tricky technique

Oh oh, I just love how this outfit turned out. I'd been playing with the idea of trying to wear more of my dresses in a more casual way, and happened upon a chambray knotted over a dress somewhere on the internets. I've since worn several fancier dresses this way and am loving the result (the Mr. is not a fan, but he also doesn't like skinny jeans AND ankle booties. so, please discuss fashion and style with myself).

The only thing I don't love about this layering technique is that tying up my chambray causes it to sit just above my natural waist, and sometimes a dress can be a little shapeless right at that point (not always); and instead of looking like a skirt, it looks like I wore a chambray over a dress. Which is a truth fact, BUT the idea is to make something I already own look like something else. That's called "mileage," or decreasing your "cost per wear," or something.

But, in conclusion (so that you may go about continuing to enjoy your weekend), I like this little trick. And I intend to keep repeating it. And I hope you like seeing it on my blog.

And isn't my Olaf handsome?

dress (er, I mean skirt): Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

chambray: thrifted

metallic wedges: thrifted

linking up:

Garay Treasures // High Altitude Style // Claire Justine

The Red Closet Diary // Charming Lucy // A Pocketful of Polka Dots

...what you repeatedly wear

The best way to continue to wear a dress that you've already worn (several several times - like this navy blue dress above) is to change how you style it.

First, change up your jewelry - try a different metal, try a different length & style of necklace, or perhaps add a watch. Or a ring. Several rings?

Next, change up the accessories. Try a belt, or a scarf around your neck. Or a scarf AS a belt. Or, go without a belt, if you always wear a belt with said dress. Maybe you've got a hat that would look great with this dress. See how many different options you've got?

As for your shoes,  I'm more of a flats/flat sandals girl myself, but I have been trying to throw in some heels and wedges. You know, to "up my style game." whatever that means... So, if you always default to the same pair, dust off the neglected ones that could really make your look stand out. Or the ones that perhaps you're too afraid to wear (a la "In Her Shoes"?).

While you're at it, try something different with your hair. Maybe with your makeup. I tend to repeat the same hairstyles over and over (and over. and over.), but I have been trying to break up the monotony that is my hairstyling skillzzzz with some braids and different parts. However, that's tough to do when I repetedly hit the snooze button and am rushing out the door to work...*cough*

See? If I was good at math I could tell you how many outfit options we've created, just with the few above additions and swaps. Alas, I am not very good at math, but it would be something to the something-th power, and that would be a lot of options to change up a dress you repeatedly wear.

So, go forth, and have yourself a stylish weekend, my friends!

dress: thrifted

belt: Target

shoes: Rocketdog via DSW

necklace: Target

watch: 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

busy busy in my booties

Ever have one of those crazy days

weeks

months

extended periods of time?

While my personal life has had some down time this week (only until Friday, then company! BBQ! festival! pool!), my work life has been crazy busy. While I do love when the days go by quickly, I can't stand when I'm unable to really accomplish anything. That "I've been busy all day, but have nothing actually completed to show for it" feeling. Enter frustrated Annie.

But cute outfits help to easy my frustration. So, even if I'm swamped and slowly wading my way through work stuff, at least I'm wearing some cute booties to do it. Perhaps these should be called my "ass-kicking booties"?

Happy Wednesday evening ;)

shirt: Target // 

skirt: Nordstrom

jacket: thrifted (Land's End)

necklace: WalMart

booties: Kohl's

linking up:

Life Styled by Tiffany // I do deClaire // Sydney Fashion Hunter

Cappuccino and Fashion // Tucker Up // The Pleated Poppy

Classy Yet Trendy // Pampers & Pearls // Book of Leisure 

funk-ay

In retrospect, this wasn't my best outfit everrrrr. BUT, it's far from my worst. There's not quite enough blue in the skirt to really pull off the stripes. And maybe the neon sandals were a bit much. I've ended up with an almost funky vibe, don't ya think?

But enough about me. Aren't those trees and grass so nice and green?? Thanks to Colorado State University for providing an opportune place to have a lunch date and take some blog pictures. Just in time for the students to return to campus, and to town.

shirt: Old Navy

skirt: J. Crew Factory

sandals: Target

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

girl crush

Ta da! Here is what I wore to see Miranda Lambert perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days ("the Daddy of 'em all"). We saw Tim McGraw last summer, (read that about here) and even before he came on stage, the rodeo announced the headliners for this coming year. Miranda was one of them, so we decided then and there that we had to come. The Mr. is a big Miranda fan (he likes "angry chick country," as he calls it. So of course we'll try to see Carrie Underwood sometime, too).

But this year, we were smarter, and we purchased seats in the stands, away from the drunken hot mess that is the "Party Zone," which is closer to the stage. So we were able to sit, enjoy one of our favorite musicians, and not spill our overpriced beers.

As for my outfit, I tried to lean a little towards rock n' roll (I know. really? me?), but Miranda is known for her bad-ass looks & bandanas & leather & studs & gun-baring shirts, and I wanted to dress appropriately for my girl crush. Enter my red studded tank (the only studded item I own). The vest was more of a completer piece but added some nice dimension (and warmth!), denim skirt and boots, because, obvi. A headband and braid because I ran out of time to my hair, per usual. And black earrings for a teeny bit more edge.

We had a great time at the show, and getting to and from Cheyenne, Wyoming, is SO much easier than Denver. There's less traffic, it's a shorter drive (for us), and the rodeo really has their shuttles and mass parking system worked out.

So, count on us going to Cheyenne Frontier Days every year.

Especially if they keep bringing in great performers, like they have been for a long time.

Maybe we'll even check out the actual rodeo.

See ya next year, CFD!

red studded tank: Old Navy

white vest: thrifted (Levi's)

denim skirt: Old Navy

boots: Steve Madden via DSW

crossbody bag: thrifted