up, up, and away

 

Hello from O'Hare! Despite my dry bagel sandwich and overpriced coffee, I am thrilled to be on my way to Seattle! This is my last trip before a week of packing and then moving away so I'm trying to enjoy every single minute of it. I don't usually like to travel in shorts (I prefer jeans for sticking leather seats), but the weather is beautiful and warm in both Madison and Seattle, so I thought it would be a good time to bust them out, along with my new tee and new favorite sandals. A cardigan for cold airplanes, and my trusty leather bag, and I'm basically set. 

When I first got into school, I knew that I wanted to take a bit of time off. I've never had six full weeks of no responsibilities - I've had a job since I was 15 - so this no working thing has been awesome. I wanted to use this time to travel a bit, and I've always wanted to go visit Seattle. I don't really travel on my own - almost everything has always been with my family or with Chris, so it was a little bit of an adventure for me to book this trip. Every time I told people I was going to go to Seattle, they gave me a really confused look when I said I was going by myself just to go. I'm very lucky though, that this trip is turning into not a by myself trip. When I told Bri I was coming, she insisted I stay in one of her guest rooms. Internet friends are the best - and the most trusting apparently. She's luckily she's smaller than I am or else all of her clothes would be coming home with me ;)   On top of that, Kimmie and I have become fast through-the-wire friends, so she's taking this afternoon, Monday, and Tuesday off from work so we can hang out. We have a segway tour booked - it's going to be hilariously awesome. I think visiting a city is the best when you get to see it with people who live there - you get the best mix of touristy stuff and seeing how people actually live there.

So! If you've been to Seattle, are from Seattle, or have heard great things, tell me what I need to see! I want to do, see, and eat it all. Of course it'll all be documented on here and on instagram :) 

Bri just said we might see some whales this afternoon. WHALES! We don't have those in WI.

Tee: J.Crew [exact on super sale for ~$18 with code STYLE40]

Cardigan: Old Navy

Shorts: Gap Outlet

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Bag: Madewell [exact]

Belt: Madewell [exact | in brown | on sale]

Shoes: Target [exact]

^^ this one's for you Kimmie! 

a day in chicago + apple of my eye jewelry giveaway!

 

This is all from my second day in Chicago. I went down to visit my friend Ben, a close friend from college - we were in the marching band together and have stayed close since he moved down to Chicago three years ago. He is one of the most talented people I know, and we always have so much fun together. We spent the second day having breakfast at Milk & Honey (we both had the lemon almond pancakes), walking around Wicker Park, looking through vintage shops in Andersonville, and finally ended up down by the water, which also happens to be a dog park. All around, it really was the perfect day (until I had to drive through 62 miles of construction to get home).

As far as what I wore....I thought I packed my new Gap shorts but accidentally packed my old ones, so they are getting one last hurrah until they are put away for "only in the house" wear. The shirt is a sleeveless shirt that I picked up from the Banana Republic Factory store. I wanted something I could wear when it gets hot out, but wasn't thin strapped. This shirt is great because I can wear it without needing to wear a tank underneath it because once it gets to be 85+, I want as little stuck to me as possible. It wasn't quite that hot this day, and I even wore my cardigan most of the time, but I'm glad I have the option of not wearing it. In the past, I haven't really been into gold jewelry that much but something about wannabe tan skin makes me want to wear more of it. Apple of My Eye Jewelry provided me with this bracelet recently and I really haven't stopped wearing and playing with it. They also gave me this necklace and luckily, one of you will get the chance to win the same two pieces below!

As far as my shoes goes, thank you to all of your help on instagram about whether or not to keep them. I picked them up a few weeks ago, but hadn't worn them yet because I wanted to keep my options open. I had some Everlane credits, so I ordered their new sandals to test out. I wish I could combine the two shoes. As far as the Everlane ones go, I like the top straps, but I was not a fan of the strap by the toes - I wish it was thicker. The sole is also pretty hard and I feel it would hurt to walk on. Of course I liked that they were genuine leather and made in the US, but you know that I would never pay $110 out of pocket so I just could not justify keeping them because they aren't exactly what I want. I really like the style of the Target ones - they are pretty minimal, the sole had some padding so they don't hurt to walk around on, and of course the price doesn't hurt. I really do try to avoid Target shoes because they usually have that plastic-y sole which means instant foot sweat, but these have more of a faux leather sole and so they weren't uncomfortably hot. I did experience some rubbing around the ankle as I'm not used to having a strap there, but that stopped bothering me after about an hour. Overall, I'm happy with them and am excited to wear them this summer.

Shirt: Banana Republic Factory

Cardigan: Old Navy

Shorts: older than old

Purse: Coach [current version]

Watch: Target [similar]

Bracelet: c/o Apple of My Eye Jewelry [exact]

Ring: Jewelmint [exact]

Shoes: Target [exact]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

fran all the things

 

This weekend I stopped by Banana Republic to make a few returns. I had ordered this pencil skirt that is super pretty but didn't fit me correctly, and decided to also return the blue version of this shirt as I decided I was only going to keep one color. I looked through the sale section (because it's the only section I can afford) and I was really excited when I found this skirt. I have been eyeing it up for a few weeks now, partially because it's cute but mostly because of it's name: the FRAN SKIRT. 

You think I'm joking but I'm not. Growing up having a name like Franziska, there weren't many things out there to buy with my name on it, so I feel this is like the sartorial equivalent of a name pen. Only better because it's cute. When I first saw it on the BR website last month it was still going for $70 which is a bit (ahem..a lot) much for me, but in stores this weekend it was $41 final sale + another 30% off, making it all of $28. score.

While I will technically be counting this skirt purchase towards my school wardrobe, I couldn't really wait until August to wear it so I was really excited when I got the opportunity to try out a few pairs of Hanes tights since in order to wear the skirt to work I would need my legs to be covered. I'm relatively new to the world of wearing tights (other than to dance recitals. woof.) so nothing like jumping right in. I'm wearing the control top silky sheer pair today. They are a control top which makes them a bit harder to get on, but once they were actually on properly the control top didn't bother me. They are very silky to the touch - ask my co-worker Emily as I made her feel them today haha. I'm 5'9'' and I didn't have any problem with them being too short on me, which is definitely something I am always fearful of. I also received a few pairs of Thigh-Highs which I haven't worn yet other than in my house. I feel a bit scandalous wearing them but I think they'll be great for this summer when I have to wear tights to school while it's still 90 degrees out and the last thing I want is another layer around my waist. Overall, I think I will definitely purchase Hanes tights in the future now that I know how they feel on and knowing that every pair can be purchased for less than $6. 

Skirt: Banana Republic [exact]

Tee: Banana Republic [adorable alternative]

Cardigan: Old Navy

Tights: c/o Hanes

Belt: The Limited 

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

joan

 

Mad Men returns this weekend and I am SO EXCITED. Mad Men is the only show where I will completely shut off all my electronics and just watch the show. There's so much to pick up on that requires attention to detail - I'm just fascinated by how the show comes together. Have you read the fashion recaps on TLo? They pick apart their outfits, give the history on certain pieces, and show you how the clothes reflect the story line - it's amazing how much thought goes into the costumes! In "honor" of the show returning, I tried to do a little bit of a mad men look with my new dress, leopard belt, and patterned tights. I feel Joan would approve...or she would tell me to show more leg.

Dress: Gap [exact]

Cardigan: Old Navy [similar]

Tights: Target [exact]

Belt: Old Navy [similar]

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Nails: Julep Jackie

Linking up with Plane Pretty.

5D5W: Tops

Today is the first day of 5 Days, 5 Ways (#5D5W) and I'm so excited to see all the different ways you have worn tops in your closet. I initially wanted to have my item be my J.Crew leopard button up. I don't wear it a lot because I think it's kind of loud, and I wasn't sure really how to not look like Peg Bundy wearing it. I think by also adding interest to the bottom half of this outfit with these green pants that it somewhat balances out the loudness of the shirt. But because I haven't worn the leopard shirt a lot, I figured my black cardigan was a great 5 Days, 5 Ways item to showcase instead. 

Blouse: J.Crew  [save | extreme splurge]

Cardigan: Old Navy  [similar]

Pants: The Limited  [exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch  [exact]

Belt: J.Crew  [similar]

Watch: Target

Bracelet: Forever 21

Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue

After these pictures were taken, I re-tied the belt so it didn't look so...phallic. 

And for the 5 ways I've worn this black cardigan:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

<div align="center"><a href="http://businesscloth.blogspot.com/2013/03/5d5w-tops.html" title="Franish" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/wOxqLIp.jpg" alt="Franish" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Your turn! Add your link below - please either grab our button or link back so that your readers can find other bloggers participating. Thank you!

Süßigkeit

This week's German word is Süßigkeit (please record yourself trying to say that and send it to me for the lols) which means candy. The bracelet I'm wearing looks exactly like a type of Haribo candy...but for the life of me I can't find what it's called. I can honestly taste it in my mouth though! It always reminds me of the sitting in my Grandma's living room where she kept a jar of it on the table in between the couches. 25 years later she still keeps candy in there, and we all still go for it when we're congregated together.

Are there any candy memories you have from childhood? 

Shirt: Forever 21  {save | splurge}
Cardigan: Old Navy  {similar}
Scarf: H&M
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact on sale}
Watch: Target
Bracelet: Banana Republic
Shoes: Tory Burch  {exact}

Linking up with Style Elixir, wiww, and random wednesday!

We're almost half way through TOPIO. I need to get creative...


tomorrow I will wear my scarf as a skirt. prepare your eyes



just kidding ;)

this ol' thing?

Last week Jessica from Here & Now (did you read her Behind the Blog?) wrote about how she often buys a new dress for every occasion instead of trying to re-wear the dresses for different events. I can totally relate because I too have a closet full of dresses that have only been worn once. Since the occasion to wear them are few and far between, I always use it an excuse to buy a new dress. I got this dress last year for my friends Kayla and Craig's wedding, but haven't worn it since. I figured that Kimmie's "Oh, This Old Thing?" link-up would be the perfect opportunity to re-wear it. It may not be the oldest thing in my closet (I think that "honor" goes to my tan belt that I think is from Aeropostale...but that hasn't been verified), but it is something that hasn't been out of my closet more than once. Make sure you link up with her and see what everyone else dug up!

Can we talk about my new boots? I know, quick turn around. When I was on my way to the UPS store to ship the rubber leather boots back, I decided to stop by at DSW. These boots were the first thing I tried on, and even though I paid full DSW price for them, I'm really excited about them. They remind me a lot of these Frye boots, but for a third of the price. I forgot how much I hate breaking in boots (my poor toes), but I think they'll be perfect in just a few wears.

Dress: Banana Republic  {save | splurge}
Cardigan: Old Navy  {similar}
Tights: Target  {exact}
Boots: Nicole via DSW  {exact}
Scarf: Scarf Obsession giveaway win from SOML
Necklace: locally made
Watch: Kate Spade  {exact}




ugh, my hair looks terrible! I promise it was cute before I had to wear a hairnet for an hour and then stood in what seemed like a wind tunnel for these pictures.

Tights for TOPIO. Oh man, really breaking the creativity bank. I tried to wear the dress as a shirt but there was just too much material. hmph.






also linking up with Style Showcase!

ignorance is not bliss

These past few days we've had somewhat of a heat wave here in Wisconsin - it was 40 degrees, which is unheard of for January! So when I was getting dressed this morning, I assumed it would still be as unseasonably warm as it had been.

WRONG.

Turns out it's actually the coldest it's been all winter. How inconveniant for me since I didn't know that until I was already driving to work in my little lace shirt, thin cardigan, and open neck. Newsflash Fran: Wisconsin winters are freaking cold and completely unpredictable. Maybe put more clothes on next time....

Shirt: Pitaya (old and altered)  {save / splurge}

Cardigan: Old Navy  {similar}

Jeans: American Eagle  {exact}

Necklace: Forever 21  {exact}

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington  {exact}

Shoes: Tory Burch  {exact}

Congrats to Michelle Tucker for winning the Posh'mina Giveaway by following Franish on Facebook. Be on the lookout for an email from me!

via instagram.

Foggy

A few weeks ago I talked about how I wasn't sure what I was going to do about taking pictures once it was too dark before and after work. This morning I left home even earlier so I could make a little Starbucks run before work, so I figured I might as well check off some of the fashion blogging cliches in one picture.

Starbucks: check
In the middle of the street: check
Foggy ambiance: check
Skinny Leg Pose: check

Next week I'll make sure to cover hair touching, looking off into the distance, the flamingo, pattern mixing, and the "oh I didn't see you there" pose ;)

Shirt: Lands End, thrifted  {similar}
Cardigan: Old Navy  {exact}
Scarf: H&M
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact}
Shoes: Crown Vintage  {similar}

State of Blue

...and that's all I'm going to say about that. I can't vote (I'm a registered felon on parole. Kidding! I'm not a citizen) but I hope you exercised your right to vote, not matter what side you fall on.

Blouse: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy  {exact}
Belt: Old Navy
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact, on sale}
Shoes: Tory Burch  {20% off with code FANDF}
Watch: Fossil  {very similar}

On a different note, I won Story of My Life's scarf giveaway and I need your help deciding which one to get (as if I need another scarf...yes, I do). I'm torn between this grey one, this paisley one, and this red one. Which one is your favorite?

Linking up with WIWW.

October Budget

1. Laundry by Design Jacket via Savers: $20  {seen on Instagram}
2. Gap Sweater: $49.95 + 30% off + exchanged for returned sweater from last month = $0   {seen here}
3. Old Navy Black Cardigan: $19.95 + 30% off = $14  {seen here, here}
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes: $199 at DSW + 50% off + $5 coupon = $95  {seen here, here}
5. Forever 21 Polka Dot Blouse: $19.80 + $12 return credit = $8   {seen here, here}
6. Forever 21 Maroon Sweater: $19.80  {seen here, here}
7. Thrifted Sweater via Goodwill: $5  {alteration seen here}

October Budget = $162

I did go a little above my $150 budget, but I'm very happy with the purchases I made. My new winter jacket is a style I've been looking for a while now, but most new jackets are $100+, so I was thrilled when I found this jacket at Savers. I could have waited 2 days to get 25% off on Monday (a special they have every week) but I was scared it would be gone by then so I bought it for the full Savers price. I bought a couple new sweaters that I've already worn several times now with the dropping temperatures. My Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, found in the clearance section, are another style I've been looking for for a while, and the Forever 21 blouse is my favorite F21 purchase of all time.

In November I'm hoping to find a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans, and a patterned sweater like this or this one. I'm also going to Germany for a week in the middle of the month, so who knows what I'll find over there. I do have several hundred euros stashed away so I may just leave those purchases out of next months budget ;)

How did you do this month? Link up below - please make sure you link back so your readers can discover other budgeting bloggers!

ETA: I purchased the bare Minerals concealer as well after I made this list. It is around $30. I finally scraped the last of my Boi-ing concealer out, and was itching to try something new.

Holes in my Closet: Black Cardigan

I've been going through and reorganizing my closet lately, and it has led me to evaluate what clothes I wear a lot, and which ones I don't. I wear cardigans and blazers all the time, so I also noticed what I'm lacking in those areas. I've been meaning to get a black cardigan for a while, but most that I find are too short on me. I stopped by at Old Navy this weekend to see if I could find a certain dress, and found this cardigan instead. With a 30% off coupon, it only cost me $13. It's not an investment piece in price, but it is something my closet was lacking.

In a few days for this month's Budgeting Bloggers I'll talk about a few other holes in my closet I'm hoping to fill in the coming months.

Cardigan: Old Navy  {exact}
T-Shirt: Gap
Scarf: DIY
Jeans: American Eagle  {exact}
Belt: Old Navy
Shoes: Tory Burch  {exact}
Nails: Revlon Grey Suede
Watch: Boccia
Ring: hand-me-down from my mom

Have you noticed any holes in your closets? Is  there anything you've been looking for recently?












Congrats to Rosy for winning the Tube Bracelet Giveaway! Thank you to everyone that entered!