Want All the Things

Remember that budget I'm supposed to be on? Even though I completely blew through it this month with that Kate Spade purse purchase this weekend...I'm so tempted to take my extra babysitting money I make to buy those shoes and that watch (and then do what Kelly at Alterations Needed did and put a different band on it).

UGH responsiblity...it's the worst.

Shoes: Aldo
Shirt: J. Crew
Stacking Rings: Stella & Dot
Skirt: J. Crew
Watch: Kate Spade

To Kate Spade, With Love.

This past weekend I visited my friend in Chicago. Although its just a quick trip down the interstate from Madison, its a completely different world down there. There's so much to see, eat, drink, do and shop - I was about ready to pack my bags and move down there...when the hard cold reality reminded me that I have to be at work on Monday. Boo!

I'll be back for you, Chicago.

We spent part of Saturday shopping on Michigan Avenue, and spent quite a bit of time in Nordstrom Rack. Just like with Outlet Mall shopping, it is important to ask yourself if you are buying something because you truly love it, or because "Its such a great deal!". I had spent 45 minutes shopping around without much luck when I found this Kate Spade purse. I had been looking for one just like it, especially after see Rachael's super cute teal one. I resisted buying at first, because although a $300+ purse for under $150 is an amazing deal, I wanted to make sure I loved it because of what it is, not because of what it costs. I put it back on the hook (read: hide it in a pile of socks)...went out to lunch...and then came back for it. I know I bought it because I loved it, not because I couldn't pass up such a great deal.

Cardigan: Banana Republic Outlet (similar)
Tank: Banana Republic Outlet
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Rocket Dog via DSW
Purse: Kate Spade via Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Watch: Fossil (similar)
Ring: Gift from my mom
Bracelets: Forever 21
Nails: Revlon Minted

Dotty in AC

I wore this for my half day at work on Friday and then for my drive down to Chicago...where I immediately changed into a sundress since it was 90 degrees outside of my air conditioned car. If you follow along on instagram (@FHasselhof) you saw all the fun things we drank, ate...and bought.

Blouse: Francesca's (similar)
Necklace: Ann Taylor Outlet (similar)
Watch: Fossil (similar)
Bracelets: Forever 21

Minty Fresh

Let this be a lesson: if you use cuticle cream before painting your nails, the polish won't adhere and all your polish will come off within 48 hours.

Outcome: An excuse to try out a new color!

Color: Revlon Minted

Nail Striping tape (on eBay for cheap!)

Colors for everyone!

I used to only wear neutral clothing. If I liked it a shirt, it was always going to be bought in the black or grey version. Black is slimming! It goes with everything!

It is super boring all the time.

When I first discovered fashion blogs a year ago (I don't know what took so long), one of the first ones a found was Kendi Everyday, who is no stranger to color. I always admired her easy way of wearing color without it being, "Oh girl, please turn off your shirt". I started buying more and more colorful shirts and learning how to play around with them. My newest addition? This fun polka dot number from The Limited. I'm already playing dress up (in my mind).

Have you been braver than I have been, and wearing colors all along? Or are you more like me and learning slowly?

Blouse: The Limited
Jeans: Joe's Jeans
Belt: The Limited (similar)
Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang (similar)
Purse: Coach (similar)
Watch: Fossil (similar)
Bracelet: Tiffany & Co
Ring: Present from my mom (similar)

Plaid to Meet You

I love this blazer but I feel it never photographs the way it looks in real life. Plus posing in a blazer is not really that flattering, am I right? #bloggerproblems #whocares


Blazer: H&M
Shirt: Banana Republic
Belt: Madewell
Ring: Forever 21

~Neon

This month's EBEW theme is neon and as soon as I read that, my heart sank a little. I love a fun trend, but the neon fad just hasn't really spoken to me.  Last month's Nautical theme? Yes, Yes,  and Yes.

Neon? I'm just unsure about.

So instead of buying some neon top and feeling immediate guilt over something I know is not something I really love, and will wear years from now, I did the less permanent version - a manicure!

Pink: Essie Peach Daiquiri
Nude: Revlon Gray Suede



I would also like to thank Heather at Glitter and Gloss for featuring me this week on Mani Monday. Go see what the rest of the ladies did to their nails this week!