a layering expert, but I find it a bit more challenging to layer in unexpected ways - UNDER a dress, as opposed to piling layers over the top of what I'm wearing. 

dress: Kohl's

shirt: thirfted (French Connection)

scarf: WalMart

tights: Old Navy

boots: Frye

bag: thrifted